The soft glow of the moonlight spilled through the grand windows of Black Manor, illuminating the ornate hallways where Sirius and Regulus Black navigated with purpose. They had just returned from an evening out, their laughter echoing off the walls, but as they approached the entrance, a sense of foreboding hung in the air.

"What was that noise?" Sirius asked, his brow furrowing as he exchanged a glance with Regulus. The commotion they had heard earlier—shouting, followed by the unmistakable sound of a scuffle—was unlike anything they had encountered in the usually tranquil manor.

Regulus shrugged, a hint of worry creeping into his expression. "I don't know, but it sounded serious. Let's check it out." They quickened their pace, their instincts sharpening as they approached the front hall.

As they crossed the threshold, the scene before them stopped them in their tracks. James sat on the floor, back against the wall, surrounded by Zora and Liesel, who stood protectively over him. Luna, the golden retriever, lay at his feet, her gentle presence contrasting the tension in the room. Orion and Walburga were nearby, their faces etched with concern.

"James!" Sirius called, rushing forward. "What happened?"

James looked up, his eyes wide but slowly calming as he saw the familiar faces of his friends. "Sirius, Regulus..." His voice was shaky, and he took a moment to compose himself. "Fleamont broke in. He was trying to take me back."

"What?!" Regulus exclaimed, his protective instincts kicking in. "Did he hurt you?"

"No, I was... I was just panicking," James admitted, gesturing to Luna, who had nestled even closer to him. "She helped me."

Sirius's heart sank at the sight of James, looking so vulnerable yet brave in the face of his father's wrath. "You're safe now," he assured, kneeling beside James, reaching out to stroke Luna's soft fur. "You're not alone. We've got your back."

Orion stepped forward, his demeanor strong yet compassionate. "James was feeling overwhelmed after the confrontation. It's understandable given the circumstances."

Regulus looked at his brother, worry etched into his features. "How could Fleamont do this? What does he want?"

James inhaled deeply, a flicker of defiance in his eyes. "He thinks he can just control me because of who he is. But I won't go back to that."

Sirius nodded, pride swelling in his chest. "You're stronger than he knows. We won't let him hurt you." The resolve in his voice was firm, as if he were drawing a line in the sand.

Zora and Liesel shifted closer to James, their tails wagging gently as if sensing the support surrounding them. James seemed to draw strength from their presence, his breathing slowly evening out.

Regulus, still on edge, glanced around the hall, his mind racing. "What if he comes back? We can't just wait for that to happen."

"He won't," Orion reassured him. "We'll ensure the manor is secured. But we need to check on James first."

Walburga knelt beside James, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "You've been through so much, sweetheart. It's okay to feel scared. Just know that we're here for you." Her voice was soothing, the motherly tone providing comfort in the midst of chaos.

James managed a small smile, though it was tinged with uncertainty. "I'm okay now, really. Just... overwhelmed."

"Let's get you up," Sirius said, extending a hand to help him to his feet. As James rose, Luna stayed close, her comforting presence grounding him.

Regulus, always the one to notice the small details, caught sight of the shadows lingering in James's eyes. "Are you sure you're alright?" he asked, his voice gentle. "You don't have to pretend."

"I'm fine," James insisted, though his voice wavered slightly. "I just need a moment."

Sirius nodded, understanding the weight of unspoken feelings. "Let's move to the sitting room. It's more comfortable there, and we can talk." He led the way, guiding James gently by the shoulder while Regulus and Walburga followed closely behind.

As they entered the sitting room, the atmosphere shifted. The room was warm and inviting, adorned with plush couches and soft lighting that eased the tension. They settled into the space, Luna finding a spot at James's feet, her watchful gaze never leaving him.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Sirius asked, his expression serious yet supportive.

James hesitated, looking down at Luna as if drawing strength from her presence. "It's just... my father always knew how to push my buttons. He made me feel so small, so helpless. I thought I was past it, but then he showed up, and it all came rushing back."

Regulus's brow furrowed with empathy. "You're not that scared kid anymore, James. You've fought hard to be who you are. We're proud of you."

"Yeah," Sirius added, leaning forward earnestly. "You've got us. We're a team, remember? We won't let him get to you."

James looked up, his eyes glimmering with gratitude. "I don't know what I'd do without you guys. You make me feel like I can actually stand up for myself."

"That's because you can," Walburga interjected, her tone resolute. "We believe in you, James. And you have a family here who will support you, no matter what."

As the conversation continued, the weight of the night began to lift, replaced by the warmth of friendship and understanding. Sirius, Regulus, and James shared stories, laughter punctuating the air, drawing them closer together in solidarity against the shadows of the past.

In that moment, surrounded by those who cared for him, James realized he was no longer alone. He was part of a family—one that would fight alongside him against the darkness, one that would help him reclaim his strength and find peace in the chaos. And as he glanced at his friends, their unwavering support filling the room with light, he knew he could face whatever lay ahead.