'Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Warning: Language

Chapter 42 – Epiphanies

Ofelia moved easily about her room, placing the last few items in her trunk in preparation for tomorrow's departure for the holidays. Of course, Ofelia would not be returning come fall, but she was the only person thus far who was aware of that fact.

Arturo's graduation ceremony would be held the following afternoon, traditionally scheduled to take place after all other students had departed. Her parents had arrived earlier in the day and had taken a suite of rooms in an elegant hotel at the top of Hogsmeade village. The Bullstrodes wanted their children to join them at the hotel's renowned, five-star restaurant for a celebratory dinner in honor of Arturo, but Ofelia declined, saying that she had never attended a Leaving Feast and wished to do so this evening. Given her initial reluctance to transfer to Hogwarts and, obviously, knowing nothing of Ofelia's current condition and future plans, her parents were relieved at her request and happily granted it. Whatever suspicion Arturo might have initially had about her decision was eradicated when Ofelia told him that she wasn't quite ready to deal with her mother on the topic of another arranged marriage. The hotel would be accommodating the prominent families of several Hogwarts' graduates and, as Ofelia shared, her mother's constant monitoring of the other diners would drive her to distraction. Knowing that she was right, and chuckling at the picture his younger sister painted, Arturo relaxed and agreed that she should have a reprieve for the evening. Besides, he thought to himself, with their younger brother staying with relatives, this would be a rare chance to have his parents' attentions focused entirely on him.

In true Slytherin fashion, Ofelia was quickly pushed to the edges of his thought as he donned his dress robes for the trip to Hogsmeade.

A soft knock on the dormitory door brought Ofelia out of her thoughts. As she turned, she saw Isolde Dolohov slipping quietly into the room.

"Hello, Ofelia," she said. "Do you have a moment to speak with me?"

Ofelia fixed what she hoped was a pleasant smile on her face and gestured toward her desk chair. "Of course, Isolde; sit down." Ofelia settled herself on the edge of her bed and waited for the other girl to speak.

"I've just come from the Headmaster's office," Isolde said. "We had rather a long talk about something that I did that caused you difficulties."

"And what was that?"

"Well, it's the oddest thing. I remember that Professor Dumbledore told me that I said something about you that wasn't true to … someone here at school. There was quite a flap over it, apparently, and I just wanted you to know that I'm very sorry for whatever it was that I said." The girl looked wide-eyed at Ofelia, who stared back with a confused look on her own face.

"Of course I accept your apology, Isolde, but I'm not sure why you're offering it," Ofelia wondered exactly what had happened in Dumbledore's office.

Isolde leaned forward in her chair. "To tell you the truth, Ofelia, neither am I. I'm almost positive that I knew what the Headmaster was talking about when I walked into his office, but when I left, all I could remember was that he suggested that I apologize to you for causing such a fuss. It seemed to be the right thing to do, so here I am," she spread her hands apart and shrugged.

Ofelia hid a smile. Albus Dumbledore, you clever, manipulative, wonderful old wizard! You've Obliviated Isolde Dolohov on my behalf – I'm certain of it!

"Well, Isolde, I'm grateful for your apology and it probably doesn't really matter if you can't quite remember the conversation. We're all right now, you and I, and that's all that counts, isn't it?" Ofelia suddenly found it easy to be magnanimous with the girl now that her problem had been so handily disposed of.

Isolde brightened visibly. "You know, that's very true; no point crying over spilt potion, is there? Whatever I did, I'm sorry for it and you've forgiven me. That's certainly enough to be going on with, isn't it?"

"I think so," Ofelia agreed, rising.

Isolde stood, as well. "Are you going to the Leaving Feast?"

"Yes, as soon as I finish packing. Will I see you there?"

"Oh, yes, but I won't be at our table." Isolde leaned closer to Ofelia. "May I share a secret with you?"

Ofelia smiled and nodded. "Please do."

"Xenophilius Lovegood has asked me to sit with him at Hufflepuff's table at the Feast this evening. I think he's quite handsome, you know; and he knows a great deal about many interesting topics. I'm quite looking forward to it," she smiled warmly at Ofelia as she whispered her plans.

