It was Regulus’s birthday and he wasn’t happy about it. What it meant was another year closer to when he would lose his freedom forever.
He only had two years left of Hogwarts, and no matter how many times he’s criticized this school he has always felt safer after every summer and holiday because of the distance from his parents.
He was told during the summer that he was to wed a pureblood witch after he finishes school. That night after he found out this information he had a complete meltdown in his room. He had set up a silencing charm and destroyed almost everything he laid his eyes on. Kreature found him later curled up in a ball. He was glad it was him to find him and not his mother. Regulus in no way could or ever want to marry a pureblood witch especially of his mother’s choosing. Since then he had been counting down his days like it was an expiration date.
He was 16 today. The black family rarely celebrated birthdays, and if they did it was to throw some elaborate party to flaunt their so called “perfect” sons. Ever since he could remember he would always spend his birthday with Sirius. When they were little, Sirius would bribe and beg Kreature to bake a cake for Regulus. Kreature never did bake him a cake, but the boys would find at exactly midnight of their birthdays a chocolate cupcake waiting by their doors. That’s what started the brother traditions for their birthdays. Every year Sirius would secretly enter Regulus’ room with a cupcake and an overtly large and expensive looking candle and they would celebrate. Sirius would spilt the cupcake as evenly as possible (though he always gave the bigger half to Regulus regardless) and would sing with a pleasant smile in his face. Birthdays was the one bit of happiness they shared together in that house.
The one off year, where Regulus was at home and Sirius was at Hogwarts, Sirius sent a three page letter wishing him the best 10th birthday and how sad he was missing it. However, once Regulus started at Hogwarts the tradition continued even as the brothers relationship strained.
Regulus’ third year, the two barely talked to one another except for the times they shared with each other at the astronomy tower at midnight always with a chocolate cupcake. Birthdays was the only time they talked and sat with each pretending like their relationship wasn’t completely falling apart.
Now Regulus felt completely alone at the astronomy tower with his pathetic chocolate cupcake and red candle. Ever since Regulus’ fourth year, Sirius hasn’t shown up. That year was especially hard for Regulus, it was the first time he realized his brother was truly slipping away from him. It told him that he didn’t care and then after that Christmas where Sirius packed a bag and left for good, it solidified that idea. Where Sirius’s life began December 26th, Regulus’s life ended.
So here he sat against the balcony crying. For the past two years, his birthday was the only time he allowed himself to mope and miss his brother. He felt disappointed and upset at himself that he thought Sirius would actually shown up this time. It was pathetic because the whole day before he found himself excited at the thought.
Regulus sobbed into his sweater and hugged his knees into himself as a way to comfort himself. Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching him. His head shot up and he looked to find a wide eyed James potter looking down at him. Immediately Regulus wiped his tears off with the sleeve of sweater, embarrassed that him of all people was seeing him like this.
“Shit, sorry I didn’t know anyone was up here.” James apologized. He stood there awkwardly seeming unsure, before he plopped down next to Regulus.
Regulus almost wanted to tell him to leave. To argue that he was in fact intruding, but he didn’t have it in himself to speak about James sitting here with him. A part of him was desperate for someone to just be there with him. It was an humiliating feeling but he decided to indulge in it this once.
“Are you okay?” James asked sincerely.
“I’m fine.” His voice was unconvincing but James didn’t comment any further on it. They sat there in silence for a few moments, just taking in each other’s presence. Regulus observed the boy next him out of the corner of his eye, and could almost see that something was bothering him as well.
“You have a cupcake.” James stated, Regulus hummed.
“Why?”
“It’s my birthday.” James face, to Regulus’ surprise, lit up with a warm smile.
“Happy birthday,” James grinned again widely at him and Regulus was taken aback by how bright and comforting it was.
“Thank you.” James without any permission picked up the cupcake and stuck the candle in the middle. Regulus eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he watched him dig in his pockets for something until he pulled out a box looking thing.
“It’s a lighter.” James supplied. “My friends smoke a lot— I don’t, but they lose their lighters all the time so they make me keep one on me.” James smiled and then he went to light the candle.
“Go on, close your eyes and make a wish.” James shoved the cupcake towards Regulus face expectantly. Regulus looked at James bewilderedly, but nonetheless followed the boys orders. He shut his eyes and made his wish as he blew out the candle.
“I would ask what your wish was, but I’ve been told that spoils it.” James said casually handing the cupcake to Regulus.
“How old are you turning?” It was a silly question given they were only a year apart, but Regulus answered anyway.
“Sixteen.” James nodded and laid back against the balcony coolly.
“Ah I remember the days when I was sixteen.”
“Your not even that much older then me.”
“Hey, respect your elders.” James joked pointing his finger at him. Regulus rolled his eyes as he unwrapped the cupcake. He broke it in half handing one half to James to take. He took it eagerly and they both sat in silence as they ate it. It was nice and was the first birthday since fourth year he didn’t spend utterly alone.
Once they were done, Regulus got up from the floor grabbing the wrapper and candle. James copied his movements pocketing the lighter. They stood awkwardly unsure of how to say goodbye.
“Uh James?” It was the first time Regulus had ever addressed him by his first name.
“Yeah?” Without any warning, Regulus threw his arms around James. He was stunned by the sudden contact but then immediately wrapped his arms around the shorter boy. Regulus doesn’t know what caused this action, maybe it was due to James being so nice to him. The two hugged each other for a good minute before Regulus pulled away.
“Thank you, I really needed this.” Regulus gestured to the whole astronomy tower. James smiled again and nodded.
“Happy birthday, Regulus.”