4.
The more days passed, it was more challenging for James not only to pretend that he doesn’t feel anything to Regulus, but he also tried everything to not to let his jealous side pass between the strong wall in his mind. Seeing him with Barty made him realise that he wasn’t jealous about Snape when it came to Lily, he just didn’t like him, but now he did everything not to beat Barty. He couldn’t look at Barty and Regulus as it boiled the blood in him. His strong will also almost stoped existing, as he always told Sirius about everything and now, he couldn’t do it, as it would send him to the grave. One Tuesday his strong posture shred into the small pieces as he saw Barty hugging Regulus and the boy became explosive. Everything flipped the switch in him. He didn’t want to show it to his friends, that’s why he sat quietly. He didn’t like feeling anger, and the last thing he wanted was snapping at his friends.
The hum in the great hall irritated him, and the sounds Peter was making during eating didn’t help it. The level of anger increased every minute he sat with them. `Pete, stop smacking, it gives me a fever.’ He harshly stated, which made Peter stop eating his food.
`Sorry.’ He blushed and James felt stupid. Marlene laughed and nudged James.
`Trouble in the paradise?’ The girl asked and James looked at her with tiredness painted on his face. `The girl, you’ve told me about gave you a hard time?’ The sentence affected the group really quickly. Everyone stoped eating and James prayed to Marlin for the help or quick death. This statement also brung attention of Lily Evans, and James felt even more pressured than he should.
`You, have a girlfriend and you didn’t tell us?’ Sirius showed his true face, which was drama queen. `We, as your best friends.’ He pointed at the other marauders. `Should give you a quiet days for not telling us.’ The Black puffed and James rolled his eyes.
`I don’t have a secret girlfriend. I just might have a crush on someone, and I wanted to keep it a secret as even this person doesn’t know, but Marlene had other plans.’ He scanned the girl, making her burst into laugh.
Sirius smiled and before he could say anything James stopped him. `I won’t tell you, who is it.’ Sirius let a loud groan. The boy almost stood up form the irritation. Sirius wasn’t the most patient person; He couldn’t bare the fact that, his best friend is in love with someone and didn’t want to say who it was.
`First letter?’ James shook his head. `You are not fair. Prongs.’ The boy looked at his friends. `Are you going to stay silent? I need your support guys.’
Remus smiled. `If he doesn’t want to tell us, he has a reason for it, Pads. Sometimes people want their relationship to stay secret, and no one undermine their decision, so in this case, you don’t have my voice.’ Sirius squinted his eyes. He knew that it was targeted into his direction.
`Okay.’ He agreed. `But I will find out who is it.’ He warned James with the finger and everyone laughed at it. The latino boy looked at the red-haired girl; She smiled at him, but something in this smile wasn’t right. It wasn’t jolly, she seemed upset and it not only confused the boy but also made him think that he shouldn’t feel anything to anyone besides her. The enigmatic feeling hatched in his heart.
Meanwhile Regulus was sitting with his friends and for the first time in his life he didn’t know how to express what he wants from his friends. He felt ashamed that he wanted their help. It needed a lot of bravery from him to tell his friends what he wants, especially when it comes to his mental health problems. The boy wasn’t raised in the household where he could ask for any kind of support and it was one of the many skills he needed to learn during the Hogwarts’ years. He knew that he could count on them but the feeling of losing the control, stemmed him from asking for help.
The young boy cleared his throat, focusing his friends attention on him. `I’ve been thinking.’ Barty squinted his eyes and with curiosity waited for the end of the thought. `Stop looking at me, this way. Crouch.’ He hissed, which made Evan to roll his eyes.
`I want to get out of my problem, but I need your help.’ It really elated the boys, as they could wait to see Regulus going into right direction. Regulus needed them to take the food to their dormitory, as the biggest fear for him was eating around people. The boy also wanted them to understand that sometimes his feelings can’t be controlled, and the last thing he needs is them to be mad at him.
`Of course, Reggie we are your friends.’ Barty said and smiled at him, while Evan squeezed Regulus’s arm. They were joyful that he asked them for help. Many people could think that Slytherins were the least friendly, but it wasn’t completely true. If they found the real friend and cared about them, they could set the world in fire just to help them; And to Regulus’ luckiness he found his real friends. `Just tell us how.’
`I will, but not right now, there is too much people.’ The boys nodded and started consuming the food.
They sat in silence when some Ravenclaw girl called Barty and he quickly run away. Barty was really in demand, especially for girls. They liked to talk to him, he had a fun with it, they gave him the juiciest gossips in return he was their companion, although they didn’t acknowledged that he wasn’t into any of them. The boy also impressed them with his intelligence. Regulus was sure that if Barty wasn’t in Slytherin he would end up it Ravenclaw. Not everyone was aware of his brain, but Crouch was the person who doesn’t need to do anything to have amazing grades, he could be high or drunk as hell during lessons and he still did not need to study.
Being left alone with his other friend, was a great opportunity to Regulus to ask Evan about the potion for Remus. The reason why the French boy wanted to help his brother’ friend was unknown even for him, but Evan had possibility to brew the potion helping with lycanthropy and Regulus couldn’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of it. He knew that Evan will do it not knowing, for who it is, but he also didn’t want to baffle the Gryffindor boy and it was the hardest part. He didn’t know how to give Remus the potion without unnecessary emotions; It was quite impossible as it touches the most sensitive parts of the Gryffindor boy’s life. In Regulus’ mind he could just give the potion with the letter about it, but who would drink something mysterious from unknown person; For sure Lupin wouldn’t fell for it, he wasn’t that dull.
