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Chapter Text

Sirius shifted uncomfortably for foot to foot, his hollow gaze directed to the stone floor beneath him.

"Due to the nature of your stunt, you will be receiving detention with myself until the school year is over. You are also banned from playing quidditch, and trips to Hogsmeade are temporarily suspended until school starts again next year. Am I clear Mr Black." Professor McGonagall asked sharply, her gaze cold and unforgiving as she stared down at the hunched form in front of her.

"Yes Professor." Came the timid reply, causing her freeze in surprise. This was not the reply she had expected. She had expected a shout of outrage, maybe even pleading or bargaining. Yet what surprised her the most was being called 'Professor' and not the affectionate 'Minnie' that she had grown used to over the years.

"Is that all Professor or can I leave now" Sirius asked quietly, his body tense as if he wished to flee the room.

McGonagall quickly composed herself, concern still written on her features before sighing.

"Yes Sirius, that will be all. However, I expect to see you here tomorrow night after dinner for detention." She uttered sternly only to receive a quick nod, before the curly haired boy fled the room. Failing to notice the worried gaze directed at bis back as it disappeared out the door.

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The portrait of the fat lady glared down at Sirius as he muttered the password before reluctantly swinging open. Giving him only a split second to enter the door as she shut the door, clipping his heals.

With a sigh, Sirius quietly made his way up to his shared dorm room, his body trembling with anxiety. As he reached the room, he heard hushed whispers laced with both concern and fury- the later most likely directed towards him- he sighed before turning the doorknob and stepping into the room, causing all sound within to stop abruptly and resulting in glares being directed toward him. If looks could kill he would be worse than 6 feet under.

Sirius immediately hunched his form to appear smaller before he made his way to his bed, picking up his personal items that were tossed carelessly on the floor as he walked over to his trunk before shoving everything he brought to Hogwarts into it and shrinking it to fit in his hand, all without uttering a sound before he made his way back the way he came. He froze in the doorway, just barely turning his head to look at the other boys in the room hopefully.

"I... I really am sor-" he started tearfully. Desperately hoping that they would hear his apology and understand what really happened.

"Shut up!" Remus cut him off with a growl, glaring at Sirius with pure hatred. He looked as if he were going to hex Sirius.

"Just get out Black! Nobody wants you here." The harsh voice of James cut him off. The other occupants of the room agreeing with him angrily.

"Oh and Black, don't bother coming to the mansion for the summer, not after what you did"

"B-but James." Sirius whimpered in shock

"Get out"

"He is just like his mother" Remus muttered, his voice laced with venom as he turned to face away from Sirius.

Sirius quickly turned away in fear of the tears threatening to fall from his eyes being noticed by them. He hurried out of Gryffindor House and into the cold corridor of Hogwarts, making his way through empty hallways, weaving around corners and finally stopping in front of a seemingly abandoned painting of Hogwarts castle. Sirius cautiously looked around before softly tracing his finger over the astronomy tower in the painting resulting in the tower lighting up and the painting slowly swinging open, to reveal a small, cold empty room. With a sigh Sirius walked into the room, listening as the painting swung shut behind him as he finally broke down, collapsing on the stone floor with a heart wrenching sob, followed closely by more.

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Sirius didn't know how long he had sat on the cold floor sobbing his heart out. What he did know however, was that he had to fix his mistake anyway he could. He knew his friends were pissed at him, but that didn't mean that they weren't going to forgive him, they had to... right?

He wiped his cheeks with his sleeve before spelling his trunk back to its original size, digging around until he found the notebook Remus had gotten him for his birthday last year, along with something to write with. Remus had gotten the notebook for him when he had noticed that sometimes speaking about his thoughts and feelings became too much for Sirius.

Sirius shook his head slightly, trying to get the image of Remus out of his head. He had work to do, and he was not going to screw it up, like he did everything else. And so, Sirius began to write out a list of everything he would need to do to fix what he had done and hopefully have his friends forgive him.

 

1. Stop talking- Remus seemed really mad about me talking, maybe if I stop, he won't be mad anymore
2. Avoid running into them- Stop going to the dining hall, infirmary or anywhere else any of them would go
3. Sit at the back of class- arrive just before classes start and leave just before classes finish.
3a. complete all schoolwork and homework
3b. don't disrupt class

Sirius looked down at the list he had made with a smile, hopefully this would work. But if not, he could just add more to the list. With his plan set, Sirius placed his notebook back into his trunk carefully, before pulling out a random sweater and folding it under his head. Trying to get some sleep to enact his plan tomorrow.

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"Don't you think that was a little harsh Moony?" James asked with a sigh after the retreating form of Pa-Sirius was no longer in sight.

"No Prongs, he deserved it." Remus snarled. "He says that he wants to be nothing like his parents, yet he goes and does this. He almost got me, and Snape KILLED" He ranted as he paced to foot of his bed.

"I know Moony, but he's still our friend" James tried to reason

"He is no friend of mine! A friend would not do what he did" Remus stopped pacing with a growl. " Let his punishment fit his crime, he deserves whatever happened to him."

James sighed, knowing there was no arguing with Remus- deep down he agreed- so he flopped down onto his bed and promptly fell asleep.

Chapter Text

Sirius awoke with a deep gasp, his bones rattling. Not from the freezing temperatures of small room, but from the bone chilling horror of events plaguing his subconscious.

Today was the day.

Today he would enact his plan. -please let it work-

He had accidentally overslept -something he had NEVER done-, which meant he had no time for breakfast- he wasn't hungry he didn't deserve food- With a sigh he fixed up his school robes and pulled his slightly unkept hair into a bun. Before exiting the painting and making his way down the crowded halls towards his first class of the day, disappearing into the mass of faces. 

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He paused outside of his transfiguration class, his form hunched and trembling, before quietly slipping inside. Sirius scanned the classroom for any empty seats but only came up with two possible choices. The first being his original seat with moon- Remus and James -he knew that was a horrible option, a terrible one even- that only left the other option, the seat directly behind the two.

 

Sirius chose the latter.

 

He sunk into his seat, willing the class to pass by as fast as possible.

"Today class we will be taking part in a practical lesson." Professor McGonagall's voice rang through the classroom, putting an end to all conversations. 

"Oh no," Sirius muttered in disbelief, his voice just barely above a whisper. His jaw snapped shut painfully when Remus turned to glare at him, a glare that hurt worse than when his mother used the cruciatus curse on him for the very first time. 

'Shit, not even a day in and I can't even follow one rule. Stupid, worthless idiot.' Sirius thought bitterly.

"The spell we are using today is one, some of you may be very familiar with." McGonagall said, fixing her stare onto where Sirius sat.

"Would you like to come demonstrate this spell Mr. Black?" She asked, her eyebrow raised at his hunched form. He stared at her in shock before very quickly shaking his head, stopping himself when all eyes in the classroom turned towards him.

"Alright then" McGonagall said, her eyebrows furrowed in concern before turning her attention back to the rest of the class.

"The spell we are using today is known as 'Crinus Muto'." She told her students.

"Now, I want you all to split into pairs or groups of three to perform this spell but remember. Nothing permanent, do I make myself clear?" She asked sternly, getting a chorus of agreement.

"Mr. Black, would you come here please." She asked softly, once again drawing all attention back onto him. Sirius hunched his shoulders even further as he stood up and shuffled his way towards her desk.

"Is everything alright?" She asked him quietly, trying to draw less attention to the conversation. Sirius nodded, staring down at the floor. Wishing for it to swallow him whole. With a sigh, she patted his shoulder in concern.

"I am going to write you a note to have you exempted from all other classes today, why don't you go get something to eat from the kitchen, then go have a rest." She told him, as she pulled out a slip of paper and began writing. 

"I expect you to still attend detention tonight though, alright." She told him. Only to receive a nod. She furrowed her brows before gently handing him the note and watching him collect his things, under the harsh gaze of Remus and James.

"Remus and James, could you come here please." McGonagall called out. The two boys nodded before hurrying over to her.

"Is everything alright professor?" James asked, while Remus glared at the ground.

"Have either of you spoken to Mr. Black since the accident occurred?" She asked the boys lowly.

Remus snarled, "why the hell would I talk to that monster after what he did."

Before McGonagall could respond, she was cut off by a loud sound as something cluttered to the ground. She looked up to see the wide eyed and teary gaze of Sirius, who had seemed to drop his books in shock.

She was about to call out to him, but as she made to move, he hurriedly picked up his books and dashed out of the class. Anger boiled beneath her skin as she looked down at Remus, who did not seem guilty at all.

"Mr. Lupin, that is 20 points from Gryffindor. We do not speak of others in such a tone, nor do we call them names unprovoked." She told him sharply.

