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Chapter Text

REGULUS' POV

Regulus was walking through the corridors, silently going through everything he'd read last night. He needs to beat him. He has to beat him. It's James' last year here, Regulus needs to beat him while he's still here.

You see, since James' 4th year and Regulus' 3rd, they've been competing. Completing for potion prodigy, going even above Severus Snape, competing on more important things like;

Who's the favourite student?

Who has the higher grade?

Who did more work?

It itched Regulus' mind horribly. Favourite student? Unfortunately both of them. Higher grade? Tied. More work? They had the same amount and was denied more. He glared at everyone who passed him, his hands gripping onto his book tightly.

Regulus Arcturus Black hates James Fleamont Potter. Absolutely.

James Fleamont Potter... hates Regulus Arcturus Black. He thinks. Wait, no, definitely.

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Regulus admired the sun from afar, seeing how he laughed loudly across the room, seeing how he'd brighten up the world around him wherever he went, seeing how.. Regulus' heart ached when he couldn't reach the sunlight.

James shined brighter than the sun, even calling him the sun was an understatement. For Regulus, at least. He's sure everyone would agree with him, they'd be complete idiots not to.

"Hey, Reggie!" Sirius walked over to Regulus, Regulus scowled as he looked at his older brother that was in 4th year. Regulus turned a blind eye to him, glancing back at his book. Right, he was reading, not supposed to be admiring the James Fleamont Potter.

Regulus felt Sirius sit down next to him, Sirius was glancing at Regulus' book but Regulus closed it immediately. "Oi, I was reading." Sirius groaned as Regulus rolled his eyes.

"I was reading first," he spat. "I doubt you can even read this." Regulus remarked as Sirius gasped dramatically. "Reggie! I was the one who taught you how to read!" Sirius placed his hand on his chest, "betrayal!" He gasped as he got up.

Finally, Regulus can get some peace and quie- and Sirius is ruffling his hair. "Don't worry, the student has overpowered the teacher." Sirius grinned at him as Regulus glared.

"Stop doing that." Regulus huffed, moving his head away from Sirius' hand as Sirius shook his head in disappointment and placed his hands on his hips. "Fine, Moony, Prongs, and Wormtail is better than you."

Moony, Prongs, and Wormtail? What.. kind idiotic names is that? Regulus is sure Sirius found it off some kind of wall and just stayed with it. No one could possibly think of such— such..

Regulus jerked his head up when Sirius rushed to James' side, "oi, Prongs!" And Regulus forgot what Sirius said. James was Prongs? Oh Merlin, oh fucking Merlin that was so— so dumb, idiotic, everything Regulus thought of couldn't even match the description of how stupid the names were.

Involuntarily, Regulus snickered to himself as suddenly, he felt a pair of eyes on him, burning onto his skin. Regulus bit his tongue. Who was looking at him? Regulus didn't know.

After a few minutes, the person staring at him didn't seem to break their eyes away from Regulus. Why were they so interested in him? Regulus was absolutely frozen. Wait, why wasn't Regulus glaring at them? Usually he would but he didn't want to.

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?

Questions swirled in his mind, giving him a headache. Regulus wanted the person to stop staring, at the same time, he didn't want them to stop.

"Look at them." A voice in the back of his mind told him.

"Look at them." It repeated, now his guts was telling him to look.

"Look at them!" The voice and his guts urged him to do so.

"Look at him!"

Regulus tilted his head slightly away from his book, not that he was reading it. Gray, blank eyes met beautiful, honey ones. James' eyes. Regulus wanted to scowl, to glare, to look away but he didn't. He felt his face soften as his throbbing headache left him.

"Reg!" Someone called out for him, no. Not yet. Regulus didn't wanna— James' eyes broke contact, moving to Sirius' eyes. Please no, look at him again. Please, please, please.

"Regulus!" Barty walked over to Regulus as he propped his elbow on Regulus' head, finally, Regulus remembered how to glare and scowl. "Who are you lookin at?" Barty huffed as Regulus rolled his eyes.

He looks back at James, he isn't looking. Regulus frowned even more as he looked at Barty. "You have 5 seconds to get your elbow off my head in 5, 4, 3—"

"Alright, alright!" Barty stepped away, he was grinning through. "You're feisty today, more than usual." Of course Barty would notice. "Me and Rosie here is waiting for you." Barty nodded at Evan as Evan flipped him off, Barty barked out a laugh.

"Don't call me Rosie, Barty Bloody Crouch Jr.!" Evan protested, marching over. Regulus blinked slowly before grinning to himself. Damn, his friends always find a way to crack him up.

James. Regulus' mind forced on him, James. James, James, James— oh Merlin, James looked at him. That made Regulus blush furiously, eventually, he opened his book and hid his face.

"Who's in your mind, Reggie?" Evan asked, Regulus can hear the knowing smile on Evan's face. "No one, none of your business, Rosier." Regulus spat as he got up from the bench.

"Fine, fine." Evan rolled his eyes as Barty raised one of his eyebrows before sliding his arm around Regulus' shoulder, he'll let that one slide. "Alright, but you seriously gotta tell us who you have been fancying." Barty steered Regulus back to the corridors, the refreshing air leaving Regulus' nostrils, he can hear Evan following and soon going to his other side.

"Not a chance." Regulus murmured.

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Regulus' leather shoes hit the floor of Hogwarts, clinking against it as he stops in front of the entrance of the Slytherin common room, he examines the stone, bricked wall before parting his lips.

“Pure blood.”

The words escaped Regulus' mouth smoothly as the bricked wall started moving apart from the other, brick by brick, there was the clear entrance to the Slytherin common room.

Regulus tilted his head up and fixed his posture, he didn't even notice he was slouching. He walked into the room.

The common room was a dungeon-like room with greenish lamps and chairs. This dungeon extended part way under the lake, giving the light in the room a green tinge. The common room had lots of low backed black and dark green button-tufted, leather sofas, skulls, and dark wood cupboards. One of the wooden tables had a Wizard's Chess set on it. It was decorated with tapestries featuring the adventures of famous Medieval Slytherins.

And there was the notice board, its frame was a silver frame, complimenting the background of the board which was the usual emerald dark green of Slytherin. It was surrounded by a fair amount of students, most of which were in Regulus' year.

He walked over to the crowd, gently pushing people away as he managed to get to the front.

Regulus' eyes examined the board, he noticed things like :

Lost pet cat, please go to Kaila Oratt if found!

Come on and trade chocolate frogs with Rein Warbott at the fountain!

Apparition lessons are shortly after the Christmas holidays, Sixth and Seventh years may join.

But what caught Regulus' eye the most was a rectangular paper, its header was the text written in elegant, gold handwriting that Walburga would approve of.

“Assigned Study Buddies.”

Regulus blinked slowly. Study buddies? He'd better not be assigned with someone incompetent. His eyes immediately rushed through the paper, his hand gripping his book tightly. His eyes saw various names.

Em Quin ( HUFFLEPUFF ) with Jania Lim ( GRYFFINDOR )

Rein Warbott ( SLYTHERIN ) with Nome Fidden ( RAVENCLAW

Lily Evans ( GRYFFINDOR ) with Pandora Rosier ( RAVENCLAW )

Peter Pettigrew ( GRYFFINDOR ) with Barty Crouch Jr. ( SLYTHERIN )

Then, Regulus saw his name. And oh no.

Regulus Black ( SLYTHERIN ) with James Potter ( GRYFFINDOR )

Chapter Text

JAMES' POV

James would be lying if he said he wasn't at least the slightest amused seeing that angry scowl on Regulus' face.

I mean, who wouldn't be grinning to himself while thinking about ways he can irritate the heir to the Noble Black at night? Certainly not James.

James was sitting at the Great Hall with his friends, the Marauders. It was breakfast and James was a bit upset he didn't see Regulus while walking to breakfast.

“What's with the sad pout, Prongs?” Sirius asked, slipping an arm around James' shoulders, James put on his known grin.

“Sad pout? I think you're talking about another James.” James watched as Sirius howled with laughter. He was just about to tell another joke until Sirius pulled away when Dumbledore stood up.

“As you know, study buddies have been assigned.” Dumbledore introduced. Study buddies. James doesn't remember that.

“What study buddies?” James asked quietly, nudging Sirius' shoulder.

“You didn't see the noticeboard?”

The noticeboard. James was too busy dashing to the halls looking for someone to look at it.

“No.” He replied weakly.

“James, my man.” Sirius sighed as he patted James' back. “I'll tell you about it later.”

James groaned, study buddies. He's just hoping he isn't with someone he doesn't like.

The rest of Dumbledore's speech was a blur, James was going through the list of people he might be paired up with.

Sirius? No, Sirius would've told him. Peter? No, Peter would've told him to.

Lucius? Merlin hoped not. Lily? Sure she's nice. Mary? James doesn't think he'll get any work done, he'd probably be off letting Mary paint his nails again.

James finally snaps out of it when he hears Dumbledore sit down again. Then, he suddenly felt his eyes slowly look at the Slytherin table.

He sees Regulus, back facing his face as Evan has an arm wrapped around his shoulder. Suddenly, James clenches his fists, his face feels red.

“James!” Peter tugged on James' sleeve as James blinked slowly. “What? What happened?” His fists unclenched as Peter raised one of his eyebrows.

“You looked like you saw one of us get hurt or something.” Remus answered for Peter, Peter nodded and James felt a hand on his shoulder.

“Are you okay?” Sirius asked, looking concerned. “Yeah, yes. I'm okay, please tell me about the study buddies.” Suddenly, James was now more intrigued. Not for his study buddy, for Regulus' study buddy.

I mean.. James can get the slightest bit jealous when he sees an arm wrapped around Regulus' shoulders and it isn't his arm, right?

“Basically, I'm guessing you weren't listening to Dumbledore but it's just a silly thing to bond and make friends over.”

“Over studies?”

“Apparently, that's what he said.” Sirius shrugged before he grinned while sliding an arm around Remus' waist. “I'm his buddy.” He said proudly as Remus stared at him blankly.

James is convinced those two have at least kissed once. He's very convinced. Have you seen how those two look at eachother across the room?

“I'm Barty's buddy.” Peter mourned as he threw his hands over his face. “I wish you luck, Pete.” James sighed, patting Peter's back.

James wonders about his own buddy, it's painfully nagging him.

“Do you guys know who's my buddy?” James asked, the Marauders looked at him, blinked a few times before shaking their heads no.

“Nah,”

“Nope,”

“Sorry James.”

James groaned. Now he really wanted to know his own study buddy too. “Aight,” he huffed. “Sirius!” Someone shouted as Sirius perked his head up. “Sirius come over here real quick!” James looked at the sound of the voice, seeing Marlene McKinnon furiously making a hand gesture that says “COME HERE QUICKLY.”

“That's my cue.” Sirius made finger guns back as he stood up, James saw a small pout on Remus' face. They're definitely dating, they just don't know.

Sirius immediately ran over to Marlene as Remus shuffled closer, taking the spot where Sirius sat.

Now Remus was sitting next to Peter who was sitting next to James.

“Will Sirius be back soon?” Remus asked.

“Knowing Marlene, probably not.” Peter shook his head no.

James sighed, he stared at his stomach that was growling.

“Alright, c'mon let's eat up!” James clapped his hands together, his mouth watering at the food on the table.

—

REGULUS' POV

It was after breakfast, Regulus was walking through the halls. Maybe he should tell James about the study buddies, James did look confused when Dumbledore mentioned it.

He's an idiot.

Suddenly, Regulus was pulled into a classroom, his eye twitched when he saw a girl looking at him with eyes he knows too well.

“What do you want?” Regulus scowled as he saw the girl shuffle and fiddle with her fingers. He wants to leave. In fact, he's already taking small steps to the door.

“The Masquerade Ball is coming up and..” The girl squeaked out. Regulus' jaw clenched, this is the 4th one this week.

You see, just the week before this, the Masquerade Ball has been announced at breakfast and at the noticeboard. It was advised to come with a partner.

Regulus knew about these Masquerade Balls, who wouldn't know when you've been forced to learn about it growing up?

“No.” Regulus replied before the girl could even speak. “I will not be going with you.”

“No! No! Not with you, I was just wondering if you could ask James for me..” She fidgeted with a strand of her hair.

James? “Why would you think that?” Regulus frowned. He shouldn't be bothered, Merlin, he even knows James will decline.

“Well, because you two seem really close.”

“We aren't close.” Regulus huffed as he grabbed onto the door knob.

“Wait!” The girl reached out but Regulus moved away as he opened the door and stormed out, slamming it into her face.

“Snogging people in empty classrooms, are we, baby Black?” James grinned, his arms were crossed. When the fuck did James get here?

—

JAMES' POV

James' head was pounding about the Masquerade Ball Remus and Peter told him about. He forgot to spot that too.

Just then, he heard arguments in a classroom, not just any normal voices. Regulus' voice. He immediately ran to the room, pressing his ear up against the door as he listened.

He couldn't really make out the words, bummer. But he was sure there was a girl in there. There must be.

James stayed like that until he heard footsteps approaching the door, he immediately pulled away and saw Regulus looking angered.

“Snogging people in empty classrooms, are we, baby Black?” James grinned, crossing his arms as he stood in front of Regulus.

“You got a problem with who I snog, Potter?” Regulus remarked with a smirk that James would wish to kiss. That's normal, right?

Regulus was looking up at James' normally hazel eyes, but now much darker ones.

“No, but it seems like you have a different problem, Black,” James replied, glancing up and down at Regulus' body. It's a habit, he can't help it.

James slowly walked forward as Regulus stepped back. Then, Regulus' back hit the wall as James leaned in, their bodies pressing against eachother firmly.

Their chest brushed against eachother which made Regulus' jaw clench, feeling a blush run through his cheeks, trying and failing to push James away. That made James grin.

James slowly lifted his hand up, his fingers making Regulus' head tilt slightly as his thumb tugged on Regulus' bottom lip. That seemed to make him stop trying to get out.

“Regulus I-” the door opened, James saw a the girl he assumed was talking with Regulus.

Regulus took a moment to breathe as he glared at the two of them before storming out.

Now James has something else to think about at night.

Chapter Text

REGULUS' POV

“I can't with him, Barty. He's absolutely— absolutely—”

“Hot.” Barty grinned as Evan looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

“Hot? Hot?” Regulus looked at Barty. He's definitely lost it. James Potter can be anything Regulus calls him, stupid, idiotic, annoying but hot?

“Have you seen how that man looks without his shirt? I wonder what about without his pant-” Barty gets roughly pushed by Evan as he frowns. “Calm down, Rosier!” Barty saw the pout on Evan's face, although he continued to grin.

Sure maybe Regulus has took a small glance when James removes his shirt after a Quidditch game but he refuses to call James fucking Potter hot.

Regulus shouldn't be bothered by this. “I'm visiting the elves.” He grumbled, standing up from his bed.

“Woah, this late at night?” Barty asked, who's currently holding Evan's wrists to keep Evan from absolutely tackling him, Regulus guessed. “You better let go of me, Crouch!” Evan struggled.

Regulus scowled as he looked at the two men. “Yeah, I'm sure they'll need my help to prepare food for tomorrow.” No they don't. They don't even prepare food for another hour or two. Maybe three.

“Regulus if you leave this room I won't guarantee Barty would still be alive.” Evan looked at Regulus, Regulus only glared back.

“He's all yours.” Regulus murmured as he walked to the doorframe.

“Do not leave me here, Black!” Barty argued as Regulus opened the door, he turned to Barty and walked one step closer. “I knew you wouldn't leave m-”

Regulus flipped Barty off as he then ignored the yells from the man. He went for the door again, this time exiting it and closing it. They'll be busy.

Regulus sighed as he shoved his hands in his pocket. He's always found Barty's and Evan's relationship—he can't even call that a friendship anymore—maybe too intimate like.

Who sits on each other's lap and gets jealous when the other one is flirting with people? Who literally kissed the other while they kissed back while drunk? Evan and Barty.

Regulus walks through the halls, slightly grinning as he remembers how that drunk kiss of Barty and Evan went.

Well, not really. He was too busy getting drunk himself to remember the whole thing. All he knew was Barty getting pinned against the wall with Evan kissing him pretty harshly.

Seriously, what do people see in kisses? It's like eating each others faces off. Don't people know tongues are sensitive or no? Gosh, Regulus is sure he'd probably mess up his first kiss.

If he'd let anyone kiss him.

Regulus' shoes click against the carpeted floor, approaching the common room as he looks around. He's done this too many times.

Regulus sighs as he looks over to the fireplace. Then, he looks around before silently walking to it. He watched as the fire burned and crackled. Regulus parted his lips and said quietly, “service.”

The fire ran out as there was a wisp of smoke, the bricks on the wall slowly started to crumble, making a low grumble that always made Regulus cautious.

The grumble made a stop as now Regulus was met with a dark entrance with stone stairs leading down. He looked around for the last time, his hand fiddling with his wand.

Regulus took one step where the now crumbled apart bricks had once stood. He took another step to the first step of the stairs, his other foot doing the same with the second stair. Then, the wall rumbled again and Regulus stood, waiting until he heard the grumble stop and the smell of fire again.

Straight down, handle and turn.

Aggie, walk in and climb.

Straight down, handle and turn.

Aggie, walk in and climb.

That's what repeated in Regulus' mind like a mantra as he descended down the stairs.

—

JAMES' POV

James lays awake as he stares at the ceiling. His hands on his chest as he blinks slowly. His blanket was hanging off the bed, James will fix that later.

The room was filled with Sirius' soft snores, Remus shuffling and Peter's sleep talking whispers.

He can't get off his mind how he sees Regulus smirking at him like that. How Regulus didn't push him away when he tugged on his bottom lip gently.

“You got a problem with who I snog, Potter?”

Yes. James definitely has a problem.

He shakes his head away. He doesn't like Regulus, sure he doesn't mind liking boys unless it's Regulus.

Suddenly, James has the urge to check where Regulus is. His hands itched to touch the boy again. Maybe he's sleeping? Maybe. Maybe he's awake? Possible.

James decides he should check the map. If Regulus is in his dorm then he should be sleeping. If Regulus isn't.. in his dorm maybe James will pay him a visit.

James sits up from his bed, looking around before he slowly slides off, grabbing the scarf painted in the nice, lovely crimson his mum gave him in his first year of Hogwarts.

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“Here you go, James.” Euphemia said softly, wrapping the newly knitted scarf around James' neck before parting the boy's head.

“What's this, mum?” James asked as he looked up at his mother. “Is this another one of your pranks?” He huffed, putting his hands on his hips.

The cloth of the scarf was warm, filled with love. Just how James enjoys it.

Euphemia laughed softly. “No, James. It's a scarf I knitted.” She kneeled down in front of James. “Wear this when you miss me, okay? Take good care of it.” She kissed James' forehead.

James nodded eagerly, believing his mother as he nuzzled his head onto the scarf. “Go now, the train is leaving.” Euphemia patted James' shoulder before standing up and backing up to stand beside Monty, James' dad.

