Hogwarts had been trough it's fair share of disasters, but this, this was the most brilliant thing James has ever seen.
James barely had time to blink before a floating rose tried to nuzzle his face. He swatted it away and stepped further inside the Great Hall, taking in the absolute overkill that was the Valentine’s Day decorations.
Pink and gold banners hung from the enchanted ceiling, soft sparkles falling from them like fairy dust. Tiny heart-shaped confetti rained down over the tables, disappearing just before it hit the food. The floating roses were everywhere, giggling (seriously, giggling) as they swooped down to brush against unsuspecting students.
James thought it was great.
Regulus, on the other hand, looked like he wanted to set the entire thing on fire.
James spotted him immediately, curled up at the Slytherin table, adorable as ever, one hand wrapped around his tea. A single enchanted rose hovered near him, swaying back and forth like it was trying to decide if he was worth the risk.
James watched in pure delight as Regulus simply flicked it away with one finger, not even looking up from his cup.
It was so unnecessarily dramatic.
James grinned as he made his way to the Gryffindor table, dropping into his usual seat next to Sirius.
“You’re staring,” Sirius said, not even looking up.
James reached for the toast. “No, I’m not.”
“You absolutely are,” Sirius said, finally glancing at him. “And if you keep doing it, he’s going to hex you.”
James, chewing on his toast, snuck another glance at Regulus. He was stirring his tea like it had personally offended him, his expression the exact mix of mild irritation and aristocratic judgment that made James want to kiss him senseless.
“He wouldn’t hex me,” James said confidently.
Sirius simply raised an eyebrow.
James considered. “Okay, he might. But he wouldn’t do anything too bad.”
Sirius snorted. “Yeah, keep telling yourself that, mate.”
Remus, who had been quietly reading, sighed and finally looked up. “Are we really doing this first thing in the morning?”
James ignored him, leaning forward. “Wouldn’t it be great if Regulus kissed me in public today?”
Remus blinked. “That’s what this is about?”
James grinned. “I’m just saying. Valentine’s Day. Big romantic moment. He could kiss me right here, in front of everyone, and it would be the perfect story.”
Sirius looked at him like he had completely lost the plot.
“James,” he said, voice flat, “Regulus hates public affection.”
James waved him off. “That’s just because no one’s given him a proper chance to enjoy it.”
Sirius actually laughed.
James frowned. “Oi. Rude.”
“Oh, mate,” Sirius said, shaking his head. “You really think Regulus Black, the same Regulus Black who won’t even let you hold his hand when people are looking, is going to kiss you in public?”
James shrugged. “Why not?”
Sirius smirked. “I bet you a Galleon he won’t.”
James raised an eyebrow. “A whole Galleon?”
Sirius flipped a coin between his fingers. “One Galleon says you fail.”
James grinned, standing up and slinging his bag over his shoulder. “We’ll see about that.”
Sirius just leaned back in his seat, looking far too amused.
James ignored him, setting his sights on the Slytherin table. He had a mission, and nothing, not the odds, not Sirius’ smug attitude, and definitely not Regulus Black’s stubbornness, was going to stop him.
James marched across the Great Hall with purpose, ignoring Sirius’ muttered laugh and Remus’ eye roll. He was determined, the kiss was happening today, Valentine’s Day or not.
As he reached the Slytherin table, he hesitated for a moment. Regulus was sitting in his usual spot, tea in hand, surrounded by Barty and Evan, his two dorm mates, who, much to James’ surprise, seemed completely unfazed by his approach. After all the times he’d shown up, they had grown used to James pestering Regulus.
Evan gave him a slight nod of acknowledgment, while Barty merely shot him a brief, knowing smirk. James returned their gestures with his usual grin before sliding into the seat next to Regulus. No one seemed to bat an eye anymore, not even when James settled in at the Slytherin table.
Regulus didn’t react, not really. He just gave James the same half-acknowledgment he always did when James sat down. The others didn’t seem to care, either.