Ofelia tried to recall which Hufflepuff boy Isolde might have been referring to and suddenly, an image of a slightly cross-eyed boy with long-ish blonde hair popped into her head. 'Quite handsome' wasn't exactly the phrase she'd use to describe Xenophilius Lovegood, but if Isolde found him to be so, then Ofelia wished her the best. "I hope you have a lovely evening, Isolde."

With a nod, Isolde walked over to the door and opened it before turning back to Ofelia. "I hope you have a lovely evening, as well, Ofelia. Good night."

"Good night, Isolde," she replied. Once the door had clicked shut, Ofelia sat down heavily on her bed again. She thought ahead to her plan for the evening. She wasn't certain it would be 'lovely', but if all went as she hoped, at least there would be closure.

XXXXXXXX

The Great Hall was filled with the excited chatter of several hundred students, thrilled to have completed another academic year and very much looking forward to two months' holiday. As Ofelia entered the Hall, she glanced over at the Gryffindor table and sighed sadly. Remus, James, Lily, Peter and Kate sat together in their usual spot; Sirius was not with them and there was no sign of him at what had become his new seat, either. Ofelia knew little of what had transpired between the six friends, but she had the feeling that somehow, at the center of it all was Severus and his claim that Sirius was the father of her child. She could not ask Sirius, as he had been most diligent in absenting himself from all of them over the past two months. Ofelia silently cursed the poor timing of all of this; she had only enough time to hopefully settle things with Severus before leaving the school.

Ofelia was pleased to see Severus sitting a bit apart from the Black sisters and Lucius Malfoy and, true to form, he was reading from his Potions textbook which lay open in front of him. She slipped into the space at the end of the bench, next to him and reached for the pumpkin juice. "Good evening, Severus," she said quietly.

He jumped at the sound of her voice, but closed the book and acknowledged her. "Ofelia," he said, his voice cool. He dropped his gaze to her midriff, lingering only a moment before bringing his eyes back to her face. Severus was very surprised to see a small smile grace her lips. She leaned closer to him.

"Yes, Severus; I am aware that you have discovered my secret. At the conclusion of the Leaving Feast, I should like very much to speak with you – privately – about that very matter. Will you consent to meet with me in the West courtyard when we are finished here?"

Severus' eyes widened for a moment and he said nothing, as if giving her request great thought. Eventually, he inclined his head slightly. "Of course; if you are agreeable, I shall accompany you there." He reached for a dinner roll and buttered it carefully as he waited for her answer.

Ofelia sipped her juice. "How considerate of you, Severus. Could you please pass the soup?"

The rest of their meal was completed in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Severus acknowledged his apprehension over what the young witch might confront him with. Ofelia was amused at his obvious discomfiture, despite his initially cool demeanor. This might not be quite as difficult as I originally imagined.

"Are you ready?" Ofelia turned to Severus as he once again closed his book and appeared to be finished with his meal.

"I am."

The two rose and left the Great Hall together, both conscious of the frank stares of some of their housemates.

Arriving in the courtyard, Ofelia took a moment to breathe deeply of the scent of the fragrant Bluebells on the early summer air. "I will so miss that scent," she murmured, unthinking.

"But you have only to wait until next year and they will bloom again," Severus reminded her, gesturing to the stone bench by the wall. "Shall we?"

Ofelia nodded, taking a seat and waiting while Severus settled himself next to her.

"I am assuming that the Headmaster spoke with you about my discovery of your condition," Severus offered when Ofelia did not immediately speak.

"Yes. He wanted to verify some of the facts you presented regarding paternity, for one thing," Ofelia decided to take the direct approach as Severus' had set that tone.

"It was not difficult to deduce paternity, Ofelia. Particularly after finding the two of you together, your robes torn, in the unused classroom. It was obvious to me that he was coercing you into … certain behaviors," Severus replied.

"Severus, I do so wish you had come to me when Isolde told you of my condition. I could have allayed your fears about Sirius; I could have told you the truth – that he certainly is not the father of my child," Ofelia spoke quietly, but firmly.

Severus' face registered his surprise. "But how…?"

"Severus, I was already pregnant when I came to Hogwarts; I simply did not know it at that time. The father is not here; you do not know him. We spoke the truth to you that day about my robes. You saw the condition of that classroom. Everything unwanted winds up inside. A broken desk caught my robes and tore them as you saw. Sirius has never raised a hand to me; I honestly do not believe he ever would. And he certainly would not force his attentions upon me; I would hope that you can believe that."