“Yes, mum!” James grabbed his trunk, waving bye at his mother as he stepped into the train.

His first year without his mum. Without his parents.

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He slowly looks over at Peter's bed.

James wraps the scarf around his shoulders, feeling Euphemia’s hugs every time he does so. James smiles before he slowly tip toes.

James is about half way to Peter's bed who was across his bed, he winces when he hears Sirius shuffle and stop snoring.

There were a few moments where James was making a choice to run for the map or to run back to bed.

Bed. Maybe he should go to bed. This was a stupid idea.

Then, Sirius started softly snoring again. James sighed with relief as he slowly started tip-toeing to Peter's bed again.

James slowly kneels down as he looks up at Peter, who's still murmuring something about Merlin knows what.

He bends down to grab the Marauders map hidden under Peter's bed, Peter was good at hiding things. Who'd suspect the map was under his bed?

James grins as he slowly walks back to his bed and sits down on the edge. James puts his hand on the bed, then his eyes furrow.

He forgot his wand. James shakes his head in frustration. Where could've he placed it? He swore it was just on his bed.

James leaps out of his bed as he checks everywhere, lifting his pillows, his blanket, looking under his mattress, then he hears soft rustling.

Freeze.

Then, a bed creaking.

He's caught. Merlin, take him now.

"James?" It was Sirius.

"Uhm, hi." It was idiotic if he even tried to pretend he wasn't awake.

"What are you doing?" Sirius asked softly, walking over to James as James clenched his jaw. "Why are you using the map?"

James' palms started to sweat. "Oh you know.." He scratched his nape, looking away.

Sirius raised one eyebrow at him. "I'll open it for you if that's what you're trying to do?" He crossed his arms. "If you're checking if it's broken again."

"Yes!" James hissed as Sirius' eyes widened and made a shh sound, looking over at Remus then Peter before back at James.

"Yes, alright okay." Sirius grinned after seeing James' embarrassed blush sprinkle over the bridge of his nose and cheeks.

James watched as Sirius pulled out his wand from the couch and pointed it to the map. Saying in a hushed whisper, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good.”

—

SIRIUS' POV

Sirius watched as the map started to form the layout of Hogwarts. He grinned at their handiwork, remembering how 14-15 year olds them practically cheered in excitement when they got it to work.

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“James, James it worked! It actually worked!” Peter yelled in excitement as James rushed to his side. “Merlin, we did it!” He exclaimed, grabbing the once your usual everyday parchment that's now a visible map.

“Oh my fuck. I can't believe we just did this.” Remus huffed with a smile, getting up from his chair as he appeared by James' side, taking the map as James and Peter cheerfully hugged each other.

Sirius smiled from afar, he watched with glee as James suddenly pulled him in as they all formed a circle, each person holding onto their neighbour's shoulders.

They spinned around, chanting “it works, it works!”, their laughter filled the room, Sirius remembers the sun glowing brighter than it's usual glow.

It was mesmerising.

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Sirius smiled softly before he looked at James.

“Were you looking for someone?” Sirius asked as James shook his head no.

Suspicious.

“Right..” Sirius raised one eyebrow at James, he shook his head too fast and his eyes were glued onto the map.

“Alright ehm, thanks, Pads.” James smiled, Sirius nodded and just as he was about to close the map off, he saw a familiar name. A name he's seen since he was just a child.

His brother.

Regulus.

Sirius' eyes widened with frustration. Then, his eyebrows furrowed.

“What the fuck is Regulus doing not in the dorms?” Sirius hissed, James' eyes widened and finally took a look at Sirius, who is now the one with his eyes on the map.

Regulus was at the Astronomy Tower. Why the fuck is he there?

Regulus. Maybe someone is with him? Impossible, the map doesn't show anyone there.

Then again, the map used to have errors in the past.. but why now? Why now?

Sirius gripped James' wrist. “James, let's go.”

“Wait, why am I coming?”

“I don't know, just support me!” Sirius snapped, he felt confused. Was he overreacting? Probably. Did he want to see his brother? Definitely.

Sirius groaned as James slowly removed his hand away from his wrist. “Hey, calm down.”

Those words used to calm Sirius down, now it made him more upset. He angrily stormed out of the room, annoyed and clenching his fists tightly.

—

JAMES' POV

James was about to follow him untill he heard a sound.

He looked around to see Peter stirring awake. “James?..” he murmured.

“Go back to sleep, Pete.” James said softly, taking his cloak and the map, slipping into the soft bunny slippers Peter got for him. James kneeled down in front of Peter as he slid the scarf around Peter's neck.

Peter smiled before closing his eyes again, nodding slowly, James smiled back, thank absolute Merlin that Peter was an easy sleeper, he kissed Peter's forehead before quickly getting up and rushing to Sirius.

“Sirius!” James called out in a hushed whisper as he ran down the stairs, the bunny slippers making soft squeaky noises, Sirius threw something at him as James caught it.

It was his wand.

“It was on the couch,” Sirius quickly put on his shoes. “Did you get the cloak?”

James nodded. “Why do I need my wand?”

“I don't know!” Sirius groaned as he collapsed on the couch, his hands running through his hair.

James sighed, he slowly slid the map, his cloak and wand on the table as he slowly sat next to Sirius.

This has happened many times:

Sirius feeling upset or sad and James comforting him.

James doesn't mind. He really doesn't. Although he wondered what it would feel like to be in Sirius' place and for someone else to take his place

James, no. You only need to comfort, not needed to be comforted. You're James Potter with no problems. James shook his head, removing all the thoughts of his desire to be comforted, he placed a hand on Sirius' shoulder, looking at him with a reassuring smile.

—

SIRIUS POV

“I don't know.” Sirius shook his head, not pushing James away when he felt James' arms wrap around him. “I don't know, I'm tired, James. I wanna see him again.”

Sirius looked down mournfully, his mind forcing the memory, the dreadful nightmare of when he ran away from his brother. His little brother.

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“What is family? I have no family here, my family is the Potte-” Sirius tried to speak but Regulus looked at him.

Those silver, sweet eyes who'd look forward to what Sirius had to say, now they're grey ones who didn't bother batting an eye to a single word that escaped Sirius' mouth.

“Me for one. I am family.” Regulus softly but urgently said, as if holding back tears. “You said you'd never leave me.” Regulus murmured, “you liar.”

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Those last words struck Sirius' heart, he didn't even realise tears were running down his face. James was rubbing his back while whispering soft words.

Sirius might've lost one brother, but he's also gained a new one during it. One that he did not think he deserved.

“Do you wanna go back to bed?”

Sirius nodded slowly.

“With Moony?”

He nodded again as James smiled.

There was a few minutes of comfortable silence but a silent conversation passing between them.

Then, James cupped Sirius' cheek as he wiped his tears away with his thumb.

Sirius wrapped his hands around James' wrist gently, leaning into the touch. He slowly got up, James following as James slid an arm around his shoulder.

He felt footsteps, then the floor creaking, then he was in Remus' bed.

He felt James press a kiss on his forehead, then patting Remus' shoulder who was fast asleep.

Sirius doesn't know if James fell asleep, because he just closed his eyes and enjoyed Remus' touch before he could even notice James walking back to his bed.

If he could, Sirius could say James was an absolute angel when comfort was needed. Sirius doesn't know how James does it.

Sirius slowly drifted off to sleep, thinking:

Maybe James is already off to bed. I should be too.

—

JAMES' POV

Or so Sirius thought. James had the invisibility cloak around him, his hands holding the Marauders map as his wand was tucked in his pocket.

He was slowly creeping up onto the Astronomy Tower, where Regulus was staying.

His bunny slippers were squeaking softly and James winces whenever they did, hoping that a teacher passing by won't hear it.

Well, he doesn't really hear a teacher coming because one person is stuck in his mind.

Regulus.

James doesn't know why he wants to see him.

Regulus.
Regulus.
Regulus.

Finally, James got to the stairs of the Astronomy Tower, he grinned. He pulled out his wand as he whispered, “mischief managed.” While pointing at the map, he folded it and tucked it in his pocket, his wand following.

James looked around as he slowly slid off the cloak, his hair dishevelled from letting the cloak rest on his head to cover the rest of his body. James hoised the cloak over his shoulder as he slowly started to climb up.

James opened the door, then he closed it gently.

Now, you could say James has been a bit in love with a few people.

Peter, for example. He remembered a chubby, blonde boy asking his mother for some plants in his room, James remembers the moving truck, he was their new neighbour and James’ palms would always get sweaty, his cheeks would get blushy whenever he thought of the boy.

Funny thing was? James didn't even knew the concept of what love was. He didn't know he had a crush on Pettigrew.

But that all changed when he met Sirius. Sirius, the man he promised to marry if they were both still single by the golden age of 30.

Sirius with those dark curls and gray, silver eyes. Sirius with the scrawny short hair in his 1st year. James still giggles when he remembers it.

It was a small crush, but James used all his heart on the boy.

Another example was Remus Lupin. Remus was a bit different, he was closed off, a bit of a cold shoulder and James set it his life goal to be friends with this kid.

“Befriend everyone.” Wise words of his father said. “Don't rival anyone. Make your life full of positivity.” Well, maybe James has misheard that last sentence.

Remus.. oh Remus. James remembers it was actually Remus who was his first kiss. It's a bit silly how it played out actually.

It all started with small glances and tiny waves. James would catch Remus' eye in classes, James would notice the way Remus would brush his hands against his just a little bit.

Maddening, you could say.

James, 13 year old James brought up the courage to pull Remus in an empty classroom and kiss him with all his might.

Well, it wasn't all that exciting when James looks back at it now. It was clear that they were beginner kissers.

Not for James, not for 13 year old James. He thought his heart would be bonded with this boy's heart forever.

It was a bit awkward but the glances would increase and the hand brushing together became holding hands entirely, that had to mean something right?

Well, until the ripe year of 4th. Lily Evans. If James thought his heart would be bonded with Remus' then he was wrong.

It was a bit confusing, he thought he loved Remus. But Lily.. Lily damn Evans when she defended a 1st year. And James' heart leapt. To his surprise, his glances at Remus turned to Lily's.

His thoughts of the boy's brown curls turned into Lily's wavy, orange ones.

To James' surprise, Remus seemed to be catching the hint and stopped holding his hand. The glances didn't stop though.

James found it weird, Remus would still glance at him to this very day too.

But, friends should be able to look at other friends right? Right?

Again with Lily, James thought his heart belonged to her. She would be able to do anything with it, the problem? Lily never took his heart. She never did. And that only upset James.

He decided at the start of 5th year, he'll never fall in love with anyone else ever again.

It was going well, obviously. Nobody caught his eye in class really,

But oh.. Regulus Black the devil you are on his shoulder. Regulus Black the boy who has been competing with him since his 4th year. Regulus Black the boy who stayed in his mind all year and summer. Regulus Black, the boy who made his heart beat faster than anyone else had.

Regulus Black the boy who's pinning James Potter against the wall right now with a wand against his throat.

Those beautiful silver eyes piercing onto James' hazel ones, a smirk slowly creeping up onto James' face.

Regulus.

Finally.

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

Chapter Text

REGULUS' POV

“What in the bloody hell are you doing here?” Regulus asked, scowling at James. “Speak up.” He felt a piece of cloth falling off the boy's shoulders, Regulus looked around his body but nothing seemed to fall.

I'm not hallucinating. Regulus told himself.

He saw James slowly smirking at him. What is this bloody idiot doing? “I'm actually going to hex you, how did you find me?” Regulus jabbed his wand against James' throat.

Regulus raised one of his eyebrows just as James chuckled lightly, he bit his lip as he resisted from twisting the snake ring on his finger.

Merlin save him now.

“Having a midnight snack in the astronomy tower, are we?” James nodded at the small wrapped up plastic sandwich.

Seriously? Why are you trying to change the topic?

“Is this one of your pranks?” Regulus snarled, trying to get back on track.

“If it is, I wouldn’t be in the same room as you.” James shrugged lightly.

He's right.

Regulus’ eyes slowly trailed down to James’ lips before snapping back at his eyes.

Focus.

“Midnight snack? Are you hungry or something?” Regulus scoffed, pressing the wand even more against James' throat, he saw some sort of yellow folded paper in James’ pocket, he was about to grab it until James spoke, distracting him.

“I'm just being honest lo- Regulus.”

What was James about to say? Regulus blinked slowly at him before scowling and removing his wand away from James' neck. “Someone gave them to me.” Regulus answered, forcing the question down his throat.

“Who?” James asked.

What were you gonna say?

This wasn't like an exam paper where if you studied you already know the answers, no. Regulus had to guess the answer.

“Quick to know, aren't we?” Can I know what you were about to say?

Regulus rolled his eyes as he walked over to the sandwich placed firmly on the table. “No one.”

He unwrapped the plastic, leaving half of the sandwich wrapped with plastic as he brought the unwrapped sandwich part up to his mouth.

Aggie gave it to me. Regulus unexpectedly wanted to say but he forced the thought in the back of his mind. Why does James need to know that? Regulus doubts James even knows who Aggie is.

He doesn't need to know that.

“Mm, why are you here?” James asked just as Regulus took a bite of the sandwich.

There was a moment of silence, an awkward one, Regulus hates those kinds.

He looked down, noticing James slightly shuffling. Regulus gulped down the bite of the sandwich, looking up at James' hazel eyes as he parted his lips to speak.

“Why do you think I'm here?” He remarked.

He saw as James blinked slowly then looked at the window then Regulus. “To see the stars?”

“Good to know you're not as dumb as you look.” Regulus murmured as James frowned. “Just so you know it's your fault that you didn't beat my score in-”

“In what?” Regulus interrupted. “We're tied in with everything, Potter. Work amount, house scores, test results, everything.” He groaned, maybe James did look as dumb as he looked.

“Well, it's still your fault for being in 2nd place.”

“You were in 2nd place too. If I had to guess if it wasn't for Lily Evans over there I would be in 1st.”

“We'd both be in 1st, Reg!” James exclaimed, Regulus didn't know to scold him for yelling or to be grateful Filch didn't hear it.

Regulus scoffed as he rubbed his temple. “That isn't my name.”

“Yes it is.” James grinned as he crossed his arms and walked slowly over to Regulus.

Regulus bit onto his lower lip to keep himself from hexing James.

How did they even get from here? Regulus isn't dumb, he knows their conversations always jump from the first insult to another.

One tease to another.

“No it isn't.”

“Yes it is. Took you a bit long to reply, cat got your tongue?”

“Oh, shut up.” Regulus murmured, turning away as he bit onto his sandwich again. “You didn't say no.” James said in a sing-song voice, Regulus' jaw clenched.

I really hate this man.

“Shut it.” Regulus turned as pointed his wand at James, who wasn’t that far, just the tip of Regulus’ wand brushed lightly against James’ chest. “I won’t be afraid to hex you.”

I'm wishing I could, but mum won't be proud of me if I get in detention.

“Maybe you will be too distracted by my lips to even hex me, Regulus.”

“It’s Black to you and I was not looking at your lips.” Regulus jabbed his wand.

“All bark yet no bite.” James put his finger on Regulus’ wand and pushed it away lightly, Regulus rolled his eyes as he put it off to his side.

“Same to you.” I need some air. “Don’t follow me or-”

“Or you’ll hex me?” James leaned in closer and Regulus’ breath hitched. “Kill me perhaps? I know, Black.”

Regulus bit his lower lip again, he stiffly nodded as he placed his wand in his pocket.

Regulus slowly walked over to the window, his shoes clinking against the floor.

Don't think about him.

He then placed his arm on the railing as he looked out in the night sky, silently calling out the constellations that decided to show up.

Cassiopeia.

Andromeda.

Draco.

Then, Regulus heard soft slippers squeaking as James walked over to stand beside him, his stomach grumbling,

Mother wouldn't approve of him.

James laughed lightly before looking at the sandwich Regulus was holding, “what is it? And didn’t I-” Regulus cleared his throat. “Didn’t you say I’d kill you?” Regulus asked, moving away slightly.

Too close. Don't get too close. Never get too close.

“Sorry, just a bit hungry. And I don’t see any killing curses in my way.” James winked and Regulus’ jaw clenched.

“Didn't you eat? I'm sure you don't need any..” Regulus looked up and down and raised an eyebrow before looking back at James' eyes. “more.”

“Did you just call me fat with your eyes?”

“You're hallucinating.”

Regulus’ eyes looked at James’ lips quickly before looking away. “Well I'm sorry,” James murmured something inaudible at that last word. Regulus knows it.

“What did you say?” Regulus asked, what are you hiding? A new insult?

“I'm sorry,” James repeated, blinking slowly as Regulus shook his head.

“No, no, you said something after ‘I’m sorry’ your lips were still moving.” Regulus pointed out, James blinked slowly before blushing lightly. Why was James blushing?

James slightly shuffled a bit closer. Why was James getting closer? Why wasn't he talking? Why can't I move back? Why don't I wanna move back? Is my cheeks heating up? Wait-

“You were looking at my lips again?” James asked almost breathlessly, his eyes full of light despite it being night.

No.

Yes.

No.

Yes!

Regulus parted his lips before James grinned and suddenly took his sandwich out of his hand.

What the bloody hell just happened?

“Thanks for this.” James said proudly as he patted his own back, stupid, stupid, stupid. Regulus silently cursed. James took a bite of the sandwich Regulus once held, he closed his eyes as he smiled brightly. “Banana bread?”

Regulus slowly nodded before shaking his head lightly and furrowing his eyebrows.

What just happened?

James Potter, what did you just do to me?

What was that cloth that fell from your shoulder?

What was that yellow paper in your pocket?

Answer me!

—

JAMES’ POV

Not cool, James. NOT COOL!

Stupid, stupid, stupid!!

Change the subject!

“So uhm,” James looked at the sandwich, shuffling lightly. “How did you come here?” Don’t mess this up, James.

Regulus looked at James with.. How can James say it? A panicked look? His eyes trailed down to see Regulus fidgeting with the rings on his fingers, sliding them off and on idly.

He's killing me.

“How did you get here, then?” Regulus retorted, his hands still fidgeting but now looking at James with a fierce look.

Touche, just how I like you.

What? What are you thinking of James!?

“Eh..”

Should I tell you?

My friends wouldn't get mad, right?

“My invisibility cloak.” I told you. James pointed at a cloak that was discarded and forgotten on the floor.

Regulus looks at the wrong corner and James laughs. “No, not that.” He shook his head and Regulus pouted.

I love you when you’re like this.

James put his hand on Regulus’ shoulder, it trailed down to Regulus’ wrist, then to his arm, and then his hand. He interlocked them together and felt Regulus tense slightly.

Can I do this?

James gulped as he smiled softly at Regulus, hoping he didn't look nervous.

“First off,” Regulus started, “why are you holding my hand and second, are you gonna finish my sandwich or are you gonna give it back?” He nodded at the half eaten banana sandwich in James’ hand.

Stupid James, of course you can't do this.

“O-oh-” James cleared his throat. “Well-” James blinked slowly.

