your daughter had wandered into the bedroom, her small figure in the corner of the room, quiet sobs escaping her lips.

“mummy? daddy?” she sniffed, climbing onto the bed, a concerned look on both yours and regulus’ face.

“yes?” you hummed, stroking her hair as you sat up straighter.

“will people hurt me?” she asked, a small sob escaping her as she spoke. “i don’t want to get hurt.” her head shook frantically.

since when did 9 year olds have such clear awareness?

“nothing’s gonna hurt you baby,” regulus whispered to her, her small frame now led between you and him.

“promise?” she mumbled as you wiped her tears away and regulus nodded.