James leaned in closer, keeping his voice low as he nudged Regulus’ elbow. “Morning, Angel,” he said, almost too cheerfully.
Regulus gave him a brief glance,just enough to confirm he was aware of James’ presence, and went back to stirring his tea. “What do you want?” His voice was flat, he really wasn't liking today, but the small tilt of his lips betrayed that he wasn’t truly annoyed, yet.
James didn’t miss a beat. “Oh, nothing much. Just thought I’d brighten your day with some cheerful company.” He glanced around the table, catching Barty’s eye for a second before focusing back on Regulus. “Gotta say, I never get tired of the Valentine’s Day chaos around here. Really adds a little spark to the otherwise dreary mornings, don’t you think?”
Regulus didn’t even look up. “I want to set this place on fire.”
James grinned, shrugging as he leaned back in his seat. “Fair enough. But, hey, I’m offering you something that might make this whole day worth it.”
Regulus raised an eyebrow but didn’t respond right away. Barty shifted in his seat slightly, exchanging a glance with Evan. There was a moment of silence before Barty spoke up, he seemed to immediately know what James was planning to say with them talking more, because he leaned slightly toward Regulus.
“You know,” Barty started, his voice light, “if you just kissed Potter in public, once, like he’s been begging for, we wouldn’t have to listen to this nonsense.”
Evan, who had been silently watching, joined in, a mischievous grin forming. “Yeah, you two are dating anyway, might as well make it official.”
Regulus turned his head, giving both of them a deadpan stare, but the flush creeping up his neck betrayed him. “I’m not kissing him in public, you lot are insufferable.”
Barty smirked. “That’s the thing about public displays of affection, though, they’re not for you, they’re for everyone else. And I, for one, think it would be hilarious if you two finally gave in.”
James leaned forward, clearly enjoying the whole scene. “Well, Regulus,” he said with an exaggerated sigh, “you could just give in to peer pressure. It wouldn’t be the worst thing to happen on Valentine’s Day, would it?”
Regulus narrowed his eyes at James, but before he could speak, Barty and Evan locked eyes again. Without another word, they leaned in toward each other, and just simply kissed.
The kiss wasn’t soft or shy. It was deep, lingering, and entirely meant to make a statement. James watched as Barty and Evan completely ignored the other students at the table, kissing with full abandon. they did not care.
James couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him when they stopped. “See, Reg? It’s really not a big deal. Just like that. No one cares.” He gestured toward Barty and Evan, who were still smirking at each other, clearly enjoying the reaction they were getting.
Regulus, however, seemed absolutely unmoved, though the blush on his face told a different story. “You really are insufferable,” he muttered, taking another sip of his tea as though nothing had happened.
James leaned closer, a teasing grin playing at the corners of his mouth. “I’m just saying, if they can do it, What’s stopping you?”
Regulus looked at him with that familiar mix of annoyance and something else, his lips curling slightly. “Maybe I don’t want to be like them.”
“Oh, come on,” James said, shaking his head, “there’s no harm in it. It’ll be quick, I promise.”
Evan and Barty were still sharing that smug look, clearly enjoying Regulus’ discomfort. “You could have what we have, mate,” Barty added casually.
Regulus’ fingers tightened around his cup, and he shot a glare at Barty before turning back to James. “I’m not kissing you. Not here. Not in front of anyone. Not today.”
James raised his eyebrows. “Not even for a Galleon?”
Barty laughed, the sound light and mocking. “Of course. I’d bet against that, too.”
Regulus just sighed and shook his head. “Stop making this a spectacle.”
James smirked. “I don’t think I’m the one making it a spectacle, Reg. You’re doing fine on your own.”
For a moment, Regulus seemed like he might actually snap, until he took a deep breath and sighed again, as if giving in to the madness of the day. “Fine. Whatever.”