"I also expect for you to hold a detention with Mr. Flitwick this evening. Do I make myself clear. "

"Yes Professor." 

"Now, can either of you answer my original question?" She asked

"Well, he came to the dorm last night and tried to apologise, but then we yelled at him, and he ran from the dorm." James explained looking at her guiltily.

McGonagall sighed as she shook her head. "You two, stay where you are."

She turned back to the rest of the class, noticing that they were all pretending to complete the assigned work.

"Class dismissed." She called out, watching as they all began to pack up. She waited until the last student scurried out before turning her attention back towards the boys in front of her. 

"Now, tell me exactly what happened."

 

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Sirius released a sob as he finally entered his new 'room'. He fell to the floor as tears completely blurred his vision.

-'Shut up'-

-'Just get out Black'-

-'Nobody wants you here'-

-'He is just like his mother'-

-'Monster'-

Sirius blindly reached into his trunk and fished around for something he would need to write a letter. Before making his way to the owlery. He set down all his supplies and began to write.

........................

Dearest Mother,

I write this letter not out of spite, but with desire to fix my mistakes. I have spent these past few months contemplating my actions and everything I have done to you, and I know that you owe me nothing, especially not after how badly I have disgraced our most noble house. However, I beg for your forgiveness, I know that my choices, my words and my actions have greatly pained both you and our family and I have realized just how deeply I have failed as your son and as a member of the Black family.

I was wrong to reject you and the path you set before me, and I see that now clearly. I understand the sacrifices you have made and the reason for the expectations you have upheld for me.

I see now how disrespected our family and everything you believe in.

Mother, I am so very sorry. Truly. My actions were reckless and selfish beyond measure. I only seek to take responsibility for the harm I have caused you. My intention is not to excuse my actions or myself, for I truly believe I deserve to be punished.

I know there is no way to undo what I have done, but I am asking you for a second chance and I am willing to do anything to prove that I can be worthy of the noble Black name again. I am asking for the chance to return to the family.

With your permission I hope to come home immediately to rectify my mistakes and receive the proper punishment, if you will allow me. I understand if you hate me and feel betrayed by my actions.

I know my words are not enough. But I truly hope that they show my sincerity.

I beg your forgiveness

Yours truly,

Sirius 

........................

He read over his letter, twice more before sealing it and having it sent to the Black residence. Hopefully she would agree.

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Day passed in a similar monotone way. 

Sirius would wake up.

Shuffle into the dining hall for a quick breakfast even though he didn't deserve food and hope his mother had sent her reply. (she hadn't yet)

He would then go to his classes. 

Complete all schoolwork, homework and any other extra credit work as to avoid any extra attention placed on him.

After lessons he would pretend to go to dinner before he had detention with McGonagall.

Then he would cry himself to sleep in his room, before repeating it all over again.

Sirius had not spoken a single word since his slip up in McGonagall's class.

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It was finally Sunday, with only 2 weeks until the end of Sirius' fifth year.

Sirius had finally worked up the courage and the energy to make his way to the dining hall for a light lunch, but by the time he had arrived lunch was coming to a close, meaning only a couple people were still present in the room eating. Of these people sat his former friends, but it seemed that they had not noticed him, easing his nerves slightly.

A screech broke through the air, as an owl flew into the room. It wasn't just any owl; it was the Black family owl.

His mother had finally responded to his letter, -he was scared of her reply-

Sirius picked up his package and looked around the room as he fed the owl a bit of bacon. His gaze paused on his former friends when he realised that they were all looking at him, causing him to blush in embarrassment and rush out the room.

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"Who do you think is sending him packages?" James asked Lily from where she sat across from him.

"Who cares" Remus cut in putting food on his plate. Causing Marlene to glare at him. He just rolled his eyes.

"How are you guys spending your holidays, maybe we can catch up." James cut in, sensing tension building within the group.

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Sirius rushed back into his 'room' as fast as he could, only just waiting for the painting to shut behind him before he tore open his mother's letter.

........................

Sirius,

Your letter was indeed unexpected. I have read your words and have contemplated whether they come from a place of genuine remorse.

It is true that you have brought nothing but shame upon this family, and I must say, that your actions and disgrace cannot be easily forgiven. You should know that your betrayal cut me deeper than you may comprehend, it went beyond disobedience. It was a rejection of everything the noble House of Black stands for.

However, I find myself considering your request. While I am still skeptical, I am willing to see if you truly mean what you say.

I will allow you to return to Grimmauld Place. This Sunday evening at 4pm, I shall meet you in the headmaster's office, but you must remember that this is not forgiveness. This is merely a chance for you to prove yourself.

You are expected to reclaim your rightful title of heir to our noble house and in doing so, you are expected to take part in the proper training to achieve this position and regain your honor. However, this does not mean that you will not receive the proper punishment for your actions.

You are to obey my rules without question, and you will work to prove that your remorse is genuine. I expect nothing from you other than obedience and respect.

Consider yourself fortunate that I have allowed your return.

With love,

Walburga Black

I have sent you robes that I expect you to wear when I pick you up this evening.

........................

Sirius sighed in relief at her response, as he opened the package she had sent him. Inside lay a folded white dress shirt with puffed sleeves, a black dress vest, black dress pants and a black tie along with polished dress shoes. 

He carefully picked up the clothes and shower products, and for the first time in days, he made his way to the Gryffindor dorm to have a shower. He wouldn't use cleaning charms this time -she would know- and would properly wash his hair. 

He knew she didn't expect a response.

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The portrait of the fat lady once again glared at him as he uttered the password, before reluctantly swinging open. He thanked her as he made his way inside and to the showers located in his former dorm room. 

Sirius froze outside the front of the room he once stayed in when he heard voices. He steeled his nerves before pushing open the door and making his way inside towards the shower, ignoring the shocked gazes that followed him. 

Once inside the shower he shut the door and turned the shower on, got undressed and stepped inside. He deeply scrubbed his body and thoroughly cleaned his hair. Once done he got out he cast a few drying charms and dressed himself carefully. Finally, he moved onto his hair, now that it was finally clean and no longer limp or frizzy he was actually able to style it.

He knew his mother would rather he style his hair up, and not in an elaborate way, so he opted for a half up half down bun with a few pieces out to frame his face, while still making sure that the curls out of the hairstyle were absolutely perfect. 

Once Sirius was satisfied with overall appearance, he placed his wand into his bun, a habit he had picked up -just like his mother did- and walked out of the bathroom, head held high -he was no longer just Sirius, he was heir Sirius Black- as he walked past his former friends and out of Gryffindor dorms, not sparing a glance at their shocked faces.

He quickly made his way back to his temporary room to retrieve his trunk.

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He had 1 hour until he was expected at Dumbledore's office, so he went in search of Professor McGonagall.

Sirius made his was to her office and knocked, waiting to see if she was inside.

"Come in." Came a slightly muffled reply.

He opened to door and stepped inside, his faced schooled in a perfect neutral expression. Shocking McGonagall.

"Can I help you Mr. Black?" She asked surprised

"Sorry to bother you Professor, I have just come to tell you that my mother is pulling me out early this year, so I will be unable to attend any further detentions. She has decided to take over my punishment." Sirius explained softly.

"I would also like to inquire about the password for the headmaster's office, I am expected to go there soon." 

"Yes, yes of course Mr. Black, I cannot just give out the password, so I hope you don't mind me taking you up there." She explained, still slightly surprised at what he had just told her. 

"That's fine Professor, but we will have to leave in 15 minutes, Mother expects me there at 4pm." Sirius agreed.

"But Mr. Black it is currently only 3:30" McGonagall said confused.

"Well yes, but when Mother says a time, she expects at least 15 minutes early." Sirius says,

"Mother says 'to be early is to be on time' that's just how it is," 

"Well then, how would you like to spend the remainder of your school year?" she asked with a smile.

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"Fizzing Sherbert" McGonagall says to the gargoyle statue, watching as it opened up and the staircase began to rise.

"Thank you, Professor you can go back to what you were doing if you'd like." Sirius said quietly.

"I'll come up with you, I have something to discuss with Dumbledore." She decided before following him up the stairs. Once up there she froze at the sight of one Walburga Black, sitting poise in a chair, her posture absolutely perfect.

"Hello Mother." Sirius whispered timidly, staring at the floor near her feet.

Walburga stood from her seat and motioned for him to come to her. Once he was in her vicinity, she rose her hand towards his face and cupped it gently, ignoring the flinch that wracked his body.

"You have disappointed me Sirius, I hope you are ready to rectify that." She said sharply.

He nodded before standing slightly behind her. With a nod, she turned her attention back towards the two teachers.

"We shall be leaving now. Sirius and I are to have a long talk."

With that she turned back towards the floo. 

"Let's go Sirius." She said, before stepping into the floo and uttering the Black family address, disappearing into the green flames.

