Chapter 2
James Potter is not jealous.
Nope. Not at all. Not even a little bit. Because that would be ridiculous.
So, what if Regulus Black, the most infuriatingly attractive person James has ever met, is currently sitting way too close to Barty Crouch Jr.? So, what if they’re laughing about something in that stupid, conspiratorial way that makes it seem like they would be a perfect couple? So, what is Crouch keeps leaning in, like he has any right to be in Regulus’ space like that?
It doesn’t mean anything. Because James is not jealous.
Except, alright – maybe a tiny little bit.
Regulus had turned James down. Straight to his face, like it was the easiest thing in the world. He hadn’t even hesitated. One moment, James was offering to take him to Hogsmeade, on a maybe date, and the next, he was left with a polite, but firm rejection and an ego with a brand-new dent in it.
Yeah, alright, maybe James was jealous.
Whatever, it’s fine, does it really matter?
James was still standing just outside the library doors, watching them through the gap as Barty said something that made Regulus roll his eyes, looking entirely unimpressed. Barty, of course, just grinned like the smug bastard he was. And that was annoying, sure. But what was really annoying was the way Regulus didn’t pull away.
James clenched his jaw.
Not jealous. Just… deeply, deeply irritated.
He hadn’t planned to leave like that. But then Crouch had swooped in, all casual and infuriating, and Regulus had just let him. James had seen that moment of hesitation, that second where he could’ve said something, but he didn’t, and James had gotten the sudden, overwhelming urge to –
Well. He didn’t actually know.
Hex Crouch’s chair out from under him? Maybe.
Go back in there and tell Regulus to forget whatever plans he just made because James was taking him to Hogsmeade? Possibly.
“You’re staring.”
James jerks his gaze away from Regulus and turns to Sirius, who’s lounging across the library couch with the air of someone who’s seen far too much and is far too entertained by it.
“I’m not staring,” James mutters, slouching lower in his chair.
Sirius raises an eyebrow. “Right. And I’m Minister for Magic.”
James glares at him, but Sirius just grins, because he’s an absolute menace and doesn’t know how to mind his own damn business. “Look,” Sirius says, stretching out lazily, kicking his feet into Remus’ lap, “if you want to date my brother so badly, maybe stop looking like a kicked puppy every time he ignores you.”
“I don’t- “James starts, then stops, because, well technically Sirius isn’t wrong. But admitting that would be a nightmare, so instead, James scowls at the bookshelves like they’ve personally offended him. “It’s not like that.”
Sirius snorts. “Mate, it’s exactly like that.”
James groans and drags a hand down his face. This is the worst. Absolutely the worst. Because the thing is, Regulus is infuriating. He’s all sharp edges and cool indifference, like nothing and no one can touch him. But sometimes – sometimes – James catches him almost smiling or sees the way he gets lost in thought when he’s reading or hears the way his voice softens when he talks about the stars. And it’s unfair how much James wants to be the reason Regulus’ wall finally come down.
Too bad Regulus doesn’t feel the same way.
Next to Sirius, Remus looks up from his book and give James one of his signatures long, knowing looks. James immediately feels exposed.
“Oh, not you too,” he groans.
“I didn’t even say anything,” Remus says, flipping a page.
James scowls. “You were thinking it.”
“Thinking what?” Peter asks, looking up from his chess game with a frown.
“Thinking that James is hopelessly in love with my brother,” Sirius supplies helpfully.
James reaches over and smacks him on the head. “I hate you.”
Sirius just cackles at him. Remus, ever the voice of reason, sighs and sets his book down. “Alright, so what’s the plan?”
James blinks. “Plan?”
“Yes, plan,” Remus says patiently, like he’s explaining something very simple to a very stupid child. “Because clearly, you’re not going to just sit here and pine forever.”
“Uh…” James says, because that was kind of, like exactly his plan, actually.
Sirius looks delighted. “Oh, this is so, so much better than u expected. Alright, Moony, what’s your expert opinion?”
Remus hums thoughtfully. “Well, step one is probably making sure Regulus knows James likes him.”
James sputters. “He knows!”
“Does he?” Remus asks, unimpressed. “Because from where I’m sitting, it looks like he thinks you’re still hung up on Lily.”
James opens his mouth to argue, then pauses. Because – okay. That’s actually a really concerning thought. He hadn’t really considered that Regulus might not know. That maybe, in all his very obvious, definitely not subtle pining, Regulus still somehow missed the point entirely.
“Oh.’ James says, horrified.
Sirius bursts out laughing. “This is fantastic.”
James ignores him in favour of looking at Remus in absolute betrayal. “And you’re only telling me this now?”
Remus shrugs, “I thought it was obvious.”
James groans and lets his head fall back against the couch. “Brilliant. Just brilliant.”
“Well,” Peter pipes up, “guess that means you’re going to have to actually do something about it now.”
James sighs. He hates when Peter makes sense.
But yeah. Fine. Maybe it’s time to stop pretending this is just a passing crush. Maybe it’s time to make Regulus see him the way he wants to be seen. And if he had to deal with Crouch in the process?
Well. That’s what pranks are for.