Spells are flying everywhere, hitting professors, death eaters and students. It makes me feel dirty, the amount of children fighting. How could we have let this happen? An army of who knows how many death eaters, werewolves, giants and so many more creatures and beings against who?
Maybe 10 order members, 10 teachers and over a hundred children. Eleven year olds are fighting a war they didn't start, they're dying along with twelve, thirteen, fourteen year olds. And if not dying they're suffering, bleeding out somewhere in a corner without anyone to help them because everyone is too busy saving themselves. It makes me feel sick to my stomach to think about my best friend, a seventeen year old boy, who is carrying everyone's hope on his shoulders. How could we have let this happen? How could Dumbledore have let this happen?!
I focus back on my targets, not even recognizing the two grown men standing in front of me. Both large and bulky with shaved heads and dirty beards, somewhere in the back of my mind I can acknowledge them being death eaters. Swallow my wand flicks through the air again, a train of spells raining out of it without stopping, never stopping.
''Bombarda Maxima'' I scream, pointing my wand at the wall behind the two men and watching is satisfaction how is blows up. Stone, dirt and the energy pulse of the explosion pushing the two men to the ground. It's almost satisfying, I can almost breath when a scream so chilling echoes through the air my heart nearly stops.
''HERMIONE!'' My whole body flings itself around, taking steps to avoid from falling down as my eyes zoom in on the person that had called out. Watching how Ron falls to his knees, blood pouring down from his stomach and his eyes locked onto me. Those beautiful blue eyes and he opens his eyes to yell something at me, to say something but I never hear it. A spell hitting my back and dragging me to the ground as fire explodes in my veins feeling entirely too familiar.
I can't even scream anymore, the pain too excruciating and the images of Bellatrix's face hovering and laughing flashing in front of my eyes too horrifying to think. The curse is too familiar, my body reacting too strongly in fear of the knowledge of how long it might continue this time. It might be even worse now, than it had been all those months ago.
The screams and explosions fade for the moment, only the pumping of my blood echoes in my ears masking the high pitches screeching of Bellatrix's laughter that my memory supplies. It feels like hours and hours and maybe even days when finally, finally the spell is lifted. I can breathe again, and yet I still have to remind myself to do so. One, two, three… opening my eyes I find Ron's blue ones for a split second before pushing myself up with an adrenalin that burns my muscles.
Turning around my wand is already shooting spells, I don't even know exactly which ones but it doesn't matter either. Because it was too late. A blue light so bright blinding me bursts out of one wand and flames follow his example from the other wand. The blue and red mingle so perfectly it's almost mesmerizing how it explodes through the air, carving their way towards me and pushing me back on the ground with such ferocity a scream escapes my throat.
The Reductor curse explodes against my chest and I can actually feel my ribs cracking before the fire wraps around my limps and melting the skin from my chest. Another scream fills the air and I realise only belatedly it's mine. My wand clatters from my hands as they reach up to clutch at my chest, attempting to maybe, maybe I can physically take the pain away. But nothing works, and I can't stop screaming. The world around me slows down so much I can see the gravel shimmer in the light of the fire and the sun that's attempting in vain to break through the dark clouds.
Then time starts playing again. Someone pressed a button and now the world is moving forwards so fast I can't breathe, a scream in Ron's voice once again echoes in my ears and I want to roll on my stomach to try and see him. Find him. But I can't, my back glued to the stones and my limbs so heavy I can't even attempt to lift them. On my left I can see the bricks I destroyed not even a few minutes ago suddenly move back into place and horror strikes me, was there someone underneath it?
Images of Fred's limp body fill my vision and I gasp at the pain it makes me feel. Merlin I need to do something. Anything. I try to scream at the people around me, I try to turn around and see Ron, I try to reach for my wand. But it's all in vain.
Staring at the sky I watch how the clouds disappear and the sun burns my skin before it's raining and then it's sunny again. My hands are still clutching my chest and finally getting my eyes to drag down and look at the thing I've unconsciously been trying to rip out. A golden circle with golden sand melted into my skin like a tiny sun inside out. I don't recognize it, I don't remember it being there. Everything hurts too much to think and the drum in my head is so loud I can't even hear the screams and explosions any more.
The feeling of being vacuumed into a small tube overcomes me but still I can't move. The entire world is too blurry and all I can focus on is my body, the only thing sharp in this strange storm of a world. But doing so my mind goes blank.
