Disclaimer: I own nothing, all characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

thanks to my incredible beta for helping me out now too

Chapter 4: A White Knight

"Bloody hell." Regulus mumbled to himself as he stood in front of the full length bathroom mirror surveying the damage from last night's welcome back party.

'Stupid gits just had to aim for the face.'

His left eye was almost swollen shut, the bruise covering almost half his face and standing out drastically on his pale skin. He also had a red and swollen split lip, a still shallow bleeding cut on his forehead from when they'd slammed his head down on his trunk, his stomach carried a rather big bruise along with his side from when they decided to kick his ribs in. His ribs hurt from the smallest touch but he didn't think any were broken. He had hand prints on his arms from when his dormmates held him up in the beginning and smaller bruises located all over his body. The hardest injury to hide besides his face would be his sprained ankle, each step sent searing pain through his body. He wouldn't be able to walk without a limp he realized sourly.

Regulus sighed turning away from the mirror and slowly making his way back into the dorm. His dormmates had already left half an hour ago for breakfast after kindly sending an Aguamenti spell his way from where he laid passed out on the floor, sleeping for which was probably only 2 hours at most. It didn't bother him though, he'd gone with even less sleep then that over the summer.

Moaning softly with each step he limped over to his trunk feeling pain course through his body with each small movement he made. Unlocking and opening the trunk was painful but nothing compared to actually getting dressed for the day. It was pure torture putting on his clothes, any movement he made set searing hot pain through his body. He could feel tears prickling his eyes from the agony of when he put on his long sleeve shirt and Slytherin jumper.

Fully dressed Regulus frowned at the feel of his clothes, they'd gotten baggy since the previous year. They practically draped on his body making him seem even smaller than he actually was. He looked like a twelve year old and he was a fifth year damit! He should be tall and masculine and… and… more grown up looking! He should have a girlfriend, not look like he just discovered what girls were! Then again, girls kind of scared him. Solely on the fact of just how much more cunning and creative they were when punishments were involved, with his father he always knew what to expect. But his mother and cousin Bellatrix…

Regulus shivered. 'Yeah girls are scary.'

Picking up his cloak from his bed, he frowned noticing the grime, dust and blood stains. He contemplated leaving it here for the house elves to clean, it did really need a good wash. But he knew he'd feel too exposed without it, especially with all his wounds from last night. And his cloak even though it made him look small draped in all the excess fabric, it also hid his malnourishment and small body. His mind set, he slowly slipped on his cloak.

Suddenly he hissed in pain from the feel of the weight of the cloak on his left arm. His cuts were incredibly sensitive and had started bleeding heavily sometime during his 'party' early that morning. He could already feel that they had soaked through the new bandages he'd put on early when he woke up.

Maybe later he'd ask Hogwarts elves if they could help him get the stains out of his cloak, shirt and probably his jumper too now. They were always incredibly happy when Regulus brought them something to do or just when he went to sit with them in the kitchens. They'd never ask him questions on why his clothes were bloody or why his face sported new bruises. They would let him be, give him a snack and thank him for giving them something to do. It always warmed his heart when they said that.

House Elves were such kind and powerful creatures and they only ever wanted to help others. He often felt that wizards didn't deserve such loyal creatures, treating them as lesser beings. It was why he could never understand his brother's hatred for Kreacher. Kreacher always looked after him, healed him and gave him scraps to eat. Sirius would always get mad when Kreacher gave him attention, proclaiming that "Even the bloody house elf knew who the true Black heir was."

But Kreacher hated Sirius too, mostly because he said Sirius was "An idiot for not realizing what was happening in his own home." However Regulus was happy that Sirius was blind to his little brother's abuse. It meant Sirius never pitied him, all the feeling he had for Regulus were exactly what he felt. They weren't a lie, even if his hatred was painful sometimes.

Regulus sighed burying his dark thoughts with his new found resolve from the summer. He only had to stand the hatred and disgust a little longer. He wouldn't have to be strong or alone anymore. Soon he'd feel the embrace of nothingness. And he'd be happy at last.

He gave a small smile at the prospect of his near future.

Making sure his fringe covered a couple of his facial injuries, he blanked his face. Taking a deep breath he pulled the hood of his cloak up masking his face in darkness and stepped towards the door. It was time to face the snakes.

-Line Break-

Sirius POV

"You despicable little blood traitor! How dare you shame the House of Black in this manner! Consorting with Mudbloods and..." Walburga Black continued on her rant of Pureblood supremacy her shrieking voice echoing in the hall of 12 Grimmauld Place.