Sirius turned back towards his. "Thank you for this year Professor McGonagall, I'll try to be better next year." He told her sincerely, before following in his mother's footsteps.

Once Sirius had disappeared, Dumbledore turned towards McGonagall,

"Now, Minerva what is it you needed?" Dumbledore asked, completely ignore what just happened.

McGonagall blinked a couple of times before responding. "Oh yes, Albus I was just wondering..."

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Chapter Text

"Wand, NOW!" Walburga ordered, her elegant hand outstretched.

Sirius stared blankly at the floor as he shakily raised his hand and gently pulled his wand out of his bun, carefully handing it to his mother. Walburga nodded in satisfaction, her lips stretched in a thin line -the closest thing to a genuine smile Sirius had ever seen- as she directed him towards the living room.

"You have greatly dissatisfied me Sirius." She told him as she elegantly sat down on the couch in the sparsely decorated room. Sirius watched as she placed his wand down onto an end table -he knew he wouldn't touch it until he earned the privilege- her eyes never leaving his.

"I hope you are ready to fix your mistakes Sirius." Walburga told him coldly.

Sirius nodded, his eyes never leaving the ground. He knew he wasn't to speak, if she had wanted him to, she would have told him. At his answer Walburga dipped her chin sharply, as she pulled her own wand out of her hair.

"Good, now... Crutio" She uttered directing the spell towards her son, watching as he clenched his jaw -the only sign of his discomfort-, internally Walburga smiled -her heir was strong-

"Diffindo"
"Diffindo"
"Crutio"
"Diffindo"
"Crutio"

The onslaught of spells directed at Sirius caused him to finally cry out in pain and collapse onto the ground. He did not beg though -he knew that it wouldn't help-, he only stared up at his mother, as tears began to blur his vision. The pain continued on for what felt like an eternity, before it stopped.

He felt his mother's hand lift his chin as she stared down at him.

"This will not happen again Sirius do I make myself clear. Answer." She said coldly, her gaze directed down at him.

Sirius looked up at her through tears. "Y-yes mother, I understand." He whimpered, his body shaking from the effects of the crutiatus curse. She nodded firmly before slipping to kneel on the ground in front of him, tucking his head under her chin.

Walburga cradled his head firmly to her chest. Soothing him gently.

"Do you understand why I had to do this Sirius?" She murmured, never once releasing him from her hold. He nodded, refusing to let a single tear run down his cheek.

"You will be perfect." She told him firmly, finally pulling his head to look up at her.

"There will be no more mistakes." Sirius only nodded.

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"What was that about?" James asked, his gaze directed at the door Sirius had walked out of pointedly.

"Why was he dressed like that?" Peter questioned anxiously.

"Who does he think he is? Waltzing in and out of here like he owns the place. After what he's done." Remus scoffed glaring at the door, as if Sirius would walk back in.

James shook his head with a deep sigh. "Let's just go ask Minnie, she's got to know. Right?" He tried to reason -deep down he was scared- with the others.

Both boys nodded as they all leapt off their beds and rushed towards McGonagall's office hoping for some answers.

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"Sirius come here." Walburga called out.

Sirius looked up from the books he was studying and made his way out of his room, heading to where he had heard his mother's voice. He kept wandering around, looking from room to room until he came across the upstairs bathroom where he finally found his mother.

"You called for me mother?" he asked dully, shifting subtly from foot to foot.

"Good, you're here. Sit on that chair." Walburga told him, leaving no room for discussion. She pointed a slender finger at a stool facing the bathroom mirror.

Sirius nodded hesitantly, making his way towards the stool and sitting down with his back facing towards her. Walburga rose her hand and began to run her fingers through his hair.

His thick, dark hair that hung down to just below his shoulders in loose curls -something he was very proud of-.

Sirius furrowed his eyebrows as his mother continued to play with his hair, pulling it this way and that, before finally nodding. Working up all the courage he could muster, he finally spoke up,

"Mother, what are you doing?" he asked softly, not daring to mov his head, as her fingers we still present.

Walburga's fingers tightened in warning as she pulled his head back to look at her. "We are finally going to do something about this dreadful hair of yours. No heir of our noble house will have such a dreadful haircut." She told him as she pulled out a pair of scissors.

Sirius' eyes widened in shock, yet he made no move to stop her or express his disagreement. "Yes mother." He whispered, a single tear rolling down his face.

Walburga nodded with a smirk before she made the first *snip* while Sirius could only watch as lock upon lock of his dark hair fell onto the bathroom tile. Years of growth lost, and Sirius could only stand by as it happened.

"There all done." Walburga said finally, a smirk finding its way onto her lips as she forced him to look at her work.

His once beautiful hair that used to cascade down his back like an inky waterfall now sat short, falling below his ears. Walburga had left the hair at his neck slightly longer than the rest, a few curls managed to rest at the base of his neck curling delicately in inky swirls against porcelain skin. She had cut slight bangs, just minutely shorter that his cheeks to framing his face.

When he finished looking at his new haircut, Walburga stepped back to admire his work.

"There, now you look like a proper pure-blood heir." She told him, squeezing his shoulders firmly in a possessive manner,

"I expect you to continue on with your lessons, heir Sirius." She told him as she made her way out of the bathroom, she stopped just short of the door and turned her head to look at him.

"You will be perfect."

Walburga told him before she walked out of the bathroom to continue on with her day.

Once he was sure she would not return, Sirius walked back towards his room and collapsed onto his bed.

Chapter Text

Minerva was deep into grading papers when a quiet knock shocked her back into reality,

"Come in." She called out, not lifting her eyes from the task in front of her until the sound of shuffling feet stopped in front of her desk. She finally looked up to see the gloomy faces of James Potter, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew -the latter of which looked as if she would eat him-.

James stepped forward slightly, "Heyyyy Minnie. Soooo, remember how you love us, and we are your favourite students?" James asked hopefully

Minerva could practically feel her hairs turning grey as she sighed. "What is it boys?" she asked skeptically, lifting an eyebrow.

Remus looked down at his shoes as if he had nothing better to do. "We wanted to know why Black was so dressed up." He mumbled.

Minerva took her glasses off with a sigh, "well. Why do you want to know? I thought you weren't talking to him anymore." She gently pushed the papers she was grading to the side.

"We don't!" Remus snapped, before blinking his eyes in surprise at his own outburst. He ducked his head with an apology.

James groaned as he turned his full attention towards her. "What Remus is trying to say..." James trailed off as if trying to find the right words. "Is that we find it odd that Si-Black, waltzes back into the dorm room after weeks of not sleeping or being seen in here, as if he owns the place. Before walking back out of our dorm's bathroom, like an hour later, and just completely ignores us. Like we were...beneath him, and to top it off he was all dressed up." James explained, ranting slightly as he told her the problem.

-'after weeks of not sleeping there'- Minerva froze as she heard that, blinking rapidly as she tried to process the information. "I'm sorry Mr. Potter, but if Heir Black hasn't been sleeping in the dorms for weeks like you said. Then where has he been staying?" She asked them in a slightly panicky tone.

"Y-you don't know either?" Peter asked anxiously as he played with his fingers. 

"Yeah, what do you mean? We thought you gave him somewhere else to sleep after the, you know..." Remus inquired.

"No, I didn't. I thought he was staying in the dorm. Or at least sleeping in the common room." She explained to them, panicking now -her favourite student had been sleeping God knows where, and she didn't even inquire about it-. "Tell me exactly what happened when I set Heir Black back to his room that night." She said seriously, leaving no room for discussion.

James’s eyes widened at her demand, while the other too boys looked away guiltily.

“Well, he came back to the dorm room still blabbing on his apology. Tryna get us to forgive him I reckon.” James started his explanation, while Peter nodded along.

“I just got so angry, and he wouldn’t stop apologising, even after we all told him to stop. He should’ve known that what he did was unforgivable.” Remus cut in, trying to justify their actions.

James stared at him blankly, annoyed that he cut him off. Before turning back to McGonagall. “Anyways as I was saying. He wouldn’t stop apologising and we all kind of snapped at him.” James told her, playing with his tie.

McGonagall raised an eyebrow, still not fully comprehending how the supposed fight lead to Sirius sleeping god knows where. “What exactly did you say to him, that lead to him leaving the dorms, and only just returning today might I add.” She asked sharply. Making what was once a harmless conversation, feel like an interrogation.

“I uh, I told him he was a monster and that he was just like his mother.” Remus cut in before James could answer, a look of realisation crossed his face as he finally seemed to realise the severity and weight of what he had said to Sirius in a fit of anger. Similarly McGonagall’s face went white in horror at what the polite boy had said to his friend. She had not even gotten the full story and she was already baffled.

