Stargazing Dreams

Two weeks went by, and the Black household had enjoyed a rare period of peace.
They sat cross-legged on the cold, wooden floor of Sirius' room. An old, well-worn record spun on the turntable in the corner, filled the room with the crackling warmth of vinyl. The music pulsed with energy.
Sirius' eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he launched into an animated monologue about the band and why this particular record was one of his favorites. He described the intricate guitar riffs, the raw emotion in the lead singer's voice, and the rebellious spirit that permeated each track. His hands gestured wildly, painting vivid pictures in the air.
Despite Sirius' infectious excitement and vivid descriptions, Regulus found himself struggling to keep track of the details.
He admired his brother's ability to lose himself in something he loved, even if he couldn't fully understand it.
Regulus wondered if he sounded like that too when he was telling Sirius the plot of his favorite book.

Sirius's monologue was abruptly interrupted by a loud knock on the window. Startled, he turned to see a snow-white owl perched on the sill, its large, amber eyes fixed on him with an inquisitive tilt of its head. With a mixture of excitement and urgency, he sprang to his feet and hurried over to the window. As he threw it open, the owl soared gracefully into the room, its wings barely making a sound. It landed lightly on the desk, displacing a few stray parchments, and ruffled its feathers before settling down, still watching Sirius with a penetrating gaze.
Regulus noticed a letter tied to the owl's leg and carefully untied the delicate string binding it. As he unfurled the parchment, his eyes squinted in concentration, attempting to decipher the writing. The ink had smudged, rendering most of the words illegible. He strained to read the blurred lines, but only one word stood out: "Sirius." The name was unmistakably his brother's, elegantly written, with the dot above the 'i' fashioned into a tiny star. He didn't know why but Regulus felt sick to his core.
He tried to make sense of the rest of the message but with no luck. Suddenly, Sirius lunged forward. He snatched the parchment from Regulus's hands, his eyes quickly scanning the barely legible script.

"Would you mind reading it out loud?" Regulus asked, a hint of irritation creeping into his voice as he watched his brother smile at the letter, seemingly lost in its contents.
Sirius looked up, grinning at Regulus's impatience. "Alright," he replied, his tone light and teasing. He cleared his throat theatrically, holding the parchment up to catch the light, and began to read aloud.

_____________________
Hi Sirius,

It's me, James, that weird dude offering you a place to stay. (Yes the offer still stands!) You gave me your address to write to you, so I thought I'd just go ahead and do it. My parents and I have been on a trip recently, so I couldn't write to you earlier, and I'm really sorry about that. Anyway, I got the impression that we get along well, and I'd be happy if we could meet up in the next few days. You can, of course, bring your brother along too. I'm sure he and I will become friends. Just write to me about when and where we can meet, and give the letter to Teddy (the white owl). I'm looking forward to seeing you guys.

Cheers,
James
_____________________

Sirius's face lit up with a wild smile. "He actually wrote to me," he exclaimed, his eyes shining as he looked at Regulus.
"Seems like it," Regulus muttered, though his voice trembled with an undercurrent of fear. "You surely don't want to meet up with him, do you?"
Sirius's grin didn't falter. He reached out and ruffled Regulus's hair affectionately. "Don't you worry, Reggie," he said, his voice steady and reassuring. "I know what I'm doing." He glanced back at the letter, excitement bubbling over. "I'll write him back right now!"
With that, Sirius turned toward the desk, already mentally composing his reply. He grabbed a quill and some parchment and started writing.

When Sirius finished writing, he carefully folded the letter with meticulous precision, ensuring the creases were sharp and neat. He then slipped it into a crisp envelope, sealing it with a dab of wax and an imprint of the Black family crest. Turning to the owl, Sirius gently tied the envelope to its leg, securing it with a practiced hand.
"You know what you have to do," Sirius said softly, looking into the owl's intelligent eyes. He offered the bird a small treat, which it took gratefully, nibbling it with delicate precision.
With a soft hoot, the owl spread its wings and took flight, soaring gracefully out the open window. Regulus and Sirius watched the bird until it became a mere speck in the distance.

