Prompt 22 - Contrast
@jegulus-microfic February 22 Word count 887
Previous part First part
James looked down at the battered frame of his best friend. His brother. They’d done all they could to help him, but magic can only do so much. The rest was up to Sirius, and he’d stopped trying.
The contrast between the vibrant, full-of-life man he knew Sirius to be and this sad, broken man was harrowing. Sirius was broken, and it wasn’t just externally. James hadn’t realised how hard it would be on Sirius not having Remus beside him.
James was lost. He didn’t know how to help Sirius. The only thing he could do was be there for him.
Regulus had asked for another meeting. He’d said it was vitally important that the Order knew what he’d discovered. James reluctantly left his friend’s side.
“I’ll be back later, okay? Is there anything you want me to tell Regulus?” Sirius just stared blankly at a spot somewhere behind James silently.
James left feeling his heart break further when Sirius curled into a tiny ball and pulled the blankets over himself.
He was escorted out of the safe house and instructed to apparate at least three times when he returned.
He arrived at the meeting point arranged by Mad-Eye. So he and Regulus could meet safely.
Regulus wasn’t there yet, so James settled in to wait. The door opened, and a disillusioned man walked in. James watched as the slight shimmery form became corporal, leaving Regulus standing before him. He opened his arms and folded them around Regulus, and they both exhaled, finding relief in being close to one another.
“I don’t have long,” Regulus sniffed. “He’s called a meeting this morning that I’m expected to attend.” James held him a little tighter. “How’s Sirius?” Regulus asked. He sounded small. James had to swallow the lump in his throat before he could speak.
“He’s— He’s not good. Having Remus taken, he’s not himself. They’ve healed what they can after the attack, and he’s not in any danger from his injuries, but he’s quiet.” One word never used to describe Sirius Black was quiet. Regulus tensed his jaw when James said it.
“Did you talk to Dumbledore about Evan and Barty?” Regulus asked, changing the subject to something he hoped was easier to deal with.
“I did. He said if they can prove themselves to be useful and bring valuable information, he would vouch for them at their trials.” Regulus pulled away.
“That’s it? That’s all he’s offering? That’s not good enough, they need immunity.” Regulus was shaking his head and started pacing.
“We need something good. Something I can use to help persuade Dumbledore to do that.” James told him, trying to calm his stressful movements. Regulus’s head snapped up, and he stared at James.
“We found something. Something big. Something crucial to winning the war.” Regulus paused as he took out the familiar notebook from his robes. He moved his hand over it and revealed the neat, fluid notes hidden within. “We, that is Evan, Barty and myself. We believe that he’s created Horcruxes.” James felt a chill run through him. If what Regulus was saying was true. Then, the war had just gotten a lot more complicated.
Regulus made copies of all his notes and handed them to James. “Please, can you make sure that Dumbledore knows it was Evan and Barty who helped me discover this?” James nodded.
“Yes, of course.” Regulus wandered back into James’s arms, and they spent a few minutes just standing there.
“Reg, do you think you could call with the mirror tonight after your meeting?”
“Yeah, probably. Why?” Regulus kept his face buried in James’s chest.
“I think that might be the way to let you see Sirius. They’ll never let you in in person, but I can get the mirror past them. I did it earlier.” He didn’t know why he hadn’t thought of it before. He’d been so worried about Sirius and Remus that it had slipped his mind.
“Yes. I’ll call you. I don’t know what the meeting is about or how long it will go on. But once I’m alone, I’ll call.
Reluctantly, they parted, leaving with a longing kiss. One day soon, James thought, he won’t have to keep saying goodbye like this to Regulus. He just hoped it was still a possibility and that he was wrong about the Horcruxes.
It was just after eleven when James’s mirror warmed, and he quickly snapped it open.
“Hi,” He said, feeling the instant relief at seeing Regulus’s face.
“Hi,” Regulus smiled back. “Sorry, it’s so late. He started this whole speech, and it went on for a while.” Regulus rolled his eyes. James smiled fondly, then moved the mirror until it was in front of Sirius. He heard the gasp from Regulus as he took in the sight of his brother.
Sirius didn’t respond to seeing Regulus. He just continued to stare blankly into space. “Sirius,” Regulus whispered. “I saw Remus.” Sirius blinked, then blinked again as fat tears began to pour from his eyes.
“Is he okay?” He asked, his voice croaky from lack of use. His eyes flicked to Regulus’s.
“Yeah—Yeah, he’s okay. I’m looking out for him.”
“Thank you.” Sirius choked out past his tears. James had to look up at the ceiling as his eyes prickled. Sirius would be okay.
Next part
93 notes
·
View notes
Animal of the Day!
Porbeagle (Lamna nasus)
(Photo by Doug Perrine)
Conservation Status- Vulnerable
Habitat- Atlantic Ocean; Indian Ocean; Pacific Ocean
Size (Weight/Length)- 230 kg; 3.5 m
Diet- Squid; Fish
Cool Facts- The porbeagle is one of the thickest sharks in relation to body length. These short lads are fast despite their chunkiness. Unlike some larger species of shark, porbeagles are all about chases in the open ocean. After finding a school of fish, the porbeagle rushes the school to separate individuals and swallow them whole. These sharks migrate alongside their food sources, following the schools from coasts to deep ocean. As a result of their small size, few humans have ever been bitten by a porbeagle and no one has been killed by one. Porbeagles are generally known for their curiosity towards people. Fishing is legalized for the porbeagle, with over 100 tons of shark being commercially caught annually. In combination with rapidly decreasing fisheries, the porbeagle is on the decline.
Rating- 13/10 (There are many benefits to being a marine biologist.)
286 notes
·
View notes