Constellations
As the leaves continued their whimsical descent, they seemed to perform an intricate ballet, twirling and pirouetting to an invisible tune only they could hear. The breeze, carrying the whispers of a thousand secrets, swept them toward the bustling station, where a sense of enchantment hung in the air like a spell waiting to be cast.
It was a day filled with eager anticipation, as children and their parents exchanged their heartfelt goodbyes. The platform resonated with laughter and joyful chatter, though beneath the façade of excitement, there lingered an unspoken melancholy. The impending departure for Hogwarts, the renowned school of witchcraft and wizardry, was a momentous occasion, and emotions ran high.
Words of affection flowed freely, and embraces were shared as if they could ward off the impending separation. However, the tearful farewells remained concealed, concealed behind proud smiles and promises to write regularly.
Amidst the flurry of activity, the platform clung to its last vestiges of occupancy, cradling two souls who clung to each other like lost stars in the daytime sky.
"Siri, please, don’t go," implored the younger brother, his voice a plaintive melody that sought to tug at the heartstrings of his elder sibling. The trunks were stowed, and Regulus Black found himself reluctant to embrace the looming separation from his dearest friend. September, a month that portended melancholy, only added to his disheartened state.
"Reggie," replied the older brother, his hands settling gently upon Regulus's shoulders. His lips curled into an affectionate smile as he spoke with unwavering resolve, "I promised I would write to you every single week, and besides, you should be happy to get rid of me. You'll finally get to have more dessert."
"But, Siri," lamented the younger one, "I don’t want sweets, I want you."
"Reg, if it were within my power, I'd take you with me without a second thought. But you must promise not to get into trouble with me away."
The very notion of trouble caused the younger brother to wince with trepidation. The sting of misbehaviour was a memory he wished to leave behind, and his cousin Cissy had once assured him that parents grew kinder with time, once a child grew up.
Regulus Black yearned for the privilege of growing up.
In response to his brother's words, he embraced him with all the fervour his young heart could muster, momentarily catching Sirius off guard. The elder sibling soon reciprocated the gesture, and in that tender moment, they became one, like celestial constellations that merged seamlessly in the starry tapestry of the night sky, radiating their light solely for each other's benefit.
As the brothers clung to each other, it was as if they dared the very universe to pull them apart. Time seemed to hesitate, allowing this fraternal constellation to linger in the tapestry of existence, a testament to the enduring power of brotherly love.
As the station's clock struck the appointed hour, the train's whistle sounded a mournful cry, signalling the inevitable separation. Sirius released his brother from their embrace, a bittersweet smile gracing his lips. "Reg, " he said, his voice a mix of sadness and pride, "it's time for me to go, at least for now. Remember, I'm only a letter away."
Regulus nodded, a glimmer of determination in his young eyes. "I promise to be good, Siri. I'll write to you about everything, and I won't let you down."
Sirius ruffled Regulus's hair affectionately. "That's my brother," he said, his voice filled with warmth.
With a final, lingering look, Sirius joined the throng of young witches and wizards on the train. He found a compartment and settled in, watching as the train began to pull away from the platform. Through the window, he saw Regulus waving with both heaviness and resolution in his movements.
Regulus watched the train until it disappeared from view, his heart a swirling mix of emotions. He knew this separation was necessary, the first step on their respective journeys into adulthood. But as the platform slowly emptied, he couldn't help but feel a profound longing for the brother who had left him behind.
The leaves continued their descent, and the station settled into a tranquil stillness. The world had shifted, and as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, the correspondence between the Black brothers became a lifeline, bridging the physical distance between them. Their love, like the constellations in the night sky, remained steadfast, a source of light and guidance in their separate adventures at Hogwarts and beyond. It was a bond that no separation, no matter how formidable, could ever hope to diminish.