“I told him to shut up, and that nobody wanted him in the dorms.” James said sadly. “I also, kinda, maybe told him that he couldn’t come to my house for the summer, cause of what he did. But in my defense i was angry at him, and I don’t want him there, cause Remus is staying over as well, and Peter.” James tried to justify, looking at her wildly.

“What do you mean he couldn’t stay the summer, why wouldn’t he spent it with his family?” McGonagall asked confused as she furrowed her brows.

James looked completely and utterly shocked, before seeming to come to a realisation.  He covered his mouth in horror. Confusing McGonagall.

“Oh God, why did I say that.” He turned around to look at the other two boys, who had also seemed to have come to the same conclusion as him.

“What exactly are you all talking about?” She asked the boys.

“Minnie, is it possible for you to bring Regulus here, so we can explain properly. I think it’ll be easier if he’s here.” James told her. She nodded slowly, wondering what was so important that Regulus black had to help the boys explain.

She looked between the three boys, before sighing. “Stay here, I’ll go get him.” She told them firmly, leaving no room for discussion as she went to fetch the boy in question.

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Regulus strolled into McGonagall’s office with a huff, before making his way to sit in an empty chair. 

“Well then, what is it. What i so important that you interrupted my study time.” Regulus asked angrily, well as angrily as he could.

“Mr. Black I was asked to bring you here, so that these three could explain something to me, that seems to be so horrifying and in need of your assistance. It’s to do with heir Black.” McGonagall Explained to the boy.

“Heir Black?” The boy muttered to himself, before he shot out of his seat angrily and turned to the other members in the room.

“What did you do to my brother.” He snarled, his fingers itching to grab his wand.

McGonagall was once again confused -this was starting to give her a headache-

“What exactly are you all talking about?” She asked the boys, rubbing her temples.
“I’m sorry for my outburst Professor. Could you possibly explain what happened before I got here?” Regulus asked her politely. McGonagall nodded.
------------------------------------------------------------

“What the hell is wrong with you three!?” Regulus shouted in both disgust and horror.

“He trusted you!” Regulus began to rant. “I trusted you.” He glared at James. “I trusted you to keep him safe, you promised me you would.” Regulus’ breathing began to become erratic in his anger and panic.

“Calm down Mr. Black, what is this all about?” McGonagall asked, slightly panicked herself.

“Mother.” He stopped himself, clearly uncomfortable by the question or the answer -she did not know-

“Mother, has very strong views on how our family should act and portray ourselves.” Regulus tried to explain.

“She’s abusive Regulus, and you know that.” James yelled back, his anger beginning to rise.

“You don’t think I don’t know that James. He finally got out. He was supposed to stay out, but you messed that up. You promised me James.” Regulus’ vision began to blur with unshed tears. He had accepted the fact that he would never get out of that house -no he hadn’t-, and he had made peace with the fact that his brother had finally escaped -why couldn’t he have taken Regulus with him- only because James had promised Regulus, that he would keep Sirius safe.

Minerva cleared her throat gently, causing everyone in the room to snape their attention towards her. She was about to open her mouth to ask if Regulus was ok, before she was cut off by the tell tale sound of a house elf popping into the room.

“Young master Regulus, Kreacher has a letter for you from mistress.”  A ragged looking elf said in a gravelly voice, completely ignoring everybody except for Regulus.

“Thank you Kreacher.” Regulus said kindly, making the elf smile. “Does she expect a rely?” He asked only to receive a shack of the head. 

“Mistress only asked that I tell you to not ask questions and to obey the contents of the letter. No matter what.” The house elf told the youngest Black. The boy nodded before the elf popped back out of the room -most likely to return back to where he came from.

Regulus carefully opened the letter, ignoring the questioning looks directed towards him.

--------------------------

My dearest Regulus,

I trust this letter finds you well, and that your studies have remained a source of pride and discipline during your time away from Hogwarts.

It pains me to write under such circumstances, but something has come up here at Grimmauld Place—something that requires privacy, discretion and I must inform you that due to these circumstances I must insist that you do not return home for the summer holiday.

 I know you may find this unexpected, perhaps even disappointing, but I assure you it is for the best. There are matters unfolding within the family that are not yet ready for your involvement.

I expect that you will be able to make suitable arrangements with one of your friends—preferably someone from a respectable family, I have already instructed Kreacher to bring all you will need for the summer to your dorm room. You must remain mindful of the company you keep. Appearances, as you well know, are everything, and I will not have a Black boy lodging with just anyone. You are my son, Regulus, and it is your duty to carry yourself with the dignity and restraint expected of our noble house.

When the school term begins, I will meet you at King’s Cross Station. You need not worry about your school supplies; I have already taken the liberty of purchasing everything you will require for the coming year. Your books, robes, and potion ingredients have all been selected with the utmost care.

I hope you continue to conduct yourself with honour and discretion in all that you do. and it is my deepest wish that you continue to rise above the foolishness that surrounds so many of your peers.

Do not disappoint me, Regulus.

With all my love,
Mother

--------------------------

Regulus clenched the letter tightly in his hands. He grit his teeth in anger.

“Is everything alright Mr. Black?” McGonagall asked the boy in concern.

“I’m ok, I’ll just need to find a place to stay for the summer, mother says that something big is happening at home. But I am not to know yet.” Regulus explained, already stressing about the living arrangements he would need to make.

“You can stay with me.” James offered. Regulus only nodded.

“Is there anything else professor, or can I leave now?” He asked McGonagall, his tone causing her to realise how tired he was, she dismissed him and watched him leave the room.

She then turned towards the boys still in her office and dismissed them as well. The boys easily agreed and made their way to bed.
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James lay awake in bed looking up at the roof. 

“Wait, Minnie didn’t even tell us where Sirius went. Shit.” James groaned before rolling over and falling asleep

Chapter Text

James stepped off the Hogwarts express with a smile with his trunk in hand and a reluctant Regulus shuffling behind him. He knew Regulus had nowhere else to go, but he was still glad he agreed to spend the holidays with him- no matter how reluctant he was-.

Looking around, James's gaze stopped on the form of his mother, her body shaking in happiness. His gaze softened as he made his way over to her and hugged her close, finally glad to feel the safety her arms gave him and finally allowing the weight of the school year to drain from his body.

Euphemia Potter pulled away from the hug reluctantly and looked around the station slowly, as if searching for someone -James knew exactly who she was looking for-.

Her gaze stopped on Regulus's hunched form, looking as though he wished to be anywhere else but this point in time.

"Oh, you must be Regulus, Sirius and James have told me so much about you." She told him warmly, her smile almost blinding the boy.

"Speaking of Sirius, where is he?" She asked confused -she thought James said he was spending to summer-. She looked down at James, the boy held a guilty expression, not fully meeting her gaze -she hoped nothing bad had happened-.

"I'll explain when we get home." James muttered looking at his shoes, her brows furrowed as she nodded reluctantly, before holding her arms out to the two boys and apparating to Potter manor, leaving the still busy station behind them.

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Sirius sat silently in the dining room, his mother and father on opposite ends of him, as if caging him in. The table was impossibly quiet, save from the occasional scrape of cutlery on plates and the thump of goblets being placed down.

Walburga cleared her throat suddenly, demanding everyone’s -Sirius’s- attention.

"Your studies have come very far Sirius. But not far enough.: She told Sirius, directing her cold gaze on him.

"For that reason, I have instructed Regulus to spend the school holiday at a friend's house. I will not have you getting distracted." She said, her tone leaving no room for discussion.

Sirius bit his tongue to hold back a retort and instead nodded his head stiffly. The subtle metallic taste of blood invaded his tastebuds, shocking him with the realisation that he had bitten hard enough to draw blood.

"Now then. What have you learnt today, Sirius?" Walburga asked the boy, internally pleased with the way the -her- boy had handled the news.

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"Mum said dinners ready." James told the boy sitting quietly on a bed in the guest bedroom. The younger only nodded.

It had been hours since their return to Potter manor and similarly since James had told his parents of the events that had transpired over the course of the year.

Euphemia had undoubtably been furious at the way James had handled the situation, and even more vexed at how her son had told Sirius hat he was unwelcome -something so unbelievably untrue that it brought her to tears-. 

Both Euphemia and Fleamont Potter had spent a total of 20 minutes taking in the story that their child had told them, before asking one question.

One single question.

A question that nobody had thought to ask at all.

"Why did he do it?" 

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A/N: Please note that this is not to be read in a tone that makes it seem that James' parent blame Sirius, it is more so to ask James why HE thinks Sirius did it.

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That single question caused James to pause abruptly.

-'Why had he done it?'-

-'What was the motive behind his actions?'-

James' eyes widened as he took a shaky step backwards.

"I-I need to go." He said quickly, turning on his heal and rushing out of the room.

