Wow... I am EXTREMELY sorry about leaving the last chapter at a cliffhanger. I really didn't think it was that bad, but I'm sorry I made a few of you unpset. Please accept this chapter as my apology and part of my groveling.
Thank you to EVERYONE who Followed and Favorited this past week. I cannot believe that this little story has now reached 300 FOLLOWS. EEK! (Oh, and the story just broke 100,00 WORDS!) And of course can't forget my AWESOME reviewers; GhostWriter1864, Raven that flies at night, eyleenm4, Jily71102, DanceAnna, HPotter25, StormWitch19851, xXMizz Alec VolturiXx, and CaptainSwan83. Please forgive me and continue to review!
A/N; yes, I know that Bagshot never had the locket in cannon. But I always thought it was way too easy for Voldemort to find the founders items; especially since the locket was stolen from the same person who had the cup. I have a plan for this alteration, I swear.
Also, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! And Happy Belated Birthday to Hermione too! I wish for many, MANY reviews to celebrate both our birthdays. =)
Sirius had no idea how to react to Hermione's information about the locket. He had simply walked out of the sitting room without even a glance back.
Hermione was left standing like a statue in the middle of the room; staring blankly at the door.
Hermione hadn't followed Sirius immediately; she was completely shocked that he had just walked away without a word. She cursed herself for freezing and not stopping him from leaving the sitting room. She quickly pulled her forgotten shoes on and ran from the seventh floor room as fast as her legs would allow. Hermione needed help finding Sirius though; and Remus was the only one she could completely trust to help with the situation that she had caused.
Remus was in the library finishing some work for Transfiguration class; they had originally planned to meet here together to finish that homework set, so she had known where Remus would be. He smiled as Hermione whispered for his attention, but the smile fell when he took in Hermione's frantic appearance.
"What's happened, Mia?"
Hermione shook her head and glanced around the overflowing bookshelves to indicate that things could not be discussed in this room. Remus understood and threw his school work into his bag and pulled the strap over his head. Hermione grabbed Remus's arm and pulled him in the direction of the Great Hall, but then she stopped short.
She didn't know where to go from here. Hermione looked to Remus with a panicked look in her eye. She still drew a complete blank for where Sirius would escape from the world. "Tell me what's happened," Remus clasped Hermione around the shoulder and forced her to face him.
"I... I told him something… Sirius. I told Sirius something… and he walked out. Where would he go to… to get away from me? To think things over?" Hermione's harsh whispers were easily covered by the chattering ruckus radiating from the Great Hall. She knew that Sirius wasn't rash enough to confront Regulus immediately; but she was absolutely terrified that he would do something irrational if left to his own devices for too long. If Sirius needed a few moments to collect his thoughts; fine. But Hermione needed to find him and explain as much as she could before they attempted to do anything about Regulus and the locket.
Remus looked up and gazed around the corridor before a comforting place came to mind, "He… he might go down to the Black Lake. We always liked sitting out there between classes."
Remus had to jog to catch up to Hermione as they hurriedly made their way through the grounds to the Black Lake.
They found Sirius sitting under one of the trees beside the lake; he was looking over the glassy surface of the water. His face completely devoid of emotion.
Since it was lunch time, most of the students were still in the castle, so Sirius could speak relatively freely without fear of being overheard. "So my little brother defies the Dark Lord… and he's dead in your future. Did he become a Death Eater like I've been fearing all year?"
"Yes," Hermione's voice was small as she spoke. She looked up at Remus as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder; he didn't bother offering any words of comfort, he just tried to exude unwavering support.
"Of course he does," Sirius shook his head slightly and a forced laughter escaped his throat. "My little brother, who I treated like utter shite last year, turns to the Dark Lord. I basically pushed Reg into the evil blighter's arms; offered up his arm for the Dark Mark myself." Sirius's uncomfortable laughter began to cause Hermione's whole body to shiver.
"Sirius… we can try to change things. We can help him," Hermione tried to take a step forward, but she found her feet immovable.
"He'll never listen to me," Sirius's laughter grew to a manic cackle. He rubbed his face and loosely covered his mouth trying to quell his strange laughter, "Moony, would you listen to me if I treated you the way I treated Regulus? Would you even bate an eyelash in my direction if I tried to talk to you after what I've said and done?!"
"You're wrong," Remus finally spoke. He let go of Hermione's shoulder and stepped toward his friend. "He still cares about you Padfoot; you have to try to talk to him."
Sirius snorted, "Everyone in my family disowned me. Regulus had to follow suit to survive. He can't care for me. And after the way I treated him in the past, I'm sure he wouldn't listen to anything I have to say."
