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[piercethevenn]

Carved and Mended: Sirius and Regulus Black

The rumbling of Sirius’s motorbike recedes as he comes to a stop near Number Twelve Grimmauld Place, nothing else could be heard except for the crickets that roam the night. 

Sirius dismounted and kicked the stand down, swinging off the bike before stepping onto the pavement. His once lifted spirits quickly dissipated when the view of the door came into sight, he hated coming back to this place every night after sneaking out to crash at James’s. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he unlocks the door with a simple verbal spell, strutting inside without a care for whoever’s sleeping. It had rained earlier that day, so it was rather muddy outside. He grinned knowing his leather shoes have left mucky footprints on the luxurious carpet leading to the staircase. Kreacher will clean it up anyway. That old pixie. He thought as he made his way up the steps. 

His bedroom was at the very top and fourth floor, and he now wished he had just gone to sleep at the Potters. At least there he’d sleep in a bed of warmth, and not just speaking of temperature.

 

Regulus peered through the gap of his bedroom door that transversely faced Sirius’s, he watched his older brother climb up to the last step, and lingered momentarily on the mud that sullied the carpeted stairs. His breath hitched when Sirius came to an abrupt stop and instinctively hid behind the door before he could be seen. A breath of relief emits from him after hearing the click of a door outside. He didn’t know if Sirius knew about him staying up until he had come home from his nightly endeavours. Deep down, he hoped to ask him and perhaps even persuade him to let him tag along. 

But he also knew it wouldn’t be possible. Under the same roof, they lived in two different worlds. They were sundered the moment Sirius had been subjectively disowned by their family. On one hand, he’d have applauded his brother for being so brave. And on the other he’d think it was very stupid of him to defy their parents when he wasn’t even capable of being on his own just yet. Nonetheless, Regulus held a sort of admiration towards Sirius, although unrecognized and uncared for. 

He swallowed reluctantly, his throat had dried and he was parched now. Along with that his stomach grumbled from skipping dinner. His appetite seems to shrink further with Sirius absent at the ‘family’ table. 

Regulus clutches his stomach while making way down the steps as quietly as he could. When his eyes adjusted to the light, he only realized his socks were a mismatched of black and white. He scoffed. Perhaps he’d change it once he returns upstairs. 

Yeah, you got that somethin'

I think you'll understand

When I say that somethin'

I want to hold your hand

…

The older Black, now sprawled across his bed, stared blankly outside the double-hung windows. He was more than grateful for Lily Evans who had lent him her stereophones and portable radio  for a while to enjoy music in his own peace. It felt much closer, and more effective in drowning out his thoughts. He remained tuned in, gazing back and forth from the ceiling to the glass panes. The lyrics accompanied his thoughts about a certain person, whom he desperately wanted to see again.. 

His longing moment ended abruptly by a soft thud originating from downstairs. 

Slight concern simmers within Sirius, considering taking a look. And it was only after the song ended did Orion put down the radio,  jump out of bed and walked slowly towards the door. Very carefully, he turned the knob and peeked over the crack—no dark wizards (except for the rest who resided in the house). What did catch his eye, was Regulus’s door, slightly ajar. Curiosity sets in, and Sirius finds himself crossing the staircase's landing. 

Now he faces what felt like an illegal threshold to cross, but his stomach turned at the thought of not checking in. Slowly, he grasped the handle and nudged the door further open. 

No sign of Regulus.

Well, maybe a critical thinker would assume he had just gone downstairs to fetch a drink. But Sirius thought no less. After watching The Exorcist with James, he had somehow assumed a dark force had entered and abducted his brother. He immediately drew his wand out, “Lumos” and began to search the bedroom. 

He became rather disturbed by how well made the bed was, but did not take him by surprise. He had always known Regulus to be so.. organized. There’s not much to snoop around for except his second-year textbooks that lay open on the study desk, and even that’s organized. 