Because instead of finding my eighteen year old body I'm currently staring at a seven year old body, rapidly shrinking younger and younger and younger?!
My body's becoming younger, why am I getting younger?! Am I going back in time?
Time.
Looking down at the circle burning in my chest realisation dawns like a cold bucket of water, because fucking hell…
Everyone piles out the room slowly, Harry glances at me worriedly and I try to smile encouragingly at him. He's wearing a uniform of Neville's and is tugging at the sleeves that are too long for his arms nervously. ''It'll be fine!'' Ron mouths softly to him. And oh how I pray it would be. Once everybody but me and Ron had left I can finally see the full room clearly. There are mattresses spread on the ground with sleeping bags and dusty pillows gathered in messy piles on top of them. On the small spaces of flood that don't have clothes or other items thrown about there are small white boxes with a large red plus shape on top. Medical boxes. They aren't clean either. Bloody fingerprints covered the lids and bandages with bloody scissors and disinfection bottles piled around them. No potions, no magical medicine. Merlin, it's awful. ''Hermione?'' Looking up I can't even bring myself to smile, Ron doesn't smile either though so I think that's okay. He sits down next to me silently and I'm surprised because I hadn't even noticed I sat down. After a while he wraps his arm around me and I pretty much melt into his embrace, even though we're silent and it's almost deafening, I finally feel like I can breathe again. One by one the order sprinkles in and when everyone finally arrived we step over the bunks, clothes, medical boxes and so, so much more to get to the door. Ready to fight, even though I don't quite feel ready yet. I'm about to go through the door also when a strange shimmer catches my eye, belonging to a neckless. Walking over to it I lift the neckless in surprise, it's four golden circles connected at only two spots with an hourglass in the middle. I'd recognize this anywhere, but this one looks different, the runes are strange and the sand is gold instead of brown. There are even tiny diamond or crystals imbedded in the outer circle. ''Hermione! Are you coming?'' Ron's head pokes through the door questioningly and I nod, ''yes, I'll be right there.'' Slipping the neckless on I frown, I'll check it out later. The room only gives you what you want, who had wanted this? ''You okay?'' Glancing at Ron I smile, albeit weakly, ''yea… I'm fine.'' Glancing over my shoulder I watch the door fall closed and shimmer before disappearing altogether.
I had completely forgotten about the neckless afterwards when we ran in the Great Hall and all hell had broken loose. Focusing back on the golden circle I stare at it for a second before nearly jolting up when I realized I'm now aging again. An infant, now a toddler, changing into a pre-schooler. Shite, this needs to stop. Right now.
Looking around I will myself to see something, to stop the turning and to take deep breaths to steady myself. Touching into my apparition magic I try and concentrate on destination, wherever that is right now. Or rather.. shit I don't even want to think it. Whenever.
When everything suddenly stops twirling and the vacuum sensation stops it feels like I'm thrown out of the straw and onto the ground. A groan escaping my lips as I stare at the sky with wide eyes. I can see again! Pushing myself up with too much strength I stumble forwards, I'm in the Great Hall. So though I'm still in the castle, I did move a few rooms down. That's the first thought that strikes me. The second is the missing bodies.
The Great Hall is completely empty besides the long tables for the houses and teachers. Looking up at the sky I see it's dark outside, stars twinkling down at me happily. Did I go back a week? A month? Staring at the glowing candles hanging in the air I swallow, did I go back more than a month? Snape never seemed like the sort of man to keep things like atmosphere candles around.
Turning around I'm about to head to the door when I freeze. The Great Hall isn't empty after all. There's two people standing in front of me and horror so cold grasps my heart I nearly fall back on the ground. No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
I raise my hand and I nearly start crying when I realise that I don't have my fucking wand. ''No!'' The growl escapes my mouth, my mind is playing tricks on me. Where the hell is my wand!? I fucking dropped it. I can't believe I fucking dropped my wand. It doesn't stop me from holding my hand out to them though, my palm turned towards them and the undoubtedly crazed expression on my face keeping them rooted to their spot.