James however wouldn't give up this easily. He was going to get Regulus to kiss him in public. he had to. for himself and to not loose the bet to Sirius.
—————
Some Time had passed since James started pestering Regulus about kissing him in public, but nothing was going to stop him today. Valentine’s Day was the perfect excuse, and Regulus, annoyingly attractive, with that constant stoic exterior, was only making it harder for James to ignore the challenge.
It was one of their breaks between classes, and James spotted Regulus by the Black Lake, surrounded by a few other students but still alone enough to make his move. Regulus sat on a rock near the water, reading a book, of course, because that’s what Regulus Black did, read and brood like he was the epitome of mystery and elegance.
James wasn’t deterred. He was feeling cheeky today. With a grin on his face, he made his way toward Regulus, all but ignoring the students around him. As he got closer, he leaned down to plop beside Regulus on the rock, the sudden shift in weight enough to nudge the other boy’s shoulder.
Regulus didn’t flinch, but his eyes flicked to James for a brief moment before returning to his book. “James,” he said with mild annoyance, “go sit somewhere else.”
“Why would I?” James asked, his voice smooth as he leaned in closer, deliberately letting his arm brush against Regulus’ side. “This seat’s just fine.”
Regulus’ posture stiffened, and James could feel the immediate tension. He noticed the small, involuntary way Regulus pulled his book just a little further from him, as though he was trying to distance himself.
James wasn’t letting that happen, though. “Come on, Reg. You can’t really be that bothered, can you?” His voice was playful, his hand drifting casually to Regulus’ knee under the guise of trying to adjust his position on the rock.
Regulus’ eyes flicked over to him, the smallest hint of a frown tugging at his lips. “I told you before, James. Stop.” But his voice was softer, more unsure than before, and James caught it.
James leaned in further, a grin tugging at his lips as he lowered his voice just enough for Regulus to hear. “I don’t think you really want me to stop.” He let his hand rest lightly on Regulus’ thigh for a moment before pulling back, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Regulus blinked, his before his gaze snapped to James with a sharpness that made James’ pulse quicken. “You’re–” Regulus cut himself off, clearly trying to hold it together. He glanced away, though not quickly enough to mask the flush creeping up his neck. “This is ridiculous.”
James’ grin only widened at the sight. “Not ridiculous. Just… romantic. Valentine’s Day, after all. Kind of the perfect moment, don’t you think?”
Regulus’ frown deepened but his slightly flustered state was clear, and James noticed the way his fingers tightened around the book. His usual composure was slipping, and that’s exactly what James wanted.
Leaning in a little closer, James whispered, “One little kiss, Reg. Nothing major. You’ll hardly even notice it.” He reached up, brushing a strand of hair out of Regulus’ face, letting his fingers linger for a fraction longer than necessary, and he could see the breath catch in Regulus’ chest.
Regulus’ eyes fluttered for just a moment. There was no denying it now. He wanted to kiss James, there was a flicker in his gaze that wasn’t just irritation, but something else. James saw it, and for a moment, his heart raced in anticipation.
And then, before James could act on it, before he could close the distance and press his lips against Regulus’, Regulus lifted the book in his hands, slamming it straight into James’ face with enough force to leave him blinking in dazed confusion.
The book hit him right on the nose, and James let out a strangled laugh, falling back slightly. “Ouch, Reg, that hurt,” he said, rubbing his nose as though he hadn’t just been completely rejected.
Regulus didn’t look at him, but James could see the tension in his jaw. “I told you,” Regulus muttered, a little too breathlessly. “No. Public. Kisses.”
James sat back, still a bit dazed but absolutely entertained. “Yeah yeah okay, that was some solid defense. You really know how to make a point.”
Regulus didn’t respond, still holding the book between them like a shield, clearly refusing to meet James’ gaze. He might have succeeded in avoiding James’ kiss for now, but James knew better. Regulus was only making it more fun.
