The Hogwarts school walls seemed to have absorbed all the grudges and misunderstandings that had accumulated between the Black brothers over the years. Sirius, the rebel and favorite of Gryffindor, and Regulus, the quiet and obedient Slytherin, went their separate ways, separated by the choice of houses and principles.

But one day, in a hallway that smelled of old books and magic, they bumped into each other. We didn't just bump shoulders, as we used to, but we met eyes. In Regulus's eyes, Sirius saw not hatred, but fatigue. In Sirius's eyes, Regulus noticed not contempt, but regret.

The quarrel that had separated them now seemed silly and far away. Sirius held out his hand, and Regulus shook it uncertainly. A few awkward phrases, quiet apologies, and the ice between them began to melt.

They began to meet secretly in the library, sharing the news, discussing Quidditch. Regulus talked about the dark arts he was taught in Slytherin, Sirius talked about his pranks and friends.

Their reconciliation was quiet, almost imperceptible, but it meant a lot to both of them. Sirius, a seventh-year student, felt relieved that he had managed to establish a relationship with his brother before he left Hogwarts. Regulus, a sixth-year student, felt for the first time that he was not alone in his choice.