Good News!

Regulus returned to the dormitory with his mind still swirling with thoughts from his conversation with Professor Lupin. The weight of the discussion had settled over him, the unspoken tension between him and Lupin still lingering like a quiet, unresolved note. He couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the professor’s calm exterior than he let on, but as always, Regulus kept his suspicions buried under layers of indifference.

Regulus was looking forward to a good night's sleep. He had finally plucked all the rhinestones from his pillow, and he couldn't wait to rest his head upon it.

But when he pushed open the door, it wasn’t the usual chaos that greeted him.

Instead, his eyes were immediately drawn to the third bed now occupying the space between his own and Padfoot’s. The bed was a deep red with a gigantic lion on it. Had another Gryffindor moved in? The unfamiliar sight made his stomach turn, a strange unease washing over him. He’d barely taken a step inside when he heard the sound of music... which wasn't unusual in the slightest when Padfoot was your roommate... but the music was different than Padfoot's typical Bowie or Queen.

Was that... ABBA? Dancing Queen?

And then he saw them.

He stepped further into the room, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight. Padfoot and a complete stranger were dancing. Not just any kind of dancing, but a ridiculous, exaggerated display, with the two of them spinning around the room, grinning like idiots.

Padfoot’s wild, unkempt hair bounced around with each spin, and the new guy... tan with long, messy black hair, a bit taller than Regulus with an annoyingly infectious smile and the most obnoxious glasses that Regulus had ever seen... was throwing his arms up dramatically, living for the moment. The stranger wore the most dramatic expression, as though he were auditioning for a musical, and it was… absolutely infuriating.

Then the stranger caught sight of Regulus, a grin spreading across his face as he waltzed over, clearly undeterred by the unimpressed look Regulus was giving him.

“Hey!” the guy said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm, “I’m James Potter! You must be Regulus Arcturus, right? Padfoot talks about you all the time!"

Regulus could barely suppress his groan. He didn’t need to know that Padfoot had been talking about him. In fact, he wasn’t sure he wanted to know anything more about this new addition to his dorm.

“Yeah, that’s me,” Regulus muttered, suddenly irritated, "and who exactly are you?”

James tilted his head, flashing an obnoxious grin, "I already told you! I'm James Potter!"

Regulus sighed.

"Why are you here James Potter?"

James smiled brightly, "I’m Padfoot’s best mate from home! I've been… catching up on some schoolwork. Finished making up my credits and now I’m finally here. Looks like I’m your new roommate!”

Regulus’s stomach lurched. This idiot was going to be living with him? He was gonna have another confident, peppy Gryffindor all up in his personal space?

“So you’re the one Padfoot lived with all these years?” Regulus asked dryly, trying to suppress the bitterness creeping into his voice, "that explains a lot.”

“Duh!” James shot a knowing look at Padfoot, who only smirked and shrugged, "he's told me about you, too. Mostly that you’re the quiet, brooding type. But I’m sure we’ll get along just fine!”

Regulus narrowed his eyes, "Doubt it.”

“Oh, come on,” James said, clearly enjoying himself. He placed a hand on Regulus’s shoulder, in a way that felt far too familiar.

It burned.

Regulus shook off James’s hand immediately, annoyance and... something else flaring up in his chest.

"I’m not interested in whatever it is you’re offering. Just keep your distance.”

James raised his hands in mock surrender.

Regulus couldn’t help but sigh and say, "I’m going to bed. Don’t expect me to stick around for this… whatever it is.”

James’s voice called after him, a flirtatious edge sneaking into his tone, "It's a dance party! I'll be your partner! I move my hips darn well, wanna see?"

Regulus’s hands clench at his sides as he tries to ignore James’s voice. Ignoring the laughter and continued music from behind him, Regulus walked toward his bed, trying to shut out the noise.

"Oh he's adorable Pads! Can we keep him?"

Regulus scoffed.

"Yeah yeah Prongs, you can keep him. Okay, so Operation Lupin-"

"The hot professor?"

"Shhh! Regulus will hear you!"

Regulus groans and yells out, "I've been hearing you!"

"Shit!"

James laughed loudly, his sunny voice filling up the dorm.

Regulus put his (rhinestone-less) pillow over his face, and tried to fall sleep.

But as he lay there, eyes wide open in the dark, he couldn’t escape the sound of James’s voice... a soft, lingering echo in his mind.

It was impossible not to hear it, even as Regulus tried to drift into sleep.

______________________________________________

The next morning, the Great Hall was alive with the usual chatter and clinking of cutlery, but there was an extra buzz today. All eyes seemed to be on Padfoot's best friend, James Potter, a boy who had the same flair as their beloved, heroic Padfoot, but with a bit more of an unhinged edge.

The dynamic duo sat at the Gryffindor table, bright smiles on their face. The brightest smile that anyone at Hogwarts had ever seen on Padfoot's face.

Peter Pettigrew sat at the edge of the table, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, a scowl etched across his face.

Padfoot approached Peter, grinning ear to ear, and his voice rang out, loud and unmistakable, “Prongs, meet Pete! Pete, Prongs. Prongs, this guy is always trying to keep me out of trouble... a spoilsport, really.”

Peter gave James a cautious once-over. He wasn’t impressed, not in the least. James, however, was his usual cheerful self, extending a hand.

“Nice to meet you, mate!” James said with a grin, offering a handshake.

Peter stared at his hand for a moment before reluctantly shaking it, "So, uh… has Padfoot mentioned me at all?”

James tilted his head, looking confused, "No, not really. Why?”