"Sirius," Regulus said uncertainly, "that's not a good idea." His voice wavered, filled with concern and frustration. He looked at his brother helplessly, knowing that trying to dissuade him was unlikely.
Sirius turned to him, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Yes, it is. A great idea, actually," he replied confidently.
This was classic Sirius. He had always been rebellious and free-spirited, embracing risks with a daring that Regulus found both infuriating and, secretly, a bit admirable. But it was also reckless, a trait that often left Regulus on edge.
"Listen, Reggie," Sirius said, his tone becoming earnest. "I know Mother forbade it, but you have to think about us too. James could be a really good friend. And we really need that."
Sirius's eyes bore into Regulus, full hope. Regulus sighed, feeling the weight of his brother's expectations. Despite his misgivings, he felt a flicker of understanding. He nodded, albeit reluctantly. "It's all your responsibility," he muttered.
Sirius's smile widened, a spark of triumph in his eyes. "Trust me, Reggie. It'll be worth it."

"It's going to be great," Sirius declared.
"Sure," Regulus whispered, though his tone was flat and unenthusiastic.
_____________________

Sirius had been excited for the whole day. The day had come, he would finally see James again.
They had stayed in touch and sent letters back and forth. James was Sirius' first real friend. Of course Regulus had always been there, but Regulus was completely different in nature than Sirius. With James, Sirius felt like he had finally found a like-minded person.

Sirius had been filled with excitement all day. The long-awaited moment had finally arrived: he was going to see James again. It had been some time since they had first exchanged letters, and their conversations had quickly become a lifeline for Sirius, offering a glimpse of a world beyond Grimmauld Place. Each letter from James was a breath of fresh air, filled with humorous jokes and the kind of camaraderie Sirius had always yearned for.
James was more than just a pen pal; he was Sirius's first real friend. They spoke about everything and also nothing. For the first time, he felt understood and valued for who he really was, not who he was expected to be.
Of course, Regulus had always been there, his constant companion throughout life. But Regulus was different, cautious where Sirius was bold, obedient where Sirius rebelled. Their bond was one of blood and shared experience, but it lacked the spark of true kinship that Sirius had discovered with James.
As the clock ticked closer to their rendezvous, Sirius's excitement grew.

The brothers' parents were away today, an absence that made Sirius's plan almost too perfect. As Regulus observed the unfolding scenario, a sense of unease gnawed at him. It was all falling into place too easily, too conveniently, but he kept these thoughts to himself. He knew that voicing his concerns would do little to sway Sirius's resolute determination.

Regulus was sitting cross-legged on his bed, leafing through a book, when Sirius burst into his room unannounced. The door swung open with a loud creak, and Sirius's energy filled the space like a burst of fireworks.
"Reggie, are you ready?" Sirius asked excitedly. His unruly hair, a cascade of dark curls, fell over his shoulders in wild disarray. He looked every bit the free spirit that defined him, dressed in a band shirt from a group Regulus didn't recognize, its logo a splash of vivid colors against the black fabric.
Sirius paired the shirt with tight black jeans that accentuated his lean frame, the denim worn and frayed at the knees. His black leather boots, with their thick, heavy soles, added an extra edge to his appearance, the kind of footwear that seemed made for stomping out into the world and making a statement. Each step he took in those boots echoed with a promise of defiance.
His fingers were adorned with several rings, each one unique—a mix of silver bands and intricately designed pieces that hinted at stories of their own. A silver star necklace hung around his neck, catching the light and drawing attention to the piece’s fine craftsmanship. His right ear bore a small black star earring, a subtle but striking accessory that completed his look.

"Sirius," Regulus said annoyed, "knock next time."
Sirius, however, ignored his brother's reprimand and looked at him expectantly, his eyes scanning Regulus's outfit with a critical gaze. "What?" Regulus asked, confused by his brother's intense scrutiny.
"You want to go there dressed like this?" Sirius asked, his tone laced with disappointment. He gestured broadly at Regulus's attire.
Regulus looked down at himself, feeling a flush of self-consciousness. He wore black dress pants, tailored and pristine, paired with a crisp white dress shirt neatly tucked into his trousers. Over the shirt, he wore a black suit vest, its fabric decorated with tiny, embroidered stars that shimmered subtly in the light. His fingers were adorned with black and silver rings, each chosen with care, and a black star necklace hung around his neck, resting just above the top button of his vest.
"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Regulus asked, trying to keep the defensiveness out of his voice.
Sirius shook his head, his curls bouncing with the movement. "Reggie, we're meeting James. You look like you're going to a formal dinner, not hanging out with mates."

