A/N: Written for the Shakespeare and Sibling challenges on HPFC.
Harry Potter Publishing Rights 2010 JKR
Harry Potter Movie Rights 2010 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
All Rights Reserved
"An honest tale speeds best, being plainly told."
Richard III, Act IV Scene IV
"Sirius can I ask you a question?"
"Sure Reg what's up?" Sirius looked up from his potions essay, being done last minute of course, and looked at his little brother. Regulus was standing in front of him, scuffing the toe of his trainer across the grass, looking rather scared.
"Do you think Mum will get as mad at me as she did you if I don't get in Slytherin?" He looked down, pretending to find something interesting on the ground before continuing, "I don't know if I can take her yelling and screaming like you do." Regulus looked up, tears streaming silently down his face. Sirius stood up and pulled his brother gently towards him.
"Listen to me carefully bro. No matter what house you get sorted into, I promise you I won't let Mum be hard on you. I'm sorry that you had to see that last time." He winced as the memories of their mothers screaming flowed over him. "I promise I'm going to always be there to protect you no matter what!"
Regulus sniffed, and then smiled, "Cross your heart?"
"Cross my heart. Now what do you say we go find something to eat? I'm starving!" As if to accentuate the statement his stomach let out a loud gurgle, causing both boys to laugh. Sirius bent to pick up his school books. "Go ahead Reg I'll catch up in a few minutes." He watched his now carefree brother skip across the road and into Grimmauld Place. A sad smile crossed Sirius' face as he let the warmth of the sun melt the dark memories from his mind.
"Black, Regulus!" Sirius looked up as he heard his brother's name called. Regulus looked ready to pass out as the Sorting Hat was lowered onto his head.
"You look about as worried as he does," James nudged his best friend in the ribs, "I bet he gets in Ravenclaw, smart as he is!" He winked quickly before turning towards Remus and asking him about the cute girl making eyes at him from Hufflepuff.
"Hmm difficult… brains of a Ravenclaw but a deep loyalty to family, not to mention all of that ambition and the drive to be the best," the Sorting Hat pondered a moment longer before shouting, "Slytherin!" Regulus bounced off the seat, gave his brother a thumb up and sat down amongst his new housemates. Sirius sighed and turned to his friends.
"So at least we know Mum and Father will be pleased… toujours pur and all of that nonsense." The group rolled their eyes, seemingly as one, and began plotting on how to get into the kitchens.