Peter’s face fell slightly, and though he quickly masked it, Regulus could see the faint bitterness in his expression from all the way across the hall. The question had clearly hit a nerve.

“Oh, nothing,” Peter muttered, his voice smaller now. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

Padfoot didn’t seem to notice Peter’s reaction. He was too busy enthusiastically gesturing for James to sit next to him, giving him a wide, beaming grin.

“So, anyone up for a trip to Hogsmeade this weekend?” James asked immediately upon sitting down, his voice full of excitement, "I’ve been itching to get out of here.”

Peter rolls his eyes, "You just got he-"

"Yeah!" Padfoot grinned, his eyes twinkling, "We can grab butterbeers, maybe even sneak into-"

Peter’s voice cut in sharply, "No way!"

“Oh, come on, Pete!” Padfoot interrupted, slinging an arm around Peter’s shoulders, "You’re such a buzzkill sometimes. Relax, it’ll be fun!”

Peter stiffened, his eyes narrowing in annoyance. But there was more beneath the surface, a tightness in his jaw, a pang of jealousy that he tried to suppress. He didn’t like how easily James fit in, how Padfoot was so eager to include him. It hurt in a way he didn’t want to admit.

As if on cue, Peter’s eyes darted around, searching for an escape. He found Regulus across the hall, looking disinterested in the whole conversation. Peter’s face softened as he stood up from the table, walking over to Regulus with a small, almost hesitant smile.

Regulus didn’t even look up as Peter approached, but Peter seemed to expect that. He leaned in slightly.

“Hey, you wouldn’t mind if I—uh—sat with you for a bit, would you?”

Regulus didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he just let out a sigh, rolling his eyes.

"Do whatever you want, Peter,” he muttered, barely giving Peter a second glance.

Barty and Evan shot Regulus glares and Evan softly said, "Sit, Pete. We've got you."

Peter smiles softly and nods thankfully. He sits in between Barty and Evan, gazing at James and Padfoot with jealousy in his eyes. Unbeknownst to Regulus, he himself stared at the pair with a similar look.

Later, in Lupin’s class, Padfoot and James were talking loudly, their excitement spilling over as they discussed their plans for Hogsmeade. The two of them had clearly forgotten about everyone else, as their voices filled the air.

“Oh, I’ve got some great ideas! We should totally pull a prank on Snape before we leave! I bet he’ll fall for it!" Padfoot added, his grin wide as he practically bounced in his seat.

Lupin, who had been trying to maintain some level of order in the classroom, finally turned around from the board with a raised eyebrow.

“Enough, you two,” Lupin said, his voice sharp but not unkind, "this is a class, not a planning session for your next misadventure.”

Padfoot and James both froze, exchanging an exaggerated look of mock surprise.

“Oh, sorry, Professor Lupin,” James said with a wide grin, though it was clear he wasn’t sorry at all.

Padfoot though... seemed upset with himself. His eyes didn't meet Lupin's as he said, "Our bad professor."

Lupin continued on with the lesson, seamlessly picking up where he’d left off, despite the brief interruption from James and Padfoot.

As the class drew to a close, Lupin finally addressed the situation.

“Mr. Sirius Black, stay after class for a moment,” Lupin said, his voice steady, yet carrying a subtle undertone of seriousness.

Padfoot froze, looking up from the parchment he’d been scribbling on, his grin fading into a more subdued expression. He doesn't even correct Lupin on his name, too anxious at this point. Padfoot glances at James quickly, but James merely raises his eyebrows and shrugs, clearly uninterested in whatever was coming next.

When the bell rings, Padfoot gathers his things and slowly stands up to walk over to Lupin’s desk while the rest of the class files out.

Once the classroom was empty, Lupin turned to Padfoot with a knowing expression.

“Sirius, I’ll sign off on your off-campus passes for Hogsmeade,” Lupin said casually, but there was a slight hesitation in his voice.

Padfoot blinked in surprise, momentarily speechless, "Wait, what? You’ll... seriously?”

Lupin shrugged, an almost amused look in his eyes, "Why not? I’m sure you’ll behave.”

He paused, watching Padfoot closely.

Lupin takes a deep breath, "Besides, you’re old enough... you're what, twenty-one?”

Padfoot's breath hitches. That's when he knew. Lupin cared enough about him to look up his age.

"Uh, yeah... I'm twenty-one."

Lupin’s gaze softened for a moment, his eyes lingering on Padfoot with a quiet understanding that Padfoot didn’t quite register.

"Right. Well, Mr. Black, I’ve just checked your marks. You’ve tested into the more advanced history class. You won’t be in mine anymore.”

Padfoot blinked in surprise, his lips pressing into a thin line as he processed Lupin’s words. Padfoot had been studying furiously in history just to move out of Lupin's class... so maybe he'd have a chance.

He now sees he never had one to begin with. Remus Lupin was done with him.

For a moment, there was nothing but silence between them. There was a fleeting sadness behind Padfoot's eyes before he quickly brushes it away with a forced grin.

“I guess that means you’re rid of me, huh?” Padfoot says with a slight chuckle, his voice light yet sad.

Lupin’s lips curled into a smile, but it was soft, thoughtful, "Well... you’ve certainly come a long way, Sirius.”

He hesitated for a moment before speaking again, his tone lighter.

"So... now that you’re officially too advanced for my class... how about we grab a drink sometime? The Three Broomsticks, maybe?”

Padfoot basically blacked out.
______________________________________________

"JAMES MOTHERFUCKING POTTER I'VE DONE DID IT!"