Sirius tilted his head, looking at his younger brother with a critical eye. "Come here," he said with a hint of authority. Regulus, puzzled but obedient, stepped forward until he was standing directly in front of Sirius. His eyes searched his brother’s face for any clue as to what was going on, but found none.
Sirius reached out and deftly undid the first two buttons of Regulus's shirt, his fingers moving with ease.
After a moment's pause, Sirius took three deliberate steps backward, his gaze fixed intently on Regulus.
Sirius nodded, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "Fits," he declared, his grin widening as he saw the confusion mixed with relief in Regulus's expression.
Regulus didn't know what to do, so he left the shirt as it was.

"Come on, Reggie, let's not keep James waiting," Sirius said with a carefree laugh, his eyes sparkling.
He grabbed Regulus's arm and tugged him towards the front door.
As they stepped out of the house, the evening air was cool and carried the faint scent of blooming flowers. Sirius quickened his pace, walking with a confident stride.
"We'll meet at James's so we can avoid anyone seeing us who shouldn't," Sirius explained over his shoulder, his voice low but filled with determination. He led the way down the path, his steps light and sure. Regulus trailed behind him.

Sirius's optimism had been palpable all day, an infectious energy that, for a time, even managed to lift Regulus's mood. The excitement of finally seeing James again, coupled with the thought of taking the tube for the first time, had given Sirius a sense of euphoria. He had imagined that seeing the flying trains would change everything. That they would make him feel things he never had felt before.
However, all of that optimism died the moment they arrived at their nearest tube station. The station, Sirius had imagined as a symbol of sleek, futuristic travel, now loomed before them as a cold, unwelcoming structure. Its towering, metallic walls were covered in a dull sheen, reflecting the harsh, artificial lights that flickered intermittently, casting eerie shadows across the platform.
"What's wrong?" Regulus asked, noticing the change in Sirius's demeanor.
Sirius forced a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I just... I thought it would be different," he admitted, glancing around the station. "I guess I got carried away with the idea of it all."
Regulus nodded, understanding his brother's disappointment. "We're still only at the station. Maybe the ride will be different", the younger boy said hopeful. Regulus couldn't stand to see his brother so disappointed.
Sirius nodded, trying to muster some of his earlier enthusiasm. "Yeah, you're right. It's just the station."

"How did you even pay for the tickets?" Regulus asked suddenly, the question slipping out as they navigated the bustling station.
Sirius glanced at him, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I stole the money," he said casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Regulus stopped in his tracks, staring at his brother in complete horror. "Not from Mother and Father, right?"
Sirius rolled his eyes, his expression one of mock offense. "No, of course not! I don't have a death wish." He paused, then smirked. "Our dear Cousin Bellatrix, however, was dumb enough to steal from her own parents. I took the money from her nightstand the last time we were over."
Regulus's eyes widened even further. "You stole from Bellatrix? Sirius, do you have any idea how dangerous that is? If she finds out..."
Sirius waved a hand dismissively. "Relax, Reggie. Bellatrix is too busy playing her own twisted games to notice a few galleons missing. Besides, she deserves it for being such a Bitch."
Regulus's mind raced, the implications of Sirius's actions swirling around him. He had always known his brother was reckless, but this was a new level of audacity. Yet, he couldn't help but feel a small pang of admiration for Sirius's boldness.
"Still," Regulus muttered, "you should have told me. We could have figured out another way."
Sirius shrugged. "And miss out on this grand adventure? Where's your sense of fun, little brother?"
Regulus sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing further.