`What are you thinking about?’ Evan stopped the silence.
Regulus took the deep breath. `Well, I need you to brew the lycanthropy potion.’
Evan nodded. `Sure, but its not one timed thing, I will need to do it every month.’ Warned Evan, Regulus signed at the gesture of agreement. `May I know at least for who it is?’
`Not really. This person doesn’t even know I know.’ Regulus said, bitting the corner of his lips. He always did it when he was stressed about something.
`Okay, its fine. I’m going to brew it today. I will brew twenty bottles so it will last longer for this person.’ Regulus nodded and was happy that Evan would do anything for him, not asking unnecessary questions. `But I need your help. Come with me. And stop bitting your lips, Reggie.’ He reprimanded the boy. The French boy just rolled his eyes.
`Piss off.’ He punched his friend’s arm. Evan only laughed and swiftly grabbed his bag.
They both headed to the potion class. They didn’t need the permission from the Slughorn as they were the best students and the teacher knew they can be trusted. Evan took the needed ingredients and Regulus felt shivers. The boy felt that his stomach drops, and immediately understood that he would never tell Remus what’s inside of it. Drinking parts of dead rats and spiders didn’t belong to the delicious, and pleasant flavours especially when they weren’t powered and prepared but raw and had a normal taste.
Evan cut the rat’s tail into small pieces and then squished it, making it to release some nasty yellowish colour. It smelled horribly, and Evan just smiled at Regulus’ face. `I know it’s horrible, but it’s actually helping. I will add some mint and orange to make it taste and smell better.’ Regulus nodded. `Well I didn’t ask you to be my companion for fun, Reggie.’ He commented and Regulus rolled his eyes.
`What do I need to do?’
`Cut wolfsbane into small pieces.’ Regulus crinkled his eyebrows
`Isn’t wolfsbane toxic for werewolves?’
`It is, but well prepared will help, it helps them to keep their mind as they have never transformed. In fact the juice from the rat’s tail, kind of neutralises it.’ Regulus nodded and cut the wolfsbane into small pieces. `Chop the spider’s legs and put them into to kettle.’ The Black did what his friend asked him to do and the potion turned the greyish-purple colour. His friend added the feathers of the birds and mixed it clockwise for half an hour. `It’s done.’ Evan announced, slowly filling the vials with the potion. Regulus was kind of surprised that it was so quick, he knew that he will be able to do it alone for Lupin. `Tell this person that they need to drink it twice a week, and then everyday week before the full moon.’
`Thank you, Evan.’ Regulus packed the vials to his bag and quickly wrote the instructions on the piece of paper. He headed to the library as there was the biggest possibility that he will meet Remus there. The French boy knew that Remus will be quite unsure and probably not really happy about the fact that Regulus wants to help him as it means that he found out about his secret.
When he saw Remus sitting and reading the book in the corner of library alone, Regulus felt more convinced that he should give it to him, as he knew that talking to the honey-eyed boy would be hard next to Marauders. Especially about his monthly problem. The French boy stood up next to Gryffindor boy, cleared his throat getting Remus’ attention.
`Regulus, how can I help you?’ Remus asked politely.
Regulus didn’t bother to answer, just took out the vials and the piece of paper from his bag and put it in front of the boy. Remus crinkled his eyebrows and read the piece of paper, his facial expression changed. `What is that?’
`The potion for your problem, Lupin. Learn how to read because you clearly have problems with it.’ The younger boy hissed and Remus’ face become red.
`How do you know?’
`I connected the dots, it will help you.’ Regulus explained everything and Remus nodded.
`I don’t know what to say. Thank you.’ Remus whispered.
Regulus shrugged `Don’t say anything then. But tell someone I did it, and I will kill you.’ The boy turned around and vanished between the shelves. He didn’t want anyone to know that he cares about someone else then his group of friends.
Remus’ heartbeat was fast. He was surprised because Regulus Black would be the last one to help him with his full-moon problem. He knew that Regulus was smart and talented but he never thought that he would find out and eventually help him. The welsh boy smiled to himself and noted one thing in his mind.
Regulus Black is not as bad as everyone think he is.
££££
Eagerness arrogated James’s body for the thought of Friday night, as it meant that he could spend time with Regulus. Latino boy didn’t belong to the people who valued punctuality, but being earlier or on time gave him the opportunity to sit longer with the Slytherin boy, and the boy was the last person to miss this chance. He rushed towards the library in joyful way; he couldn’t remember the last time he was so excited for something so normal. The view of Regulus around the bookshelves, waiting for him and reading book, caused the adrenaline rush.
`Hello, baby Black.’ James sat next to Regulus.
`Hello. What are you currently doing in potion’s?’ French boy quickly went straight to the point, grabbing the book from the table. James looked at the others boy hand and the odd feeling attacked his stomach. He have never found someone’s hands so attractive, till this day. The slender, long fingers were graced by many silver rings; Pale skin contrasted against the book. James wished he could grab the boy’s hand or that the hand would grab his. Gryffindor boy even thought that he could become slut just for Regulus’ hands. He quickly brushed this thought off, but his mind still reminded numb. `Potter, are you deaf?’
James didn’t think much on the answer. He took his eyes off the hands and looked at Slytherin boy. His jawline was sharp, like a knife; The tie was a little loosen and James could see a little bit of collarbones. The warm flushed down his body. `Truth or dare, baby Black?’ His voice was a bit hoarse, catching Regulus of guard.
`Potter we are here to teach you potions, not to play the game.’ Regulus tried to stop the meeting going into wrong direction but James was steely.
