Enchanted (to meet you)

The Gryffindor boy was sitting next to the Regulus; The boy has grabbed the French boy’s hand and kissed it gently. `You are so pretty.’ The boy whispered. Young boy without thinking much sat on the James’ laps and kissed him. The kiss was passionate and has lasted an eternity. The other boy’s warm hands snug under the Black’s shirt, causing the shivers in Regulus’s body. `Let me take that off.’ James said and pulled his shirt up, showing his torso. The younger boy’s breath shallowed, the latino boy was so stunning and breathtaking that Regulus couldn’t control his reactions. The older boy was a Apollo, the god of beauty. When Black was younger he always dreamed of meeting the person who would look like Apollo, and James was definitely made by Apollo. Everything about him was beautiful, his face and body; It woke the feeling in Regulus that the boy couldn’t explain. 

`James.’ The boy whispered. 

Suddenly Regulus felt something hitting his head. `Okay I don’t know what you are dreaming about but I am pretty sure that it is something naughty.’ Barty yelled, waking up Regulus on Monday morning. The Black’s heart was pumping really quickly and without thinking much the boy let a loud groan. 

`Kill me.’ The boy said amusing his friends. He couldn’t believe that he had a spicy dream about James freakin Potter. This made it harder to look James in the eyes after this. `Please I wanna die.’ 

Barty rolled his eyes. `Potter haunted your dreams?’ The boy had fun joking about this whole situation with James. He cared about Regulus and was his supporter but it was pretty amusing when his friend tried to deny that James cares about him. Or that he cares about James. He wished to make them be more conscious about their feelings because maybe he was high half of the time but for sure he wasn’t blind. 

Barty saw Regulus developing a crush on James Potter while growing up. He knew that this situation was really complicated as James was Sirius’s best friend. Italian boy didn’t really have a hope for them being together but the life gave Regulus the opportunity. Giving extra lessons to James was a chances one in a million; Barty and Evan knew that Regulus won’t do anything about it as he was sure that Lily Evans was his competition. Everything has changed for them when a smile grew on James’s face after finding out, that Regulus wasn’t with Barty. Evan knew that they must do something about it but wasn’t really sure what; To their luckiness they weren’t the only people who saw that; Because the same day the red-headed girl from the Gryffindor house came to them and asked for the help with making them to understand what they feel. Barty wouldn’t be himself if he didn’t agree and that is how they have started to do things randomly for James and Regulus to feel jealousy. 

`Shut the fuck up Crouch.’ Regulus hissed. `You know what haunts me?’ The boy had a need to mention what James has said to him the other night. `That Potter run to me because he walked-in on you two.’

Evan clinched his jaw, while playing with his wand. `That is cute how the first thing he needed to do was to tell you. He is worried that we might lie to you. Like your brother and Lupin does to him.’ 

Regulus sat up on his bed. `WHAT?’ He couldn’t believe that Sirius finally begin to understand what he felt to Remus. `They are together?’ Evan motioned. `How do you know that?’

`Well when you and your lover—.’ Regulus looked at Evan with the murder in his eyes. `I saw Sirius and Lupin holding hand while going somewhere. I guess it was visible that they feel something to each other.’ 

`For me it was.’ Regulus said. ` I knew it since last year. See last year them and now you two.’ 

`Well.’ Barty started. `I think that this year is the craziest that has happened to us.’ Evan agreed. Rosier was denying the feeling to the Barty till he finished twelve years old and in his wildest dream he wouldn’t image accepting those feelings. The boy was different as he wasn’t pure-blood. Barty was growing up among the muggles which was invisible for everyone. He had different habits and worries; Crouch didn’t understand the traumas they got but wasn’t judging them. The boy wasn’t scared of doing tattoos or piercings, he was brave and would do anything to make his father mad. Just like Sirius did. Evan never admitted it but he was impressed by the older Black; He would never say that but Sirius was his gay awake. The boy knew that Regulus would kill him for that but the older Black has always been a brave and stood up even for Evan. Rosier knew that he could never be with Sirius as they were too different from each other but knowing him in the childhood has shaped his taste in his crushes and Barty should be grateful for that because they were really similar to each other. The boy also wouldn’t guess that the person who would walk in on them was James bloody Potter but it didn’t really worried him. Latino boy knew how cruel the boy can be and not keeping this a secret would end harshly for him. 

`It is your turn to catch Potter.’ Barty mentioned while putting his uniform on. 

Regulus rolled his eyes. He didn’t like when his friends tried to encourage him to talk or do anything towards James; If Lily Evans and Sirius, wouldn’t exist then he might have agreed to instigate steps towards their relationship. `How many times do I need to tell you that I don’t want to be in relationship with him?’ 