"Look right there!" Sirius shouted, his voice full of excitement, pointing dramatically toward the direction from which the train was approaching. His eyes were wide with anticipation, his entire body thrumming with energy as he gestured. Regulus couldn't help but chuckle at his brother's inability to stand still. Every muscle in Sirius's body seemed to be quivering with eagerness. The flying train, a magnificent construct of gleaming metal and dark wood, hovered in the distance, its magical propulsion creating a faint hum that grew louder as it neared. The sight of it, gliding effortlessly through the air with plumes of steam swirling around it, was both breathtaking and surreal, and Regulus felt a thrill of awe mix with his amusement.
The train came to a gentle stop in front of them. With a soft hiss, the doors slid open. Sirius, impatient and eager, darted forward immediately, weaving through the crowd of passengers disembarking. Despite the rush of people trying to leave the train, he was the first to step inside, his excitement evident in every hurried movement.
Regulus followed closely behind, his pace more measured but no less enthusiastic. Once inside, they found a compartment and slid into a pair of surprisingly comfortable seats upholstered in rich, deep-green fabric. Sirius plopped down next to Regulus, his eyes still sparkling with energy, as he looked around at the intricate woodwork and softly glowing lanterns that lined the walls of the compartment.
"I take everything back, the tube is truly a magical place!", Sirius announced.
_____________________

Sirius rang the bell of the old, bright house, his heart pounding excitement. The house stood as a charming anomaly among the more modern structures in the neighborhood. Its entire facade was constructed of aged wood, the panels painted a cheerful white that gleamed in the afternoon sunlight. Large, intricately framed windows dominated the front of the house.
Everywhere Regulus looked, there were blooming flowers. The garden surrounding the house was a riot of color and fragrance, with roses, daisies, tulips, and countless other flowers bursting forth in full bloom. The sweet scent of jasmine mingled with the earthy aroma of fresh soil. Flowering vines climbed the wooden trellises, wrapping the house in a living tapestry of greenery and blossoms.
As they waited, Sirius glanced at Regulus, who was taking in the scene with wide-eyed wonder. "It's beautiful," Regulus whispered, almost to himself.
Before the older boy could respond, the door swung open with a gentle creak, revealing a woman standing in the frame. She was middle-aged, with kind eyes that sparkled with warmth and a welcoming smile that seemed to light up her entire face. Her dark hair, streaked with silver, was pulled back into a loose bun, a few strands escaping to frame her face softly. She wore a simple, floral-print dress that matched the colors of the garden, and an apron dusted with flour, suggesting she had been baking.

"Hello there!" she greeted them, her voice as inviting as her appearance. "You must be Sirius and Regulus. James has told me so much about you."
Sirius couldn't help but smile back, the woman's presence instantly putting him at ease. "Yes, I'm Sirius, and this is my brother Regulus. Thank you for having us over."
"Oh, it's no trouble at all," she replied, stepping aside to let them in. "I'm Euphemia Potter, but you can call me Effie. Welcome to our home."
As they stepped into the house, they were enveloped by a sense of warmth and homeliness. The interior was just as inviting as the exterior, with polished wooden floors, comfortable furniture, and more flowers in vases scattered throughout the rooms. The scent of freshly baked bread and something sweet—perhaps cookies or a pie—wafted from the kitchen.
"James is out in the garden with his father," Effie said, leading them through the house. "Go on out and join them. I'll bring out some refreshments in a bit."
They followed her through the cozy living room, adorned with family photos and memorabilia. Every corner of the house seemed to tell a story, from the antique clock ticking softly on the mantel to the worn, overstuffed armchairs that looked like the perfect spot for a long chat or a good book.
Effie opened the back door, revealing a lush, expansive garden that stretched out before them. James and his father, Fleamont, were near a large oak tree, setting up what looked like a picnic area. James spotted them first and waved enthusiastically.

"Sirius! Regulus! Over here!" he called, his voice filled with genuine excitement.
Sirius felt a rush of joy at the sight of his new friend. "Come on, Reggie," he said, nudging his brother forward.
As they approached, Fleamont turned to greet them with a smile. He was a tall man with a distinguished appearance, his hair and mustache neatly trimmed, and his demeanor as welcoming as his wife's. "Hello, boys," he said warmly. "Glad you could join us."
James bounded over, his usual exuberance on full display. "I can't believe you're here! This is going to be great."
Regulus, still somewhat overwhelmed by the new surroundings and the friendly reception, managed a smile. "Thanks for having us," he said quietly.
"Any friend of James's is a friend of ours," Fleamont replied, clapping a hand on Regulus's shoulder. "Make yourselves at home."
As they settled into the garden, Effie appeared with a tray laden with lemonade and an assortment of freshly baked treats. "Help yourselves," she said with a smile, setting the tray down on a low table. "If you needanything else, just let me know."
Sirius took a glass of lemonade, the cool drink refreshing in the summer heat. He looked around at the idyllic scene—the blooming flowers, the cheerful chatter of birds, and the warm, welcoming smiles of the Potter family. It was everything he had hoped for and more, a perfect moment.

