Bound By Magic

Later that afternoon, after the chaos of the morning had finally dissipated and everyone had left, James and Regulus found themselves wandering through one of the biggest wizarding baby stores in Diagon Alley. Armed with a list from James’ mom, they were doing their best to look like responsible parents—but the sheer amount of stuff around them was overwhelming.

Rows upon rows of magical baby items were spread out before them: enchanted strollers that pushed themselves, cribs that rocked on their own, and baby clothes that could change colors with a simple tap of a wand. James had taken the lead, pushing a cart full of baby necessities while Regulus trailed behind, eyes silently fawning over every cute onesie and tiny sock that caught his attention.

They stopped near the stroller section, debating between a self-navigating enchanted pram and one that doubled as a broomstick (because of course, why not?). As they mulled over their options, they spotted a woman nearby with a strange contraption—a long piece of fabric wrapped around her body, with her baby snugly tucked against her chest.

James blinked in confusion and leaned toward Regulus, whispering, "What is that?"

The woman overheard and smiled kindly. “Oh, this? It’s a baby wrap. I’m Muggle-born, and Muggles love these for bonding with their babies. It also takes the pressure off your arms.”

Regulus looked intrigued but slightly confused. “So, you wear your baby?”

“Exactly,” she said brightly. “It keeps the baby close, helps them feel secure, and frees up your hands to do other things.”

James grinned, already seeing the humor in the situation. “So, what you’re saying is, we can wear our baby like an accessory?”

The woman laughed. “Well, I suppose that’s one way to look at it.”

Regulus, who had been trying to keep a straight face, found himself smiling as well. “It seems practical enough,” he mused, eyeing the baby who was happily dozing off in the wrap. “But it doesn’t look like they sell those here.”

“Yeah, most wizarding stores don’t carry Muggle baby products,” the woman explained. “You might have to go to a Muggle shop for something like this.”

James chuckled. “Looks like we’ll be taking a trip to the Muggle world. Baby-wearing—who would’ve thought?”

As they continued down the aisles, James couldn’t help but make cheeky comments about their new parenting life. “Reg, imagine us walking down the street, me with Harry strapped to my chest like he’s part of my outfit. I’d be the best-dressed dad out there.”

Regulus smirked, his attention now fully captured by the rack of tiny baby outfits near the back of the store. Without a word, he reached for a soft, lavender onesie embroidered with little stars. He held it up for James to see, his expression unusually soft.

“This,” he said quietly, as if speaking too loudly might shatter the moment, “is adorable.”

James raised an eyebrow, a grin slowly spreading across his face. “You’re fawning over baby clothes, aren’t you? You’ll never admit it, but I can see it in your eyes.”

Regulus ignored him, already flipping through other outfits, each more adorable than the last. “I just want to make sure the kid has decent clothes,” he muttered, though his smile gave him away.

As they made their way to the counter to check out, they were stopped by an older witch behind the register. “Oh, what a precious little one! What’s his name?” she cooed, leaning over to take a peek at the baby, who was now fast asleep in his enchanted stroller.

“Harry,” James said proudly, puffing out his chest like a peacock. “His name’s Harry.”

Regulus, standing next to him, sighed and muttered under his breath, “Untitled project, pending final decision.”

The witch blinked in confusion, clearly unsure how to respond, and James just laughed, clapping Regulus on the shoulder. “He’s still coming around to it,” James explained. “But trust me, it’s Harry.”

Regulus shot him a side-eye but didn’t argue, focusing instead on the adorable little socks he’d snuck into the cart earlier.

As James and Regulus stepped out of the store, arms filled with bags of baby essentials and their new modern stroller—complete with all the compartments James insisted on—they heard someone call out Regulus’ name.

“Regulus!”

Both men turned to see Narcissa Malfoy gliding toward them, dressed in an expensive outfit that screamed old-money elegance, despite having given birth just a month ago. Her hair was perfectly styled, and her makeup flawless. She was pushing one of those ridiculously fancy strollers—the kind James had flatly refused to buy because, in his words, it was "stupid" and "completely impractical." It didn’t collapse or have any space for essentials like the one they'd just purchased.

“Merlin,” James muttered under his breath, glancing at Regulus. “That’s the one you wanted”

Regulus sighed, both exasperated and amused. “All purebloods have them”

Narcissa reached them, her sharp, perceptive eyes immediately taking in the scene. Regulus had met her baby, Draco, just days after he was born. Little Draco, with his silver-blond hair and steely gray eyes—like every other Black—had already been named Regulus’ godson.

But today, Narcissa wasn’t here to talk about Draco.

“Regulus,” she greeted, her voice smooth but carrying the slightest edge of curiosity. Her eyes flicked from him to James, then down to the stroller with the baby nestled inside. Confusion crossed her features. "What...are you doing at a baby store? With James Potter?"