Think. Think of a reason other than wanting to hold his hand, James. That's a stupid reason.

“Y-your hand seemed cold so I'm warming it up for you.” James assured, “and about your sandwich ehh..” He looked at the sandwich and offered it to Regulus. “You can have it back but I can finish it if you don't want it anymore.”

What are you saying? Now he's looking at you weird!

Regulus smirked slightly as he then took the sandwich from James’ hand, slipping his hand away from James’ hand—making James frown but intrigued—and Regulus took his wand from his pocket, walking over to the table as he mumbled a spell.

He flicked his wand in the air, pointing it at the sandwich as a small blast of red light hit it.

The sandwich turned into a teapot painted with a nice blue pattern complimenting its white coat.

It's just as pretty as you, do you know that, Regulus?

Regulus then placed the wand back into his pocket, offering his hand.

“Showing off magic?” James asked, smiling brightly again as he eagerly took Regulus’ hand.

Your hand is cold. You're letting me hold it.

James sighed with relief as he gripped it tighter.

“No, it's gonna be unusual if we forget the sandwich somehow and someone sees it placed on the table so I figured nothing would be out of sorts if it's a teapot.”

Smart.

“Oh, right.” James spoke instead of complimenting Regulus, which he deeply wanted to do.

He looked at the floor, feeling Regulus doing the same. There was a moment of silence.

What are you doing?

Take him to the cloak.

You did this upon yourself.

He tugged on Regulus’ hand, getting back on track. Regulus’ hand was smooth against his rough hand, it was a little bit smaller than his but of course that was because Regulus was a year younger than him.

You’re really doing this, James.

James led Regulus to the corner where he was nodding at earlier, “there,” James said. He pointed at it, Regulus raised an eyebrow at James before looking at where James was pointing.

James slipped his hand away from Regulus, he kneeled down to grab the cloak as he showed it off, turning it over so that Regulus could see the blanket like part of the cloak.

“Now where in Merlin's name did you get that?” Regulus raised an eyebrow at James as he grinned. “It was passed on.” James told as he stood up and wrapped an arm around Regulus' shoulders, holding the cloak in his other hand proudly.

Regulus crossed his arms as he gently patted James' hand, strangely, James immediately retorted his arm, getting the sign despite not wanting to. His eyes trailed down to what Regulus was wearing.

He didn't know why he didn't notice it until now.

It was a silky like black cloth with a few yellow like stars (which he suspected was a small amount of glitter) sprinkled around, there was a soft white fur at the ends of Regulus' sleeves and pants. “Didn't know you were the one for these kinds of pyjamas.” James softly said, putting a hand on his own hip.

I love them.

“Well, Dorcas called it fashion.” Regulus answered, making the air quotes gesture after and before the word ‘fashion’. Thank you Dorcas. James said in his mind. “She stitched it herself, actually.” Regulus murmured, fidgeting with the ends of the fur on his pyjamas.

“Do you hate it?” James asked, that was a stupid question, James.

“Hate it? Really?” Regulus rolled his eyes. “I don't like how it feels.” A slight blush appeared on the tips of Regulus' ears, he's lying.

“Then why can't you just magic it away? I'm sure you've already found a spell for it.” James' hand gently flicked the fur as Regulus pushed his hand away gently.

He didn't answer as his cheeks were dusted with a soft pink blush.

Knew it.

“You love it, don't you?” James answered for him. “You love the fur, Reg, admit it.”

“For the last time, Potter, my name isn't Reg it's Black to you and—” Regulus groaned as he rubbed his temple. “Yes— yes, okay I do like it, just— not love it.” The blush on the tips of Regulus' ears stayed. He's still lying.

Oh, Regulus. You do love it.

James laughed and just as he was about to tease him again, he started hearing footsteps.

“Do you smell anyone, Ms. Norris?” Filch’s voice echoed through the stairs and James immediately threw the cloak over him and Regulus, grabbing Regulus by his waist as his other hand covered Regulus' mouth.

Party pooper.

—

REGULUS' POV

If Regulus didn't think James was hot earlier, damn he was absolutely wrong.

Because James Potter has an arm around his waist with his hand covering Regulus' mouth. The James Potter.

At least him and Barty have something else in common now.

I'm sweating because of the cloak. Not James.

Cloak. Not James.

James was looking at the door, he then grinned as he looked over at Regulus, if Regulus knew any better James was probably checking him out.

That's normal right? Checking..people out for their.. weaknesses, yes. Weaknesses.

James and I do it all the time, what's the problem?

I should not be sweating.

“Well aren't you a-” James hissed and removed his hand from Regulus' mouth just when Regulus stomped on his foot.

Moment ruined.

“Don't continue that sentence.” Regulus ordered, pulling the cloak off him.

“What's got you all snappy?” James frowned. Regulus glared at James', his eyes trailing down and up his body before placing his hand on his hip.

“Seriously, me?” James crossed his arms and pouted slightly.

“Oh, don't be such a baby.” Regulus rolled his eyes as he walked over to the teapot.

You already act like one.

“You wear leather shoes?”

“You wear bunny slippers.”

“At least they're comfortable.”

“At least Walburga would approve of mine.”

“Why would I care what your mother,” James made air quotes at the word mother, “approves or not?”

“Because she's..” Regulus traced the pattern on the teapot.

“She's…” James followed up, building up the sentence as he walked beside Regulus.

Do you always have to be next to me?

Actually please always be next to me.

Wait what? Focus, Regulus!

“Because she's a Black.”

“You're a Black too and you don't tell everyone what you approve of or don't. Sirius does the same.” Sirius isn't a Black, not anymore.

“Are you comparing us to her?”

“What's your problem with it?”

“We aren't her and she isn't us.” Regulus pointed at himself, his eyes looking from the teapot to James' eyes. Regulus silently apologized to the woman in his mind.

“Well,” James placed his hands on his hips, “your statement earlier said another thing.”

“Well aren't you an annoying one?”

“You love it.”

“I hate it.”

I love it.

James' jaw clenched as he shook his head and sighed. “Say uhm,” he clicked his teeth before pointing at the window. “You were looking at the stars right? Like.. the..” He snapped his fingers a few times.

Honestly, how do you even get to the same place as me?

“Constellations?” Regulus guessed as James pointed at him and nodded. “Yes!” He hissed with excitement as Regulus nudged his shoulder.

“Well, first don't be loud Filch will hear you and I don't fancy being in the same sweaty cloak with you again.”

“Hey it wasn't-”

“And second.” Regulus hovered his hand over James' face. “Why do you wanna know about the constellations I was looking at?”

“Uhm.” James suddenly felt the urge to hold Regulus' hand again. To.. warm it up. “Because..” James' hand instead scratched the back of his neck. “Astronomy! Right, I need help..” James tapped his head. “Remembering the constellations.”

“You.. need help remembering the constellations?” Regulus repeated very slowly, as if talking to a toddler.

“Yes!” James confirmed and Regulus placed his index finger on James' lips. “Shut up.” He hissed.

James blinked slowly, looking at the almost blue eyes in Regulus' usual silver ones. He's beauti- his eyes are- are beautiful.. Not that it wasn't beautiful before but Merlin. It's exotic

Can I know all of your thoughts in those eyes?

“Hey..” James slowly removed Regulus' hand, taking his wrist and slowly pulling it down, noticing how Regulus' eyes slightly softened.

“Your eyes have a little blue in them.”

“I- really?” Regulus said softly, James leaned in to brush a strand of hair behind Regulus' ear. “Mhm, it's really..” James looked down at Regulus' lips before clearing his throat.

“Stupid. You're stupid- I mean no- I'm stupid- agh. No this is stupid-” James what are you DOING!?

“Stupid..” Regulus repeated, scoffing as he cleared his throat. “Really, that's the best one you can come up with?” He gently hit James' chest, James sighed as he took the hit with no complaints.

“Uhm.” He coughed, gulping down the awkwardness. “Constellations?” James suggested, pointing at the window.

“Right. Constellations.” Regulus agreed—much to James' relief—James offered his hand but Regulus only looked at it before crossing his arms, James immediately recoiled his hand and bit his lower lip.

Now look at what you've done, James. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Regulus started walking and James, on autopilot, immediately started following him, he shoved his hands in his pockets as he looked down at the floor.

Why did you say stupid? You could've said something like.. pretty- no. Something like- interesting! Interesting, yes… that's good enough for Regulus right? Stupid? Really, James?

Why do you have to be so stupid sometimes?

“James.” Regulus gently placed his hand on James' shoulder. “You weren't talking and I kept saying Potter but you didn't answer.”

Oh.

He was calling for me?

“Sorry lov-” STOP IT. “Regulus.”

Regulus slid his hand off James' shoulder. “You left your cloak.” He pointed at the spot where he and James were at just a while ago.

“Oh, pft.. it'll.. be fine.” James assured, silently hoping he won't forget it when he gets back.

“Right.. if you forget it you're getting that yourself.” Regulus muttered, making James frown but finding himself an excuse to get back to the tower to see Regulus again :

He forgot his cloak and just happened to bump into Regulus.

Is that a good excuse? Maybe. Is it a dumb explanation? Regulus would find it dumb.

“Right so, tell me about the constellations, Regg..—” Regulus raised his eyebrow. “—…ulus.” James said as the shorter boy sighed.

“Close enough. I guess,” He shook his head in disappointment, then tilted his head up at the sky, “alright, so.”

Regulus started pointing at different stars, tracing them to show the lines of the constellations, naming them as James.. Well James isn't really listening.

Have you ever noticed how pretty his eyes are when he's this excited about something?

His eyes are basically sparkling with stars.. Merlin, he's so pretty.

Regulus Black is the absolute beauty of a Greek God.

I'm so lucky to see this.

I didn't know you could talk about things like this with that much passion.

Please do it more.

—

REGULUS' POV

2 HOURS LATER

“What’s the time?” Regulus asked, looking at James.

“What?” James answered. Idiot. “Oh- it's..” James looked around, absolute idiot.

James pulled out his wand as he pointed at the sky as he looked at it, then a short blast of yellow came from his wand.

Non verbal time spell. Regulus guessed.

The numbers, 4:03 AM, showed on the spot James was pointing at before it dissolved and twinkled down into a thin air of small star shapes.

“It’s late, we gotta go.” Regulus said, getting up as he patted James' shoulder, he saw James frown.

I know. I wanna stay with you too.

Regulus, stop it. That isn't what he is saying

Don't get close.

“Remember your cloak.” Regulus remembered as James nodded and got up.

“Can we do this again?” James asked, Regulus blinked slowly just as James slowly got up too, looking eager at the shorter boy while he smiled.

Do this again?

I'd love to.

No.

Maybe?

Yes?

Please, yes.

“Thanks.” Bloody hell.

“Thanks?” James repeated, raising one of his eyebrows as his smile faltered.

Regulus, what did you just say? Now he's confused!

“Sorry-” Blacks don't apologise. Orion's voice echoed through Regulus' mind. You make them apologise.

But Regulus doesn't wanna make James apologise, he didn't do anything stupid this time. Regulus did.

Regulus pinched his own shoulder just as his mother used to for discipline, he silently hoped that his pinch was as hard as his mother's. “Yeah. Yeah, we can do this again.” Regulus said weakly, mother wouldn't approve.

“When?” James lightened up, Regulus could swear the whole world suddenly looked brighter. “Uh- when are you free?” Regulus asked, now fiddling with the snake ring on his finger.

“Anytime where there isn't Quidditch practice tomorrow.” James answered.

“Oh, because you get up at the crack of dawn?” Regulus guessed, grinning a bit.

“How do you know that?” James hummed, putting his hands on his hips as he gave Regulus a proud smirk.

Because you're too loud.

“Please, James. I can hear you marching down to the Quidditch pitch at this time for practice.” Regulus brushed off.

“Hear me? Now what would the Regulus Black be doing at this time?” James leaned closer, Regulus' eyes looked at his lips again and he didn't wanna look away.

Studying.

Thinking about you.

Studying.

Thinking about James Potte-

STUDYING.

“Studying.” Thank Merlin. Regulus snapped his eyes at James' honey, hazel ones.

“Studying? Are you trying that hard to beat me, Black?” James teased, his hand tracing Regulus' jawline just as Regulus' breath hitched again.

He's been doing that a lot lately.

“You'd wish.” That was the only thing I could think of. “I could beat you anytime I want.” I could.

“Awhh, you're going easy on me?” James tsked as he slid his arm around Regulus' shoulder. “I don't need your pity, Black.”

Is it strange if I missed how my name ‘Regulus’ would roll off your tongue?

Hypothetically, not actually.

…Hypothetically

Not actually.

“Stop touching me.” Regulus huffed, slapping James' hand away as James hissed. “Wow, okay.” James frowned as he walked over to his discarded cloak.

I was joking, please don't stop.

James bent down to pick it up, then wrapped it around his shoulders as he then turned to Regulus with a look so bright, the sun should be jealous of him.

“Think we can sneak around without Filch finding us?”

“How do you propose we do..” Regulus' eyes trailed down to James' cloak, and the dots lined up. “No.”

“Why not! You've been in it with me at least once tonight.” James argued.

“Yeah but it was for a few seconds when we thought someone was coming.” Regulus hissed. Absolutely no way he's going back in that cloak with James again.

He doesn't think he can hold back from leaning his head on James' chest.

Why does he wanna do that?

He shouldn't want to do that.

It's wrong.

“C'mon! The way to your common room is at least just a few minutes, less than an hour!” James insisted, Regulus could use the elevator but.. he doesn't think Aggie will be too happy that he showed it to someone without her permission.

Actually, can she get mad?

Regulus was deep in thought before he felt an arm on his shoulder. His head snapped back into reality and his eyes immediately widened when he saw James looking at him with those Merlin forbid.. beautiful eyes.

“Hey, if you're uncomfortable just say so. If you want, I can sneak around without the cloak while you use it.” James offered, handing the cloak over as Regulus took it with shaky hands.

You're too nice.

His eyes went back to James' lips before back at his eyes.

Focus!

“If you want?” James gently pressed the cloak against Regulus' chest.

I’d rather you were with me.

“Sure.” Regulus said instead, despite his heart begging for James to stay close with him. “If you get caught-”

“It's fine, Reggie.” James winked as Regulus' cheeks felt hot. “I've been in too many detentions to feel like it's home. I always come back.”

How are you even Head boy?

“Right.. so if I push you in the corridor as a distraction when Filch's cat smells us and leg it, you'd come back?” Regulus grinned, wrapping the cloak around his shoulders.

I'm not wrong.

“You wouldn't.”

“Are you wishing me to?”

James bit his lower lip, then he chuckled lightly, Regulus' grip on the cloak tightened.

“Alright, let's go.” James told, leaning over to pull the cloak over the rest of Regulus' body, covering him completely. “No funny business?”

“Bold of you to say that.” Regulus muttered as James shook his head with the brightest smile on his face.

Can someone's smile be this pretty? No?

I mean, I can admire someone's smile without that being weird.

Why can't I?

—

JAMES' POV

James was fiddling with the folded yellow paper in his pocket, the Marauders map. Regulus can't possibly know about it.

Not now.

It wouldn't hurt if.. James passed it on to him now, right?

.
.
.

It was the day before September 1st.

“It's our last year,” Sirius said, frowning as he looked up at the ceiling decorated with paper yellow flowers. The constellation of the Canis Major was at the centre, where Sirius was looking at.

James remembered when Sirius came onto their doorstep at the age of 15. Clutching his trunk as he sobbed uncontrollably about leaving his brother.

James remembered when Sirius had his own room, he remembers helping Sirius cut paper stars and sticking them on the wall in a specific order and place to resemble constellations.

He remembers.. watching Sirius stick the paper flowers in the constellation of Leo, seeing the face of guilt in his face, his happiness faltering for a moment.

James had his own room, yes, but he couldn't sleep.

He knows Sirius couldn't sleep either because there were no soft snores coming from his room.

So James sneaked into Sirius' bed (with his permission, even though Sirius said he was free anytime) and they both talked quietly about their futures.

“Our last year until we're out of school and we need to find jobs.. be adults.” Sirius said in a whisper, looking over to James who was looking at the makeshift Leo constellation at the corner of the room, strangely far away from Sirius' constellation.

Last year until they're out of Hogwarts. No more homework, no more pranks in school, no more seeing the old faces of witches and wizards that were with them since their 1st year and new faces of 1st years every year since they were 11.

“We need to explore the school again. There must be something we must've missed.” James looked at Sirius, who was looking at him like he had the same thought.

That was a good idea, but..

To be honest? They were just looking for a reason to feel like they aren't leaving Hogwarts. Another reason to feel like they were kids again and not teenagers who aren't prepared for adulthood.

Especially James. He isn't ready for all of this to leave. He isn't ready to not see those silver eyes of that boy everyday. He isn't ready to not spot those black curls everyday, he isn't ready to let go and beat him this year, or let him beat James.

James isn't ready yet.

Can he hold on a bit longer? Just a few more years perhaps? Can James feel that same feeling he felt when he was going on the Hogwarts express for the first time?

Can he feel excitement? Eagerness? Ready? Can he not feel like he's about to enter a side he isn't ready to enter yet?

James looked solemn, Sirius squeezed his arm, catching James' attention as he looked at Sirius, Sirius who had the same silver eyes, the same black curls but longer, Sirius who was always with him.

Always and forever.

“Prongs?” Sirius softly said with a smile.

“Mhm?” James answered. He'll always answer.

“I love you.”

“I love you too, Padfoot.”

James and Sirius smiled to each other, for other people this would seem like they like each other romantically, but to them.. this is all platonic. They've got this bond, this special bond that no one else can ruin.

They've got each other, and they aren't letting each other go yet.

.
.
.

“Are we going?” Regulus asked, his head the only thing not being covered by the cloak, James' mind snapped away from the memory as he looked up at Regulus, who looked uneasy.

“You were looking at the floor for a bit too long, thinking something happened to you. Are you..” Regulus tilted his head to the side. “Okay?” He asked with concern.

Genuine concern. This is a rare side of Regulus Black, might as well embrace it.

“Yes, I'm okay. Let's go.” James nodded, walking over to Regulus' side as Regulus dipped his head under the cloak again.

James' hand on instinct reached out for something he couldn't reach. He couldn't reach Regulus' hand.

Remember that, you idiot.

He retorted his hand, he instead made it reach out for the door, looking over to where he last saw Regulus, he isn't even sure if Regulus was at the place he was looking at because of the cloak, but he can imagine.

James opened the door, peeking his head out to see if anyone was outside, then he sighed of relief as he made a gesture (much like Marlene when she's telling someone to come over) that told Regulus the coast was clear.

James heard a shuffle of footsteps, then his shoulder getting bumped lightly. Yup, definitely Regulus.

James bit his lower lip, he's taken risks before and.. he's done bigger risks than this. Sirius' voice runs through James' mind like how Spanish music does when he's at his house, blasting it too early in the morning.

.
.
.

“We need to pass this map down, give it to younger generations, people who need it.” Sirius said, looking at the map in his hands.