“Sirius?” He jumps, even though the voice was small and barely frightening. Turning around, he was met by a completely unharmed Regulus, standing by the door frame with an open box of cauldron cakes, some of its crumbs smudged on the corners of his mouth. He stood awkwardly still, the light of his wand tip slowly extinguished itself. At least he was unharmed?

“What’re you doing here?” Sirius had realized he had not spoken at all. “Just- I thought you had gone.” 

“Gone where?”

“Dunno.”

“Alright.”

“Okay.”

Silence lingers stiffly in the air. The two brothers remained facing each other from across Regulus’s bedroom, both unable to read each other’s minds. However, Regulus was the one to break character. A grin tugged on the corner of his lips, and it was contagious enough that Sirius had mirrored his face, teasingly pointing at his chin to denote the smeared chocolate on his brother’s face. The younger one hastily wipes his mouth with his forearm, chuckling heartily to himself. He then holds out the box to Sirius. 

 “Want to share?”

ao3 here!

[piercethevenn]

Seek Comfort Where I'm Not: The Black Brothers

Regulus winced at the roaring of his mother downstairs, from the bits and pieces of "WHERE HAVE YOU GONE OFF TO?!" and "YOUR ACTIONS HAVE BEEN NOTHING MORE BUT DISGRACEFUL! YOUR BROTHER—" interrupted by his brother's equally loud screaming "GET OUT OF MY FACE!", it could almost break down his bedroom door.

The younger Black massaged his earlobe with his fingers. He was used to it, really. But it didn't mean that it wasn't any more irritating to him.

He heard his brother's footsteps, obviously as he was stomping loudly like a loose troll. His heart raced as the sounds came closer, soon enough revealing a shadow underneath the door. Regulus stopped breathing completely, but his thought of Sirius breaking down the door and screaming like a beast disintegrated when the shadow remained still.

Sirius was panting like a dog. His blood was still boiling, sweat dribbled down his face onto his leather jacket. It was all because of that wretched woman.

 And only because of her.

 Whatever words she'd throw his way, she can go at it. Even if it's constantly comparing him to his younger brother.

He isn't mad at Regulus. No, never at him. Maybe his mother had some truth to say, maybe he should be ashamed that he isn't displaying a good figure as the older brother.

 Tujours pur

 Yeah, he's not gonna be teaching his brother how to fucking kill muggleborns.

Sirius waited for a second, not wanting to lash out on Regulus for no reason. He decided he would sit by the door for now.

Nevermind. As soon as he turned his head, he saw the face of his mother by the staircase. His face returned loathsome.

Regulus's frown deepened at the growing silence just right outside his door. After a while of fearing the looming dread on the other side, it finally swung open, though unpleasantly deafening.

The figure of his brother marched angrily towards the opposite bed, and hastily buried himself beneath the sheets.

Regulus absentmindedly folded his knees against his chest, quietly staring at the mount on Sirius's bed.

They didn't originally share a room. But their dear old mother of course forced Sirius to share with Regulus. Apparently to 'get him to stop neglecting his brother all the time and learn from him although shamefully'. Her sneer was still engraved in Sirius's mind.

"Siri?" his voice was hoarse as he'd been silent for a while. He continued to watch the lump toss around for about a minute or two before it stopped again.

"What?" muttered Sirius. His tone was irritated yet a tinge of concern was hung in the air.

"You know, she's only concerned about you, Mum." he voice was so small, anticipating Sirius to erupt yet again.

"If you're going to defend her, you might as well stop talking completely, Reg." Sirius snarled at him. They were prone to fighting, of course, like any other sibling would. But it was always about one thing.

"I'm sorry she thinks you're incapable." It was meant to be an apology, really. Unfortunately, the tone that emitted from Regulus sounded as though he was mocking his older brother—and this made Sirius snap.

"I'm sorry you think I'm incapable." Sirius's voice was even louder now, his fists crumpling the bedsheets as he sat up with a scowl. Regulus had only registered the outcome of his words.

