The Stranger
Sirius was leaving. His life-givers were away, no doubt participating in some nefarious plot involving He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, but that was for the best. It gave him the time to get the hell out of dodge while they weren't looking.
The only thing Sirius regretted was Regulus had gone with them. He'd planned to ask his brother to come with him, though it wasn't likely he'd have actually accepted. Sirius had taken the brunt of their parents' anger over the years, but that left Regulus to be ignored as he stood in Sirius' shadow. And that slowly built resentment, which turned to hatred.
Pulling his duffel bag over his shoulder, Sirius took a deep breath and made for the door. He had most of his clothes along with his important belongings stowed in his bag, and all his school things were already at James' because Sirius couldn't risk bringing them home; he never knew what his parents would do and didn't want to risk them sabotaging his education by destroying his things. He may be flippant about school in general, often coming off as careless, but he really was just naturally good at everything!
A sudden crash sounded from down the hall that Sirius startled hard enough he nearly dropped his bag. There wasn't anybody home… or, at least, there shouldn't be.
"Ow, ow, fuck, OW." It sounded like a boy. Sirius didn't recognize the voice, which was both a good thing and a very bad thing. Good because it wasn't his parents, but bad because apparently someone had literally broken into his house.
Sirius set down his bag carefully before he slowly made his way into the sitting room. Immediately his mouth fell open, gaping in surprise at the scene.
The sitting room was covered in wood splinters and glass, the massive grandfather clock that'd been in the family for generations had fallen, smashed to bits on the floor and shattered into a million pieces. Even more surprising was the boy sprawled across the floor on his stomach, pushing himself up with swearing groans.
The boy had messy dark curls that for a moment looked black, but Sirius could see a deep red sheen where the light hit it. He was clearly athletic from the seriously impressive muscles straining in his arms, seemingly around Sirius' age. The boy was fumbling around for a moment, but eventually sighed in relief when he grabbed a pair of glasses with a gently rounded frame.
"Motherfucking son of a bitch, who put that clock there?" The boy apparently had an extremely colorful vocabulary, which made Sirius snort despite the situation. It caught the boy's attention, his head snapping up to Sirius immediately.
"Hello." Sirius greeted casually as he could, "Who're you?" The boy's eyes were an extremely vivid shade of green, his soft features made him look almost pretty. An odd way to describe a boy, at least in Sirius' mind, but it was true nonetheless.
"Well shit." The boy swore again, but he said nothing else as he pushed himself off the floor with another wince, pressing a hand to his side in pain, then stood. He looked around at the mess before sighing loudly. He muttered something under his breath that made no sense, kinda like, "I fucking knew there wasn't a clock there before…"
"Um, hello?" Sirius repeated, "Don't ignore me, I hate being ignored. At least tell me your name."
"It's complicated." The boy said vaguely, not looking at him in favor of examining the house. "Well, I fucked up. This is the not where I meant to be."
"No kidding." Sirius said with a grin, "I didn't think anyone could get in without permission, this house is warded to hell and back a hundred times over. How'd you do it?"
"Well I've always had a knack for getting myself into trouble, but I really fucked it up this time." When he finally looked over at Sirius, he wore an unreadable expression. "Who're you?"
"Sirius Black, at your service." Sirius offered a sarcastic bow, to which the boy raised an unimpressed eyebrow. "You haven't answered my question. How in the world did you get past the wards?"
"If it makes you feel better, I didn't do it on purpose." He said, "In any case, I'll be on my way now." He made for the hallway but Sirius stepped casually into the doorway to block his path.
"First, answer my question." Sirius dropped the smile and stared the mystery boy down. "This house has some of the best protections in all of Britain. How did you do it? No average wizard can Apparate in the way you did."
"Who said I Apparated?" He challenged. It made Sirius falter. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd just like to be on my way."
"And where are you off to?"
"I don't know." He grinned, "Wherever time takes me."
"That doesn't make any sense." Sirius narrowed his eyes.
"That's not my problem." The boy shrugged. "Now, really, I don't want any trouble. So, please, get out of my goddamn way." At that, Sirius frowned in thought.
