Broken thrones

Vishaka lay still on the bed as Melania worked tirelessly, her movements a practiced blend of precision and urgency. Her wand traced intricate patterns in the air, administering potions while she scribbled furious notes on a floating piece of parchment. Her lips tightened as she muttered to herself.

"Not responding to standard Pepperup Potion... Body temperature unnaturally low…" she murmured. Tippy, the ever-diligent house-elf, popped in and out of sight, his hands clutching various vials and ingredients as he hurried to meet her demands.

"Is this the bottle the Mistress wanted?" Tippy squeaked, holding up a pale green vial.

"Yes, Tippy. Now fetch the blood-stabilizing potion immediately—quickly!" Melania barked, her focus unwavering from Vishaka's trembling form.

Across the room, Sirius sat slouched in a high-backed chair, little Ara Radha Black cradled carefully in his arms. The baby was wide-eyed, gurgling softly, her mismatched brown-and-grey eyes reflecting the dim glow of the chandeliers above. Sirius gazed at her with a rare softness, rocking her gently.

"She has both their eyes, Reggie. No... she has both of our eyes," Sirius said, his voice filled with wonder. He turned his head slightly to look at his younger brother, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Isn't she beautiful?"

Regulus, perched on the edge of a nearby chaise, glanced up from the book he had been pretending to read. His cool demeanor faltered as he looked at Ara, the tiniest smile breaking through. "Well, she's a Black," he said with a casual shrug. "And, on top of that, she has two ridiculously good-looking parents. It's in her blood to be stunning."

Regulus leaned forward, his gaze softening as he added, "Ara... her name even follows tradition. Another constellation for the family."

Sirius grinned, adjusting Ara in his arms. "Do you know your full name, Reggie?"

Caught off guard, Regulus blinked. "What are you on about, Sirius?"

With a teasing smirk, Sirius replied, "Apparently, my full name is Sirius Rudra Black. And yours? It's Regulus Reyansh Black."

Before Regulus could respond, Sirius extended Ara toward him. Regulus hesitated, his hands reaching out eagerly but with the nervousness of someone holding something impossibly precious.

"And her full name is Ara Radha Black, huh?" Regulus murmured as he took her in his arms, his movements careful, deliberate. Ara squirmed slightly, her tiny hands reaching toward him, and Regulus chuckled softly. Then, her gaze drifted toward the bed where Vishaka lay, and her face crumpled as if sensing the distress in the room.

Vishaka's body began to convulse.

"Tippy, bring me the stabilizing potion—NOW!" Melania's commanding voice rang out as she hurried to steady Vishaka.

Ara's cries broke the tension like shattered glass. Her wails echoed in the room, piercing and frantic, as her small body trembled in Regulus's arms. He froze for a moment, panic flashing in his grey eyes.

"Hey, hey, petite princesse, don't cry, please don't cry," Regulus whispered, his voice shaky as he began rocking her awkwardly. "Oh, mon cher, nothing will happen to Mama. I promise. Nothing will happen."

The words tumbled out of him in a rush, as though he could soothe not only Ara but also himself. The notion of calling someone other than Walburga mother felt foreign, almost forbidden. But as he stared at Vishaka, so fragile and pale, the word carried a sense of warmth he had never known—a love he yearned for even now, as he stood on the cusp of adulthood.

"Give her to me, Reg. I can—" Sirius began, stepping closer.

"Non!" Regulus turned sharply, his back to Sirius, clutching Ara tighter. His voice softened, trembling with emotion as he addressed her. "Hey, petite princesse, don't cry. Frère est là. I'm your brother. I don't know how to be a good one yet, but I'll protect you, little one. I swear I'll be there for you."

Ara's cries only seemed to grow louder, and Regulus's composure began to crack. His lips quivered as tears welled in his eyes, spilling over as he gently patted her back. "Don't cry, Ara. Please, it hurts to see you cry. Brother doesn't know what to do…"

Sirius, watching from the side, felt an unfamiliar pang of emotion. He recognized the vulnerability in Regulus's voice, and for once, he said nothing, allowing his brother to have this moment.

Regulus leaned closer to Ara, tears streaking his pale cheeks as he whispered, "Tu es mon cœur, Ara. I don't know how to be the brother you deserve... but I'll learn. I promise you that. Please, stop crying, bébé."

As though sensing his sincerity, Ara's cries softened into hiccups. At that moment, Vishaka's convulsions stilled.

Melania exhaled deeply and glanced over her shoulder, her face weary but calm. "Well, they don't say blood is thicker than water for nothing," she remarked softly, more to herself than anyone else.

The sound of soft footsteps drew their attention. Ruhanika entered the room, now dressed in fresh robes. Her gaze immediately fell on Vishaka. "Is my aunt going to be alright?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

Melania nodded, though her expression was serious. "Yes, she's stable for now. But we'll need to run more checks once she wakes up."

Ruhanika let out a breath of relief. "Thank you so much." Her eyes shifted to Ara, who was now nestled comfortably in Regulus's arms. Ruhanika stepped closer, reaching out instinctively. "May I—"

But Regulus pulled back slightly, his grip tightening protectively. Ruhanika looked at Sirius in confusion, who merely shrugged.

"I think he's got what you'd call... baby fever. Or maybe it's 'sister fever' in his case. Honestly, I don't know." Sirius smirked.

"Just shut up, Sirius," Regulus shot back, his tone surprisingly soft. He turned to Ruhanika. "I just… I want to know my sister better. She's so little, so… innocent. For a Black. I just want to protect her."

Ruhanika sighed and stepped back, her gaze drifting toward Vishaka. As the room quieted, the heavy sound of footsteps heralded Orion's arrival. His presence was commanding as he strode directly to Vishaka's bedside, his face unreadable.

"Leave. I want everyone to leave." His voice was low, firm, and left no room for argument.

Ruhanika opened her mouth to protest, but Sirius caught her arm and leaned in close. "Read the room, Ruhi. Now's not the time," he whispered. With a reluctant nod, she stepped away, following Sirius and Regulus out of the room.

Melania hesitated for a moment. "Call me if anything changes, alright, son?"

Orion nodded, his gaze never leaving Vishaka. "Of course, Mother."

The room fell silent as the door closed behind them.