── Tuesday 3rd November 1970

SIRIUS AND REGULUS BLACK had always been opinionated. It didn't matter that the two were merely boys; one now eleven, and the other still nine. Their views were utterly antithetical to their sibling's and it was clear as a crystal ball.

The eldest of the brothers - Sirius Orion Black, was an absolute nightmare. He was, as their mother put it, a petulant, infantile cretin whose mind has been plagued by the sickening thoughts of mudbloods, halfbreed and vermin alike. Sirius stood for anything their parents stood against, it seemed his only place in the ancient House of Black was to become its utter disappointment and defy every belief the family of purebloods had ever held to heart.

Regulus Arcturus Black was, in fact, almost everything his brother was not. It was no wonder he was the favoured of the two, the younger boy was much more impressionable, believing practically all and any of the discriminating words that fell from their mother's abrupt and unforgiving tongue. Though, even he couldn't escape Walburga's wrath at all times; it depended on their mother's mood, honestly. Sometimes his older half wasn't around to take the attention away, sometimes all eyes focused on him and every small slip-up was met with some form of scolding or punishment, because, despite popular belief, even young Regulus wasn't perfection to a Black's standards. At least not yet.

Much was on his mind as he subconsciously poked at the delectible (even more than usual) supper the house elves had prepared that night. Usually he'd enjoy it, especially considering it was Sirius' birthday, but today was a different matter. All Regulus could think about was how by this time next year, his dear brother would be off at Hogwarts, and he'd be left home alone.

Now, perhaps it was surprising, but the two brothers were inseparable. Wherever Sirius went, Regulus usually followed, because even though the eldest had a knack for causing trouble - just earlier, he'd smashed about a dozen glasses, at his own celebration and then called the portrait of their great aunt a disgusting hag with a piggy little nose for ratting him out in a manner that was anything but discreet - yes, despite his faults and Regulus' too, they were brothers, and the nine-year-old had never loved someone so much as he did Sirius.

And of course that was the problem: Sirius. Who'd hold a terrified Regulus tight during thunderstorms, cracking occasional jokes to help him get through the night. Sirius, who'd understand he needed to be alone and spend time spiting their parents just so he could be forgotten, free to think over how he'd been screamed at for things as simple as forgetting to brush his dark curls. Sirius, who was there to look out for him even if the older boy was, according to their family, completely delusional. Sirius, who would soon be leaving. Regulus gripped the fork in his hand tighter at the thought, as if doing so would prevent the owl with the letter that meant their separation from ever finding them.

"Regulus Black." Walburga's sharp voice cut through his contemplations and worries like the blade of a dagger, and the boy slowly looked up, his hold on the silver cutlery diminishing and his posture straightening in his chair.

"Yes, mummy?" he asked, managing to keep his voice steady, despite the two pairs of eyes (hers and their father's) that scrutinised him intensely. Sirius, who'd been rather indignantly, and very purposefully, shoving a full steak into his mouth, raised his eyebrows, probably having half expected it to be his name spoken and not his brother's. Regulus would've preferred that, honestly.

Walburga narrowed her grey eyes, "Do not play with your food. If there is anything that I will not tolerate, it is lack of table manners. Even more from my own son." She held her head higher, before adding, "I raised you better than this, child," and then continued to eat her food with the haunting elegance of some ashen ghost.

All Regulus could do was nod glumly, though it seemed Sirius had other ideas. He scoffed, nose crinkling as he leant back, one arm casually swung over his chair, "I hardly think we were raised at all," he said, with a smile that showed he was proud of the fact, waving the piece of potato on his fork like a wand as he did. Regulus stiffened, his eyes falling back to their parents, who seemed appalled, whilst Sirius carelessly chewed said potato.

In its saving grace from their mother's fury, though slight disappointment from Regulus' part, Sirius' long awaited letter arrived right then. Regulus heard his father let out a soft sigh as the clumsy, brown Hogwarts owl dropped the letter in its talons onto his brother's lap and flew off. Sirius' stared at it in surprise, as if it wasn't painfully obvious what the letter was for. The dark-haired boy then glanced at Regulus, only letting him see the slight fear that had settled in his eyes. Though, he still ripped open the envelope.

"Sirius," his father spoke, calmly yet with the sense of silent authority he always had. "Do put th-"

Sirius cleared his throat loudly, interrupting the man. His confidence reappeared as he read out the contents of the letter, dismissing their father's attempt to have him wait, because that was the entire reason he was reading it at all; to dismiss their father.

"Dear Mr Black, We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on 1st September. We await your owl by no later than 31st July. Yours sincerely, Minerva-" the eleven-year-old furrowed his eyebrows, hesitating, "...Mc-Gon-a-gall." he finished finally, a smug smile forming on his face as he glanced at their father.

Regulus slumped back.

Hope had flown out a window along with the owl.

── ✧ ──

SIRIUS STROLLED OUT OF THE DINING ROOM, a frown appearing on his otherwise vacant face as he met eyes with his younger brother who'd apparently taken to waiting outside.

The older boy rushed towards the other, ignoring the stinging sensation on his cheek that defined Walburga's disapproval. Disapproval for what? Well, many things. The dark-haired boy wasn't really keeping track. He engulfed his brother in a hug, holding him with a firmness he felt was at least a little reassuring, if not for Regulus, then himself.

"You're not supposed to hear stuff like that," he murmured quietly, well aware of his brother's sensitivity when it came to his mother's screeching.

Reggie pulled back (something which Sirius was reluctant in letting him do). His younger brother looked up at him confidently, his eyes sparkling with what Sirius assumed were tears, "I'm nine, Siri! I'm old enough."

Though, at that exclamation, Sirius gave a lopsided grin that didn't quite reach his sorrowful eyes, one hand still held his brother's arm in a stubborn manner of refusing to let him go. "You'll always be my little, baby brother, Reggie. And I'm not that old! So, you're not either."

"Eleven is a big age," he muttered back with a huff, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand, before tilting his head as if attempting to see how Sirius had changed over the previous night. He had aged in the last twenty-four hours, after all. "You get your Hogwarts letter and everything."

Sirius paused, eyes widening. Realisation hit and obviously his little brother was upset about the letter. His cheeks puffed out, "You know I'm not going to just forget you, right? I love you!"

"You'll be gone all year!" the pale boy pointed out, crossing his arms.

Sirius stared down at his brother, expression softening. Could he really leave Reggie here? Alone? It didn't matter that he was their parent's favourite - Sirius knew the younger black hated having his attempts at their family's exemplary behaviour judged. Reggie lived to impress his parents, and any degrading could - would - ruin the boy's spirit. Yet... it was only a year, and it wasn't as if Sirius had a choice. The older brother sighed, shaking his head. "I'm not going anywhere, not yet," he reassured gently, "We have till September, little brother. I'm right here."

"Really?"

"Really. One hundred percent really."

── ✧ ──

this looks shorter than i expected it to be?? lol i think my paragraphs were too big oops and i lost inspiration by the second part. it's about 1400 words though, so yeah x

enjoy them being affectionate to each other while you can lmfao

also feel free to leave feedback, ty!

06.02.21