Padfoot paced back and forth, his eyes wide with excitement as he practically bounced off the walls of the dormitory. He had practically burst in through the door, barely allowing James to finish his celebratory shout before he launched into a tirade of frantic energy.

“You did it? You finally asked him out?” James asked, unable to contain his excitement for his best mate.

“No, no, no! BETTER!” Padfoot shouted, flinging his hands up dramatically. He could hardly keep still, his heart racing in his chest.

"I didn’t ask him out, mate, he asked me! Fucking Lupin! Remus Lupin! He asked me to go get a drink with him at the Three Broomsticks! Oh and he'll sign off on our off campus passes Prongs! You, me, Pete, Barty, Evan, everyone! We can all go! I’m going to have a fucking drink with Remus Lupin, the most gorgeous human being in the world! And then you and I are gonna go party it up in Hogsmeade! At the Dumbledust Ballroom! Ah!" Padfoot all but collapsed onto the floor in disbelief, throwing his head back and laughing uncontrollably.

James clutched his stomach, joining in Padfoot’s laughter, though there was an underlying tone of disbelief in his voice.

"Shit, I didn’t think you had it in you, Pads. You’ve been pining for that man for ages. What’d you do?"

Padfoot’s grin softened a bit, his excitement turning into something more vulnerable, "I just... I just studied really hard. Now he's not my professor so you know... he can actually see me. And I think he does James. I think maybe… maybe he actually sees me. It’s not just some teacher-pupil thing anymore. It’s… it’s something real, James. I know it.”

Before James could respond, the door opened and in walked Regulus, looking slightly irritated but also intrigued by Padfoot’s chaotic energy.

Regulus raises an eyebrow, crossing his arms, and asks, "What’s going on now, Padfoot?”

Padfoot, still caught in his blissful state, didn’t fully process that Regulus was the one asking, and he immediately exclaims, “Lupin! He asked me to go out for a drink! To the Three Broomsticks! This is happening! It’s actually happening! I’ve been pining after him for months, and now-"

Regulus's eyes bulge out of his head as he interjects, "Lupin?"

Padfoot’s grin falters for a split second, and he finally realizes that he confessed his secret to Regulus Arcturus, his sworn enemy.

Regulus couldn’t contain himself any longer. His eyes narrowed as he glared at Padfoot.

"Good Merlin. Lupin is a smart man Padfoot,” he says, his voice cold and measured, "a good man. A great man. You, on the other hand, have no clue what you’re doing, do you?”

Padfoot’s smile faltered, confusion and annoyance flashing in his eyes, "What the hell are you talking about?”

Regulus sighs, "This is ridiculous. I'm not giving you a fucking lecture right now."

"No go ahead, give me a lecture!"

"Why don't you go to your professor for that, hm?"

Padfoot's face twisted, and before Regulus could say another word, he turned sharply on his heel, storming out of the room, his steps heavy with anger.

James, who had been silently watching the entire exchange, let out a long breath, the smile fading from his face. He looked at Regulus, who was still fuming, and shook his head with a hint of amusement.

“Regulus,” James started, his voice light yet serious, “sometimes you just have to let people go through things on their own. Life doesn’t make sense all the time. You just have to… dance through it.”

Regulus turned to him, the irritation still burning in his chest, "Dance through it? What are you talking about, Potter?”

James grinned, flashing that wide, obnoxious smile that was becoming all too familiar, "Yeah, you heard me. Just… don’t try to control everything. Let things happen, you know?"

Regulus stared at him blankly for a long moment, unsure if James was being serious or if he was just being completely ridiculous. He opened his mouth to respond, but instead just let out a long sigh, shoulders sagging as he walked toward his bed.

“I don’t understand you at all,” Regulus muttered.

James shrugged, still smiling, "That’s life. You don’t have to understand it all.”

Regulus looked at James. Really looked at him.

James smiled softly.

"You know, Lupin's not even Padfoot's professor anymore."

Regulus's eyes narrow and he says, "What?"

"Yeah, Pads tested out of his class-"

"He what?!"

James' brows furrow and he says, "Regulus-"

"If Padfoot can test out of Lupin's history, so can I!"

And Regulus runs to his desk, promptly pulling out his textbook.

James laughs and gazes at Regulus with admiration and...

And he leaves the dorm before he can let himself identify the other feeling.
______________________________________________

Regulus was still mad at Padfoot. He was always mad at Padfoot; Padfoot was an asshole who couldn't go two seconds without attention.

But now Padfoot had gone and put their professor at risk of being fired, and that was what currently irritated Regulus (his irritation had nothing to do with the fact that Padfoot had tested out of Lupin's class before him. Nothing at all).

Regulus currently sat in the library, deeply researching the First Great Wizarding War. Evan and Barty sat next to him, playing Wizard's Chess.

James and Padfoot were creating a spectacle in the library, to the surprise of no one. Students were dancing and casting spells and partying, and the librarian was just letting it happen because Padfoot had given her a short dance and she was down just as bad for him as everyone else at this pathetic school was.

Peter sat by himself in the corner of the library, his eyes downcast as he clutched his textbook in his lap. He hadn’t intended on feeling so miserable today, but here he was, feeling like the last person anyone wanted to be around. His fingers nervously flipped through the pages, but he wasn’t really reading. The sound of Padfoot and James laughing across the room wasn’t helping.

After a few moments, Peter stood up, his feet heavy as he walked over to where James and Padfoot were causing their scene, levitating chairs and pile of floating books surrounding them.

“Hey,” Peter said, his voice soft but clear enough to catch their attention. Both James and Padfoot paused, turning toward him with wide, expectant smiles.