“I know our laughs will always stay in these walls, I know that our pranks will not be left in vain, I know that we will.. never actually leave Hogwarts.” Sirius looked at James.

“But we should at least give them something. This map wouldn't be that useful to us after we graduate.”

There was a moment of silence before James came up to pat Sirius' back, Remus smiling and Peter clapping.

“Well said, Padfoot.” James praised, Sirius grinned.

“Alright, let's talk about who's gonna have it.” Remus said, taking the map from Sirius' hands.

James could feel Sirius tense slightly when his and Remus' fingertips brush together, they're hopeless.

.
.
.

Sirius won't mind if Regulus knows about it now, right?

James slowly picked the map from his pocket, half hoping that Regulus is here, the other half hoping Regulus isn't there.

He quickly set the map on the floor, spreading it out as he took his wand in his pocket, looking around.

Where could he be?

James knew he shouldn't be this worried, it was Regulus. He could take care of himself, but he can't help it.

He means- he's worried for his cloak, not.. Regulus.

James pointed his wand at the yellow paper. “I solemnly swear I am up to no good.” James whispered and the ink painted the map once again, showing the layout of Hogwarts.

James' eyes darted to the Astronomy Tower, looking if Regulus was close by.

The name “Regulus” was in the Tower, right behind James.

He's still here. James smiled brightly.

—

REGULUS' POV

So that was the yellow paper? Regulus thought, standing behind James, James' cloak over his body as he looked over at the map.

“Wasn't planning for you to see it this early,” James said with a silly smile, scratching his nape. “I thought you went out.”

he looked at where Regulus was standing, even though if you didn't know Regulus was there right now, it would look like James was talking to nothing and he just looked like a madman.

Regulus sighed, he peeked his head from the cloak. “I did, I went back in when I saw you take out..” he nodded at the map. “That.”

“Well, you already know it.” James stood up, looking at Regulus with bright eyes. Regulus wants to know all the ideas behind those eyes.

“I was gonna pass it onto you.” Why me?> “Due to your brother's choice.”

Oh.

Oh?

“My..” he isn't your brother anymore. Regulus bit back the word ‘brother’ that was rumbling up his throat.

“Sirius' choice?” He got disowned. James is his brother. Don't be stupid, Regulus. He doesn't see you as his brother.

He. Got. Disowned.

Remember that, Regulus.

He pinched his own shoulder again, hoping James didn't notice the slight movement.

“Yes, he suspected you'd find it interesting.” Well it is. “We were supposed to give it to you before graduation.” Please don't remind me that you're leaving this year, James.

Please never remind me of that again.

“So, pretend you haven't seen this yet, okay?” James said, clueless to the small panic rising in Regulus' heart, remembering that James is leaving this year.

He isn't coming back next year.

“Okay-” Regulus choked out, his voice being hoarse, he cleared his throat.

“Okay.” He said more firmly and James nodded as he placed his wand in his pocket and picked up the map, holding it up.

“Filch isn't close by, let's go.” Regulus covered his head in the cloak once again, he hadn't noticed how it smelled like James.

It's nice, Regulus likes it. Is it weird if he's hoping James would give this cloak to him too?

James started walking over to the door, leaving the room like how he was gonna leave Regulus after graduation.

Regulus puffed his chest as he forced himself to follow James.

4 MINUTES LATER

Fortunately, they were able to get through the castle without any casualties. Regulus couldn't help but laugh to himself when James almost tripped down the stairs multiple times because he was looking at the map.

“Here you go.” Regulus said, handing the cloak over to James, who was waiting patiently for Regulus.

James took the cloak, smiling at Regulus. He was about to ask if James will be fine until James already answered. “I'll be fine, don't worry about me.” He said, assuring Regulus.

You know me too well.

Regulus' heart beated a bit faster. He nodded as he smiled softly at James. He didn't wanna stop smiling, although it's not like his face would let him stop smiling.

He feels warm, not cold. For the first time in a long time.

It's a nice feeling, can Regulus hold onto it forever? Can the universe let him have this?

“I'll see you later?” Regulus asked, tilting his head to the side.

“Later.” James promised, “don't tell anyone about the map.” He said, grinning as he wrapped the cloak around his shoulders, his head being the only thing visible.

It's silly, really. But it's magical.

And wow, James and his friends weren't probably the legal age when they made the map.

It's so.. intriguing on how they could do that.

“I won't.” Regulus said quietly, he was about to turn to the wall to say the code until he noticed James' hand moving, holding out his pinkie finger.

“What's this?” Regulus asked, putting his hand on his hip.

“Pinkie promise. Promise me you won't tell anyone.” James insisted, Regulus raised one of his eyebrows and suppressed a scoff.

“Is it a spell? Unbreakable vow?” He asked, hoping he sounded intrigued because he wanted to see that bright smile on James' face again.

And Regulus saw that beautiful smile again. If he could, he wishes James would smile at him like that forever.

“No it isn't a spell, Lily taught me it.” James said, his hands taking one of Regulus' hands as the cloak fell from his shoulders due to nothing holding it.

He moulded Regulus' hand to make it look like his, holding out his pinkie finger. Then, he wrapped his pinkie finger with Regulus', holding tightly.

“Pinkie promise me that you won't tell anyone about the map nor the cloak unless you wanna pass it onto them.” James spoke, Regulus blinked slowly, then he started giggling.

“Hey, you have to be serious about this!”

“How can I be when it's so stupid?”

“It's not stupid, it's supposed to be promising!” James huffed, Regulus rolled his eyes with a smirk on his face.

James raised one of his eyebrows, waiting patiently as his grip grew tighter.

He parted his lips, “I.. pinkie promise.” He said gently as if talking to a toddler version of James. “Good,” James said proudly, he removed his pinkie finger away from Regulus'.

Now Regulus was missing his touch.

Come back, James. Please.

“Byebye, Reggie!” Reggie?

“Not my name.”

“I know.” That was the last thing James said before picking up the cloak and map, wrapping the cloak around him and as if vanishing from thin air.

Regulus is so screwed.

He looked at the wall, his hand coming up to clutch his chest, where his heart was supposed to be.

I wanna see you again soon, James.

I hope it won't be long.

That's all I ask.

Regulus thought, before saying the code : “Purity.” and then entering the room, everything was a blur, his mind being filled to the brim about James.

Screwed. He's absolutely screwed.

Regulus doesn't know when he landed in his bed, his shoes still on, his curtains closed off as he looked up, wishing he was looking at those honey hazel eyes.

When can I see you again? He thought, his eyes refusing to drift off to sleep, too excited about later, his body going against his orders to check if Barty and Evan were awake because he wanted to tell someone what just happened (although they were most likely sleeping in the same bed so it's just gonna be a one way trip.)

Everything that happened.

Everything about James.

James.

James.

James.

Oh, you're a devil in disguise under that angel cover.

—

JAMES' POV

James would be in a rush, usually running from Filch while laughing.

But right now? He's slowly walking as the memories of Regulus with those bright eyes look into the sky. James held the map in his hands in front of him, the cloak covering his body.

His cheeks are warm, James doesn't mind. People say he's warm when he hugs them. Oh, he hopes Regulus hugs him one day. Maybe a big bear hug.

James smiles to himself as he remembered how Regulus was the brightest star among all of them. Regulus lights up his world and he doesn't even know it.

There's just something about that boy, something in his thoughts, his mind, his heart, his soul, his ideas, his personality..

His smile, his eyes, his smile, his hair, his hands, how he feels, how he touches, how he acts.

James embraces it all. Everything Regulus offers, James will accept it.

All James is waiting for is for Regulus to let him. Waiting for Regulus to give him his heart and James will protect it with his own.

For all James cares, Regulus can break his heart and he wouldn't mind. All that matters is if Regulus' heart is alright in his hands, not broken, not cracked, not shattered, all intact. Even if his own heart isn't.

Because nothing else felt so right having Regulus’ cold hand hold his own warm hand.

Nothing else has felt so right having Regulus smile at him with such gentleness and care.

Nothing else has ever felt so right seeing the stars in Regulus' silver with little blue eyes twinkle brighter than any star James has ever seen.

James' foot graces the flooring of the Gryffindor common room, the warm smile still visible on his face.

I wish to see you again, mi estrella.

Let's hope we won't have to wait too long.

James walks up the stairs, forgetting to slide the cloak off him as he enters the boys dormitory.

He's too busy thinking about Regulus.

What would his cuddles feel like?

I'd love it if he kissed my cheek..

Does he like innocent showers?

Can he hug me? I want him to hug me, if he wants to.

How do people look at someone and look at them with lust first handed? Are they not ashamed? I'd be if I thought of Regulus like that without his permission.

James remembers his cloak when he reaches out for the blanket on his bed, he slides it off on the floor, placing the map on his chest as he gets on his bed, not minding that the blanket was still hanging off it.

Regulus Black..

James smiled, he's never felt this close with anyone ever.

It feels wonderful.

It feels comforting.

It feels like.. something James needs more than anything.

James is grateful, he doesn't want more. If he could have more he'd accept it, but he takes what he's getting right now.

Regulus Arcturus Black. James thinks again, closing his eyes as he imagines writing the boy's name on a paper, drawing hearts all over it.

He slowly drifts off to sleep, his mind replaying his interaction with him again and again.

“What in the bloody hell are you doing here?”

“Good to know you're not as dumb as you look.”

“It's Black to you and I was not looking at your lips.”

“Yes, yes, okay I do like it, just— not love it.”

“We aren't her and she isn't us.”

“I.. pinkie promise.”

“Not my name.”

James sighs, feeling like all the problems in his life just vanished when he saw Regulus smile. Oh, his sweet smile.

Maybe he does want Regulus to smile more, is he wrong for that? He did mention taking all he has now.. but he can't help but want to see at least more of that sweet smile grace that boy's face.

Chapter Text

2 HOURS LATER

REGULUS’ POV

Regulus looks through the windows that shows the depth of the Great Lake, not caring about closing the curtains last night as he watched as the merpeople swim through, knocking at the windows and giggling when the sheets rustle and then frowning when it stops.

As always, since 1st year, Regulus is the first one awake, well, to be honest, he didn’t even sleep. He’s been staring mindlessly across the room thinking about the sun.

James.

James fucking Potter again.

Do you ever leave me alone?

James has been stuck in his head since forever.

Although this wasn’t the I-hate-James thoughts since 3rd year, no.

These were the thoughts he had in his 1st and 2nd year. Before all this competitive.. Academic rival thing happened.

The James-Fleamont-Potter-pleasedateme thoughts. And Regulus despised those.

Regulus shakes his head, slowly sitting up on his bed as he looks at the floor, the knocking and giggling echoing through the windows.

Another flash of James smiling at him appeared in his mind and wow. He’s beautiful.

The moonlight hit James’ face, his smile was soft, it wasn’t the usual cocky ear to ear smile (although Regulus loves those too,) it was a small smile, a small but meaningful smile.

Regulus smiles for a moment before then frowning when he realises who’s smiling.

Why would I be thinking of you like that? Thought Regulus, if anyone saw him like this, they’d see the bridge of his nose and cheeks dusted with a pink blush, it’s an usual look on the Black heir. It would probably leave you questioning why he’s like that, or more of, who’s made him like that.

But between him and him only, it’s because of James.

Regulus groans as he rubs his temples, as if trying to take the thought of James away from his head, although he always seemed to fail each time even a year before he attended Hogwarts, when Sirius told him about James and how.. Amazing he was.

Why can’t James act like that with me?

No. I should not be thinking of you like that, not again, James.

I don’t need your pity help.

Get out.

I wish I could switch places with Sirius.

Get out.

Help me please.

Get out.

Please stay.

No, GET OUT.

YOU AREN’T IN LOVE WITH JAMES FLEAMONT POTTER AGAIN.

Regulus groans as he starts getting a headache, he shakes his head in disappointment as he then looks around the room.

He notices the curtain of Barty’s bed was open, the curtain of Evan’s bed was almost closed. He theorised that Barty must’ve stayed in Evan’s bed.. Again.

If he’s honest, he’s always wondered what that felt like. Having someone in your bed at night, cuddling and waking up to them in the morning…

He’s always curious, curious of what person would stay with him at night, more of who would stay after the sun rises again.

Something is telling him that he’s already found that person, just hasn’t realised who.

.
.
.

“What the- Barty!” Evan yelled as Regulus shot his head up, hearing a thud on the floor as if something hard had fallen down. He looked over to the sound.

He remembers hearing Evan saying Barty.

Regulus grumbled and crawled over to the edge of his bed, his hand instinctively only opening the curtain a little bit as his eyes first looked at the clock his mother got him.

4:03 AM

Too early.

He then shook his head, it was the 2nd week of their 3rd year, and if Regulus remembers, and Barty was a Ravenclaw so he has no reason to be in the Slytherin boys dormitory, especially in Evan’s be-

Oh.

Regulus opened the curtain fully, and there was Barty, the son of the Minister of Magic. The blue and bronze on his tie now turned green and silver… and Evan sprawled on the floor, one of his ankles being the only thing that hasn’t fallen off the bed.

Oh Barty, what have you done now?

“Barty?” Regulus grumbled, still in shock as Barty smiled brightly. “Hi, Reggie!” He greeted Regulus as he then grabbed Evan by his ankle, making the boy yelp in surprise. “Rosie!”

“I am not Rosie, how are you-” Evan groans as he then cries out the word; “help!” When Barty pulls him back up on the bed, his body sprawls as his face looks dizzy like he’s been spinned and thrown around by a tornado.

The tornado being Barty.

“How was your sleep?” Barty asked, Evan looked at Barty like he was a madman. Maybe Barty is a madman.

“That’s such a stupid question, Barty. How are you here?” Evan groaned as he sat up, rubbing the back of his head due to hitting the floor when he fell down.

“Yeah, how is the Ravenclaw golden boy here?” Regulus murmured, getting up from his bed as he hissed, stumbling a bit as a migraine hit him, making the room go dizzy and his movements wobbly.

“I got you,” was all that Regulus heard before he felt arms wrap around him and pull him on a soft mattress.

Barty.

There was shuffling, Regulus’ mind still spinning before his head felt a familiar warmth.

He felt a hand run through his hair. His head being in someone’s lap. Probably Barty’s.

There was a short moment of silence, then Evan sat up.

“You didn’t answer my question. Answer it.” Evan demanded.

“Oh, right.” Barty said with a tone that just screams ‘I-don’t-wanna-answer-it’.

“So basically I sneaked off last night, found the sorting hat and then put it on for fun and suddenly it yelled out Slytherin and my tie was suddenly this,” Barty pointed to his tie as Regulus tilted his head up from Barty’s lap to see, Evan had his eyes wide.

“So, you were… wait, what were you doing out of your dorm last night?!” Evan asked, a bit bold that Evan Rosier is asking this question. “How did you find the hat? Your house got changed? What will your dad think about this?”

Evan said all the questions Regulus wanted to say (if you cut the dad question part out). So he stayed quiet as the hand running across his hair strangely soothed his mind. And he didn’t even wanna move away from it.

He wanted to, he was showing vulnerability.

Blacks don’t do that.

He subtly pinched his own shoulder quickly before retorting his hand.

“Well first, I was bored.” Lie. “And second, I dunno, I was walking across the Great Hall and found the hat on the little chair thing we had in 1st year, you know? And then I don’t care what my dad thinks.” Barty said casually like it was the most normalest thing in the world. Regulus then sat up, just as Evan opened his mouth, Regulus spoke.

“You used to be so considerate of what your dad thinks, what changed?” Regulus asked as Evan nodded.

If Regulus was honest, he could care less about Barty’s dad, but at least he could act like he does.

“I-”

Regulus knew what Barty was about to say.

“And don’t say you were just bored, I know you weren’t.” Regulus interrupted as Barty grinned, a snake-like grin.

Maybe he does belong in Slytherin.

There was a short pause, then Barty opened his mouth.

“You know me so well,” Barty replied, then his smile fell. “He doesn’t pay attention to me anymore, I figured this would get his attention on me.” Barty shrugged, can he stop acting like his house wasn’t just changed?

“Barty, this isn’t funny, you seriously couldn’t last a few 2 weeks of him ignoring you?”

“It was the whole summer, he acted like I was a stranger. It was painful, Ev.”

Regulus frowned, he knew that feeling. As much as he wished he never experienced it, Orion doesn’t really care about him. Never did, usually focused on Sirius because he was the heir. And it was.. Frustrating. It was like he didn’t have a father.

But Regulus could never hate Sirius for that.

Nothing could make him hate Sirius.

Regulus couldn’t help but place his hand on Barty’s shoulder, squeezing it lightly as he gave a look that said; I understand.

Regulus saw Barty’s eyes soften, that exterior of being this jokester like persona fumbling a bit.

Evan eyebrows furrowed before suddenly widening as if getting the atmosphere, Regulus coiled his hand to his chest as Evan then jumped on Barty, hugging him close as Barty then laughed, his legs around Evan’s waist as Evan’s head was buried in Barty’s neck, Regulus watched with a smile.

He considered joining until footsteps started to erupt, footsteps of two people to be exact, and Regulus knew who they were.

He memorised people’s footsteps, as he did back at Grimmauld. It’s a habit, Regulus can’t stop it.

“What’s happening?!” Dorcas bursted in as she looked around. “Has anyone hurt my babies?” She had a baby blue shower cap on while wearing a black shirt and white shorts, wand in hand as she squinted around the room.

Dorcas called them, Evan, Barty, Regulus and Pandora, her babies because, well, simply they were a year younger than her.

Despite their protests for her to stop calling them that, she continued. Regulus doesn’t mind. Dorcas was like a mother he didn’t get properly.

Pandora yawned as she also entered the room. Same as Barty used to be, she was also a Ravenclaw. But Regulus suspected she used polyjuice potion again to disguise as one of the Slytherin students so that she could talk with Dorcas about whatever.

Pandora looked around as she wore a white flowy dress that had yellow tulips scattered around as the pattern, wearing carrot earrings as her hair, a light blonde, was let down, Immediately giving Pandora vibes.

The flower is nice, Regulus plans to ask Pandora what it means later.

“Barty!” Pandora exclaimed, smiling brightly as Barty returned the smile.

“Pandora!” Barty returned with more energy as Pandora ran up to Barty and jumped on Evan’s bed, hugging him as much as Evan is.

“Hey, I’m still hugging him.” Evan grumbled.

“He’s my friend too, Ev!” Pandora retorted.

Barty howled with laughter. “You two can hug me!” He finalised, leaving no room for argument as he squeezed them both into a hug.

Dorcas’ eyes widened before then smiling and lowered her wand, she looked at Regulus, Regulus looked back.

Regulus knows Dorcas and Pandora will be flooding Barty with questions sooner or later.

There was many things Dorcas and Regulus agreed on, one of them being that;

It’s too early for this.

.
.
.

Regulus walks to grab his book—Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy—firmly placed on his bedside table, he then looks at the window that shows the depths of the Great Lake, walking up to the merpeople, watching as they squeal and wave at him eagerly, excited that someone is finally chatting with them.

