“Moony get down!” Sirius hissed, tugging harshly on Remus’ cloak. He grins sheepishly when the werewolf glares at him from where he fell, brushing dust off of his sleeves.
Sirius turns back to the map, watching Filch’s footsteps move away from their position.
“Well?” Remus asks, already biting into a brownie they stole from the kitchens.
“All clear. Head down this way then detour through the library and we’ll be home free.”
His voice trails off when he sees a new trail form on the map.
Regulus Black, standing in a corridor a little off from the Hospital Wing.
“What the hell is he doing?” He wonders outloud, pointing him out when Remus looks over his shoulder.
“He’s just standing there.” Remus comments, brows furrowing, “Oh wait, there we go, one step forward.”
Sirius gives him an unimpressed look.
“Alright fine , we’ll check it out. Quietly .”
They shuffle under the invisibility cloak until they can see the smaller boy. He’s turned into the corridor by now and looks to be moving at a glacial pace towards the heavy wooden doors.
The Gryffindor’s exhange suspicious glances.
As they move further forwards they start to hear weak panting from the Slytherin as he leans onto the wall for support.
Regulus looks flushed, his eyes screwed shut, fingers turning bone white where they clutch onto the wall to keep him upright.
Remus slips out from under the cloak when he sees his knees wobble.
“Hey, are you alright?”
Regulus startles at his sudden appearance. He hazily glances over at him before scowling and attempting to continue moving.
Remus watches him struggle for a minute longer before he offers again, “Do you want help getting to Pomfrey?”
Regulus swallows, he’s starting to feel concerningly light headed, so he nods. He lets Lupin was it? drag his arm over his shoulder and pull them towards the hospital wing.
“What’s wrong?”
Regulus only shakes his head, focusing on staying conscious and upright.
Remus knocks sharply on the door, looking over to where he thinks Sirius is standing when Regulus folds over slightly in his grip.
Madam Pomfrey opens the door in night robes, her eyes catching onto the dark haired boy immediately, “Oh dear, again?”
Regulus nods, shakily raising his arm towards her.
She tuts quietly before tucking him into her side and moving them to an empty bed.
“Been taking your potion regularly, yes?”
Regulus nods, chest still stuttering as he wheezes, trying to get air into his lungs. He clutches at his chest when the tightness worsens, looking at the healer in panic.
“Not to worry child, I’ll fetch some draught now and you’ll be right as rain. Alright?” She asks gently, waiting for the boy's nod. “Watch him for a moment, won't you Mr. Lupin.”
“Of course ma’am.”
Sirius staches the cloak in a small alcove when she leaves, coming closer to stand next to Remus.
Regulus almost tumbles off the bed when his head spins. The older boys surged forwards automatically to grab onto him.
“Lie down.” Sirius orders.
Regulus shakes his head lightly, speaking though wheezes, “Worse- lying- down.”
“What is worse exactly? What’s happe-”
Remus interrupts Sirius when he notices Regulus’ skin pale further, seeing a flick of panic in his eyes at the thought of an interrogation when he still can’t breathe, “Hey, it’s alright, I’m sure we can talk about that some other time. You heard Madam Pomfrey, didn't you Regulus?”
The younger boy looks at him with half lidded eyes and manages a small nod.
“Exactly, so she’ll be right back with that potion and everything will be fine before you know it.”
Regulus nods again, absently clutching at his throat.
“I know it's hard, but try to follow me.” Remus calls gently, guiding the boy to slow his breathing.
Madam Pomfrey hurries back, handing the potion off the Regulus before he goes to attend to another student. Sirius reaches out to steady it, tipping the potion down sip by sip.
“Better?” Sirius asks gruffly.
Regulus nods, inhaling lightly, wilting as oxygenated blood finally flows through his arteries.
“Would it be alright to lie down now?” Remus prods, at his nod he pulls Regulus towards the head of the bed propping him up against his chest as he fluffs the pillows. Regulus goes quietly, soft breaths puffing against Remus’ collar.
He tips the smaller boy back gently, Sirius’ hands coming to guide him down onto the pillows. Regulus sinks into them, exhaustion weighing him down.
Madam Pomfrey comes back to cast a sonorous charm over his heart and lungs.
“Alright dear, you took the potion before bed tonight, yes?” Smiling fondly when he hums affirmatively. She brushes his hair away (too long like his brothers), “We might have to switch to a more potent formula to avoid this in future.”
“Potion for what exactly? What was that?” Sirius asks impatiently.
“It was an asthma attack Mr. Black, the potion helps open up his airways.”
“Regulus doesn't have asthma.”
“Do.” Regulus croaks with closed eyes, "From second year."
“How?” Remus asks, “I mean isn’t that a little old to develop asthma all of a sudden?”
“Smoke bombs, at the Quidditch final triggered it.” Regulus whispers hoarsely, turning onto his side and snuggling into the quilt.
‘Fuck those were ours, we won the cup that year,’ Sirius realises.
“Regulus-” Remus starts, looking contrite, but doesn’t know what to say.
Regulus is more than halfway asleep when he groans irritably, eyes snapping open to glare weakly at the older boys who were just gawking at him now, “I’m trying to sleep.”
“Reggie we-” Sirius starts.
“Go away . It’s okay. ’m fine.” the younger boy mumbles, “Seriously.”
“Siriusly.” His older brother replies, grinning when Regulus mutters darkly under his breath.
The slytherin squawks when Sirius squeezes him tightly.
“Sirius!”
“Feel better kid, we’ll watch where we light up next time.” Sirius calls over his shoulder as he runs out of the infirmary.