`I don’t care, why we are here. I want to play the game and I promise you that we can do the lesson and I will be concentrated.’
Regulus rolled his eyes, and sighed. `Okay. But you will focus on the lesson.’ The boy pointed at his companion, James nodded. `Dare.’
`Tell me about each of your ring.’ Regulus snorted. `I’m serious. I want to know the history behind each one.’
Regulus cleared his throat and shook his head. `You are ridiculous, Potter.’ James smiled ad looked at Slytherin’s hand.`Well, the one on the right forefinger, is from Barty.’ It was simple silver ring with the snake pattern. `The middle one here, I got it from Evan and Pandora for my birthday, last year.’ It was thin ring with some letters on it. `It says forever with you, `E’ plus `P’, plus `R’.’ The comfort squeezed James’ heart at the thought of friendship Regulus has. `The one on the ring finger, is my family signet.’ It had a big `B’ engraving with a little emerald stone. It showed the crest of the Noble house of Black. `Pinky one I got from Dorcas.’
`Interesting, now left hand.’ James cleared his throat and pointed at the left hand. He didn’t know how to comment on it as saying the real thoughts would cause Sirius murdering him.
Regulus laughed. `The middle one I got from Cissi.’ It had a big onyx stone. `The forefinger here is also from Barty.’ It was in lighting shape. `He got the same one.’ This sentence kind of chilled James and the jealousy controlled his body. He knew that he couldn’t show any sign of envy.
`That’s cute.’ James stated and he was surprised by himself, that he could be so fake about it. `Baby Black.’ It sounded so awkward that Regulus didn’t know what to answer. The Slytherin boy felt that something changed in James and it scared him off.
`Well, we could just make a revision from previous potions.’ James agreed, he wouldn’t be able to talk to the boy as something weird squeezed his body. Regulus started explaining everything and James tried everything to listen to the boy but his thought wandered around Barty and Regulus. He shook his head, praying to Marlin for this tortures to end; The answer from Marlin was quick but James wasn’t sure if someone up there wasn’t playing with him. The person who stoped their extra lesson was Barty.
`May I know why, you are sitting here for one more hour then usual?’ The boy asked.
Regulus closed the book and packed it. `We started a bit later.’
Barty rolled his eyes and took his friends bag. `Why are you stopping my Reggie?’ Smiled and winked at James. `It is Friday night, I suggest you Potter go and do some weird stuff you and your friends like to do.’ James squinted his eyes and clenched his jaw.
`Thanks, Crouch for this amazing advice. I craved it.’
Barty shrugged and put his hand on black-haired boy’s arm. `No problem.’
Both Slytherins boys turned and faced entrance. Regulus stoped and turned his head to James. `Night. Potter.’
Stunned James looked at their receding figures and whispered. `Good Night, Regulus.’ The boy let a loud groan and put his head on the desk, meeting the disapproval from the library lady. Ms. Pince.
`It’s library, please keep it quiet.’
James took his bag and stood up. `I’m sorry. And Good Night.’ The woman just nodded.
The latino boy couldn’t understand what was happening with him. Since he was eleven he believed that he will end up with Lily Evans, and in the oddest dreams he couldn’t image him liking someone else. Especially Regulus Black. The younger brother of his platonic soulmate. Sirius would kill him, if he knew. They have never said that out loud but it was unwritten rule. siblings are always beyond our reach. Also Barty Crouch Jr. has started to be the problem and nuisance. His stupid arrogant smile, along with the pride, triggered James’ new behaviour. The need of erasing someones smile and happiness was never in latino boy’s mind but now it changed and he would do anything to stop Barty from smiling so arrogantly.
`Mate, what are you thinking about?’ Sirius asked behind him, scaring the shit out of James.
`Pads, what the fuck, you scared the hell out of me. Could you stop sneaking around?’ James punched Sirius arm.
Sirius laughed and lifted his arms in the peace gesture. `Sorry, Prongs. But you should see your face.’ James laughed at the sound of his friend’s laugh. `You looked like you’ve seen the ghost. And I’m not that pale.’ Sirius doubled up from the stomach pain from laughing. Involuntary James had started to laugh too. They needed to stop walking from the about of laugh.
`Oh. NO. Pads, you have something on your face, is that? Wait—.’ James moved closer to Sirius and squinted his eyes. His friend stoped laughing and looked at James with fear.
`What is that?’
`It’s.’ James looked down, and with serious face grabbed Sirius’s arm. `My friend, it’s.— Stupidity. You can’t cure it.’ He said and burst into laugh, the tears fell from his eyes.
`You stupid fuck.’ Padfoot hit him, laughing they begun to walk towards the common room.
`Pads, your face was priceless.’ James laughed, wiped the tears from his cheeks.
`My face is always priceless. I—.’ Sirius started.
`No, Severus. I don’t understand. What happened to you?’ Lily cried around the corner. Boys quietly sneak to the wall, started to listen to their argument in case there will be need to intervene.
`Lily. You won’t understand. I have to be like that. Please don’t be mad.’ Snape begged, which made James roll his eyes.
`No. I understood for so long.’ Lily hissed. `If you won’t, tell me what is happening, I’m going.’
Snape cried but it quickly switched to anger. `You can’t just leave me. We are fucki— freakin friends. You swore to me that you won’t be a bitch like all your friends.’ He grabbed her arm aggressively, James was ready to interrupt Snape, but someone was faster.
