Two
Four Years Later
Sirius Black stared at his brother’s shut bedroom door and hesitated before he knocked once.
The door opened and Regulus stared back. Even after his growth spurt, he still was shorter than Sirius, though they still shared similar faces.
“You’re leaving.” Regulus stated, noting the bag on the floor.
“Yeah.” Sirius replied. Their relationship was tense with Walburga constantly screeching at his Gryffindor deeds and accusing him of leading Regulus astray whenever he tried to whisk him into the Muggle world.
Sirius didn’t want Regulus to be reprimanded and detested by his parents, so he kept his distance. It most certainly didn’t help when James, his best friend, pranked the Slytherin dormitory by planting non-removable glitter into their shampoo, causing Regulus to have glittered hair for a whole term until his hair grew out and he could chop it off.
Regulus stared at him silently.
Sirius gulped. He felt like a coward, running away. He promised to protect him ten years ago, and even if Regulus forgot about it, he still remembered.
He didn’t want to leave his brother alone in here, but all the fights and screaming matches were taking a toll on his mentality.
Euphemia and Fleamont Potter offered to house him, so he was more than willing to pack his things and leave.
“Reggie…” Sirius started.
“Don’t call me that. You’re abandoning me.” Regulus snapped. He only allowed Sirius to call him Reggie. Even Lysandra could only call him Reg. Or when she wanted to make fun of him, she’d call him Reg-reg. Reggie was reserved for Sirius alone, because Sirius was his big brother who’d be with him and support him.
“Regulus,” Sirius continued, “…come with me. You’ll be treated much better than with them.”
Walburga and Orion Black were not good parents. One was insistent on pureblood supremacy, another was a drunk who’d neglect all his fatherly duties. Regulus would be treated much better if he were to come along. Even though he’s a Slytherin, the Potters wouldn’t treat him with prejudice.
James would treat him like a brother, given how he’s Sirius’s brother, and a decent Seeker.
“I don’t know your friend. Why would I go with you?” Regulus retorted coldly. The only encounters with James Potter were unpleasant, mostly ending up with fractured arms from bludgers or pranks gone too far. Once he got locked in an empty Potions cabinet and it was Lysandra who broke him out hours later, when he was missing from dinner.
“Regulus, please, you should come with me. You belong with me, let me protect you.” Sirius pleaded. His conscience would never forgive him if he left Regulus all alone in this hellhole of a home.
“I don’t need you or your stupid Gryffindor morals to protect me. I can fend for myself pretty well.” Regulus sneered. He could’ve sworn Sirius looked heartbroken, and it broke him a little.
But Sirius was the only one suffocating in here, and Regulus most certainly didn’t think he should go after him.
“If you want to leave, leave. I don’t give a damn.” Regulus said, “but don’t drag me into your mess because of your useless Gryffindor values that’ll kill you from all the recklessness.”
His door slammed shut.
Sirius Black stood in the hallway for a long while before he picked up his bag and left.
Regulus was laying against his door the whole time, listening to his footsteps.
He was alone now.
***
Fifteen-year-old Lysandra Malfoy was reading her Charms textbook and trying out new Charms when Lyria appeared on her windowsill.
She untied the parchment tied to her leg.
Please come over. The paper only read.
Dread pooled in Lysandra as she quickly slid a bookmark in her book and slammed it shut. Grabbing her wand, she dashed down the stairs to Floo.
“Whoa— where are you going, Ly?” Lucius called out when she nearly bumped into him and crashed both of them down the stairs.
Lysandra didn’t answer and tossed Floo powder at the fireplace. “Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place.”
Green flames erupted around her as she disappeared.
“Ugh. Regulus Black again.” Lucius sneered. “That stupid sod keeps stealing my sister.”
Narcissa, his fiancée, only snickered. “And they still say they’re best friends.”
Lysandra coughed out Floo powder as she emerged from the kitchens of 12 Grimmauld Place.
“Mistress Malfoy!” Kreacher, the house-elf exclaimed. “You didn’t tell us you’d be coming over. I haven’t prepared your favourite cupcakes!”
“Sorry Kreacher, I was in a rush. It’s okay though, you don’t have to make them every time I’m over.” Lysandra responded, patting the dust off her dress. “Pardon me, but I have to find Reg. He’s in his room, right?”
“Master Regulus is in his room.”
“Great, thanks!”
Lysandra rushed up the stairs and threw Regulus’s door open. “What happened?”
“He’s gone.” A muffled voice rang under the blanket. Regulus had curled under his blankets.
“Oh, Reg.” Lysandra sat on his bed as she patted the blanket fort. “He’ll be alright. I’m sure he’s with someone who’d care for him.” They’ve been talking about how Sirius would eventually leave and Regulus had voiced his worry over his brother.
“He is, I just felt really bad.” Regulus sniffled, “he wanted to take me with him, but I snapped at him and told him to piss off.”
Lysandra hugged the blanketed friend and patted what was presumably his back. “You didn’t want to leave, I know. It’s hard. I’m sorry you had to go through this.”
