[video]

[treatinferiors.livejournal.com]

[Regulus isn't here right now, in this drafty, dingy home. Relatively more maintained than usual, but the dust is gathering and the curtains are tearing at the seams. Frantic footsteps and loud shouting can be heard, dimly. Muffled. Indistinct. Sometimes a phrase makes it through. "Turned out like the blood traitor."]

[The parchment focused on a tapestry. Vast and well cared for, except for the holes strategically burned into it every once in awhile. There's one more hole than there used to be. One less person that lives here. One less person part of this family.]

Comments

[why-so-me.livejournal.com]

There's worse things in the world than not being involved with them any more.

But I doubt you're going to listen to me.

[treatinferiors.livejournal.com]

Why should I? You've made your views quite clear.

[why-so-me.livejournal.com]

You don't need them, you know.

[treatinferiors.livejournal.com]

No. But I am needed. And I will do what you couldn't.

[why-so-me.livejournal.com]

Will you? Because it looks like you got burned off the tree.

I'm serious. You can get out of there.

[treatinferiors.livejournal.com]

It was a mistake. It had to be.

And what purpose would that serve? Like it or not, Sirius, not everyone is you, nor do they want to be.

[why-so-me.livejournal.com]

Was it? Your friend up there seems hurt.

Maybe not, but not everyone wants to be Bellatrix or our parents, either. And you shouldn't have to be.

[treatinferiors.livejournal.com]

What do you care?

Bit rich, coming from you. Duty can't be brushed aside just because it is momentarily inconvenient.

[why-so-me.livejournal.com]

Look...I know you probably don't believe it, but I am your brother. And I do care about what happens with you, even if I think you can be dumb about it.

You think it's got anything to do with inconvenience? Have you seen what our cousin turns into? Do you really want to turn out like her?

[locked]

[negative-five.livejournal.com]

... you're his brother?

[locked]

[why-so-me.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I am. You're a friend of his?

[locked]

[negative-five.livejournal.com]

I'm not so sure I hope so I think so.

[locked]

[why-so-me.livejournal.com]

Do you know what happened? What caused this?

[locked]

[negative-five.livejournal.com]

I think it's because... we're friends. I'm... I'm a Muggle.

You-- you ran away, right? Because of this?

[locked]

[why-so-me.livejournal.com]

Oh. That...that'd do it. ...he shouldn't have to stick around if they're going to give him such shit for it.

Yeah. I went to live with a friend's family, because...they didn't like that I was friends with people that I didn't think like them. Or didn't fit their standards.

[locked]

[negative-five.livejournal.com]

Of course he should leave! They're barbaric!

Please talk some sense into him. I'm begging you. I can't-- I can't lose him.

[locked]

[why-so-me.livejournal.com]

I'm trying to. Things haven't...been great with us, so. I don't know if he'll listen, but I'll try.

[treatinferiors.livejournal.com]

You left us! [Me.] Even before Mother took your name off the tapestry!

What's the alternative? Just because you find it easy to turn your back on your family doesn't mean it is.

[why-so-me.livejournal.com]

Because I couldn't take it from them anymore. I just couldn't.

You don't -- look...I'm graduating at the end of the year. James' parents are gone. I'm looking for somewhere to live.

You'd have a place to stay if you left.

[treatinferiors.livejournal.com]

...Are you serious?

[why-so-me.livejournal.com]

...don't make me make puns at you.

But yeah. I am. I'd prefer it a million times over leaving you stuck there.

[treatinferiors.livejournal.com]

...There has to be a catch.

[why-so-me.livejournal.com]

Regulus, I'm not trying to sell you a cauldron or something. If you wanted to leave there, I'd let you stay. Period.

[treatinferiors.livejournal.com]

The inevitable gloating doesn't count? [He's actually kidding here. You can tell because he takes a breath before he continues.]

I don't know. I really... I can't just leave them behind. Even if they...

[why-so-me.livejournal.com]

The gloating would be incredibly mild, brief, and survivable, I promise.

Look, don't stay if it's only because you feel like you owe them. It's your life to live, not theirs.