Seven

Sirius and Regulus went to Longbottom's Waffle House on Saturday mornings. However, with the two brothers not being on speaking terms in the moment made the two stay in their respected rooms in the morning instead.

Regulus had sneaked out to the kitchen go grab a quick cup of coffee and a cream scone before locking himself up in his room again. Pandora was at out of town at her grandma's for the weekend, so her house wasn't an option to escape to. Not that he would hang out there a lot anyway. Pandora's parents, Augustine and Roman Lovegood were constantly at odds with each other. Augustine Lovegood worked as an artist for living; she was a woman full of creativity and passion for the world, and was able to see things in a light that other people wouldn't even think about. But in Roman's eyes, art was just unpractical and useless. He worked in the insurance business, and was head of a counterpart at the company he worked at. The two never managed to see eye to eye, and despite them both loving Pandora a lot, their arguments never ceased as the years went by.

He let out a sigh as he took a sip of his coffee. It was weird not talking to Sirius, but he refused to be the bigger person and talk to Sirius first; Sirius would either have to come first or they simply will never talk to each other again. Pulling out a book from his shelf, Regulus decided to let himself escape to the world of Wuthering Heights to get his mind off his own problems.

Though as the time went on, Regulus didn't realize how captivated he was until a knock was heard from his door. Furrowing his eyes, he looked at the clock in his room, and his eyes widened when he saw two hours had already went by.

Another knock was heard, this time it was more impatient and hurried.

Before Regulus could even utter the words come in, the door abruptly opened, slamming itself into the wall.

Regulus's jaw gaped. "What the hell," he glared, "I was just about to let you in."

"Sure you were."

"I was!"

Sirius still didn't look convinced, but-shockingly- didn't argue further and sat down on Regulus's bed. "I'm sorry."

Regulus squinted; his brother did look genuinely apologetic, but he could never be too sure. "So you'll let me go?"

Sirius tensed and Regulus already knew his answer. "Reg," he sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "I still don't want you to go."

Regulus was about to protest before a look from Sirius shut him up, so he resorted to huffing and crossing his arms instead. The two brothers sat in awkward silence for a few moments and Regulus took the time to observe his brother. Sirius's mouth would open a few times before shutting again like he had something to say, but just couldn't find the words to say it.

"Just spit it out," Regulus said impatiently.

"Pardon?"

Regulus rolled his eyes. "Whatever you have to say just say it."

"I--I--"

"Sirius!" Regulus groaned, throwing his back. "Come on-"

"-I talked to our parents!"

Regulus froze. It was strange. The word parents to him seem so foreign; he hasn't seen or even heard about his "parents" in years. Nevertheless Sirius still uttered the word.

"What?"

"I," said Sirius hesitantly, "I needed money. For Hogwarts."

Regulus gulped and he could physically feel his heart sink at his brother's words. Despite Regulus only being young, he knew and could feel Sirius's hatred for their parents with each minute they spent in that house. Going to talk them to ask for money seemed unimaginable. He always thought nothing could make Sirius talk to their parents again.

He was wrong.

"Sirius," Regulus whispered, his voice cracking, "You didn't have to do that."

'I did," protested Sirius softly, "I needed to. For you." Sirius shifted closer to Regulus and brought the younger boy in a hug. "I would do anything for you. Don't ever forget that."

Regulus slowly brought his arms around Sirius too as he held back a sob at his brother's words. It sounded so raw, so tendered, and Regulus could almost feel his big brother's love soar through him. "What happened?"

Sirius's body shook a little and Regulus could hear small sobs leave Sirius as he started to break down. "It was bad Reg," he sobbed, "They're powerful Reg. They threatened they can walk into school to see you and the school wouldn't stop them. They were saying how I would only break you and how you were better off with them." With each word Sirius admitted, he tightened his grip on his baby brother and his sobs got louder.

"Sirius.."

"I would rather die," admitted Sirius hoarsely, "I would rather die than have you choose them."

"Sirius don't stay that!" scolded Regulus, a twitch of panic rushing through his body at the thought. "And I would never! I would never in a million years, no matter the circumstances ever choose them over you."

Regulus leaned back slightly to lock eyes with his brother. "I would choose you over anyone."