"So—" James started, focusing his eyes on Regulus, "I've heard some things about you and also saw you once, but I can't really say that I know who you are." He formed a friendly smile on his lips, trying to break the ice.
Regulus, however, remained as unimpressed as always, his expression guarded. "What about it? You don't know me, and I don't know you. That's quite easy to understand. I really don't know why you felt the need to highlight that."
James's smile faltered slightly, but he maintained his composure. "What I meant to say is," he continued, keeping eye contact with Regulus, "I would like to get to know you better. Would you mind sharing something about yourself?"
Regulus knew what James meant. Of course, he did. He just didn't want to get to know James Potter. Their mother had explicitly told them not to maintain contact with the Potters. They had already broken that rule by coming to the house and eating the food they had offered them. Well, Sirius had eaten it. Regulus had merely looked at it with disdain, as if there could have been poison in it.
James's gaze was unwavering, a mixture of genuine curiosity and determination. "I get it, Regulus. I know things between our families aren't exactly friendly. But that doesn't mean we have to be enemies too."

He glanced at Sirius, who was watching the exchange with a mixture of hope and encouragement. "You're wasting your time, Potter," Regulus said, his tone clipped. "There's nothing you need to know about me."
Sirius interjected, his voice gentle but firm. "Reggie, give it a chance. James is a good person. He’s not like them."
Regulus looked between his brother and James, feeling a strange mixture of anger and confusion.
James took a step closer, his voice earnest. "Look, I'm not asking for your life story. Just tell me something—anything. What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies? What kind of music do you like?"
Regulus hesitated, his mind racing. This simple act of sharing something about himself felt like a betrayal of everything he had been taught. But there was also a part of him, buried deep, that longed for connection and understanding, something he rarely experienced.

Finally, he sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Fine. I like Astronomy. The stars... they're constant. They don't change, no matter what happens down here."
James's eyes lit up with genuine interest. "Astronomy, huh? That's fascinating. I never really paid much attention to it, but maybe you could show me sometime? Teach me a bit?"
Regulus raised an eyebrow, still skeptical but slightly intrigued by James's enthusiasm. "Maybe," he said noncommittally, but it was the closest thing to an agreement he had given so far.
Sirius beamed, his eyes filled with pride for his brother. "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?"
Regulus shot him a look but couldn't help the faint smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Don't push your luck, Sirius."

"What about music?" James pushed further, and Regulus felt a surge of irritation. He could have killed James for his persistent questioning, but Sirius sat right beside him, brimming with excitement. Regulus didn't want to be the one to dampen his older brother's enthusiasm. Sirius had been thrilled about this gathering ever since James send the invitation, and Regulus couldn't bring himself to spoil it.
With a resigned sigh, Regulus finally replied, "I quite enjoy classical music."
James looked at him, eyebrows knitted in confusion. "Classical? Does anyone actually like listening to that?"
"Of course. It's timeless!" Regulus retorted, his voice tinged with defensiveness. He shot James a glare that could cut glass, but the older boy remained unfazed.
"I bet you like other stuff, something more exciting maybe? Taylor Swift? Everybody likes Taylor Swift!" James declared, with the confidence of someone stating an undeniable fact.
"Who?" Regulus' bewilderment was evident in his voice.
James' eyes widened in disbelief. "You don't know who Taylor Swift is?" Without waiting for a response, he burst into song, loudly- and badly- singing the chorus of one of her hits.
Regulus looked on, both bewildered and mildly amused, while Sirius tried to suppress his laughter.