“I don’t want him to leave either.” Regulus sniffed, “he promised to be with me and protect me.”
“Well, but you did say leaving is good for him. It’s either him leaving or you walking into homicide, remember that time your mum was pointing her wand at him and ready to hex him senseless?” Lysandra tried to comfort him, “you two have no choice.”
Regulus’s head popped up from the blankets. His eyes were red and puffy.
“Aww, look at you, all crying and moping.” Lysandra cooed. “It’s alright, just cry it out, I’m here.” She enveloped him into a hug and rubbed circles on his back.
Regulus hugged Lysandra tightly and sobbed. “I don’t have a brother anymore.”
Lysandra didn’t know what to say. She felt a part of her heart break from seeing Regulus being so down, and she just hugged him back with equal intensity.
“I’m here,” she said, coddling her best friend, “I’m not going anywhere.”
Regulus looked up to her face. “You promise?”
Lysandra nodded. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I?” She smiled weakly in an attempt to cheer him up. “You know what, why don’t we go out for a walk? I heard they’re releasing the newest edition to the Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures.”
Regulus rolled his eyes and finally grinned. “Just so you know, you suck at comforting people. You’re so terrible at it that I find it hilarious.”
Lysandra smacked his shoulder lightly. “At least it works. Come on, go change and let’s go to Diagon Alley. I’ll wait for you downstairs.”
She stood up and left the room. Before leaving, she looked back at Regulus.
“I’m not going anywhere… so well you could rely on me, Reg.”
“You’re overdoing it, Lys.” Regulus groaned.
Lysandra made a face and went downstairs.
Regulus left his bed and shut the door. He opened the wardrobe door to dig up clothes.
He stared at his attire. He did not just owled Lysandra to come over and watch him wail when he’s in pyjamas.
Sweet Merlin, my image is ruined! Redness erupted on his cheeks when he remembered how he sobbed in her embrace. In Barny the Fruitbat pyjamas.
***
Lysandra was sniggering silently at Regulus’s Ballycastle Bats pyjamas when she noticed Walburga Black sitting on the sofa, staring silently at the entrance of the house.
“Hello, Mrs Black!” She greeted.
“Hulol, Lysandra. I see you are here for Regulus?” Walburga acknowledged, turning her head to face Lysandra on the stairway instead of facing the door.
“Yes, we’re heading to Diagon Alley later. Is there anything you would want us to get?”
“Fetch me an ashtray from Horizont Alley. I broke one this morning.” Walburga replied after some thought, “stay away from Knockturn Alley, would you two? Not quite safe there.”
“No problem.” Lysandra compiled.
As Lysandra was picking up the Daily Prophet on the dinner table, trying to figure out the sudoku, Walburga spoke again.
“As you may know, Sirius is no longer with us.” She said solemnly.
Lysandra put down the paper and walked to the sofa. She knelt down to Walburga’s level and held her hand. “I know, I’m so sorry this happened.”
“Don’t be sorry, that boy deserved it.” Walburga replied coldly, as if she hadn’t been staring at the door for hours hoping Sirius would return.
“If you say so, Mrs Black.”
“Lysandra,” Walburga continued, her stern face softening, “don’t be like Sirius, would you? Regulus couldn’t take it if you left as well.”
“I would never do that.” Lysandra promised.
“Good.” Walburga clasped her hands together with Lysandra’s hand, “you’re like a daughter to me, Lysandra. I’d hate it if you end up like him.”
Lysandra nodded silently. She wasn’t sure how to answer that.
Regulus’s footsteps ricocheted from the stairway.
“Come on, Lys, let’s go.” Regulus called out, “morning, Mother.”
“Bye, Mrs Black!”
Both of them held hands as they Floo-ed to Diagon Alley.
“Why are there so many people?” Lysandra exclaimed as they emerged into Diagon Alley. The streets were packed with people.
Lysandra glanced at the magical calendar and shook her head, “right, it’s August. People are rushing to get their books and robes.”
“Good that we’ve already gotten them right after term ended.” Regulus patted the dust off Lysandra and pulled her up. “Where are you planning to get that book?”
“I think we should start at Flourish and Blotts.” Lysandra responded. Flourish and Botts had the most books.
“It’ll be crowded.” Regulus said, “hold my hand, would you? I’d hate to waste time finding you if we get separated.”
Once Lysandra strayed off to Second-Hand Bookshop while everyone was shopping at Flourish and Blotts for school books. It took Lucius and Regulus half an hour scrambling around to find her cooped up in the bookshop with a second-hand Potions textbook. Lysandra loved second-hand textbooks for the notes scribbled into the margins, which she claimed to help her learn faster.
Sometimes there might be love-notes and rambles and doodles, which Lysandra found interesting.
“That was one time, Reg! I'll be a fifth-year soon, I was in second-year when that happened.”
“Not taking any risks. Hand now, if you’d please.” Regulus refused to step down.
Lysandra huffed and grabbed his right hand. She dragged him to Flourish and Blotts.