Sirius's lip quivered. "Promise?'

Regulus gave a shaky smile. "I promise."

The words soothed Sirius as his sobbing ceased, but he did not falter his grip on Regulus and continue to hold him closely. It was silent again with nothing being heard except the wind occasionally blowing on the window. They savored the peace, but all good things came to an end.

"I still don't want you to go."

Before Regulus learned the truth, he would probably be annoyed, but now he just felt pain. Pain for his brother and what he had to go through. Pain that these two people that were suppose to be their parents may still interfere with their present and future. "Sirius. I get it now. I do," said Regulus honestly. "But we can't let them get to us. We have a beautiful life now away from them, and I have just got offered a great opportunity. We can't let them stop us."

"But I'm scared," Sirius confessed, his voice raspy from all the crying. "I'm scared of what they're capable of. I don't trust them."

"But can't you trust me?" Regulus asked. "I can protect myself Siri. Please. Please trust I'll be okay there."

"You shouldn't have to protect yourself," mumbled Sirius and Regulus just knew his brother was pouting. "I'm your big brother. I'm suppose to protect you."

"Sirius I'm growing up," reminded Regulus, rolling his eyes fondly, "I can protect myself now."

Sirius let out a groan. "Don't remind me," he whined, "Why can't you stay seven forever?"

"Come on Sirius," Regulus pulled away and gave his brother a pleading look, "Please."

"Not fair!" scowled Sirius, "Stop giving me that puppy eyes look."

Regulus groaned and started to shake his brother a little. "Sirius!"

Sirius’s face started to give in as he let out a sigh of defeat. He huffed in annoyance. “Why can I never say no to you?”

A smile instantly bloomed Regulus's face as he started bouncing on the bed. "Thank you thank you thank you!"

Sirius rolled his eyes with a fond smile plastered on his lips that gave away his lack of annoyance. "Yeah yeah."

Regulus laughed and a smirk suddenly creeped onto his face. "Longbottoms Waffle's House?"

Sirius furrowed his eyebrows. "It's like two in the afternoon."

Regulus shrugged. "So?"

"We really are related."

The sun was setting as dinner time approached.

'Don't forget about us littleluns now that you're a big shot," Peter teased before continuing to chop a cucumber. Since neither Regulus or Sirius could cook for their life, one of their friends would often come over to cook and have dinner with them. Sunday nights were usually revered for Peter.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Regulus hollered back from where he was sitting in the living room. Sirius was currently painting his toenails with black nail polish, claiming he needed to look good for his first day.

"You do know no one will be able to see my foot, right?" Regulus asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'll have shoes on."

Sirius gave a dismissive hand. "Not important."

Deciding not to argue with his brother, Regulus only rolled his eyes before turning his attention back onto his phone.

Dora: Who will I with at lunch now?

Reg: This is good for us

Reg: It's our time to branch out and be more social

Reg: Really discover what type of people there are out there

Reg: lmao jk

Reg: find another best friend and I will drag you to Hogwarts with me

Dora: Thought you really were getting possessed there for a second

Dora: and same goes to you

Regulus chuckled softly causing Sirius to turn his attention to his little brother.

"What's got you laughing?"

"Dora," Regulus replied simply, his eyes still stuck on his phone.

Sirius hummed. "Where was she this weekend? She didn't pop by."

"At her grandmas."

"Her parents still fighting?"

Regulus frowned. "When are they not?"

Sirius let out a small discontent sigh. Pandora had been a big part of Regulus's Godric's Hallow life. He didn't know when Regulus and Pandora-two separate proper nouns-became Regulus and Pandora, but Sirius had watched Pandora become Regulus's first friend and had watched her grow up to be a constant loving figure in Regulus's life, so in his books, she was definitely all right. He grew to grow fond of the girl, and always let her in when she needed somewhere to go.

Facing to look at his little brother, Sirius smiled. "You nervous for your first day?"

Regulus thought about it for a moment. "Not really."

"Good," Sirius replied, planting a kiss on his little brother's forehead causing the younger boy to scowl instantly and swat the older boy's face away.

Before Sirius could comment, the front door bursted open, revealing a beaming Potter family.