`If you don’t want to, why do you spend time with him on the parties or in Hogsmeade?’ Evan supported Barty’s point. Regulus knew that he was loosing that one. The boy couldn’t explain why. James was a nice companion to sit around and to be honest Regulus relaxed next to him. That was hard to plead even in his mind as he for sure had a massive crush on latino boy. James was a sun in everybody’s lives, including Regulus’s. Latino boy’s determination was impressive because the Black would stop going after James the second the boy would be mean to him and it didn’t stop the Gryffindor boy. Regulus felt that even after making it challenging, James cared even more. `See, you know that we are right.’

Regulus shock his head. `You are not. Potter is the one who goes after me. It is scary sometimes because, I don’t know how is this possible for him to always know where I am.’

`Maybe he is in love with you?’ Barty pointed out.

Black snorted. `Don’t be ridiculous.’

`I am being more serious then when—.’ The boy stopped. He couldn’t think of the time when he was more solemn. `Okay I am almost never serious but you know what I mean.’ 

`I know but I am serious too.’ Argued Regulus .

Barty beamed. `Well actually you are Regulus not serious but—.’ Evan punched the boy stopping his unfunny joke. `Sorry. I thought it was a great opportunity.’ 

`I guess you should stop thinking, it is not your piece of cake.’ Said Regulus.

`Sorry. Mr. best at everything.’ Italian boy mentioned the talk with James about the boy’s talents.

Evan grinned and sat next to Regulus. `We just think you should do something.’

It irritated the black-haired boy. They had audacity to say something about relationships when he had to endure their arguments about it for the past five years. `I am sorry for breaking it to you, but you two are not the best people to give me love advices.’ Barty rolled his eyes and stuck the middle finger.

`Do you want him or not?’ 

Regulus didn’t know what he wanted. If it was so easy he wouldn’t think much of the answer but it wasn’t and there was more cons of this relationship then benefits. `I don’t know.’ 

`If you didn’t want it then you would be sure.’ Evan stated. 

`Give me a break. Alright?’ The boy didn’t want to talk about it. James was attractive for him, but their relationship would need to be kept a secret. And James Potter wasn’t the best person to have secret relationships especially because of Sirius. He knew that if it started that would be a matter of time when his brother would found out. That is why Regulus wasn’t going to do anything. 

`No because you are not saying the truth.’ Barty didn’t stop pushing the boy. `Why are you trying to deny your feelings. You were mad for us because we did the same thing. You are a hypocrite. You—.’ 

Resentment controlled Regulus’s body. `Okay do you want to know the reason why? I will tell you. Because feeling for him overwhelm me so fuckin much that I can’t live with thinking that he will be with Lily Evans. I won’t do ANYTHING because I don’t wanna be hurt and stand between him and my brother.’ The boy shouted. `I know that Sirius won’t accept it and I know that James doesn’t feel anything to me but the tension between the two of us is making me crazy because I know he doesn’t feel it the same way.’ The boy vividly gesticulated, his cheeks became burgundy from the anger. He took a deep breath.

 Regulus didn’t acknowledged that he never called the boy by his name but his friend did. `Since when did Potter become James for you?’ Barty asked confusing Regulus.

`What?’ 

`You called him James not Potter.’ Evan explained.

Regulus clenched his fists. `Does that matter?’ 

`Yes.’ Barty said and mocked the black-haired boy. `I am sorry for breaking it to you, but you are loosing your control over your feelings. AND you feel it. That is why you are so frustrated.’

Regulus rolled his eyes, the boy knew that his friends were right. `Fuck you, Crouch.’ 

`You can fuck me how much you want, but that won’t change your feelings.’ Barty argued. Regulus sighed and ignoring his friends, went straight to the bathroom to get ready for the day. That was the worst, morning he could ever imagine. 

####

The curse wasn’t just put on the morning but on the whole day; The boy saw Lily everywhere along with Sirius and the stupid Severus Snape. The only good idea to relax was to go outside with pencil and the sketchbook. Regulus sat down on the stands next to quidditch pitch unaware that Gryffindor team was about to start their daily training. The boy saw James and that was great opportunity to draw the boy. He never showed anyone that but he had his whole sketchbook dedicated to the drawings of Latino boy. Barty wouldn’t give him a break that is why he kept it a secret. The contours of James’s body on the broom were really detailed; The boy was attractive just like in Slytherin’s boy previous dream. Black would say that he was even more attractive right now then in the dream. Regulus focused so much that he didn’t notice when the boy landed next to him. 