“Miss Malfoy!” The manager noticed the blonde and quickly rushed over despite the crowd of people waiting for their books. “And Mister Black too! What can I do for you two?”
“I was wondering if you’ve got Edwardus Lima’s newest Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures.”
“Ah, I’m sorry, Miss Malfoy, but the book isn’t due to be released until next Monday.” The manager rubbed his palms with an apologetic look, “is there anything else you’re looking for?”
“Oh, it’s alright. We’ll look by ourselves.” Lysandra replied.
The manager bid them goodbye and returned to tend to other patrons.
“Where did you get the information from?” Regulus asked Lysandra. “It’s not even released!”
“Oh shut it, Reg. Let’s look somewhere else.” Lysandra dragged him by his arm and they started to make their way out of the shop.
“Oi, watch where you’re going!” They had bumped into Harrison Nott. The older Slytherin was hostile to Lysandra after she was sorted into Ravenclaw, and as Lysandra recalled, Reg had a bad experience with him.
“I’m sorry that you didn’t have the eyes to watch where you were going, Harrison.” Lysandra drawled. Reg snorted.
“Watch who you’re speaking to, Malfoy.” Nott sneered, “you’re not even a true Malfoy, sorted into that sad House of yours.”
Anger flashed in Regulus as he stepped forward and scoffed, “then I am sorry for your lack of eyesight, Nott. Last I heard, you failed the trials for the House team again. Is that…” He furrowed his brows mockingly, “the third time?”
“Still better than that little girlfriend of yours being a blood traitor betraying Slytherin and sullying herself with lowly things.” Nott insulted.
Regulus lunged forward as if to punch him but Lysandra pulled him back. “I’ll make sure your claims about me reach my brother’s ears, Harrison. Good day.”
Lysandra pulled Regulus away without giving Nott even a glance.
“Why are you pulling me back? That tragic excuse of a man is insulting you!” Regulus demanded, “I’m taller than him, just let me have a go!”
“I think he’ll wish he was punched by you after Lu grill him.” Lysandra answered. Harrison Nott and Lucius Malfoy were working together. Lucius would enjoy tormenting his inferior for insulting his sister.
“True,” Reg muttered, “your brother is terrifying.” Bellatrix had smuggled him into their society meetings once, and Lucius had a menacing aura. He had been so used to seeing the soft Lucius in front of Lysandra that he had forgotten Lucius Malfoy was a cruel person who’d do everything to achieve his ambitions.
“Merlin’s beard, we didn’t correct him when he referred to me as your girlfriend.” Lysandra realized.
“It’s not like he’ll believe it.” Regulus said. They’ve been sticking together during all their years in Hogwarts and the rumours were flying all the time.
Lysandra shrugged. “I guess so.”
Neither of them admitted that they most certainly didn’t mind.
They continued to walk towards Obscurus Books when Regulus spotted Sirius Black walking with the Potter couple and Potter.
“Lys, let’s go another way.” He whispered.
“But Reg, the shop’s right at the end of the path.” Lysandra replied confusedly, then peered at what Regulus was looking at. “Oh, nevermind. Let’s go.”
Sirius had noticed them and reached forward as if to get to Regulus.
Regulus froze as his hand holding Lysandra’s tightened. Then he pulled on her arm and spun on his heel, going in the opposite direction.
Lysandra could only look at Sirius’s down expression as she was huddled away by her best friend.
“Do we have to go anywhere else other than that bookshop?” Regulus asked, looking back to make sure his brother wasn’t following.
“Your mother wanted a new ashtray.” Lysandra recounted.
“Oh, right.” Regulus pondered. “She smashed the ashtray this morning when she found out he left.”
In a fit of rage, Walburga Black had thrown Orion’s ashtray across the wall, and it shattered into pieces.
“Tobacconist’s in Horizont Alley. Let’s go.”
Regulus and Lysandra took a turn and walked into Horizont Alley.
Regulus spent a while looking at the ashtrays before deciding to take the most expensive one, since he couldn’t find one that was the exact replica of the old one.
With the velvet box in hand, they walked back to Diagon Alley, peering around to make sure Sirius was nowhere in sight.
Lysandra stepped into Obscurus Books and asked for the book.
Turns out, Obscurus had the book on shelves early. Lysandra happily got her new encyclopedia.
“Are you that happy to have a new book?” Regulus smiled. Lysandra was yipping around cuddling the thick book.
“Not just a new book, it’s the Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures!”
Regulus shook his head. His best friend was crazy over books and magical creatures.
He held out his hand to Lysandra. “Come on, let’s go and get some ice cream.”
“I want bubblegum ice cream.”
“And I want toffee.”
Regulus felt calmer now. Just this morning he was moping over his brother’s departure, and now he felt better now. Lysandra sucked at comforting with words, but at least she would drag him out to distract him.
Plus he found her silly attempts at comforting him hilarious.
“Thanks, Lys.” He whispered.
“What for?” Lysandra asked, head buried in her new book.
“Nothing.”
Everything.