Severus listened to the honesty in Ofelia's words and knew that he had been mistaken.

"I fear that your leap to false conclusion has somehow resulted in the fissure that has developed between Sirius and his friends. You are aware that they no longer speak to him, nor he to them, are you not?"

Severus looked directly into her eyes. "The problems of Sirius Black are of no concern to me. He is a swine with little to no regard for anyone but himself. He is the worst form of coward – one who would endanger someone out of hatred – and to achieve his own ends. If Black and his little friends are no longer the close-knit group they once were, perhaps it will be for the betterment of many."

Ofelia knew that there was bad blood between the Slytherin student and the Gryffindors, but she had no idea that the hatred ran quite this deep. She decided that she could push no further for information that she might use to help her friends work out their differences.

"Alright, Severus, I will say nothing further on that matter," Ofelia said. "I must, however, ask that you keep my confidence about this child."

"I have told no one of your condition beyond Black – who apparently knew, and the Headmaster, who will certainly not betray your confidence," Severus reasoned.

"I understand. I must, however, ensure that you will not divulge my secret to anyone in your House. It is imperative. I have not told anyone in my family, including Arturo, of my pregnancy and I do not plan to do so until I return home. The father will also be telling his parents and, hopefully, after I have the baby, we will marry."

"And your education?"

"I will complete my education at Beauxbatons, my former school, beginning in September," Ofelia told him. She reached over and took his hand. "Severus, I am entrusting you with the most important thing in my life right now. Please, promise me that my confidence in you is well placed."

Severus looked down at where her small, pale hand gripped his larger one. If things had been different, perhaps – no, there was no point in exploring that thought. Ofelia was asking for one thing from him – something that was so important to her and would be so easy for him to promise.

"You have my word; I will keep your confidence, Ofelia," he said quietly, adding, "And I will miss you next year."

Ofelia felt her eyes fill as she heard the loneliness in the young wizard's voice. "I will miss you, as well, Severus. And I thank you for your promise." She shivered as a cool breeze wafted over them. Severus immediately rose and removed his outer robe, draping it about her shoulders. "Come," he said, holding out his hand to help her rise. "You should not be out in the night air."

Despite his poignant chivalry, Ofelia had to roll her eyes. "Severus," she said dryly as she tucked her hand at his elbow. "I'm pregnant, not incapacitated."

"You should still be inside," he said as they passed through the archway.

They did not notice Regulus Black step from the shadows of the far pillar and stare after them.

XXXXXXXX

Unlike prior years, there was no last minute prank, no raucous laughter or good-natured teasing as the three remaining Marauders, Lily and Kate waited with their belongings for the carriages that would take them to Hogsmeade Station. Instead, the five represented an island of quiet amongst the more typically loud students surrounding them.

Sirius arrived just in time to catch the last carriage and was seated with three other 5th years from Ravenclaw House. Upon reaching Hogsmeade, he quickly located his former friends and managed to stay out of their sight until the time to board the gleaming scarlet train arrived. Standing just next to one of the cars, Sirius waited until Professor Slughorn boarded the train and selected his car for the trip to London. Sirius knew that the vain, social climbing Potions Master liked to invite some of his more well-connected students to travel with him. Normally, Sirius would have declined the invitation but, under the circumstances, it suited him to accept, as it would eliminate his need to be constantly on the lookout for certain 5th year Gryffindors. I really should have been sorted into Slytherin, he mused as he slid into a seat somewhat removed from the blustering professor. Sirius knew he'd be drawn into conversation at some point in the trip but, for now, he drew out a new copy of Charles Dickens' David Copperfield, bought to replace the one he'd borrowed from Remus and returned before he'd finished. Sirius had found a great parallel between his own early life and that of Mr. Dickens, particularly in respect to their unsatisfactory relationships with their respective mothers.

Meanwhile, Remus, James and Peter occupied the car the Marauders had claimed since first year, while Lily and Kate sat with Alice Longbottom and Dorcas Meadows in another. Lily declared that she couldn't stand the sense of melancholy prevalent in the boys' car – particularly when there was clearly something they could do to alleviate the situation.

For her part, Kate had been quiet since her encounter with Sirius the previous morning. She had marched straight back to the castle, feeling equal parts of pride in accomplishing what she had set out to do and deep, overpowering sadness at the entire situation. Lily had been right; whatever happened over the holiday, at least Kate knew she had reached out to Sirius; she had done what she could to get through to him. Loudly, she thought to herself, shaking her head at the memory.

