Sirius snuck out of their bedroom just before the sun started to peak through the window. The children would be arriving at the Burrow later today for the holiday break, and he wanted to prepare breakfast for Evalyn before they went over. However, he is not allowed to use the kitchen without supervision. He tiptoed to Regulus' room, cracking the door open ever so slightly. "Pssst Reggie!" He whispered. The words were not heard however, so Sirius crept inside and shut the door behind him as silently as possible. He cast a silencing spell in the room before jumping on top of his brother.
"FUCKING HELL" Regulus woke up with a groan. He scrambled to push Sirius off but failed. "GET OFF YOU BIG OAF!" Sirius laughed into the covers but refused to move from his spot. Regulus rolled his eyes and wriggled his hand free from under the covers and muttered a quiet Accio for his wand. He concentrated on Sirius' clothing and whispered Wingardium Leviosa.
"Reggie put me down!" Sirius reached to grab anything to hold him down when he started to hover off the bed. Regulus sat up laughing, keeping him floating in the air as he got out of bed. With his free hand, he ruffled Sirius' hair before darting into the bathroom. "Regulus Arcturus Black! Put me —." He landed on the floor with a loud thud. Moments later, Sirius glared up at his younger brother. "I came to ask for your help."
"It better be something worth waking me up this early for." Regulus peered outside, noting that the sun just started to peak up over the horizon.
"I need you to watch me in the kitchen." Sirius mumbled quietly. Regulus looked blankly at him, as if he didn't hear what he said. "I wanted to make Lynnie breakfast and she told me I'm not allowed in the kitchen by myself." He looked to the ground, almost embarrassed by his words. A pale hand was stuck out in front of him, making him look up from his spot on the ground.
"I haven't got all day, let's get this done." Sirius scoffed but smiled, he knew that was a lie. The two brothers did nothing every day, and it wasn't going to change any time soon.
After burning the toast three times, Regulus decided to step in. He cleared the mess with his wand, and watched as Sirius put new bread in the muggle toaster. With Sirius facing away from him, he muttered a spell, making the now perfectly toasted bread pop out of the machine. His eyes widened when Sirius grabbed a knife to cut up some fruit. "How about you cook the eggs, and I'll cut the fruit?" Sirius grinned and passed him the knife, nearly cutting both of their arms when he slung it around. As he cast a spell to cut the fruit using magic, he said "You really love her huh?"
Sirius cursed under his breath seeing the bacon get slightly charred on the ends. He pulled it off the stove and set it aside thinking it would be good enough. "More than anything Reg." He said softly. "I didn't think it was possible for us, considering how they raised us. The whole love thing that is." Regulus frowned, thinking about Barty and what they had before things got bad. When he didn't say anything Sirius continued. "She makes it easy though. I don't think anyone deserves someone as good as her. Especially someone like me. Merlin knows what would happen if they try to take her away again." He plated up three plates and set the table.
Regulus noted that the third spot was set right next to theirs, instead of across on the other side. He also noted that Sirius made him tea while he made coffee for himself and Evalyn. "You're not bad Sirius. I mean E is like levels above you yeah, but you are worthy of her love. I don't think I've meant a more compatible couple."
Sirius placed a hand over his chest and wiped away a fake tear with his other. "My brother is getting soft on me." Regulus' face immediately turned emotionless and was about to retort when Evalyn padded into the room. He smiled at her before scowling at Sirius and flipping him off.
Evalyn eyed the two "Good morning lads, I see you have been busy." She gestured to the plates of food on the table. Her eyes narrowed at Sirius who stood proud by the meal he created. "Did you do this alone?"
"I had Reg—."
"I watched him, he cooked everything on his own." Regulus took a seat on Evalyn's right, ignoring the bright smile on Sirius' face. The older brother sat on her left as they ate in silence.
"Did you want to go to the Burrow with us later? There might be an Order meeting. Remus and Tonks are supposed to meet us there." Regulus paused and thought it over before nodding.
When they reached the Burrow, Evalyn was pulled into a warm hug by Molly. "Oh Evalyn dear, how nice to see you." Evalyn furrowed her brows but returned the hug awkwardly. They weren't the best of friends, so Evalyn wasn't expecting such a warm welcome. She caught a glimpse of Regulus' nose scrunching up, showing her that he was trying to hold in his laughter. An idea popped in her mind. Evalyn guided Molly over to the two brothers.
