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My Lord, this is a sweet story. The reader's attention is focused completely on only the two boys, the big brother and the little brother. Aside from the bedside lamp, I don't recall any details at all about the house or the bedroom or the weather outside or anything. It really makes me wish that all the outside world, the war and the crime and the hatred and the death, could just vanish, and the two boys could live in a little cocoon of safety and peace. Snuggled together in Sirius's bed, they seem to be, for a moment, in that little cocoon.
The lines in the dialogue, where Regulus is upset at the thought that his older brother doesn't love Dad (obviously Regulus does love Dad) were touching. As Sirius belatedly realizes, his little brother sees, hears, and understands more than Sirius had been aware of. This is often true, that the children in a house pick up on more negative undercurrents than the older family members realize. It's hard to keep secrets from them.
The second story, the one about the vampires, was a gem. My hat is off to Sirius for thinking of such a good story on the spur of the moment, and Regulus is pretty sharp in pointing out why the vampire's attempts to kill his little vampire brother were not working. Regulus may be young, but he already knows a lot.
The 'best weapon,' tickling, is the perfect final touch. Unexpected by Regulus, but eminently effective, and reminiscent of all the times in our own childhood lives when we and our siblings tormented each other by that very method.
It is so sad to think that in not that many years hence, both of these brothers will be dead, victims of the terrible war swirling around them, not able to oppose it or destroy it without sacrificing their own lives. Like so many other soldiers lost in terrible, pointless wars.
A wonderful story. Thank you for writing.
Vicki
Author's Response:Hi, Vicki! <3
I'm so glad you picked this story, and that you found it cute! I've always loved the sibling relationship between Sirius and Regulus, they truly deserved that safety and peace... unfortunately, we know it's not destined to last, but here they are children and they can just be innocent and happy for a little while, right? <3
Ah yes, Regulus is much more perceptive than Sirius realizes... and of course poor Reg would be upset seeing his brother and his parents fighting...
So glad you enjoyed the vampire story! :P Sirius was quite good coming up with it (at least, it was a better story than the first one... :P) And yes, Regulus knows a lot... ;)
Tickling is always the best weapon! :D
Thank you so much for the amazing review!!! <3
Love,
Chiara
Hi Chiara! I'm here with your review request (my apologies for the delay).
This was such a cute, seasonal one-shot! I don't know if you intended it for it to feel seasonal, but it felt like it was given the time of year that I'm reading this. Also, you know I am a sucker for good family feels, so of course I enjoyed this! :)
I haven't read much of anything featuring Sirius and Regulus, but I often imagine how you portray them is probably pretty believable considering what we know of them in canon. Sirius is the teasing, somewhat irritable big brother who easily becomes frustrated/annoyed with Regulus, but he also loves him. You can see that wide range of emotions in this. And Regulus is very perceptive to recognize that he's probably a nuissance to Sirius, but who else can he go to for comfort? Poor kid.
I loved the stories in this as well! I definitely saw the parallels between the stories that Sirius was telling and his friendship with Remus. And then later on, the one with the "evil," vampires, which might possibly refer to himself/how his family and/or other people see him? Even though the stories are simplistic, I think it totally makes sense for him to tell them in such a way that his younger brother can understand them. Also, you show there is a deeper meaning beyond the surface of those plotlines. We see in story one, Sirius using the werewolf story to teach Regulus about prejudice. And while it's not as clear as to the meaning behind the second one is (except for an ADORABLE tickle fight), I kind of interpreted it as Sirius trying to subliminally tell Regulus something about himself/how the family views him because he's different. That, and the bit about going after girls...it just felt like another life lesson that was kind of censored in a way that wouldn't be inappropriate for a little kid like Regulus. ;) I know that this interpretation might be a stretch, so I'm sorry if it's annoying or if this didn't make any sense haha.
Anyway, the fact that you wrote this a few years ago is also interesting. I see from reading your more recent works that your writing has definitely gotten stronger in a lot of areas of description. But I can see that dialogue is where you continue to excel. All in all, this was a really enjoyable read that gave me all the family feels! :) Thanks for writing and for pointing me in the direction of this fic!