Kate had shared her encounter with no one – not even Lily – and had, in fact, refused to answer the redhead's questions about where she had gone so early that morning. While she loved Lily and knew that she only had Kate's best interests at heart, Kate didn't think she could take any more advice where Sirius was concerned.

In the boys' compartment, conversation was subdued.

"Plans over the summer, Moony?" James asked, idly watching the scenery fly past their window as the train sped through the countryside.

"Nothing concrete," Remus replied, putting his finger in his book to hold his place while he answered. "Mum mentioned that one of her students needs tutoring in maths and the parents would like to hire me to do it for a couple of weeks. Other than that, not much. You?"

James looked at him and shrugged. "Well, Pad – Sirius was going to come and stay for the month of August, but that's not happening now – obviously. Mum and Dad take that house in Brighton for the middle two weeks in July so I'll be there then. Hey, Moony, you and Pete should come to Brighton with me for a few days. Mum and Dad would love it and we could hang out on the beach. What do you say?"

"My mum's making me go with her to Wales to see my grandmother for the whole month of July," Peter said despondently. "Nothing to do, no one my age for miles and her place smells of cats." He sighed, dramatically.

"Poor Pete," James said, sympathetically. "Well, Moons, that leaves you, then."

"Can't, James," Remus said. "Timing's not right." He looked at James, pointedly.

James looked confused for a moment then realized what Remus was saying. "Remus, there's a good, strong stone shed out in the back of the house. You could transform there."

Remus shook his head. "No, James; thank you, though."

"But, Remus, you'd be …."

"Safe? Secluded? I think we both know that can't be guaranteed, James," Remus said, firmly. "Besides, the wolf has had enough change over the past couple of moons and is unsettled as it is. I'm hoping that being at home will make it a little easier, perhaps calm the wolf a bit due to the familiar surroundings. I'm sorry, Prongs," he added.

"I know, Moony," James said. "I just wish things were different is all."

"They are different, James; you just wish they could be the same," Remus replied with a sad smile.

After that, there didn't seem to be much point in conversation. Remus and Peter returned to their books and James turned his attention to the window – wondering if things would ever be 'the same' again.

XXXXXXXX

It seemed to take forever, but finally the Hogwarts Express pulled into King's Cross Station. Sirius lagged behind, taking his time to pack his books back into his bag neatly – dividing his attention between the task at hand and the activity on Platform 9 ¾. He watched as Lily was greeted warmly by her parents – and less so by her horsey-faced sister, Petunia – then whisked toward the exit. Similarly, Peter's overweight, over dressed, overly emotional mother waved him over with her handkerchief, kissing his cheeks and talking non-stop as they, too, walked away from the train. James and Remus were next, both sets of parents standing together chatting as their respective sons collected their things and walked over to them. There were hugs and brief conversations then they, too, were gone. Where's Kate? Sirius searched the crowd anxiously. He couldn't stall much longer; the train would leave for the return trip. Finally, he saw her walk up to an elegantly dressed woman, who hugged her and gestured toward the end of the platform. Sirius watched as Kate looked around her one final time and Sirius knew that she was looking for him. Unconsciously, he took a step back from the window, although he realized that Kate would not be able to see him from her angle. Eventually, she and the woman he supposed to be her mother walked swiftly toward the barrier that would lead to the Muggle side of King's Cross Station. When he could no longer see them, Sirius gathered his things and left the train.

Sirius easily spotted Regulus standing off to the side; he didn't expect to see his father waiting with him, however. Generally, collecting the two from the train station had always been Walburga's task.

"You're late," Orion said, his voice neutral.

Sirius relaxed – marginally. "I was invited to sit in Professor Slughorn's car on the train and it was difficult getting away when we arrived," he said. It was true enough. Slughorn had engaged Sirius in conversation about various members of the Black family and, as a result, Sirius was the last student to leave that car.

"Horace Slughorn?" Orion asked as the family moved toward the apparition area beyond the barrier.

Sirius nodded.

"He's always been something of a blue-stocking, you know. 'Collecting' people as others collect stamps or jewelry – just to say that he knows them. Still, he doesn't bother with you unless you're doing well, yourself. You must be succeeding in Potions."

