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It was late, and you were helping professor Kettleburn, the professor of Care of Magical Creatures, to set up the last bit of the logistics of shelter, food and the like during the winter for the magical beasts under his care. It wasn’t unusual of you to help him, and you enjoyed taking care of the animals about as much as he did. But it was cold and late, and you could feel the fatigue typical for you at this time of year start to weigh you down. You were positive you and your fellow professors needed the time off that the holidays provided as much as the students did.
Silvanus seemed to understand your position. He might even be feeling the same. But you’d come to the silent agreement that this really needed to be finished tonight. Arrangements needed to be made, and tomorrow you’d both be too busy reigning in over-excited students who’d be aching to go home and celebrate.
Out of the corner of your eye you could see a piece of paper that he slowly slid towards you so you could take a look. You turned your head a little to offer the hufflepuff a tired smile, which he returned. Just as you started reading what was on the paper, the silence was harshly broken by the slamming of your office door.
You looked up rapidly and mentally prepared yourself to berate the intruder, before stopping when you saw the two boys standing in your doorway. Of course Sirius was the first who wanted to speak up, but you held up your hand, promptly shutting him up.
You turned back to professor Kettleburn. Best to wrap this up first before dealing with the headache the Black boys were undoubtedly going to give you.
“I think that’s us all done, Silvanus. If you want, I can go over it with the headmaster tomorrow”, you offered.
“Nonsense my dear! You’ve already been a great help, and it’s still my responsibility. Besides, I think you’ll already have your hands full tomorrow with your own duties”, he told you, subtly nodding towards the brothers.
You chuckled at that, standing up when he did and handing him the papers on your desk. “All right then, I’ll see you at breakfast. Have a good night, professor”.
“Likewise, professor”, he replied. “And to you, boys”, he told the brothers as he passed them on his way out, to which they both replied with a mumbled “good night, professor”.
You’d poured yourself some wine during the brief interaction and sat down with the glass in your hand as professor Kettleburn closed the door behind him and the boys turned to look at you again. Once again, Sirius wanted to speak up, but he was stopped by his younger brother holding out an arm and taking a step towards your desk.
“Please excuse us for barging in at this hour, professor, but we wanted to make sure that the note we both received wasn’t a mistake”, Regulus began.
“Did you really ask our parents that? I just can’t believe that they’d actually consider that! And the fact that you would dare to… to…”, Sirius followed up, probably a little louder than necessary.
You look at them while taking a sip from your wine, unphased.
“Most people would greet an offer like this with gratitude, you know”, you tell them before leaning back and letting out a sorrowful sigh, putting your glass down.
“Besides, it was only an offer. You don’t have to take it. But as you know, your parents are alright with it, should you want to”.
It had been much easier to convince Walburga and Orion than you’d anticipated. When you were leaving 12 Grimmauld Place, you’d heard Orion mumble something to his wife about how at least this way, the boys wouldn’t be able to cause any trouble for them during the holidays. You knew they weren’t the best of parents, but really?
“It was very nice of you to offer, truly, but it won’t be necessary. We don’t want to impose on you or your family. Have a good night, professor”, Regulus tells you with a polite nod of his head before turning to leave your office.
Sirius however is looking at you with big eyes filled with uncertainty, not moving to follow his brother just yet.
Your heart breaks a little when you consider how deep his parents have their toxic hooks in Regulus. And it’s painful to think how Sirius keeps bending under pressure, not even realising that his little brother is suffering as well, trapped in his futile quest to please their parents in everything.
“Of course”, you speak up, making Regulus stop and turn to listen to you. “It’s merely an offer, and neither of you has to take it. But just know that you wouldn’t be imposing at all. If that were the case, I would not have made the suggestion. You’re nice boys, and you can be polite when you want to be -”, you throw a pointed look towards Sirius with that comment, “ - and pretty much my entire family believes in ‘the more, the merrier’”.
The boys share a look, and you think you can see Regulus’ resolve crumbling. The sound of an actually pleasant Christmas surrounded by a loving family must sound really nice to them in comparison to what they’re usually subjected to.
“And just between us,”, you say conspiratorially as you lean forward, “I’ve never seen the Black household during the holidays, but I know your parents. I can’t imagine anything other than what must be a dreadfully boring and sombre event for you two. Honestly, I think your parents would rather spontaneously combust than sing carols”.
Sirius can’t hold in the laugh that escapes him, and although Regulus lightly slaps his brother on the chest to reprimand him, you spot a little smile on his face as well.
“So, you know, take it or leave it. You don’t have to give me an answer right now, just make sure to tell me before everyone’s free to go home so I know if I have to wait for you to pack after class. For now, I think it’s best if you go back to your dorms. Sleep on it, if you like”.
“Well Reg, I don’t know about you, but I think this sounds a whole lot better than mum and dad’s annual snooze fest. Professor, I would really like to spend the holidays with your family, thank you so much”.
You can basically see Regulus having a mental battle with himself before giving in to the alluring thought of having a nice, normal Christmas for once.
“I- I’d like to take you up on your offer as well, professor”, he tells you tentatively, as if he’s afraid that you’re one of his parents using Polyjuice Potion to test and subsequently punish him. His fears melt away however when an encouraging smile appears on your face.
“Excellent! Just come find me in my office after you’re done with your classes and have finished packing tomorrow”.
A huge smile takes over Sirius’ features once it fully sets in that this is actually happening. “Will do!”, he says. “Thank you professor! Good night!, he adds enthusiastically before walking out of your office.
Regulus walks towards your desk a little more before saying: “Don’t worry, professor, I’ll try to reign him in as best I can. We won’t be any trouble to you or your family”.
He starts to turn away from you but is stopped by the sound of you getting up out of your chair and speaking up. “That really shouldn’t be your responsibility, Regulus, but I appreciate it”.
He looks at you again, and you can see the beginnings of grateful tears in his eyes. You give him a soft smile.
“Hey, at least it will be easier to keep him from mischief without his merry band around, right?”
He lets out a laugh at that, a single tear of happiness escaping, and before you know it you’ve wrapped your arms around him in a protective and soothing hug. You thought he’d be apprehensive, but the opposite is true as he immediately clings to you, craving a positive touch and the feeling of safety.
When the hug stops and he looks at you once more, you’re using wordless magic to conjure up a handkerchief for him, which he gratefully takes from you.
“Alright, I really think it’s time for you to get some sleep. We want you to be alert and attentive in my class tomorrow, don’t we?”
“Thank you, professor. Good night”, he bids you farewell as he too walks out of your office.
You let yourself sink back into your chair, a soft smile adorning your face. Your family is going to give those boys the best Christmas they’ve ever had.