<3 Courtney
Author's Response:Hi, Courtney! :D
Actually, no, I didn't mean for it to be seasonal (I'm not a big fan of Halloween, to be true) but I can see why it could be read this way! ;) And yes, I imagined you would enjoy some sibling love! :P <3
The relationship between Sirius and Regulus has always fascinated me, because we don't really get to see much of it in the books, and the little we do see is filtered through a lot of old resentment, but I like to imagine that they'd been close as kids and that Sirius truly cared for Regulus and wanted him to be safe (despite being the teasing, irritable older brother... because, let's be honest, that's so Sirius :P) And yes, poor Regulus wouldn't really have anyone else to go to, would he? I can't see Orion or Walburga being the kind of parents to sit by their children's bed and comfort them after a bad dream... maybe I'm biased, I don't know...
I'm so glad you liked the bedtime stories, too! :D The werewolf one was definitely a way to teach Regulus about prejudice. I don't think the second one really had any deeper meaning, I just meant it to be silly and entertaining for little Reg (of course there was a parallel between the two vampire brothers and the Black brothers, and we know Sirius' reputation as a womanizer... :P) but I really like your interpretation as well! ;)
Dialogue has always come easy to me, it's definitely what I feel most comfortable writing, while I've always struggled a lot with description. I like to think that I've grown in that area, too, so it's great to hear that you could see it as well! I'm so glad you enjoyed this story, even if it's not my most mature writing! <3
Thank you so much for the great review! <3
Snowball hug,
Chiara
2019 HC Magical Menagerie Review!
Chiara, I can’t even begin to describe how freaking adorably perfect this was! Seriously, I had a stupid smile on my face nearly throughout the entire time I wasn’t reading it. The brotherly bond those two shared when they were kids, it was the sweetest thing I’ve ever read. Regulus was so, so freaking cute, I wanted to squish him! And you nailed it, with how young siblings would act with one another. Like Sirius going from trying to kick him out, to being protective, and not wanting to see him scared, or sad.
That had to be so difficult for Regulus, to hear the way Sirius and his parents must have fought, when he was so young. And if Sirius and his dad were fighting earlier that day, it’s not a surprise that the anxiety Regulus must have felt from it caused a nightmare. And poor Sirius, too. Living in that environment at such a young age. Can I hug them both?
Way too funny with werewolf “story.” Too funny how he put zero effort in it, rushed it, and just hoped that it would be enough. And omg, I cracked up when Regulus said it sucked, and told Sirius he learned the language from him hahahaha! Perfect.
The vampire story was too, too, too cute. That was when I was super smiling. Especially when he began about the vampire’s younger brother. And then he finally gets him to sleep, and carried him to bed! I mean, awwwww! It couldn’t get any more adorable than that! I just loved this!
I mean, it is bittersweet, if you think of their future’s, and how Reg will sacrifice himself, with Sirius believing he was a Death Eater until he died. But, we’ll not focus on that, and just enjoy the fluff. :)
As always, amazing work, my love! This was so super cute! Love you!
Author's Response:Hello again, Meg, my dear! :)
Ah, I'm so glad you picked this story and found it adorable... I love siblings, and I love Sirius and Regulus, and I'm so glad you enjoyed my take on their relationship (before it all crumbled down, at least...) Ahahah! Of course Sirius would be super annoyed at his little brother invading his room, but then he would want to protect him and cheer him up... that's what big brothers do, right? :)
Poor Regulus... it is so hard for him to see his brother and his parents fighting... :( and poor Sirius for living in such an environment... yes, you can hug them, they need all the hugs! <3
Ahahah! Yeah, Sirius didn't really put any effort in that first story... :P And I'm absolutely convinced that Regulus would learn all the bad language from Sirius... :P
Glad you found the vampire story cute. It was a sweet moment between them. :)
Yes, it's sad if you think about what's to come... but maybe Regulus learnt something that night, at least?
Thank you so much for another super adorable review! You are the best! <3
Wow, what can I say? This was adorable, light-hearted and again showed family dynamics that you didn't get to see in the books written by JKR. I know it would have been rediculously hard for her to flesh out of her characters, but poor Regulus was basically just a set of initials and a little brother label in the books. It would have helped flesh out poor Sirius also.
Sirius is right, y'know? Not all werewolves are bad. But just like anyone else, there's good, bad and 'grey' people/creatures. Everyone should be judged on their own merits - whether they be werewolf, muggleborn, haflblood, vampire or pureblood. The fight between Sirius and his father show just how bad pre-judging people can be. Leads to prejudice and bigotry. (What's going on right now in the world is evidence, too, of just that.)