A brief memory of a puzzling encounter fluttered to the forefront of Hermione's mind. "Remus is right, you're wrong Sirius. Regulus still cares for you; he's protective of you."
Hermione moved past her werewolf friend and sat directly in front of Sirius; she gently grasped his hands and pulled them into her own lap. Hermione sighed heavily before she met Sirius's confused eyes and explained, "Regulus hunted me down to introduce himself when we were in Hogsmeade once. He found me alone in Zonko's when you all were distracted by something." Hermione smiled as she recalled the brief and somewhat uncomfortable encounter, "It was funny really. I think he was interrogating me to make sure I wasn't with you just for your name or your money. Regulus mentioned that he was pleased that I wasn't some brainless gold-digger. He wanted to protect you. I think he wanted to make sure you were happy."
Sirius shook his head and returned to looking out over the dark still water of the lake, "That can't be right. Regulus is the favorite child now; he follows my mother's rantings faithfully. Agrees with any bigoted notion that is uttered in that house. Caring about my wellbeing would be useless and could even be dangerous for him."
Hermione looked between Sirius and Remus with confusion.
Remus cleared his throat, "I think it's time to tell her about your family Sirius. You're only giving her parts of the story."
Sirius closed his eyes and dropped his chin to his chest. He looked so young; so defeated. "She doesn't need to know about all that." He refused to meet anyone's gaze as he spoke. His voice was almost inaudible.
"She needs to understand why you're acting like this Padfoot. Mia, needs to know what happened so that she can help you figure out a way to warn Regulus. Maybe you can spare him this pain, like you did when you were boys," Remus knew he had to open the door to this subject, despite Sirius's stubborn want to erase any thought of his tough childhood.
Hermione's eyes widened in surprise as she processed Remus's words; she had never been told details of Sirius's early life. Harry had only said that the Black family had been proud Slytherins and firmly believed in blood purity; and that Sirius had caused a lot of friction within his family when he was sorted into Gryffindor and joined the efforts of the Order.
The glare that Sirius laid on his longtime friend would have made anyone else tremble with fear, but Remus knew that this discussion was necessary.
The silence that engulfed the area was agonizing as Sirius decided where to begin.
Sirius did not go into great detail about his childhood; but he did try to address the relevant subjects with enough explanation so that Hermione would understand.
"When Reg and I were growing up we were constantly fed the rantings about the superiority of pure blood. My father is a relatively meek man, and he follows his family's teachings without question; and my mother is heartless and salivates at the idea of purifying the wizarding race. I enjoyed ticking off my mother greatly; anything muggle I could get my hands on I would share with Regulus. I always hoped that he and I could run away together when we were old enough. I protected Reg when my mother had her… episodes. I realize that I caused a majority of her fits, but I made sure that Reg was out of the way as much as I could when the incidents came on," Sirius spoke softly as he relived some of the painful memories of verbal abuse, beatings and curses that he had been subjected to for punishment.
Hermione did not let go of Sirius's hands; she held on to them tightly, becoming an anchor to the present as he became lost in his past.
"When I was sorted into Gryffindor, mother found a new level of resentment to level against me. Every time I stepped into her line of sight, she would begin raving about how much of a failure I was, how worthless I had become, and how she could not fathom what she had done to deserve such a disgraceful child. I tried to not let the words affect me, but there is only so much that a person can absorb without being... damaged."
Sirius actually smiled lightly as he continued, "I was actually thankful when Regulus was sorted into Slytherin; I had hoped that he would be safer for him there. My mother left him relatively alone and I was able to make sure that the other Gryffindors steered clear of him. The summer before sixth year though, Mother became particularly unbearable. She threatened my life numerous times and I began to devise a way to get out. I had initially planned on taking Regulus with me but he refused to leave. He wouldn't leave; he said he was too afraid. But he told me to go. Reg knew that I couldn't safely live in that house any longer. He actually helped me run away; he accompanied my parents to some pureblood party and made sure that they were distracted long enough for me to leave without any resistance. Regulus also ordered Kreacher, our house elf, to remain silent about my departure."
Sirius looked up into the tree branches above him, trying to collect himself so that he could continue with the story without breaking down, "When my sixth year began, I searched for Regulus to thank him for helping me and to make sure he was alright. But when I found him… it wasn't my brother anymore. Without me acting as the lightning rod for my mother's rage, Regulus was put into the line of fire; she had forcefully trained him into the perfect pureblood son. He was distant with me, looked down his nose at me and dismissed me like I was nothing. I shouldn't have but… I took it personally. I know that it was my mother's doing, my mother's words and persuasive influence. But I blamed Reg. I acted out against him all last year; treated him like dirt. When I saw him becoming friendly with known Death Eater families I treated him even worse. I… I can't t face that I'm the reason… it's my fault he's turning into this thing…"
Sirius stumbled over his words. He clutched Hermione's hands hard.