Sirius tuned her out while taking on a bored expression and an aloof posture. He looked totally at ease and unruffled, like he was listening to her calming discuss the weather or something just as boring. He already knew what was being said like a rehearsed monologue. Taunts, belittling, Regulus being the perfect little git and Pureblood crap he ought to be preaching. The exact same speech he got in monthly howlers since Second year. (First year they were a weekly thing)

"... Why can't you behave like your brother a perfect Slytherin! Always thinks of family purity and Black pride. Not like those filthy little Gryffindors of yours! He would be a much better heir then you! Always listens to what we say! Bloody little pest you are! Should have raised you better, like Regulus. But no we just had to spoil you and..."

Huffing silently Sirius felt anger directed at his little brother. The good child. He always heard the rant on how they should have been raised the same. That it was a mistake letting him grow as he had. Always raving on how Regulus was the perfect little Pureblood git that always listened to their parent every word and obeyed them to the extreme. It made Sirius resent his brother, jealous of him for making their parents proud. However at the same time it made him sad that his little brother had chosen their parents over him. After being so close before Hogwarts, they were nothing more than strangers now and Sirius regretted that.

Pushing Regulus to the back of his head he refocused on his mother. His body language held an air of confidence despite his thoughts and mother's antics. He looked relaxed. But looking closer his eyes were wary and alert. They had been continuously been keeping track of his mothers hands, her wand to be more specific. It waved around her head as her hands moved in reaction to her words. His eyes following it diligently not wanting to be caught off guard.

"... and those Filthy Muggle loving Potters! Polluting such a pure bloodline with that son of theirs! I heard from your cousin on how he wants to court a Mudblood! Disgusting boy that one!"

Sirius snapped to attention at those words. Rage forming at the insults thrown at the Potters. His true family. His true brother. Sweet Mrs Potter sending him food when his family starved him. Mr Potter inviting him over to their mansion as much as possible during the holidays so he could be away from his family. And James, approaching him on the train first year and telling him that his blood didn't matter and he could be different. His first friend, fellow marauder and brother. The people he loved more than anyone insulted for their kindness.

Sirius exploded.

"You bitch! They're more pure then this inbred House of so called Black! I despise you! All of you! You're all so caught up in your own disgusting Pureblood traditions that you don't see the future. You're the traitors! Probably already took the dark mark with darling cousin Bella. One day you'll get what you deserve! And I'll be watching from the Light side with all my Black Pride!" he shouted mockingly his voice rising in volume with each word. Not even noticing the Floo network activate half way through his speech.

As the last word left his mouth a wand was pointed at his chest, his mother red faced with a menacing and insane glint sparkling in her eyes. Dead silence. Suddenly Sirius realized he had made a deadly mistake in responding to his mothers words. He knew he wouldn't get the usual punishment of confinement in his room, with Regulus slipping him what little food he could. As an insane grin formed on her face he realized he'd be lucky if he was locked in the closet with the boggot.

"Is that so?"A gruff voice questioned harshly.

Eyes widening Sirius head swerved to the fireplace taking in the intimidating figure of his father, Orion Black. If there was one thing his father cared for it was the Black's pride and purity, and he'd insulted both. He was scared now. His father gave a small nod.

"Crucio! " His Mother screamed excitedly, light shooting from her wand.

Pain. It engulfed his whole body, thoughts and senses. It hurt so badly. He could barely think. Barely recognise anything but the pain. Vaguely he could hear tortured screams. A second later he was able to acknowledge them as his. He screamed and screamed and screamed from his new position on the floor for what felt like hours. Before he was claimed by unconsciousness sweet darkness...

He awoke slowly to what felt like mere seconds later to a wet cloth lightly touching his forehead in a gentle manner, a soft humming coming from the person helping him. The voice was soothing and familiar. The tune a distant memory he could vaguely recall. He could feel softness under him. He was in a bed then, away from his parents. The humming increased in volume slightly as if sensing his discomfort, the voice alone calmed him before his panic had a chance to take over. He was safe with this person.

Shifting slightly his body was suddenly overtaken by pain. Bad idea, it ached everywhere. Moaning softly he twisted his head sideways slowing opening his eyes.

Darkness. He'd been out for hours then. Hearing the humming stop abruptly, cloth falling away with it. He shifted his eyes to the unknown person.

Regulus.

Sirius blinked in confusion, unable to comprehend the situation.

"What...?" His throat burned at the attempted speech. His throat was still raw from the earlier screaming he realized slowly. Softly he felt the poke of a chilled goblet to his lips, without a thought he opened up and swallowed the drink. Water then. If felt amazing he thought drinking faster. Abruptly it was taken away just as fast as it came. He moaned in protest.

