for now I'm only people watchin'
James was so stupid.
That was what Regulus kept thinking as the holidays goes on.
He has such a stupid face, stupid brain, stupid eyes, stupid mouth, stupid arms, stupid thighs- wait, no, Regulus wasn’t supposed to think about that.
On his 5th day at the Potter manor, everyone started decorating the house for Christmas which was in a few days. Regulus hated Christmas. All it means to him since his childhood was the horrible family dinner, all the hours where he had to stand straight and be perfect. Where he had to pretend to appreciate his cousins company. He didn’t mind Narcissa, she was nice to talk with but Bellatrix- she was going crazier each year passing by. He had heard his parents talking about it, apparently she was starting to rebel against the family, so her parents, fearing another disgrace for the family, had started using imperio on her. At first it was for an hour or so, but then it was almost all day. The curse was damaging her nerves.
She was always all over Regulus, touching and laughing like a madwoman, throwing unforgivables like flowers. Regulus hated it, just thinking about her made him shiver.
So Regulus hated Christmas. In fact, he never really celebrated it properly, that's what James told him. He felt lost in this warm and loving family, even if Sirius tried to integrate him.
He was curled up in a chair by the chimney, Remus reading with him when James bursts in with Sirius, holding boxes and bags.
“IT’S CHRISTMASSS!” sings James and Remus groans. “No it's not, it’s December 21st"
“C’mon Moony, don't ruin the mood!" says Sirius, setting his record player with some Christmas song.
James takes out a pack of Christmas hats and accessories from his bag. "Everyone put on a hat!"
Regulus snorts, "I'm not wearing this shit."
But James had already grabbed one and was pushing it on his head.
"MY HAIR!" cries Regulus. Sirius was fold with laughter.
James puts on a reindeer headband and the three Gryffindors start laughing together while Regulus is confused and tries to fix his hair with the green hat.
Fleamont arrives pulling a big tree in the house. Once it's settled the boys start decorating it. Regulus' eyes follow the group still scolding about the hat. Sirius climbs on James shoulders to hang balls (which end with both of them on the ground) while Remus wrap garlands preciously and repairs their mistakes.
Regulus corrects his brother and James from the couch, telling them where to put what to make the tree perfect. He is actually having fun though he would never admit it.
After a few time, Sirius and Remus are gone in the kitchen to make cinnamon rolls. James is finishing the decoration and Regulus is back at his reading.
"Wanna hang up the star?"
Regulus looks up. James is handing him a beautiful golden star.
"Sure."
He stands up and climbs the stepladder. James follows him and grabs it to maintain it. Regulus puts the star on the top of the branches and it immediately starts shining magically. His eyes widen and he admires it, his two hands letting go of the bars of the ladder. He swings a little and James grabs his waists.
"Ow hey, don’t fall on me," James chuckles.
Regulus hangs on the ladder again blushing slightly. "Stupid muggle thing, brooms are way easier..."
"But less fun for this."
"Brooms less fun? Who are you and what have you done to James Potter?"
James grins as Regulus climbs down. "I'm just used to celebrate it like that. It's our family traditions"
Regulus looks up at him, "Well, your family traditions are nicer than mine, that's for sure."
The other boy smiles sadly, "I know. But now they’re yours too."
Regulus' eyes wander on the warm, decorated room and then go up to the star.
“Sirius told me you like astronomy."
The younger nods quietly. He knew it was childish and not very useful but he loved stargazing. It was way see all his family, in a peaceful universe where none of them could reach him.
James was stamping on his spot, nervous, “I know what... Come at my room tonight, at 11pm. I’ll show you something."
Regulus raises an eyebrow but doesn’t say anything at first.
After few minutes he walks to the door and before he reaches it, he turns on his heels. “It better be worth it Potter.”
James smiles at himself.