end of the beginning
Effie was cooking when she heard the knock "James, dear, will you open please?"
James sighed and put the snitch he was playing with down. "Sí mamá!"
He walked into the front door and opened it, peeking out into the night. The snowy street was almost deserted except someone was standing, or falling in fact, on the porch. James took few minutes to process what he was seeing.
Regulus lying motionless on the snowy ground.
The shout rang out through the house. A few moments later, Effie appeared in the doorway, still wearing her apron. When she took in the scene, her eyes widened in shock and worry.
James can't help but feel a sense of déjà vu at what just happened. He still remembers like it was yesterday the day Sirius arrived, beaten and covered in blood through the fireplace. The memory is burned into his retina and he can see it every time he closes his eyes, Sirius, dying on the living room floor.
Effie had heal him like she did with Regulus tonight. And now the younger boy is slowly opening his eyes.
"Hello Regulus," says Euphemia softly, "Can you hear us?"
Regulus nods weakly at her, but his gaze remains fixed on Sirius, who is crouched next to him.
James watches the exchange between the brothers and his heart aches for them both, thinking about the ordeal they have been through. Regulus' eyes, still a little lost, focus on the only thing familiar to him in the room, Sirius. His voice is rough as he speaks, his words barely louder than a whisper.
"Siri...?"
Sirius tries to hold back his tears "Yes... yes Reg. It's me" He reaches out a trembling hand, his fingers gently brushing his brother's hair.
"W-Where am I?" mumbles Regulus frowning at surroundings.
"You're at the Potter's house remember? You're on the couch. There is James here, Remus, and Effie here." Sirius points each one. "James’ dad is on his way back from work."
Regulus nods his gaze turning to Euphemia. "I-I'm sorry for breaking in your house Mrs Potter..." he says with an apologetic look.
But Effie only chuckles, "Oh darling don't apologie, you're more than welcome here. And please call me Effie." She says softly "Now tell me, how are you feeling dear?"
"I'm fine." Regulus answers automatically
James frowns "No you're not. You're defenitly not." But Effie just shushes his son gently and speaks again, "Regulus, you have to know that nothing will happen to you here. You can tell the truth and I need you to be honest with me, okay?"
Regulus swallows, ashamed, "S-sorry... I'm just not used to this... I'm... It hurts everywhere." He whispers looking down.
Empathy flits across Effie's face. "It's alright. I understand. You don't have to apologize for anything. But thank you for being honest with me. I'm gonna get you a painkiller potion alright?"
Regulus just nods, closing his eyes.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
After a few hours Fleamont (Monty) is back and informed from what happened. Everyone decide it's time to sleep.
"I can walk- you dont have to-" start Regulus but James is already carrying him, careful to not hurt him anywhere.
Regulus' face is suddenly a little redder than normal. James only smiles as he walks him upstairs with Sirius following closely.
Effie is settling a bed for him "There we go. This will be your room." As James gently places Regulus on the mattress.
"Thank you again Mrs- i mean, Effie..." says Regulus looking around at the warm room. "This is very nice"
"Of course my dear, I hope you will be comfortable here. Are you hungry? Thirsty? Do you need anything?"
"I'm... I'm okay thank you."
Effie nods, studying Regulus's face carefully. She can sense his unease.
"Okay. Just let me know if you need anything, alright? You've been through a lot tonight, and it's alright to ask for help."
She hugs him gently, "Make yourself at home okay?"
Regulus is taken by aback at the hug. He's not usually onto physical contact but he let her. And when she steps back, he notices that his shoulders a little less tense.
Monty enters to give him a dreamless night potion and then he's alone in the dark of his room. He can feel his anxiety coming right back. He takes a deep breath and turns in the soft sheets.
Suddenly he hears a knock on his door.
It's her.
She came to take you back.
Regulus feels the anxiety taking over him as he curls up in the corner of his bed. He wants to scream, to call for help but the sound stay stuck in his throat.
Then he hears a whisper he could recognize from a room away: "Reggie? Are you awake?" A wave of relief wash over him.
"No. You scared me, idiot," he mumbles as Sirius walks inside.
"Sorry. I couldn't sleep, I wanted to check on you." Sirius sits on the bed next to his brother.
"I'm fine. You can go back to cuddling your husband, I will survive." Regulus responds and Sirius' face turn red.
"My what? Ehm- well, he's sleeping."
Regulus rolls his eyes, "I don't care," and Sirius smiles,
"I'm glad to see you're back to your normal self," he chuckles "My cold and sarcastic Reggie."
"Fuck off," Regulus huffs but he can't hide the small smirk on his lips.
Sirius lies next to him and snuggles closer. For a few minute it's only the sound of the wind outside and the two of them sighing.
Sirius feels Regulus' slight tremor but doesn't say anything. He simply rests his head on his brother's shoulder and Regulus reaches out to stroke his hair.
They used to do this since they were kids, to reassure each other after an 'argument' with their parents. Sirius would sneak into Regulus' room, wipe away his tears and they would clean each other's wounds. Mostly Sirius's. After that, they would simply lie down together and Regulus would play with Sirius' hair. He always been the only one allowed to do that. Well, until Remus.
And when the first light of day appeared, Sirius had to leave before Walburga woke up.
But this time, when the sun starts to shine through the window, Sirius simply pulls on the duvet to better cover them both and fall back asleep peacefully.