''By Merlin's beard'' Minerva McGonagall whispers, she's staring at me and I take a moment to study her. It can't really be her, the McGonagall I know has dark grey hair always up in a bun and eyes that are always calculating you sternly. This McGonagall ahs black curly hair up in a ponytail, no wrinkles and no stern expression. Just shock and… worry? Growling at her I wordlessly warn her to stay the hell back. ''Well hello!'' My eyes flick to the other person present.
The one that makes this situating so impossibly surreal. Albus freaking Dumbledore. It just can't be possible, it just can't be. I would have had to go back in time years. It's not, it shouldn't be, it can't be possible.
But he's definitely here. Standing in front of me, breathing and two twinkling blue eyes behind half moon glasses. Tall, mighty, confident with a beard that looked less long than I remembered and strikes of dark red in the grey.
''Don't move,'' I growl when I realize he's going to step closer, ''don't you dare.'' Fucking hell I don't even have my wand, what do they suppose I could do!? But they stay rooted to their spot, surprise flickering through their eyes and I feel like screaming.
''What's the date?'' My voice sounds like a scratch pole of a cat. ''What. Is. The. Date?'' I repeat, blinking furiously to keep my tears back. ''3rd of May, 1971.''
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, how?!
Dropping my hand I stumble back, I stumble so much I don't even realize I've fallen until I'm sitting on the ground. My breathing coming in harsh short motions and my heart feels like it's about to pound right out of my chest.
Slowly I raise my eyes again, shaking my head. ''No, no, no, no, no'' I whisper, staring at my legs that are visibly shaking and covered with a layer of dirt, dark dried blood, a mixture of fresh blood that might be mine, might be someone else's, and dust. Wincing I stare at the piece of stone sticking out of my thigh. Reaching for it I pull it out blindly, suddenly too aware of the pain it's causing my body.
Pulling it out a rush of adrenalin shoots through my body and somehow I get myself back on my feet. My eyes narrowing on the people present I shake my head, this can't possibly be happening! Especially not to me, please Lord not to me.
Somehow I'm able to push passed the two adults in the room and I find myself running through the halls blindly, only realizing what I was looking for when I reach the courtyard. I turn to the spot I remember Ron screaming my name and I stifle a sob, ''RON?!'' I shout in desperation, running to it but other than his expression of despair floating in my memory there's no sight of him.
Turning back I run to the bright, ''HARRY?!'' No, no, no, no, no, no, no! ''HARRY!?'' Reaching the bridge my legs give out underneath me and I drop to my knees. My eyes glaring at the empty, empty, empty bridge.
''Please…'' I'm not even entirely sure what I want. I need to get back. That's what I want. I want to go back and I need to make sure we win. I need to make sure Harry and Ron are okay!
''Miss'' my adrenalin just disappears and it takes all the strength I have to turn around. ''Miss?'' The voice repeats, it's McGonagall.
Shaking my head I whimper softly, the dizziness and pain of every curse, every mental game and physical abuse finally catching up on me. The force of it so painful I get knocked back with a groan, my head hitting the stone I try to reach out to McGonagall but she's too late. Staring up at the sky I watch in a haze how thunder strikes, a light crashing through the dark air before rain starts pouring down on us.
Closing my eyes I sigh, before opening them again with effort. It feels like I closed my eyes for a spell of a second, but opening them again I'm surprised to find myself in the hospital wing. A place that apparently won't even change a little bit in the coming years.
''Good morning!'' Looking up I feel my throat tighten. Madam Pomfrey doesn't look at all how I remember her to be, this woman has blonde curly hair to her shoulders, a kind smile on a completely wrinkleless face, she's young, really young. Another woman appears at her side, an older lady. But I can't seem to focus in on her, my eyes glued on Pomfrey's light blue ones.
Suddenly I can feel everything around me disappear, except Pomfrey, her face the only still thing whilst everything else seemed to move at light speed. I can hear her speaking too, she's asking me something, to which I can reply a hundred different answers and all this is shown to me in a split second, to which other answers are given, all leading to a different path, so many paths, it's making my head hurt.
Feeling a hand on my shoulder shake me slightly I blink the strange images away, turning back to Pomfrey, ''oh uh… what?'' I mumble, dazed. What the hell was that?
She glances at me with worry before glancing down at the potion in hand and right! Taking the potion I swallow it quickly, only hesitating a second if I could trust her. But this is a… the thought it painful and yet swallowing I stare at the empty potion bottle in my hand. This is a pre-war world. Here people have no reason yet to distrust anyone.
