we've ridden the stars
The night has come and James was pacing in his room, waiting.
Maybe he wouldn’t come? What if he freaked out? What if it was too much? What if he was too much?
A small knock on the door gets him out of his thoughts.
He walks to the door and opens it.
“Hi Reggie,"
“Not my name, Potter,” huffs Regulus
“Not mine either, Regulus."
James smirks and Regulus rolls his eyes.
“Well I hope you didn't make me come just for that, because there will be no second chance.”
“Don’t worry love, just follow me,”
James goes out of his room and takes the stairs to the second floor. Regulus' ears redden but they are well hidden, under his black hair.
“What is it with the nickname anyway?” He asks, trying to sound bothered.
James chuckles nervously, “Nothing… It just suits you."
“Suit me? Love?” snorts Regulus, “did you hit your head?”
James just keep walking, leading him to a remote corner of the manor. They climb a narrow spiral staircase and arrive at a trapdoor. James opens it and climbs up before reaching out to Regulus to do the same.
His hands are soft and icy and the older boy feels a shiver run through him when they meet his, warm and surrounding.
Once Regulus is outside, his eyes soften. They are in a half bubble, at the top of the highest tower of the mansion and the sky is uncovered, the clouds erased by the enchanted bubble. James settles in the a giant soft mattress next to them.
Regulus sits on it, his gaze not leaving the starry sky.
“So… Do you like it?”James asks
The other boy looks down for a moment. “This is… This is perfect."
And James admires him, detailing his features, his black curly hair, his smooth skin, his gray eyes.
He’s the one so perfect here.
“Come here, it’s more comfortable,”
James moves aside to give him room on the mattress and Regulus lays down next to him.
They both stay silent, admiring the stars for a few minutes before James starts speaking again.
“I don’t know much about astronomy. My parents had this place for it since I’m kid. I come here sometime but most time I just look at the stars with no clue of who or what is it about. But Sirius told me you liked it so...”
Regulus nods.
“So… Do you have a favorite star? Favorite constellation?” asks James wanting to encourage the young boy to open up.
“I don't really have a favorite star... But I like Cygnus constellation. Over here. It’s a swan," responds Regulus pointing the stars.
James squints to find the constellation but all the lights seem to be mixed up. “Huh… Where?”
Regulus sighs and shakes his head. He scoots closer and points again, “Here. There is 4 stars aligned. It’s the body. And crossing it there is a flat w, the wings.”
James follows Regulus’ instructions, trying to focus on the sky instead of the boy’s closeness.
“Oh! Yay I see it!”
Regulus pulls away.
“Do you know it’s story?” asks James
“Yes. Well there is different legends. Some say it is Zeus in disguise, others Orpheus. But my favorite is about two boys.”
James stares, waiting for the story.
“Cygnus and Phaeton. They were… well, very close. Phaethon is the son of the sun. One day, he rode his father's solar chariot but was unable to control the reins, forcing Zeus to destroy the chariot and himself with a thunderbolt.”
Regulus pauses, looking at the constellation.
“His remains fell to earth in a river. Cycnus spent many days diving into the water to retrieve Phaethon's bones and crying so much that the river overflowed. The gods were touched by Cygnus' devotion so they transformed him into a swan and placed him among the stars.”
“Wow… That’s… really sad,” comments James.
“Yeah.”
James stays silent.
“But I think sometimes, the most beautiful stories are the saddest.”
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
They keep stargazing, the cold night beginning to make itself felt despite the bubble and Regulus starts to shiver.
“Oh are you cold? Do you wanna go back inside? It’s getting late,” asks James concerned.
“No, I’m fine.”
James almost rolls his eyes at his words. “No, you’re shivering.”
He sits up and raises his wand. “Accio blanket,”
After a few seconds, a soft blanket flies up the stairs. James grabs it and wraps it around Regulus, who is scolding but still curls up in it. James smiles.
“No need to babysit me, I won’t die freezing you know?”
“You're welcome,”
"You're an idiot,"
"You like me."
"No I don't,"
"Yes you do."
James leans closer sharing his warmth with the boy. He can feel the smaller boy reaching out imperceptibly.
"Why did you show me this place?"
"'Cause I knew you would like it."
"I do. But why would you do that for me?"
James looks at the sky thoughtful.
Because I like you.
"Because you deserve to have some fun too. I know you're not enjoying the Christmas mess as much as the rest of us."
Regulus observes him before answering.
"Thank you, James."