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it had all happened so fast.
there was yelling, screaming, and a faint crashing of glass. spiteful words filled with hatred, dripping off the tongue of the woman you once called "mother." tears dripping down your face, blurring the face of your mother in front of you.
standing in the dining room that seemed to feel bigger and isolating, your figure shrinking and shaking as glass shards crumble next to you.
"YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO THIS FAMILY! JUST LIKE YOUR GOOD FOR NOTHING BROTHER!"
hearing sirius' name only caused more heartache as you realize that there was no one to defend you now. he had run away from home. no note. no warning. you and regulus were left to fend for yourselves in this place you called "home."
"don't speak ill of my brother that way." your voice was weak and shaky, only so much as coming out as a mumble. this response however caused your mother to see red - pure rage erupting more than before.
before you knew it, the enraged woman stood in front of you, her hand raised and a stinging pain on your left cheek could be felt. the sound echoed and bounced off of the dark walls of the black residence, even merlin could have heard it from his grave.
in a loud whisper, through gritted teeth she spoke. "get the hell out of my sight."
without another word you turned around and swiftly left the room, tears continuing to fall as you ran up the stairs to your bedroom. you spotted your beloved younger brother, regulus, peaking over the hallway - having heard everything that happened. you paid him no mind, however, as you made your way to your room (also hearing him following behind you).
as you both entered your room, regulus shut the door behind him as you collapsed onto the floor. all of the emotions, pain, hurt, and suffering finally caught up to you. you felt your brother pull you into his arms, trying to provide any comfort that he could possibly give to you. muffled sobs could be heard and his shirt dampened with your overflowing tears that seemed never ending.
it felt as if hours had passed before you could regain your breath. you let yourself out of regulus' grasp, bodies still near each other, and remained on the floor together, a deafening silence engulfing the both of you as the both of you processed what happened.
"...this isn't the first time mother has done this to you."
"i know."
"are you going to continue to let her treat you like this? how much more of this can you take?"
you were left unable to answer. regulus was right, this wasn't the first time she has unleashed her anger onto you. but today was far worse than before. you continued to stay quiet, your eyes trying to avoid regulus' as he stared at you waiting for your answer.
finally you spoke. "i can take her hits and jabs at me. but if she does the same to you i don't think i could take it."
regulus eyebrows knitted at your answer, both sadness and frustration mixed in his dark eyes.
"mother wouldn't do such a thing to me. but if you continue to stay here...she'll kill you."
at this you looked up at him, looking at his now teary eyes caused your vision to blur. a new wave of tears engulfed you both, reaching out and embracing each other at the truth behind his words. together you knew what you had to do, and the thought was heartbreaking. nonetheless, you both knew it was the only choice you had.
for the next hour, the two of you grabbed a large duffel bag and began to pack some of your things. items that were essential and valuable to you. it had soon reached three in the morning when you finally gathered all your things, exhaustion had begun to take over you and your dear brother.
looping your bag over your shoulder you both quietly made your way to the fireplace. regulus hurriedly found the floo powder and made his way back to you. taking your place inside, bag in hand, you grabbed a handful of the powder and looked up at your brother.
"be safe reg."
"you too."
a small sad smile stretched on both of your faces as you looked at each other. a bittersweet goodbye, not knowing when you would be able to see each other again.
as you said the words, "the potter residence" you could feel and see your surroundings begin to change. taking one last glance at your beloved brother, noticing his mouth wording a sentence you knew all too well, you had now found yourself in a dimly lit living room.
it was far different from your own. it was warm and cozy, a feeling of safety brushed over you just by stepping into the lovely home. trying to be as quiet as possible you made your to the couch, not wanting to wake up the residence of the home you (to put it lightly) intruded in.
sitting on the couch you finally allowed yourself to take a breath. you had finally taken the chance to realize what you had done, abandoning the life that you had been living.
you were finally free.
"(reader)? what are you doing here love?"
however, as you were preoccupied with your own thoughts, you failed to notice the figure making its way from the hallway. recognizing the voice, you turned your head to see james potter looking at you with confusion and worry. the wand was occupying his right hand lowered at the sight of you and not an intruder, and he made his way over to you.
"im sorry for coming out of the blue." you weakly smiled in embarrassment, looking down at your hands. seeing james take a seat next to you, your hands now being held by his, a small comforting squeeze causing you to look up at him.
"there's nothing to apologize for love, you're always welcome. but did something happen?"
at his question you began to remember the fight, the screaming, the crying, and even regulus. not saying a word your eyes began to water, silently begging for them not to fall but your body denied that request. james noticed the tears that fell and pulled you into his arms. quickly returning his embrace, you both stayed in that position for what felt like forever, more tears soaking his shirt.
after a while you both pulled away, james placed his hand on your cheek, his thumb softly grazing it. no words had to be said in order for him to understand your situation. it was one he had dealt with before not too long ago either.
as he inspected your face, his eyes landed upon the bruise that had formed on your cheek. his eyebrows furrowed, his other hand reaching over to get a better look at it.
"it's okay. it doesn't hurt anymore."
you tried to reassure him that the pain was gone. however his face never wavered as he looked at the red and purple splotch.
"im sorry that you had to go through that."
"you don't have to apologize for something you didn't do."
"you deserve an apology anyway, even if it isn't from the person you want it to be from."
at those words you weakly smiled at him, a silent 'thank you' coming from your lips as you reached out to hug him again. the warmth of his body softened the tension that your body was unknowingly holding.
a gentle kiss was placed on the top of your head making you squeeze him tighter, no words being able to express the thankfulness you felt to have him here.
before you knew it, you had fallen asleep in his arms. the both of you laying on the couch as the sun greeted the moon and peaked through the windows. no more words had to be said or spoken. no need for tears. for anger. for fear.
all you needed to know, and feel, was that with him-
-you were home .