"You need to drink slower." Regulus whispered hiding his eyes behind his fringe like he was afraid Sirius would hit him for speaking. Sirius frowned at that, hurt that his brother thought that of him. Waiting till Regulus looked up, Sirius nodded with a slight smile. His brother looked relieved that he wasn't in trouble and gave a tiny half smile before putting the cup back to his brother's lips. Drinking much slower than before to please his brother, he finished the cup. Sighing in relief as he could once again talk.

"Reg…? What's going on?! Why are you-"he began to question before being interrupted by a soft shhing.

"Mother and father are still awake so try to be quiet, okay?" Regulus paused waiting for Sirius's nod before continuing. "You were under the Cruciatus curse for around 45 seconds before passing out." Only that long? It felt like hours, was it really only that short? Taking a deep breath he refocused on Regulus.

"After that father began casting the punching hex on you, he also began stomping on you too trying to wake you. Once Kreacher called them to lunch I was able to sneak in and carry you to your room and put you to bed. That's where we are right now. Then you began to get a fever so I tried to lower you temperature with the wet cloth and humming seemed to help too." Regulus finished in a rush biting his lip looking as if he wanted to say more but was unsure Sirius wanted him there now that he was awake.

Sirius felt a pang of guilt. It was his fault Regulus thought he wouldn't want him near him. He had stopped letting him in his room since his return first year, stopped letting him in his bed when he had a nightmare or there was a thunderstorm. Telling him to bugger off when he came running telling Sirius he'd learnt a new composition on piano, hell he didn't even know if his brother still played piano.

Ashamed when after a whole year of letters with close to no replies, and then skipping out on coming back for Christmas in First Year and not even sending a gift, even when he received one from his little brother.

Ignoring him when returning and refusing to sit with him on the train to his brother first year, making him sit alone while not even checking up on him. At the start of Regulus First Year he no longer referred to him as Siri but as Sirius. That hit him a lot harder then he thought it would. And with the simple change in titles their brotherhood vanished.

Feeling slightly ashamed of himself, he realized this might be the moment to fix the relationship that had been slowly deteriorating between them in the past five years and he'd be damned if he let chance of regaining his little brother slip away.

"Regs." Sirius whispered waiting till his brother looked him in the eye and then giving him a genuine smile before continuing. "Do you mind staying with me for a while? It feels… nice having you near me… um and… you look like you have something else to say… I promise I won't get mad or shit so… please?" muttering awkwardly feeling uncertain as if Regulus would even want to stay. Maybe he imagined it. Maybe his baby brother hated him and just wanted to leave. Maybe he-

"Really?" Regulus squeaked, surprise and happiness lit up his face at the prospect of his brother wanting him around and listening to him. Stunned at his brother's response he could do nothing but nodded in reply. When was the last time he saw his little brother look that happy or a matter of fact adorable?

"I have pain relief potion and healing slave left over from Hogwarts. I could go get it quick, it's just in my trunk. I'll be a minute okay?" Not waiting for a reply his brother run off a the small smile on his face lighting up Sirius's whole world and halting his curiosity on why Regulus would have so many medical supplies with him. He'd ask him when he came back he thought determined and with that he fell into a deep sleep waiting for his little brother to return.

But he never came back.

Sirius eyes snapped open his breath coming out in ragged gasps. Sitting up he rubbed his eyes tiredly cursing the memory that had been haunting his dream world. He didn't understand what had happened that summer, why his brother helped him only to ignore him worse then before. Why he sent Kreacher with the medical supplies and food. Why he wouldn't even look in Sirius direction when he tried to approach and talk with his little brother. He couldn't understand what had happened after he left the room with a smile on his face, what could have stopped him from returning?

It always make Sirius wonder if that night had been nothing more than a sick joke for Regulus, a prank to tell his slimy Slytherin friends when they returned to Hogwarts. But the emotions on his face were so real, so different from the blank canvas he wears all year long. That night he looked like the little brother he'd left been five years ago and damn it all, he wanted his little brother back. But that seemed like an impossible wish now, the summer had ended so badly with his running away to the Potters, leaving behind nothing but harsh words.

Sirius had said things he didn't mean, that made him cringe upon remembering and if his brother didn't hate him before he probably did now.

Sirius felt pained at the mere thought of his brother's hate but he quickly abandoned the feeling. He had a new family now, new brothers. People who loved him for him and if Regs wanted to cut him off than he'd be more then happy to sever the connection himself.