`You are pathetic, Severus.’ Regulus’ cold voice cut the air, at which Snape cowered. `You are so weak, that you need to tyrannise your only friend.’ Sirius and James looked at this impressed. They would never think that Regulus would defence someone, especially Lily. The fact that Severus was genuinely frightened by the Black’s presence, stunned them even more. `I think it’s time for you, Snape.’ He hissed. The boy just lowered his head and went away without saying even one word.
Lily turned to Regulus, smiling through tears. `Thank you so much, Regulus.’ He nodded. `You are my support, right now.’
His eyes directed to James and Sirius. `They are your support.’ He moved into their direction. `You should be more discreet, if you want to eavesdrop.’ Exclaimed and vanished into darkness.
Sirius laughed. `My brother is like a ghost. He freaks me out.’
`Do you want to talk to us about it, Lily?’ James changed the topic, he didn’t want to talk to Sirius about Regulus, because Regulus’ behaviour wasn’t freaking him up. His own thoughts about the young boy freaked him up .
`No, I don’t.’ They both accepted the decision, pressuring Lily into telling them wasn’t on their `to do list’. `Do you know why, Severus was so scared of your brother?’
`Have no clue.’ Sirius shrugged. `I am not going to think about it. I mean, to be honest, if I could blackmail him with something to make him fear me, I wouldn’t think twice.’ Lily rolled her eyes, but didn’t want to argue with him. She knew that there is no point of starting it, because she is already on lost position. They saw how Severus is acting towards her and defending him would only show that she has no respect to herself.
Latino boy’s stomach squeezed. Lily and Sirius looked at him with amusement. `I am hungry, can we please go and eat something?’ James smiled and his companions agreed. They rushed towards the kitchen, beforehand taking Remus and Peter with them.
They were eating the cereals with milk, James was sitting next to the elves on the floor, Remus and Lily were on the chairs, Sirius and Peter were joking around. `Guys.’ Lily stoped their laugh, bringing their attention on her. `Thank you for today.’ The tears shined in her eyes. `You are helping me a lot.’
`Oh, Lils. There is no need to cry.’ Sirius hugged her. `We are your friends. You can always count on us.’ He looked at boys with the hard look, giving them signals that it should be the group hug.
`I love you, guys.’
`We love you too, Lily.’ Said all of them in the same time, which caused a laugh from Lily.
****
The young Black was looking at his reflection. He was wearing a normal green T-Shirt, with the jeans and Barty’s zip-up sweatshirt. It was Saturday and everyone was going to the town.
`What did you do with Potter, so long yesterday?’ Evan asked the following morning.
Regulus rolled his eyes. `Nothing, he just asked me this stupid truth or dare game and I needed to choose.’ Regulus poured the water into the glass, before leaving to the Hogsmeade.
`What did you chose?’
`Dare.’
Barty winked at Regulus and Evan laughed. Confused Regulus looked at both of them.`What?’
`Did he asked you to give him a blowjob?’ Regulus blushed, gagging with the water he was just drinking.
`What the fuck? In library?’ Evan bursted into laugh, at the view of black-haired boy’s face and throw the pillow at him causing the water to spill on the sweatshirt.
Barty shrugged. `I don’t know. Maybe that’s Potter’s wet dream.’
`Having blowjob done by someone in library?’
`Not just by someone. By you.’ Barty argued but it only met Regulus’s snort.
`I have a good advice. Stop thinking about his wet dreams.’ Suggested Black.
`You are right, I will leave it to you. But If that’s not what he asked you to do. Tell me my dear Regulus, what he wanted from you.’
`He asked me about my rings.’ Evan took the deep breath from the excitement. `What, now?’ Black threw his hands into the air.
Evan smiled, standing up and putting his hands on arms of the young Black. `He already lost for you.’ Regulus shook his head. `Reggie. He finds your hands attractive. He wanted to know the story about you rings.’ Uttered white-haired boy. `He lost.’
`How do you know? Maybe he was just interested in my rings.’
`Well, when Evan wears his rings, I’m loosing, so I think he does it too.’ Barty exclaimed and Evan tensed up.
`Stop.’ Hissed Rosier.
`What? I am just speaking facts. Can’t I say that my friend is hot?’
Evan pointed the finger at Barty. `No, you know, you can’t.’
`Why, huh?’ Barty hissed.
`You don’t do it to your other friends.’ Rosier took a deep breath.
Barty rolled his eyes. `Well, yes I don’t. I shag them.’
Evan snorted. `Well, it’s not my fault that you are a manwhore.’
Regulus’s eyes widened. Barty’s face turned red. `Oh, good to know, that I am the manwhore. But you are not right?’ He snorted and Regulus watched it all with a frustration. He knew that two of them were exaggerating a lot and it could cause only terrible things. `Fucking six girls at the party is okay, till you are a fucking Rosier right? Admit that you feel better then me. Admit it.’ He pushed Evan. `You kiss me only when you are fucking drunk, because you are a fuckin’ coward.’
Evan clinched his fist. `At least I am not as pathetic as you are.’ He shouted and Regulus acknowledged that one of them will cross the line. `I am not —.’
`Stop this shit now.’ Regulus hissed standing between them. `You both are pissing me of. Think about it. You Barty, know exactly why he reacts that way, and you Evan should not be fuckin’ surprised that he acts like that. SORT IT OUT.’ Both of his friends were stunned to speak. `I am going to Hogsmeade alone. You both will stay here, and sort it out. Either you both talk honestly or I am moving dorms. Because you both are getting on my nerve.’
Regulus wouldn’t move dorms, but his friends didn’t need to know it. He just needed to blackmail them so they could talk from heart to heart. They both were in love with each other but coming from different background had it’s impact. He shook his head as he understood that he will be the one in Hogsmeade, but staying with those two idiots wasn’t better option.