He rushed all the way to his room, taking long strides towards his desk. Before fumbling around for writing materials. 

He had to write to Remus and Peter, and as quickly as possible.

------------------------------------------------------------

"Crutio"

Sirius' limp for twitched on the ground lazily, his body barely having any energy left as his mother used curse, upon curse on his bruised and battered form.

He did not know what he did, but at this point it didn't matter -he deserved it-

Blood pooled in his mouth and dribbled down his limp at the onslaught of attacks, he wanted it to end -please end it-.

"Get cleaned up. Then go resume your studies. I do not want to see you until breakfast tomorrow." Walburga told his corpse like form, before she turned on her heel and left the room.

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"Wait, so you don't think he did it on purpose?" Peter asked James disbelievingly.

After James had sent the letters, the boys had quickly flooed to his room. Where they now resided, scattered across the bed and floor. -Regulus had declined, stating that being around more than one idiot at a time dumbed him down-.

James nodded, "Think about it. When has Sirius ever intentionally broken a promise or leaked a secret?" He asked the other occupants of the room, only receiving the shaking of heads.

"Exactly! So why would he purposely tell Snape, just because. We all know how he feels about Moony." Jame tried to reason gesturing his arms wildly -at this point they needed a pin board and some red string-

Peter and Remus finally seemed to understand where James was coming from.

"Look, I'm not saying we have to forgive him straight away. All I'm saying is that, come next school year we just try to ask him what happened, and if he truly did leak Moony's secret on purpose, we don't have to forgive nor apologise or speak to him.

Remus sighed -he hated when James acted smart. It truly was a good plan-

"I don't love this plan, but deep down I know he didn't do it, the wolf thinks so too." Remus said, straining to get the words out. 

Although he did not believe Sirius was truly to blame, what had happened, hurt him deeply and he knew that a part of him hated Sirius for that.

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Outside of James's door Regulus smiled. Finally, the morons were getting somewhere.

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Chapter Text

Sirius stood completely still as he stood in front of his bathroom mirror, tracing his eyes over every new, scar, cut and blemish on his skin. Hoping to engrave every injury into his brain. 

His body was covered in cuts and bruises, and occasionally he would shake and spasm with aftershocks from the cruciatus curse.

His eyes held large, dark eye bags, almost as dark as his name. A symbol of his lack of sleep.

His left eye was sporting a shallow cut, still lazily bleeding. 

His left cheek was covered in a large dark bruise, still tender to the touch. A gift from breakfast.

Dark, finger like bruises covered almost the entirety of his neck. A special present from his father -one of the only times he touched his son-.

Worst of all, his neck was now home to an ugly and jagged scar. It stuck out like a sore thumb on his once pristine, porcelain skin. Almost seeming to glow silver in the bathroom lighting. 

Tears welled up in his eyes, but he refused to let them fall -he was finally the perfect heir, he had to act like it-.

Sirius turned to the pile of clothing that sat on the vanity, consisting of black dress pants, a black button down and vest a black tie and finally, a fresh roll of bandages. 

He took a minute to compose himself before carefully pulling the clothes on, being careful not to wrinkle anything -mother would be furious with him if he did-. Once all items of clothing were on and wrinkle free, he wound the bandages around the new addition on his forearm before he exited the bathroom and made his way to his room, where his school trunk sat, already packed and ready for the upcoming school year. 

He sat on his bed and pulled on his dress shoes.

"Sirius." A formal tone called to him, originating from his door. 

He looked up from where he was tying his shoes, to see his mother's stiff form. She looked as elegant as she normally did, and her hair was pulled back into her signature bun. 

She held a jar of gel, a pair of scissors and a comb in her hands -a silent question, or test. Sirius did not know-. 

Sirius stood, rising elegantly. As he made to follow behind his mother back towards the bathroom. 

Walburga nodded towards a stool that now sat in front of the mirror, causing Sirius to move towards it and sit down immediately, not daring to hesitate. 

Walburga smiled slightly and pet her son's hair, before grabbing the scissors she brought with her and making the first snip -she was only fixing up her boy's hair to look more presentable before she sent him off-.

The two sat in silence as she worked on Sirius's hair, gently placing the scissors down and grabbing the hair gel and comb. 

She lightly placed gel in his hair -save for his bangs- and pulled the comb through his hair softly. Only styling it enough to pull it away from his face and not to slick it back.

Once she was happy, she made Sirius follow her back to his room to gather his things before they apparated to the station.

------------------------------------------------------------

"Do you boys have everything ready?" Euphemia asked James and Regulus.

Both boys nodded, excited to get to the station.

For two very different reasons.

James was excited to see his friends -all of them-.

Regulus was just glad to get out of the Potter family's hair, and finally back into his natural environment.

"Alrighty then, let's get going." Euphemia told the boys, waiting for them to grab ahold of her hands before they disappeared too the station.

------------------------------------------------------------

Walburga stood in front of her heir, her son with pride.

She brushed off any imperfections in his suit before placing her hands on his shoulders steadily. He looked at her blankly, feeling small in her gaze.

Walburga carefully reached up towards her bun and pulled out a familiar wand.

Sirius's heart fluttered slightly as she handed the wand to him.

His eyes widened in shock, causing pain to shoot through his face. Before he shakily reached towards the piece of wood in her grasp. 

Sirius gently took the want and placed it in his want holder -how he wished he could pull his hair up and put his wand there instead-. 

"I am proud of you, my son." She whispered to him, watching as he froze.

"Do not disappoint our noble house." 

Sirius nodded.

"Goodbye mother." He muttered before shrinking his trunk and walking onto the train.

------------------------------------------------------------

"This is where I leave you." Euphemia told the boys, pulling them both into a hug.

"Don't forget to write."

"Don't worry mum." James told her, rolling his eyes slightly.

"Well then. Have fun and stay safe." She said anxiously, wringing her hands.

"We will mu-" James stopped abruptly as Walburga Black walked over to them.

"I trust you have behaved yourself Regulus." Walburga said poshly, making Regulus nod stiffly.

James furrowed his brows and held his tongue, trying to reign in his temper.

"Ahh, Lady Black. Regulus was positively perfect during his stay. You have raised such a polite and well manner young boy." Euphemia cut in to try lighten the mood, sensing the tension.

Walburga narrowed her eyes slightly, before nodding stiffly. 

"If I may. Why are you here Lady Black. I thought Regulus already had all his school supplies." Euphemia questioned.

"I was just seeing my son off for the school year." Walburga said briefly.

Euphemia nodded slowly, slightly sceptical with her response. Before she ultimately decided to drop it.

"I have to get going, unfortunately. It was lovely meeting you." Walburga said, placing a hand on Regulus's shoulder and squeezing it possessively.

------------------------------------------------------------

Sirius made his way through the sea of bodies rushing to get onto the train. He kept his head down and rushed towards an empty cart near the end of the train.

As soon as he found a compartment, he closed the door and blinds and rested his head against the window to take a nap.

------------------------------------------------------------

"Where do you think he is?" Peter asked, glancing at the train compartments.

Remus scoffed slightly, trying to hide the fact that he was worried.

"I don't know, but surely he's on the train. Right?" James questioned, frantically looking around to try and find their friend.

"Let's just find a compartment for now, and we can continue looking for him." Remus tried to reason. 

The other boys agreed as they made their way to the back of the train, finding one last empty compartment and claiming it as theirs.

"Alrighty then, let's find us a Sirius." James joked, rubbing his hands together evilly.

"We'll start with the front of the train and work our way back towards where our compartment is." Remus said hesitantly. 

Peter and James agreed.

------------------------------------------------------------

Sirius woke with a start, to the train whistle.

With a groan he stood up and unshrunk his trunk to grab his robes.

He got dressed at a reasonably fast pace and made sure to carefully fold his normal clothes so that they would not wrinkle. Before reshrinking his trunk and sitting back down in his seat.

They would be arriving at the school soon.

------------------------------------------------------------

"Ugh. We've checked almost all compartments. Where is he?" James asked frustrated.

Remus rubbed his temples at the sound of James' whining.

In the span of the train ride, they had checked almost all of the train compartments, save from those with their blinds down -you still got to respect others privacy- and still there was no sign of Sirius.

"Let's just put our uniforms and we can see if he's in the great hall." Peter said, clearly distressed at not seeing Sirius.

------------------------------------------------------------

-Sirius was in fact, not at the great hall-.

James was starting to get annoyed.

Where the hell was he.

After the traditional start of year feast, the boys had made their way up to their dorm room, to further discuss their next course of action. 

They made their way up the stairs, past the other students and into the dorm. Remus looked around their room for the next year with a sigh, only to spot a very familiar trunk sitting at the foot of the bed furthest from the door. Which coincidently was directly next to Remus's.