“Fine,” James said, still grinning. “But I’m not done, Reg. Not by a long shot.” He reached over again, teasingly flicking Regulus’ sleeve.
Regulus’ eyes snapped to him for a moment, his lips twitching in the smallest smile that James almost missed. “You’re impossible,” Regulus muttered, though there was no real malice in his voice.
James simply grinned, leaning back against the rock. “You’ll crave it, Reg. You will. I promise.”
—————
James was nothing if not persistent.
The first attempt may have ended with a book to the face, but that wasn't going to stop him. If anything, it just made him more determined. Regulus could pretend all he wanted that he wasn't affected by James' flirting, but James had seen the hesitation, the slight flush, the way his breath hitched when James got too close. He was getting to him.
Which was exactly why, after Regulus' Potions class, James made his next move.
The dungeon corridor was still busy, students spilling out of the classroom in groups, chatting about the upcoming Hogsmeade weekend or cursing Slughorn for piling on extra work. In the middle of it all was Regulus, walking alone, perfectly composed as always.
James grinned as he saw Regulus coming towards him.
“Reg,” he greeted, sliding smoothly into his path.
Regulus barely glanced at him. “No.”
James blinked, momentarily thrown. “I didn’t even say anything yet.”
Regulus sighed, stopping just short of him. “You never have to. I can see it all over your face.”
James smirked, stepping closer, purposefully backing Regulus toward the wall. “Oh? And what exactly do you see?”
Regulus narrowed his eyes. “Trouble.”
James placed a hand over his heart, gasping dramatically. “Me? Trouble? I’m just a man in love, Reg.”
Regulus rolled his eyes, but James didn’t miss the way he tensed slightly as his back met the cool stone behind him.
James leaned in, lowering his voice just enough to make it sound conspiratorial. “You know,” he said, “you could make this really easy for both of us. Just one little kiss. Right here. Right now.”
Regulus inhaled slowly, clearly unamused. “We are in a crowded corridor.”
James shrugged. “So?”
Regulus shot him a dry look. “So, I don’t do public affection.”
James grinned, bracing a hand against the wall beside Regulus’ head, effectively caging him in. “Maybe you just haven’t had the right incentive.”
Regulus huffed out a short, exasperated breath. “Merlin, you’re unbearable.”
James tilted his head, pretending to consider it. “And yet, you still haven’t pushed me away.”
Regulus didn’t move.
James took that as progress.
His free hand came up, brushing against the hem of Regulus’ sleeve, just enough to make him aware of the touch. “Come on, Reg,” he murmured, voice dipping into something softer. “It’s just a kiss.”
Regulus’ eyes flickered down to James’ mouth, James saw it happen and for a second, James thought this is it.
And then, before he could even process what was happening, Regulus ducked out from under his arm with effortless precision.
James stumbled slightly, thrown off balance, and before he could turn around to chase after him,
His shoes suddenly pulled together.
James barely had a second to react before his ankles locked and,
“Oh, for f—”
He went crashing to the floor, landing in an undignified heap as students turned to stare.
Regulus Black had just hexed him to tie his bloody shoe laces together. Laughter erupted around him.
James groaned, pushing himself up on his elbows, only to catch sight of Regulus walking away without so much as a glance back.
“You absolute menace!” James called after him.
Regulus, not breaking stride, simply lifted a hand in a lazy wave.
James flopped onto his back with a dramatic sigh, staring up at the ceiling as Sirius appeared above him, arms crossed and smirking.
“Well,” Sirius said, thoroughly entertained, “that went well.”
James groaned. “Shut up.”
Sirius grinned. “Not a chance.”
James let his head drop back against the floor, exhaling heavily.
Alright. He had to admit, that was a solid escape. he would give Regulus that.
But this wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.
Because James would get that bloody kiss. even if it killed him.
—————
By now, James had Regulus’ schedule memorized, not in a weird way, obviously. He was just dedicated. And if that meant knowing exactly where to find Regulus at any given time, well, that was just good planning.
