little brother
James
Regulus Black arrives at Camp Half-Blood. Walburga had informed the camp and asked, no, demanded, that they be picked up at Half-Blood hill. To make matters worse, Peter has been put in charge, even though Sirius has made it quite clear how his mother feels about anything that is ‘unclean’ in her eyes.
James feels nothing but pure loathing for Walburga Black. Several years ago, James roamed the streets with another half-blood before they eventually came across Camp Halfblood. During their travels, they welcomed another demi-god into their group; Sirius Black. He had escaped from an abusive household and was trying to fend for himself on the streets.
James and Sirius had just clicked. They were best friends and inseparable since their run-away-days. Over the years, they had built up a strong bond. Sirius had confided many things to James. Even if James didn't know everything, he had a pretty accurate picture of what went on in Grimmauld Place. But besides all the traumatic experiences that Sirius was trying to get off his chest, there was also something beautiful. His little brother; Regulus Black.
The two brothers used to be very close during their childhood. But towards the end, things got so bad that Sirius had no choice but to leave. It took a long time for Sirius to process most of what had happened there. James was glad that he was able to stand by his best friend during this time. He always tried to help the people he cared about.
And now Regulus was coming to camp. The little brother Sirius had left behind in Grimmauld Place.
Sirius was a mess. He didn't know how to react.
‘James, what if he hates me? I left him alone. I should have taken him with me! But I didn't even know where I was going!’
James wished he could help him somehow.
‘Just try to talk to him. You used to be close, weren't you? Maybe you can rebuild your old bond.’
Sirius looked at him with wide eyes.
‘Yes, you're right. Just take it easy.’
James thought of something else.
‘Tell me, Padfoot, does Regulus also have certain... abilities?’
When he learnt that Sirius was a son of Zeus, he was very shocked at first. Children of the big three were not common. Besides, Sirius was capable of some pretty cool things. Flying, for example. That had been quite a shock.
Sirius looks at him thoughtfully.
‘I don't know. When I lived in Grimmauld Place, he never did anything flashy. But I haven't seen him for a long time.’
At this last remark, he curls his lips into a sad smile. James takes a step forwards and wraps his arms around the other boy.
‘Hey, it's going to be all right.’
Sirius smiles at him.
‘I've missed him.’
James smiles back.
‘I know.’
Suddenly the other campers are just streaming past them. They all head towards Half-Blood hill.
Sirius' look becomes serious.
‘He must be here.’
James puts a hand on his shoulder.
‘You can do this.’
Determined, they follow the others and make their way to Half-Blood hill. They recognise two figures at the top. One of them is Peter. That means the other person must be Regulus. They slowly make their way down the hill and towards them. When Peter recognises them, he gives them a small wave. But Sirius' eyes were fixed on his little brother. When the two of them are within earshot, Sirius takes a step towards them.
‘Hi Reggie! How- How are you?’
Regulus walks past them without sparing them a glance.