Looking back up I study the other lady that's standing behind Pomfrey, she's occupied writing something down and looks not even a little interested in me. This woman is definitely older, her hair is almost white and her face is covered with wrinkles and sun browned spots.
''Ah, miss…'' Hearing Dumbledore's voice I turn slightly to face him, letting the painless potion work its way through my body. Seeing that I'm not going to be answering him Dumbledore continues calmly, ''I see you have awoken! Did you sleep well?'' Swallowing I shrug, studying him silently.
Anger is bubbling in my veins and I'm trying to contain it but I can't help it. He send Harry to his death. Maybe not directly, but if you think about it that's even worse. He made it so that Harry would want to sacrifice himself, and the thing is.. Knowing Harry and his hero-complex he would've done it either way. Dumbledore might've meant well, but knowing how much he knew without telling Harry because he thought he was too 'young'? It makes me furious.
Because apparently letting children fight in a war they didn't start was perfectly fine. Letting them die, was just dandy. Dumbledore might have his heart in a good place, and might always want the best for everyone. But I will never allow him to control or manipulate me, nor anyone I care about. Not anymore.
''I do not believe that's a good idea'' Dumbledore whispers when he sees me push my blankets away in annoyance. But I don't care, I need to get out of here.
Glancing at Dumbledore I gasp softly, locking eyes with him everything once again disappears and I watch him. He's talking to professor McGonagall, asking her about the conversation she had with me. Hundreds of different questions, possibilities flashing before me, her replies usually denying him answers. But with some question lines professor McGonagall caved, not knowing what else to do. They all lead to different choices, different paths. What's going on?
''Miss!'' Shaking myself I focus back in on Dumbledore. Whom is looking at me with the strangest expression ever. ''What did you see?'' He then simply asks. Staring at him I frown, trying to ignore the headache that is drumming in my head, should I reply honestly? Maybe I should just wait for my apparent conversation with professor- ''Ah Minerva, wonderful that you could make it!'' Dumbledore broke through my thoughts. That answers that then.
''Of course, how is she?'' McGonagall asks, passing Dumbledore with wide eyes to sit down in the chair next to my bed, she takes me in carefully, ''why are you not lying down and recovering?'' She finally asks me, frowning slightly and I see the resemblance of the woman I knew in her face right there.
Careful concern with a sense of power and maturity. The knowledge she's right about whatever she's about to say clear in her expression. I can't help but swallow and lie back down on the bed, pulling the covers up to my chin with a hiss, why is everything still hurting so bad?
Returning my eyes to McGonagall I watch her have a nonverbal conversation with Dumbledore. ''I'd like to talk to her alone'' I suddenly state, I don't even know why.
Looking at me carefully professor McGonagall nods slowly, ''alright, what can I help you with?'' she then asks.
Looking pointedly at Dumbledore he disappeared behind the curtains. ''Can you please put some privacy charms up? Dumbledore might listen in'' I ask, not taking my eyes off of the curtains before reaching for the glass of water I just now notice is standing next to me, my throat feels like sandpaper.
Reaching out for the glass had another effect though, it made me spot the bandages around my left arm and reminded me of the horrible scar underneath with a shock. Shuddering I pull my arm back, even though the bandage around my arm is clearly fresh and new, it already has red spots from where it's bleeding the heaviest. Months have passed since Bellatrix did this to me, months, and still it bleeds. Nothing I've tried has worked yet.
Apparently neither has whatever Pomfrey tried.
After McGonagall had put up the privacy charms quietly she turned to me with a kind smile, yet guarded look. Of course this is a pre-war time, people still trust. People still have hope, the people are gullible. Hope breeds eternal misery. ''I'm not sure if I introduced myself yet, Minerva McGonagall, call me Minerva.''
Nodding I don't return her kind smile, ''Hermione.'' ''Very well Hermione, what is it exactly you need to tell me?''
Where do I start? Frowning I shake my head, what the hell do I even tell her?
''I…'' shaking my head I swallow, ''I don't know.'' Tears welling up in my eyes I nearly curse, I'm not crying. ''Can you tell me where you're from?'' She's talking to me like I'm a scared animal and though I want to be annoyed by it, it actually helps. Looking up her I nod, ''I'm from Richmond,'' I answer, ''born and raised.''
