Chapter Text
The yelling was not stopping.
Regulus Black was curled up in his room, hands cupped over his ears in a desperate attempt to drown the angry sounds out.
Walburga Black and Sirius Black were just about screaming at each other, insults and curses flying from their lips.
"You disgusting blood traitor-!"
"Bigoted bitch-!"
Walburga continued yelling whilst Sirius Black stormed out of the dining room.
Regulus could hear his older brother's foot steps and then the slam of a door.
Tentatively, the Slytherin boy got up from his bed, waddling to his brother's room.
"Sirius?" he quietly said, standing in the doorway. He watched as his older brother packed all his belongings into his trunk. "What- what are you doing?"
"Don't act stupid, Regulus," Sirius mumbled, his tone rather harsh unintentionally. "I'm getting out of here. I can't do it anymore."
"You can't leave though!" Regulus cried, tears running down in his cheeks. "You have to stay. You can't leave me alone with them."
Sirius sighed, glancing at his little brother with sympathy. "I cannot stay here. I've only stayed here this long because of you and I'm sorry, but I'm fucking done."
Regulus choked on a sob. He knew his relationship with Sirius wasn't as good as it used to be, but he didn't think that Sirius would leave him. He knew that he was being selfish by wanting Sirius to stay but he was unable to help the fear that was eating him alive.
"Please, Sirius. I'll be a better brother, I-I promise! Just don't leave me alone with them," Regulus begged, his nose running from his crying.
"I'm sorry, Regulus," Sirius said, slamming his trunk shut. He dragged it out of his room, passing Regulus with a pitiful look.
Regulus watched as his older brother, his protector, left 12 Grimmauld Place.
And just like that, Regulus knew he was truly alone. He hadn't thought that it would happen. Despite the worsening relationship he held with Sirius, he thought that them being brothers would triumph.
Regulus black collapsed to his knees with a sob. He felt as though he was drowning in fear and betrayal.
He'd never blame Sirius for leaving. He was hurt, yes, but he also knew his brother deserved to be happy. He just wished that Sirius could have been happy enough with him.