However he wasn’t the only one who was alone in Hogsmeade. James’s friends also left him alone and it was the first time situation.
`May I know why I am going alone to the Hogsmeade?’ James shouted on Wednesday night.
Sirius rolled his eyes. `I have a date, and no matter how much I love you, I won’t take you with myself.’ James sighed and looked at the rest boys.
`I have a date too.’ Peter lifted his hands in the peace gesture.
`Well I am not really sure what, stands on your way Moony?’
Remus shook his head, throwing his hands to the air. `I’ve told you can go with me, Lily and Pandora.’ James closed his eyes and rested on his bed.
`But Pandora freaks me out.’ James cried. `And Lily probably doesn’t want to go with me, so I am left alone.’ He didn’t know why he was so against going with Lily, but the fact that his new crush evaluated the weird smile on her face was disturbing and James would rather avoid her. `Since when do you speak to Pandora by the way?’
`Since the Huffelpuff party. You were too busy with your fan club to notice it.’ Remus snorted. `Oh I have a grate idea, you can go with your fans. I bet they will be happy about it.’ James squinted his eyes and stuck his middle finger into Remus’s direction.
`Okay I will go alone, you emotionless asses.’ He stuck his tongue and Remus threw his pillow at latino boy.
`Prongs you will be fine.’ Remus assured him and Sirius agreed.
James in fact wasn’t feeling anxious till the moment he stood up alone in the middle of Hogsmeade. He didn’t know what to do and even shopping wasn’t a good idea; Until he saw the black haired boy who was standing next to the jewellery shop, looking at the shop window. James couldn’t miss the opportunity as the Slytherin boy was also alone.
`What are you looking at, baby Black?’ He whispered into Regulus’ ear, scaring the boy.
Regulus quickly turned around. `What the fuck, Potter. Can’t you just be like a normal person and just say `Hi, what are you looking for’, and not whispering into my ear like a fuckin’ ghost or a killer.’
James bursted into laugh. `You are funny, when you are scared, actually.’ Regulus rolled his eyes and turned away from the latino boy heading to the restaurant. `Okay. Sorry.’ Regulus stopped. `Why are you alone here.’
Regulus sighed. `My idiot friends are arguing so I came here alone, but I am not the only one. Where are your companions? You are not moving without them and now you are alone.’
James smiled. `Well Remus is with Pandora and Lily, Sirius and Peter have dates and I am left alone.’
Regulus wrinkled his eyebrows. `Couldn’t you just go with Remus, Lily and Pandora?’
James shocked his head. `Not really, I feel that something is on the bad terms between me and Lily.’ Mentally Regulus started jumping and screaming from happiness, but he couldn’t show it.
`Well I don’t think I want to ask about it, to be honest.’ Regulus commented and James just nodded.
`It’s okay, but it means that you will be my companion for the rest of the day.’ Regulus's face twisted.
`Fuck.’ He said and shook his head in the gesture of disappointment causing James to laugh.
James showed the way through the Hogsmeade. They were going together and observed the people passing them. They were spending the nice time, and Regulus was nicer than usually, but for James it didn’t matter. The red cheeks of his companion is what mattered. The cold weather matched him, his eyes were glowing and his lips were really kissable at this moment.
Regulus stopped his thoughts. `You’ve said that Peter was on a date with someone right?’ James nodded. `Well, I didn’t expect the girl to be freakin’ Sybill Trelawney.’
James widened his eyes. `Wait what, how do you know that?’
Regulus pointed at the window of the restaurant where Peter and Sybill were sitting.`This girl is mad as hell.’
`I can’t believe it. He was hiding it.’
`I am not surprised, she is—.’ Regulus looked at her. `She is a freak.’
James tried to argue with him as he didn’t really know her. `But have you ever spoke to her?’ Regulus shook his head. `Then why are you assuming she is a weirdo?’
`Have you or your friends ever spoke to her?’
`No.’
Regulus laughed. `Okay, Barty sometimes talks to her, — no. She is talking to him and she freaks him out and he is friends with Evan and Pandora. They are freaks sometimes, and believe me you wouldn’t want to be around them when they are not in a good mood. Barty is often and he is not scared but a ten minutes with Sybill scares the shit out of him.’
James wrinkled his eyebrows. `Then why is he talking to her. Isn’t it weird?’ The latino boy felt that Barty might be not loyal to Regulus and was suspicious about the Italian boy. He wanted to know more about him and his relationship with Regulus without making the French boy feel confused.
Regulus twisted. `Why? What?’ James looked at him gesticulating. `Oh you think that Barty is shagging them?’ He laughed. `Potter, he is gay, not bisexual, he is gay, okay?’
James nodded but the one question circled around his mind. `And what sexuality are you?’
`Marlin, why do you care? But I am bisexual.’ He whispered.
`What does it mean?’ James asked unsurely.
`Um. Well I can be with girl or a boy. I thought you knew it.’
James knew that it was a great opportunity to talk about his sexuality, not telling it is about him. `I knew but I was thinking if someone could be with boy and a girl but also with trans girl and trans boy, what sexuality is it?’
Regulus bit the corner of his lips. `It is called pansexual.’ James nodded. `Why?’
`Oh I am just asking because I think my friend is.’
`You mean, Lupin?’ Regulus asked out of nowhere, James widened his eyes. `What?’
James threw his hands in the air. `How do you know that?’
`Oh, Potter I have eyes and I am not an idiot, believe me.’
James lifted his brow. `How much more do you know about Remus’ love life?’