"Yes, sir," Sirius responded. "I won't know about my O.W.L. score until later this summer, though."

Orion looked at his elder son curiously. "Are you quite alright, Sirius? You seem – different, somehow. Quiet. Less … contrary."

I haven't given you fits yet, you mean, Sirius thought to himself but answered, "Yes, sir. I'm fine."

Even Regulus was looking at his brother oddly, but remained silent.

They had reached the special apparition area and Orion instructed his sons to grasp his arms firmly, which they did, and moments later the trio vanished.

When he next opened his eyes, Sirius was staring across at a grimy brick wall that he knew stood in an alley a few houses down from No. 12 Grimmauld Place. He felt in his pocket for his trunk and broom, shrunken to be easily transported and, closing his fingers over them, followed his father and brother into the street. With each step, Sirius' heart sank a little lower. It was not just the fact that Walburga awaited behind the heavy wooden door; it was that now, for the first time in many years, Sirius knew that he belonged here. His behavior two months ago proved it beyond the shadow of a doubt. He was a Black.

XXXXXXXX

"You certainly look well, darling," Felicity cooed, sitting on Kate's window seat as her daughter unpacked her trunk and settled back into her room.

Kate smiled. "I have to confess that I'm surprised you think so; I'm afraid that O.W.L. preparation took the place of sleep over the past few weeks. It will be nice to get some rest and spend some time with you."

Felicity looked away from her daughter and glanced into the street for a moment. Kate noticed and paused in her unpacking to remark, "Is something wrong?"

Felicity twisted the handkerchief she gripped in her fingers and gave a short, nervous laugh. "Not wrong, exactly, darling." She paused, looking Kate in the eye. "You will remember my dear friend, Melanie Hanscombe, yes?"

"A red-headed woman with a penchant for éclairs, as I recall," Kate smiled at her mother, remembering the friend of whom she spoke, a well-proportioned, sweet-natured woman who was quick to laughter and who looked upon Felicity as a sister. Despite Kate's comment, she genuinely liked Mrs. Hanscombe.

Felicity returned Kate's wry smile. "She hasn't changed in that respect," she replied, "or any other. She is such a very kind person."

"And what has she to do with this 'not exactly wrong' situation?" Kate asked, joining her mother on the window seat.

"Well, Melanie's brother, Thomas O'Hanlon, was widowed several years ago and is preparing to move from Geneva to London, now that his daughter has married," Felicity explained, still twisting the linen cloth in her hands.

Kate reached over and stilled the movement. "And?"

"Well, Melanie is going over next month to help him settle things, pack up the house and, hopefully, sell it. She's … asked me to accompany her as a sort of holiday trip," Felicity smiled softly. "She has introduced me to Thomas and we have – the four of us, of course, Melanie and her husband as well – gone to dinner and, on one occasion, the theater."

Kate's eyes rose in surprise. "You have a boyfriend?"

Felicity's face reflected her horror at the term. "Kathryn! I am of an age where the term 'boyfriend' clearly does not apply."

Kate could no longer suppress a chuckle. "A … companion, then?"

Felicity shook her head and smiled, her face stained crimson. "Perhaps. He is truthfully quite nice and always such a gentleman. Kate, I have no idea where this may go – if anywhere. For now, he makes a pleasant foursome for me to dine and go to certain social events with Melanie and Geoffrey without feeling out of place." Her face lost its somewhat winsome appearance as the purpose of her chat with Kate came back to her. "But, I will be gone the entire month of July and half of August, if I were to accept Melanie's invitation. That would leave you here, in London, without me."

Kate's heart sank a bit at the news, but she was truly happy for her mother's opportunity to do something other than wallow in her sorrows. And Melanie was such a true friend; this definitely was a wonderful – and safe – opportunity for Felicity.

"Mum, don't worry about me. I can stay here with Goldie; she'll look after me. And, perhaps I can go to Lily Evans' in August and stay with her until school begins again. Look, Mum, I'm sixteen now; I can certainly stay at home without you. Goldie's like a second mother, anyway." Kate smiled warmly.

"But what will you do with yourself all day?" Felicity couldn't hide her relief that Kate had been so immediately agreeable.