She nods with a small smile and I grimace, ''until I joined Hogwarts.'' A flash of surprise moves over he face before she nods, ''is that so?'' Nodding I somehow find myself smiling, ''I was sorted into Gryffindor, Hogwarts became my home.''
When she doesn't answer I take a deep breath, I know I'm not supposed to talk about the future to anyone. But I've gone back in time more than twenty years, and if there wasn't a device to go to the future in my time. How will I ever find out if there's one now, without someone's help? And if there's anyone I know I can trust 100% it's McGonagall, Minerva.
''It was my home.. until I had to drop out. In the summer after my sixth year me and my best friends had to go on the run because Deatheaters had taken over the school. We spend a year on the run, trying and…'' laughing a dry fake laugh I shake my head, ''succeeding in finding the means to kill Voldemort. We only had to do one more step and he would be killable, one step. So we returned to Hogwarts to do so and the final step turned into the final battle.''
For a moment I can't breath and swallowing I close my eyes.
''The final battle was horrible'' I whisper, ''students were dying everywhere, hundreds of them. And… and I don't even know if we won because I got hit by a Reducto and another spell I don't know that shattered my time turner and I'm pretty sure it brought me back in time but that isn't possible right?! Not this far back! Tell me it's not possible! It can't be possible!''
She doesn't answer and I feel like crying, God I just want to cry. But damn it, no. Thinking about my time turned I swallow, do they even exist yet?
Staring at my hands I frown, ''and now I'm here. Something I need to be impossible, need to be unreal. Because I've been having visions of… choices… people can make when I look into someone's eyes. And this cannot be happening right now.'' It has to be a dream. It just has to be.
I stare at her, locking eyes with her dark brown ones I feel myself slipping once again, every time I lock eyes with someone. Seeing all kinds off reactions flash before me I find myself scared, what if she reacts like many choices showed me? Even though many showed me her reacting calmly and understandingly, fear grabs my heart, what if I made the wrong decision? Is what I saw even a truth? Or a twisted way of me worrying?
''That is… quite a story Hermione… and though I do not see you as a liar. I do need to be sure you are speaking the truth'' Minerva finally answers, a thoughtful and a stony expression on her face. ''Did you know me in your other time? Were we close?'' Nodding I frown, I'd consider us to be at least considerably close. ''What then… hang above my desk in my private study?'' Staring at her I thought back to third year, the only time I was invited to her private study. Ironically she's the one that had originally given me the time turner to use for my classes, which is why I even recognized the chain in the room of requirement in the first place. Is that the loop of time? Because she knew I'd go back in time?
''I do believe there wasn't hanging anything above your desk, although, you did keep a painting of your brother next to it, on the wall that is.'' I reply slowly, what if she changed it in those 26 years?
Frowning at me she nods, ''well done, I rarely ever invite someone to my private study, why did you go there?'' ''In my third year.. I uh, I had picked too many classes so you gave me a time turner to follow them all.'' Smiling with wonder she nods, ''you must have been an impeccable student if we trusted you with one.''
What now though? I've told her everything and she reacted like I hoped she would. Though now we need to think of something to do, should I… no I can never mess with time, it's rule number one. Yet here I am, defying all rules of time. After all, going back to a time before you're born is impossible. Or it should be.
''I do have another issue with your story though'' she suddenly says softly, searching my face slightly. ''What?'' Frowning I look up, nerves pooling in my stomach because her tone was not particularly one I like to hear. ''You're eleven Hermione'' she whispers.
Staring at her for a moment, I swallow, once, twice, three times before looking down at myself. I never had much of a chest but… fucking hell I might as well be a boy, or… fucking bloody hell!
''No way'' I whisper. ''No. Way'' but she's right. I'm a child. A child.
I'm definitely a child. ''Mirror'' I gasp, looking around me and Minerva hands me one before I can ask again, staring at myself in the mirror my heart stops. I'm a child. My hair is frizzy and sticking every which way and my dark skin has no worry lines. But… my teeth… The spell Malfoy cast all those years ago and the fixing I'd done afterwards are still in effect. Of course all my other wounds are so I'm not sure why this surprises me so much. Especially because my eyes definitely look different.