Stammering, he raised his hands in defense

“That wasn't what I—”

“OF COURSE IT WAS! That's what you all think, ain't it?”

"Why won't you just listen—" But Regulus got caught in his throat the moment his older brother leapt out of bed in a rage.

"Putain c’est chiant." he heard him spat right before the door slammed shut against the doorframe via spell.

Regulus no longer felt apologetic.

His eyebrows furrowed in fury. This was always the problem with Sirius, he never wanted to hear what he had to say whenever he's angry. His impulsiveness always led to their fights becoming a straight up duel; Regulus continuously on the defensive while Sirius almost tried to blow him up to bits.

A portrait on the wall was suddenly pulled mid air, before crashing into the door where Sirius had just gone. The glass shattered leaving shards on the treshold. And it was Regulus who had done it.

He felt as if he only blinked and the sun was already taunting him through the closed drapes. Regulus groaned when he forced himself to sit up. The groggy fog in his eyes was only starting to dissipate when he recalled the events from last night.

His eyes trailed from his dark sheets to the doorframe. The mess, the painting, it was all gone.

Kreacher must have cleaned it up and stored it somewhere, he thought.

Then his mind went back to Sirius. He wondered if he had ever gone back that night, maybe ran away to hide at the Potters' for a bit. Of course, Sirius doesn't know he knows . But he never told, never saw what he could gain from it anyway.

Regulus expected an insufferable breakfast without his brother at the table. And although it wasn't like their mother kept her mouth shut at Sirius when he was present, he felt comfortable seeing him fill the empty seat.

Of course, he wasn't wrong. A minute in that dining chair and his appetite already left for the day.

Excusing himself, Regulus decided to hike up the attic, in the hopes of finding Kreacher and ask him about the portrait.

As he was drawing nearer, he heard a shuffling from inside the attic. His hopes soared. He gently opened the attic trapdoor and pulled himself up.

To his surprise, it was not their house-elf Kreacher, but a dog. A black dog, its fur was unkept and ears perking all the way up. Regulus must have startled it frozen, because the shuffling already stopped.

Both him and the dog didn't dare make a move.

Regulus wasn't afraid of dogs, just this one who, he did not know how, managed to get into their house.

The dog's nose twitched, it slowly moved its legs towards Regulus, who cautiously watched in curiosity. It inched closer to his shoulders, making him lean back and almost stumble back. Suddenly, it started sniffing on his robes, and started opening its mouth. Regulus's eyes widened, but he couldn't move due to shock. He watched, thinking if Sirius was here, he would've jumped at the dog immediately and drag him back into their bedroom where it was safe. Oh well, at least the last person he saw was his brother-

The dog gave a low, loud, sneeze. Regulus blinked and realize his body was still intact. The big black dog stagged as it raised both of its paws at him, frightening Regulus even further that he was completely sat down on his bottom.

He soon realized the dog was trying to paw off the dust on his clothes?

Once the dog retrieved its steps and sat in front of him, Regulus had finally landed back to earth.

"Thanks." was all he could say. His fingers fidgeted with the hem of his sleeves, awkwardly observing the dog from ear to paw.

"How did you get in my house? Are you an Animagus?"

The dog tilts its head, he swore it was playing dumb.

"My brother's told me all about them. He said you'd have to be registered, but also that there are more unregistered Animagi who turned themselves just for fun. I think I'd want to be one. Is it fun being a dog?" Somehow, he already felt at ease with this dog. Even though he was certain it wanted to eat him.

"If Sirius had been the one to find you, you'd be hanging up your tail by now." Regulus chuckled, but it soon faded when he once again recalls what had occured last night.

The dog was now sat straight, as if it was intently listening. Its tail was wagging side to side rather fast.

"Speaking of, I haven't found him yet. Do you reckon he'd be back for me?" He hugged his knees, resting his chin in between. His eyes averted from the dog to the small attic window in front.

