take a number

Safe and predictable. And in this case, dry.

Have you stopped loving me? I can't believe this! [gasps, swims towards him, gets up out of the water] Where's Prongs when you need him? I need this fixed immediately. Remedied-- before I can say some very long word.

So I’d rather not take the risk.

Now, now, Remus-- 

You might try and pull me in.

What-- me? What? Nooo-- [sighs] alright, fine, yes, so what?

Nope, I’m having a great time here.

[sighs dramatically and pouts in a very exaggerated manner] Meeerliiiiin, won't you even dip your toes?

Oh I like spending time with my best friend. You can go swim and I’ll stay by the lake where it’s safe.

Your loss, Moons--

It’s still not worth being eaten.

Not even a little? Spend some time with your best friend, goofing around, huh? Only young once.

It’s like you’re begging me to drown you.

Or-- you could join me? Have some fun?

Sure, if you want the Giant Squid to get you.

But-- a quick warming charm and you feel perfectly nice in the water.

Regulus looked up at Sirius, his face carefully void of any emotion. “Mum hasn’t said anything at all about you. She and Da are still in that 'spit every time you hear his name' phase. I took quite the curse when I mentioned you those first few times, but I soon learned my lesson. There’s only one Son of Black now, no reason for any of the family to mention you.” He drawled, his tone never waivering. If Sirius wanted to play dirty, he would play dirty. But Regulus would keep the upper hand in this and all discussions. Sirius was nothing anymore.

For a moment, he was proud. And this expression was the one he kept on his features, when his brother—his—what were they to one another? Friends? Certainly not. Enemies? Even the thought hurt. He swallowed evenly and played the phrase off well, remembering a time where he would do anything to protect his little wide-eyed, innocent brother. He’d have spoken out, he’d have done something to protect him—anything. Days locked away, shrouded in darkness were worth it if it meant Regulus was alright. The laugh he let out was low and cold, and he shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. “How ridiculous of me,” he said, “you’re right. You’re the puppet now, right, right, of course.” He shrugged, “I was only the talk of the family for years before you—it’s rather odd. Now that I was blasted, no talk of me. Ignore me. I never existed—oh, the feeling is so familiar.”