Feeling slightly upset at his resolution, he quickly masked it with a happiness he didn't feel and clambered out of bed.

"Morning Master Padfoot. Decided to finally join the world of the living I see." James joked with a mock bow as he exited the bathroom, excitement lacing his tone.

"Someone's awfully chipper this morning Masters Prongs." Was Sirius own mocking reply, "All ready for the first prank of the year I take it?"

Not waiting for a reply Sirius stood and walked over to his trunk pulling out his uniform for the day.

"You know it, been waiting for you to wake up so we can get started though. Wouldn't be the same without my best mate. Moony and Wormtail already went down for breakfast a while ago. If you still want to get something good to eat before Wormtail clears the table, you better get a move on." James said with a grin knowing exactly how to get his fellow marauder moving.

Suddenly motivated by the suggestion of no food till lunch, Sirius dressed in a matter of seconds. His shirt was misbuttoned, laces undone and his loose tie hung around his shoulders. He scrambled to the mirror fixing his hair, spending more time on it then he did actually dressing. He grabbed his Gryffindor jumper and ran out the room, closely followed by James who had a grin on his face at Sirius's usually morning behaviour.

Racing out of an almost deserted common room and out the portrait's entrance, Sirius slid down banisters and jumper down the stairs. Slowing down when he reached the entrance hall with James stopping besides him and arm hanging round his shoulder. He felt much better now that he wasn't alone, almost like last night's dream didn't matter or disturb him. He felt better at this moment with no thoughts of Regulus or his parents. Just Padfoot and Prongs. The Marauders, Hogwarts best pranksters.

And if he had to live in the moment to be happy, he'd do it.

Walking into the Great Hall he didn't even glance at the Slytherin table.

-Line Break-

Regulus POV

Regulus stood in a hidden alcove leaning against the wall to avoid collapsing on the floor. All he could hear was his own heavy breathing and a shrill ringing in his ears making his head ache. It took all his concentration just to keep his legs from buckling underneath him. He didn't understand what was happening, his injures couldn't be that bad could they? Was his body breaking down? Was the abuse from home coupled with the beating this morning that bad? Was his lack of eating and sleep catching up with him? Was he that fragile?

Suddenly a hacking cough took over his body, making him fall to his knees with one hand holding him up before hitting the floor and the other coming to cover his mouth. His body shuddered with each movement causing every injure on his body to ache beyond belief. His ribs were the worst as each cough was causing them to burn and twitch in agony. His vision swam and he felt like he couldn't breath.

After what felt like hours of coughing he finally stopped and managed to calm his breathing to a stead pace. He remained crouched in his previous position, afraid any movement would cause the coughing to restart. Vision finally clearing he brought his hand down from his mouth to rest on the floor to give him more support. But as his hand touched the ground it felt wet and sticky. Confused he brought his hand up to his face and froze. All thought stopping as he comprehended what the red colour meant.

Blood.

He had coughed up blood.

Acting on pure adrenaline he jumped to his feet and tried to move forward. He vision began to sway with white dots clouding his vision. He crashed into a wall sending him to the floor. He eyes lids began to droop as the blood from his cut dripped down his face. Faintly he could hear running and shouting from in front of him. A hand pushing back his hood and a gasp as they realized who he was.

Regulus sighed waiting for the common sneer and blow. But nothing came. Looking up he saw the person frozen above him in fear.

Straining his ears he could faintly make out so form of mumbling

"Regulus? Regulus Black? What happened? There's… so much blood… what do I do? What do I do!?"

The voice sounded familiar, but he couldn't place it without the face. Suddenly tears sprang to his eyes. He was dying. Really dying. He'd planned for this, it wasn't supposed to happen now. It couldn't! He wasn't ready yet!

'Not now. Not now. Not now. Not now!'

He wanted his big brother! He needs him! He needs him now!

Looking up at the frozen figure still mumbling he used the rest of his strength to just raise his voice enough for the figure to notice,

"I want my brother. I want Sirius. Please get him. Please, please, please." Tears still streaming down his face he felt the figure lift him up in a bridal carry, like he weighed nothing and while mumbling soft assurances that he would get Sirius for him took off in a run.

Regulus felt his eyes roll back in his skull and darkness took over.

So a cliff hanger! Props to anyone that can guess who saved Reggie

sorry this took a while but you might've noticed I got a beta that has been helping point out stupid mistakes that cringe upon seeing. I should be working faster since I'm on holiday for 2 weeks but no pressure. Thank you for all the continued support and reviews! they literally make my day!

Look out for an update soon ( _)