`What are you drawing?’ James asked scaring Regulus. The boy swiftly closed his notebook and hide it behind his back. `Whoa, what is in there?’

`Nothing. Non of your business.’ 

`Baby Black you don’t need to be so mysterious.’ Said James beaming, he had a good humour because of the training. He bent over, trying to reach the sketchbook, his curiosity wouldn’t let not look at it. `Oh show me.’ The invisible strength stopped the boy. `You are doing this again. It should be illegal.’ 

`I don’t care, you won’t see that.’ Regulus knew that it would be the death of him if James saw his portraits. 

The boy was about to protest but his teammate call him. `James are you coming?’ The boy scratched his head, he didn’t want to leave Regulus but also needed to go with his team to talk about upcoming match. 

`Yes.’ The boy yelled back. `Sorry I need to go.’

`Mhm.’ Said Regulus letting James go. As the boy was far enough to not see him, Regulus  scrambled and run as fast as he could to his dormitory. Drawing outside didn’t relax him but got him even more upset. The boy would give everything just to not feel anything to James. 

As Regulus entered the room he let threw his bag on the floor and quickly closed himself in the bathroom. The boy loosen his tie and washed his face with cold water. He sticked his fingers into the sink. He hated feeling warm at the thought of Gryffindor boy; Black was aware that he was in love in James even could say obsessed, but didn’t want to admit it even before himself because it would be humiliating for him. Regulus wasn’t the keen of the believing in fate that is why he was so mad at himself for being in love with the same person for ten years. The feelings James had to Lily were also unfair according to the boy; He liked him since he has finished five years, he was first to notice Potter’s perks before anyone else and he was the one that wasn’t given a chance to date the boy. It was hurting him and was exhausting. 

No one knew it but the best part when he was younger was when Sirius was coming back from Hogwarts telling him the stories about James, then he would draw the situation form his memories of the boy. He was alway excited to go and pick Sirius from the platform just to see how his friend changed over the year; And when his mother said that he will go to Hogwarts year earlier he couldn’t sleep from the excitement. However it quickly changed as James wasn’t so perfect like in his dreams. He was crush of almost every girl, he was mean to the Slytherins and what so worse he didn’t notice Regulus at all. His whole attention was focused on Lily, that is why he decided to never hope that anything will happen between them two. But now when he was getting closer to him it broke all the walls he created in his mind as a ten year old boy. 

When Regulus was calm enough, he went out of the bathroom and saw Barty holding his sketchbook. The boy looked at Regulus with the worst emotion he could ever has. 

Pitty. 

`And you are telling me you are not in love with him?’ Barty asked. Exhausted Regulus tore the notebook from his friend’s hand.

`Why are you looking through my things?’

`I am not. It was opened on the floor, I just picked it up and I saw what is inside.’ Barty explained, he didn’t want to make Regulus feel worse. `Reggie.’

Regulus slowly shock his head. `No. Don’t pity me. It is fine.’

`But you have whole sketchbook dedicated for him. You even draw it when you weren’t at Hogwarts.’ Barty said. `I knew you liked him but I wasn’t aware that it was that deep.’ It was true, as Regulus wasn’t completely honest with his friends. He never told them that he always waited for Christmas or summer holidays just to hear about James. They knew that he had a crush on the boy but never expected it to be on so high level. `You don’t have crush on him. Regulus. You love him.’ Said Barty causing in Regulus the desire to die. 

`And?’ Regulus said. `Maybe I do love him but to be with someone you need the love of two people Barty. Don’t pity me. I am fine.’ The boy begged; His friend didn’t have much to do but joke about it to please his friend. 

Barty chortled. `You know it is creepy a bit? You are a creep.’ 

Regulus looked seriously at Barty. `I know that is why I never told you.’

`Oh, I wouldn’t tell you too if I had a sketchbook dedicated to a guy I have a crush on.’ Barty put his hands on his hips trying to stop his laugh. `You stalk him! And todays morning you tried to make me believe that Potter is the one who is stalking you.’ Regulus understood how it looked from the perspective of other people. He really had plenty of the drawings and wasn’t aware that it was something weird. `You even have a little cute notes on what you thought of him that day. Reggie you cutie.’ Barty grabbed Regulus’s cheeks into his two fingers pinching them. 

`Oh shut up. I did it because I didn’t know how to help my feelings.’ Regulus explained to him. 

`I still think it is cute.’ Barty argued. `Oh, Evan is not going to believe me.’ Black wanted to stop the boy from telling his other friend but it wouldn’t make sense. Rosier wouldn’t judge him on that. 

Regulus rolled his eyes. `Fuck you.’ 