He first bows in front of them, hearing their giggles he looks up at them, seeing as they return the respect by curtsey with a pretend skirt or bowing just as low as he did, Regulus tucks the book in his armpit and then puts his hands up at chest level.

Regulus wanted to go to the common room and wait for his friends to find him there, but as always, he had to ask the same questions as he does every morning.

How are you?

He asks through sign language.

See, not many people know this but Slytherins were taught how to do sign language because of a kid, a mute and deaf kid named Agnes, who attended in 1967-1973, leaving in Regulus’ 2nd year.

Regulus only saw her walking around the corridors, he doesn’t remember her much.

But occasionally, Slughorn will slip out snippets of her, saying how she communicated with the usually agitated merpeople through sign language, even teaching them it. Now it’s a tradition.

The merpeople thought the first to seventh years sign language, no matter how much they didn’t want to.

Because they’d have to stand or sit in front of the window as a translator (a 7th year usually) translated what the mermaids said, they were expected to write down everything and memorise them later.

Regulus, of course, didn’t have a problem with it, or so he thought. He knew sign language, yes, the only problem? It was French sign language and they used the British version, he was also forced to learn it too.

It was how he was also introduced to Evan, Pandora and Dorcas, everyone already knew Barty so it wasn’t that difficult to remember him.

About Agnes, she was a beautiful woman with pale skin as paper white, so pale that people thought she was sickly.

She had white curly hair, the colour much like Pandora’s hair but lighter, her eyes were the colour of honey hazel brown. She was a sweet girl who mostly used non verbal spells.

We’re great, how are you?

You look handsome today, Regulus. What’s your skincare?

Amazing, how was your sleep?

3 merpeople returned, people had tried to figure out their names in the past, only to be met by another language they didn't recognize, so Regulus doesn’t know who they are, so to his eyes, they’re just merpeople.

I’m doing fine, I just wash my face with water

This was a lie, Regulus had a strict skin routine he’d do after shower, although he doubted the merpeople would understand it.

And I..

Regulus debated on lying again or not.

My sleep was exquisite.

He lied again, that seemed to satisfy the merpeople because they swam away to bother others who were asleep.

Regulus hummed. He then grabbed his book from his armpit, now holding it in his left hand and made his way to his shoes, getting on one knee as he slid one shoe on with his right hand, then switching knees as he slid the other shoe on with the same hand.

He’d change clothes later.

Regulus gets up as he flips his book open to the page he left off, a pressed, flat black rose serving as a bookmark resting on page 192.

Dorcas had given it to him from her trip to her home country, Brazil. She bought it for some light reading but got bored and gave it to Regulus.

Regulus learned that it was published just in May actually, Regulus doesn’t know what day it is in May but it’s a good book so far.

Connie Ramos is an interesting character if Regulus does say so himself.

She’s a bit insane though, maybe. Regulus can relate a little bit to her.

Regulus read the first line of the page.

He reads the second line as he follows with his rose, holding it firmly in his hand as his fingers wrap around the stem.

The third and fourth line, Regulus is already walking back to his bed to grab his wand.

The fifth line, Regulus’ eyes flicker off the page as he lets go of the rose for a second, grabbing his wand that was placed next to where he grabbed the book, he stuffed it into his pocket.

Regulus grabs hold of the stem of the rose again, reading along the lines of the book as he sits on the edge of his bed, his wants of going in the common room being forgotten.

By the ninth line, Regulus suddenly remembers the conversation last night with James. The whole thing. Suddenly, the words on the page scrambled and danced around as if teasing him as he remembered how James looked pinned against the wall, smirking at him.

Damn. Was all Regulus could think of, for once, he’s speechless.

How did I not notice that earlier?

Regulus has been up all night thinking about James’ eyes with specks of hazel but wow. No one told him how attractive James looked like that, pinned against the wall with that smirk that Regulus desperately wanted to wipe off James’ face each time.

Regulus tries to read the book again, forgetting where he left off as after a few seconds, his effort went to waste.

Regulus was chewing his bottom lip, he closed the book shut, he couldn't focus.

He stumbled onto his bed, looking up at the ceiling as everywhere he looked, it was James.

James is too distracting.

James is stuck—Although he’s never left Regulus’ mind—in his head once again.

Curse James Potter, but also fuck James Potter because how can someone be that hot yet so infuriating?

Too bad his looks went to waste because of his personality. If he was less cocky maybe I’d date him.

At least that’s what Regulus thinks. And oh, does he have a habit of gaslighting himself.

—

2 HOURS EARLIER

JAMES’ POV

James stirs awake, he doesn’t remember how long he’s slept for.

His pillow on the floor, his blanket following it so his bed looked empty. But his heart wasn’t.

James remembers one person, one beautiful person.

Regulus.

He then hops out of bed excitedly, getting that burst of energy that everyone is always too tired to deal with (except Sirius) as he also feels the urge to scream and run around the room.

Or fall back to bed and giggle and scream into his pillow while Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy by Queen plays in the background on full volume.

He doesn’t know why, he just wants to.

Actually no, he does know why.

Regulus.

Just even the thought of him makes James weak at his knees.

“Regulus..” said James breathlessly, a blush creeping at his cheeks and the tips of his ears as he realises what happened earlier. The smile on his face falls.

Most people would’ve thought James was thinking about all those romantic moments with Regulus, well, no.

The universe decided to hate on him and force the.. More embarrassing scenes in his head.

James, stupid, stupid, stupid! Why did you almost have to call him love TWICE!

I hate my life! James let out a groan as he curled into a ball, mourning the happiness and energy he had just a few thoughts ago.

Thanks for this, James mocked himself. What was I thinking? Who says that? Was I drunk? I must be.

All those moments of silence..

I acted too.. Too- too me for him!

Now, if you told 4th year James that 7th year James was stressing about Regulus, 4th year James would’ve looked at him weird.

James groaned as he tilted his head up, seeing Sirius still soundly snoring in Remus’ arms.

Even if James wanted to, he can’t go up to his best friend and say;

“Hey I went on a date, well not really a date but a hang out with your brother even though we’re rivals but you already know that.”

That was stupid. James tilted his head back, his head pounding.

I need someone to talk to.

James sighs, then he hears the soft rustling of sheets and someone grumbling. His head shot to where it came from.

It was Peter.

James can talk with Peter, right? Peter is one of his first best friends after all.

Will Peter care?

James doesn’t know. But he doesn’t want Peter to know it was Regulus he was with.

Not yet. James thought.

Maybe I’ll just.. Give him a code name? Yeah. A code name.

You’re so smart James. James praised himself before he started brainstorming code names.

Star? No, too obvious.

Black rose? Too obvious?

Peter grumbles as he slowly sits up.

Whatever, I’ll just use black rose.

It’s too late to think of another thing.

Wait, is it?

James didn’t even notice he was just staring at Peter.

A bit too long, a bit too much of a stare.

—

PETER’S POV

Peter yawned as he emerged from the scarf wrapped around him. He looked down, seeing a familiar scarf resting on his shoulders.

Effie’s scarf? He thought, blinking slowly at it before feeling a pair of eyes on him.

His head stayed down.

Peter hates stares, if they stare for too long he’ll start to hate it, no matter who.

Well, if they glance a bit Peter wouldn’t mind.

Because Peter knows if they stare for too long they’re judging him, they must be. Why look at him for anything else?

He forces himself to look up at the pair of eyes, convincing himself it isn’t a crowd of people silently judging him.

Well, he can’t prove that they’re judging him, Peter just makes himself believe they are.

Who wouldn’t? He’s a chubby 7th year student who brings a bag of chocolate around for Remus and himself. People usually think it’s for him and him only, which is completely untrue.

Peter’s unnoticed blue eyes look into the specks of hazel like freckles in James’ brown ones lighting up.

Now, James and Marlene were the pretty friends.

Peter.. Peter was usually the one pushed aside or forgotten if he didn’t do anything worth paying attention to, which was usually everything he did.

Peter was rarely Peter, he’s always Remus’ friend or Sirius’ friend or James’ childhood best friend, or even Marlene’s childhood best friend.

Sometimes Peter would even forget his own name.

Of course people would look at the sun kissed skin, James, or the pretty chestnut skin, Marlene, friend first, never the everyday light skinned friend who was Peter.

The recognised duo in their trio.

Peter sighs as he sees the look in James’ eyes, he knows that look. James needs someone to talk to, again.

He slides off his bed, sliding on the matching bunny slippers he bought for James and him, his being a fluffy grey one.

The unusual one. Always him.

The bunny slippers squeak against the floor as Peter walks over to James, mid-way, his eyes flicker towards Sirius and Remus.

Sirius wasn’t that good of a friend to him, he wasn’t a bad friend either. He tries to include him sometimes but he’s also somehow the one leaving him out.

It fathoms Peter how Sirius does that.

But, at least Sirius is trying? Peter doesn’t know how he feels about Sirius anymore, it changes every time like mixed signals.

From happy to mad to sad to happy to concerned, Peter doesn’t know, it’s a mess.

Remus was those kinds of friends who are good to you, but just don't talk to you much.

Remus would play chess with him sometimes, maybe even recommend some books to Peter that include Herbology (Peter’s favourite subject).

But their usual interaction is usually Remus coming up to Peter to get chocolate from his bag, saying “thanks,” and Peter replies with “you’re welcome” and then Remus goes back to whatever it was he was doing.

He knows Sirius and Remus must be in love with each other, even though Peter never understood love, well, he did say that he had a crush in their 3rd year, on Em Quin, a Hufflepuff girl.

In truth, Peter never liked her, she was pretty, yeah, but Peter just didn’t fancy her.

He said it because he felt like he was behind, all his friends had crushes and were falling in love.

He had eyes for no one, and no one had eyes for him.

He doesn’t know why, but he doesn’t really participate in all this love affection thing, it’s stupid, really.

Falling in love sounds unreal for Peter.

Even when James, Remus and Sirius (sometimes Marlene) would have a cuddle pile, they’d ask Peter to join but Peter never does, he doesn’t like the feel of it.

In other words, Peter feels like Marlene is more Marauders worthy than him, why did they even pick him?

I don’t deserve them. Was an everyday thought for Peter, every, single, day.

Peter sits next to James, who was basically vibrating with excitement.

“Okay so, let’s just call them black rose, because you know, it’s my favourite flower.” Of course I know.

James started ranting about black rose, something about the Astronomy tower and a midnight banana sandwich snack.

Peter just nodded and smiled at him, his mind barely registering how fast James was talking, already having thoughts of his own as James’ words went through one ear to another.

How do you do it? Peter asks silently.

How do you seem like the golden one? Perfect parents, perfect looks, perfect grades, perfect boy.

How do you and Marlene do it?

How do you, Marlene, Sirius, Remus and others do it?

How do you fall in love?

How are you so perfect?

1 HOUR AND A HALF LATER

Peter sat on the edge of his bed, Remus next to him as they watched Sirius on James’ back, laughing wildly as they tackled each other.

“How do they have that much energy?” Remus yawned, Peter blinked slowly.

“I dunno,” he said honestly, his hands fiddling with the strap of his sling bag filled with enough chocolate to not be restocked until September 22 or 23.

Sirius woke up an hour ago, jumping on James’ bed as James stopped ranting about black rose and joined in with Sirius jumping on his bed like monkeys.

Remus woke up 30 minutes ago, throwing a pillow at James as Sirius howled with laughter.

Peter watched everything, staying in his own bed with a small smile. He looked lonely, but he didn’t mind it when it was like this, chaos and he could just watch.

“Guys!” Marlene bursted into the room.

“Marlene!” James and Peter yelled as Marlene laughed.

“Mckinnon,” Sirius winked.

“Black,” Marlene returned with finger guns.

Remus only nodded at Marlene as Marlene nodded back more aggressively and with much energy that Remus probably needed.

She opened her arms as Sirius and James hugged her tight, Peter slipped off his bed as he placed his hand on Marlene’s shoulder.

Hugs were suffocating, especially by these 3.

Remus would back Peter up with this fact, considering he made the mistake of letting them pull him into a hug once when they won a Quidditch match last year.

“Were you gonna tell us something, Marls?” Remus asked with a slight smile, crossing his arms as he raised one of his eyebrows.

“Oh yeah, the study dates for our study buddies are on the noticeboard!” Marlene exclaimed, Peter frowned.

His partner was Barty Crouch Jr, now most people would call him lucky, mostly girls. But Peter absolutely hates him.

So he wasn’t looking forward to when he’s gonna be forced to meet him.

Why are study buddies needed anyways?

Marlene grabbed James and Sirius’ wrist, looking at Peter and Remus with the mischievous glint that is Marauders worthy.

She pulled them out of the room as Remus and Peter looked at each other and followed soon after.

Remus, the same as everyone, joined the crowd surrounding the notice board.

Peter however was brooding, being the farest away from the noticeboard that stood shining in the centre of the room, he’s surprised that James isn’t slouching with him.

Last time Peter checked, he was paired with Regulus and last LAST time Peter checked, Regulus hated James and he reciprocated the feeling through studies.

Hence, why they get called The Academic Rivals. There’s even a bet about them.

There were two teams, McGonagall’s team and Slughorn’s team, if you were on McGonagall’s team it means that you’re certain they’d get together, and it’s the opposite for Slughorn.

It’s quite silly, Peter remembers a few people actually joining it, mostly girls. The Marauders but he doesn’t know about it.

James and Regulus were.. Starchaser? If Peter remembers.

There was also a bet placed on Remus and Sirius, or so McGonagall called it, Wolfstar.

There was also one about Marlene and Dorcas, they were named Cherrybomb.

Not surprisingly, Pandora and Lily were also a bet that was named Pandalily.

With last but not least, Rosekiller; Barty and Evan.

Honestly, Peter is relieved he isn’t one of them. He’s sure that it’s impossible to pair him up with anyone with the match actually being decent.

Peter was blankly staring at the floor, waiting for his friends to part away from the noticeboard until he heard Marlene yell out something that made Peter wish he wasn’t attending Hogwarts at the moment.

“Peter Pettigrew and Barty Crouch Jr will be meeting in Greenhouse Six at 5:30 PM sharp today!” Marlene announced.

“What?” Peter hissed, suddenly picking up his feet as he rushed to the noticeboard.

He knew people were gonna be meeting their buddies today, but he didn’t expect to be one of them.

Merlin, he didn’t even wanna be one of them.

Peter looked at the middle of the noticeboard, seeing a tall light brown parchment, the title painted in a crimson red.

STUDY BUDDY MEET DATES

In a slightly smaller golden text was :

ESSENTIALS : Pencil case, books of subjects listed on the note, water and snacks (If permitted by librarian).

In a smaller, smaller bronze text was :

A note via owl will be sent to the people meeting their study buddy today on September 15th after breakfast or at 8:30 AM

After that was a list of people meeting in different places at different but sometimes same times.

But the duo listed at 3rd after the other two. (The first one of the other two being Rein Warbott and Nome Fidden meeting at 2 PM until 4 PM in the Astronomy tower and the second one being Lily Evans and Pandora Rosier meeting at 4 PM until 6 PM in the Library.)

And indeed, there was Peter and Barty’s name in black fancy handwriting most likely written by Dumbledore.

Peter Pettigrew and Barty Crouch Jr. meeting at 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM in Greenhouse Six.

Peter groaned, as if this day could get any worse. He thought, fidgeting with the strap of his sling bag.

There were other names listed below, at least 3 more names but Peter didn’t bother to check.

“Hey, Pete, you’ll be fine.” Sirius assured, Peter was a bit surprised it wasn’t James.

Marlene came up and patted Peter’s back. “Yup, I’m sure Barty won’t be that bad as the 1st years of Slytherins say so.”

“Merlin, Marlene, don’t bloody remind him.” Said Remus.

“I wasn’t!” Marlene argued.

“Pretty sure you were.” Sirius agreed with Remus, he always does.

Peter’s head stayed down, his hands now tightly wrapped around the strap. Peter closed his eyes, trying to imagine the garden.

He opened his eyes again when someone placed a hand softly on his shoulder.

“Pstt,” whispered James. “Wanna go see the garden? We have about 2 hours until breakfast.” James gave Peter his small smile.

Peter smiled back, James always knew what he needed and Peter loves that about him.

“Yeah,” Peter said quietly, he couldn’t hear anyone else but James. “Yeah, let’s go.” He repeated as James nodded and gently took his hand, pulling Peter away from the crowd that forgot about him.. Again.

The last words Peter heard before him and James left the room were;

“Hey, where’s James?”

2 HOURS LATER

Peter and James have been walking around the square Walled Garden, admiring the crops while talking about topics, more specifically, Peter was talking while James listened intently about his passionate talks regarding the new and old crops planted.

They don’t know how much time has passed, lost in laughter and jokes. Peter likes it when James is the James he remembers when they were kids.

You’ve grown up too soon, James. Peter thought, hiding his solemn thoughts with a smile as big as James’.

They giggle at random things like :

“Are you serious right now?”
“No, I’m James!”

Or whatever joke they decided to crack up at.

Peter smiles as he watches James spin around, making sure he doesn’t step on the shrubs and countless other plants.

James is like the sun, Peter is like the moon.

Without the sun, the moon would not have light.

Just like how without James, Peter wouldn’t be seen.

Although the sun doesn’t really need the moon. The moon just seemingly depends on the sun, maybe a bit too much.

Sometimes, the moon wishes it could be of use to the sun. By sometimes, he means all the time.

Sun and moon, peanut butter and jelly, stag and rat.

Prongs and wormtail, James and Peter.

Opposites who are the closest person to each other.

This isn’t just about the sun and moon anymore.

—

REMUS’ POV

Remus watched as Sirius scrambled over to Marlene, of course, he knows the reason why.

He’s overheard it a bit too many times, it being Marlene excitedly talking about Dorcas being her study buddy while her and Sirius talk about what’s gonna happen during their studies.

Marlene’s crush on Dorcas wasn’t that hard to figure out, a good part of the school knows about it. Mostly the Gryffindors.

He’s just upset that Sirius isn’t sitting next to him.

Nor is any of the Marauders, James and Peter wandered off to the Walled Garden, Remus suspects.

He clicked his fork on his plate, hearing as it made an unpleasant scraping sound. Remus sighs as he looks around, noticing an empty chair between the two boys Evan and Barty, he looks around again, seeing Sirius turn red.

Remus’ jaw clenched, a rumbling feeling in his stomach making him angry.

What’s made you so red? Remus silently demanded, half hoping Sirius caught his glare and half hoping he didn’t.

Remus looks away after a few seconds of glaring. I’m going to the library. He thought as if someone was reading his mind. Remus stood up as he watched as French rolled off Sirius’ tongue, he didn't know what it meant.

He wants to know.

Remus ponders about the thought as he walks through the halls, his shoes hitting the ground on each step.

Maybe French lessons. Remus debated, his finger tapping on his chin. He frowns. Why do I wanna know what Sirius says so much?

He looked up to see the doors of the library. It’s not that important, Remus. You don’t need French lessons. He grumbled before pushing the doors open.

