Chapter 8: The Black Brothers

A/N This chapter was supposed to be part of the last chapter, but I kind of got carried away with the whole plan Jaz had for Sirius's birthday. Anyway, it just means that there will be more chapters in this story than I originally planned. Speaking of that, for the moment, I plan to have at least 13 chapters in this story, but depending on how much I write, it may end up being more. See the Author's note that end for my apology and the reason you can no longer find the prequel to this book on my profile or anything.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or anything in this story that appears to come from anything Harry Potter related. The only thing that I own in this story is my OC, Jasmine, as well as the plot of this story.

Not long after the rather memorable night that Sirius spent with Jasmine in the Room of Requirement for his birthday, it was time for the first quidditch match of the season: Gryffindor vs Slytherin. It was a big day. And still, James was nervous. Being the captain (for the second year) was a huge responsibility. He knew he was ready for the game, but he was nervous about the rest of the team. They were a great team, but they could be a fantastic team if Sirius would just get over himself and join the team. All he has agreed to so far is to be a reserve. The only condition was that he would not play against Regulus. James understood why, but that didn't mean he had to like it. But James knew there was nothing he could do to try and persuade Sirius. He had already tried everything.

Anyway, James was still confident that Gryffindor would still be able to overcome Slytherin. It wasn't hard to believe what with how talented of a chaser he was. The rest of the team was quite good too if James had anything to say about it and he did. So, he wasn't too worried and nervous about them losing. No, James was nervous about the team, but he was also worried about Regulus getting injured. James didn't care for the boy as Sirius did, but being Sirius's best mate, James still didn't want any harm to befall the boy. If he wasn't so wrapped up in the dark arts and his parents' ideologies, James would feel like he could see Regulus almost being like another brother to him. So, James was just the slightest bit worried about the match as it started.

As James focused on the quaffle, he scored several goals and points for Gryffindor. Though, when he didn't have the quaffle, James would occasionally sneak a glance at Regulus. He made the excuse that it was because he was checking to see if he had seen the snitch yet. In reality, James knew it was really because he wanted to make sure the young lad hadn't gone and injured himself when he wasn't paying attention.

Regulus was fine the entire game. He managed to keep his head in the game, at least for the most part. There was a moment that he lost focus and almost got hit by a bludger. It was when one James Potter happened to pass him by. The cheeky Gryffindor had the "decency" to throw Regulus a wink as he passed the younger Slytherin seeker. It was then that Regulus blushed and ducked his head in order to hide his growing blush. He wasn't about to let that arrogant arse know how Regulus felt about him, at times. I mean how could he not what with the way James Potter looked, he was not ugly after all. He was a rather good-looking lad, but Regulus knew he wouldn't ever have the boy. He never planned to ever act on his feelings as they were purely based on looks. Plus, James Potter was someone that Reg knew didn't support his same ideologies, so it wouldn't work out anyhow. But who said that Regulus still couldn't look? Anyway, James distracted the Slytherin seeker, but luckily not long enough to get his by a bludger. Thankfully, Regulus moved before the bludger had the chance. It was just in time too.

It was when that moment happened and Sirius let out a huge sigh of relief, that Jaz knew that there was something to that other than just Sirius being worried for his little brother. "Hey, Pads." Sirius peeled his eyes from the game to turn and look at his loving girlfriend. He tilted his head slightly to say 'Yes?', so Jaz continued. "Why are you so worried for Regulus? Is there something you aren't telling me? Did something happen? Does it have anything to do with why you won't be Gryffindor's other beater?" Lily, sitting next to her cousin heard her questions. So, she leaned in toward the couple, interested in the boy's response.

"So many questions, Mare." Sirius laughed and Jaz blushed. "But yeah. It happened during my 3rd year. I had been on the team as a reserve the year before. That year I was starting. I was the best beater during tryouts. Anyway, my brother made the Slytherin team that year too. He was going to be the seeker, which worried me less, but I was still quite worried about Reg. I didn't want him getting hurt. I tried talking him out of it, but well he didn't listen of course…"

Flashback

Sirius had pulled Regulus off to who knows where after dinner upon finding out about his brother making the Slytherin quidditch team as the seeker. "Reg, I can't believe you didn't tell me you were trying out for the quidditch team. I'm already worried enough with you hanging out around those snakes enough, now I'm going to worry even more!"

"Why would I have to get your permission, Siri? You're not my mother." Regulus shouted at his brother. He was already pissed off enough as it was, Sirius was only making it worse.

Sirius glared at Regulus. "Why would I ever want to be her?! She doesn't care about you, but I do!"

"Sure, you do, Siri. Yeah, you cared about me so much that you chose to go to Gryffindor. You left me! You went off and made a new family and friends and left me behind. We never speak anymore, and I never see you. And when I do see you in the halls, you pretend not to see me! So, why should I suddenly care what you think? You don't have the right to care about me after all that!" Regulus was so frustrated and angry at his brother. He had been holding all these feelings in and he just couldn't do it anymore. He had to let them out, so he did. He almost immediately regretted them too, especially after he saw the look on Sirius's face.

"Fine! If that's how you want it to be, then so be it. Go get hurt and play your quidditch. See if I care!" Sirius angrily yelled at his little brother. "Why should I care whether my little brother wants to get himself injured at the young age of 12!" Then Sirius stormed off to go find James and the other Marauders.

Regulus watched his brother leave him yet again. Sirius would always leave him, and yet Regulus always waited for him to come back to him. (At this point in time, Regulus had no idea what was going on at home during the summer. He had no idea what his parents were actually doing to his older brother that was driving even more of a wedge between them than Regulus ever thought possible.)