"It's wonderful to see you too Molly! I hope it's okay that these two tagged along!" She smiled brightly at the red head and gestured to Sirius and Regulus who gave awkward waves. Molly, being the wonderful host she is, did exactly what Evalyn wanted her to do. She pulled the two men into a bone crushing hug. Sirius' eyes widened while Regulus looked unamused. He mouthed something vulgar to Evalyn who was pointing at him and laughing behind Molly's back.
When the teens arrived, it was obvious that something was off with Harry. He seemed tense and frustrated. Regulus even dared to whisper to Evalyn that he had gone mad. However, when Harry called the adults into the room to talk, Evalyn sighed. She had a feeling she knew where this was going.
"Draco Malfoy is a deatheater and Snape took an unbreakable vow to help him." The words spewed out of Harry's mouth.
Arthur spoke first, "What makes you so sure Harry?"
"Malfoy has been acting suspicious and I overheard Snape talking about the vow."
Remus cleared his throat, "Do you have any proof that Draco is a death eater?"
Harry shook his head but stood his ground, "No, but I just know he is."
All eyes turned to Evalyn. She was the only other person that has been to Hogwarts that wasn't a student. She fiddled with the ring on her finger while Remus spoke to her. "Have you noticed anything Evalyn?" The blonde shook her head and went to speak when Harry's voice cut her off.
"Don't ask her." He glared at Evalyn. She gaped back in disbelief. Her heart cracked under his angered look. "She's been too busy 'tutoring' Malfoy and making love eyes at Snape to even listen to what I have been trying to say."
"Harry that's enough." Sirius stood up and put his hand on Evalyn's shoulder. She brushed it off and walked out of the room muttering apologies on her way. Regulus clenched his jaw. Sirius ran after her to make sure she was alright. Remus watched Regulus curiously, questioning why he didn't leave with them.
"It's true! I've been telling her for months and she hasn't bloody listened! She might as well be working for them!" He paced back and forth in anger. Everyone was silent as they watched him. But his next words are what cracked Regulus. "My father would be ashamed of her being so oblivious."
A cold voice rang out across the room. "Your father is the one who told her to not let the war take away her heart." Remus edged closer to Regulus, sensing his anger. It made sense why the younger Black stayed, someone had to defend Evalyn. "She has forgiven every single person in this room for using and abusing her kindness and her powers. She has sacrificed herself time and time again for each and every one of you. It is you who your father would be ashamed of Harry. Bullying your own godmother when the chosen one doesn't get the validation he asks for. Tell me Harry, has she told you what goes on when she speaks with Draco?"
Harry shook his head, still fuming, but guilt suddenly starts creeping up on him. Not once has Regulus reached for his wand. In fact, he never left his spot from leaning against the wall. His arms crossed and his pale eyes never leaving Harry's form. "Okay, and what about her conversations with Snape? Has she told you what they talk about?" Again, he shook his head, but this time he looked to the ground and frowned.
"Then answer me this, how do you know for certain that she isn't trying to get information on her own without dragging you in it? She's the one who James put in charge of taking care of you, of course she isn't going to involve you in things that could get you hurt. Especially when she was almost your age when the Order decided to run her ragged in the first war." He scoffed and left the room, not bothering to acknowledge anyone else. Nobody dared to challenge his words, in a way he was right.
Remus took to Harry's side when he saw the guilt overtake him. "We will look into what you said Harry, you just have to trust us. And trust her."
"I'm sorry Professor Lupin, I'm just so angry all of the time. I really messed up." Harry took his glasses off and rubbed at his eyes.
"She'll forgive you Harry. She understands."
Evalyn was crying in Sirius' arms with Regulus stood nearby to keep an eye on anyone who walked up. They saw Harry make his way towards them, and the two men tensed up. Sirius was about to send him away when Evalyn quickly wiped her tears away and took a deep breath. "It's fine boys, I'll be okay. You can leave." They both eyed her before stepping just barely out of the doorway. Close enough to still hear the conversation.
Harry sat awkwardly next to Evalyn and played with the sleeves of his jumper. She decided to speak first. "I'm sorry if I made you feel like I wasn't listening to you." They heard a scoff from outside the door, but they ignored it.
"You don't have to apologize, it's me who should be sorry. I was a prat. I get angry sometimes and I say things I don't mean."
Evalyn pulled him into a hug. "War is a bitch. Especially if you're the one everyone is after. Just know that I have your back Harry, you just have to trust me."
"I trust you Evie. I love you, I'm sorry." He cried into her shoulder. Evalyn held him tighter and rubbed his back.
"I love you too Harry."