`It is not my business Potter. And your friend is running away with his weird girlfriend, so—.’ Regulus pointed at Peter and Sybill, changing the topic.
`We need to go after them.’
Regulus argued. `No, I am not gonna stalk them.’
`But we need to. Regulus Black we need to go after them.’
Regulus rolled his eyes. `I don’t see the point of doing it.’
`You think she is a weirdo. What is she wants to kill him? Maybe we will save him.’
Regulus snorted. `You sound ridiculously.’
`Well if saving my friends from psychotic girls, is ridiculous then yes I am.’ James argued.
Regulus only scanned James and sighed. `Okay, you go first.’ Pointed at the path, Peter and his girlfriend were going. Potter only grinned.
`You are the best.’ These words from James were unexpected for both boys, but Regulus was the one who’s cheeks turned bright red. He felt it and quickly pulled up his scarf, letting it cover his blushed skin. He didn’t know why; He has never felt that way, he was aware of his feelings to James Potter but never planned on doing something with it, and now when James is the one who craves attention, he didn’t know what to do; And how to feel about it. `I feel like we are undercover agents.’ Regulus shocked his head, not believing that James is so childish.
They were going in silence, when the girl from Ravenclaw house, made her way up to them. `Hi.’ She exclaimed focusing boy’s attention on her.
Regulus wasn’t the person who would do anything about someone talking to him, but James was used to it. `Hi, is everything okay?’
The girl blushed, when she looked at Regulus, causing James’ heart to race faster. `My friend wants to give it to you.’ She pulled the book from her purse. `She wants you, Regulus to read it, before she publish it.’
Regulus wrinkled his eyebrows, taking the book from girl’s hands. `Why me?’
`Because, you are reading a lot and she likes you.’ The girl stopped. `Your opinion matters to her.’ Regulus didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t used to those kind of situation and Barty’s absence had it’s impact on him. Barty gave him the confidence he normally didn’t have. However this situation wasn’t only new to Regulus, James also wasn’t used to being jealous about someone who he shouldn’t even think about. That is why he stood, quietly trying not to let his tongue say what he thinks.
`Well, okay. I will read it for sure.’ He said, the girl thanked them, and went to her friends that were giggling.
`Woah, I didn’t know you have a fan club that dedicates the books for you.’ James mentioned. He tried to sound chill, but he wanted to take the girl’s place. Suddenly he wanted to write a thousand books for Regulus; And he often couldn’t manage to write transmutation essay, because he was too lazy, now it didn’t matter to him. The only thing what mattered was seeing Regulus being impressed by of him.
Regulus smirked. `Trust me, I wasn’t aware of it too.’ James smiled. He wanted to make another step, following Peter and his girlfriend but the rain caught them. After a couple minutes there wasn’t a dry string on them.
`Shit.’ Regulus breathed, focusing James’ attention on him. James was finding out about his taste, and he wouldn’t guess that seeing Regulus with wet hairs, the clothes sticking to his body, would woke up such a weird feelings in him. He wished he could wave his fingers into the Slytherin’s hairs; And what so worse it wasn’t the only thing James wanted to do with Regulus. The thoughts burned him, the rain wasn’t even cold for him. `We should go somewhere inside, I don’t like being wet.’
James only nodded and searched for the nearest restaurant. His heart skipped a bit when he saw that the nearest restaurant was a Madams Puddifoot’s tea shop.
`Baby Black, the only place we can go is Madams Puddifoot’s tea shop.’ He shouted through the rain. It was a restaurant for the lovers and they for sure weren’t lovers.
`No way in hell I am going in there. Come with me. I know where to go.’ Regulus said and turned to the unknown for James direction. They were going through the thin lanes when they reached the old bookstore with restaurant. Regulus buoyantly opened the doors, the bell above it ringed signalising the new guests.
`Hello.’ Said Regulus into empty space.
James twisted. `Why is this place so empty, maybe it is closed. We should go, to the Three broomsticks inn. They will have some tables for sure.’
`No. I mean if you want to. I am not stopping you.’ Regulus protested when the owner of the shop appeared.
`Oh Regulus it is long time no see.’ She said, hugging him.
`Yeah. Can we eat or drink something?’ He asked and James heart squeezed because he knew that Regulus was struggling, and he clearly tried to go out of it.
`Sure, you can. But who is your handsome boy you took with your self?’ She smiled at James. `I am happy that it is not the ignorant boy you are wandering around. What was his name? Barty. Horrible boy. Devil’s creation.’
Regulus shocked his head. `Please don’t call him that. You haven’t meet him properly. He was high.’
`Exactly, and this shit is bad for you. That is why—.’ Regulus looked at her with the grime, so she stopped. `Never mind. What’s your name, dear?’
`I am James Potter, Miss.’ He said sticking his hand.
`Oh that is nice to meet you.’ She said and after squeezing his hand she swiftly grabbed her wand. She switched the lights on and James had the opportunity to look around the place. It was cosy and around the tables were bookshelves. The art was everywhere, on the walls, and on the bookshelves. He have never seen place more charming then this. `I am going to make a tea for you.’ Regulus nodded and headed to the table next to the windows.
`How did you find this place.’ James asked.
Regulus shrugged. `I wanted to have um—.’ He started explaining but he stopped in the middle sentence.`Doesn’t matter. I was just wandering around Hogsmeade and I found this place. This is book store so I kinda liked it in here. I am always buying the books here. To help the woman. She lost her husband and child for dragon pox.’ Regulus whispered. James nodded but in his mind formed a thought why Regulus cut in the middle of the sentence earlier but he knew he will ask him later about it.
