La Mode illustrée, no. 8, 22 février 1885, Paris. Robe en taffetas vert-de-gris et faille chinée rose. Robe en faille et gaze chenillée. Modèle de chez Mme Coussinet, rue Richer, 43. Ville de Paris / Bibliothèque Forney
James looked down at the battered frame of his best friend. His brother. They’d done all they could to help him, but magic can only do so much. The rest was up to Sirius, and he’d stopped trying.
The contrast between the vibrant, full-of-life man he knew Sirius to be and this sad, broken man was harrowing. Sirius was broken, and it wasn’t just externally. James hadn’t realised how hard it would be on Sirius not having Remus beside him.
James was lost. He didn’t know how to help Sirius. The only thing he could do was be there for him.
Regulus had asked for another meeting. He’d said it was vitally important that the Order knew what he’d discovered. James reluctantly left his friend’s side.
“I’ll be back later, okay? Is there anything you want me to tell Regulus?” Sirius just stared blankly at a spot somewhere behind James silently.
James left feeling his heart break further when Sirius curled into a tiny ball and pulled the blankets over himself.
He was escorted out of the safe house and instructed to apparate at least three times when he returned.
He arrived at the meeting point arranged by Mad-Eye. So he and Regulus could meet safely.
Regulus wasn’t there yet, so James settled in to wait. The door opened, and a disillusioned man walked in. James watched as the slight shimmery form became corporal, leaving Regulus standing before him. He opened his arms and folded them around Regulus, and they both exhaled, finding relief in being close to one another.
“I don’t have long,” Regulus sniffed. “He’s called a meeting this morning that I’m expected to attend.” James held him a little tighter. “How’s Sirius?” Regulus asked. He sounded small. James had to swallow the lump in his throat before he could speak.
“He’s— He’s not good. Having Remus taken, he’s not himself. They’ve healed what they can after the attack, and he’s not in any danger from his injuries, but he’s quiet.” One word never used to describe Sirius Black was quiet. Regulus tensed his jaw when James said it.
“Did you talk to Dumbledore about Evan and Barty?” Regulus asked, changing the subject to something he hoped was easier to deal with.
“I did. He said if they can prove themselves to be useful and bring valuable information, he would vouch for them at their trials.” Regulus pulled away.
“That’s it? That’s all he’s offering? That’s not good enough, they need immunity.” Regulus was shaking his head and started pacing.
“We need something good. Something I can use to help persuade Dumbledore to do that.” James told him, trying to calm his stressful movements. Regulus’s head snapped up, and he stared at James.
“We found something. Something big. Something crucial to winning the war.” Regulus paused as he took out the familiar notebook from his robes. He moved his hand over it and revealed the neat, fluid notes hidden within. “We, that is Evan, Barty and myself. We believe that he’s created Horcruxes.” James felt a chill run through him. If what Regulus was saying was true. Then, the war had just gotten a lot more complicated.
Regulus made copies of all his notes and handed them to James. “Please, can you make sure that Dumbledore knows it was Evan and Barty who helped me discover this?” James nodded.
“Yes, of course.” Regulus wandered back into James’s arms, and they spent a few minutes just standing there.
“Reg, do you think you could call with the mirror tonight after your meeting?”
“Yeah, probably. Why?” Regulus kept his face buried in James’s chest.
“I think that might be the way to let you see Sirius. They’ll never let you in in person, but I can get the mirror past them. I did it earlier.” He didn’t know why he hadn’t thought of it before. He’d been so worried about Sirius and Remus that it had slipped his mind.
“Yes. I’ll call you. I don’t know what the meeting is about or how long it will go on. But once I’m alone, I’ll call.
Reluctantly, they parted, leaving with a longing kiss. One day soon, James thought, he won’t have to keep saying goodbye like this to Regulus. He just hoped it was still a possibility and that he was wrong about the Horcruxes.
It was just after eleven when James’s mirror warmed, and he quickly snapped it open.
“Hi,” He said, feeling the instant relief at seeing Regulus’s face.
“Hi,” Regulus smiled back. “Sorry, it’s so late. He started this whole speech, and it went on for a while.” Regulus rolled his eyes. James smiled fondly, then moved the mirror until it was in front of Sirius. He heard the gasp from Regulus as he took in the sight of his brother.
Sirius didn’t respond to seeing Regulus. He just continued to stare blankly into space. “Sirius,” Regulus whispered. “I saw Remus.” Sirius blinked, then blinked again as fat tears began to pour from his eyes.
“Is he okay?” He asked, his voice croaky from lack of use. His eyes flicked to Regulus’s.
“Yeah—Yeah, he’s okay. I’m looking out for him.”
“Thank you.” Sirius choked out past his tears. James had to look up at the ceiling as his eyes prickled. Sirius would be okay.