"It wasn't your fault Sirius. You cannot take the blame for what her mother considers appropriate child rearing," Hermione tried to make her voice consoling, but it did little to change Sirius's mind on the subject.
"It is my fault. If I had still been there, my mother would have continued to leave him alone…" Sirius felt defeated. He felt responsible for so much of the pain inflicted upon Regulus; weather it had come from himself or his mother.
"Padfoot," Remus muttered trying to call his friend's attention, "Mia's right. Yes, you may have acted out a lot last year. But you can't shoulder the blame for what your mother might have done to Regulus. And if you set all this aside… you might be able to protect him again."
Sirius looked at his werewolf friend with speculation. He then set his gaze on Hermione, who sat hopefully in front of him still, "He really thought you were after the Black name and fortune?"
Hermione nodded her head and attempted to hide her smirk, "It was a very strange conversation. He asked me about my blood status and then made sure that I knew that you had lost your inheritance and I would never be a Black. The angrier I got the happier Regulus seemed to become. He only left when I almost shouted at him that we didn't need the Black money."
A small smile began to pull at the side of Sirius's solemn expression, "He always knew how to push people's buttons."
Remus chuckled lightly, "So have we moved on to acceptance finally? Can we begin to brainstorm a way of explaining things to Regulus now?"
Sirius tried to push aside his regrets and nodded his head, "Yea, alright. How are we going to convince him of this? What details can we actually tell him?"
Sirius paced the hallway of the seventh floor.
Hermione had suggested that they use the Room of Requirement to speak to Regulus so that other students wouldn't be suspicious that the Black brothers were speaking again. Remus had been in charge of slipping Regulus the note requesting his presence on the seventh floor that evening after classes.
"He's not going to show," Sirius blurted out harshly at Hermione. She leaned casually against the wall, prepared to help form the room into whatever the two brothers decided was needed.
"Sirius, you promised you were going to keep an open mind and try to be hopeful," she spoke gently, "Please stop pacing; you're making me dizzy."
The Marauder halted and turned to gaze at the blonde witch, "I'm sorry, I know we've had the same conversation at least a dozen times the last few days… I just… I can't…"
Hermione offered Sirius a comforting smile and stepped in front of him to loop her arms around his neck. She raised up on her toes and leaned her forehead against Sirius's, "It's alright. I'm right here; but you need to trust me and stop doubting yourself and Regulus. Have hope; it's a powerful thing, Sirius."
Footsteps began to echo through the empty hallway and grew closer to the pair.
A black haired boy in Slytherin ropes stopped a few yards away from them. He gazed at the couple with curiosity, "Hello, Sirius."
"Regulus," Sirius tried to cover his astonishment at his brother arrival; but his voice broke anyway. "Hi, Reg."
Hermione gave Regulus a small nod and a smile. She kissed Sirius on the cheek and stepped back so that the two brothers could speak.
"Your note mentioned that there was something that you needed to discuss with me. Can we make this quick, I have an essay in Charms to finish," Regulus tried to maintain an air of superiority, but the anxious look on Sirius's face caused his facade to buckle.
Sirius noticed the slight shift in Regulus's stance and pushed a little further, "Do you remember that week we stayed at Uncle Alphard's house the summer before I began Hogwarts?"
Confusion marred Regulus's handsome features, "I do. It's a very fond memory of mine."
"Good, we can go there then." Sirius turned to Hermione, "What do I do now?"
"Think about the exact space that you want and ask the room to provide it for you; add a security aspect just to be safe." Hermione waved her arm in a sweeping motion to indicate the length of the hallway, "Then just walk back and forth in front of the wall three times."
Regulus looked on with a cynical and impatient face; but as Sirius was taking the last stride, a large wooden door materialized in front of his eyes.
"That… that looks like Uncle Al's door," Regulus's superior sounding voice had faded; he was simply in awe now. "What is this?"
"Let's get inside before we talk more, Reg," Sirius grabbed Hermione's hand and led her through the newly formed door.
The living area was spacious and had a collection of old but well-kept antique furniture.
"I'll be in the next room if you need me. Be patient and remember why you're doing this," Hermione squeezed Sirius's hand firmly before she walked through one of the side doors attached to the large living space and left the brothers to their discussion.