`Oh. I am sorry.’ James said. `I can tell Lily and Remus about this place. They will buy here for sure.’
`I would be grateful, Potter.’
James smiled and the silence spread between them. Gryffindor boy couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that everything he knew about Regulus was incorrect. He would never think that the person who would help the widowed woman was The French boy who looked down at everyone. He couldn’t believe that he was living with the thought that Regulus Black was like his parents, and it was a big, fat lie. Regulus seemed to be brutal, with lack of empathy. That is how Sirius described him, and the boy he was sitting with right now, was completely different person.
The bell above the door, ringed. It caught the boy’s attention. In the entrance to the shop, there were standing Remus, Lily and Pandora.
Pandora saw Regulus and rushed towards him `Are you mad? You two.’ She shouted. `How could you not take the umbrella with yourself? Regulus the water is literally dripping from your hair.’ She charmed his hair, so they were dry.
`Thank, Pandora.’ He smiled weakly.
She rolled her eyes, looking at James. `Same with you. Potter.’ She pointed the wand at him.
The owner of the shop, was holding the tea. `Oh Remus and Lily, you know Regulus and his lovely companion?’ She squeaked. `Pandora, you look incredibly. I always knew that you will be the prettiest girl. Your art is amazing. Everyone loves it.’ James wrinkled his eyebrows.
`Wait, Pandora made all of it?’ He showed the room and Regulus nodded.
`Don’t flatter me. I did it with Regulus.’ She argued.
James opened his mouth a bit, fixing his position looking at Regulus. `I didn’t know you can paint.’
`Regulus is very talented, not only in writing, and painting. He also plays the piano and is amazing dancer.’ The lady said and Regulus smiled shyly.
`It is not so spectacular. E—.’
`Can you at least for once in your life, admit that you are talented in many fields?’ Pandora interrupted him. `He is excellent in everything he touches.’ Regulus shocked his head. He looked at James and soundlessly said. `Don’t listen to her.’ James smiled.
`I want to hear, you play. Regulus.’ Lily stated. Regulus didn’t know what to say. He didn’t want to be the centre of attention and now he clearly was.
`I don’t think that it’s the great moment for it.’ The boy argued.
James eyes were jumping from the Slytherin boy to Lily; He never imaged two of his crushes talking normally. Lily for sure wasn’t biased which was a surprise for James and Regulus was kind to her which caused the confusion to grow in his body. Remus saw that and wrinkled his eyebrows. James was acting weird and no one knew what has made him that way.
`Why not?’ Pandora joined the conversation.
Regulus let a loud groan. `How about we change the subject? How do y’all know this place?’
Remus shrugged. `I came here since the third year.’ Lily agreed, and Regulus just nodded. James felt the tension between them all.
`Why did you came here?’ James asked out of nowhere.
`I am waiting for my date. We didn’t know where to go. The three broomsticks inn was full.’ Regulus twisted his face at Pandora’s answer.
Lily hugged Pandora with one arm. `We are keeping her entertained, before the date.’
`Why is it so late? He couldn’t do it earlier?’ Regulus nervously asked. He didn’t like the boy she was seeing, even if he never met him.
Pandora looked down at her shoes. She was intimidated by Regulus’s attitude. `He is with his friends.’
The loud snort left Regulus. `He is pathetic.’ He hissed. James felt pity for Pandora, and didn’t know why Regulus was acting this way. For sure it wasn’t jealousy, because Regulus was clearly with Barty.
`Baby Black chill.’ James defended Pandora. `If something will happen, I am going be the one to help you, kick his butt.’ James promised, but didn’t know that Regulus wouldn’t need help. He wouldn’t only kick this guy’s butt but would torture him till the guy would start begging for the fast death. No one knew about it, except Pandora, Barty and Evan.
`Mhm.’ Regulus bit the corner of his lips. He didn’t want to let this stupid shit to hurt Pandora. He felt anxiety and not having the control over it, pissed him off. `Okay.’
Remus and Lily couldn’t bare the atmosphere between Regulus and Pandora. They couldn’t understand why Regulus was so overprotective over the girl. It was almost possessive. `So, I think it is time for you Pandora.’ Remus suggested, he knew that the best for them would be when Pandora would leave. Pandora quickly stood up,, heading to the entry. She wanted to do it earlier but didn’t want to make things worse.
Regulus rushed after her and grabbed her arm. `Please. Be careful.’
`Regulus it is not the first date with him.’ Pandora squeezed his arm.
`I know but please. Be careful. You know what to do if something happens.’ He whispered.
`Okay. I promise.’ She hugged him, but the absence of Regulus’ friend became visible for her as she saw Barty’s piece of clothes on her friend. She wrinkled her brows. `By the way where is Barty and my brother?’ She asked.
Regulus tightened his lips. `They were arguing. I left them alone, so they can clear things between them.’
She laughed. `I hope they didn’t kill each other.’ Regulus shrugged, the girl stood on the tip of her toes and kissed his cheek. `It’s going to be fine. Bye.’
`Why are you so overprotective over her?’ Lily asked when Regulus sat down.
`I just don’t trust this guy.’ He shrugged.
`You need to trust her. Not him.’ Lily argued.
Regulus laughed. `No. She deserves the world. Not some random guy she picks.’
Remus nodded, but he wasn’t agreeing with Regulus . He just wanted the topic to leave the conversation. When the tea was ready to drink, Lily looked at Remus knowingly, suggesting that they should leave James and Regulus alone. She promised she will explain it later, and Remus not having much to do, has agreed.