"For fucks sake!" Sirius exclaimed, placing a hand on his heart. "Have you lot ever heard of knocking?"

James snorted. "That's on you for giving us a key," he narrowed his eyes, "And stop cursing in front of Harry!"

"Stop breaking in and entering!"

"Men," Lily mumbled, rolling her eyes. "There are more important matters here! SPEAK NOW TAYLORS VERSION IS OUT!" (sorry this was a self indulgent and my own wish)

The redhead cheered again before rushing off to the kitchen, quickly followed by a cheering Harry and James who followed her like lost puppies. The faint sound of Lily calling the google home and Peter protesting for them to get out of the kitchen could be heard. Peter's wish was denied as a few seconds later, the soft yet powerful vocals of Taylor Swift started playing.

Your little hand's wrapped around my finger

And it's so quiet in the world tonight

Your little eyelids flutter 'cause you're dreamin'

So I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light

To you, everything's funny

You got nothing to regret

I'd give all I have honey

If you could stay like that

Oh, darlin', don't you ever grow up

Don't you ever grow up

Just stay this little

Oh, darlin', don't you ever grow up

Don't you ever grow up

It could stay this simple

I won't let nobody hurt you

Won't let no one break your heart

And no one will desert you

Just try to never grow up

Never grow up

Sirius turned to Regulus when the lyrics continued playing and pressed another kiss to the younger boys's forehead. This time Regulus didn't complain.

The action was loud and clear.

It was now the first day of school and Regulus felt betrayed.

"How could you do this to me!"

"Oh stop being dramatic Reggie," Sirius rolled his eyes, "That's my thing."

Regulus glared. "It's my first day and you decide to wear that?"

Sirius shrugged. "I look punk rock."

"You look ridiculous!"

"Oh for the love of God," Sirius mumbled as he pulled into the parking lot. He turned his attention to the building instead, and his jaw dropped at the sight. He had seen Hogwarts in the photo and he knew the school was prestigious, but wow . It was more grand than anything Sirius ever seen! And he grew up in the Black family.

"Holy shit," Regulus said, his face just as shocked as Sirius.

The two brothers looked at each other, back at the building, and back at each other again when they settled in the parking spot.

"Well," Sirius cleared his throat and unbuckled his seatbelt, "Let's go."

"Woah woah woah!" exclaimed Regulus, turning to Sirius in panic. "You can't come in with me!"

Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

"You look ridiculous!" said Regulus as if it was obvious. "I don't need to be made fun of on my first day of school!"

"I look ridiculous?" asked Sirius in disbelief. "Those uniforms look ridiculous. I look hot. Now let's go." Sirius got out of the car, ignoring his brother protests and grumbles. Sirius strutted out of the parking lot with confidence, followed by an exasperated Regulus who seemed to be trying to hide himself.

All the adults around were wore outfits that consisted of fancy suits and dresses. Seeing the clothes reminded Sirius how much he hated high society.

"So where are we going?' Sirius asked, glancing around. The place was gigantic.

"We need to see the headmaster first. It says here the office is in the Ambrose building," read Regulus as he looked around.

The two brothers, too focused on finding the business didn't even notice a figure approaching them.

"Lost?" a voice asked.

It was a man who seemed to be around his early thirties. The guy's hazel eyes were stuck on Sirius as he held a friendly smile.

Regulus rolled his eyes. Great. Another person to flirt with his brother while he could be potentially be late to meeting the head master on his first day of school.

"Oh yeah. We're looking for the headmasters office in the Ambrose building," replied Sirius, his eyes looking towards Regulus for confirmation that was the right building and earning a nod from his younger brother in return.

"Well that's just right here." The man gestured towards the building in front of them. "Go down the stairs and take a left then the office should be there on the right."

"Great," Sirius replied, shooting a charming smile at the man. "Thank you."

Regulus held back another eye roll. He gripped Sirius's jacket and started to pull him along when the man spoke again.

"I'm Ian Jack," introduced the man quickly, bringing a hand forward. "My daughter Julia goes to school here."

No one gives a shit!

Sirius, however, seemed to give a shit as he took the hand. "Hi I'm Sirius Black. And this is my brother Regulus."

