(Well, I know where I'm going with this story now, basically. I've mapped it all out. Just for the record, it looks like it might be an exceptionally long one. Forgive me. I'll try to cut/combine things, but considering this takes place over a series of 3 and ½ years, I hope it will make sense. Reviews would be lovely!)

(Later that Evening)

Six – Brotherly Hate

Sirius walked silently along the road. A group of young witches passed, batting their eyelashes. An old wizard stood window shopping. People were out and about Hogsmeade; this was a completely normal evening.

Hogsmeade was an interesting place. He had worshipped this place while growing up- Zonkos and Honeydukes had been his havens. And the Shrieking Shack? Well, enough said.

How had things changed his perspective on things so soon so fast?

Remus and James whispered in hushed tones behind him. Lily and her friends had already left for their homes, and Peter had had to go home to check on his mum. Sirius sighed.

This was a big task Dumbledore was asking of them. He was sure he could step up to the challenge, but something was nagging him, like a rat was gnawing at his insides.

And then he was angry at himself! Why was he so down?! This was a chance of a lifetime! He was getting the chance to make a difference in the world, and here he was, confused?

Pathetic! A voice whispered in his brain. Besides, with so much darkness elsewhere in the world, who was he to bring some more with his inner doubts?

He fell back into step with his two best friends. "So, that was an interesting contract Dumbledore had us sign, eh? Reminded me of that time we conned Christopher Poolgittle into signing that bewitched parchment. He couldn't say the word 'and' for a month!"

Remus cocked an eyebrow, but gave his half smile anyway. "Not exactly our most interesting accomplishment, and hardly to the same magnitude of tonight, but I'll buy it."

James, on the other hand, patted Sirius's shoulder. "We are now officially incapable of repeating what we're, well, what we will be… doing. At least for a while, I'd say. Dumbeldore's a crafty man."

"Quite crafty." Sirius agreed.

"Craftier than a crab."

"Craftier than a crazy crup crossing creamy…"

"Crayons?" James finished for Sirius. The two burst out laughing, leaving Remus shaking his head.

"We've been asked to make a huge difference in the world, and you're having fun with alliteration. I don't think the two of you will ever truly grow up…"

"Well, Remus," Sirius shrugged. "You'll just have to be our mother and watch out for us. We're brothers you know? Just don't try to baby us on a full moon, or anything. That won't be too pretty."

Remus rolled his eyes, though they were slightly more ashen then before. James, however was focused ahead at the Hog's Head.

"Speaking of brothers…" James mumbled. Sirius followed his gaze. Ice immediately filled his veins.

It was Regulus. Leaning ever-so-casually against the entrance to the infamously shady pub.

Sirius pulled out his wand, his eyes smouldering at the sight of his baby brother.

"Will you be needing any help with him?" James seethed, clenching onto his own wand.

Sirius shook his head. "I don't want you two getting involved in this. I'll talk to him, and I'll meet you later at Dervish and Banges or something."

Regulus was just waiting, smug half smile apparent on his face, even in the shadows. His black, flippy hair was remnant of Sirius's, and they shared the same grey eyes. However, Sirius's were lively whereas his brother's… they were haunted. Sirius was a bit stockier than his gaunt brother, as well. Perhaps actually caring about people made him appear healthier?

"Sirius. I didn't expect to see you hear." Regulus smirked.

Sirius teemed on the inside. "Likewise, Regulus, likewise. What business, might I ask, do you have at the Hog's Head. Shouldn't you be at home kicking Kreacher around with your little friends, or something?"

Regulus shrugged. "If I were to answer that, would you tell me why you and your little friends were up at Hogwarts?" He nodded up towards the castle.

"I'm afraid I couldn't even if I could bring up the brotherly love to tell you." Sirius sneered.

Regulus mimicked his face. "Well, then, I guess you just answered for the both of us." His brother's face grew harder, as though gaining some statuesque quality. "When are you going to come back home, Sirius?"

Sirius laughed out loud. "I've hardly pegged you for an optimist, little brother. I wouldn't come home even if dear old Mother and Father decided to un-disown me. You've known that, you know it, so stop thinking I'll ever return."

"With that kind of attitude, you won't." His younger brother's brows furrowed. "Why can't you just accept that we are what we are- and they are what they are."

"Why can't you just get over our family's bloody pride, already? It's disgusting." Sirius growled.

"You barely talked to me at school. You don't write ever. You're off with that Mudblood-loving James Potter and his pals all the time." Regulus almost seemed sad. Almost.

Sirius clenched his fists. He had had enough, now. Lily didn't deserve to be called anything so foul, and Sirius didn't have to put up with this. "Well, sorry I haven't been a good big brother, then. Perhaps you should have thought about that before you sided with our parents on everything."

Sirius started to walk away.

Regulus called after. "It doesn't have to be as black and white as you think, Sirius. Our family has had its ideas for centuries. Who do you think you are to change that? What difference can you possibly make, you and that Potter? He's not even family."

Sirius shook his head, throwing one last angry glance back at his supposed blood. "I'll be making a difference soon enough. And James has always been more of a brother to me than you ever have been and ever will be."

The words rang true in the heavy, summer air. Sirius could see his verbal punch hit its target in the menacing glare Regulus gave. Sirius didn't turn back once more, and his brother remained silent.

With the Black family, things had always been black or white. There was no in between, and there would be no forgiving involved. A twinge of guilt panged at Sirius's mind for a second. He hadn't given his brother much chance. But it was too late, now. He had a new family of friends (these ones actually had souls), and a new brother, as well.

Regulus would have to learn to accept that.

Storming, Sirius finally reached Dervish and Banges, swinging through the door. His fury at his little encounter was still stirring. He spotted James and Remus, eyeing a bewitched motorcycle.

James cast him a wary glance. "Well, Padfoot, how went that?"

"I could kill him, Prongs." Sirius spat. He eyed the motorbike. "What's that supposed to do, anyway?"

"Fly." Remus answered. "Some wizard pawned it off here, and Banges fixed it up. Rather inconvenient, though, I'd say. I mean, who knows how much noise it could make. It's a miracle it passed Ministry inspection."

"Mr. Banges?" Sirius called to the bristly man behind the counter. "How much for the stupid bike?"

"13 galleons, at least." Mr. Banges began to work his way over. "A wonderful bewitchment accompanied with a stylish motorcycle, a model '75…"

"I'll give you 11 galleons, and I'll take it tonight." Sirius snapped, scooping the coins out of his pocket and slapping them onto the counter.

Mr. Banges glanced at the money a moment, before speaking, "Deal. It's yours."

Remus and James were left eyeing Sirius with curious glances.

Feeling he owed them an explanation, Sirius shrugged. "I am feeling angry and impulse. I want the stupid bike."

They seemed to accept the reason.