"What is this about, Sirius?" Regulus felt a bit nervous now, but he did finally drop all aspects of his proud "House of Black" persona.
Sirius was still nervous; he held his arms behind his back to keep from picking at his hands. "Have you taken the Dark Mark, Reg?"
Regulus's mouth fell open at the brazen questions. He quickly marched toward the door, "I am not going to stand here and be accused of such outrageous things…"
Sirius slid in front of his brother's path and forced his voice to remain even, "I… I just need to know, Regulus. I need to know how far you've delved into this. Please…" Sirius had already decided that he wouldn't judge his brother; whatever the outcome, he was going to save his little brother.
Regulus's face flared a deep red, "Fine. Fine, you want to see if I've bowed down to the Dark Lord… Here." Regulus tore off his outer robe and pulled so forcibly on the cuffs of his sleeves that a button flew off as he exposed both of his forearms to his brother.
They were blank.
Sirius took a step toward his brother and enveloped Regulus in a fierce hug.
Regulus stood in shocked silence as his older brother laughed with relief and mumbled his thanks to any higher being that he thought might be listening.
"You, you aren't planning on taking it are you?" Sirius pulled back and searched his brother's eyes.
"No, I wasn't planning on it. There are a few in my house that are huge advocates and have tried to recruit me recently. But I've been able to politely refuse them so far." Regulus saw the weight lift off of Sirius's shoulders.
"Good… Thank Merlin, that's great…" Sirius began ranting about how sorry he was for leaving Regulus alone with their mother. He apologized for treating Regulus so badly last year. He also apologized profusely for taking his frustration toward their mother out on Regulus, "Please forgive me…"
Regulus smiled at his brother, seeing a little of the former boy that he used to idolize when they were young and causing havoc through their Uncle's house. "Of course Sirius. I always knew that you didn't mean all those things deep down. You and I… we have strange ways of protecting each other…" A mischievous grin graced both their faces.
"We do, don't we. And with that thought, I have to talk to… I have to tell you something," The humor was leached from the room as Sirius tried to prepare himself for the next phase of the conversation.
Regulus simply raised an eyebrow and waited for his older brother to continue.
"Do you trust me Reg?"
The younger Black nodded his head without hesitation.
"You have to keep an open mind for me. This… this is very… unbelievable."
"Out with it already, Sirius," Regulus was becoming anxious now.
Remus, Hermione and Sirius had decided on partial truth to explain everything to Regulus. They were afraid it would put Regulus in even more danger if he knew that Hermione was from the future.
"Blondie… Mia… she knows things about the future. She said you're going to join the Death Eaters and take the mark, but then you'll find out something about the Dark Lord that makes you turn traitor against them and… they're going to kill you." Sirius looked sadly at his little brother and hoped that he didn't sound too crazy, "I can't lose my brother that way."
Regulus stared at his brother utterly confused as he took in what was being said, "She's a seer?"
Sirius shrugged, "No. But she knows about the future. The Dark Lord has targeted her for this and that's why you cannot tell a soul. It would put you and her at horrible risk."
Regulus shook his head and laughed nervously, "Well, this is quite a thing to bring down on a person." He went to finally sit down in one of the ornate chairs in the room; he leaned over and balanced his elbows on his knees as he collapsed into his hands. "So is this future cemented already or is this just a possible outcome?"
"I don't know. We haven't quite figured this entire future thing out yet," Sirius settled down in the armchair directly opposite of Regulus's chair.
"But I have no desire to join them. I'm sure Mother would be proud beyond belief if I did, but Father would show some pause at putting one of his sons at risk. I think they're reckless and destructive, but you know that I can't voice those opinions." Regulus began to prattle off defensively, "I've never taken issue with muggle-borns or half-bloods. I mean, I guess I believe our house and power is more impressive than others, but that's just because we're able to trace the Black lineage back so far. Not every pureblood is respectable; there are plenty of repulsive people that are pureblood. And plenty of witches and wizards that are half-bloods or muggle-borns, that are much more talented and reputable. I… I'm not as brave as you Sirius, I could never stand up to Mother and I can't contest the Death Eater's that I know… But I would never join them."
Sirius smiled at Regulus with an expression filled with joy and relief, "I'm sorry I doubted you Reg." Sirius reached out and clasped his brother's arm, "We can figure this out together."
I hope that was a better end to the chapter for you all. And yes, it really is my birthday... but also MUCH long chapter... so MUCH more reviews? lol.
See you all next chapter!
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Always,
Misha
Ps. Check out the other stories by me: 'Begin Again,' 'Life as Demigods' and 'Penelope Jackson: The Lightning Thief.'