"What's this about Dumbledore, I have other things to do today." Orion said "What about the boy?"

"I thought you would like to know that in light of Sirius's illness, it was recommended that he have a proper rest and cannot be expected to finish out this school year. As his father, I believe you should be made aware of that."

"Was it all that bad, truly?" Orion growled, crossing his arms over his chest. Dumbledore folded his hands on his desk.

"I'm afraid it was rather severe. His appendix ruptured before we were able to get him to a hospital for treatment, as a result the infection began spilling into his abdomen and other parts of his system from there." Orion bowed his head.

"And now, what is his condition?" The man asked without looking at the headmaster.

"Stable. It could change and hopefully it would be for the better. "

"I see, so then there is no problem and you've asked me here for what reason, this is nothing you couldn't write in your letter."

"You wouldn't want your wife receiving the information before you had the chance to cope with it yourself would you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Come now Orion, you and I both know better. You hide your true feelings but in this instance, I think it's best if you let down the shield and follow your own heart. No one can fault you for loving your son." Orion raised his head quickly shooting an angry glare at the old man.

"That's the most ridiculous -"

"Is it Orion, why else did you inquire about his condition, why then if he is nothing to you, do you seem upset by this?"

"Would you not be upset about being pulled into the school for someone who has betrayed his family?"

"Was it Sirius who did the betraying Orion, that cannot be what you truly believe." Orion sighed, his expression softening slightly.

"Sirius is in truth, a strong boy. From the day he was born, I had a feeling, he would be the one to break free of the family. He's proving me to be right in every possible way. I don't know what to do with that boy. His mother is furious and I cannot promise he would be given proper rest and care if he were to be sent home. I am not always there to distract her. Do you have something in mind?"

"currently, I know of two places willing to take Sirius in until he fully recovers, I need your permission to allow these steps to be taken."Orion thought for a moment.

"Do as you wish, anything would be better for him, but do keep an eye on Sirius, he's not one to tolerate being stuck in one place too long. Even when he's ill it can be a struggle."

"That will be taken into account. Also he will remain in the hospital for a bit longer, I must ask you, I'm sure you are aware that he has-"

"You want permission to take the disgraceful group he calls friends to see him, take them, but you keep them under control. Sirius needs rest and I doubt he would get much if they were left with him too long. If that's all, I need to return to work." Orion turned to leave but stopped in the doorway.

"If Regulus asks, and I'm certain he will if he hasn't already, take him to see his brother will you?"

"Of course." With a short nod, Orion left. As he made his way down the hall, he pulled out the letter and scanned it. He knew the name of the hospital was there somewhere. He would have to hurry, his lunch hour was nearly over.

Regulus stared at the blackboard and attempted to listen to Slughorn's lesson but found himself unable to focus. His Mother would not have approved of what was concerning him, this he knew and at the present moment, he didn't much care about her thoughts, his brother was ill. It had always been Sirius who had been beside him when he needed it. Sirius had been his protector when they were small, even when it was against their mother. In particular when the younger boy broke a priceless vase which had been in the family for generations.

Regulus stood in the hall, staring down in shock at the shattered vase on the floor. Sirius stood beside him, it was obvious that he wasn't phased by the loss.

"Mother's going to kill me brother, that's it." Regulus whimpered.

"No she won't but we'd better get it cleaned up before she sees, maybe we can get Uncle-" The boys stopped and listened as the front door opened and their mother stepped in. Panic set in as Regulus frantically gathered the pieces. Sirius put a hand on his shoulder.

"Give those to me, then I want you to run upstairs to your room." He said taking it from his younger brother.

"But Sirius, Mother-"

"Go, she hates me anyway. No sense in both of us getting it is there?"

"But you didn't do it, you weren't even out here."

"You don't want to be around when she's in a rage and this one's likely to be bad."

"Maybe it can be fixed if we just-" Walburga's voice was coming closer.

"Go. I'm used to it. It's fine." Regulus' fear of his mother got the best of him and he followed his brother's instructions. He rushed up the stairs and into his room where he closed his door and laid down on his bed. He could hear his mother shrieking and screaming at Sirius. Spells were shouted and he could feel tears forming in his eyes as he listened. In these moments, he hated his mother. Sirius, it seemed was the only one he had to count on in this world and he hoped that one day, he would make his brother proud and gain enough courage to repay the many times Sirius had looked after him.

"Regulus my boy, are you alright?" Professor Slughorn's voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"Actually, I-I'm not feeling very well. Could I be excused from the lesson?"

"Of course, you do look a bit paler than usual, perhaps you should consider a visit to the hospital wing." Regulus nodded.

"Yes, I will. Thank you sir." He grabbed his books and exited the classroom, he quickly made his way down the hall toward the headmaster's office.