“Hey, Pete!” Padfoot said with a grin, "You alright, mate?”

Peter hesitated, looking from James to Padfoot. His heart pounded in his chest, but he had already made up his mind.

“I… I changed my mind. I want to go to Hogsmeade with you guys. I think it’d be fun," Peter’s voice was tentative, and he shifted his weight from foot to foot, waiting for their response.

There was a moment of silence, and Padfoot exchanged a quick glance with James. James raised his eyebrows, and Padfoot scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

“Well…” Padfoot began, trying to sound casual, “I don’t know, Pete. You should probably, uh, invite someone else. You know, find a date and all. Then you can come along.”

Peter’s heart dropped. It felt like the world was getting smaller and smaller with every word Padfoot said. His stomach churned with embarrassment, and his face flushed.

"Right,” Peter mumbled, his voice barely audible, "I’ll… I’ll do that.”

Without another word, he turned and walked quickly to the other side of the library, his mind swirling in disappointment.

As he walked through the books, Peter’s gaze fell on Barty and Evan, who were sitting at a table, heads bent over their Wizard’s Chess game. Barty, ever the perceptive one, looked up as Peter approached.

“You look like you’ve got something on your mind, Pete,” Barty said, his lips curling into a knowing smirk.

Peter stopped in front of them, his fingers nervously playing with the edge of his sleeve.

"Well,” Peter began, “I... James and Padfoot are going to Hogsmeade this weekend, and I… I kind of invited myself. But they told me to find someone to go with me if I want to come along.”

Barty and Evan exchanged a quick glance. Evan, ever the quiet one, gave a small shrug.

Barty, however, leaned forward, a sly grin spreading across his face. “Well, Pete,” Barty said, his voice low and smooth, “consider yourself in luck. Evan and I would be happy to be your dates.”

Peter blinked, not entirely sure what Barty meant. But Evan, giving a rare grin, simply nodded.

“We’ve got your back,” Evan said.

Peter’s expression softened into one of gratitude. “You guys… really?”

“Yeah, really,” Barty replied with a wink, "Now, let’s go have some fun.”

With Barty and Evan now part of the Hogsmeade crew, Peter felt a small but hopeful spark of excitement. It wasn’t exactly what he’d expected, but it might just be better than nothing.

Meanwhile, Regulus was still trying to focus on his studies. But alas, his anger at Padfoot grows with each word out of Pete's mouth. He didn't want Barty and Evan to be apart of whatever game Padfoot was playing.

Regulus was done. He had no desire to be anywhere near the chaos brewing around James and Padfoot. He sighed, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. He had intended to leave the library as soon as he could, but his eyes kept flicking over to the mess of students gathered by the Gryffindors, particularly James, who was now standing on top of a chair, waving a broomstick around as if he were auditioning for some ridiculous talent show.

“Merlin, what a nightmare,” Regulus muttered, running a hand through his hair as he shoved his books into his bag.

Just as he stood up to leave, a familiar voice called out, and Regulus froze.

“Leaving already, Regulus?” James’s voice rang through the library with a teasing lilt.

Regulus froze, feeling heat rush to his face. He turned to find James walking toward him with that mischievous grin plastered on his face. The Gryffindor seemed to be in the mood for one of his usual flirtations, and Regulus didn’t know whether to stay and listen or bolt out of there.

James stopped right in front of him, his grin widening.

"Where are you going? It’s such a lovely day for some… quality time,” James said with a wink, "I thought maybe we could go out and have a chat… or would you prefer I just dance with you like everyone else?”

"No,” Regulus replied flatly, his voice cold and hard, "I’ve had enough of this circus for today.”

James chuckled, stepping closer as if to match Regulus’s growing tension, "Aw, come on, Reg. I don’t bite. Well, not unless you want me to.”

Regulus’s eyes narrowed, his body stiff with annoyance.

"Just… leave me alone, James,” he snapped. Regulus let out an exasperated sigh, unable to hold back any longer. He turned on his heel and walked quickly toward the door.

As he made his way back to the dorms, his mind was whirling with frustration. James’s antics always seemed to get under his skin, but it was more than that. He could feel something shifting in him, and he didn’t want to acknowledge it.

By the time he reached the dorm, he was so exhausted that all he could do was collapse on his bed, his mind still spinning with thoughts of the day’s events.

Maybe thirty minutes later, Padfoot bursted through the door, Peter, Barty, and Evan behind him.

Regulus sighed and feigned sleep.

"Is Mr. Grumpy out?" Peter asks.

Regulus feels eyes on him, and then hears Padfoot go, "Looks like it. I'll be back boys. I'll go in my closet to find something for you all to wear to Hogsmeade!"

"Ah, you're too good Pads," Evan says.

Padfoot tsks, "Don't mention it."

After Padfoot shuffles away, Regulus can feel the tension in the room shift, even with his eyes closed.

"Hey Pete?" Evan prompts.

"Yeah?"

"We uh..." Evan starts, falling short.

"We genuinely cannot wait to hang out with you," Barty says.

There's a silence before Peter says, "R-Really?"

"Yeah," Barty says, and Regulus can hear the smile in his voice, "we've had our eyes on you for a while. This should be fun."

Regulus... he had never heard Barty or Evan sound that happy before.

Padfoot returns and Regulus hears more shuffling; he assumed the three boys are trying on different outfits. After a while, Peter, Barty, and Evan say their goodbyes.

Soon after, Padfoot leaves as well, the door shutting behind him.

Regulus sits up and sighs, deep in thought. Maybe... maybe he was too quick to judge Padfoot.
______________________________________________

It's Saturday. The day of the Hogsmeade trip.