The boys all huddled together on Remus's bed, trying to come up with theories on where their missing friend was and if he would be returning to the dorm. However, halfway into their brainstorming, the conversation had started to shift and get heated -curtesy of James-, almost causing them to miss the sound of the door opening -almost-.

The creaking of the door caused Remus's head to snap up towards to sound and subsequently direct both James and Peter's attention toward the door as well.

James squinted as the figure of Sirius came into view. With a smile he jumped off Remus's bed and began to make his way over to his friend. Only to stop mid-way, when he fully took in the state of Sirius' face.

"Sirius. What-" James started, clearly worried for the state the boy was in.

He anxiously waited for his reply, only for Sirius to completely ignore and brush past him. 

James gaped at the cold shoulder he had received, making his way back over towards Remus and Peter. 

The three boys watched in shock as Sirius opened his trunk and pulled out his PJ's before coldly making his way towards the bathroom, only to come out not even 20 minutes later, freshly dressed in his pajamas.

Remus stared at his -former- friend with his mouth agape, the boy didn't even spare them a glance as he got into bed and spelled his blinds shut.

"Did you see the look he gave me." James asked in disbelief

"He looked so dead inside." Peter responded in shock

"Why was he so beaten up and where was he for the holidays?" Remus muttered, worried for his friend's wellbeing. 

------------------------------------------------------------

"Why were they all looking at me, I thought they hated me." Sirius muttered as he curled into a ball on his bed.

-He had to be the perfect heir. He couldn't let mother down-.

Chapter Text

Sirius awoke with a sudden jump, his limbs seizing and his muscles spasming from phantom curses, still desperate to remind him of the horrors he had faced over the break.

He clawed at his throat, trying desperately to gain oxygen in his starved lungs. But no matter how hard he tried, the feeling of a large hand calloused did not leave his trachea and instead seemed to squeeze further, taking delight in his torment.

 

It was suffocating...

 

It was hell...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

James rolled over with a tired groan, lazily feeling around for the snooze button on his alarm. By the time he found it and wacked it with earnest it was too late, he had already been pulled too far from his slumber.

He sat up with an annoyed grumble, his eyes surveying the room as his graze slowly jumped from bed to bed, softly looking at the occupants in each bed. Finally landing on the empty bed that belonged to Sirius, a bed that was perfectly made without the owner in sight - Sirius never made his bed-.

He guiltily stared at the bed for what seemed like forever, before jumping out of bed and making his way to the bathroom to get ready for the first classes of the year, making sure to wake up wormy and moony as he went, causing the former to grumble and the later to lob a pillow at his head full force to which he flipped the other off. He chuckled slightly as he opened the door to the bathroom, only to freeze upon seeing another occupant in the room.

An exhausted Sirius stared back at him through the reflection of the mirror, pausing his task of what seemed to be applying makeup to cover every bruise, cut and eye bag present on his once pristine face.

Sirius quickly looked away and hurried to finish before rushing out of the bathroom and disappearing to Merlin knows where. James stared sadly at the spot where the boy once stood before shaking his head in defeat and going on with his day.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

'Idiot, Idiot. Idiot!' Sirius thought bitterly as he hurried out of the bathroom and away from James, he had thought he had more time to get ready for the first day back. He had to act like a proper, respectable heir and he intended to do so -Mother was finally starting to look at him-. He looked at his watch -a little gift from father- realising he still had an hour before class.

Sirius trudged up to his dorm room hoping to quickly grab his school bag and exit the room before anyone else decided to talk to him.

Upon entering, Peter was putting his shoes on, and Remus was dozing in his uniform -the first day back was always hard on him-. Sirius shrunk in on himself slightly and quietly snatched his bag before exiting the room at a brisk pace -the heir of the noble house of Black did not rush- his head held high.

Sirius smirked slightly at his successful mission and mad his way down to the dining hall for a cup of tea -he hadn't earnt the right to food yet, mother said he was still fatter than what was expected of him-. The halls of Hogwarts were still quite quiet for the first official day back save for the occasional seventh year trying to begin cramming for their finals and a group of over excited first years, full of too much energy for a school morning.

Sirius walked with long strides, full of purpose towards the Gryffindor table, his head held high and an air of superiority around him, clinging to him like a dark cape. He sat near the end of the table and made himself a cup of tea before opening the paper, hoping for something exciting to pop up on the pages.

Nothing exciting showed up, but the sound of the large doors opening and a group of hurried feet did cause him to look up from his tea. He stared blankly at the group of 9 - James, Remus, Peter, Mary, Marlene, Lily, Evan, Barty and Regulus- as they looked around the room, before the fiery gaze of Lily Evans locked onto him as if she were a predator who had found her prey. She nudged Regulus and directed the attention of the rest of the group towards where he sat.

The Black heir sighed as the group rushed over to him, erupting into a flurry of questions causing him to sip his tea silently and go back to reading the paper -maybe they would bore themselves and leave him alone-.

They did not get bored and instead made themselves at home in the seats surrounding him. Sirius rolled his eyes slightly behind the newspaper.

"Sirius, where have you been?" Lily asked angrily "We've all been so worried."

Sirius ignored the girl, immersing himself in the paper causing the girl to huff at being ignored.

"Sirius. Are you ok... You seem a bit... off." Marlene asked cautiously acting as if he were a bomb set to explode at any moment.

Once again Sirius ignored them, only moving to sip his tea or flip through articles.

His reading was interrupted when the newspaper was snatched from his hands. Sirius sighed, reaching towards the middle of the table to make himself another tea.

He mixed the tea around with a spoon, internally pleased by the discomfort on everybody's face. Finally, he took a long sip and directed his gaze towards where his paper lay.

Right...Infront...Of Regulus.

"Someone would think you didn't have any manners." Sirius said quietly, directing his cold gaze on his younger brother.

"Did staying the holidays at Potter's truly cause you to lose them?" He asked condescendingly cocking his head slightly -he knew he was being a dick, but this is what Mother and Father expected of him-, Regulus inhaled sharply at the way his brother spoke to him, gaping like a fish on land.

"For God's sake Sirius. Stop acting like a child and talk to us." Remus's voice rose sharply.

Sirius snapped his gaze towards the angry boy.

"I was minding my own business. You were the ones that sat over here." Sirius explained calmly.

Ignoring the shocked gazes of the others, Sirius looked down at his watch and promptly finished his tea.

"Now. If you would excuse me, I have classes to get to." He got up from the table and left in a dignified and graceful manner.

Chapter Text

Regulus clenched his jaw tightly as he listened to the groups bickering absentmindedly.

"We've tried everything James, maybe it's time to just... Back off." Peter said timidly, causing Regulus to snap his attention to the anxious boy.

"Absolutely not!" He told the group, raising his voice slightly to gain the attention of everyone. Before he could continue his rant, he was cut off.

"Sirius needs our help, we can't give up. Not yet." Lily told them firmly. Her attitude as feisty as ever.

"I don't know if I can forgive him yet, but we have to keep trying." Remus said with a sigh -deep down he was beyond worried for the boy he loved-.

"Remus, Lily. It's been weeks and he won't even look at us, let alone speak to us and ask for help." James finally joined in on the conversation, running a hand through his messy hair.

"Which is exactly why we have to keep trying." Regulus started.

"Look. I know my brother and I know he can be a massive twat but, when he's hurting... truly hurting like he is now, he pushes everyone away. We don't even know what actually happened that night... or where he went for the holidays." He tried to reason.

The room went silent as everyone seemed to contemplate the gravity of Regulus' words.

"Reggie is right-" Marlene agreed, 

-"Don't call me that!"-

"We just need to come up with the right plan."

------------------------------------------------------------

Sirius sat on his bed, staring blankly off into the distance. Pages of schoolwork surrounding him, begging to be completed instead sat forgotten. 

Instead, the boy was lost in thought. His mind racing from his family to the actions of his former friends.

"Why now." He whispered sadly. Thinking dejectedly about how everyone was trying so hard to speak to him after months of silence and harsh glares.

Sirius shook himself out of his thoughts, blinking back unshed tears as he returned back to his schoolwork. 

------------------------------------------------------------

"Alright so Regulus, Barty and Evan will go 'question' Snape. lily, Marlene and Mary will ask Minnie about what she knows, and Wormtail, Moony and I will try talking to Sirius again." James explained, finally happy that everyone had come to an agreement. 

"I want to go with Regulus. If he did something, I would rather hear it for myself." Remus told James.

"You'll need my invisibility cloak then" James told the other, smiling slightly as he used accio to summon it before handing it to his friend.

"Now then, does anyone else have something to say before we begin?"

Everybody shook their heads, causing James to nod.

"Let's get to it then!"

With that they were all off.