Before the man could even reply again, Regulus cut in. "Excuse me but we really gotta go."

Sirius seemed to snap back into reality at his brothers words. "Right. We gotta go meet the big guy."

The two brothers started walking away and Regulus could hear the man say something, but the two ignored his words and continued walking. Regulus side eyed his brother as they walked inside. "You're feeling pretty good about yourself, aren't you?"

Sirius smirked. "What can I say? No one can resist my charm," he gave a pointed look at Regulus, "Even if I look ridiculous apparently."

"I still stand by my point," Regulus said calmly as the two turned down the hall.

The two examined the building as they walked towards the hall. It was just as grand as the outside.

"You ready?" asked Sirius once they approached the door that said Headmasters Office in the center.

"No."

The two stood in silence for a moment.

"You ready?"

"Yes."

Sirius knocked.

"Come in."

The two slowly walked into the office and took in the sight. It was just as grand as the rest of the school. There was a large dark brown desk in the center with paintings on the wall with golden frames and a old grandfather clock pushed against the wall. There was small brown comforter on the side as well. And sitting at the desk was an old man with a long beard.

"Mr. Black and Mr. Black. Come take a seat." The two brothers glanced at each other before sitting at the chairs in front of the desk.

The man looked up from the paper he was writing on. If he was surprised by Sirius's choice of clothing, he did not show it. 'I'm Headmaster Dumbledore." He extended an hand towards them both, which both brothers politely shooked.

Sirius and Regulus expressed their pleasantries, receiving a small nod from the headmaster.

Dumbledore turned towards Regulus. "You are obviously a bright boy Regulus," he said, taking a look at Regulus's paper work. "Good grades, teachers like you," he listed. "What are your aspriations?"

Regulus's answer was instant. "I wanna go to Oxford to study literature."

"Literature, hm?" Dumbledore looked up. "High goals. But I must tell you: You might have been the smartest boy at Goridc's Hallow, but Hogwarts is a different place. The pressures are greater, the rules are stricter, and the expectations are higher. If you make it through, you will receive one of the finest educations one can get. However, since you are starting late and not use to this competitive atmosphere, there is a good chance you will fail." Dumbledore paused. "And that is fine. Failure is a part of life. But it is not a part of Hogwarts."

The two brothers sat in silence for a moment and just stared at Dumbledore.

Sirius blinked. "Nice office," he said blandly, not knowing what else to say.

Dumbledore cracked a small smile. "Take this to Miss James in the Administration Office across the hall." he handed Regulus a small folder. "And good day to you both."

The two did not wait as a second as they sent their quick farewells before rushing out of the office. As soon as they closed the door behind them, Sirius looked at Regulus. "You sure you wanna go to this school?"

"Yeah kinda regretting my choice now," Regulus said, only half joking. "How do I look?"

There was a small edge of nervousness in Regulus's tone that made Sirius's eyes soften as he smiled fondly. "You look great, Reg."

"Really?"

"Really," Sirius insisted. "You're an amazing kid. You've earned this. And you just go in there and show them what smart really is. I love you," he placed a hand on Regulus's shoulder, "Call me if you need anything."

Regulus felt slightly better as he smiled softly. "Ok," he whispered, "I love you too."

Sirius placed a kiss on Regulus's hairline before the two brothers parted ways for the day. Regulus watched his brother walk further and further away and let out a sigh. He took one more glance before entering the administrative office.

Dorcas Meadowes had seen the new kid walked in. He was lanky, curly haired, and walked along side with an older guy who seemed to be in his mid twenties. She knew exactly who he was.

Regulus Black.

Of course, Dorcas didn't know him personally. But she has heard about the runaway Black heir and taking the spare with him from articles and her parents. She had seen a picture of Sirius before, and the older one of the two was it. That would leave the younger one to be the spare brother: Regulus Black.

The Black family despite the scandals remained an influential and one of the most powerful families in the high society of their area. Their business was booming and paired with their good looks made the family not only blessed with wealth, but blessed with fame and privilege. It didn't matter Regulus was a runaway, he still was a Black, and that made Dorcas scared.

