Chapter 1
They say, "Better safe than sorry." But if you're never sorry, have you ever truly lived? If you stay on the safe path, will you ever see what the world has to offer?
I wonder if I hadn't been there that day, they would never have gotten the chance to see the other side of life. Maybe they would be six feet deep while I wandered the world, never knowing the people I missed. Maybe Sirius would never have landed on my doorstep, one foot in the grave, blood dripping from his mouth. Never had the chance to plead, "James, I couldn't do it anymore. James, Reggie, he's- Reggies still there!" But then again, maybe it all would have been better if i hadn’t done anything at all.
It’s been merely eight days since Sirius had shown up. But I feel like it's already been an eternity. And Regulus is still there, all alone. I've been trying not to mention him to Sirius. I'm almost positive he would burst into tears at the mention of his name. Although, I can't say I wouldn't do the same if I were in his position. And I can't lie, I'm worried. I never really knew Regulus, Sirius, even if he cared deeply about him, never really mentioned him to us. I doubt anyone could exist in that house alone. I don't know how Sirius made it that long with his brother, let alone Regulus being there by himself. Sirius mostly kept the things that happened to them quiet, but every once in a while, usually in the depths of night locked away in my bed, Sirius would cry to me that he didn’t know what to do. That he needed to keep strong for his little brother. And no matter how many times I muttered to him, You don’t always have to be strong for everyone. He stayed. Of course Sirius is worried, even though he doesn't say it. Sirius always protected his brother. Regulus always comforted Sirius. From my understanding, they were there for eachother, and none of them were ever alone. None of them would have made it alone. And now Regulus is alone.
"James! Sirius! Dinners ready!" The sweet sound of Effie's voice reverberated through their cottage. It was a quaint little house, at least in the Potter family's eyes, that was tucked away in a little grove near a creek. It was close enough to the muggle village that many summer days, when all the Marauders were around, they would walk up to it and explore the oddities of the muggle world. But it was far away enough that the boys could also hop on their brooms and play a few rounds of Quidditch. Though, Effie never let the boys play with a real Snitch, though sometimes Fleamont, James’ dad, would hand them one behind Effie's back with a wink.
I stepped out of my room and briefly met Sirius's eyes, they were dark brown, almost to the point of being black. The usual sparkle of life that used to linger always, seemed to have gone away. I gently bumped into Sirius's arm, a gesture of comfort. Sirius just smiled weakly and my heart ached slightly.
We sat at the small table where my Pa was already seated. Effie sat down a hot bowl of curry and rice, one of my favorite traditional meals. Second only to Paratha. I quickly served myself and waited impatiently for my mum to finish her prayer. Once she had finished, Sirius and I dug in. And boy, its looks were nothing to its taste. The mix of spices were excellently spread, and it seemed to melt in your mouth. I thanked my mother, many times, and definitely didn’t get castigated for talking with my mouth full.
Moments like these; sitting at the dinner table making jokes, having light conversations, and eating delicious food made me almost forget about Sirius' problems or Regulus. Looking over to Sirius, I could see his old self again, a light laugh painted across his face, his bark of laughter filling the room, my Mum and Pa smiling and chiding Sirius or I for mildly inappropriate jokes, although my Dad almost always had a cheeky smile while telling us off.
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Christmas Day was fast approaching, and although we all tried to keep our spirits up, the emptiness from events of only a few weeks ago was heavy. Sirius' eyes, although scrunched up most of the time in a smile, were filled with worry. Effie's famous pies tasted duller this year; the scents of Holiday candles and spices were lovely, of course, but lacked the feeling. And late nights were just a little quieter and less merry. Thoughts of Regulus often filled my mind, and I'm sure everyone felt this way. Regulus, sitting alone in his room on Christmas Day, maybe he had to attend some stupid ball or grand feast. But alone, he definitely was.
I ran my hands through my hair, sitting up in my bed. The circular window next to my bed let the moonlight into my room. Dad had put up curtains a few months after I had moved into this room. But I found myself opening them so often to see the sky that I rendered them useless and took them down. So, now, the light of a full moon showed across my face. I looked up and imagined what Remus was right now; a beautiful wolf, maybe curled up in a ball, sleeping. Although that was wishful thinking, if I were honest with myself, Moony was probably ripping his skin wondering where his buddies were. And Regulus, probably in his room; I have a hard time imagining this room as anything more than a jail cell. And I suppose it probably feels that way as well. Maybe Regulus is thinking of his brother. Or, maybe he is staring at the very same moon and thinking about me. I wonder if Regulus has ever spared even so much as a thought more than Sirius' best mate for me. Does Regulus see me try to smile at him in the hallways? Does he know I don't only see him as Sirius' little brother? Does Regulus wonder about me like I wonder about him?
I suddenly sat up. I can't let Regulus be stuck in that bloody house all Christmas. I can't let Sirius worry about him all break long. So I'll have to bring Regulus here for Christmas, or maybe just a few nights. It was a stupid plan I’m sure, but I quickly put on some of my few muggle clothes, grabbed my wand and an old rucksack, and then tiptoed down the stairs, trying my best not to make a noise. I figured my parents wouldn't be thrilled to see what I was doing. Once safely far from any sleeping people, I rushed to grab a snack along the way, and one extra, in case they hadn't been feeding Reg enough. I also grabbed a map because although I vaguely know the area Sirius lived in, I'm not positive where their house is. Then I grabbed a piece of paper and quickly wrote a note reading;
"Be back soon. Went to get Reg, sorry. XXXX -James"
I stuck it on our fridge. I hoped that it would be good enough of an explanation and my parent would be too mad. I grabbed one last thing before leaving; my invisibility cloak.
I opened the front door and it made a horribly loud noise. I cringed and looked up my staircase and listened with all my might. When I heard nothing, I sucked in a breath and tiptoed out, praying to Merlin no one woke up. I shut the door, letting out my breath. I took a few steps back and looked towards my parent's bedroom window. But no lights were on, which I will take as a good sign. I now have no choice but to walk on. This might be the worst idea I've ever had, and that's saying a lot. But I'm going to rescue Regulus and spend a good Christmas with everyone around me, hopefully.