Regulus stiffened, not exactly sure how to explain this. Narcissa’s piercing gaze was something that few could handle when she wanted answers.

Before he could stammer out a response, James, with his usual easy-going charm, grinned and wrapped an arm around Regulus’ shoulders, pulling him close in a casual but telling gesture.

“We’re a family of three now,” James said proudly, nodding toward the baby in the stroller. His smile was wide, and there was a sparkle of mischief in his hazel eyes as he glanced at Regulus, who looked mortified. “Me, Reg, and our little Harry.”

Narcissa blinked, her expression faltering for a second before a look of polite confusion set in. “I—didn’t realize you two were...dating?” Her perfectly manicured hand rested delicately on the stroller handle, her silver eyes now darting between James and Regulus.

Regulus immediately opened his mouth, flustered and trying to explain. “We’re not— It’s not— We aren’t dating.”

But James, always the joker, sighed dramatically, cutting him off. “Yeah, well, Reg knocked me up. No ring, no relationship status, just left me with the baby.”

Narcissa stared at them, her confusion deepening. “I...what?”

“I’m kidding,” James clarified quickly, though the grin on his face remained. “We’re not that kind of family. Well... not really.”

Regulus glared at James before turning back to Narcissa, trying to explain properly. “Harry isn’t— It’s not what it looks like. We’re co-parenting. That’s all.”

Narcissa’s eyes narrowed slightly, clearly not buying it, and then, slowly, her gaze fell to the rings both of them were wearing. Her eyes widened, the realization dawning. “No,” she whispered, a hand coming up to cover her mouth. “You’re not serious. Regulus Black, did you...?”

Regulus blinked, confused by the sudden intensity in her expression. “What?”

“Is this—” Narcissa’s voice dropped to a shocked whisper, “—a fucking ancient magic baby? Regulus, are you serious?”

Regulus went pale, feeling the weight of her accusation. “It...was an accident!” he stammered, rubbing his face in frustration. “I didn’t know what the damn ring did! It just—happened!”

James, standing beside him with Harry content in the stroller, chimed in cheerfully. “A happy accident!” he declared, a grin plastered across his face, clearly not taking the situation as seriously as Regulus.

Regulus groaned, shooting James a glare before turning back to Narcissa, who looked ready to explode with disbelief. “How the hell did you figure it out?” he asked. “I didn’t even know the ring could—how did you know?”

Narcissa raised an elegant brow, her expression caught between amusement and disbelief. “Regulus, all pureblood girls are given that education about ancient magic rings. It’s part of...well, our Pureblood sex education.”

Regulus blinked, dumbfounded. “Wait, what? Sex ed covers magical baby-making rings?”

Narcissa smirked, looking entirely too pleased with herself. “Of course it does. They didn’t teach you about it? The Black family rings hold significant power, especially when it comes to bloodlines. If you wear them and... let's say, form a deep bond with someone, they can activate certain... ancient magic properties. Of course Pureblood's have stopped using them, especially since we Blacks hoard them all”

Regulus threw his hands up in exasperation. “Merlin’s beard, of course! I had no idea! They only give that talk to the girls” He looked at James, who was grinning like an idiot.

James laughed. “Well, I didn’t take the class either, obviously, but I’d say we did pretty well for ourselves, didn’t we?” He glanced down at Harry, completely oblivious to the chaos surrounding his existence.

Narcissa shook her head, an amused yet judgmental look crossing her face. “Regulus Black, only you would end up making an ancient magic baby by accident.”

“Stop calling him that!” Regulus groaned. “He’s not some mystical creation!”

“Well, he kind of is,” James teased, winking. “But it’s fine. He’s just our happy little Harry.”

Narcissa’s eyes lingered on them for a moment before she sighed, shaking her head with a mixture of bewilderment and amusement. “Only you two...” she muttered, turning her gaze to baby Harry in the stroller. “I expect a detailed explanation over tea next week, Regulus.”

With that, she gave them a parting wave, her luxurious stroller rolling smoothly along the pavement as she left.

Regulus slumped against the side of the store, rubbing his temples. “How does Narcissa know more about my life than I do?”

James snorted. “Well, at least now we know. Could’ve been worse! Now you’ve got the official Black family heir in your care, and apparently, some very powerful baby magic to boot.”

Regulus sighed, already exhausted by the day. “Happy accident,” he muttered under his breath.

“Exactly!” James grinned, pulling him into a quick side hug. “We’re practically legends now.”

Regulus groaned again. “I’m never going to live this down.”

