The air thrummed with anticipation in Sirius’ chest, a feeling that blossomed with each day drawing closer to his departure for Hogwarts. For a boy raised within the world of magic, Hogwarts wasn't merely a school—it was a dream realized. He was eager, brimming with readiness to live it. Yet, beneath the excitement, a worry gnawed at him, centered around his brother, Regulus. Sirius knew that once he left, Regulus would be left alone with their parents, and the thought felt like a cold weight. A fear lingered—would Regulus find another companion, forget their shared games, cease to write, or worse…?
The "maybes" piled up, and even when Sirius forced a smile, he couldn't meet ten-year-old Regulus’ gaze. The avoidance became a habit until the morning of September 1st, when a small hand knocked on his door.
“I found this in Father’s office,” Regulus said, holding out an old ticket for the Hogwarts Express. “Do you think they’ll believe it’s mine and let me go with you?”
In that moment, Sirius understood. Even when they were apart, Regulus would always be his brother, his playmate. He’d find a way to reach him.
“I don’t know, Reg. Maybe I could hide you in the trunk.”
Walburga Black found them like that—Sirius attempting to close the trunk with Regulus hidden inside. A flicker of something almost like amusement crossed her face, but it was quickly replaced by a familiar, simmering anger. She captured the moment in a photograph, a silent, sharp acknowledgement of their defiance.