The day of the first quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin was soon upon them. Regulus and Sirius hadn't spoken since their blowout. Still, Sirius worried about his brother. He had no idea that Regulus felt like he had left him. Sirius never wanted that to happen, but it was a bit inevitable what with Reg buying into their parents' ideologies and beliefs. Sirius wanted to protect Regulus, but he couldn't do that if Regulus was just like 'them.' But Sirius was determined to do the best he could. Which is why he was so nervous about the quidditch game. See, Sirius was one of the Gryffindor beaters. He was one of the best, but still, he was worried that he might unintentionally injure Regulus during the game. With how mad he still was at his brother, Sirius was worried he might aim a bludger at Reg.

Thus, as the team lined up, Sirius was a bit off his game with the worry he was feeling. Throughout the entire game, Sirius tried to keep an eye on Regulus the best that he could. It wasn't easy as he still had to do his job as a beater for Gryffindor. However, Sirius was doing a pretty great time. Despite his focus not being entirely on the game, Sirius still played an excellent beater. There was a reason he made the team.

Thus, the game was going great, at least for the Gryffindor team. They were winning by a good margin. Sirius appeared to be on his game as he was keeping the bludgers from hitting any of the Gryffindor players. Regulus, meanwhile, had yet to be injured. He was high above the pitch searching for the snitch. He was staying out of the way. That is until he suddenly dove as if he saw the snitch. He was soon in the thick of things as he wove through the players. Regulus was too focused on catching the snitch, that he didn't see the bludger that was heading his way. It was a bludger that Sirius had just hit that way. He had been aiming for the Slytherin chaser that was now behind his little brother.

It was too late for Sirius to warn his little brother or even to hit the bludger away from him. Regulus was going to get hit with the bludger, but not before he caught the snitch. So, just as Reg caught the snitch, the bludger hit him. The force was enough to knock him off of his broom and knock him out. Thankfully for Sirius who couldn't move as he watched his brother fall slowly, James was able to catch Regulus before he hit the ground.

As soon as James landed with Regulus, the Slytherin seeker was rushed off to the Hospital Wing. Not long after James landed, Sirius landed next to him. He watched as they took his little brother away. Sirius made the move to go after them, but James stopped him. "Sirius, just wait. Let them get him situated and everything before you rush off. We can go see your brother after we change and shower. He will be fine. I trust Madam Pomfrey, and I know you do too."

Still being held back by James, Sirius turns and looks at his best mate. He sighs giving in. "Fine. But only because I want to get out of this uniform." So, the two boys go to the Gryffindor locker room. They change and shower fairly quickly. Neither one cared what the end score was (Slytherin ended up winning the match by just 10 points thanks to Regulus catching the snitch). Sirius just wanted to go see his brother, and James, well, he wanted to make sure that his best mate was okay. James was going to be there for Sirius, which meant being there for Regulus, at least for now. Because despite how much James cared about Sirius, that same feeling didn't entirely extend to Regulus. Though, James didn't really know the boy all too well, so he couldn't entirely judge, but he was still Slytherin, and in James's eyes that was a terrible house.

Once they were dressed and showered, the two boys headed up toward the castle. On the way, they were met up with Remus and Peter. Both of them also wanted to be there for Sirius as well. They knew how much the boy meant to Sirius, and being Sirius's friends, he meant something to them by default.

It didn't take them long to reach the Hospital Wing. There they were met with the sight of Regulus lying in a hospital bed. Thankfully he was awake, and he appeared not to be too injured. Thankful for that, Sirius walked right up to his younger brother's bedside. He left the other Marauders standing in the doorway. They wanted to give the two brothers some time.

"You're an idiot," Sirius tells his brother. Then he pulls Reg into a quick hug before releasing him. He saw the determined look in Regulus's eyes and knew right away that Reg wasn't going to stop playing quidditch despite his injuries. "Fine. You can play quidditch. But I'm not going to be responsible for putting you in the Hospital Wing again." Sirius turns over to look at James and says to him, "I'm done. I can't do this, James. I'm done being a Gryffindor beater. I'll finish out the season, but after that, I'm done. I can't be the person to put my own brother in the Hospital Wing again."

James is at first a bit disappointed and equally frustrated at Sirius's decision. He can't help it. Sirius is one of the best beaters he's ever seen. And he had to admit that Regulus was a pretty amazing seeker. Being able to make a catch like that and not lose the snitch was pretty impressive. It was quite impressive. But, despite all that, James understood Sirius's decision. He hated the decision and thought it was stupid, but he accepted it nonetheless, at least for the time being. James nodded his head. "It's fine Sirius. I get it. It won't be the same without you, though." Then James, with Remus and Peter behind him, left the Hospital Wing with wishes that Regulus get better soon.

Before the three of them left, James had to mess with Sirius just a bit. So, the Gryffindor chaser threw a wink back at Regulus. Reg, knowing he was only messing with Sirius, played along. He smiled back at James and gave his own wink to give the impression that he and James had some kind of secret between them that Sirius knew nothing about. Sirius saw this and sputtered in indignation. That is what led to James leaving the Hospital Wing laughing, and Reg laughing in his Hospital bed.

For the rest of the night until dinner, Sirius stayed in the Hospital Wing. He wanted to make sure his brother was alright. He also wanted to make sure that he had nothing going on with James that he didn't know about.