`Oh don’t pretend to be a baddie now. You have drawings of your crush like a little teenage girlie.’ These words amused Regulus. `Sorry but I need to go and find my dear boyfriend.’ The boy said and jumped to the doors. `Oh and I know how I am going to call you. Regulus Arcturus cutie pie Black.’

`Do you want to die?’ The boy asked, trying to hide his smile. 

`You think you are scary but after what I found out, I don’t think you are dangerous, cutie pie.’ Said Barty and before Regulus could answer the boy left the dormitory, leaving Regulus alone with his thoughts. They were loud and overwhelming, and there was only one thing that could stop them. He was aware that it was probably the worst idea he could ever had but it wasn’t time for thinking much of it. Black opened Barty’s drawer and searched for the small metal box that contained weed. As his palms touched the cold metal, he smiled and hid it into his pocket, quickly heading outside to smoke it. 

The boy sat next to the trees far from the castle so no one could spot him; He used his wand to lit up the joint and dragged. Regulus could feel how his body reacted to it, how his muscles relaxed and how his stress and everything was going away. His head was relaxed on the trunk, the boy closed his eye. His mood went better straight up; It wasn’t the first time the boy smoked marihuana, but for the first time he stole it form his friend. Obviously first time was at Barty’s mansion in Italy during summer holidays between first and second year. When Regulus was younger he would never expect himself to smoke anything even when he was raised around it. His father always smoked cigarettes or cigar; One of his first memory after Sirius came back from Hogwarts in the first year, was when his older brother stole his dad’s cigarettes. Orion knew about it but he couldn’t care less; Everyone in the Noble house of Black were addicted to it, that was no surprise for Regulus when he started too. Barty and Evan were his loyal companions to everything Black wanted. 

The best parts for them were staying at Crouch’s mansion in Italy; Many of their friends and muggles that were neighbours attended it. The parties were wild as they boys were young. That was were Regulus kissed Barty for the first time after drunk boy said his feelings to Evan; This house has seen more then the walls of Hogwarts. Regulus even now couldn’t wait for the parties there. 

Barty’s weed has controlled and numbed Regulus so much that he didn’t even acknowledged when Remus Lupin sat next to him.

`I didn’t know you smoke weed.’ The boy said, focusing Black’s attention on him.

`I didn’t know you were able to go somewhere without your army.’ The boy attacked Remus; He didn’t care if he was mean or not, it was his moment to be relaxed and no one would destroy it.

Remus snorted. `Nice. I want some too.’

`Excuse me?’ Regulus asked confused as he never saw Remus smoking anything then cigarette. 

`You’re excused.’ Remus laughed. `I— WANT— SOME— TOO.’ The boy said slower and louder so the other boy could understand him.

Slytherin rolled his eyes. `I’ve heard what you said. I just didn’t know you smoke.’ 

`You literally smoked cigarettes with me.’ 

`But cigarettes are not weed.’ Regulus argued. It was peak for him to think that Sirius smoked weed, even when he knew that his brother and his friends were doing everything together. `But if you want to. I mean who am I to stop you?’

Remus sticked his hand towards Regulus. `Well, actually you could.’

`But I don’t care enough, to do it.’ Regulus stated and both of them laughed. The boy gave the joint to the Gryffindor and looked at him; Remus didn’t even coughed which was clear for Regulus, that it wasn’t the first time the boy did it.

`What?’

Regulus shrugged. `I didn’t think you have ever smoked weed. Sirius never liked it.’

`You think my life revolves around your brother?’

`Yes. To be honest. Yes.’ Regulus bit the corner of his lips.

`Then you are wrong. But you are right he and James don’t like it. They would kill me for it.’

`So why are you doing it, if you know they would be mad?’

Remus beamed and shocked his head preparing his answer. `Because I don’t care enough, to don’t do it.’ Regulus lifted one corner of his lips. 

`I am impressed by it.’

Remus shrugged and passed the joint to the boy. `During summer holidays I smoked a bit.’ The boy admitted. `I haven’t told them. They would kill me. I mean I’m actually thinking about canceling me by myself.’ 

Regulus thought about it and felt pity because the boy couldn’t tell them everything; He could be judged but something didn’t stick to Regulus. They were mad at him for him sometimes smoking weed but accepted his lycanthropy. 

`You are really straight to the point Regulus.’ Said Remus; The Slytherin boy widened his eyes.

`Did I said it out loud?’ Regulus asked. The boy confirmed it with the motion of his head. `Sorry.’ Black really did feel stupid; He was aware that it was a touchy subject for Remus and wasn’t surprised by it.