Which was why, as the evening set over Hogwarts, James strolled into the library with purpose.
He barely needed to look around. He already knew where Regulus would be, tucked away in the quiet section by the tall windows, surrounded by neatly stacked books, lost in his usual far-too-serious study session.
And there he was.
Head bent over a parchment, quill moving fluidly, lips slightly pursed in concentration. The soft glow of the enchanted lanterns cast delicate shadows over his face, and James took a second to just look.
Merlin, he was pretty.
James grinned and approached, sitting across Regulus on the table. “Miss me?”
Regulus did not startle, but James caught the way his shoulders tensed for a fraction of a second. “James.” His voice was flat. “Leave.”
James smirked, sliding into the chair across from him. “Not a chance.”
Regulus sighed through his nose, still not looking up. “You do realize some of us actually come here to study.”
James tilted his head. “Mhm. And some of us come here to bother their very attractive boyfriend.”
Regulus finally flicked his eyes up, unimpressed. “I will hex you.”
James grinned, propping his chin in his hand. “Wouldn’t be the first time today.”
Regulus huffed, setting his quill down and pinching the bridge of his nose. “What do you want?”
James leaned in, lowering his voice into something soft, teasing. “You already know.”
Regulus blinked slowly, then exhaled. “James—”
James reached across the table, fingers brushing against Regulus’ wrist, light and fleeting. “Come on, love. No one’s even paying attention.”
Regulus eyed him bit his eyes flickered around for a moment. hesitation.
James smirked. Got you.
Slowly, he stood, moving around the table, until he was standing behind Regulus’ chair. He placed a hand on the back of it, leaning down slightly, voice barely above a whisper now. “Just one,” he murmured, mouth soclose to Regulus’ ear. “You won’t regret it.”
Regulus sat completely still.
James could feel the tension in his shoulders, the way his breath caught for just a second.
He wasn’t unaffected.
And James? James was winning. or atleast he thought.
Slowly, carefully, he let his fingers brush over Regulus’ shoulder, feather-light. Just enough to make him aware of every point of contact between them. His voice was barely above a whisper now, warm against Regulus’ skin.
“Just a little one,” James coaxed. “No one’s even looking.”
Regulus’ lips parted slightly, but he didn’t move away.
James grinned. This was it.
He tilted his head, leaning in closer, gaze dropping to Regulus’ mouth,
And then–
Regulus turned his head.
Not sharply. Not dramatically. Just casually, like he hadn’t even noticed James was trying to kiss him. Like it wasn’t even on his mind.
James froze, lips barely brushing against Regulus’ cheekbone instead.
Regulus, utterly unbothered, or atleast he tried to be, reached for another one of his books.
James stared at him.
Regulus the. finally tilted his chin up to meet James’ gaze, eyes dark with amusement.
James groaned, stepping back, dramatically running a hand down his face. “You have to be joking.”
Regulus hummed. “No idea what you mean.”
James let out a deep breath through his nose. “Ugh.”
Regulus simply picked up his quill. “Perhaps next time, just stop and listen to me.”
James crossed his arms, watching him for a long moment. before sighing and turning around to leave with a pouty expression on his face and and his head basically on the floor.
Regulus was more stubborn than usual but James wouldn't give up, Even if after what happened he really wanted to but he would. One. last. time.
—————
His last attempt has failed aswell. James sighed dramatically, tilting his head back against the bench, letting the last golden rays of the sunset warm his face.
The courtyard was still lively despite the late afternoon hour, groups of students milled about, some chatting, others hurrying back inside before curfew. A group of third-years sat nearby, passing around a box of chocolates, their laughter ringing through the air.
And then there was Sirius, flipping the Galleon between his fingers like a prat, wearing the smuggest expression James had ever seen.
“I’d say ‘better luck next time,’ but let’s be honest, mate, there is no next time,” Sirius said, barely concealing his amusement.
James groaned. “I hate you.”