Lupin had signed off on passes for everybody (much to Snape's dismay), and there was a buzz in the air. Regulus was in an early morning DADA lesson with Snape. The two were practicing Patronus charms.

Regulus couldn't seem to conjure one, despite his many attempts. Snape was pushing him hard and he was exhausted.

"I... I quit-"

"You cannot quit-"

"I quit!"

Regulus’s wand hung limply at his side as he glared at Snape, frustration bubbling over. Sweat dripped down his forehead from repeated attempts to cast the Patronus, but all he’d summoned was a flicker of silver mist. His arm ached, and his focus was slipping.

“You cannot quit,” Snape snaps a second time, his cold eyes narrowing as he approaches, "A wizard who quits is a weak wizard. You’re not a child anymore, Regulus. You don’t get to just give up every time something gets difficult.”

Regulus rolled his eyes, shaking his head in disbelief. He couldn’t take it anymore.

"I quit!”

Snape’s eyes flashed with something akin to anger.

“You think that’s power? Throwing your hands up and walking away like some spoiled brat?” he hissed, his tone full of derision.

"Don't be like Sirius Orion Black. Power is control, Regulus. It’s the ability to push through, to harness your emotions, to become something more than what you are. You’ll never be anything but weak if you refuse to face what’s in front of you. You need discipline, control, and—”

"You don't know anything about Sirius Orion Black! Or me, for that matter! Maybe true power is being able to identify when enough is enough and walking away from things once you've identified that!"

Snape’s lip curled into a sneer, clearly irritated by Regulus’s defiance. He took a slow, deliberate step forward, his voice about to ring out when-

“Enough,” Regulus spat, his voice suddenly hard.

"You can’t teach me what I don’t need to learn. You’re wrong about me. I know what I’m capable of.”

Snape’s lips curled into a smug grin, but he said nothing else. He turned and walked away, leaving Regulus standing in the middle of the room, staring at the spot where his professor had stood.

Regulus didn’t know if he felt better or worse. But before he could think any further, he was up and out of the classroom.

Outside the classroom, the halls were still lively with the excitement of students ready for the Hogsmeade trip. It only served to deepen the ache in his chest, that gnawing feeling of being left behind, of being misunderstood.

As he walked down the hall, trying to shake off the encounter with Snape, he spotted James and Padfoot laughing and chatting, their energy infectious. Regulus felt a brief stab of bitterness, but he swallowed it down.

He wasn’t about to let his frustration over Snape spill out on them. Not today.

He turned the other way and headed toward their dorm. He arrived and they were already there, as Regulus had taken the long way.

Inside the room, Padfoot was freaking out, doing frantic eyeliner and yelling outfit combinations at James.

"The black Doc's Prongs, the black ones! I'm Sirius Black, not Sirius Brown!"

James groans and throws the brown boots to the side, searching through Padfoot's bedazzled boxes for his jet black Doc Martens.

Regulus raises an eyebrow.

Padfoot groans when he spots him.

"Hello Regulus. Ignore all of this please."

Regulus leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed as he watched the chaos unfold in front of him. He cleared his throat, breaking the whirlwind of activity.

“Padfoot,” he said, his tone unexpectedly soft, "I, uh… I wanted to thank you for… getting Evan and Barty and Peter together for Hogsmeade. It’s… well, it’s a bit of a mess, but at least my friends... well, they're really happy..."

“Oh, right,” Padfoot said, not really looking at him.

"No problem, Regulus. You know I’d do anything for you. But I see Lupin tonight and..." he paused, staring at his reflection, adjusting his hair as if it was an emergency.

"This is so much pressure! I need to be perfect! Have you seen the way he looks? I’m gonna-"

“Okay... good luck with that, then,” he said quietly, realizing that Padfoot really didn't care about what he had to say.

But Padfoot immediately stopped fussing with his hair, his eyes catching Regulus’s in the mirror. The excitement in his eyes dimmed for a moment, and he quickly turned to face him.

“Oh, on the subject of good luck,” Padfoot said, an unusual seriousness taking over his voice as he stepped closer to Regulus. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small glass bottle, filled with shimmering golden liquid.

"Here,” he said, holding it out to Regulus.

"Take it. Felix Felicis. Lucky potion. It’s for when things aren’t going your way… or if you want a bit of extra help getting through this situation.”

Regulus froze for a moment, his eyes locking onto the bottle. His chest tightened as the gravity of the gesture settled over him.

"For... what situation?"

Padfoot’s grin softened, and he glanced at Regulus with an almost unreadable expression.

"Well, for Hogsmeade of course! It’s gonna be a blast, and you deserve to be there with us, Regulus. Please, take this potion! Drink some right before we enter the Dumbledust Ballroom!"

Regulus stood still for a moment, the weight of Padfoot’s words settling in. He didn’t respond immediately, his mind spinning. He wasn’t used to being invited into the fold. This wasn’t like the times when people reluctantly accepted his presence or when he felt like the odd one out. This was different. Padfoot wasn’t asking him to come because it was an obligation; he was genuinely offering him a place, like he wanted him there.

Regulus swallowed the knot in his throat, his voice coming out softer than he expected.

"Padfoot... I-"

"Go on! Here! Out of the goodness of my heart!" Padfoot insisted.

Regulus softly smiled as his fingers traced the vial of Liquid Luck.

Ten minutes later, Padfoot announced, "It's time! Come along Prongs!"

James and Padfoot head for the door, when Padfoot stops and says, "Hope you can make it Regulus!"