Competition was large in this school, but she managed to stay on top. She didn't need a white boy with immense privilege and charm to ruin it.

So there she was: sitting behind the bushes up against the administrative office waiting for Lucinda Talkalot to drop her Regulus's folder. She was accompanied by her best friend's Barty Crouch Jr. and Evan Rosier. Barty along with her was also one of the top mark kids in her grade, and was under immense pressure by his father. However, Barty still was more loose and rebelled from his father's wishes often causing him to fall behind Dorcas. He had seen Regulus too, but instead of sharing the same negative feelings, he found Regulus cute

Evan was more indifferent. He wasn't as interested in academics, and not other much pressure from his parents, so he was more free to do whatever he want. Despite Dorcas's family being wealthy, she was not comparable to the Rosier and Crouch influence. She wouldn't get the same free passes to top schools like them, she acknowledged her privileges, but also recognized she would have to work way harder than they ever would.

A soft tap was hard from the window, making Dorcas look up and immediately take the folder from Lucinda.

"Well?" Barty asked before Dorcas could even open the folder, making her glare at Barty quickly before focusing her attention back.

"Hurry please," Evan said, "There spiders here."

"Regulus Black," muttered Dorcas, "Perfect attendance, 4.0 grade point average, part of theater club," listed Dorcas, ignoring Evan's complaints about the bugs and dirt.

"Literature major," Dorcas noted.

"Same as you," Barty replied causing Dorcas to look up at glare at the boy again.

"Somethings biting me," Evan screeched, "I hate nature!"

Barty and Dorcas continued to ignore him.

"He's a month behind," Dorcas reasoned, "He will never catch up."

"You can tutor him," Barty smirked, "Be like a big sister."

"You're funny," Dorcas replied plainly. "Why are they letting all these extra people in? They just take up space and screw up the curve."

"Is that a lizard?" asked Evan, pure horror in his voice. "Okay that's enough. Bye."

Barty hummed in agreement. "But he's cute. Do you think he's into guys?"

Dorcas rolled her eyes, tapping the window sill to give the folder back. "Whore."

"For him I am."

Dorcas slapped him by the back of the head before brushing her skirt off and walking off, not bothering to wait for Barty.

Sirius Black didn't remember the last time he was so anxious. "Do you think he's ok?" he asked for the millionth time.

Remus rolled his eyes. "Pads for the last time I'm sure he's fine."

"I shouldn't have let him go to that school," he groaned, "I'm going to pick him up."

As soon as he got up from his seat, Remus snapped his eyes up at glared at him. "Sit your ass back down Sirius Black."

Sirius huffed, but complied. "Moony," he whined, "That school is too dangerous. He's just a baby!"

"He's fifteen."

"Tsk, baby!"

"There is no point in arguing with you," muttered Remus, turning around to grab the carton of milk, "Look Sirius I get you're nervous, but Reg will be fine. He's a strong kid."

Sirius physically felt his shoulders deflate as he let out a defeated sigh. "I know, but I'm just so scared."

Remus's eyes softened as he walked around the counter and sat down on the stool next to him. He took Sirius's hands, making Sirius widen his eyes as he felt his heart skip a beat for some reason.

"And that's okay," reassured Remus softly, "It's okay to be scared and I'm proud of you for letting him go."

Sirius's cheeks flushed as he laughed weakly. "Since when are you so nice?"

Remus grinned. "Since you seem seconds away to start sobbing like a baby."

"Am not!" protested Sirius.

Remus raised an eyebrow. "I think you are the actual baby, not Reg."

"Take that back right now Remus Lupin!"

Remus didn't.

The two laughed softly together for a few moments before they were just sitting there, starring at each other.

"You're a good brother," whispered Remus.

"And you're a good friend," Sirius whispered back, smiling fondly.

Despite the words having good intention, Remus's eyes hardened slightly as he looked away. Dropping Sirius's hands, he cleared his throat softly. "Right. Yeah. I have to get back to work."

Sirius blinked at the abrupt action, but didn't comment. "Right. I have to get back to work too."

Remus nodded before walking around the counter, making Sirius just stare at him for a few seconds before leaving as well.

Sirius didn't know why his hands felt cold without Remus's.