As James and Regulus settled at a small outdoor café, the soft breeze and the hum of Diagon Alley providing a cozy backdrop, James absentmindedly rocked the stroller back and forth, soothing Harry to sleep. Regulus watched the scene with a fond smile, admiring how effortlessly James had taken to fatherhood. It had barely been a week since Harry’s arrival, and James was already the perfect image of a devoted dad.

Regulus found it almost infuriating how perfect James looked: effortlessly handsome, hair messy in that charming way, and a natural with the baby. "Ridiculous," he thought, feeling a warm flutter in his chest.

As they waited for their food, the waitress approached, eyes lighting up when she spotted Harry in the stroller. “Oh my God, he’s adorable!” she squealed, leaning over the stroller, cooing at Harry far too closely for Regulus's comfort. Her low-cut shirt dipped dangerously, and she clearly wasn’t shy about showing off more than necessary.

Regulus shifted uncomfortably, his eyes narrowing at her boldness. "Back off," he wanted to say, but instead, he sat stiffly, watching.

The waitress finally pulled her attention from Harry and straightened up, her focus now entirely on James. “So,” she said with a sly smile, her voice dropping to a more flirtatious tone, “what can I get for you today?” She leaned forward slightly, making sure James had a full view of her neckline.

James, ever the oblivious Gryffindor, smiled politely and placed his order, completely missing the way she was quite literally throwing herself at him. Regulus bristled, clenching his jaw, but he stayed quiet, his irritation bubbling under the surface.

When the waitress turned to him, she cocked her head and raised an eyebrow. “And you?” she asked, her tone noticeably less friendly.

Regulus, keeping his voice cold and clipped, rattled off his order, not even bothering to look at her.

Her eyes narrowed, clearly annoyed by his rude tone. She handed them their menus with a glare before walking off with an exaggerated sway to her hips, clearly still hoping to catch James's attention.

James, of course, hadn’t noticed a thing, too busy adjusting Harry’s blanket.

When the waitress returned with their food, she placed James’s plate down first, lingering just a little too long as she made sure her hand brushed against his arm. “So,” she began, leaning in again, her chest almost at James's eye level, “who’s the lucky girl who had your baby?”

James blinked, caught off guard, and nearly choked on his coffee. “No girl,” he managed between coughs, “just the lad across from me.”

The waitress straightened up, her face a mix of confusion and horror. “Oh…” she stammered, glancing between James and Regulus. Regulus sat with an amused smirk, watching her face redden with embarrassment. “So… you two are, uh… together?”

Regulus leaned back in his chair, flashing her a teasing smile as he lazily waved a hand. “Mhm, just me and James. Sorry to disappoint.”

Her eyes widened in shock before she hurriedly muttered, “Shit. Fuck. I’m so sorry!” and rushed away, clearly mortified.

James, completely oblivious to the entire situation, blinked after her, still confused. He looked at Regulus, his brows furrowed. “Was she into you?” he asked, genuinely puzzled.

Regulus shot him a look of utter disbelief. “Are you serious? No, you idiot. She was flirting with you the entire time!”

James frowned, clearly baffled. “Wait—what?”

Regulus’s irritation only grew. “She practically threw herself at you with her shirt hanging open like that! Who flirts with a guy who’s got a baby and another bloke sitting right there?”

James’s cheeks flushed. “Oh… I didn’t notice. I was, y’know, focused on Harry... and you,” he added quietly, almost as an afterthought.

Regulus’s heart skipped a beat, and for a second, he didn’t know what to say. He cleared his throat, trying to play it cool. “Well, I suppose I can’t fault you for that.”

James chuckled awkwardly before suddenly saying, “I mean, to be fair, you’re a really attractive bloke. I’m wouldn't be surprised if you’d be the one getting flirted with.”

Regulus froze mid-bite, staring at James like he’d grown two heads. “I’m a gay-looking bloke, Potter.”

James choked on his drink again, sputtering into his coffee. “Wait—you’re gay?”

Regulus gave him a flat look. “Surprise?”

James rubbed the back of his neck, clearly embarrassed. “Well, that’s… that’s good to know, I guess.”

Regulus raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. “Honestly, James, you’re an idiot sometimes.”

James laughed, but it was softer this time, a bit more thoughtful. "Yeah... but you love me anyway."

Regulus raised an eyebrow, smirking. “You wish, Potter.”

James hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Regulus, his expression suddenly more serious. “No, but… I should probably tell you something, since we're on the topic of surprises.”

Regulus frowned slightly, sensing a shift in the atmosphere. “What is it?”

James exhaled deeply, leaning back in his chair and running a hand through his messy hair. “I’m… well, I’m bi.”

Regulus blinked, taken aback. “You’re what?”

“Bi,” James repeated, giving a small, almost shy smile. “You know… bisexual. Fancy both blokes and girls. Always have, really.”