End of Flashback

"And I stayed with Regulus until Madam Pomfrey kicked me out." Sirius ended his story. "That's why I get so worried when Gryffindor faces Slytherin. Though Reg hasn't gotten hurt since I still worry about him playing quidditch. And I really don't want it to happen again, so I refuse to play quidditch anymore."

"Pads," Jaz started. "You can't blame yourself for that. It was purely accidental. You didn't intend to hit your brother. And really Regulus should have been paying more attention to his surroundings as he was chasing after the snitch." She tried her best to reassure and comfort Sirius. "You shouldn't let that stop you from playing beater for the Gryffindor quidditch team. I'm sure Regulus wouldn't want to be the reason you stopped playing quidditch."

Sirius smiled at his girlfriend. "Fine! I guess you're right, Mare. He really wouldn't. He would absolutely hate me if he knew he was the reason I quit."

"Yeah, Sirius." Lily agreed. "Just because it happened once doesn't mean it will happen again. Plus, the fact that you are more aware will help prevent it from happening again." Sirius smiled over at Lily who he had actually forgotten was there and hadn't even realized she had been listening to the story.

"So, does that mean you will be the beater for the team?" Jasmine asked hopefully.

"Please." Lily pleaded. "I am tired of continually hearing James complain about how you still haven't budged. Also, and don't tell him I told you this, but he is getting on my nerves every time he complains about how the Gryffindor would for sure win the cup if you were on the team, Sirius. So, please, I beg of you just agree to be on the team, if not for yourself and the team, then for me. "

"Yeah, okay. Chill out, Lily. There's no need to beg. I'll let James know after the game that I'll be a beater on the team. He'll be so happy, so be prepared to get a bear hug from him, Jaz. And Lily, I imagine you will be getting something a bit less platonic."

"What? Why would he bear hug me?"

"What? You think I'm just going to let him think he finally wore me down? No way, if I'm going to go through with this, I'm going to make sure he knows it was you who finally convinced me to rejoin the team, and that means both of you."

Jasmine and Lily sighed in defeat, but Jaz still gave her loving boyfriend a peck on the check. Then Jaz turned her attention back to the game, looking forward to the day when she could finally see Sirius on the quidditch field. She was also, subconsciously looking forward to the day when she would finally meet Sirius's brother.

So, Sirius rejoined the quidditch team, much to James's delight. The news spread like wildfire around Hogwarts, eventually reaching Regulus. This is why Regulus was now (a week after the Gryffindor-Slytherin quidditch match) sending a secret note to his elder brother to see if he could meet up sometime in the next couple of days. He got a note back not long after saying that they could meet up that night if Reg wanted to. The note also reminded Regulus of the fact that he had agreed that Jasmine could come to their next meeting after their birthday celebration for Sirius. Regulus sighed upon being reminded of that agreement.

At the time he had agreed to meet her, Reg had been more open to meeting his brother's girlfriend. Now, it wasn't that Regulus didn't want to meet the girl. On the contrary, he had rather looked forward to meeting the girl who had managed to get his brother to open enough to actually start meeting up with him in secret. It was rather that Reg had forgotten about it and had wanted to speak with Sirius alone about the rumors going around about why Sirius was suddenly allowed to join the Gryffindor quidditch team without going to tryouts (and after their first game). Regulus had already suspected that it had to do with his brother's best mate being the quidditch captain, but he knew that wasn't the whole reason. From what Regulus remembered from his first year on the Slytherin quidditch team, Sirius had been on the Gryffindor quidditch team then. Now Regulus hadn't entirely realized that his brother was no longer on the team the following year until the first match between Gryffindor and Slytherin in his 3rd year. That was in part due to the strained relationship between Sirius and him. Regulus had assumed that someone had just beaten Sirius out for his beater spot on the team. Now that James Potter had just given Sirius a spot on the team, Regulus doubted that that was the case. Despite James and Sirius being as thick as thieves, so close that even Reg himself was jealous of their relationship at times, James would never have given Sirius a spot on the team if he wasn't a great beater. So, Regulus wanted to know why Sirius had quit in the first place because that was the only explanation for why he wasn't on the team the past several years. Reg also wanted to know why he suddenly decided to rejoin the team now. Anyway, having Jasmine there could complicate things, so Regulus could only hope Sirius had already told her his reasonings or that he would still answer Reg's questions. So, Regulus sent a confirmation note back to Sirius with a time to meet that night. He was looking forward to and dreading their meeting that night. He couldn't help but look forward to finally getting the chance to meet his brother's girlfriend he continually saw Sirius tripping over each other.

There was little that Reg knew about this girl that had just appeared 2 years ago at Hogwarts. He knew she was a half-blood. He also knew she was as much a prankster as Sirius and the rest of his mates (it was obvious with the pranks that they pulled since she arrived). And though Reg wasn't into girls like his brother was, he had to admit that objectively, Jaz was attractive. Other than that, Regulus didn't know much else about the girl. So, being the person that Regulus was, that made him suspicious of her. He was determined to get answers and make sure Sirius knew what he was getting into with her. He wasn't about to let anyone, let alone some girl, get between him and Sirius. In order to do that, Reg planned on questioning the witch, even if Sirius protested. So, yeah, Regulus was looking forward to meeting the girl, finally.

