The chill of early December had settled over Hogwarts, blanketing the castle grounds with a thin layer of frost. Inside the Gryffindor common room, the fire crackled warmly, casting a cozy glow over the scattered students. James Potter lounged on a plush armchair, his Transfiguration textbook open but largely ignored on his lap. His thoughts were preoccupied with Regulus Black, his Slytherin boyfriend, who had been unusually distant over the past few days.
Their relationship was a well-guarded secret, known only to a select few. The complexities of inter-house dynamics and the looming shadow of the Black family made discretion necessary. Yet, despite the secrecy, their bond had grown strong, built on mutual respect and understanding.
As James stared into the flickering flames, the portrait hole creaked open, and Regulus stepped into the room. His usually immaculate appearance was slightly disheveled, dark circles shadowing his grey eyes. He offered James a faint smile before collapsing onto the sofa beside him.
“Rough day?” James asked softly, concern etching his features.
Regulus nodded, leaning his head back against the cushions. “You could say that.”
James reached out, gently taking Regulus’s hand in his own. “Do you want to talk about it?”
For a moment, Regulus remained silent, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. Then, with a resigned sigh, he turned to face James. “It’s… that time of the month.”
Understanding dawned in James’s eyes. “Ah,” he said softly. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Regulus hesitated, vulnerability flickering across his face. “I didn’t want to bother you with it. It’s just… painful and exhausting.”
James squeezed his hand reassuringly. “You’re never a bother, Reg. I want to be here for you, through everything.”
A small, grateful smile tugged at Regulus’s lips. “Thank you, James.”
Determined to provide comfort, James stood up. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
He made his way to the boys’ dormitory, rummaging through his belongings until he found a soft, oversized jumper. Returning to the common room, he draped it over Regulus’s shoulders.
“Here, this should keep you warm.”
Regulus pulled the jumper close, inhaling the familiar scent of James. “It’s perfect.”
James settled back beside him, wrapping an arm around Regulus’s shoulders. “How about we just relax here for a while? No expectations, no pressures.”
Leaning into James’s embrace, Regulus nodded. “I’d like that.”
They sat in comfortable silence, the rhythmic crackling of the fire providing a soothing backdrop. James absentmindedly traced patterns on Regulus’s arm, offering silent support.
After a while, Regulus spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. “It’s hard, you know? Balancing everything. The expectations, the secrecy… and then this.”
James pressed a gentle kiss to Regulus’s temple. “I can’t pretend to understand exactly what you’re going through, but I’m here with you. We’ll face it together.”
Regulus closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax fully into James’s embrace. “Having you here makes it more bearable.”
As the evening wore on, the common room emptied, leaving them in peaceful solitude. James conjured a soft blanket, draping it over them both as they reclined on the sofa.
“Get some rest,” James murmured, his fingers gently combing through Regulus’s dark hair.
With a contented sigh, Regulus nestled closer, the warmth of James’s body and the steady beat of his heart lulling him into a sense of security. “I love you, James.”
A tender smile spread across James’s face. “I love you too, Reg.”
In the quiet embrace of the Gryffindor common room, amidst the challenges and secrets that surrounded them, they found solace in each other’s arms, knowing that together, they could face whatever came their way.