For a moment, Regulus just stared at him, processing what James had said. His mind raced, running over the years they had known each other, trying to fit this new piece of information into everything he thought he knew about James Potter.

Regulus felt a strange mix of emotions bubbling inside him—relief, surprise, and maybe a flicker of something else he didn’t quite want to name. He cleared his throat, looking away for a moment as he tried to collect his thoughts. “So, why tell me now?” he asked, trying to sound casual, though the slight tremor in his voice betrayed him.

James shrugged, his brown eyes softening with a sincerity that made Regulus’s heart race. “I dunno. You’re important to me. And, I guess… if we’re sharing things—I mean, we’re about to live together.”

At that, Regulus’s heart did a weird little flip, and he bit his lip, struggling to keep his emotions in check. “So, when she thought we were together… you weren’t really uncomfortable with it?”

James grinned sheepishly, his cheeks flushing slightly. “Well, no. I mean, it wasn’t the worst thing someone’s assumed about me.”

Regulus rolled his eyes, but he felt his heart racing now. “Of course not.”

James leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, a playful seriousness in his expression. “Look, Reg, I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable about all this. I know... I wasn't always your favorite person, so if people think we’re together, well… just know I don't mind. There are worse things than being seen with someone as good-looking as you. So don’t worry about me being uncomfortable, okay?”

Caught off guard, Regulus blinked, his lips parting slightly. “I never hated you, James.”

James froze, a look of genuine surprise crossing his face. “What? Really? Since the day we met, you used to glare at me all the time. I always thought you hated me.”

Regulus sighed, feeling the weight of his own jealousy spill out. “I was… jealous of you.”

“Jealous?” James echoed, brow furrowing in confusion.

“Yeah,” Regulus admitted quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “You were this total standout—attractive, popular, funny—and Sirius just adored you. When we first met, I was so jealous that my brother could love someone else so much. He was all I had, and then suddenly he was yours. And I was jealous that I couldn’t hang out with you guys… that I couldn’t be your friend.”

James’s gaze deepened, his expression shifting to something more introspective. “Reg, I had no idea…”

“But I never hated you, James,” Regulus said, shaking his head. “I couldn’t hate you. No one could. You’re too perfect to hate.”

James’s cheeks flushed, a blend of embarrassment and something else blooming in his chest. “I’m not perfect,” he mumbled, looking down, avoiding Regulus’s intense gaze.

James wasn’t used to compliments like this. Sure, people had told him he was funny or handsome, but perfect? Never. Not even close. He’d always felt like too much—too loud, too reckless. He could never make things work long term; relationships fizzled out because, after a while, his charm wore off, and people just got tired of him. But hearing it from Regulus, it felt different, almost believable.

Regulus leaned in a little closer, his heart pounding. “Yeah, you are. Just look at you—what is this, day three? And look how natural you are with Harry. Everything you do, it’s like second nature.”

James shifted uncomfortably but couldn’t deny the truth in Regulus’s words. “I’m really not,” he said softly, his face still warm. “No one’s ever found me perfect.”

"I... do."

For a moment, an electric silence enveloped them, the world outside fading away. Regulus felt a surge of emotion well up inside him, something profound and undeniable. James’s gaze held his, the air thick with unspoken words.

James leaned back, the warmth in his expression never fading. “Well… I think you’re pretty perfect too, Reg.”

Regulus’s breath hitched at the sincerity in James’s voice, a flicker of hope igniting in his chest. “Don’t lie,” he sighed, attempting to dismiss the swell of feeling within him. But he could feel the weight of James’s gaze, the way it anchored him.

“No, really,” James insisted, his voice earnest. “What have you done? You’ve been taking care of Harry just like I have. You worry about him, you make sure he’s fed, you hold him when he cries. That’s already more than enough. You care about him, and that’s what matters.”

Regulus frowned, still unconvinced. “I can barely keep him from crying half the time. I’m useless.”

“You’re not useless,” James countered firmly, his eyes sparkling with determination. “You’re trying. That’s the whole point. Harry knows it’s your first time. He’s a baby, not some judge with a scorecard. And besides, you’re brilliant, Reg. You always have been. Even back at school, you were always eight steps ahead of everyone else. I’m still in awe of how you could think circles around people.”

Regulus looked up, meeting James’s gaze, the warmth in James’s eyes almost dizzying. For a moment, they held each other’s stare, the tension between them palpable, charged with an intensity that made Regulus’s heart race.

James smiled softly, breaking the silence. “You’re a great dad, Reg. Harry’s lucky to have you.”

Regulus’s chest tightened, something warm and inexplicable settling inside him as he allowed the words to sink in. “Thanks, James.” He looked away, a small, genuine smile creeping onto his lips.