He got a note back not long after saying that they could meet up that night if Reg wanted to (It was now about a week after the Gryffindor-Slytherin quidditch match). The note also made sure to remind Regulus of the fact that he had agreed that Jasmine could come to their next meeting after their birthday celebration for Sirius. Regulus sighed upon being reminded of that agreement. At the time he had agreed to it, he had been more open to meeting his brother's girlfriend. It wasn't that Regulus didn't want to meet the girl. On the contrary, he had rather looked forward to meeting the girl who had managed to get his brother to open enough to actually start meeting up with him in secret. It was rather that Reg had forgotten about it and had wanted to speak with Sirius alone about the rumors going around about why Sirius was suddenly allowed to join the Gryffindor quidditch team without going to tryouts (and after their first game). Regulus had already suspected that it had to do with his brother's best mate being the quidditch captain, but he knew that wasn't the whole reason. From what Regulus remembered from his first year on the Slytherin quidditch team, Sirius had been on the Gryffindor quidditch team then. Now Regulus hadn't entirely realized that his brother was no longer on the team the following year until the first match between Gryffindor and Slytherin in his 3rd year. That was in part due to the strained relationship between Sirius and him. Regulus had assumed that someone had just beaten Sirius out for his beater spot on the team. Now that James Potter had just given Sirius a spot on the team, Regulus doubted that that was the case. Despite James and Sirius being as thick as thieves, so close that even Reg himself was jealous of their relationship at times, James would never have given Sirius a spot on the team if he wasn't a great beater. So, Regulus wanted to know why Sirius had quit in the first place because that was the only explanation for why he wasn't on the team the past several years. Reg also wanted to know why he suddenly decided to rejoin the team now. Anyway, having Jasmine there could complicate things, so Regulus could only hope Sirius had already told her his reasonings or that he would still answer Reg's questions.

So, Regulus sent a confirmation note back to Sirius with a time to meet that night. He was looking forward to and dreading their meeting that night. He couldn't help but look forward to finally getting the chance to meet his brother's girlfriend he continually saw Sirius tripping over each other. From what little he knew about this girl that just appeared 2 years ago at Hogwarts, Regulus knew she was a half-blood. He also knew she was as much a prankster as Sirius and the rest of his mates (if Halloween had anything to say about that). And though Reg wasn't into girls like his brother was, he had to admit that objectively, Jaz was attractive. Other than that, Regulus didn't know much about the girl. And being the person that Regulus was, that made him suspicious of her, He was determined to get answers and make sure Sirius knew what he was getting into with her. He wasn't about to let anyone, let alone some girl, get between him and Sirius. In order to do that, Reg planned on questioning the witch, even if Sirius protested. So, yeah, Regulus was looking forward to meeting the girl, finally.

Yet despite wanting to meet with her, Regulus was still partially dreading the meeting later that night. He had a feeling that it wouldn't go as smoothly as he wants it to go. He planned on getting answers to his questions no matter what. He knew Sirius would expect this of him, so Regulus wasn't worried about him. Rather, Reg was concerned about the unknown quantity that was Jasmine Dupont. He didn't know how she would take him questioning her He had a rather "unique" way of going about it as Sirius had put it. He knew what Sirius really meant was that he was harsh and unforgiving. Regulus didn't really care either, that is until now. He didn't entirely care what the half-blood would think of him, but rather he feared that her opinion would influence Sirius's opinion of him. Regulus was fearful that if she found an issue with him, Sirius would stop meeting with him. So, Regulus dreaded this meeting, but he wasn't planning on acting any differently with the girl present despite any of his fears.

Later that night, Regulus snuck out of the Slytherin common room. It wasn't as hard as one might think, especially for Regulus. Since the boy was barely ever noticed, no one really looked for him nor paid much attention to him. Sure, he had his friends, but he made sure they were busy or asleep before snuck out. So, really Regulus didn't ever have much trouble sneaking out without attracting any attention. Tonight, was no different.

As soon as he was far enough away from the dungeons where the Slytherin common room was, Regulus made his way toward the 7th floor and the Room of Requirement. Upon reaching the magical room, Regulus looked around for Sirius. He waited a few minutes in case Sirius decided to appear on time for once. Reg knew it was pointless, but he could hope. It was for this reason that Regulus knew he would be the first to arrive. The weird thing was that Sirius always seemed to arrive shortly after the door to the Room of Requirement would appear. It was strange, but Regulus learned after asking about it that Sirius wasn't planning on telling him. So, Regulus, despite his curiosity, dropped the subject. Now, here Regulus standing in front of the door that would lead to the usual room he and Sirius met in and Sirius was nowhere in sight Regulus looked down at his watch to check the time and found Sirius was later than usual. It was a bit of a shock to the Slytherin, but really, he reasoned, he shouldn't be surprised. Sirius was bringing his girlfriend this time, so Reg assumed sneaking out with her was a bit more of a challenge.

He didn't think anymore on the subject as he heard what sounded like two people bickering just around the corner. They weren't being very loud, so Regulus couldn't be sure it was his brother and his girlfriend. Thus, the Slytherin quickly cast a disillusionment charm and backed up against the wall. Then he stared in the direction from which the voices were coming from. The strange thing was the voices got louder like they were getting closer, but he didn't see anyone. Now there were tons of explanations for why that is, but Sirius and his girlfriend being under an invisibility cloak was not the first explanation that came to Regulus's mind. He didn't even know his brother had an invisibility cloak. It appears Regulus has more to ask Sirius about than he thought.

Though Regulus was relieved it was only his brother and his girlfriend, he didn't reverse the disillusionment charm just yet. The reason for that was that their conversation interested him. Now that they were closer to him, he was able to make out their conversation. Dupont was holding a piece of parchment in her hand as Sirius put away the invisibility cloak. Regulus heard her ask "Where is he?"