“No, you hate losing.”
James scowled, crossing his arms. “I hate both.”
Sirius chuckled, clearly savoring the victory. “You were delusional if you thought Regulus would give in.”
Suddenly a shadow fell over them. James looked up and there he was. bloody hell. he sneaked to them like a damn cat. He didn't even notice.
Regulus stood in front of them, hands tucked into his robe pockets, the ever-present air of calm indifference around him. But there was something different, something almost hesitant in the way he shifted his weight, gaze flickering to Sirius before settling back on James.
James blinked at him, still a pouty expression on his face. “Come to laugh at me?”
Regulus didn’t answer right away. "No actually," His fingers curled slightly in his pockets, something unreadable flickering in his expression.
James sighed, already preparing himself for a pouty, grumbling loss, about to begrudgingly admit defeat "Look if you—"
And then Regulus leaned down and kissed him. He bloody kissed him.
For a second, James didn’t even process it because the world seemed to halt around them.
James could vaguely hear the sound of Sirius choking beside him.
But all of that barely registered, because all James could focus on was Regulus’ lips against his, firm and decisive, the faint scent of tea and something undeniably Regulus filling his senses.
It was quick, but definite. Not a fleeting brush, not an accident, no, it was intentional. It defintely was.
Regulus pulled back smoothly, as if it was nothing, as if he hadn’t just kissed James Potter in public, in front of half the bloody school.
James was frozen, his brain was completely fried.
Sirius groaned, loud and dramatic, before shoving the Galleon into James’ open palm and then narrowing his eyes at Regulus. “Bloody hell, I didn’t think you’d actually do it.”
Regulus smirked, tilting his head. “I like proving you both wrong. And bloody hell have you seen his face? As much as i love messing with him i'd be a monster to leave him like this."
James blinked at him, still trying to restart his brain.
“You—” He blinked again. “What?”
Regulus hummed, nonchalant. “Something wrong, Potter?”
James narrowed his eyes.
“You are so unfair,” he accused, voice slightly breathless.
Regulus shrugged, already turning like he was about to walk away, but James grabbed his wrist.
This was not happening. Regulus would be a fool to think James was satisfied with just one kiss.
James stood, moving closer, and before Regulus could protest, he kissed him again, properly this time.
Softer, lingering, the kind of kiss that said I' have been waiting for this all bloody day and you are not getting away with just one.'
Around them, the courtyard erupted, some students cheered, some gasped, a few younger ones muttered about how they were going to be talking about this for weeks.
Sirius made a loud retching noise, already stomping away in a dramatic gesture.
James barely noticed.
When they finally pulled apart, James grinned, voice teasing but fond. “So… does this mean I win?”
Regulus rolled his eyes. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
James huffed a laugh, eyes still bright with amusement. “Tough luck.”
Regulus hesitated for just a second, then sighed, as if what he was about to say physically pained him.
“Evan and Barty are on a date,” he said, almost too casual. Then, a little quieter, a small blush forming on his face “I have the dorm to myself.”
James perked up immediately, barely able to contain his grin.
His eyes danced with mischief as he squeezed Regulus’s hand. “So, you’re keeping the dorm all to yourself tonight?” he teased.
Regulus arched an eyebrow. “And if I do?”
James grinned. “Then I’ll insist we share it.”
A brief silence passed as Regulus’s cool gaze flickered over their clasped fingers. Then, with a slight roll of his eyes and a half-smile, he nodded.
Together they left the lively courtyard behind, their footsteps echoing softly down the dim corridor. As they finally reached the dungeons, got inside and then, finally the dorm door, a warm light spilled onto them, and James leaned in with a low, playful murmur. “Get ready for a night of endless possibilities.”
Regulus’ response was a quiet squeeze of his hand, and without further words, they stepped inside and being happy to have a night that was entirely their own, because, after all Regulus really had resisted James enough and they really did have have alot of time to catch up on.