Once it's learned and it takes hold, it's hard to wash away. Hard to change the views of someone who doesn't want to be changed, so I'm glad to see that little seed planted by Sirius. It's possibly what helped spur Regulus on later to rebel from the Black family values and Voldemort.
Good job!
juls
Author's Response:Thank you for reviewing this, too! :)
I think I told you already, but I really love the sibling relationship between Sirius and Regulus. Yes, I agree that Regulus didn't have much development in the books, but JK did give us just enough to imagine what kind of person he might be, and he's such a tragic and fascinating character.
Yes, exactly, there's good and bad among werewolves just like there's good and bad among "normal" people. Just like there's good and bad among all kind of creatures... which is what the whole Harry Potter saga is about, after all, isn't it? And yes, unfortunately the world seem to go in the exact opposite direction at the moment... :( How is politics so bad everywhere? But let's not get into it...
Yes, prejudice is hard to overcome... and yes, I do like to think that Sirius' story helped Regulus build a bit of critical sense and maybe make him doubt, and eventually rebel, later.
Thank you so much for another lovely review!
Chiara
Hello! I'm here for our swap! (There are so many things I want to start reading here -- I'll have to come back and look around some more.)
I'm completely fangirling Regulus most currently, so I thought that this would be most appropriate. Besides, I can't resist the brotherly dynamic between Regulus and Sirius as kids.
First of all, I adore Regulus' hesitance to enter Sirius' room, knowing that Sirius will be angry with him and yet still feels the need to see Sirius anyway -- it's sweet. Similarly, I really liked the idea that Sirius immediately demanded that his brother leave his room (aye, I have siblings, I completely understand this) but stops when he notices that Regulus has been crying.
I also really enjoyed the way his friends had influenced the 'bedtime story' that he told Regulus, which spurred a conversation about prejudices and how their parents (their father, namely) weren't always right (which, I think, is something that Regulus is needing to be aware of. I also think it's incredibly sweet that Regulus is so concerned about Sirius and his father. Poor Reggie.
Of course Sirius draws a parallel between himself and the evil vampire who only sought out the most attractive women ;) . I adore that this ended in tickling! :D I thought you handled the brothers nicely -- I'd like to think that they were close once, before everything went down.
So, this was absolutely, incredibly adorable <3! Thank you so much for the swap!
-Rumpels
Author's Response:Hello, Rumpel! Finally here to reply to your reviews! Sorry for the long wait...
I can't blame you, Regulus is amazing! :) I should write him more, now that I think about it... And yes, I love their brother dynamics too! :)
Ahahah! I'm glad you found it sweet! I don't have siblings (unfortunately) but I like to imagine that Sirius would want to protect his brother, despite being annoyed at him. :P
Glad you liked the werewolf story, and the discussion about prejudice that followed. Yes, Regulus needed to hear that. And yes, poor Reg, indeed. I think it was really hard on you to see his brother and his parents constantly fighting...
Ahahah! Sirius is Sirius, what can I say? :P Glad you liked the tickling part as well! :)
Thank you so much for the lovely review, I'm so glad you found the story sweet and that you thought I handed the siblings' relationship well!
I will be back to reply to your reviews on Liar soon!
Snowball hug,
Chiara
Transferred :)
Good evening and what is this I spy?
A new story by Chiara, the apple of my eye?
Ooh, don't mind if I do, my dear!
Reading anything by you I have nothing to fear!
AW! Baby Black Brothers! (That's my favourite band...) But seriously, they are so sweet!
Ha ha oh my god I love it so much. Regulus asking "why" all the time. I had a little boy with a squeaky voice in my head - it's so cute!
And this: "Hey! Where did you learn that language?"
"From you." - That is perfectamundo. Ha ha and how does Regulus know so much about staking vampires, may I ask?! But that vampire story sure was sweet. I love this brotherly love!
I wish Sirius would tell me a bedtime story... If you know what I mean... ;)
I know I can always count on you for an incredible Marauder fic and again you do not disappoint! I have told you before and I will tell you again - how dare you feel self-conscious?! Everything you post is amazing and magical and you know we don't bite... *again thinking of Sirius in bed*
*ahem* I better go now. Love you!
♥ ♥ ♥
Author's Response:Aww... Bianca... *wub*
I don't deserve your kindness!!!