"We had a fight last night, again. I wanted to say sorry, I really did. I just didn't know what came of me, you know? Mum's been awful, I can't really blame him can I? I feel so trapped."

His gaze lowered to his feet, then back to the dog in front of him. It didn't budge, but it was still staring at Regulus.

“Must be nice to be you. Just barking around and hoarding about, aren't you, you lucky dog? It baffles me that you chose this place to break into, there's nothing for you here, Snuffles.”

He snorted. He had no idea why he felt as though they were having a real conversation. But it felt refreshing to Regulus. Finally, a listener who won't blow up on you or constantly tell you you're better off being the heir of the family.

Just then, the dog leapt out of its spot and onto him. Regulus's soul almost flew out of his body. Its head lowered and rested against his feet, familiar eyes looking up at him and down on the wooden floors.

He didn't hesitate to pet it, a smile miraculously found its way on his lips. He may have found himself a new friend.

Their time was cut short by a noise from below—Walburga was calling for Regulus downstairs. He immediately warned Snuffles about Kreacher, looked around for any sign of the portrait (but to no avail), and finally climbed down the attic (he gave Snuffles one last pet).

Dawn had arrived when Regulus made his way back to his bedroom after a long interrogation about his brother's whereabouts.

The creaking door slowly opened, and the moonlit figure of Sirius sitting on his bed startled him for the third time that day.

His older brother looked at him, his expression unreadable. But it was evident he was waiting for Regulus to speak first. Meekly, he only nodded. A huff escaped from Sirius's chest and the younger one cleared his throat.

 "Where were you?" he eyed his brother skeptically.

"Out." he cocked his head, motioning to the window.

“How? It's pretty high from here.”

“Broom.”

“Mum chained yours to a wall.”

 Sirius groaned, admitting to his defeat silently.

And then it became awkward. Sirius started to play with the ring on his finger, catching Regulus's eye. He noticed his brother's fingers contained fresh, small cuts.

As if reading his mind, Sirius bent down from the edge of the bed and pulled the overflowing sheets up, grabbing for something underneath.

Regulus almost lost his very few thoughts, when Sirius took out a large frame from under his bed and presented it to Regulus.

It was the portrait of both of them—once hanging on the wall of the bedroom before being thrown to pieces. The glass shards had been spellotaped, it looked real messy. But Regulus felt nothing but relief, and somehow joy. His heart forgave Sirius, they both would, to each other, over and over again. Yet he wondered how many more it would take for them to be a normal family like what his dreams would show him.

───〃★

INSPIRATIONS & CREDITS Art Credits, Plot Inspiration: @ sophithill https://x.com/sophithil/status/1825239670294495368/photo/1 https://x.com/sophithil/status/1825239676422394289/photo/1 Prompt Credits & Inspiration: @ strgaeze https://x.com/strgaeze/status/1913275931734716741

[piercethevenn]

Under The Moon's Watch, and The Star's Gaze: Sirius's Unsent Letter

It goes like always,

I would wrap your exhausted body with a blanket–the one we’ve sloppily sewn together with each of our own. I hoped it was enough to keep you warm, after an excruciating night under the moon–again. My sweatshirts fit you just enough, I hoped it wasn’t uncomfortable. You said you liked my scent, that it kept you at bay and makes you forget about the ache in your body. I wondered if all of it were true, I still do.

You said cigarettes leave an unpleasant taste in my mouth. I’ve stopped since. At least, I stopped whenever you were around. Out of sight, my eyes still witness the flicker of light, followed by guilt, shame, and then, smoke. I hoped then, that if you had been true to me all this time, you would become selfish just this once. Just like me.

It proved true after all. You left, but I still wept, howled for your name. I knew it was too good to be true, when I saw you again in my arms, only because it was the last of my happiest memories to be taken away, along with my life.

[piercethevenn]

🐺⭐ • PART TWO BC OOMF WANTED THEM 2 KISS

Them with Do I Wanna Know? Hozier ver.

[piercethevenn]

🐺⭐ • just came across my mind