Regulus just sits there for a very long time, silent and bitter and watching Remus blankly because he doesn't know what to do. The worst part is he can't blame Remus for being so ready to believe he could do it, hurt as he is by it. Sirius isn't the one fallen from grace. Regulus is.

He still doesn't say anything as Remus leaves. He wonders if he'll even come back. Finally he stands slowly, mechanically, tucking his wand away in his robes. He moves over to Sirius then, looking at him with a mix of guilt and pain before he reaches out tentatively to stroke over his brother's hair. He feels hollow.

"Calm down, gēge. Everything is okay. It was just a misunderstanding, things will be all right. I'll be all right too." He's only barely able to make sure his hand doesn't tremble. "I love you, okay? I'm sorry I couldn't help more but I'm glad I could at least stop her from killing you."

A breath. All his words feel like ash in his mouth. "I know better, now. Better than to let people hurt those I love."