They're not brown anymore. My dark brown eyes I'd inherited from my father are gone, instead they're gold?! Gold. Gold. Not yellow or honey, but gold. Gold necklaces gold. Shit.
''Are you okay?'' Blinking up at Minerva I… am I? No. No, God no. ''Yes. What do you recommend I do with Dumbledore? I do not trust him. He… he made some mistakes.'' I put the mirror away and clench my fists, just focus on the matter at hand. Looks never have been very important to me. Who cares my eyes are a different colour and I'm suddenly a CHILD again?!
Frowning Minerva slowly shakes her head, ''I'm not sure actually. Knowing Albus he already has a hunch about your powers and if he does not yet, he soon will. So I advise telling him of that, he could help you with them. If you wish to keep your… travelling… to yourself, I think you should. Until you feel like you can trust him again, because, Hermione… The mistakes he's made, he hasn't made them yet.'' Studying my face she frowns slightly, ''of course, your spirit should be of legal age which means you are in full capability to make your own decisions.''
She's right… of course she's right. But it's not exactly the mistakes I have a problem with. ''Thank you, I know he hasn't made the mistakes yet. The problem I have is more with the manner he deals with things, I cannot agree with that. He's let me and a lot of people I know… knew.. down.''
It seems logical, he could help me, yes, he could, and it does seem the most logical step from here, but…
''Than with your help he might not make these mistakes again'' Minerva offered and I grimace, ''the rules of time won't allow me to professor, I mean Minerva, everything I do in this time is already written'' I whisper. ''If the case counts that the rules of time are true, than how are you here Hermione?'' she points out gently and she's right of course.
But still…
I guess trusting Dumbledore with my visions is the first step, me being unable to look into people's eyes truly wouldn't be useful in any case.
Lifting the spells Minerva walks outside a few minutes later, returning shortly with Dumbledore. ''Hello, I apologize for being so rude before'' I say, looking at him with a blush. I suppose I could've been a lot politer to the headmaster, no matter what he did in my time, he's still the headmaster after all.
''I'm Hermione, I don't exactly know how I arrived'' I mumble, Minerva and I had decided to tell him about the visions, although we suspect he already knows because I had them in front of him and according to Minerva my eyes start glowing when I have them?
So many questions. And for some reason I don't think achieving the answers will be simple…
James POV
Falling down on my bed I groan loudly, today I would've gone to a Quidditch game with dad, but he cancelled, being stuck at work again. How could he possibly do this to me? His son! Standing up I walk to the window, outside the sun is shining and there isn't any wind. Perfect quidditch weather! Scoffing again I return to my bed, grabbing my broom I decide to make the best of it, might as well enjoy this weather on my own then!
Running down the stairs I walk straight into mum. ''Oh hey, James! I was just coming up to find you'' she exclaims with surprise, rolling my eyes I walk passed her. Of course she was, to tell me that dad can't make it. ''Don't worry about it mum, I heard you talk to dad in the fire, he can't make it. Now, I'm going for flying for a bit because the weather is perfect'' I growl.
Sighing deeply she, of course, blames herself. ''Sorry James, he's just been really busy…'' Rolling my eyes at her I nod, ''I know mum, it sucks but there's nothing to do about it now is there?'' That's the excuse she always gave me, next time, she would promise, but there hasn't been one in a while. Of course it's not her fault though, she dislikes it as much as I do. I know that. But it still sucks…
''Don't worry about it mum, we'll go next time!'' I exclaim, kissing her cheek before pushing past her and running outside. Damn it, the weather really is perfect! Mounting my broom I speed away from the house, racing over the top of the trees in the garden.
My dad's a business owner so I understand he's busy with it, especially now he's trying to retire. But he's been trying to retire for two years now and I'll be off to Hogwarts soon, what if we don't ever get a chance to go to a game before I leave?!
Well I guess we'll just have to go in the summer, that's fine too. It really does suck I'm not allowed to take my broom with me to school, a whole year of not flying?! It sounds miserable! Grinning I dive down, though I guess I can always 'borrow' a broom from someone!
Sirius POV
''Sirius!''
''Yes mother?'' Walking down the stairs slowly I eye my mother, carefully clearing my face of any emotion. She's in a despicable mood, like always, though today seems to be worse than normal. And that never means anything good for me. ''Sirius, I need you to help Regulus pick out an outfit for the gathering this evening.'' She orders curtly, her face stuck in the classic please-hit-me face. Many times I've been tempted, but I know better, damn it. ''Sirius?'' She repeats, staring me down, I resist the urge to glare at her, a pinch in my back makes me jump up, ''stand straight boy'' she hisses.
