As Regulus stood on the Astronomy tower holding onto the railing, he thought that he would’nt mind if he got ill - he would’nt even mind if he got pneumonia - because to him it would be worth it. The stars gazed at Regulus as he stared back, a slight smile on his chapped lips as he recalled the names of the constellations he saw. To Regulus, it would’nt matter how many times he saw the night sky - he would never get sick of it. He yawned and took out the Marauders map. Once checking there was no one around, he begrudgingly made his way to his dorm.
✦☀︎
“WAKE UP JAMES.” Sirius shouted, throwing a pillow at him.
”Let him sleep Siri, it’s a saturday.” Remus said yawning.
”No, i agree with Pads. It’s time to wake up Prongs!” Peter cackled as he threw open the curtains.
James groaned, tossing Sirius pillow over at Peter, only making the boy laugh more.
”Come on James! It’s Mischief day!” Sirius complained as he filled a small pouch with coins.
James suddenly got up, excitement shining in his eyes. “YES! The day has finally come, let’s go boys!” He said, rubbing his eyes and putting on his glasses. Prongs walked towards the door.
Remus sighed. “Are’nt you forgetting something James?”
”Um?” He walked doubtfully towards Remus and gave him a peck on the cheek.
”Prongs no. How are you this disorganised?” Moony muttered. “As in your clothes and your permission slip.” Sirius and Peter covered their mouths, unsuccessfully attempting to stifle their laughter.
”Pads.” James groaned. “Break up with your boyfriend he was rude to me.”
”I will not be doing that Prongs m’boy, I like him too much. Now hurry up and get dressed.”
As the three boys left the dorm, James called after them. “All of you are traitors! When i die, you will be to blame!” The Marauders laughter faded into the chatter of the Gryffindor common room.
☀︎✦
“Wait, James.” Regulus said as he put his hand on James’ shoulder to stop walking.
James slowed down and called out to Remus. “See you at the Three Broomsticks?” Remus looked at both of them smugly, nodded and winked. Regulus got out the Marauders map and handed it to James.
”Thanks, i forgot i gave it to you.” James said, as he tucked it away into his robe.
”Um.” Regulus muttered unsure on how to proceed. “D- do you mind if i join you again? During the full moon?” James’ face lit up.
“Yeah of course!” he grinned. “But why are you asking me instead of Sirius or Remus?”
I did. I just wanted to talk to you and spend time with you. ”I did. I just wanted to make sure it was ok with you too.”
James looked at him inquisitively causing Regulus’ face to flush slightly. James took off his scarf, wrapped it around the two of them and interlocked their fingers. Regulus looked away as his face flushed scarlett.
”Why did you do that?” Regulus said, his voice barely above a whisper.
”You looked cold.” James said simply as they began to walk towards the Three Broomsticks.
Regulus’ mind raced and before he knew it, they were sat down in a corner with all their friends.
”REG! REGGIE NO! YOU’VE BEEN TAKEN TO THE DARK SIDE! COME BACK TO US REGGIE!” Evan called out from across the table.
James rolled his eyes. “You’ll get him back, do’nt be dramatic.” Barty patted Evan on the back as he pretended to cry.
”Asking Evan to stop being dramatic is like asking Pandora to stop crocheting random things.” Barty pointed out.
”Speaking of which, i made you something Reggie.” Pandora said passing something to Regulus. “It’s Cerberus. You remind me of him. You’re rude and spooky but you’re just a little softy at the end of the day.” Regulus scowled, muttering something about preferring cats to dogs but pocketed the little plush carefully.
Regulus caught Remus’ eye from across the table. Remus grinned as he saw him and James still holding hands and raised an eyebrow. Regulus immediately let go of James’ hand and scowled. James looked at Regulus and said something he could’nt hear with all the chatter.
James leaned in until he was just inches away from Regulus. “If you want sit with Evan and Barty, you can. I was just kidding, i did’nt mean to make you uncomfortable.” Regulus shook his head.
”I’m fine.”
”Good. I like spending time with you guapo.” James responded, interlocking their hands once more and continuing his conversation with Marlene about Quidditch.
“Oh mon Dieu.” Regulus muttered to himself shaking his head slightly as he blushed once more. When he looked up he saw Evan, Barty, Narcissa, Dorcas, Lily and Remus all looking at him with matching mischievous grins. “Oh mon Dieu.” he repeated. They were never going to stop annoying him about this.
✦☀︎
When they returned to their dorms to sleep, James could’nt keep the smile off his face.
“Why are you all smiley?” Remus asked, despite already knowing the answer.
”I held his hand. I held his hand and he didn’t mind.” A sad thought clouded his mind as he lay down on his bed. “Ugh, i wished he liked me the way i liked him.”
Remus sighed. “Have you ever thought that maybe he does like you?”
”No, he’s got that thing going on with Mary.”
”Mary? As in our Mary?” Remus said, attempting to stop himself from smiling.
”Yeah, who else?” James responded sarcastically.
“Mary likes Lily.” Remus said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. James looked over at Moony, a confused look on his face.
”They’ve been giving each other heart eyes for the past like year.”
”How did i miss that?” James wondered aloud.
”You miss things that are right in front of you Prongs. Go to sleep.”
-
James had tried to sleep, he really had but his mind would’nt stop racing. James groaned and reached over to the Marauders map and his wand.
”Lumos.” he whispered. James’ eyes scanned the map for Regulus’ name until they landed on it, in the Astronomy tower.
James silently sat up, put on his shoes, shrugged on his robe and pocketed his wand.
-
James got to the Astronomy tower unnoticed and he saw a tired looking Regulus looking at the sky in awe wearing James’- wearing his scarf. James tried not to melt at the sight.
”Hi Reg.” James said nervously.