They have left them alone, with their own thoughts. James thoughts were circling around Regulus and everything that he might have felt to the boy. However Regulus was thinking about Pandora and her date. He was worried about her, and it wasn’t because he was possessive, it was because he had seen too much girl used, or hurt by the male. In the physical way, and he promised himself that he will protect Pandora from it, no matter what the cost would be.
`Regulus, you don’t need to worry about her. Everything will be okay.’ James said as he noticed that his companion was worried about his friend. `Maybe we should go to the astronomy tower.’ James suggested. He wanted to spent more time with Regulus, and the astronomy tower would be the best place to do it. This place relaxed the Slytherin boy and James knew that it was needed right now.
Regulus wasn’t the keen of this idea. He wanted to spend more time with his friends, Evan and Barty, they would be the ones who could understand what he feels. The other reason for it was also deeper, his body signalled that he needed food, otherwise the situation from the weeks ago would happen again. `I am not sure, Potter.’ He said and scratched his head. `I mean—.’ The boy didn’t want to say that he need to eat, he didn’t need James to be involved with his eating problem. He looked at him with sorry in his eyes.
`Baby Black, don’t worry, we don’t need to.’ James assured the French boy, however his heart dropped in disappointment. He didn’t want to let the boy feel worse then he is. Regulus didn’t know what to do; He wasn’t sure his friends did make up, and the situation with Pandora drained the last sources of his patience and energy, he knew he couldn’t bare them two.
Regulus looked at James and touched his teeth with the tongue. `Okay.’
`Okay. What?’
`I can go.’
James jumped in act of happiness. `Yay!!’
`Don’t be so energetic. It makes me to want to kill you.’
James bursted into laugh. `Noted. But—.’ James knew that they both didn’t eat anything, this topic was touchy for Regulus. `What about the dinner?’
Regulus sighed. `We can eat something.’
It was an astonishment for James. `Okay. We can go to the great hall and—.’
`I don’t like to eat around people .’ The French boy interrupted.
`Okay.’ James said, thinking what they could do.
`We can go to the kitchen, take something and then go to the astronomy tower.’ Suggested the Gryffindor boy, which met the approval from the other boy.
The journey to the school was peaceful. To their luckiness the astronomy tower was empty. They were eating and Regulus wasn’t feeling overwhelmed by the fact that he was consuming food around someone else then himself. French fries, burgers made by the elves were a blessing for their empty stomaches.
James stopped eating. `It is your turn to ask me truth or dare, baby Black.’
Regulus swallowed food. `Truth or dare?’
`Truth.’
`How high is your iq?’ The boy asked, trying to hide his amusement. He knew that it wouldn’t give any new information about James, but Regulus liked to be snarky.
`Don’t know. And you are not funny.’
Regulus smiled. `It is kinda funny to me.’
James tried to hide his laughter. `It is not.’ He threw a one chips at the other boy. It stopped at Regulus’ hair.
`What the hell.’ Regulus widened his eyes, taking the piece of food from his hair. `That is no respect to food.’ Said trying not to smile.
`Oh. Sorry. Mr. Black, for showing no respect.’ The Slytherin boy stuck the middle finger towards him. This made James not to think about the actions he took; He threw himself towards sitting Regulus, falling on him, making the boy to lay under his body. `Sticking middle finger? Mr. Black that is no respect.’ He whispered. Regulus breath shallowed, making eye contact with James. The shivers came down his spine when the realisation came to James’ mind, he felt dull. He literally attacked Regulus, it wasn’t that he didn’t want it. But he wasn’t sure if the other boy would. He had boyfriend.
`Sorry.’ Said James, helping Regulus to stand up.
`Well. It is late. I should get going.’ Regulus stated. James closed his eyes and wanted to throw himself down the astronomy tower. He couldn’t believe that; It always needed to end this way, James did not think about the actions he will take, and the consequences were terrible. `Night. And you wouldn’t win any wrestling. You are too much warm-hearted.’ Said Regulus, making James burst in laugher.
`You are impossible, Black.’ He shouted so the boy could hear him behind the wooden door.
Cheerfully, Regulus headed to the common room. James’s company positively effected him and his mood. It was really strange for him, as he wasn’t used to feeling that way especially because of James. The confidence the boy had was impressive to him, and the situation that happened a few minutes ago also made him excited more then usual. He liked to dream about laying under James Potter or the other way around, but it was just the imagination of his head, that would never happen. But it did, and the boy knew that he couldn’t control the things between them, and they could go in unexpected way, really soon. The boy even wanted to dance, but before he could see the room, he has heard the familiar cry.
`Pandora, please tell me what happened.’ Dorcas begged the girl.
Pandora shocked her head. `No. I —.’ Evan hugged her.
Regulus clinched his jaw, and slowly sat next to Pandora. He saw the huge bruise that covered her neck. He knew what it was all about. He felt that it might happen, that is why he acted this way earlier. These types of guys were the worst. Lucius Malfoy was this type, he saw how Narcissa was hurt, how she tried to cover the bruises on her wrists, and neck. Regulus hated to see the violence towards any woman. `What happened?’ He whispered, the moment she hugged him tightly. `It was this guy. Right?’ The girl just nodded. There was no point in hiding this, they would have find out eventually. Regulus knew before, asking and Pandora was aware of it.
Evan and Barty looked at each other knowingly. They knew that Regulus won’t leave it alone. Pandora was so dear to them that revenge was the only way to teach this guy the manners.
`Don’t worry. You are safe. He won’t touch you again.’ He whispered into her ear, scratching her back calmingly. `You are safe. I promise.’
She really was, because Regulus loved Pandora. And he was willing to kill for someone he loved.