"I'm not sure. He should be here, especially since the door is already here," Sirius stated confused. Reg assumed they were talking about him but before he was about to reveal himself, Sirius continued. "The map says he should be right there. So, he can't be in the room." Sirius points right over to where Regulus was currently invisible.

Jasmine followed his finger, but she still didn't see anything, then it occurred to Jasmine, "Well, then he has to be there. There is no way the map is wrong."

"Then why can't we see him?" Sirius asked.

"I'm getting there," Jaz assured her boyfriend. She raised her wand to cast what Regulus was sure was going to reverse the disillusionment charm he cast upon himself. Not wanting that to happen, Regulus moved. He gathered that the parchment somehow told them where he was, so seeing as neither was looking at the parchment, Regulus moved so that he was behind the couple. Then he reversed the disillusionment charm. By the time Regulus had done all that, Sirius and Jasmine were looking down at the parchment. They seemed very confused as Regulus approached the couple from behind. Before he could finally get a glimpse at what was on the parchment, the two Gryffindors appeared to have realized that Regulus was approaching them from behind because they quickly turned around, hiding the parchment behind them.

Sirius shot his brother what Regulus assumed was supposed to be a disarming smile. It didn't work, though, as Regulus had heard too much. Realizing it didn't work, Sirius decided to speak up, "Hey, Reg. What's going on?"

Regulus stared at his brother suspiciously but responded anyway. "Well, I was waiting for you to show up with Dupont here before I entered the room we typically go into for our meetings. And I'm assuming that you already explained what this room is to your guest." Sirius smiled and nodded in agreement. "Great, then we can go in. I have a lot of questions for you, Siri." Regulus didn't even look to see if the couple was following him before he entered the room. He just assumed they were.

The room looked as it always did. It basically looked like any of the common rooms for any of the houses. The only difference was that it was color neutral, having no house colors indicating it would be for any specific house. So, basically, the walls were bare, with only a few bookshelves (Regulus would come there to escape every so often to read and get away from it all). Besides that, there was the typical fireplace with the usual comfy couch and chairs around it. Obviously, the fireplace is already lit too. So, really it was basically a house-neutral common room that no one but Regulus (and maybe Sirius) could get into because of how Reg set up the room to be private and only accessible to the two of them.

Upon entering the room, Regulus took a seat in one of the chairs around the fireplace. Normally the younger Black would have sat on one of the ends of the couch, but with Miss Dupont joining them, he figured he'd leave the couch open to the young couple. He did not want to be squished nor near them and their couple-ness. It was something he'd prefer to have some distance from. Plus, by sitting in the chair, it gave Regulus distance from the girl he still didn't trust and wanted to question. It would give her less of the chance of being able to hit Regulus if she became offended by any of his questions or how he questioned her.

Sirius didn't seem to have noticed that Regulus had even taken a different seat, but that didn't really surprise Regulus as Sirius and Jasmine were whispering between each other, likely about what to tell Regulus. Reg didn't pay any mind to that and waited until the couple took a seat on the couch. They sat on the couch end nearest to the chair Regulus had satin. They sat as close as Regulus thought they possibly could without sitting on top of each other. They kept whispering amongst themselves until Regulus (finally sick of being ignored) cleared his throat. The couple, not expecting the disruption, jumped and turned toward Regulus, finally stopping their whispering.

"Now if you two are done," Regulus stated to the now blushing couple. "I have some questions."

"Before you ask any questions, Reg, I got to ask how much did you see and hear back there?" Sirius knew that his little brother had seen and probably heard it all, but he had to be sure before he said anything more. Instead of answering, Regulus shot his brother a look that confirmed Sirius's fears. "Let me explain first. I can't nor will I tell you everything, but first the invisibility cloak isn't mine, so you can't use it. Second, the parchment that you heard me and Mare discussing is something I can't tell you about. It's a Marauders' secret, so I'm sworn to secrecy unless the others approve so don't ask about it."

Regulus rolled his eyes. He had figured his brother wouldn't tell him anything more than what he "needed" to know. Sirius was secretive like that, but Regulus had his own secrets too, so he figured it best to just drop it. He didn't want Sirius digging into his secrets, so he let his brother have his secrets to protect Reg's own secrets. "Fine, now can we move on."

Sirius was almost shocked at Regulus's response, almost. If he didn't know Regulus as he did, he probably would be shocked (like Jasmine was right now). But he did know his brother, so his response didn't faze Sirius. "Yeah, whatever you want Reg," Sirius agreed before changing the subject and introducing his girlfriend. "Anyway, Reg this is my girlfriend, Jasmine Dupont." Sirius gestured to the girl beside him before slinging his arm around her shoulders. "Mare, this is my little brother and heir to the Black family fortune, Regulus Black."

Regulus rolled his eyes at the way his brother introduced him. Yet, he still got up and went over to shake Jasmine's hand, being the polite boy that he was raised to be. "Nice to finally meet you, Dupont," he says before going to sit back down in the chair he had been occupying before.

Regulus didn't see it since his back was to her, but after getting called Dupont by Regulus, Jasmine shot Regulus a dirty look. Jasmine was already starting to not like Regulus, but she didn't give up on him redeeming himself if only for Sirius's sake. So, she told Regulus with faux kindness in her voice, "You can call me Jasmine or Jaz if you really want."