Indecision tore at Sirius. He was leaving anyway, already packed to go and stay with James, so what did he care if the wards around Grimmauld Place had failed? That shouldn't matter to him. Yet, the thought of a wizard powerful enough to just smash through the protections like they were nothing was more than a little disconcerting. A flippant, young wizard who didn't seem to care he'd even done it in the first place. One who was so stupid to think Sirius could possibly just let it go–
Suddenly he had an idea, and grinned.
"How about we make a deal?" Sirius suggested as casually as he could, "I'll let you leave, unhindered, under one condition."
"And what's that?" The boy looked utterly unimpressed by him. Sirius tried very hard not to be insulted by it.
"If you can find the front door, I'll let you leave." Sirius proposed, "You get one try. If you open the wrong door, you'll stay and have to tell me how you did it."
"That's all?" The boy seemed amused and confident, which made Sirius grin even wider.
"That's all." Sirius confirmed. The boy shrugged.
"Alright then, I'll be going now." Sirius stepped aside and the boy strode through the house with firm purpose. Sirius followed with quiet smugness because the poor boy, powerful as he may be, stood no chance.
Number Twelve Grimmauld Place, the ancestral home of the Noble House of Black, was a maze. All the corridors on all four floors were identical, and the only way to know which way was which was to memorize the frayed threads of the tapestries or the ever so slightly crooked floorboards in each section of the house. Sirius, who'd lived there all his life, knew his way around the house like the back of his hand. He was positive the boy wouldn't be able to find his way out, therefore he'd be tricked into staying. Sirius couldn't find a flaw in his excellent plan, thinking he'd won the moment the boy agreed.
Sirius was very wrong.
That boy navigated the halls with ease that spoke of someone who knew exactly where they were going. They were on the third floor, but he somehow first found the stairs, found the fucking ground floor without missing a step, then found the front door in less than a minute. Impossibly, it seemed the mysterious boy understood the complexities of Grimmauld Place, an implication that he'd been inside the house many times before, and that unsettled Sirius deeply. Pulling the heavy door open while sending Sirius a sarcastic salute, the beautiful boy stepped outside and shut the door behind him with a resolute click.
Sirius had to admit… he was impressed.
—~—~—~—~—
Unfortunately Sirius became much less impressed when he realized he'd missed his chance. In fact, Sirius was furious.
When he went back upstairs to snag his bag and book it, Sirius heard the front door. Since the door only opened for Black blood, there was no way it was the mystery jock back for more. That left only his god awful life-givers and his pain in the ass little brother. Sirius’ chance was gone.
All Sirius could do was shut himself in his room and toss the getaway bag under his bed. If his life-givers knew he was planning to ditch them two days after they gave him ‘The Talk’ that was practically a death sentence, they'd ship him off to the Dark Lord without a thought.
Sirius flopped onto his bed, pressing his palms to his face with a groan of defeat. He didn't have much time and every second trapped in his wicked house he could feel the clock ticking. He saw that scene in his head, the conversation playing on repeat every time he closed his goddamn eyes.
— Three Days Prior
“Sirius, this is the only way we have to protect our family.” Walburga Black, Sirius’ least favorite life-giver, sat him down in the kitchen so they could talk face to face. She kicked her husband, Orion Black, out of the house so he couldn't interfere with what she had to say. “This will cover up for every disgusting mistake you've ever made while masquerading as a rebellious fucking Gryffindor.”
“You're messing with me.” Sirius was in disbelief. “You can't seriously be considering–”
“I'm not considering.” Walburga said sharply. “I've already agreed to the deal. You will be taking the Dark Mark the minute you get home next summer, and after you graduate you'll join his ranks.”
“You can't–” Sirius had barely opened his mouth before Walburga's hand shot out and slapped it shut. Sirius didn't move as she leaned back into her seat, eyes cold and face set.
“We've let you get away with a lot over the years, especially when it came to your no good Gryffindor gang, but this is where my courtesy ends. You've reached the end of my patience, Sirius.” Walburga lowered her voice and leaned across the table, jabbing a finger at Sirius’ face. He barely repressed a flinch. “Whether you like it or not you are my firstborn, my Heir. The Heir to our Ancient and Noble House and you will Not. Fuck. It. Up. I stuck my neck out for you, bargaining with them to allow you to finish your last two years of education. You will take the Mark, you will join the Dark Lord's efforts, and you will put our family back in the good graces of the Dark Lord. Are we clear?”
