Halloween
Regulus felt a knot in his stomach when he woke up on October 31, 1981. He knew that the dead line he’d set for Dumbledore was fast approaching and he dreaded what he knew would follow if Dumbledore failed to meet the deadline, but none of that mattered because today was Halloween, James’ favorite day of the year, and Regulus was determined to make possibly the last one he would ever spend with his husband the best one yet.
When Regulus walked downstairs James was already making breakfast in the kitchen. Regulus walked into the kitchen and snuck up behind James, wrapping his arms around James’ waist and resting his head on James’ shoulder. “Morning, My love, I’m making pumpkin shaped pancakes!” James said excitedly as he flipped a pancake in the pan. Regulus looked at the pan with a look of confusion on his face. “Pumpkins?” Regulus asked, tilting his head slightly. “Ya!” James replied enthusiastically. “Amour, those do not look like pumpkins. They look more like blobs.” Regulus said, trying to let James down easy. “What? But I worked so hard on them!” James said with a sad look on his face, his hazel eyes drooping and making him look like a sad puppy dog.
Regulus kissed James’ neck quickly and said, “here, I’ll fix it. Why don’t you go check on Hary” “But it’s my turn to cook and…” James protested before Regulus cut him off by kissing him softly. “Don’t worry about it, Amour. I’ll handle it.” Regulus said with a smile before turning to the pan. “Ok.” James said before walking out of the kitchen.
-Later that night-
Regulus dressed Harry in his Halloween costume and smiled as the small boy danced happily in his Halloween costume. It seemed that James’ love for that Holiday had rubbed off on Harry, Harry loved getting to dress up and to enjoy the holiday with his dad. Regulus walked downstairs with Harry in his arms and James raced over to meet him. “There’s my little pumpkin!” James exclaimed, picking Harry up out of his arms and raising him in the air above him. Harry laughed as James wooshed him around the room before placing him on the ground so that he could run out some of his energy.
“Have there been many trick or treaters since I left?” Regulus asked. James rubbed his neck nervously, “Ya… about that…” James said while looking down at the carpet. “Don’t tell me you already ran out.” Regulus said, burying his head in his hands. “Sorry… it’s just everyone has such cool costumes and I can’t help but give everyone a big handful.” James said. “But if you give so much to a few kids there’s none left for the rest.” Regulus pointed out. “I know…” James said dejectedly. Regulus remembered that for all he knew after tonight he could be going to Azkaban for the rest of his life so instead of dwelling on this small mistake Regulus simply kissed James and decided he’d fix the issue quickly so they could get back to enjoying the Holiday.
“It’s alright, Amour. I’ll run out and get some more candy.” Regulus said with a small smile. “So, you’re not mad at me?” James asked with a relieved look on his face. “No.” Regulus said with a warm smile. “Reg, can I come with you, I’ve been wanting to get out of this house for a bit.” Marry asked from across the room. “Sure, Mary. We’ll be back soon and remember only one piece per kid.” Regulus said while giving James a glare.
A few minutes after Regulus and Mary left there was a knock at the door. “That must be more trick or treaters!” James exclaimed, leaping up from the couch, neglecting to bring his wand with him. James walked to the door and opened it with a smile on his face and a bowl of candy in his hand. “Oh? Hey Pete! What’s up?” James said with a friendly smile on his face.
Halloween had always been James’ favorite holiday, and now it would forever be Regulus’ least favorite.