Regulus looks up and nods.

"Y-Yeah. I will."

Padfoot smiles. Smirks.

And says...

"Good."

Then he's gone.

James holds back a second longer, and then says, "I'll save you a dance Regulus," with a wink.

Regulus scoffs, "In your dreams Potter."

James smiles and disappears after Padfoot.

Regulus blinks. He can't... believe it.

He promptly makes his way to Snape's tower.
______________________________________________

The evening was cool, the air crisp with the hint of the changing season as Padfoot made his way to the Three Broomsticks.

His steps were light, almost buoyant, but beneath the excitement, there was a nervous flutter in his chest. Remus Lupin had asked him out for a drink, something he never thought would actually happen. After months of secret longing and intense internal battles, it was finally real.

When he arrived, Remus was already sitting at a corner table, nursing a drink with a calm smile on his face. His eyes flicked up when Padfoot walked in, and they softened in recognition.

“You’re late,” Remus teased, though there was no malice in his voice.

“Sorry, Professor,” Padfoot said with a grin, pulling out the chair and sitting down across from him. He then winced, "Not... Professor... uh-"

"Remus."

Padfoot smiled.

"Right. Remus. And you can call me Sirius. Well, you always do that anyways, much to my dismay, but..."

Remus laughs and it warms Sirius's heart. Remus had been... off lately. Sirius noticed the subtle, almost invisible traces of exhaustion on Remus’s face; dark circles under his eyes, the occasional twitch of his hand.

Sirius hesitated for a moment, studying Remus’s face. Despite the laugh, there was something tired about him, something guarded. He wanted to ask if everything was okay, but he didn’t want to ruin the mood. Instead, he leaned back in his chair and gave one of his signature grins.

“So,” Sirius said, his voice lighter now, “is this the part where you tell me I’ve got detention for life, or…?”

Remus chuckled again, shaking his head.

"No detentions tonight, Sirius. Just two… friends, having a drink.”

“Friends?” Sirius raised an eyebrow, leaning forward on the table, his grin turning mischievous, "Is that what we are, Remus?”

Remus’s cheeks turned the faintest shade of pink, but he didn’t falter. He met Sirius’s gaze evenly, a small smirk tugging at his lips, as he says, "I suppose that depends on you, doesn’t it?”

Sirius blinked, caught off guard by the comment. He wasn’t used to being the one left speechless. For a moment, all he could do was stare at Remus, who took a calm sip of his drink as though he hadn’t just knocked Sirius completely off balance.

“Right,” Sirius finally managed, his voice softer now, almost vulnerable, "well uh... I’d like to think we could be… more than friends.”

Remus’s smirk softened into a genuine smile, though there was still something cautious in his eyes. He set his drink down and folded his hands on the table, his gaze steady.

“Sirius,” he began, his tone gentle but firm, “I need you to understand something. This… whatever this is, it can’t be reckless. I’ve seen how you are, the way you throw yourself into things without thinking about the consequences. And I… I can’t be part of that. Not with everything else I have to deal with.”

Sirius’s heart sank slightly, but he nodded. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

"I get it. I do. I… I’ve been working on that, you know. Trying to be more… grounded. For you.”

Remus raised an eyebrow.

"For me?”

“Yeah,” Sirius admitted, his voice barely above a whisper, "because you’re worth it. And because I don’t want to mess this up. Whatever this is.”

For a moment, neither of them said anything. The noise of the pub seemed to fade into the background as they looked at each other, the weight of Sirius’s words hanging in the air.

Finally, Remus let out a soft sigh, his expression softening.

"You’re a good man, Sirius."

"Yeah. That's what everyone says."

"But I meant it. From my heart."

Sirius felt a warmth spread through his chest at the words, and his grin returned, though it was softer this time, more genuine.

"Well, I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“You should,” Remus replied, his smile growing, "But don’t let it go to your head.”

“Too late,” Sirius quipped, and they both laughed, the tension between them easing.

Remus laughs and then gently says, "Listen. I know everyone tells you this Sirius but... you are truly so beautiful."

And somehow, the wind is absolutely knocked out of Sirius. For once, he didn’t feel the need to perform, to be larger than life. He didn't feel the pressures of being his beautiful self.

He simply existed. He simply was. And that was enough.

"So are you Remus," Sirius says, practically whispering.

Remus goes to shake his head, but Sirius immediately interjects, "I mean that."

A comfortable silence falls over them as their beers are delivered to the table.

Remus eventually pipes up, "So you like your men older, huh?"

Sirius snorts out, "For Merlin's sake! It is only two years!"

Remus laughs and tentatively reaches for Sirius's hand. Sirius reciprocates, interlocking their fingers.

Sirius opens his mouth to speak, when-

"Padfoot."

Sirius shoots so far back in his seat and his hand immediately leaves Remus's. Severus Snape stands there.

"Professor!" Padfoot exclaims, "It's not what it-"

"I've already been informed that Mr. Lupin is no longer your professor Padfoot. No need to scurry away from him like a dog."

Padfoot looks at the table and flushes red, while Remus sits there, annoyed.

"What is it Severus?"

"I'm here to talk to your little boyfriend, Lupin."

Padfoot's head whips up as he says, "You are?"

"Yes. I am hereby inviting you to join my Defense Against The Dark Arts course."

Padfoot's jaw drops.

"I... Professor, are you serious?"

"No sir, you are."

Padfoot snorts, "That was funn-"

Snape gives him a stern look and he knocks it off.

"Listen Padfoot. I don't believe you have what it takes. But your little roommate does-"

Padfoot cannot hear anything. His ears ring and his throat goes dry.