Regulus, now back in his seat, smiled at her but said nothing to acknowledge what Jaz said to him. "So, Dupont," he started emphasizing Dupont just to piss the girl off. "I have some questions for you. I barely know anything about you." Jasmine had to bite back the snarky reply on the tip of her tongue. She didn't need to get into a verbal fight with Sirius's brother. Then Sirius squeezed her arm, which helped calm her anger and stop her from retorting. Instead, Jasmine just smiled back at the Slytherin boy indicating he could continue and ask his questions, so he did. "First off, I got to ask, why didn't you start at Hogwarts? I assume you were at one of the other magical schools, but why suddenly come here in your 5th year?"

Jasmine tensed up. Even though Jaz figured the subject would come up, she didn't expect it to come up right away. Sirius sensed that she tensed up, so he decided to give her another squeeze to assure her that she didn't have to answer the question. Meanwhile, Regulus watched the couple closely. He noticed that Jasmine had tensed at his question which almost made him regret asking it. Though he had assumed it was a somewhat innocent question, it clearly wasn't. Regulus assumed the answer was somewhere along the lines of her getting kicked out or her moving, but he hadn't expected the answer he was given, which was, "Yes, I went to Beauxbatons before this, which was my father's alma mater. I would have likely finished there if not for the untimely death of my mother, which made me an orphan. My father died when I first started school. So, I moved in with my aunt and uncle who live closer to Hogwarts than Beauxbatons. So, I transferred to Hogwarts and get to go to school with my cousin, who I am sure you already know is Lily Evans."

Regulus's face betrayed nothing of what was going on in his mind, which he was grateful for as his mind was racing. He felt slightly bad for asking the question now, but he had to ask it. He wanted to make sure his brother knew what he was getting into. So, he pushed past any guilt he had and continued asking his brother's girlfriend questions. "I'm sorry for your loss." He said before continuing with his questions.

By the end of his "interrogation" of Jasmine, Regulus was now sure that Sirius knew exactly what he was getting into if his body language throughout had anything to say about it. Regulus could see that Sirius loved her. Also, Regulus was able to learn more about the girl his brother was so taken with. Reg had asked A lot of questions, some of which were answered with some hesitance, though only a few of his questions were never answered. This bothered Regulus slightly, but then he figured she was allowed to have her secrets as he was allowed to have his secrets. Anyway, now Regulus knows what the girl's favorite subjects are transfiguration and music), who her favorite professor is (McGonagall), and even what her favorite color is (blue). He learns so much about her that he feels like he knows her almost as well as Sirius knows her. He is grateful for that because he could see this girl was likely the future Mrs. Sirius Black. Despite not being a person who was big on relationships or romance, even Reg could see the love between Jasmine and Sirius. Plus, Regulus knew Sirius better than most others having grown up for him. So, Reg knew that Jaz was good for his brother in more ways than one. And from what Reg could tell about Jaz, Sirius was good for her too.

While Reg might now feel that he could trust Jasmine, Jaz did not feel that she could trust him. Jaz felt that several of the questions Regulus asked he had no right to ask. Also, the way he asked several (most) of the questions, Jaz felt was rather rude. It made her dislike him more and more as he continued to ask he questions. By the time he finished, Jaz felt slightly violated in a way. She felt her personal life had been invaded and prodded by this outsider without her consent despite that she willingly answered most of the questions that Regulus asked. She knew that she had no obligation to answer any of the questions that Regulus had asked her. Though, she felt that she had to even if she didn't entirely answer some of the more personal questions, such as the first question he asked or when Regulus asked the circumstance of both her parents' deaths. It was rather insensitive, especially with how he asked them so sharply. She felt as if she was 'forced' to answer the questions lest Regulus find some kind of issue with her that lead to her and Sirius breaking up and that, was one of her greatest fears.

Now, Jasmine loved Sirius, that much was clear, and she knew that Sirius loved her too. Though, Jaz also knew that sometimes love is not enough. After all, she was sure that her mother loved her even when she would verbally abuse her. And despite Jasmine's love for her mother, she still continued to drink until she drank herself to death. Also, Jaz had loved her father dearly, and even he had left her, though likely not intentionally. No one ever told her how her father actually died, and Jaz had never asked. So, (though she was unwilling to admit it to herself) Jaz had some deep-seated abandonment issues. Thus, if Sirius was to break up with her for something as stupid as the fact that she didn't get along with his brother, something that was she could control (at least to some extent), she would be heartbroken. Jaz wasn't sure she would be able to go on if Sirius did break up with her because she didn't think she could handle yet another person she loved leaving her again. So, Sirius breaking up with her was a real fear of hers. Hence why Jaz was hoping that her feelings of dislike for the younger Black would dissipate as she got to know him better. Unbeknownst to her, that wasn't happening any time soon.

Anyway, after Regulus finished questioning Jasmine about her life, he turned his focus toward his brother, planning on questioning him next. "I can see why you like her, Siri. She's good for you." Sirius grinned at his brother, but it soon faded after Regulus changed the subject. "Anyway, I actually asked you here because I wanted to get the whole story behind why you quit the Quidditch team the year after I made the Slytherin quidditch team."

Sirius stared his brother right in the eyes hoping to get Regulus to back down, but out of all the times Sirius has tried this with Regulus, he has yet to win once. So, when Sirius gave in, it was no surprise. "Fine, but you can't be upset with me, Reg."

"I've told you before, Sirius, I'm not going to make any such promise when there is a highly likely chance that I won't keep it."

"Ugh. Why must you be this way?" Sirius asked. He didn't wait for a response before continuing. "I quit the team because I was afraid I would hurt you again Regulus, as I did in that first game of yours. I didn't want to be the one responsible for you ending up in the Hospital Wing."

