Nyctophobia - Sirius Black

Chapter 21

Ruby suddenly pulled Sirius into a hug. He hugged her back tightly.

"It'll be okay, Theus. I've still got the magical link. If anything happens I'll come. It's only two weeks. Then you'll be back at Hogwarts." He nodded mutely. "Do you want to walk to the station with me?" He nodded again, and the two began the long walk to King's Cross station.

Spring break had finally drawn to a close, and Ruby had to go back to Hogwarts while Sirius stayed for another two weeks. The two had finished his homework the night before.

Ruby didn't realize how close she had gotten to the marauder until it was time to go. She supposed life-threatening injuries tended to bring people closer.

Sirius hugged her one last time outside the platform. She smiled and ruffled up his coal-dusted hair. "You have the key. Don't forget to lock up after you leave. Be careful at the mines, okay?" He nodded. "Bye, Theus. I'll see you soon."

She disappeared through the pillar and Sirius apparated back to Cokeworth. Ruby pushed her now-clean hair out of her face as she sat down next to Amaris.

"Hello. How was break?" Amaris smiled widely.

"It was great! Dad said I'm ready to take over if he dies."

"That's great. How was your summer, Regulus?"

"It wasn't that good. Sirius got disowned."

"What?" Amaris gaped at him.

"Yeah. My parents invited some French purebloods over to arrange a marriage, but Sirius wouldn't have it. They blasted him off the tapestry. I guess he went to live with Potter."

They sat in silence for the rest of the ride, Ruby focusing on writing an essay for Charms that would be assigned in a few days. Amaris began carving something out of a block of wood, and it quickly took the form of a wolf. Ruby glanced at the pile of shavings on the floor, and turned them to ashes with her magic when they left.

Most of the compartments were empty since most people didn't go home for vacation. Ruby found Sev as they left the train, and hugged him tightly. She saw Potter over his shoulder, and glared hatefully at him.

"Did you have fun at Lucius's?" She asked holding him at arm's length. He nodded smiling.

"His library is huge." She grinned widely, happy that her twin was happy. They entered Hogwarts as a body. Although most of the other houses had stayed at Hogwarts, many of the Slytherins had to go home. Jana and Rabastan had stayed, but nearly everyone else in their years had stayed.

Ruby looked at the Gryffindor table. Three of the marauders were there, but they didn't look as happy. She noticed their eyes searching the Great Hall, probably looking for the fourth marauder. Ruby wondered if they knew what had happened. She felt anger bubbling up, but calmed herself after a jug of pumpkin juice exploded, dousing the three marauders in juice.

She focused on eating, knowing that Sirius would bother her if he found out she had fallen back into old habits. And he would know as soon as he saw her.

"You washed your hair." Narcissa giggle happily, petting the only slightly greasy locks. Ruby smiled a little in spite of herself. "I'm going to braid you hair. Did you know Sirius was disowned? I didn't realize it until I saw his name burned off the tapestry."

"Yeah. Regulus told me."

"I mean, we all kind of knew it was coming," Ruby stiffened. "but even Bella didn't expect it to be so soon. We're not really sure where he went. We all thought he would go to the Potters, but he's clearly not there." Narcissa motioned to the Gryffindor table.