He croaks out, "Re-Regulus?"

Snape stills and he nods, "Yes, Mr. Arcturus."

Padfoot is panicking, "Wh-why?"

"Merlin, if I know. But he was on the verge of quitting today and I need him to remain under my teachings. So alas, here I am, requesting you join me."

Without another word, Padfoot shot up from the table, his chair scraping loudly against the floor.

“Sirius?” Remus asked, alarmed.

“I-I have to find him,” Padfoot stammered, already heading for the door.

“Sirius, wait-"

Remus started to rise, but Padfoot didn’t stop to listen. He bolted out of the Three Broomsticks, his heart pounding as he made a beeline for the Dumbledust Ballroom.

Remus was hot on his heels, calling after him as they ran through the streets of Hogsmeade.

“Sirius, what’s going on? Talk to me!”

“It’s my fault, Remus!” Padfoot shouted without turning around. His voice cracked, and the rawness in it made Remus push himself harder to catch up.

"What is?"

Padfoot paused for a moment, tears immediately welling in his eyes, "I'm horrible! I'm a horrible man, Remus, a horrible one-"

"Why? Why do you say that?"

Padfoot didn't respond, he instead bolted through the crowded streets of Hogsmeade, his heart racing and panic clawing at his chest. The crisp evening air was biting against his face, but he hardly noticed. All he could think about was Regulus. He needed to find him before it was too late.

“Sirius!” Remus shouted behind him, his voice laced with concern. He was fast, but Padfoot was faster, driven by sheer desperation.

The Dumbledust Ballroom loomed ahead, its grand, glowing façade buzzing with life. Wizards and witches milled about the entrance, chatting and laughing, completely unaware of the storm brewing within Padfoot.

Padfoot shoved past them, bursting through the heavy oak doors into the ballroom. His eyes darted wildly through the crowd, searching for the familiar dark hair and sharp features of his younger rommate. The music was loud, the chatter deafening, people all around immediately clapping and cheering upon his entrance, but Padfoot barely registered it. His pulse thundered in his ears.

“Regulus!” he called, his voice cracking, "Regulus, where are you?”

Remus caught up to him, panting slightly as he grabbed Padfoot's arm.

"Sirius! What's going on? You’re scaring me.”

Padfoot turned to Remus, his grey eyes glassy with unshed tears. He looked utterly wrecked, his usual confident demeanor shattered.

“It’s my fault, Remus,” he choked out, his voice trembling, "I-I did something awful. I pranked him, and now-now he’s going to ruin everything, and it’s all because of me!"

Remus’s brows furrowed in confusion.

"What are you talking about? What did you do?”

Padfoot ran a trembling hand through his hair, his breathing ragged, as he confessed, "I gave him a bottle of Babbling Potion. I told him... I told him it was Liquid Luck.”

"You what?”

“I thought it would be funny! I didn’t think..! Merlin, I didn’t think, okay?" Padfoot cried, his voice rising with self-loathing.

“Sirius…” Remus began, but Padfoot shook his head violently.

“No! Don’t try to make me feel better! I’m horrible, Remus! A horrible roommate, a horrible man! I don’t deserve-"

“You’re not horrible,” Remus interrupted firmly, gripping Padfoot's shoulders. His voice was steady, grounding, "But you are an idiot. Now, let’s find him and fix this before it gets worse.”

Padfoot blinked at him, surprised by the bluntness. But before he could respond, his eyes caught a glimpse of someone familiar near the center of the room.

“Regulus,” he whispered, his stomach dropping.

Regulus was standing near a small group of students, his posture stiff and awkward. His usually composed expression was faltering, and Padfoot could see the faint sheen of sweat on his rommate's brow. He was talking... well, he was trying to, anyways. His words were a jumbled, incoherent mess; the babbling potion was in full effect.

Padfoot pushed through the crowd, ignoring the annoyed murmurs and excited gasps of people he bumped into. He reached Regulus just as the young boy stammered out another string of nonsense.

“Regulus,” Padfoot said urgently, grabbing his arm, "Regulus... it’s me.”

Regulus turned to him, his silver-grey eyes wide with humiliation.

"Padfoot! I-I can’t-why can’t I stop-talking about-about Kneazles and-bloody Merlin!"

His words devolved into incomprehensible babbling, and his face flushed red. Sirius’s heart broke at the sight. He gripped Regulus’s shoulders, forcing him to focus.

"Regulus, listen to me. I’m going to fix this, okay? I’m so, so sorry. I should never have..." his voice cracked, "Merlin I’m so so sorry.”

Regulus stared at him, tears pooling in his own eyes as he tried to form a coherent response, but the potion wouldn’t let him.

"I..." Padfoot looked at the ballroom and made up his mind. He shakily asked, "Do you have any of the potion left?"

Regulus nodded.

"I... give it to me."

Regulus scowled, "I will never ever give you anything ever again-"

"Regulus. You can hate me. I deserve it, I do. But please. Let me fix this."

Regulus looked the boy up and down, and ultimately handed the vial to him.

Padfoot grabbed the vial from Regulus’s shaky hand, his grip firm but his heart hammering. He knew what he was about to do was utterly ridiculous, but it was the only thing he could think of to make things right.

“Alright,” Padfoot said, uncorking the vial, "Here’s to making a fool of myself.”

Padfoot tipped the vial back then, downing the remnants of the babbling potion in one swift gulp.

The effects hit him almost instantly. His mouth started moving of its own accord, spilling out an unstoppable stream of words.

