In a very brief moment the air shook and from that point appeared two witches walking ahead of a boy who Apparated there a second later. The eldest and her apparent son seemed to have argued moments before, as the rarely flushed cheeks showed, and he stopped when he heard his mother say that from there she could go on with her niece. He didn't sign, just stood motionless in front of the Gringotts stairs while Madame Black and Bellatrix disappeared through the high gates and were cordially greeted by a starched wizard who emerged...
Regulus' plans had been fully modified by Walburga, who demanded that he wait for cousin Bellatrix to arrive to have breakfast together and, after nine o'clock, accompany them to the bank to finish the paperwork. The removal of Sirius' name from any possible access to the family's secular possessions.
That brief duel he had already lost, and he had to walk even more cautiously, given the looks that Bella directed at him in tones of mute curiosity. The cousin was not given to silence, as she was very fond of showing off in front of her aunt-so much so that it kindled in her soul the light of fear for the worst.
It was then that her gaze turned to Diagon Alley and caught the figure entering Flourish & Blotts.
He quickly headed there, turning back a few times. They would take time.
The bookstore wasn't that crowded and, thank heavens, no acquaintances among the shelves... Just the messy-haired Gryffindor with glasses on his face who was checking out an issue at the Quidditch session. Regulus never exchanged a word with his older brother's best friend, but at present it was necessary.
-Excuse me...-he said politely.
-Yes - James looked up and showed some surprise, putting the book back on the shelf - either you are very brave or very crazy. I did not expect this from you.
-My brother is with you, isn't he? - Regulus said in whispers...
"I don't know what you're talking about," James continued, letting out a purposeful laugh.
That irritated Regulus in unimaginable ways, but no word came to his lips.
-If I were you, I would go back to my mother. She can punish you - finished James, contemplating Regulus who lowered his gaze in frustration.
Discreetly there came within James the movement to say something comforting to the Slytherin, but he already had too many worries. He gave up the books and said, on his way out:
- I'll leave before I get you in trouble.
