Protection

"Leave him alone."
It was a sight to behold, the nine year old boy facing down the fuming seventeen year old girl, surrounded by a chaise lounge and potted plants. A whimpering dark-haired boy was hiding behind his brother, arms wrapped around the older boy's torso for protection.

"Move." The word was an order, spoken imperiously. The girl had the same dark hair as her cousins, though hers was long, falling down past her shoulders. She was toying with her wand, as though unaware that she had it in her hand.

"No." He was stubborn, his jaw jutting out, a fire building in his eyes.

Her eyes flashed. "Move." She was used to people doing what she told them. She was Bellatrix Black, eldest daughter of the Black family, queen of Slytherin house.

"No." He was glaring back at her. He knew this glare; he'd learnt it from her, which was why it didn't faze him anymore.

"Sirius," she began sweetly, walking ever closer. "You do know I can use magic outside of school now, don't you?" When there was no reply, she took another step closer. "And you remember that you haven't even got a wand yet." Still there was no reply. "And Andy isn't here today to protect you." She was so close to him now, and the younger boy winced in anticipation of a hex or a blow. "So move."

"Bella." His voice was just as low and dangerous. It had to be something that ran in the family. "He's my brother. If you want to hurt him, you have to hurt me first."

She tipped her head to one side. "That can easily be arranged."

He snorted. "Yes, because mother would let you get away with hexing her eldest son."

Bellatrix glared at him. "Just because you're a boy-"

"Means I'm worth more," he finished for her. "And Regulus? He's nine years younger than you, and he's worth more." He paused. "Are you engaged yet? Because mother was saying that if no-one proposed soon, no-one would want you."

With a final glare, she walked away. It was true what he had said, and somewhere deep inside it stung. She left the brothers alone in the hall.

Sirius turned round, checking his brother's face for marks. "Are you okay?"

Regulus nodded, his bottom lip trembling. "She scares me."

Sirius tousled his brother's hair, then hugged him. "She scares me too. Just don't let her know."