Remus bites his lower lip as he remembers seeing Sirius’ face turn red.

Fucking hell, Sirius. Can you get out of my head?

Sirius, in fact, did not get out of Remus’ head.

Remus looked around the bookshelves, most books either ones he’s read or ones he’s not interested in.

He grabs one book off a bookshelf and reads the title.

Magical Beasts and.. I’ve already read this. Remus frowned as he looked up, about to put it back until he saw black curls, as midnight black as Sirius’. Although maybe a bit shorter hair.

Regulus.

Remus blinked slowly, he saw Regulus, yeah, but not this up close.

Never this close where he could see the boy annotating notes in the book he’s reading. Remus tilts his head slightly, trying to see the title of the book.

He furrowed his eyebrows, only seeing the word Woman before the book came to a shut and was placed hardly down on the table.

“I know you’re watching.” Regulus said, and Remus hid behind the books on the shelves. “Has mummy ever told you it’s rude to stare?”

Damn. Remus cursed as he bit his lower lip.

“It’s useless to hide. Show yourself to me.” Regulus snarled, Remus didn’t move. “Are you bloody-”

Remus stepped out of the comfort of the bookshelf before Regulus could finish his sentence, looking—much rather glaring—at Regulus as Regulus’ eyes went a bit wide before tilting his head to the side.

“Well if it isn’t Lupin. My-” Regulus cleared his throat. “Sirius isn’t here and I won’t be much entertainment to you.”

Why do people always assume I’m looking for Sirius? Don’t they notice it’s the fucking other way around?

“I’m not looking for Sirius.”

“Then why are you here?” Asked Regulus as he stood up from his chair, arms crossed.

“Because..” Think of a reason, Remus. “I’m looking for French lessons.” That was a horrible reason.

Well, it was half true but also half false.

The true part being that he was considering French lessons, the false part being that he was considering, not wanting.

Also that Remus was looking for books and did not intend to run into Regulus. He didn’t even know that Regulus was here.

“French lessons?” Regulus hissed. “I’m not a free tutor.”

Yeah, I can tell. Remus clenched his fists, trying not to say such a thing out loud.

“It’s for..” Remus looked around, then back at Regulus’ eyes who’s glaring right at him. “Sirius.”

“And why should I care?” Regulus asked, his eyes going up and down Remus’ body before back at Remus’ eyes.

Still sour about him running away? Remus frowned, his frown being as gloomy as Regulus’.

“Because he’s your brother.” He said.

“Couldn’t give less than a fuck.” Regulus retorted.

Remus suppressed rolling his eyes as Regulus scowled.

“You don’t have any good reasons for me to tutor you, either find someone else or fuck off.” Regulus huffed, Remus’ eye twitched.

How does Sirius deal with you?

“I’ll tell everyone you like James.” Remus said without thinking.

Remus, what the fuck did you just say.

Now, Regulus liking James and vice versa has been an ongoing rumour since 4th year. It was the most popular rumour of them all, Remus vaguely remembers hearing it from Mary and Dorcas who was talking about it in Potions in 4th year, and being reminded by Lily last year, their 6th year.

.
.
.

Remus was looking out of the window of the Gryffindor Tower, waiting for Lily who’s getting ready upstairs. He was staying in the common room, book in lap.

Him and Lily were supposed to be helping the first years.

Sirius was out with James who’s practising quidditch, Peter was taking extra herbology lessons. What’s new?

Remus glanced down on the book, it was Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas : A Savage Journey to the American Dream by Hunter S. Thompson. Remus was on page 134.

It was a muggle book, his parents got it for him and gave it via owl just a few weeks ago, Remus decided to read it last night.

His hand trails on the rectangle star bookmark Sirius bought for him. It’s weird, Sirius would buy him anything if Remus asked him to.

The bookmark was nice, but it genuinely looked like the painting The Starry Night was just printed on it and the publisher called it a day.

Remus likes it. Sirius bought it for him. Sirius.

Sirius the star you are.

Remus hums and rests his head against the couch, closing his eyes.

Sirius.

Then, just as a wider smile creeps up his face, Lily comes running down the stairs, a wide white smile across the girl’s face.

Remus shot his eyes open as he looked at the unusually too happy redhead.

“What made you so happy?” Remus asked, raising an eyebrow.

She rapidly ran over to Remus, buzzing with excitement. She reminds Remus of James sometimes. “I just heard that James likes-” Lily looked around, then she leaned into Remus’ ear. “Regulus.”

“What?” Remus said in an act of disbelief, looking at Lily as she nodded. “Like, his rival Regulus?” He knows his facial expression gives it away but he’s glad Lily didn’t notice.

“Yes! Who else?” Lily threw her arms in the air when she said ‘yes’.

Remus shrugged. “And you’re happy about that?”

“Yes!” Lily repeated. “Because that means people will stop saying he likes me and I like him!”

If Remus was honest, he already knew about the rumour. The only people who don't are the ones involved and the ones who don't like drama.

And of course Sirius didn’t know either, which surprised Remus because Sirius would be the one who causes the drama or is in the drama.

Although it’s reasonable because it’s.. James and his brother.

“Really, people think that?” Remus scoffed, rolling his eyes as he slightly grinned.

“It’s not funny, Remus! It’s maddening, I hate it. Don’t be the maggot.” Lily stuck her tongue out as Remus snickered to himself. “I never thought he’d like Regulus. But hey, we do love enemies to lovers trope, right?” Lily smiled.

“Mhm, and where's the ‘we’ in this?” Remus asked as Lily scoffed.

“Don’t act like you enjoy it.”

“I don’t.”

“You’re such a liar.” Lily accuses.

“Alright, alright.” Remus waved a dismissive hand as Lily pouted. “Let’s go, Lily.” Remus said, closing the book as he placed it inside his bag.

“To where?” Lily asks, blinking slowly.

“Have you forgotten already? To help the first years. You know, for extra credit.” Remus reminded.

“Ohh, okay!” Lily then beamed as she wrapped her arm around Remus’ arm.

They both walked out of the Gryffindor room, the halls soon filled with laughter and giggles.

.
.
.

“I don’t like James, I hate him and he hates me.” Regulus insisted. Remus didn’t miss the small blush on the boy’s cheeks. “Where’s your proof?” Snarled the boy.

Remus wondered if Regulus actually liked James.

How tragic.

“See, Regulus. It’s either you give me French lessons or you’ll live the rest of your 6th and 7th year followed by the rumours you liked the James Potter despite hating him. People can hate and love someone at the same time.” Remus crossed his arms.

This was dumb. He thought, but it was maybe a bit entertaining. What the demon on Remus’ shoulder was saying anyways.

“It’s only 2 years, I’ll be fine.” Regulus rolled his eyes.

“Until mummy dearest and father dearest hear.” Said Remus.

“They won’t.” Regulus’ convinced himself, his cold tone wavering a bit.

“You don’t know that. It might appear in the Daily Prophet and you know how the Ministry is. Especially Rita.”

“Nosey liars.” Remus and Regulus said at the same time, well at least the thought of the same thing.

Remus didn’t expect that, to be honest.

“Correct. Now, pick.” Said Remus, almost demanding an answer.

He could’ve just left Regulus alone, yes, but where’s the fun in that?

There was a moment of silence, a silent conflict in Regulus’ eyes before he looked away.

“...Fine, meet me here again next Saturday.” Regulus said before bumping his shoulder with Remus’ and exiting the library through rushed steps.

Did I just blackmail someone into giving me French lessons? Remus realised, then he shook his head in disappointment as the demon on his shoulder left. I really just did that.

1st year Remus would’ve scolded 7th year Remus for doing such a thing, but since 11 year old him couldn’t do that, Remus was silently scolding himself for blackmailing the fucking Regulus Arcturus Black.

And he succeeded in doing so.

Chapter Text

1 HOUR LATER

PETER’S POV

Peter was leaning against the wall as he watched as James rolled around in the grass, a wide smile on his face as he watched the leaves tangle in the boy’s hair.

He tilted his head to the side as James laughed with no care in the world, his hand on his stomach.

“James, you have leaves in your hair!” Peter yelled, pointing at James’ hair as he strolled over.

“No matter!” James yelled back, giggling as he sat up, looking like a boy who just went through the forest and jumped in every bush he saw, making himself dirty and his mum angry.

Peter snickered as he watched James get up, stumbling a bit, he bit back a full blown laugh.

“Woah, dizzy.” James blinked slowly, then he took a step before falling down as he took a step on his untied shoelaces.

Peter howled with laughter, unable to bite back his laugh anymore as James rolled around in the grass as if he meant to fall, both of them laughing wildly like hyenas.

They stayed like that for a few seconds, just laughing until Peter and James managed to (barely) stop laughing.

Peter leaned down, offering his hand over to James as James grinned widely before taking it. “Why, thank you my knight in shining armour!” He exaggerated, placing his hand on his chest to emphasise his words.

Peter couldn’t help but snort and laugh again.

The garden was filled with laughter from the two boys, tears of joy forming at the ends of their eyes, their stomach hurt while their throat felt dry. But the feeling was nice. It was nostalgic.

It was just James and Peter. All over again.

James was making a funny face as Peter tried not to laugh at him, his eyes took a glimpse of an owl flying through.

The owl hit James’ head, making James yelp as he turned to look at what hit him. Peter would’ve laughed if he didn’t realise the owl had an envelope that was now in his hands.

For him.

Now?

“Ugh,” Peter scoffed just as the owl flew away and James had that face that just said he was debating on yelling loudly at the owl or not.

James chooses not to.

Peter gripped the envelope tightly, it crinkled a bit and made a small sound, it caught James’ attention as James took a look.

“What is it?” James asked, shaking his head as a flew leaves fell from his hair.

“The envelope.” Peter frowned. James opened his mouth but Peter spoke before James could. “If you’re gonna ask why I’m upset, you know why.”

James grinned and shook his head. “No, I wasn’t gonna say that. That.” James nodded at the envelope, “means breakfast has just ended, Pete.”

“Oh.” Peter blinked slowly. “Sorry.”

James sighed and patted his best friend’s back. “It’s fine, no need to apologise. Wanna read it while we walk back?”

Peter smiled at the reassurance. “Out loud?”

“Do you want to?” James placed his hands on his hips as he tilted his head to the side.

“Yeah.” Peter nodded. “Okay.”

James slid his arm around Peter’s shoulder as he peaked over the envelope, Peter smiled softly as they started taking steps, each one getting closer to Hogwarts.

His hand picked open the envelope as he took the piece of parchment out.

“HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF
WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Pettigrew,
Bartemius Crouch Jr. will be your study buddy for the rest of the school year. You are assigned to meet him twice a month. Despite Bartemius’s Ravenclaw-like wit, you will simply be informing him of what’s to come in the last year of Hogwarts and help him with homework and projects.

SET BOOKS
All of student's 7th year books

OTHER EQUIPMENT
Snacks (Preferably packed)
Water
Quill (Optional but recommended)
Extra Parchment (Optional but recommended)

It shall be informed to you when you and your partner will meet again, you may schedule your own study dates but we won’t guarantee you won’t bump into other study buddies on your own planned study date.

STUDENT IS REMINDED TO WILL MEET THEIR PARTNER AT 5:30 PM UNTIL 7:30 PM IN GREENHOUSE SIX.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress”

Peter groaned as he stuffed his face in the letter and James laughed, patting his shoulder.

“You look like you wanna drown.” James grinned.

“I do.” Peter grimaced, his head looking up from the letter. “Maybe I should just jump in the Great Lake.” Peter frowned, shaking his head.

“You won’t drown, not if I can help it.” James interjected, winking. Peter scoffed and rolled his eyes. “I won’t let anyone drown in the lake.”

“Right,” Peter grinned, sighing as he tilted his head on James’ shoulder, silently reading the letter again and again in his mind as if searching for a code.

—

1 HOUR EARLIER

BARTY’S POV

“Peter Pettigrew?” Barty blinked slowly, then looked at Evan.

He placed the letter down on the table, not caring what happens to it.

“Oh, y’know.” Evan shrugged. “The one from The..” He looked at the ceiling. “The hot sun’s group or whatever.” He slid hand on Barty’s hip.

“The Marauders?” Dorcas answered, “I’m in the same year as them.”

“Yes,” Evan said in a tone as if he solved a case and he was the detective, pointing at Dorcas. “Maraud-whatever.” Evan recoiled his hand, looking back at the ceiling as if thinking about something.

“Right,” Barty inhaled, looking over at Regulus who was engrossed in the book about Women or whatever that he reads. It’s a new book every 2 weeks.

“What page are you at, Reg?” Dorcas smiled.

Regulus peaked up from his book. “Uhm. Page 224.” He answered.

“Wow you’re fast, didn’t I give that to you just a week ago?”

“Yeah.” Regulus shifted on his seat, he then went back to his book as Dorcas sighed.

This conversation is boring. Barty thought, rolling his eyes. This whole thing is boring.

He brought out his wand from his pocket, he twirled it around in his hands, he heard soft squeaks as he grinned widely. One sharp movement, he pointed it at a rat who seemed to slip through the cracks.

The rat seemed to run around in circles as Barty stood up from the armrest he sat on.

“Wingardium Leviosa.” Barty used his wrist to swish his wand and then flicked it, snickering as the rat levitated in the air.

He twirled the rat around, moving it across all directions.

“Barty,” Regulus said in a tone that Barty always recognized. But he didn’t feel threatened by it as he should be, which most people would’ve been worried about.

“What?” Barty’s grin widened as he moved the rat around in the air.

“Bartemius, stop it.” My name isn’t Bartemius. Dorcas shook her head and Barty rolled his eyes. “What am I supposed to do with it?” Barty murmured, “it’s fun.” And I have nothing to do.

“You’re doing it without me?” Evan scoffed. “I’m offended.”

Barty winked at Evan as he pretended to place the rat down before shooting it up in the air again, laughing wildly as Evan snickered with him.

“Barty, let it go.” Regulus looked up from his book as Barty groaned. “Finite.” The rat dropped to the ground as Barty disappointedly watched it squeak away.

“You guys are boring.” Barty complained, he frowned as he sat back down on the armrest of the chair Evan was sitting in, slipping his hand around Evan’s shoulder as Dorcas sighed and Regulus went back to his goddamn book.

What do you even learn from those books? Barty wondered, but he instead turned his head to Evan.

“Except you, Rosie.” He grinned as Evan hummed.

“When are you gonna drop that nickname?” Evan’s hand came up to hold Barty’s.

“When will you get my last name?” Barty teased. “Never.” Evan shook his head. “Bold of you to think I’m gonna be the one getting your last name.” He wrapped his arm around Barty’s waist as Barty laughed again.

He loved it when Evan touched him. He equally loved it when he was able to touch Evan. Maybe even more.

“Merlin, you two.” Dorcas smiled lightly.

“If you keep it up, people will think you're dating each other.” Regulus said, not looking up from his book.

People don’t think that already? Barty hummed.

“When’s Pandora getting here?” Evan asked, his head leaning on Barty’s hip, Barty received that—god forbid but Barty wishes he doesn’t forbid even though he believes in no such god—warm, nice, feeling in his stomach again.

It was a confusing feeling, but mostly nice.

Sometimes Barty wishes he knew what it was. The feeling.

“She’s gonna sneak in as Emma Vanity.” Dorcas reminded.

“If we just place the hat on her, do you guarantee she’d be replaced in Slytherin?” Barty wondered.

I’m so smart. He smiles proudly.

“We aren’t gonna let her be like you.” Regulus shook his head. “Not in a lifetime, B.” Evan hummed, gently making patterns with his thumb as Barty placed his hand over Evan’s.

What’s the problem with me? Barty’s smile frown

“Like I said; you guys are boring.” Barty frowned. “We’re just preventing her from becoming a teenage dirtbag.” Dorcas smiled warmly as if coaxing Barty (and failing).

“I’m not.” Barty protested. “I’m the Minister’s son, who would not want to be me?”

Definitely not me. Because I am said son. I think. Am I?

A “Me.” from Regulus, Dorcas, and a girl who just entered the room breaks Barty out of his thoughts.

“Hi, Pandora.” Evan nodded at his twin sister. Well, more of his twin sister who looks like Emma Vanity.

“Hello Ev!” The girl smiled sweetly.

She didn’t look like Pandora, more of, looked like Emma Vanity. Her flowy blonde hair was now a black one that went inches over her shoulders. She had green eyes and fair skin, her features were more sharp but the group could tell it was Pandora just by how she spoke and body language.

The perk of being long friends. How many years has it been?

“Where did you put the poor girl?” Dorcas shook her head. “She’s fine.” Pandora shrugged.

“Fine?” Barty snorted. “Your victims are never fine.” And Barty is right. Always is. Mostly right. He gently moved in his seat.

She looked away first, then tilted her head down. “Fine in Hogsmeade.” Pandora added in a whisper.

Called it.

“Pandora Rosier!” Dorcas said in a scolding tone. “Where did you put her? In the streets?!”

No one would have cared if she was in the streets. Barty leaned back.

“She’s in Honeydukes! Everyone likes Honeydukes.” Pandora protested, shooting her head up. “She’s not that hard to spot anyways. They’ll find her in a few hours.” She frowned.

Barty grinned widely, people might think Pandora is as pure as she looks but they’re wrong. So fucking wrong. Pandora is just as crazy as him, if not, crazier when she’s with them.

Call her The Devil for all she cares and she’ll take that as a compliment. Because that’s fucking Pandora Rosier.

“Anyways,” Evan brushed off, as if his sister didn’t place a poor girl in Hogsmeade. “I’m bored.” Barty gulped as he shuffled again.

“Maybe we could-” Pandora started but Dorcas shot her a glare and she frowned.

“Don’t you have a certain redhead to get to?” Barty asked, his thumb running across Evan’s knuckles.

“Lily Evans.” Regulus corrected and Barty hummed, shuffling on the armrest.

It’s silly really, Pandora’s study buddy is the girl she’s been blindly pining over for years. Lily Jade Evans, a smart muggle, that one.

What are the chances Pandora ended up with her?

.
.
.

“Pandora?” 15 year old Dorcas called out. “Dora, where are you?”

“I have new rocks for you!” 14 year old Evan bribed, Regulus was on his side of the bed, reading a book.

They were in the Room of Requirement, playing hide in seek. The room they were in had a cosy campfire with 5 pillows surrounding them that stood across their bed. The walls were decorated with books from the wizarding and muggle world, just like Regulus wanted.

The room was wide and rectangular, there was 1 bed that was just 5 beds in one with a huge blanket that had their names on it, it was on the north side. Just like Dorcas wanted.

In the middle lay a table filled with tea or coffee. There was a kitchen on the west side, bathroom on the east side, mirror beside their bed and the door on the south. Just like Pandora wanted.

The walls were a fair wood colour with paintings that they drew on it, the far left was Dorcas’ art wall, the far right was Pandora’s, Evan’s wall was across Pandora’s and Barty’s wall was across Dorcas’. Barty and Evan suggested that one.

