Flames Of Redemption

73

"Come on, we should leave," Sirius said, eyeing the place outside the bar. It wasn't as if the civilians had lowered in number. It was just the time that had passed. "You've eaten my plate as well." He mocked as he looked at Regan, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement.

Regan looked down, embarrassment washing over her and she hid her face on her cloak. She hadn't really noticed that.

"You owe me a meal now."

Regan got up abruptly and didn't look at him. She walked further and he grabbed her arm, pulling her close on his chest, much to her annoyance and anger. "Come on, don't be like that, redhead. It's not like I'm killing you or anything." He winked, and she almost growled in response.

"Let go of me," she snapped, trying to pull away, but he held on firmly. "What do you want from me?" she asked, exasperated, "aren't you satisfied that you're kidnapping me? Why the hell do you keep grabbing my arm?"

Sirius sighed, "You...." He trailed off. Regan glanced up at him and she swore she could see him kind of.... embarrassed, although only his eyes were shown from his mask. But it quickly cleared up.

"What?" Regan snapped.

"Whatever, let's go," he ignored as he pulled her arm again and led her outside. They walked for what seemed like hours, and Regan couldn't help but wonder where he was taking her. She tried to keep up with his long strides, but it was tiring her out. The cold wasn't very palpable and she wasn't shivering at least. He kept his hold on her arm and she even forgot about that.

Suddenly, as they were walking, they saw a little boy, crawling on the streets. His clothes were torn and his face was dirty. Sirius looked at him and left Regan's arm for once.

"Hey, kiddo, you shouldn't be out here," he said, kneeling down in front of the boy. "Where are your parents?" He asked gently, but the boy only buried his face in his arms and started to sob. "Oh, come on now, don't cry." Sirius said, patting the boy's back. "I'm sure they're just around the corner, looking for you."

Regan stood there, watching as Sirius comforted the boy. She felt a pang of sympathy for the boy, but also a stab of anger at Sirius. How could he be so gentle with this child when he had just kidnapped her? It didn't make sense. He was cruel and a tyrant, now he was helping a boy? She had the advantage to run away, she thought, but he looked at her, silently threatening her to not move.

As he continued to pat the boy's back and whisper reassuring words, Regan couldn't help but feel a small twinge of jealousy. He seemed so... good with kids.

The boy's parents suddenly arrived on the scene, their frantic faces a testament to their worry. They immediately rushed to their son, tears streaming down their faces. "Where have you been, sweetheart? Why are you covered in dirt?" the mother asked, her voice trembling.

"He... he was just helping me," the boy stammered, pointing at Sirius. "He said he would take care of me."

The father's face turned red with anger as he glared at Sirius. "You! You had no right to touch my son!" he shouted, taking a threatening step forward. "I'll have you arrested for kidnapping!"

Sirius stood up slowly, his eyes never leaving the father, "I wasn't kidnapping your son. Now, get away from here before I change my mind. You wouldn't want to know who I am." He warned, his voice stern and menacing as he took a step closer to the father. The father hesitated for a moment, fear flickering in his eyes, before he turned away, dragging his son with him, the mother following close behind.

As they disappeared, Sirius turned to Regan, his expression stoic and blank. She was angry and couldn't help but be mad that someone as vicious as him had helped a child like that. He pulled her arm, and continued to walk with her. He didn't say anything and she didn't say anything either. They walked in silence, the cold air nipping at Regan's nose and cheeks.  The roads were deserted. The sky was dull, but the lights were bright enough to see.