Baby Black Brothers! Definitely my favourite band too!!! :D Glad you found them sweet!
Now that you're asking, Regulus seems very informed on the subject... Maybe he saw a documentary or something... Do Purebloods see documentaries? :P
Ahahah! I guess you're not the only one who would like it! Sirius is quite fascinating, isn't he?
I have little confidence... Can't help it... Thank you so much for all your praises! You are awesome!!!
Love you so much!
Chiara
een meaning to ever since I read this and went OMG THIS IS SUCH A WONDERFUL IDEA YOU ARE SO AWESOME CHIARA!
Sirius Regulus almost break my heart here... I mean, they're so lovely, and I can just picture little Reg and Sirius being the big brother. DArn, why did things have to turn out the way they did?
Poor Reg, getting yelled at by Sirius, but hey, Sirius was being the bratty elder sibling we all know he is quite capable of being. Do I love him any less after that? No, but I definitely love Reg more. His reaction to Reg wanting a story was priceless - I could just see him looking att deadpanned LOL! Reluctant elder brother Sirius is the cutest (blush) I think it was awesome that Sirius adressed the age-old pure-blood prejudice against werewolves in this story. And of course Reg learns to swear from Sirius. That's becoming my headcanon!
It was just so sweet to see them bonding as brothers... and implicating him as the vampire who liked girls, with an annoying brother - so many insinuations to Sirius' image as a serial heartbreaker! Loved every dialogue!
Also, werewolves and vampires may come and go, but the Tickle monster is the most effective with little kids!
Love love love love this, and I don't know if I have done a good job in telling you how much in my sleep-deprived state, but I'm going to come back for more. Ooh, who are you going to do next? The Weasley clan? Bet they'll have enough siblind duo combinations to fill up a novel! :p
Loads of love my dear beta,
ysh
Author's Response:YSH!!!
Aw... you are too lovely... Thank you so much for this amazing surprise review!!!
Yes, I know... It's so sad if you think about what will come later on... but let's not dwell on it right now, alright?
Ahahah! That's how older siblings are, right? They need to show that they are cooler and have no time to lose with their younger siblings, but in the end they would do anything to protect them. At least, that's what I like to think. I'm an only child, so I can't know for sure...
I believe Sirius would want his little brother to see past their family's prejudices. So that was only natural. Glad you liked that bit, though!
Ahahah! Yes, there was so much Sirius in the evil vampire! ;)
Ah, yes... the Tickle monster... that is a scary creature!!! :P
Aww... *blushing* Have I said thank you enough? How are you so ssweet, little Betee?
Ahahah! The Weasleys will definitely appear.
Actually, at the moment I have on my laptop a finished (but in need of huge editing) James/Albus/Lily and two other that I started but I'm quite stuck with (a Albus/Aberforth/Ariana and a Black sisters)
I'll let you know when I have news (I might ask you to give a look before posting, actually...)
Love you, little Betee!
Chiara
I'm transferring reviews and I totally thought I'd reviewed this one before, but I clearly haven't because it's not posted anywhere else and doesn't have any reviews! But I swear I've read it. *shrugs* I don't know what happened. Anyway, this is an adorable moment between Sirius and Regulus, and Sirius' story made me laugh. (the first one particularly, and it's abrupt end and then Regulus picking up bad language from Sirius ahaha! And his interruption about the correct wood to stake a vampire, what a smartass :P ) I love the way you write the two of them and how they interact. They seem so real - and I love how it shows they were close as kids, regardless of what happened later. Adorable. I would write more in this review but I have like 929 more reviews to transfer while I have internet, so... just know that I loved it. Ciao :P
Author's Response:You did review this already, it was one of the reviews you left as Remus for Secret Valentine! (Btw, did I mention how much I love those? Almost as much as I love you!) Of course, it was my fault for posting this as a one shot in a series and changing the title... :P
I'm so glad you loved this moment of brotherly love between Sirius and Regulus! I love those two!
Ahahah! The first story was so bad! (Well, the content was interesting, but the story-telling needed improvement... :P) And yes, Regulus did pick up bad language from Sirius!!! :D And I'm glad you find it amusing the way Reg kept interrupting and correcting Sirius! :P
I'm so glad you enjoyed reading this and that you liked their interactions and found them believable and sweet!
No worries if you can't stay longer, thank you so much for stopping by!
Ciao cara! :)
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