Regulus looked at his brother confused for a moment. "What? When did you–" Regulus cut himself off as he remembered the moment that Sirius was talking about. "Are you stupid or something?" Sirius looked offended by the accusation, but he should have expected such a response from Regulus. After all, he had told Jasmine that Regulus would not have wanted to be the reason he quit the team. "The chances of you injuring me again is highly unlikely."

"Yes, I know, Reg, but I hated seeing you in that hospital bed. The fact that it was my fault you were even there made it worse."

"Ugh. You moron. You know that I've been injured multiple times since then due to my involvement on the Slytherin quidditch team. It's just the game of quidditch. It's dangerous and it wouldn't be any fun if it wasn't."

"Well, it doesn't even matter anymore does it?" Sirius asked. "I'm sure you've heard I'm back on the Gryffindor quidditch team, Reg. So, can you just drop it?"

Regulus rolled his eyes. He wasn't planning on dropping it. How could he when he was in part responsible for his brother quitting the Gryffindor quidditch team? Though, he wasn't planning on telling Sirius that, so instead he said, "Fine. I'll drop it, Siri. But that doesn't mean that I'm not still upset you put the blame on me for you quitting quidditch and likely costing Gryffindor a possible Quidditch Cup in the process."

That last comment, Sirius knew was a joking jab, so he had to retaliate. "Why you little…" Sirius got up to give Regulus a noogie or something similar, but there was a reason Regulus was the seeker on the Slytherin team. He was quick and had already gotten up out of his seat before Sirius had even gotten up from the couch.

That is how Jasmine found herself sitting alone on a couch as she watched Sirius chase after his little brother. As Sirius continued to chase his brother around, Jasmine couldn't help but be reminded of how much they acted like the brothers they should be. It was this interaction as well as how they even communicated with each other, that made Jaz see just how close the two brothers were. "They would likely be even closer if this war wasn't going on." Jasmine couldn't help but think. "They probably wouldn't be living under the same roof because their parents were assholes to Sirius, but they wouldn't let that stop them given how they are acting right now."

Finally, after several minutes, Sirius eventually outsmarted Regulus and caught him. Having Regulus in his grasp, Sirius gave him a noogie before releasing him. Upon gaining his freedom again, Reg smoothed out his clothes and fixed his hair the best he could since Sirius had messed it up. Then he proceeded to calmly walk back over to his seat, but before he did so, he couldn't help but taunt Sirius a bit more. "Hope you still got what it takes to play quidditch, Siri. I'm no longer a newbie, so you better watch out."

Sirius sneered in response. "You better watch out Reg because Gryffindor is coming for that Quidditch Cup this year."

Before they could continue bickering/taunting each other, Jasmine interrupted them. "Okay, boys, please stop. We all know you both are wonderful quidditch players, but I really can't hear any more of your taunts."

Both boys looked sheepishly at the girl and retook their seats, but before Sirius took his seat, he looked down at his new watch. Seeing that it was getting rather late, he didn't rejoin Jasmine on the couch. Instead, Sirius told Reg, "Well, it is getting kind of late, Reg, so I think we ought to be going before someone gets suspicious and starts looking for us."

Regulus looked down at his own wrist where his watch sat. "Yeah, I really should get back." Regulus pulled Sirius into a brotherly hug. Then whispered in his ear, "Jasmine's not half bad, Siri, for a half-blood that is. I think you two will be very happy together."

Pulling back from the hug, Sirius shot his brother a smile before releasing his brother from his hold. Then he turned toward Jasmine, who was still sitting on the couch and offered her his hand which she took gratefully. Before they left though, Regulus held out his hand to Jasmine, which she took hesitantly. She still didn't trust him, especially now with how she saw how blind Sirius was when it came to him. Though, she didn't want Sirius to know that, so she took his hand. "It was wonderful meeting you, Jasmine."

Jasmine shot him a smile, unsure of how she felt that he chose to finally call her Jasmine. "It was great to meet you too, Regulus." With that, the couple left the room.

Upon exiting the Room of Requirement, Sirius took out James's invisibility cloak and Jaz took out the map. Then they "silently" made their way back to Gryffindor Tower. Silently meaning they were whispering quietly to each other underneath the cloak.

It wasn't until they were getting close to Gryffindor Tower that Sirius finally asked the question he'd been wanting to ask since they left. "So, what did you think of Regulus?"

Jasmine tensed. She hoped Sirius didn't realize it (though she was sure he did). She had been trying to avoid this question since they left Regulus. She didn't want to lie to Sirius, nor did she plan to, but she knew what could happen if she told Sirius how she really felt about his brother. He would be crushed that she didn't like him, but she hoped he would understand where she was coming from. She decided to wait until they got inside the Gryffindor common room before telling him, though, just in case.

It wasn't long before they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady. By that point, they had taken off the invisibility cloak so that she could see them, and they could give her the password. Once in the common room, Sirius asked the question again. "Mare, you never answered my question. What did you think of Regulus?" At the moment Jasmine's back was to him, which was part of the reason why Sirius couldn't hear what Jasmine mumbled. "What was that Mare?

Jasmine finally turned to face Sirius. Her face gave away exactly how she was feeling inside: fear. Sirius could see this too. "Mare, what's wrong? What's got you so frightened?" She was getting paler by the second, so Sirius steered her toward the fireplace. Thankfully the common room was pretty empty at the moment.

They took a seat on the couch, each of them on one end facing the other. Jasmine was on the verge of tears, but she knew she had to tell him despite her fears of the repercussions that could come of it. "Pads, I'm sorry." She tried to say more but nothing came out.

