Work Text:
“Limit your time with your younger brother,” Walburga said, standing firm as the family matriarch glared at Sirius, her arms crossed and her lips red.
“Not a problem,” Sirius said, his nose wrinkling up at the idea of spending time with Regulus, before taking off to his room, where he was grounded for whatever he’d done this time.
Regulus, on the other hand—
The youngest Black remained silent, confused, standing there, feeling as if he were being punished as well, or even as if instead.
And then he was heading over to his father ’s study to find a book.
“Something the matter, Regulus?”
Regulus paused, having been caught by their father going into the library, or perhaps Orion seemed to notice at very specific times. “Nothing.”
“Are you sure? You don’t seem like your normal self.”
Regulus turned. “Why? Why is it that it feels like I’m the one being punished? It’s not as if Sirius wants to spend time with me, so her taking that away means nothing to him, but it does mean something to me.”
Orion ’s eyes narrowed. “What happened?”
“Nothing,” Regulus said. “How maman punishes Sirius is none of my business.”
“But what was the punishment?”
“He’s to limit his time with me.”
Orion let out a sigh. “Let them both cool their heads. Something may change.