Dorcas drew mostly mannequins that wore top fashion clothes (as she confirms) with a quill, Pandora drew cottages and forests with chalk, Evan only wrote Barty’s name with the word ‘the slut’ under it and Barty wrote Evan’s name with ‘the whore’ under the writing.

Both of their writings were messy, although Evan’s was a bit better to read than Barty’s

They both insisted it was the most hardworking drawing there.

But if everyone could pick who did the most impressive drawing, it was Regulus.

Regulus’ wall was the wall the bed stood against, he first drew waves that complimented each other’s colours, then white puffy clouds that became dark blue colour, resembling thunderstorms clouds as the waves grew bigger. Finally, he added a ship that looked like it was about to get swallowed by the depths of the ocean.

It took him a whole month to paint it.

He called it The Storm.

It was chaotic, but breathtaking, if Barty was honest.

What they called home. This. Isolated from the whole school.

It was uniquely them.

Their safe place, only for them.

“How did we lose her? She isn’t that hard to spot.” Evan frowned. “The room doesn’t have that many hiding spots. Speak of good ones either.”

Barty snickered as he remembered Evan trying to hide behind the mirror. Evan shot him a glare as if reading his mind.

He hummed, he had a good idea of where Pandora was. “I’ll check outside, she probably hasn’t gone that far.” He knew Pandora had a habit of sneaking off to a redhead when she saw her.

“Come back when you find her, will you? I need to have a talk with her about sneaking out while we’re playing.” Dorcas frowned, her tone being motherly. Maybe too motherly that it reminded Barty of his mam.

Barty shuddered but he brushed the reminder off.

“Yes, mam.” Barty said jokingly as Evan and Dorcas continued to yell for Pandora to come out, Barty approached the door, he wrapped his hand around the doorknob and then heard a pillow getting thrown, he couldn't help but snort as he heard Evan exclaim who did that.

Barty knew Regulus did.

He can already hear the words slipping from Regulus’ lips saying “you’re too loud, I’m reading” with his slight silly French accent.

Barty left the room as he saw Pandora climb up the stairs holding a yellow rose in her hand. “Hi, Pandora.” Barty nodded as the girl looked up.

“She gave me a flower.” Pandora sighed. “Lily. Lily Evans.” Pandora leaned down to smell the flower, sighing. “She’s so pretty.”

Young love. Barty smiled softly for a little bit, then grinned.

“Alright,” Barty slid his arm around the lovesick girl’s shoulders. “In the Room of Requirement we go.” He said, knowing that Pandora was gonna start rambling off with Lily Evan theories, he recognises that look on her face.

“She’s so kind,” here we go. “I wonder why she isn’t in Hufflepuff, oh, what if she was in Ravenclaw? I think she’s smart enough. It would be interesting if she was in Slytherin and-”

.
.
.

Barty shifted. “We’re meeting at 4 pm, it’s too early.” Pandora reminded. “Lily..” A lovesick smile graced her face.

“When is that polyjuice potion gonna wear off? It’s unusual seeing Vanity here being so enthralled to meet Evans.” Dorcas smirked. Barty agreed but his mouth stays shut as he whistles and leans his head back on the couch.

“In about 5 or 10 minutes.” Pandora rolled her eyes jokingly with the smile still on her face as if glued on there.

She walked over to Regulus and slid onto the armrest on his seat, crossing her legs as she looked over at what Regulus was reading.

“Hi, Dora.” Regulus looked up from his book to greet the girl.

“Hi!” Pandora greeted with a wide smile.

Their voices became indistinct as Barty gently leaned into Evan.

People might say that Evan and mayhaps Barty were a bit too quiet during this conversation, too not chaotic, and they’re right. Barty would say that it’s normal, he’s wrong.

Because Evan’s hand (more specifically his thumb) has been making patterns on Barty’s thigh, making him distracted.

Hence, why the poor boy has been shifting so much.

—

2 HOURS AND A HALF LATER

SIRIUS’ POV

Sirius whistled, looking up at the ceiling while twiddling with his thumbs. He was laid down on his couch, head on Remus’ lap as the beautiful boy read a book.

James was outside, probably running laps in the field. Peter was off at some extra Herbology lesson for.. Extra credit if Sirius remembers.

Sirius Black is bored. And it’s excruciatingly painful for him if he’s bored.

Sirius’ eyes look at Remus, he smiles sweetly.

He loved looking at how Remus would bite his lower lip when he’s probably reading something in anticipation, or how Remus’ hands would turn the page, or when his eyes glance at him just for a second before back at the book.

The way Remus’ eyebrows would furrow when he sees something most likely ‘impossible’. The way Remus’ curls would bounce slightly when he shuffled or moved. The way Remus is in a whole.

Remus..

He shuffles to the side, Sirius yanks down one of Remus’ arms and places his hand in front of his face, his index finger tracing the scars on the back of the other boy’s hand.

Sirius was about to say something, something dumb he’d probably slip out accidentally, he opens his mouth, then James enters the room with a grin on his face.

“Prongs!” Sirius grins widely as he sits up.

“Huh? Oh, hi Pads!” James greeted, waving with all the energy he had left. “How are you?” He asked, wiping the sweat from his forehead. Sirius suspects James has been running for a while.

“Good, how many laps?” Sirius asked, his legs now going in an angel position.

“Oh,” James blinked slowly. “16.”

“Cor.” Sirius hummed, “I’m bored.” He then expressed, although something was nagging at the back of his mind.

What was I going to say earlier? Sirius furrowed his eyebrows, pondering as he felt the cushion beside him sink a bit as James sat on it.

“You look like you’re thinking of something,” James bumps his shoulder with Sirius. “Tell me and Moony what it is?” He suggested.

And that time, Remus finally glanced from his book, one of his eyebrows arched. Sirius then remembered what he was going to say.

“I wanna practise kissing!” Sirius yelled out his thoughts, then rose from the couch, ignoring the amused look on James and the furrowed eyebrows from Remus. “Think about it, I haven't had my first kiss yet!”

“So.. you just want someone to be your first?” Remus frowned. Oh, Remus.

Sirius can already hear Peter nodding awkwardly and trying to wrap his head around the idea.

“Well- no! What?” Sirius placed his hands on his hips, furrowing his eyebrows. “I mean, it wouldn’t be my first since it’s just practising y’know? Like-” He inhaled a sharp breath, “like a half of a first but not completely my first kiss!” He grinned widely. “So it’s like preparing for my first kiss!”

“...” Remus frowned even further but James’ grin just got wider and Sirius swore James glanced at Remus before back at him.

“Who’s gonna be the lucky person to kiss my beloved Padfoot?” James asked, rising from the couch.

“Well, I was thinking of you.” James grimaced. “You’d do that for me right?” Sirius asked but James broke eye contact, making Sirius less confident. “I mean if you want to-” He added for good measure.

Sirius waited intently, he wouldn’t mind if he practised kissing with James. It’s just friends' love.

“Noooo..-” Well, that wasn’t the answer I expected. “I mean-” James inhaled a sharp breath. “I’d love to kiss you, but I don’t feel like the right person for the job-” He then glanced at Remus and grinned widely, nodding at the boy on the couch.

Oh.

Remus Lupin.

OH SHIT.

Sirius gulped as he saw the unreadable but angry look on Remus’ face, that only softened as he looked at Sirius. But there was still a frown on his face.

Remus Lupin.

Remus. John. Lupin.

Sirius’ face went full red.

Which is a problem.

A full blown huge problem.

Think of something not sexy, not sexy, not sexy, not sexy..

Sirius shook his head, closing his eyes as he clutched the hem of his shirt.

Not sexy, not sexy..

Orion.

The red from his face faded.

Well that seemed to do it. He let go of the wrinkled cloth he’s been holding onto.

Sirius fluttered his eyes open to see James encouraging an irritated Remus about something, what were we talking about again? Sirius blinked slowly.

“C’mon, I’m sure Padfoot isn’t that much of a bad kisser. Just a beginner!” James supported.

Oh.

“No.” Remus replied, going back to his book until James snatched it away.

Oh?

Moony doesn’t wanna kiss me?

Sirius felt his face boil, ignoring the protests of his Moony and the laughs of James. It’s irritating. But it’s also discouraging— Sirius wanted to prove Remus wrong desperately.

Why don’t you wanna kiss me?

I’m sure I’m a good kisser.

Sirius frowned even more.

I promise you.

“Why won’t you kiss him?!” James yelled, snapping Sirius out of his angry self thoughts for a moment, watching as Remus was fumbling to throw a body binding spell at the running boy.

I’ll show you.

I’m not that horrible.

“I just— I just don’t want to!” Remus hissed, throwing a body binding spell that barely missed James.

James yelped, moving to another spot. But Sirius sees the unusual voice change in Remus’ tone, he knows it’s a lie. Remus always does that when he lies.

I’m a good kisser, Moony. I’ll prove it.

Sirius gritted his teeth as he then fisted Remus’ shirt, pulling him in.

“I know you want to.” Sirius snarled before kissing Remus’ lips.

Most will say that Sirius thinks that this is Remus’ first kiss, well, they thought wrong.

.
.
.

Sirius was humming, roaming through the walls to look for James and Remus. Maybe even Peter.

He peaked over one corner of the hallway, making a ‘boo!’ sound and then getting embarrassed as a few first years looked at him weird.

He expected one of his friends to be around the corner.

Sirius, what is wrong with you today? Sirius thought, he didn’t know why.

Something had been taunting him for the past weeks.

And he doesn’t really enjoy the feeling.

Not one bit. It’s like a mosquito next to your ear every second of the day, don’t you get it?

Sirius sighed, walking the other way, anything to not see those first years he embarrassed himself in front of. Sirius wished he had a time turner. He groaned.

He was so bored.

Nothing to do.

I could go to the girls. Sirius then thought, he then straightened his back as he smiled.

Finally something to do.

He set out, his legs carrying him a bit faster. He wondered what the girls were doing. Maybe debriefing everyone in their year again, Sirius loves joining them.

Oh, maybe they’re braiding their hair. I love when they make plaits.

Sirius’ smile grew wider.

Maybe Moony is with them.

That thought makes him go red.

He was about to take a sharp turn before hearing murmuring from a classroom, Sirius stopped in his tracks.

Although it wasn’t any normal murmuring, it was like.. Kissing sounds?

“Is someone snogging in there?” He murmured to himself, rolling his eyes.

Although it didn’t help Sirius’ hands from stopping to grip at the door handle and take a small peak.

Sirius was about to make a silly comment before seeing exactly who was kissing who.

And oh Merlin, he wished he didn’t do that.

All he could do just to reverse what he saw.

Everything he’d do just to go back in time and yell at himself to not be a nosy snob.

Everything he’d do to make himself turn the other way and not open that door or even notice the noises or the classroom or anything related to it at all.

Anything not to see Remus John Lupin kiss James Fleamont Potter.

That time turner certainly seemed like a better idea now.

Before Sirius could stop himself, tears formed in his eyes, his hand was shaky as he stayed stiff, watching as Remus and James kissed each other lovingly, Merlin he hated himself.

He wanted to run away but his body forbade it.

He should’ve been happy for them. He doesn’t know why he’s envying it. Or crying about it. Or why he wished he was in James’ place.

Which is pretty stupid because Sirius doesn’t like Remus. No. That’d destroy… that would destroy their friendship.

Sirius hiccuped slightly, closing the door.

Run.

Was all in his mind. He picked up his legs.

Run.

Run.

Run.

And he did, he ran as fast as he could. Sirius didn’t know where- just anything away from that classroom.

Sirius silently hoped that he knew- that his legs knew where it was going because his mind was replaying the memory again and again. His eyes were blurry and he ignored every yell of every teacher that he passed.

Even McGonagall’s.

Run.

Was everything he needed to do. He’s never run this fast, actually no.

He’s never ran like this since he ran away from Grimmauld.

Why does running have to be associated with a bloody horrible thing?

Merlin, the universe must hate me. Sirius thought, knowing his eyes would be ugly and puffy and his nose full of snot once he stopped.

.
.
.

Sirius pulled away shakily, breathing heavily. He didn’t know how long Remus and he had been kissing but long enough for James to leave the room and for Remus to have his arms around Sirius’ waist and Sirius’ arms hooked around Remus’ neck.

Long enough for Sirius to know that Remus has been kissing back.

“Oh, Merlin.” Sirius blushed hard as he then squirmed away. “Oh, MERLIN!” He then yelled, covering his face with his hands as he turned away from Remus.

I just kissed Moony.

I just kissed Remus.

I just kissed Remus Lupin!

Sirius made a silent internal scream.

I JUST KISSED REMUS JOHN LUPIN.

He then groaned, his knees suddenly weak.

STUPID SIRIUS!

Sirius shook his head, trying to remove the feel of Remus’ lips on his- was this James’ first reaction?

Sirius’ heart slightly broke as he remembered James kissing Remus.

Not because James was kissing Remus, it was because Sirius wasn’t Remus’ first.

…

But Remus was his first.

He flinched when Remus removed his hands covering his face and whispered the words: “do it again.”

Sirius’ eyes widened, then he grinned. Toujours pur. He snickered and tiptoed for another kiss. Fuck that.

—

2 HOURS AND A HALF EARLIER

JAMES’ POV

James approached the Quidditch pitch, Merlin, these contacts are weird. He thought.

He looked up and closed his eyes, smiling wide as he felt the sunlight hit his face. It was a wonderful feeling, another reason why James particularly likes going outside on sunny days.

James heard a swoosh sound and he fluttered his eyes open, looking at the pitch. His eyes widened as he saw a familiar black curled boy on his broom, trying to catch a snitch alone.

James wanted to run, but maybe he could postpone that. He grinned as he skipped over, biting his lower lip in anticipation.

I didn't expect to see baby Black here. And that was true, it made James rather giddy either way.

“Oi, Black!” James yelled, waving his arms in the air as an attempt to get Regulus’ attention.

He grinned even wider when it worked.

“What are you-” Regulus hissed as he stopped his broom. “Shite.” He cursed as he looked around for the snitch.

James touched a part of the air next to him, then he shot his head when he noticed that the imaginary broom he was holding wasn’t there, he blushed lightly from embarrassment as he realised he didn’t bring his broom.

“Be right back, stay right there, Reg!” James yelled, making a beeline at the broomshed.

“I won’t!” Regulus snarled, James smiled. He knew Regulus would be too busy looking for the snitch for his mind to even force him to leave.

He looked around, one of his eyebrows arched. “Where did I put you?” He muttered to himself, smile faltering. His eyes caught a glimmer of mahogany wood, he grinned widely as his hand seized it.

“Coming, Reggie!” James yelled, running out of the broomshed and hopping on his Nimbus 1500, his feet on the silver foot rests as he kicked the broom up in the air, flying over to Regulus with excitement.

“Stop calling me that!” Regulus hissed as he continued to look around for the snitch, James hummed.

He then shuffled on his broom as if getting prepared, having a gleam in his eyes.

If I get the snitch, Regulus would be mad.

And oh, does James like the attention when Regulus is mad at him.

Can you blame him? It’s Regulus.

James copied Regulus, looking around for the sneaky golden ball with wings, one free arm on his side for the snitch and his free hand holding onto his broom.

“What in Merlin’s beard are you doing?” Regulus demanded as James decided to fly over to him.

“Looking for the snitch.” James answered truthfully. I can't lie to you.

“You’re not a seeker, and I’m not practising with you.” Regulus glared at James at the you part, as if emphasising his words.

“I’m not getting down until I get that Snitch. And neither are you, aren’t you?” James teased, leaning in closer as Regulus’ eyebrows furrowed. “Best of 3?”

There was silence between them, Regulus pondering and James hoping. Then Regulus extended his hand out. “Best of 3.”

Yes! James’ eyes gleamed brightly as he shook Regulus’ hand a bit too hard.

Regulus immediately recoiled his hand, brushing it on his robes, suddenly, he flew past James as James yelped.

“Oi!” James yelled as Regulus dove in for the snitch that was behind him. How could James be so blind?

James frowned as Regulus caught it and flew his broom down on ground level. He followed as his feet touched the grass.

Regulus was holding the snitch tightly, James felt the sudden urge to snatch it out of his hands and play with it. Maybe keep it.

“I’m gonna throw this in the air.” Regulus held up the snitch, it twinkled under the sunlight. “Let it fly for 10 seconds,” he explained slowly, as if James was at quidditch tryouts. “We don’t speak of this, ever.”

James frowned at that last part. “You’ll be crawling back to me for another round.” Because I’m exciting.

“Your blasted ego is bigger than a lake.” Regulus rolled his eyes. “No it’s not.” James shook his head “I’m nice.” James said just as Regulus released the snitch, throwing it in the air.

“Yeah, you’re also way too nice to people.” He muttered, watching the snitch flutter around. “But the real kicker is when you lose the glasses and put your hair up,” Regulus glanced at James, James who was wearing no sort of glasses (but contacts) and his hair was in a small ponytail that brushed against his nape. “You’re prettier than most girls I know. Ticks me off.” He looked away from James as James felt a warm feeling in his stomach.

“So I’m a pretty boy?” He then said hopefully, begging silently that Regulus would agree.

“That’s another thing!” Regulus blabbed, blushing hard as if realising what he said. “You make me say the dumbest shit without even realising it— it drives me bloody crazy!”

Cute.

“That’s.. My fault?” One of James’ eyebrows raised up, a—most likely—stupid grin smearing his face.

“Yes!” Regulus breathed out, their nose touching. When did they get so close?

James doesn’t know, and he doesn’t care. No one has told him that there was a sprinkle of freckles on Regulus’ face, from the bridge of his nose and spreading to his cheek bones.

James wanted to count all of them.

Just as he was about to, Regulus suddenly hopped on his broom and kicked off in the air.

“Oi!” James grumbled, getting on his own broom as Regulus stuck his tongue at him. “Oh you little-” He cursed as he kicked up in the air.

James’ goal now is to defeat Regulus Black in catching the snitch.

He will defeat Regulus Arcturus Black.

1 AND A HALF HOUR LATER

And then there was James, defeated as he sat on the grass of the Quidditch pitch with Regulus standing in front of him with a smug.

Now how did this happen?

James sighed as he finally stood up, not caring about the dirt on his clothes as Regulus gently tilted his head up.

Oh what James would do to remove that smirk from Regulus' lips.

Anything.

He'd do anything.

He could even kiss it off his face if he has to.

But James can’t deny the rush of adrenaline seeing Regulus smirk like that.

James grumbled as he rolled his eyes, “beginner’s luck.”

“Beginner?” Regulus scoffed. “I've been playing Quidditch since my 3rd year.”

“Erm actually,” said James, putting one of his hands up in a fist but his index finger was pointed up.. “I've been playing since my 2nd year, that's like 2 years of practice more than you.” He poked Regulus' chest with his index finger, a hand on his own hip.

“I’m not the one who lost, and I'm looking at him right now.” The younger boy retorted back, his smile faltering and his face turning into that Merlin forbid poker face he has every single day.

