Chapter Text
Sirius’ POV
The Blacks were cramped up inside a limo all facing one another. Sirius was in front of his father and Regulus was in front of their mother. Sirius is unsure how long they’ve been cramped together in this car for but he was getting fidgety, he couldn’t bear silence. He needed conversations to be occurring but there was just silence, he could even hear the engine as they moved along the road.
He would much rather be at school but apparently, he “was not allowed because there is important business occurring at home and he was needed there” or whatever the fuck that means. Quite frankly Sirius hates being at this house, it was not any home of any sort. It was the kind of house that sucked the life out of its occupants, maybe that’s why his parents were like that, he thought. The overbearing silence was interrupted as Orion cleared his throat.
“Regulus, I’ve heard you are at the top of all of your classes” his gruff voice rang out.
Sirius felt as Regulus went rigid next to him, he completely froze, Sirius want-no needed to protect his brother. Even if he wasn’t in any danger of any sorts, Sirius just felt an overbearing need to save his little brother from this danger.
“Yes, I am, father.” Regulus stated, with that cold, sharp voice he used while speaking to their parents. Sirius completely and utterly hated when he used that tone. He just hated his little brother having to change himself for anyone.
“That’s good to hear” Orion spoke roughly. Then it fell back into thick silence, and once again Sirius was frustratingly bored.
The car screeches to a halt as they pull up next to the house. Sirius isn’t sure as to why he needs to be here but he sure as hell is curious. The driver slowly opens the door, and Sirius waits for everyone to leave. He takes a deep breath, waits, and then begins walking towards the large house.
ooo
Sirius slowly walks up to his room, he isn’t expecting anyone to show up, so that’s why he loves his room. He hates this family, hates this house, there’s just one making him stay. See, even if Regulus and Sirius fight every time they interact. Or glare at each other across the hall, they both know they love one another. Well, at least Sirius does. Even if they do just throw insults back and forth whenever they talk.
So, when his door creaks open, he feels confusion set in. He never comes to my room, so why is he here? Sirius slowly pushes off his bed and moves towards Regulus. As he approaches his brother, he can see a purple patch blooming on his left cheek. The bruise makes bile rise in his throat. Regulus got hurt and he couldn’t protect him.
The boy slowly slinks towards the bed and sits on the large queen bed. He’s fidgeting and playing with a strand of his hair. He looks…scared. Sirius needs to know what occurred at this dinner. He’s been banned from all meals as he was “unneeded,” as Walburga had stated.
Sirius looks at his brother concern sprouting through him. He hates that he’s banned from mealtimes, not because he doesn’t get food, he’s quite happy about that actually. But because he’s unable to protect his baby brother from them. That Regulus can get hurt while he’s not there. That’s his worst fear and it had happened. Regulus had gotten hurt.
“What happened Reggie?” Sirius finally musters up. His voice is filled with concern and sincerity. Apparently, he’s too tired to fight as he practically whimpers,
“The stuff they s-said….” He stutters his voice slowly trailing out.
“What stuff Reg?” Sirius asks him, he’s still speaking but his voice is so small Sirius can’t hear what he’s saying. He can pick up a few words, but nothing more.
“Th-they we-‘re b-b-b….being,” His voice cracks as he stutters over the words. Sirius slowly moves towards him, the boys still slightly shaking, and his breath is getting quicker. Sirius sits down across from him and slowly pulls Regulus closer to him. After Regulus tenses, Sirius is so sure that he will pull away from the embrace. But, he doesn’t. Regulus relaxes into his grip, slowly calming down from his panicked state.
“It’s okay Reggie, it’s okay,” Sirius expresses as he slowly rubs up and down Regulus’ back.
“They were….saying…stuff ab-about..y…you,” He’s stuttering over his words once he’s calmed down a bit. His voice cracks as and a shine of tears begins building in his eyes.
“About…………me?” Sirius slowly queries. He is understandably confused. Regulus always makes nasty remarks towards him. He never stands up for him. He never even stands up to their parents as a matter of fact. So, what happened to make him stand up for Sirius.
“That’s what I said, didn’t I,” Is the boys snarky response. So, he’s back to fighting again. “Sorry,” he adds. Or not. For some reason his brother doesn’t want to start a fight with him. But he doesn’t, and Sirius decides it’s best not to comment on it.
“What did they say Reg?” Sirius questions him, he needs to find out what events happened to make Regulus end up with the bruise on his face. He needs to know why he defended Sirius. He needs all the details so he can understand all of these vague details he has.
“Th-they called you…..a…d-di … disgrace …” Regulus whimpers, he looks like he’s about to cry again. But he’s calm enough with Sirius’ arms around him that he can stay in a calm state.
‘Yeah, well…that’s normal?” Sirius slowly explains. It was normal, there was a new name every day. Their parents always found another name to call him.
“Well….yes? But..” Regulus muttered something else under his breath. Sirius couldn’t hear what he said though. Sirius was continuously getting more confused as time continued to pass. He must have had a look on his face as Regulus let out a grunt.
“I…guess this…. a-anger has been building over ..what they say.. ab-about…you,” And-hold on, he hasn’t liked any of this? Sirius was so certain that Regulus was happy watching his parents insult his brother. But, he hasn’t?
The young boy fidgets with a small seam on his pants, picking at the thread.
ooo
After that Regulus had left, just stood up and walked out of the room. Leaving Sirius frozen in shock, and unable to compute anything going on. He was frozen in place because …… what the actual fuck just happened?