A/N: I told you Reg had a birthday coming up! I understand that his mannerisms may seem a bit too immature for his age. Still, he has gone through a lot, in his lifetime.

Chapter Four

The two brothers stayed at the park for two weeks. They laid low, sleeping, during the daytime, and Sirius watched over Regulus as he played, during the nighttime. During their stay, the final leaves fell from the trees, and the nights grew unbearably cold.

When it finally came time for them to leave, Sirius had to literally drag Regulus away.

"No!" Regulus squealed, "I don't want to go! You can't make me!"

Sirius finally threw his hands into the air, "For God's sake, Regulus! Stop acting like a child!"

Regulus jutted out his chin, "I am a child!"

Sirius suddenly realized something, "Blimey, Regulus. Do you know what day it is?"

Regulus shook his head.

Sirius did the math, before whispering, "I think that it's your birthday."

Regulus's eyes widened, "I guess you're right."

Sirius hugged him, "You'll still be my little brother to me."

Indeed, even though Regulus was now nine-years old, he still had the mentality of someone much younger.

Then again, Sirius mused, he didn't know many nine-year olds who faced what he and Regulus had to face everyday.

"Come on," Sirius said, "This deserves a celebration."

The two took the underground into the heart of London. They wandered around, mindlessly, until they came across a bakery.

"But Sirius," Regulus pointed out, "We haven't go any money."

"Well, you're a charming, little, man," Sirius grinned, "I'm sure that you can get a few pastries, off of your looks, alone."

Regulus grinned, the sarcasm flying over his head.

"Alright," Sirius said, scheming, "We need to make this look good."

They opened the door, hearing the bell ring overhead.

Regulus walked up to the display case, pressing his nose against the glass.

"Regulus," Sirius scoffed, gently, "The baker worked hard to clean that glass. You're soiling it!"

"I'm sorry," Regulus said, guiltily. His silver eyes shone with innocence.

The baker waved him off, "Don't worry about it," he said, with a heavy French accent.

Regulus put his hands behind his back, shifting from foot to foot, "S'il vous plaît, monsieur, puis-je avoir un petit dessert? C'est mon anniversaire et je ne peux pas se permettre un gâteau."

"But of course," the baker said, softening. He handed Sirius and Regulus each a cupcake, and a scone for good measure.

Regulus looked at him, touched, "Merci mon bon monsieur. Vous êtes très gentil."

Sirius took his brother by the hand, leading him out of the bakery.

They were a block away, before the two burst out laughing.

"That was brilliant," Sirius grinned, biting into a cupcake, "You, my brother, are one true con-artist."

Regulus smiled, his face covered with icing.

Sirius continued, "I didn't know that you could speak French, that fluently."

"Uncle Arcturus made me take those private lessons, remember?" Regulus pointed out. He then sighed, dreamily, "I've always wanted to go to Paris."

Sirius stared at him, in wonder. Finally he said, "Regulus, I promise you, that one day I'll take you to Paris."

"Really?" Regulus looked up.

"Before your next birthday," Sirius promised.

"Cross your heart?"

"Cross my heart," Sirius smiled.

"Thanks, Sirius," Regulus said, snuggling next to him.

Sirius smiled, sadly, "I'm sorry it's not much of a birthday."

"It's a great birthday," Regulus piped up, "I got to spend it with you!"