Sirius turned to his brother and said, "You like other stuff too. Like Queen. We've listened to some albums together."
Regulus didn't. He could tolerate Queen, but he definitely didn't like them. He just didn't have the heart to tell his brother, who had been so happy to share everything and anything about his favorite new band.
James paused in his emotional performance. His eyes were shining brightly. "You two like Queen? I love Queen!" he exclaimed, a wide smile spreading across his face.
"My dad has some old records of theirs. We could listen to them if you want," James suggested, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.
"Really?" Sirius asked, excitement evident in his voice. "I have some too at home. My cousin sends me one at every Christmas and birthday."
"That's so cool," James said, grinning widely. "We have to be quiet, though, because it's in my dad's study and I'm not actually allowed in there."
"Sounds like a challenge," Sirius replied with a mischievous wink. "Come on, Reg, let's go break some rules."

Regulus hated the idea. He wasn't as carefree as Sirius, but he couldn't deny that his brother's infectious spirit. "Alright, but let's be careful. I don't want to get caught."
James led the way to the study, tiptoeing as if embarking on a grand heist. He slowly opened the door, revealing a room lined with bookshelves and a large, antique desk. In one corner, a vintage record player stood, surrounded by a collection of vinyl records.
"Here we are," James whispered, carefully pulling out a record. "This is one of their best albums."
Sirius nodded approvingly. "Nice choice. Let's get it started."
James placed the record on the turntable, and the familiar crackle of the needle touching the vinyl filled the room. The opening notes of "Bohemian Rhapsody" began to play, and Sirius' face lit up with excitement.
Sirius and James sang along enthusiastically, their voices mingling with Freddie Mercury's. Regulus, though more reserved, couldn't help but eye the door at every other second.

Halfway through the song, Sirius turned to Regulus with a gleam in his eye and a mischievous grin. "Come on, Reg! Sing with us!" he urged, his voice brimming with excitement.
Regulus, however, remained steadfast, staring at the floor and pretending not to hear his brother's enthusiastic plea.
As the song built to its dramatic crescendo, Sirius seized an imaginary microphone, his performance full of exaggerated flair and boundless energy. Not to be outdone, James joined in, mimicking Brian May's iconic guitar solo with wild enthusiasm, his fingers dancing in the air as if he held an invisible guitar.
"Maybe I could stand outside the door to see if somebody is coming?" Regulus suggested hesitantly, his voice trembling with anxiety. Breaking the rules was far from his nature, and the thrill his brother and James felt seemed alien to him.
"Don't worry about it, Reg. I've done this a lot, and they've never figured it out," James reassured him, his tone confident and carefree. "I'm guessing the walls of this room are thicker than the others."
Despite James's assurances, Regulus couldn't shake his unease. He quickly moved to the door, his heart pounding, and stood just outside, staring down at the floor. The muffled sounds of Sirius and James's impromptu concert continued behind him, but all he could think about was the possibility of getting caught.

The doorway that had once appeared vibrant and welcoming now seemed shrouded in darkness and gloom. Each sound, no matter how little, caused Regulus's breathing to become labored, as if the very act of drawing breath had turned into an painful task. The persistent noise from the two older boys in the other room only intensified his anxiety. His thoughts spiraled uncontrollably, repeating a single, terrifying mantra: "They will hear us. They have to hear us."
And then, in an instant that seemed to stretch into eternity, his heart stopped.

James’s father stood directly in front of him, his imposing figure casting a long shadow over the floor. His gaze was intense, almost suffocating, as his eyes locked onto Regulus's with an unyielding focus. The weight of his stare was enough to make Regulus feel as though he were being scrutinized under a harsh spotlight. He felt paralyzed, unable to say even a single word. The chaos in his mind left him grappling for something, anything, to say that might ease the tension or offer some semblance of redemption, but nothing came.
“Sorry” was the phrase that flickered in his mind, a potential lifeline that he should have grasped, but the words remained lodged in his throat. Instead, Regulus was overtaken by a torrent of emotion. Thick, ugly tears streamed uncontrollably down his cheeks, each one a manifestation of his helplessness and despair. He felt a deep, gnawing sense of shame as he cried, remembering his mother’s harsh words. She had always told him that crying was a sign of weakness, something to be avoided at all costs. Her voice echoed in his memory.