Maybe Regulus never let Sirius see himself as weak. Maybe Regulus never let Sirius hug him or see him cry again since he was 10 years old. But maybe right up to the sixth year, Regulus allowed an unfamiliar stray black dog to calm him down at night outside the castle. And maybe just maybe this stray black dog was happy to let him pet him and use him as a pillow for tears.

black brothers, some letters, 698 words

I’m not angry and I don’t blame you. I’m glad that one of us is free. They would never let us both go, but as long as they have me, you shouldn’t worry about anything.

When you left, you did not take your pajamas. Mother did not touch your room, I helped. We could meet in secret, I would give you your pajamas and then bring you other things that you need.

It’s probably logical that Potter bought you new clothes and stuff. I noticed the new hair clips. They’re cool. You look great with long hair. Glad you don’t need anything.

Slytherin don’t talk about you anymore. I know you’d want me to rip out their tongues. But it’s a delicate situation. And I was careful. It wasn’t that hard. They will no longer whisper about your escape.

Congratulations on winning the game. I am looking forward to the match between Gryffindor and Slytherin. As a child you liked to teach me flying. It was fun playing with you. You’ll look at me on the Quidditch field, won’t you?

I didn’t bother your friends, okay? I know you don’t believe me, but I really happened to be there. I know you like them for some reason. So I usually avoid them. I don’t know how I got involved in this argument, but I didn’t do anything. I’m sorry.

You know, we could celebrate Christmas together. Here. At Hogwarts. I could send a letter to mother that I have an educational project and she would let me go. You might not go to Potter this time. Your James can stay too if you want.

The holidays were boring as always. But I’m sure you’ll be amused by the story of how our cousin told us about her engagement. Her fiancé is terrible. I held back laughter all evening. If you were there, I’m sure you’d laugh awfully loud

I don’t sleep well at night. It’s convenient to be the prefect and leave the room so late and look for the stars, looking for you and me. And on the last full moon I saw you after  the break. Do you also sleep badly? Do we have the same nightmares?

I heard you successfully created your patronus. Congratulations. I tried too. What memories did you use? I was thinking about you and me as children. But it didn’t work out. Our childhood really wasn’t happy, was it?

I saw you with that boy. Lupin, right? That’s great. You look happy. I’m glad you’re loved. It would be nice to give him something from the House of Black. Mother would be angry. And your boy would be happy. And you’ll be twice as excited. You know, I could steal something for you.

Mother is planning something with our cousin. I think we both know what and who I’m supposed to meet. I don’t want to come home for the summer, but I know I have to. If I could, I wouldn’t do what I would. I’d like to believe that you won’t hate me for this mark.

I know about your hero’s club of light power. You always had so much energy in you. Don’t be distracted, be careful. These are not ordinary DADA classes. This is the real world. There are many useful books in our house. If you only asked, I would let you study them.

Congratulations on graduating. Your grades are... okay. I won’t see you next year. I don’t know if I’ll ever see you again. Perhaps it would be better if I never saw you again. You should live free and happy. I hope so.

I know you burn all the letters. And I know you’ll never read it. So I know that I can write and tell you at least what I’m going to do. I would like you to be proud of me, but at the same time I know that your ignorance is for the best. There’s nothing to be proud of. Today I am consciously going to die. I regret nothing, except that I never really said goodbye to you. So I do it now.

Jegulus, if Regulus had run away from home, 379 words

Sirius was overjoyed when Regulus agreed to stay with the Potters'. Although he didn't know what to expect, he was thrilled nonetheless.

However, he certainly wasn't prepared for the sight that greeted him in the morning when he entered the kitchen.

"Morning, Padfoot," James greeted him cheerfully.

Sirius, not a morning person, responded with a simple moan.

"Hey, Sirius"

The sight of Regulus, peaking out from behind James' back, was enough to make Sirius's brain either kick into overdrive or completely shut down.

Regulus sat at the table wearing James’ red training shirt, 'Potter' emblazoned across the back. Regulus hated wearing anything but black. He had to.

His usually perfectly styled hair was disheveled, the curls looking soft and natural after James had run his hands through them. Regulus hated touching, especially his hair. He had to.

Regulus sat comfortably in his seat, with one foot tucked under him. Their mother would have never allowed him to sit in such a relaxed manner. And Regulus has always been a dutiful and graceful brat. He had to.

Regulus had always been guarded and reserved, never allowing anyone to see him in a vulnerable state. Regulus hated to be soft. He had to.

But as he sat at the table in the oversized training shirt, with his hair tousled and his foot tucked under him, Regulus looked a strange sense of comfort that Sirius had never experienced before. Regulus looked like a feral cat that had wandered into a cozy home. 

As Sirius stood frozen in shock, James quickly finished preparing breakfast and placed it on a plate in front of Regulus. James hated cooking. He had to.

"Enjoy the food, love"

"Thanks, Jamie", Regulus placed a soft, tender kiss on James's cheek

James hated this form of his name. He had to.

But for some reason his friend kept watching Regulus with a delighted smile. Sirius could see pure adoration in James' eyes, and for a moment, Sirius worried that James might completely melt.

As he watched the scene unfold, Sirius was overwhelmed with a tangle of emotions. It felt wrong, but also incredibly right.

"No way. Too early for this shit"

Sirius closed his eyes, indicating that he was done and ready to return to sleep. He had to.