“Oh, Merlin’s pants, this tastes awful-like rotten pumpkin juice and maybe a hint of dungbombs? Oh, and now my tongue feels weird, kind of tingly, but not in a good way, you know? More like the time James dared me to lick that electric thing in the Muggle neighborhood-oh, wait, hi, Regulus! I’m doing this for you! Did I mention I’m sorry? I’m so, so sorry. Like, on a scale of one to sorry, I’m off the charts. Off. The. Charts.”

Regulus gawked at him, his own babbling momentarily forgotten as Padfoot continued his incoherent tirade. The boy finally let out a choked laugh, and for the first time all night, the tension in his shoulders eased.

“You’re… you’re an idiot,” Regulus stammered through his own potion-induced chatter, "A complete, utter idiot!"

Everyone in the Dumbledust Ballroom had noticed them at this point. The music had even halted, everyone's attention on the mess of a pair.

Just then, the ballroom doors burst open, and James Potter sauntered in, looking every bit like the king of chaos he was.

“Padfoot!” James’s voice boomed over the noise of the ballroom, a grin already spreading across his face as he spotted his best friend.

"What in the name of Merlin’s saggy hat is going on here?”

Padfoot turned to James, his mouth still running a mile a minute. “Oh, Prongs, it’s terrible! I ruined everything! I gave Regulus a Babbling Potion instead of Liquid Luck, and now he’s-well, you can see, and then Snape came, and I panicked, and now I’ve taken it too, and Remus probably thinks I’m the biggest tosser alive and Remus is so hot-oh Merlin, Remus is right there-please! Make it stop!”

Remus bursts into laughter, and many members of the ballroom follow suite.

"Stop!” James cut him off, laughing, "You’re making my head spin. Regulus, mate, are you alright?”

Regulus flushed, his words spilling out uncontrollably.

“No, James, I’m not alright! I’ve been babbling nonsense all night, and now my rommate is babbling nonsense too, and I don’t know what’s worse—this or the fact that you’re standing here looking so… so ridiculously handsome!”

James froze, his eyes widening slightly. A slow grin spread across his face as Regulus slapped a hand over his mouth, mortified by his own admission.

“Well,” James said, clearly trying not to laugh, “if it makes you feel any better, I think you’re handling it with grace. Fancy a dance, Regulus?”

Regulus’s eyes widened even further, and he started babbling uncontrollably again.

"A dance? With you? I—I don’t—oh, Merlin, yes, I mean, no, I mean, yes, but also—”

James held out a hand, cutting him off with a playful smirk.

"Come on, Regulus. Let’s show these people how it’s done. Music please!" James yells.

The music doesn't start.

Padfoot sighs.

"Music please! Right now! Please!"

The music starts.

"Thank you!"

Merlin, the power that Padfoot held.

Regulus hesitated for a moment, his face a deep shade of red, before tentatively placing his hand in James’s. The crowd around them parted as James led Regulus to the center of the room, the music swelling as they started to dance. Regulus stumbled over his own feet, still babbling incoherently, but James just laughed and steadied him, his grin never faltering.

“You’re doing great,” James said, his voice warm and reassuring.

Regulus nearly tripped again, his face burning, but James caught him, holding him close as they spun across the dance floor. The room seemed to blur around them, and for a moment, Regulus forgot about the potion, his embarrassment fading into something that felt a lot like joy.

Padfoot danced his way to the corner of the ballroom, flushing as his eyes met Remus's.

"H-hi... oh this is dangerous I shouldn't be near you when on a babbling potion- I love your eyes-I love-No! Make it stop-"

Remus gently puts a hand over Padfoot's mouth and laughs.

"You stupid stupid fool," Remus remarks. Padfoot groans against Remus's hand.

Meanwhile, in a quieter corner of the ballroom, Peter, Barty, and Evan were deep in conversation. What had started as an awkward exchange had somehow evolved into shared laughter and an unexpected connection.

“You’re surprisingly funny, Pettigrew,” Evan said, his lips quirking into a smirk.

“Yeah,” Barty agreed, leaning closer, "didn't think you had it in you.”

Peter flushed, but his grin was genuine, "Well, I aim to surprise.”

The three of them exchanged a glance, a charged silence settling over them.

Peter glanced at Padfoot... then at James... finally at Regulus.

Then Evan leaned in and kissed Peter. A heartbeat later, Barty followed suit, and the three of them dissolved into laughter and more kisses, completely oblivious to the chaos around them.

Back on the dance floor, Padfoot had joined the crowd that had formed around James and Regulus. Padfoot was still babbling incoherently, but his words were laced with laughter as he cheered for his rommate.

“Look at him go! That’s my roommate, dancing with James Potter! Who’d have thought? Not me! But here we are! Oh, and Remus, did I mention you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen? Because you are. Like, seriously, it’s ridiculous. How are you even real? Oh he's back in the corner! He can't hear me! Just ignore that everyone listening to me! I'm not his student anymore!"

No one was listening to Padfoot or Regulus at this point. They were all just cheering and dancing. Mindless and careless.

The ballroom erupted into cheers and laughter as the music reached a crescendo, and soon the crowd was chanting, “Padfoot! Regulus! Padfoot! Regulus!”

Regulus looked utterly mortified, but James just threw an arm around him, laughing, "Well, Regulus, looks like you’re a star now!"

"My name is Regulus! I was born to be a star!"

"And my name is Sirius! Me too!"

"And my name is James! Just thought you all should know!"

The crowd laughed and Regulus finally realized that nothing matters. And nothing matters when knowing nothing matters.

And so he took this slice of life... and kept dancing through.