“... Crystal.” Sirius knew when to push his luck, and this was not one of those times. When Walburga just sat back in her chair with a firm nod, Sirius dared stand and excuse himself.
“And one more thing.” Sirius froze, slowly turning back to her. “If you fail me, I will take it out on the only child I have left.”
Sirius left the room without another word.
—
Sirius wanted to run to James, to forget the threat that put Regulus in danger; he didn't really have another choice. He was turning seventeen in November, barely four months away. His sixth year might very well be his last, even if Walburga claimed he would be allowed to finish school. What she did… Sirius was handed a death sentence on a platter.
But now he'd missed his only chance because some random teenager broke into his house, smacked the grandfather clock that'd been in their family for generations, and disappeared with impossible navigation skills. So Sirius was left knowing his life was now forfeit.
A small knock sounded against his door then. Much too soft to be either of his life-fuckers.
“What is it, Reg?” Sirius groaned, sitting up in bed. “I've got moping around to catch up on.” The door opened soundlessly, Regulus stepping into view with a raised eyebrow.
“What's got you in a mood?” Regulus leaned against the doorway to Sirius’ room, peering inside with sharp, calculating grey eyes.
“Nothing in particular.” Sirius drawled, rolling over onto his stomach to give his little brother a sarcastic look. “Maybe it's the fact that I've got summer homework to do, maybe it's our parents forcing me to become a Death Eater as some sort of twisted sacrifice to put our family in the good graces of an evil Dark Lord, or maybe it's just that my walls are the wrong shade of red and I can't for the life of me remember the incantation for the color changing spell.”
Regulus stared at him for a moment, blinking slowly, then sighed and pulled out his wand. Sirius didn't move. But instead of pointing it at him, Regulus merely stepped inside and tapped the wall gently.
“Colovaria.” Regulus murmured. With a shimmer the wall changed from that dull, spongy red to a bright crimson, a red that mirrored the splashes of Gryffindor red already decorating Sirius’ room. Funnily enough, the ceiling trim that had previously been stark white turned a shining gold - Sirius’ room was very suddenly Gryffindor in every way possible.
Regulus tucked away his wand and crossed his arms, leaning against the wall once more. He seemed to be waiting, so Sirius cleared his throat and tried for words. He never thought Regulus would be willing to promote a Gryffindor image in any context - especially not on Sirius’ behalf.
“It'll do, I suppose.” Sirius said finally. Regulus snorted.
“I shan't do it again, so remember the spell yourself in future.” He turned to leave, but a wave of unexpected emotion hit Sirius suddenly with a jolt.
“Thanks.” Sirius blurted. Regulus turned slowly, expression blank. Sirius swallowed thickly. “Thanks, Reg. For the spell.”
“Of course.” His brother's eyes softened ever so slightly. Then he stepped out and closed the door behind him. Sirius was left staring after him in silent confusion. He couldn't remember the last time his little brother looked so soft.
Then he was gone, shutting the door behind him.
“Shit.” Sirius flopped down onto his bed, exhaustion and defeat slamming into his chest as guilt beat down against his heart.
He couldn't very well leave now, even if he was miraculously given another opportunity to run. Sirius may've been on pretty crumby terms with Regulus the last few years, but he couldn't leave his little brother stranded because Sirius was too much of a coward to stand up to their parents. Not when there was still kindness inside Regulus. Hidden, but there.
Sirius looked at his crimson walls and sighed.
“I guess you do care, after all.”
—~—~—~—~—
Sirius shifted the backpack on his shoulder impatiently. “Reg, come on!”
“Just a moment, my shirt is all rumpled.” Regulus stepped into the hallway and shuffled forward, messing with the buttons on his collared shirt and adjusting them with anxious hands. “Must it be so obvious?”
“Regulus, it looks fine.” Sirius put effort into his tone, seeing as he meant it. “You're overthinking it. I can't tell you're wearing anything under your shirt, the fabric's too thick. Even if I could see anything, which I can't, it would just look like some tank top. Now come on.” Regulus blew out a frustrated breath but nodded.
“Fine.” Regulus’ trunk was already packed and sitting ready in the hall, so he merely snagged the handle and headed for the stairs, following Sirius down. “Must we be in such a hurry?”