------------------------------------------------------------

Sirius hummed a tune softly as he finished off the last of his schoolwork. With the final flick of his pen, he smiled as he finally finished.

He slowly started to raise the volume of his voice for the song he was humming as he neatly stacked his work into organised piles, ready to be delivered to the respective teachers.

With a twirl he made his way to his trunk and pulled out his pajamas and shower supplies before turning towards the door -he knew it was still early, but he didn't need dinner-. 

Sirius instantly stopped singing, schooling his facial features when he saw the shocked faces of James and Peter. He rolled his eyes and brushed past them without a second thought.

------------------------------------------------------------

"Where the hell is Snape?" Barty asked, frustration easily slipping into his tone.

The boys continued to look out for him as they walked through the corridors -Remus followed under the cloak-. 

After what seemed like hours, they finally found the boy sitting on a bench in a seemingly abandoned hallway near the Slytherin dorm entrance.

 Snape looked up, his eyes widening as he reached for his wand.

Regulus was faster.

He stunned the boy mid movement, allowing he and his friends to walk over to the greasy haired student. 

"What the hell did you do to my brother" Regulus asked coldly, allowing Evan and Barty to pull out their wands and point it at Snape.

"I didn't do anything" Snape spat with a glare.

"How unfortunate. Here I thought you would take the easy route, nut it seems not" Regulus sighed, shaking his head.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small glass vial.

"You see." He began

"While I am a potion master of sorts, I need you to say what I need to ask you out loud. So, this is the only option, unless... you would rather I start cursing." Regulus explained, playing with the potion vial in his hands as a smirk grew on his face.

Snape gulped as he shook his head.

"Good, now then. Are you going to drink this or am I going to have to force you." He glared

Snape spat at his feet causing Regulus to sigh again in disappointment.  

"That's a shame."

Regulus casted a paralysis charm and poured to vial into Snapes' mouth.

"Don't worry it's only a weak dosage of Veritaserum, it'll wear off within 10 minutes." He muttered to the boys behind him.

Snape spluttered as the charm was removed, coincidently swallowing the truth potion as a result.

"Now then. Let's try again." Regulus started.

"What. Did. You. Do. To. My. Brother." He growled out.

"I used Legilimens, what do you think I did." Snape blurted out, his eyes widening at what he had confessed.

Remus gasped quietly underneath the cloak.

"How?" Regulus demanded.

"I cornered him in the back of the library and stunned him." Snape started to explain

"He put up a good fight, but once I mentioned you. His walls began to crumble." The shady bastard smirked as if it were something to be proud of.

"He tried so hard to fight against me and it took me a while, but I finally figured out Lupin's secret. Once he realised, I knew he begged me not to tell anyone." Snape laughed.

Regulus clenched his fists, trying to refrain from punching the idiot with every fibre of his being.

"I tossed him around for a little while after, then I let him go while I made my way to the tree. He deserved everything I did to him. And now look at him, friendless and miserable-"

Snape didn't get to finish as Remus leapt at him, punching him in the face with a snarl.

Regulus just watched, glad that somebody was beating the twat.

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"Miss McGonagall! Miss McGonagall!" Lily called out to the professor, Marlene and Mary trailing after her.

McGonagall turned towards the girls.

"Yes ladies. Is there something I can help you with?" She asked her students.

"We were wondering if we could talk privately" Mary asked hesitantly

McGonagall sighed as she led the girls to her office.

"Now, what can I help you 3 with?" She asked perplexed

"We were wondering if you could tell us what Sirius' punishment was for the... incident" Marlene explained.

"Please professor, we are worried about him." Lily begged when she saw the sceptical look on the professors' face.

McGonagall sighed. "Tea?" She asked.

The girls nodded.

"You must understand that I cannot tell you everything, but I will tell you what I know. As long as you do not tell the other professors I told you." She told the girls. Receiving nods.

"You all know of another student's condition, correct?" she asked

"You mean Remus. Yeah, we know." Marlene said

"Well. When Heir Black came to me and told me what he did. I punished him in what I assumed was fair." McGonagall told the trio.

"He was stripped of Hogsmeade privileges until the start of this year and banned from playing quidditch. He was also to hold detention with me until the end of the year, every night." The teacher explained, ignoring the outraged gasp from Marlene.

"But professor, if he was supposed to take detention every night. Why did he leave school early?" Lily asked, her brows furrowed.

McGonagall sighed, Lily always was able to pick up on small details.

"I cannot say who... But a family member did pick him up early due to unknown circumstances." She said, trying to keep details to a minimum.

"Thank you, professor. We'll leave you to your night." Mary thanked her.

McGonagall nodded and watched as the girls made their way to her door.

"Oh and girls." She called out as an afterthought

The girls turned to look at her in confusion.

"Do your best to help him." She said, giving a smile as they nodded.

------------------------------------------------------------

The girls rushed back to the unofficial meeting area after their conversation with McGonagall. 

Seeing James and Peter already there, they sat down in various chairs in the room waiting for the others.

After what seemed like forever, the last of the boys walked in and threw themselves into the chairs.

"Now then, what did everyone find out?" James asked tiredly.

------------------------------------------------------------

"We messed up." Peter said in disbelief, causing the others to nod in agreement.

"What have we done." James asked in horror looking at his hands.

Remus just stared defeated at his feet, - hoe could he betray the boy he loved like this-.

"You said a family member pulled him out of school area, didn't you Lily?" Barty asked confused

"It was mother, it had to have been." Regulus muttered.

"That's why she didn't want you going home for the holidays." James realised

"That's why he was so beaten up when we saw him." Remus added.

"And that's why she was at the station." Regulus finished.

"How are we going to fix this?" Peter asked

"I... I don't know."

Chapter Text

Sirius swung his legs from where he sat on the edge of the balcony in the astronomy tower. He tilted his head back slightly, letting smoke tumble from his lips. Watching as it disappeared into the wind.

He took another drag of his cig with a hum as he looked up towards the moon sadly in thought.

A scuffling sound broke him out of his thoughts. Making his turn quickly and point his wand towards where the sound originated from.

"Shit, calm down it's just me." A panicked voice called out.

"Lumos." Sirius whispered, pointing his wand to the voice.

"Jesus, Sirius put that away." The voice - James- told him.

Sirius stared at him blankly before lowering his wand.

"Sirius, I- The guys and I want to talk to you. It's about that night-" James tried to explain.

He was cut off by Sirius walking straight past him and out the door.

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James walked into the common room in a daze.

"So... What happened?" Lily asked eagerly.

James ignored her as he sat on the couch with his head in his hands.

"He didn't even acknowledge me." James told them, looking down at his hands.

"He just walked right past me, like he didn't care."

"We'll fix this" Remus said, his voice filled with determination.

"But for now we should all head to bed, it's getting late."

"Thank god it's Saturday tomorrow." Marlene sighed in relief, causing the others to agree before everyone made their way to the dorm rooms - or in Regulus' case back to Slytherin House-

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Sirius woke up groggily to the small ray of morning light that had managed to slip through the gap of his curtains.

He rubbed his eyes slowly to rid himself of any remaining sleep. - this is what he gets for sneaking in when everyone had long gone to bed-

Sirius quietly slipped out of his bed, muttering a quick spell to make his bed as he walked to the bathroom to get ready for the day.

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Remus groaned loudly as he sat up in his bed. He glared at his alarm as it screeched at him to get out of bed.

Any thoughts he had of returning to bed were cut off by a pillow being lobbed at his head.

He shuffled out of bed and walked to the bathroom, passing James who was putting his shoes on and Peter reading a book. He glared at them both.

Once he entered the bathroom he froze in shock.

There stood Sirius -his Sirius- in front of the mirror, doing his hair and dressed as posh as ever -what had happened to change him this much-, Sirius locked eyes with him and the mirror and rolled his eyes with a scoff before walking out of the bathroom. Leaving a heartbroken Remus standing frozen in place.

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The great hall was quite empty when Sirius strode in and sat down, mostly due to it being a weekend.

Sirius mindlessly stirred the tea in his cup, listening to the quiet clinks the metal made on the porcelain as he waited for his owl to deliver the mail -mother said she would send one every Saturday and he was expected to reply by Sunday-

"Sirius, we need to talk." A voice cut off his train of thought.

Sirius looked up to where the noise came from.

He got a weird feeling of Deja vu at the sight before him.

Regulus, James, Peter, Lily, Marlene, Mary and Remus had sat themselves down in front of him looking at him expectantly.

He stared at them silently, before the screeching of owls interrupted the stare down.
Sirius smile at the owl as it gently placed a small pile of letters on his empty plate.
He gave the owl a piece of bacon as thanks and told it to go rest in the owlery, before unraveling the twine from the letters.

"Mother sent this for you." He told Regulus sharply as he handed said letter over. Before opening his own.