''Of course mother, is there any theme for the evening?'' The question rolls out like a robot, I must have asked her this a thousand times. ''Don't look so bored and keep your chin up, that's it, don't you look away. And yes, everyone is to go in black, you better make sure you look presentable, your brother also.'' Nodding numbly I turn around, about to walk up the stairs when another spell hits my back, ''answer me'' she growls. I swallow, that'll bruise. ''Yes mother, I'll make sure we look respectable'' I answer, wincing when I hear the sarcasm in my voice. ''Don't you use that tone with your mother'' my father suddenly growls, I hadn't even seen or heard him enter.
He's standing in the door way, long expensive black coat and all. My mother smirks and I swallow, a tickle of fear running down my spine. ''I'm sorry father, it won't happen again.'' I whisper solemnly, he stares at me for a moment. Surely contemplating my punishment, which I know I deserve. I shouldn't talk like that, it's disrespectful and they take care of me. ''Go help your brother'' he finally growls, ''and you best behave tonight.''
Nodding I look up from the ground before his feet to his eyes, ''of course father.'' Turning to my mother I nod with a tight smile, ''mother.'' Fully turning my back to them again I walk back up the stairs quickly, careful to keep my back straight and chin high.
Upon entering Regulus's bedroom I look at him with a soft chuckle, my heart rate finally slowing down. Regulus has obviously been reading a book about potions, or any other book, the entire day. He's still in his pyjama's even though it's already 6 o'clock, our parents would kill him if they'd find out.
''Can I help you brother?'' He asks upon spotting me and grinning I shrug, ''I need to help you pick out an outfit for tonight's gathering.'' Hearing a scoff from him I smile before falling down on his bed. ''Isn't the theme black?'' I hear him ask mockingly and when he spots my nod he huffs. ''You'd think I'd be able to figure things out no?'' ''Ah yes brother, but you see, it is the fabric that counts!''
Hearing him laugh I sit back up, ''so, get your black robes out so I can remove myself from this book invested room'' I tell him, looking around, there are literally books everywhere.
Rolling his eyes Regulus stands up, ''and, are you excited about Hogwarts?'' He asks, walking to his closet. Shrugging I grimace, ''I guess so, not exactly looking forward to sitting in a dungeon with our cousins for seven years, though anything is better than living here with that wretched woman…'' Sighing I stand up, joining him in front of his closet, ''though I do feel bad about leaving you with her.''
''That wretched woman, happens to be our mother Sirius! And it's okay, they leave me alone most of the time anyway'' Rolling my eyes at his respond I nod, well I guess that's true… I'm the one that's never good enough and to be the heir of the family name anyways, ''I reckon they'll start trying to get you to befriend the dear lady Goyle though, maybe even the lady Zabini?'' I suggest, winking at him.
Regulus isn't amused, and doesn't indulge me in a reply, so instead I pull out silky, expensive looking robes and grin, ''These ones, now I expect you to wear them with your diamond jewellery! Also, your silver purse will match perfectly, whilst also bringing out your eyes'' I tell him, trying my best girly voice.
Laughing Regulus pushes the robes back in the closet, pulling out a different pair, still expensive looking but more manly. Nodding in thought I grin, ''perfect, now, I'm out of here!''
I could practically hear Regulus roll his eyes as I made my way to the door, turning around last minute with a grimace. ''You can't maybe just kill me now before we attend that horrible gathering?'' Looking back at me with a sigh Regulus shrugs, ''No way, I'd have to survive it on my own otherwise.''
Nodding slowly I sigh as well, ''may we suffer together'' I declare with a tight smile. Regulus returning the same strained smile before disappearing in his bathroom.
Stepping out of his room I sigh when I hear mother call me again, Hogwarts can't possibly come soon enough. And with that I walk down the stairs, stopping right before having to walk down I reach my back softly, my simple touch already causing me to wince.
''Sirius!'' Mother's biting voice reaches me, ''come down here at once!'' Stiffening I square my shoulders, take a deep breath and walk down stairs, a dungeon with my cousins really is preferable to this hell.