Normal people would've left Regulus alone at this point, run from him even.

But normal people aren't the man who has dealt with Regulus Black who's managed to get on every nerve of his.

Normal people aren't James Potter who has been teasing the Black heir for like what, 3 years?

“Don’t be a sore winner, Reggie. That's bad.” James said, as if it would do something to Regulus. “And yeah, but you're the one who has never ever even ignored me no matter how hard you try.” James winked and Regulus' eyebrows furrowed, now glaring. “Now why is that, Reggie?”

“None of your business,” the black haired boy snapped, then grabbed his broom. “I'm leaving.” He turned on his heel.

What?

“Hey, no. Why?” James frowned deeply. I didn't expect that. “I was only teasing,” he placed his hand on Regulus' shoulder but he shrugged it away.

“Regulus, I'm sorry.” James apologised. “I didn't mean that. I’m really sorry.”

There was a moment of silence.

It was too silent for them.

James despised it.

Then Regulus' shoulders shaking, James raised one of his eyebrows. “Are you crying?”

No, he’s laughing.

Oh, he’s laughing.

“You fucking idiot-” Regulus snickered as the older boy’s eyes widened then his eyebrows furrowed.

“Hey! I actually thought you were upset!” He gritted through his teeth as Regulus continued to laugh.

How could James not think that was the best sound he's ever heard?

Continue laughing, James thought, a stupid smile on his face. Continue laughing and you'll save me.

Regulus had his hands on his stomach, giggling. What a sight to behold, a heavenly sight, James could watch this all day.

Is it weird he prefers this over Regulus' adorable scowls?

“C'mere you.” James opened his arms and tackled Regulus, both of them rolling in the grass as they laughed and argued and laughed some more.

“Hey!”

“Nuh uh, you're staying here!”

“No I'm not,”

“Yes you are Reggie!”

Both of them were breathless by the time they stopped, having huge smiles on their faces. James watched the messy and dirty black curls go messy, the younger boy's eyes twinkling with stars, his lips having a speck of dirt at the end of it.

“You have..” James cupped Regulus' cheek and his thumb brushed against the dirt, removing it as his eyes stayed fixated on Regulus' lips. “You had something there.” He bit his lower lip.

If he wasn't so focused on how the lips moved, he would've noticed he was on top of Regulus.

Wow..

Then James was pushed off as Regulus sat up with a deep blush. “Hey, I was just-” admiring? Looking? James didn't even know the right word.

“I'm going now,” Regulus muttered, not even looking at James. Where was that loving gleam? James wanted to see that again. Those pretty grey eyes with that starstruck twinkle.

“Bye.” Said the black haired boy as he skittered off.

James just sat there, blinking slowly.

Then he screamed internally.

Then he cursed himself.

Then screamed at himself internally again.

He flopped down on his back, looking up at the sky.

I need to go tell Wormy. James thought. And Marls. I need to go tell them, I need to tell them that..

That what? James has fallen in love? Even the thought just makes his cheeks warm and butterflies fly in his stomach. He hasn't felt like this since Lily…

…

Oh.

Oh fuck he was so screwed.

—

6 HOURS LATER

LILY'S POV

Lily waited at the entrance of the library, holding the muggle book she borrowed from the Local Muggles Library in Diagon Alley, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and had an arm wrapped around the book.

Her other hand held her wand that had placed a levitating spell on her school books stacked on eachother and a water bottle on top with a pack of biscuits leaning against it.

Lily tapped her foot against the wooden floor, the black platforms she wore creating a clicking sound each time. She had her hair in a lazy low bun paired with a green headband that matched her eyes.

The golden petunia flower necklace stayed hidden under her white blouse that was tucked in her gray Hogwarts skirt a bit above her knees. Lily adjusted her Gryffindor tie.

Why are my palms sweaty? Lily frowned lightly. Deep breaths Lily, it's just Pandora.

She gulped. But Pandora wasn't just Pandora, she was the girl she fancied to kiss in her dreams. Pandora was the girl Lily desperately wanted a snog from. Pandora was the girl Lily needed. She has known these since 3rd year.

Pandora was the girl Lily wanted to learn love from.

Pandora is simple. You'll be fine, Lily.

Don't be weak.

Outright lie.

Because once Lily saw the familiar blonde hair in dreadlocks pass her eyes, her heart fluttered. No, her heart felt like bursting from her chest and jumping into Pandora's hands, Lily would let her do anything with it.

She inhaled a sharp breath, now noticing that Pandora was that close to her. Only 3 inches separated them and Pandora's head was gently tilted to the side with her hands behind her back.

“Lily?” Pandora's voice echoed through Lily's ears and Lily stepped back with heated cheeks.

Say my name more.

“Pandora.” The name rolled off her tongue so well. Lily could repeat it forever.

“Hi,” Pandora smiled and Lily's face went as red as her hair.

She's too much.

She's so lovely.

Pandora can never be too simple. She’s so unique.

And different. Different in her own good way.

Pandora's lips were moving, Lily would know, she was looking at them intently as if wanting to claim them as treasure.

Pandora's lips were moving but no words registered in Lily's mind.

Pandora Rosier.

She shivered at the thought of the younger girl's name.

She must've dropped her wand cause she heard a clunk on the floor and then a loud clattering with hard leather sounds, but she ignored it.

It was as if the world had stopped and Lily just wanted to stay there.

Pandora stepped closer. Lily did the same, biting her lower lip.

Pandora was saying something— wait, is she yelling?

“Lily Jade Evans!” Pandora's sudden rise of voice caught Lily off guard as her breath hitched.

“Yes?” Lily looked at Pandora's lovely eyes with bated breath.

“You just— your books, Lils. It just dropped on the floor, are you okay?” Pandora asked with familiar warmth that Lily was always chasing as she lowered her voice back down.

“Yes— yes, I'm okay. I just..” Lily's eyes looked at Pandora's lips before back at Pandora's eyes. “Just zoning out.”

“Are you sure?” Pandora placed her hands on the redhead's shoulders, Lily just wanted to grab her waist and kiss her. Her fingers twitched, it twitched to touch Pandora's lips. To feel it. To taste it with her mouth.

She shook her head.

“Yes..” Lily said, now more hesitantly. “I'm very sure, Pandora.” And how Lily savoured every single chance she gets to say Pandora's name. “Uhm..”

The redhead's eyes darted to the ground now with a clutter of a few books, a pack of biscuits, and a bottle of water. “Sorry.” Lily said automatically, crouching down immediately as she started picking them up frantically.

Merlin, this is so embarrassing. Her ears changed to the red that matched her hair, then soon the back of her neck started heating up as Pandora fell to her knees, their eyes at the same level so it met.

“It's okay.” Pandora smiled, her voice smooth as silk, two of her nails painted with a nice soft teal, four nails were star art. A different pair of nails were a maroon base with white swirls, the last two nails were faded yellow and black stripes. Like bees. It was strangely whimsical to Lily, in a nice way. She wondered how they would feel caressing her hair.

“Here, let me help.” Pandora reached out for one of Lily's books, Lily had the urge to grab her hand and make it cup her cheek. How warming would that feel? She shivered at the thought. Pandora stood up, holding Lily's small notebook, Little Women, and 4 more books Lily couldn't see the cover of. Also Lily's water bottle.

Lily, herself, held 5 books. She smiled at Pandora and Pandora smiled back. Lily bit her lower lip at the sight of Pandora's dimples, her eyes surely going red. “Let's go?” She suggested. We have to go. Please let's go before I do something stupid. She internally begged.

She was sure Pandora could read her mind when she heard an enthusiastic, “Yeah, sure!” Pandora took one of Lily's free hand (the other hand having 5 books that are wrapped around by her arm, also barely staying in her grip while her hand held her wand and pack of biscuits.

Unknowingly to Lily, she looked too red that she could be twins with a tomato. She let out a small sigh as they both entered the library.

2 HOURS LATER

Their corner in the library was full of giggles, soft talks.. and flirting? Lily couldn't tell. But mostly studying, at least Lily hopes they were studying more than she theorised.

But Pandora was looking at her with those pretty dark brown eyes that looked like chocolate. Lily resisted from grabbing the other girl's wrist and pulling her back as Pandora stood up.

“I should be going, Ev is probably looking for me.” She explained, smiling brightly that the whole room brightened up like how it brightens up when James enters it.

“Okay..” Lily breathed out as she bit back a frown. She gripped her quill tightly as her eyes stayed glued on Pandora, who was stuffing back her own books in her bag with a black void in it where the items fell in, it was also decorated with stickers and colourful streaks of markers and paints.

Pandora took one more book as she stuffed it in last, she placed her hands around the strings of the bucket bag and pulled on them, closing the bag. She put her arms around the straps as she looked at Lily.

Lily gulped, her eyes glued onto Pandora as she gave a small wave, Lily suppressed a protest. A debate on why she should stay longer. Just then, she skittered back to Lily to press a swift but quick kiss on her cheek. “Bye, see you next week!” Pandora waved, walking away with a big smile.

If Lily didn't believe love existed, she certainly did now.

Which could mean nothing.

The redhead sat there, frozen. Her face probably and definitely a noticeable bright red. She kissed my cheek. Lily thought, then gasped. “She kissed my cheek!” She stood up and squealed, she has to tell the girls, oh, and—

Lily flinched as the librarian, Madam Wensley, came over with her curly blonde hair that looked like coils. “Quiet down, will you miss Evan?” She said with irritation in her squeaky voice.

Lily bit her lower lip as she composed herself. “Sorry, Madam Wensley.” She apologised, grabbing her books in a hurry as it felt strangely empty. Lily figured it was just her as she fumbled for her wand and placed a spell on the books so that they levitated while she gathered up her notes and quill.

Madam Wensley nodded in approval as she left with a warm smile, Lily swept her hair away from her face, hoping no one noticed the look of annoyance on her features.

I'm missing something. She thought, looking everywhere. Mm, no I’m not. Lily shook her head and walked away, the heels of her shoes making a creak sound on every step she took.

—

30 MINUTES EARLIER

PETER'S POV

Peter frowned as he made his way to Greenhouse Six, he could’ve been beating Sirius or James, maybe Remus at chess right now. But no, he just had to be meeting the Minister’s son, didn't he? This whole system is rubbish if Peter was honest.

He pushed the glass door adorned with light brown wood surrounding it. His nose made a small crunch as he looked at Bartemius. Barty? Crouch? Peter doesn’t know what to call him. His footsteps make thunk, thunk, thunk, sounds as he approaches the boy currently sprawled on the table like a lab experiment.

And Peter decides to call him Bartemius.

“Hey,” Peter muttered, poking at the boy’s side. Bartemius simply grumbled and turned to the other side. Is this boy serious? “Hey.” Peter repeated more annoyingly, poking at Bartemius’ back. “Shut up.” Bartemius said gruffly as he swatted Peter’s hand away.

“You’re sleeping on a table.” Peter clenched his fists. “Geh weg, ich will das hinter mich bringen, du kleiner-”

“Okay, okay!” Bartemius hissed as he sat up. “I get it.” He waved his hand in a dismissive manner as Peter scowled.

“Did you even know what I said?”

“No, but it sounded hot.”

“Pardon me?”

“You’ve been pardoned.” Bartemius was about to lay down again but Peter harshly grabbed him by the collar. “No, I’m already here and you don’t need anymore of your table naps.”

“Who pissed in your garden?” Bartemius stuck his tongue out.

“You. Now get down from that table you’re gonna break it.” Peter removed his hand from Bartemius’ collar. Too close.

Bartemius gasped and pressed the back of his wrist on his forehead. “Are you calling me fat?!” He accused.

“Yes.” Peter shot back, dropping his bag on the table across. “Now get off.”

“Make me.” Oh you little—

“I’m not carrying you, Bartemius.” Peter crossed his arms.

“Okay,” Barty gruffly said with furrowed eyebrows as he got off the table. “One, don’t call me Bartemius. My name is Barty. I’m a changed man. Two, I didn’t say for you to carry me.”

“You implied it.”

“Did not.”

“Did to.”

“Did not!”

“Did to!”

“Did nott!”

“Did tooo!”

“Did not.”

“Did to.”

“I’m not continuing this,” Peter shook his head, he was getting a headache. “That means I win!” Bartemius said wildly, throwing his arms up in the air.

God, this boy is so immature.

“Let’s just study.” Peter said, opening his bag and bringing out his books, quill, chocolate, water, parchment, and the golden pin of a katniss that Sirius bought him.

Sirius was always the gifts giving type, isn’t that a love language? Oh, well. Peter doesn’t have much interest in gifts but he pretends to for Sirius’ sake. Sirius was his friend.. He thinks. And that's what friends do for eachother.

Peter picked up the pin and lifted it up in the sunlight, watching as it twinkled. “What’s that, squeaks?” Bartemius asked, looming over Peter’s shoulder.

Squeaks?

“Nothing, why are you looking?” Peter said, dropping the pin as it clinked against the table and fell onto the ground. “Ooh, shiny.” Bartemius caught it at the corner of his eyes and dove down to get it before Peter could. “What’s this? A gift from pretty boy?” Bartemius held it up, mocking Peter’s earlier action.

Pretty boy. Does he mean James or Sirius? Or Remus? No, he calls Remus the handsome one. He calls James the hot sun and Sirius must be the pretty boy.

“It’s from no one.” Peter snatched it back from Batemius’ hand. “Why do you care?” He hissed, placing it back in his bag.

“Just curious, sweetheart.” Bartemius backed away, his arms up beside his head. “No hard feelings.”

Sweetheart? Peter feels his cheeks getting hotter in embarrassment. That nickname does not fit him. “I’m not your ‘sweetheart’,” Peter replied.

“Gee, why are you so mean?” Bartemius huffed and crossed his arms, but smirked after. “C’mon, it’s been like what, 2 years since that incident?”

“3.” Peter corrected. “You scared me to death,”

“I didn’t know you’d turn into squeaks and run into the handsome one’s pocket!” Bartemius protested.

“I’m not squeaks, and his name is Remus. Use it.” Peter hissed as he looked over Bartemius’ shoulder. “Where’s your stuff?” He looked back at Barty.

“What stuff?”

“The stuff in your letter.” Peter really was getting irritated.

“Oh, that didn’t say anything.” Bartemius shrugged. “What? Liar.” Peter accused.

“No, I’m serious.”

“There’s only one Sirius.” Peter couldn’t help it, the joke slipped out before he could bite his tongue to keep it from escaping his mouth.

“Okay jokester,” Bartemius laughed.

“Ugh, whatever. Just accio some parchment and a quill for yourself.” Peter waved a dismissive hand as he gathered his own items and started organising them like a puzzle piece on the table Bartemius earlier was sleeping on.

One moment to another, Peter was scolding Bartemius as he laughed for ruining his placements as the parchment that Bartemius had summoned flew all over the room and made an absolute mess.

—

3 HOURS LATER

BARTY’S POV

Barty stirred awake as Peter prodded him with a quill. “Ouch!” Barty hissed as he stumbled up from his chair and fell down.

For 30 minutes, 2 hours earlier, he had to fix the whole parchment incident thing. It’s not fair. Barty scowled as he looked up at Peter.

He could’ve been up with His Rose 30 minutes earlier if Peter hadn’t requested an extra 30 minutes to make up for lost studying time.

“Wake up, Bartemius.” Peter said, as he has been saying every 10 minutes.

My name isn’t Bartemius. Barty furrowed his eyebrows. “But it’s so boring..” He groaned. “Is it done yet? It must be.”

“No, it’s..” Peter slid off one of his sleeves to check the time on his watch that wrapped around his wrist. “Oh, it’s time.” He stood up and patted Barty’s head twice. Which in annoyance, Barty enjoys. Reminds him of Evan. Oh, he misses Evan.

Peter skipped off and pulled out his wand, doing a small flick. “Pack!” Peter cried out, and the used parchment, quill, books, and water bottle flew across the air as it looked like children in a single file dropping down into Peter’s bag.

Barty grimaced. He had no bag, and also nothing to pack except his quill and parchment that either had little to no notes or was crumpled. He secretly placed the papers on the table and hid his hand holding his wand with his body. “Evanesco.” Barty whispered under his breath and he touched the spot where the now gone parchment once laid.

“When are we meeting again?” Peter muttered to himself.

“What? Are you gonna create another meeting?” Barty said in a mocking tone as he moved away from the table. He slid his quill in one pocket and his wand in the other.

“I will if I must.” Peter looked at Barty and sighed. “You disapparted the parchment.”

“You’re smart, squeaks.” How did you know?

“Uhuh, next time I will make you write down on the parchment.” Peter said as he then closed his bag. He looked at Barty hesitantly.

He’s gonna say something. Barty theorised. And he expected to be proven right as Peter opened his mouth.

Peter then shook his head and closed it.

Hey, what were you gonna say?

“Bye,” Peter waved.

Oh. “Bye,” Barty said automatically. But his forehead creased. Peter was about to say something else. Barty groans as he looks down at the floor.

He then gets an idea. A reminder.

“Oi, sweetheart!” Barty called out as Peter was about to zoom out of the door. “Call me Barty, will you?” Barty asked and there was a slight nod before Peter dashed out.

There we go. He grins widely.

“Barty!” Pandora’s dreamy voice sings through Barty’s ears as she enters the Greenhouse. Dorcas follows as she waved at Barty.

Barty grins widely as his head shot up, he accepts Pandora’s tight hug and Dorcas’ back pat. “Where’s Rosier?” Barty asks automatically and gets strange looks. “And.. Reg,”

“They’re spending time together, something about painting,” Pandora answers, smiling brightly.

Right, they love painting. Barty blinked slowly. He wondered if they’re painting another painting or doing that ocean painting again. What was it called? Right, The Storm, Regulus titled.

“We saw Pettigrew, he looked red. What did you do to him?” Dorcas gently slaps the back of Barty’s head, making him yelp.

“Red? He’s red?” I didn’t do anything. “Oh yeah, of course he’s red.” What am I saying? “I just teased him a bit.” No, I didn’t flirt this time. I was too tired to. At least I think, is he that flustered by ‘sweetheart’? The thought makes Barty snort.

“When will you stop flirting with people?” Dorcas scolded and Barty rolled his eyes at her, which is an unspoken rule to never roll your eyes at her because Dorcas grabs him by the scruff and forces him out of the Greenhouse carefully as if Barty was an angry cat with Pandora giggling behind.

Barty crosses his arms just as they arrive the front of the dungeon wall that leads to their common room, Dorcas says the password—Emerald—and they enter the common room to see Evan perched on the couch with a manspread, a red cup hanging from his hand as Regulus downs what seems to be firewhiskey, a pencil in his other hand as he sketches something on the paper.

Drunk and crazy. Why couldn’t I join?

“Barty,” Evan says breathlessly, Barty gets dropped by Dorcas and he immediately strolls over to Evan. One moment to another, they lock lips, Evan must be really intoxicated because he then hiccups and passes out.

Chapter Text

Heyo this project will be put on hold for a little while until I can rewrite everything and make it's outline which will be in a few years but it's okay!!