----------------------

My dearest Sirius,

It is a surprise to say that word has reached me from several of your teachers to tell me of your acceptable behaviour during these first few weeks of the term. It pleases me to know that you are finally living up to the Black name with the confidence and command expected of the heir of our most noble lineage.

However, this is not the reason for my writing. Dumbledore has decided in his infinite wisdom, that the students of Hogwarts should take part in a 'Parents Day'. As a way to show the progress of the students during the last term of the school year. In doing so he has asked a select few (myself included) to give demonstrations on certain skills we hold.

Naturally, I have agreed. So, it is expected of both you and Regulus to be on your absolute best behaviour when I arrive. You are expected to stay by my side and be the picture of perfection for the duration of my stay.

I have told your brother of my arrival. He has also been made aware of my current distain for his current behavior.

Your father and I have spoken of your potential, Sirius. You have always had the bearing of a true heir — clever, sharp-minded, and unafraid to stand apart. I would hate to see those qualities dulled by the sort of influences that thrive in a school full of children who do not understand what it means to carry a legacy.

Until we meet.

With love,
Mother

P.s
I shall be bringing a few things from home that might serve you well in your studies.

----------------------

Sirius carefully folded the letter up and put it into his pocket. Before he looked towards his brother.

He froze as he saw the look of pure horror on his brothers face -mother must have been particularly nasty- and the looks of concern on everyone else's face as their attention was focused on Regulus.

Sirius quickly stood up and returned back to his room to write a quick letter back to his mother.

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Regulus grabbed the letter from his brothers outstretched hand with skepticism.
He gently opened it and steeled himself.

----------------------

Regulus,

I trust this letter finds you well — though I am not certain I can say the same for my feelings regarding your recent conduct. It seems that every owl I receive from Hogwarts carries with it yet another small disappointment. Subtle, perhaps, but enough to catch notice. I had hoped that by now, you would have learned what it means to bear our name with pride and purpose. Instead, I hear whispers of unsavoury behaviour — traits unbecoming of a Black.

It seems that by you not returning for the holidays, a spark of rebellion has been lit and it will not be tolerated

As I have told your brother. Dumbledor has decided that the students of Hogwarts should take part in a 'Parents Day'. As a way to show the progress of the students during the last term of the school year. In doing so he has asked a select few (myself included) to give demonstrations on certain skills we hold.

I expect you and your brother in attendance.

You are not to disappoint me again Regulus. I will let it slide this time as you are usually perfection, however if you continue with this behaviour there will be consequences.

You would do well to reflect on your behaviour before my arrival. Appearances matter, and I will not have our name diminished by carelessness or weakness.

Your mother,
Walburga Black

Toujours pur

----------------------

Regulus' face paled as he finished reading the letter. Tears welled in his eyes, yet he refused to let them fall -is this hat his brother had to deal with before he changed-
By the time he got his emotions under control Sirius had already left to god knows where.

"You ok Reg?" James asked.

Regulus wordlessly handed over the letter for the others to read.

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Lily clenched her jaw after she finished reading Regulus' letter.

"It's going to be ok Regulus." She told the boy, who just sat there blankly.

She looked towards the others with a not, causing them all to stand -Regulus was pulled to lean on James- and walk towards the Gryffindor common room.

The all walked in silence through the near empty corridors, before practically flinging themselves onto the couches near the fire.

"We are going to figure this out Regulus. Nobody is going to hurt you, I swear it." Lily told the boy who was still shaking from where he sat.

Regulus opened his mouth to answer but was cut off by Sirius coming into his view.

"Mother expects you to write back to her." He told his brother softly.

"Jesus Sirius, can't you get your head out of your ass and see that your brother is upset." Remus shouted, causing Sirius' eye to widen, before he schooled his expression.

"I am just delivering a message Lupin. Stay out of it." Sirius told the boy coldly.

He turned his attention back towards his brother, ignoring the shock expressions of the others.

"I took the liberty of composing a letter of exactly what she expects you to respond with." He told the younger, who looked at his brother in surprise.

"You are to rewrite this exactly. Do you understand?" He asked.

Regulus nodded gratefully.

"Thank you." He said with relief

"Don't thank me, just do as I say." Sirius said.

"Once you send this letter, you are to find someone who will take you in long term. If you do not, come find me and I will write to cousin Andromeda."

"What do you mean 'long term'?" Regulus asked fearfully.

"I'm getting you out of that house. Do as you are told." Sirius said before walking away from the group and back up the stairs. Ignoring the shocked stares of everyone.

Regulus looked down at the folded slip of paper his brother had given him.

He steeled his nerves before he began to read the letter out loud -they would ask what it said latter anyway.

----------------------

Mother,

I received your letter this morning. I am so very sorry to hear that I have disappointed you — that was never my intention. I know what is expected of me as a son of the House of Black and I know I have fallen short of these expectations.

I will do better. You have my word.

I gladly await your arrival, in a hope to show you just how sorry I am.

Yours truly,

Regulus

----------------------

Regulus could not believe Sirius was truly helping him. But it was a relief to realise that his brother didn't hate him.

Remus silently slid a piece of parchment and a quill -from god knows where- for him to write the letter.

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Once Sirius had talked to Regulus and sent his own letter home, he finally gave himself some time to sit down and relax on his bed.

He was glad his mother had warned him of her plans to visit Hogwarts, yet he feared for Regulus. For it had seemed that he had fallen from her grace.

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The rest of the weekend seemed to pass in a blur and before he knew it, it was the first period of Monday.

"Settle down class." McGonagall called out, demanding her classes attention.

"Now, I'm sure that some of you have heard the exciting news." She started as she looked around the classroom.

"The headmaster has decided that this Friday there will be no classes as we will be holding a parent's day, to allow the parents to see all the progress the students have made this year." She was cut off by cheering and some groaning.

"As I was saying." She glared. "The headmaster has also asked that some of the parents give demonstrations on some of the skills the possess such as potions, charms, spells, defensive magic and more."

"How long will they be here for miss?" A young Ravenclaw girl asked innocently.

"They will arrive at 9:30 am and leave after dinner." McGonagall answered.

"You are not expected to take part in all or any of the workshops, but if you wish to, I will be sending the lists around for you to sign up for what you wish to take part in."

This caused the classroom to burst into sound as everyone excitedly waited to sign up.

Sirius had expected McGonagall to give the sheet to the front row, and have it work to the back row, but unfortunately luck was never on Sirius' side. McGonagall walked straight up to Sirius and handed him the sheet.

Scanning the sheet, Sirius found his name and ticked the boxes for the Defence against the dark arts, Potions, the workshop for family Heirs (which meant that parents were also to attend) and a workshop for people with dark cores.

After he filled the sheet in, he passed it too the next person and proceeded to catch up on some homework.

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"So, it's a plan then. We sign up for the same classes as Sirius and whatever else we want to." James whispered to Remus, who nodded in response, Peter also tapped the table twice to signal that he heard and agreed.

When the paper finally reached them, the boys all looked at Sirius' choices in shock.

"I can't do the dark core one, because I have a light core and I'm rubbish at potions." James said as he filled the sheet with Defense against the dark arts, the heir workshop and the quidditch workshop.

Peter decided to do potions, charms, Defense against the dark arts and there was also a cooking workshop which he was really excited about.

"I'll do potions, Defense against the dark arts, magic for dark cores and the magical creatures workshop." Remus told the others.

"That means that at least one of us is in every class with him. I know that Reg will do the same as him except for the Heir workshop." Peter said thoughtfully after McGonagall took the sheet back.

"Now then, let's get back into the lesson then shall we. I know you are all excited, but please save it outside of the classroom."

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The group all gathered near the lake after classes had finished to discuss what workshops that had chosen.

----------------------
A/N: I am not writing out every single workshop possible for the students to take nor am I going to write out the rest of the group's choices. I will mention them if they are in one of the workshops I have mentioned
----------------------

"I can't wait to see my ma." Remus said happily

Lily looked down sadly. "Both my parents are muggles, and they don't really like magic, so I don't think they'll come."

"It's ok Lils." James said as he pulled her into a side hug.

"I've told my mum about you all so it's safe to say my mum will probably try to adopt you when she meets you." He told her

"It's true." Regulus said "I'm practically on the mantel" He joked

Lily laughed -deep down she was relieved-

"We should all head to dinner." Marlene told them as she stood up.

"She's right." Peter nodded. "We only have so much time before Friday."

The others laughed at Peter's defeat.

Regulus smiled slightly as he looked at his new friends. While he did enjoy his Slytherin friends, it was a breath of fresh air to have friends outside of his own house.

Especially when he didn't have to think of all the possible outcomes before he spoke. Nor the chances of his actions getting back to his mother, even if he was only slightly more relaxed than usual around his friends.