“The Express Floo gets packed in the last fifteen minutes before the train leaves,” Sirius reminded him. “Unless we wanna be trampled in the last second rush, thirty minutes early is our best bet. It should do the trick just fine.”
“You just wanna sit with your friends and find an empty compartment.” Regulus accused. Sirius shrugged. It was true so there was no point in denying it.
They reached the ground floor and headed for the sitting room - they had a one way Floo that would send them to any open fire station, but nobody could enter their home the other way. Not even flesh and blood family could get past the wards on the Floo.
Sirius couldn't help his thoughts straying to the mysterious green eyed boy that somehow appeared in their sitting room two weeks prior - the boy who'd smashed their ancient grandfather clock that they all hated but could never toss. Even so, Sirius was surprised when Walburga didn't say a single word about the mess and simply Vanished the shards and splinters left behind.
“Leaving so soon?” They both froze halfway to the shimmering Floo powder. Speak of the devil…
“Tardiness isn't very straight-edged of me.” Sirius said dryly, facing Walburga with a blank expression. “And I'm on my best behavior, remember?” Her grey eyes flashed dangerously.
“You'd better be.” She said darkly. “You must've let this family down or tarnish the reputation ive so painstakingly rebuilt for us. Do you understand, Sirius?”
“Hear you loud and clear.” Sirius said. It took everything he had to mask the beating in his ears and the racing in his chest.
“And you, Lacerta.” Regulus tensed, taut as a wire as he froze in place. “I've noticed you cut your hair again.”
“You know I just like it short, Mother.” Regulus whispered. “It's nothing.”
“Hm.” Walburga's eyes narrowed. “If you come home with hair like that at the end of the year, you'll be married off like any other daughter should. You're lucky I haven't already looked into possible matches - I was hoping this phase of yours would end sooner, but I suppose… a little incentive is needed.”
“We get it, jeez.” Sirius said loudly, drawing Walburga's attention again. “Be good and don't disgrace the Black name, got it. But we've got to go now, so we'll be off.” Sirius grabbed his brother's arm. “Come on you, wouldn't wanna start the year off late now would we?” Regulus only managed a stiff, expressionless nod. His eyes looked a little too blank for Sirius’ liking, but there was nothing to be done about it so he merely stepped into the green flames and pulled Regulus after him.
“Platform 9 ¾!” Sirius announced, and in a split second they were spinning.
They were spat out at their destination soon after. Sirius released Regulus immediately, stepping back to give him a little space. Regulus, now away from their worst nightmare of a ‘parent,’ looked downright miserable as he clung to his trunk with a white-knuckled grip.
“Did you know there's a hair changing spell?” Sirius said as casually as he could. “It's taught to sixth years as part of the N.E.W.T level Transfiguration lessons. It can change the length, along with colour and texture and all that fun stuff.” Regulus looked up at him then.
“I'm not a sixth year,” Regulus said quietly. “I'm a fifth year.”
“Yes, but I'm a sixth year.” Sirius grinned. “I also happen to be taking McGonagall’s N.E.W.T level Transfiguration class. So… y'know… don't get me wrong, it's just a way to repay you for recolouring my room for me. I pay my debts, even to my little brother.” Regulus’ lips twitched into a halfway smile.
“I suppose that'd be agreeable.” Regulus whispered. “... Thank you.”
“Don't worry about it bro.” Sirius said breezily. “We are who we are, that's all. Sometimes we just need a haircut.”
“You need one yourself.” Regulus joked weakly. Sirius laughed.
“I like it.” Sirius grinned. “I myself love my luxurious locks and I take excellent care of them. But, it's not for everyone.” Siurus’ hair now brushed his shoulder, black waves smooth and healthy. A lot longer than the boy-short length Regulus sported, hair barely touching his forehead and ears. Not quite a buzz cut, but close.
“I'd better go find my friends.” Regulus cleared his throat, schooling his expression and offering Sirius a tight nod. “Maybe we'll find a time to talk someday.” Sirius blinked in surprise.
“I–” Regulus disappeared into the rapidly thickening crowd, leaving Sirius behind with confusion and perhaps a little bit of hope.
Then he was promptly nailed in the side by a random girl stepping out of the Floo behind him. Lovely. The rush had started and Sirius hadn't even begun searching for a compartment. What a great start to another terrible year at Hogwarts.