"Mare, you got nothing to be sorry about. Now, what's the matter? Whatever it is, I promise everything will be okay." Sirius couldn't understand what had happened. Jaz had been fine moments ago.

Finally, Jasmine found her voice again. "No, you don't understand, Sirius," she started. "I'm sorry because I don't trust your brother." Sirius stared at the girl he loved with his jaw dropped. He hadn't expected to hear that come from Jasmine's mouth. But now that it had, he wasn't sure what to say, so she just stared at her with his mouth open. "I'm so sorry. I really tried to like him. And I tried to make sure he liked me, but I just don't like him, Sirius. There was just something in the way he asked his questions that felt invasive and uncomfortable to me."

Once Jaz had finally just admitted that she didn't like Regulus, Sirius snapped. He was no longer in shock, but rather angry and frustrated with his girlfriend. So, being the stupid, impulsive 17-year-old that Sirius Black was, he did something really stupid. He let out his anger at Jasmine. "What do you mean you tried?! Clearly, you didn't try hard enough. YOU SHOULD HAVE TRIED HARDER!"

That last part he yelled at her caused Jasmine to snap out of her sad, apologizing, fearful state, and she started yelling back at him. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'I SHOULD HAVE TRIED HARDER'?! I tried my hardest to get along with him Sirius. I tried, but by the end of my 'interrogation,' I felt that he had violated me somehow. Do you know how that feels, especially after all the emotional and verbal abuse my mother put me through? It was awful. I can't believe you would say I didn't try hard enough," Jasmine screamed at her boyfriend. "You have such a blind spot when it comes to him, and you don't even see it."

"What do you mean I have a blind spot?! Just because he's my brother doesn't mean that I can't see him for who he really is. What I don't see is what your problem with him is. He treated you how he treats everyone he meets. It is hard for him to trust anyone without knowing all the facts because that is how we Black brothers were raised. My brother is still stuck in that house with my 'parents' who raised us on the belief that we were better than everyone else because our blood was pure and all that other bullshit pureblood propaganda. So, how else would you expect someone raised in that environment to act around new people they know nothing about and could destroy their entire world."

By this point, the couple's yelling had alerted the Marauders and Lily (and practically the rest of Gryffindor Tower) to their presence in the tower. So, shortly after that last little speech Sirius made, the Marauders and Lily were coming down to the common room to see what all the fuss what about. Upon seeing their couple fighting, they all became increasingly worried. Now it wasn't like Jasmine and Sirius didn't have disagreements every so often because they did, but they typically didn't yell and scream at each other like this. Thus, the four others just getting down to the common room knew they needed to break this screaming match up before one of them said something they would regret.

James shot Lily a look, then the two of them headed toward the screaming couple, each going for their respective best friend. By now Sirius and Jasmine were yelling right into each other's faces. It was getting rather heated. James thinks really hopes Sirius doesn't say anything that will permanently ruin his relationship with Jasmine. James wasn't sure how they would manage it if the two ever broke up. Jasmine was such an integral part of the Marauders now that they couldn't just kick her out if the two did break up. It was something that James hoped would never have to actually be considered, though right now it wasn't looking good.

From what James had heard of their argument so far, it appeared the two were arguing about Sirius's younger brother, Regulus, but that couldn't be right. As far as James was aware, Sirius hasn't talked to Regulus since before he ran away to come live at Potter Manor. So, he couldn't understand why they would be fighting over Regulus unless Jasmine was, for some reason, convincing Sirius to give Regulus a chance or something.

Lily was just as confused about the topic of the argument, but she didn't pay much attention to it as she was trying to get Jasmine away from Sirius. Eventually, she succeeded and so did James at separating the couple. James and Lily both decided it would be best to take each back to their respective dorms to cool down.

As Lily pulled Jasmine up the steps to the girls' dorm and James pulled Sirius up the steps to their dorm, the two kept arguing across the common room. It was ridiculousness. But that is how the night went and how it ended. What started off as such a promising day had ended in a nightmare for both Sirius and Jasmine. It was their worst nightmare because once they no longer saw the other calmed down, they both realized what they had done. That realization led both of them to break down in tears in their best mate's arms. They had just had their first big fight over something so trivial. It just broke them, especially since they were both so unsure of where they stood with the other at the moment.

A/N Uh oh! Trouble in paradise for Sazzy (btw it was really hard writing that fight scene at first. Like it physically hurt to write that, so much so that I almost teared up writing it).
Anyway, I'm sorry it took me so long to write and post this chapter. I've just been terribly busy and stressed as of late. First, I got sick with a sinus infection. Then I wouldn't stop coughing until like a week ago which only stopped after taking more antibiotics. It's been a mess. So, I wasn't writing while I was sick because I felt awful and was busy with school. Now things have settled down, but I've now become really obsessed with Hamilton and Lin-Manuel Miranda as well as Anthony Ramos. So, I've been just watching a lot of stuff instead of writing when I have had free time. But I've gotten back into my writing now because From Beauxbatons to Hogwarts (the prequel to this book) made the shortlist for the 2021 Wattys (which is an awards thing on Wattpad). It is for that reason that FBTH is no longer on here. I had to delete it from every site that wasn't Wattpad, so you will have to go there to read it for at least the next year (sorry). Anyway, sorry for the wait on this chapter and the long author's note. I'll try to update soon, possibly over my thanksgiving break, but no promises. I hope you enjoyed the chapter

Until Next Time,
️(◔◡◔) Knk6700 ️(◔◡◔)