"Just because it's the summer holiday doesn't mean that Hogwarts doesn't give homework," Kate said, pulling a face. "And, of course, there's the art museum – you know how much I love it there – and Muggle cinema. Really, I'll have a grand time; and so will you," she finished leaning over and hugging her mother tightly. "It'll do you good to get away from this house and live a little bit."

Felicity smiled brightly. "You're a wonderful young woman, Kate. Thank you so much for being so … supportive."

"So, we have less than two weeks until you leave. What shall we do with ourselves?"

"Let's start with tea and a good gossip, shall we? I'll just have Goldie start everything and when we've finished here, she'll have it all ready for us," Felicity rose and walked out of the room, heading for the kitchen.

Well, that's certainly an unexpected turn of events, Kate mused to herself as she watched her mother go. And not entirely unwelcome. Besides the obvious benefit of Mum's happiness, there's my position to consider: if Sirius should contact me, Mum will most likely not be here to object and interfere. With that thought in mind, Kate continued emptying her trunk, giving her mother a warm smile when she returned to help.

XXXXXXXX

Sirius dropped his trunk at the foot of his bed and sat down upon it heavily. There had been no sign of Walburga since their arrival, however Sirius knew from experience that this would not last forever. He began to contemplate the wisdom of unpacking his trunk when there was a soft knock on his door.

"Come in," he called, cursing himself for the slight tremble that ran through him as he did so. Stupid, really; the bloody hag would certainly not knock before entering.

It was Regulus, who missed his elder brother's sigh of relief. "Mother has said that tea will be served in an hour. I'm to make sure you come downstairs for it."

"I won't disappoint," Sirius said, rising.

"Aren't you unpacked yet?"

"I'm debating whether or not I should," Sirius said, honestly. "I could get myself chucked out quick enough."

Regulus sad down on Sirius' abandoned trunk. "Then would you go to the Bullstrode's?"

Sirius looked down at his brother in surprise. "No; why should I go to the Bullstrode's?"

"You've been helping Ofelia now that she's pregnant; surely they would take you in," Regulus said casually.

Sirius gripped the younger boy's shoulders. "What are you saying?"

Regulus shook himself free. "I overheard Ofelia speaking with Snape in the West courtyard last night. She told him everything and swore him to secrecy. She said that you had been kind and had helped her."

Sirius sat down next to his brother. "Regulus … Reg, this information is secret. I don't care if anyone finds out I've been helping her, but it would result in difficulties for Ofelia if anyone found out about her condition before she and the father tell their own families first. Do you understand?"

Regulus gave his brother a disdainful look. "I'm not daft, Sirius; of course I understand. It's not like I'm going to let it slip at the tea table. Give me some credit."

Sirius ran his hand through his hair. "I do, Reg; really, I do. It's just that it's not my secret – it belongs to someone else. I don't want to be responsible for it leaking out."

"I won't say anything to anyone; I promise," Regulus spoke earnestly.

"Thanks. Hey, why were you following Snape and Ofelia around, anyway?" Sirius was curious as to what might have prompted his brother to follow them.

Regulus shrugged. "Nothing specific, really. You've been acting strangely; Snape's been stranger than normal, as well. I just wanted to see if they said anything about why."

"And did they?"

"No. Ofelia really hinted around, but Snape wouldn't say anything about it," Regulus looked at Sirius curiously. "So, what is wrong? You don't hang around with your friends anymore; you don't eat in the Great Hall. It's like you're some kind of ghost."

"We're just not friends anymore, Reg; people change."

"After five years?" Regulus was having difficulty believing it.

"Yeah, 'after five years'," Sirius replied. "Look, maybe I just figured that being friends with them only aggravates my life here; I really don't need that extra aggravation – especially after the marriage contract was cancelled."

"You can't expect me to believe that you gave up your best friends so Mother and Father would treat you better," Regulus said to him in disbelief.

"I don't expect anything; I'm finished expecting things from people, Regulus. But maybe I just figured that if I didn't do something they wanted me to do, they'd treat me worse. After Christmas, do you really think I can take 'worse'?" Sirius' voice was bitter.

"No," Regulus whispered, still horrified by the memories of what Sirius endured six months before.

"Let's just leave it, then, yeah?" Sirius asked then checked his watch. "Come on, it's time for tea. Let's not give her a reason to start in on me this early, right?"

Regulus nodded and followed his brother from the room, closing the door quietly behind them.