`Chill, we are both high. But yes, they accept me but not me smoking weed.’ The boy scanned the sky. Remus still wasn’t sure how the Slytherin found out about his monthly problem. `How did you know?’

`Well I kinda found out after your reaction to the potion Evan was making. And then you were really tired and pale I just kinda guessed it.’ Regulus explained. `I am not that stupid.’

`I noticed that you are smart.’ 

`Thank you. I guess?’ 

Regulus looked at Remus and smiled. He never thought of smoking weed with him and that was so random for the boy that he couldn’t stop laughing. `I am so sorry, but in my wildest dreams I would never think that I am going to smoke weed with you on Monday evening.’

Remus also giggled. `It sounds ridiculously.’ Remus crossed his legs ad turned to Regulus. `You are so judgemental to my friends, what about yours?’ 

Slytherin boy narrowed his eyes. `What do you mean?

`Oh you know what I mean. What about your friends?’

Regulus snorted. `Well, that’s Barty’s weed so I don’t think he would judge me.’ 

`Oh. So why is he not here with you?’ Asked Remus. 

`Because I stole it from him.’ 

Remus widened his eyes and laughed. `So you think, he wouldn’t judge you but you didn’t tell him that you are taking his weed?’

`He would want to smoke with me and I wanted to be alone.’

Remus narrowed his eyes, the boy pointed his finger at Regulus. `Am I unwanted guest for you?’

`First of all yes, but I can tolerate you so—.’ The boy stopped. `Second of all I will bit your finger of you will stick that once again.’ 

`Wow.’ Remus snorted. `So you want to bite my finger?’

`You wish.’ 

`Not really. Despite your similarity to Sirius I would rather him bite my finger off.’ Said Remus, Slytherin was air-locked. 

`Sorry. I didn’t know you and my brother were suddenly a thing.’ Regulus looked, at Remus, with lifted eyebrows. 

`It is a new thing. We are dating since last week. I mean again but you know.’ 

`Oh I know.’ Despite Regulus being high and being more polite then anyone he still couldn’t prevent himself from commenting on everything; Now he just did it with no filter. He was aware that James had no clue about their relationship, he deducted it when he asked how much does Regulus know about Remus’s love life; It was more then weird for him, Slytherin couldn’t image living without telling his friends about fancying someone. He could never pretend not to have a boyfriend as Barty or Evan would find out faster then he could varnish the truth. Regulus couldn’t explain how he knew that much about marauders, but it was natural for him to observe their behaviour and just know. `Are still keeping it a secret from Potter or you decided to tell him?’ Remus’s eyebrows shoot up. 

`Pardon?’ The boy laughed. `Why do you think we would keep that as a secret?’

`I am not that stupid Lupin.’ Regulus explained and felt that he could say too much this evening that he would regret later. `I know you kept that in secret from him.’ 

`But how?’

`I have eyes.’

Remus bursted into laugh. `I imagined you without these.’ Regulus snorted and shock his head. `I am so sorry. But no shit I have eyes too.’

Both of them were in such a good mood that couldn’t stop laughing. `You are so stupid I can’t.’

Remus sighed and laid himself on the wet grass. `Dude. Why do you know more about us then we know about you?’ The boy couldn’t understand why Sirius was always so against the boy. He always perceived Regulus as a cold-blooded puppet as Black has told them only bad things about his brother; They haven’t heard a good word about the boy not once in their lives, only when he talked about their traumas. 

Regulus shrugged. The boy was aware of not being described well. `I guess Sirius doesn’t talk about me.’ 

`Well-. Not really.’

`I know he hates me. I know what he thinks about me and there is not a single part of my body that wants to talk about him.’ Stated Regulus, Remus knew that their relationship was complicated. 

`Sorry.’ Gryffindor boy apologised. 

`Oh. That is fine.’ The boy said at dragged with the smoke. 

Remus narrowed his eyes, and grinned. `You are really nice when you are high.’ 

Regulus motioned his head; Since he has finished ten years he knew that his brother’s soulmates wasn’t him, but it was crazy that his friends even thought the same things. `You all are fucking sick. Why do you say the same shit? Are yours brains connected?’ Said Regulus and thought that if that was true and their minds were connected he wasn’t in love with only James, but also his brother. He twisted his face at the thought of that. 

Remus wrinkled his brows. `What do you mean?’

`Potter said the same thing to me.’ Regulus explained.

Remus in fact was high but his brain still worked; After the weird talk between James and Lily the boy had thought that James had a crush on Regulus, but were they could be alone when the Slytherin was high. `What when?’

`During Huffelpuff's party.’ Regulus exclaimed. Suddenly everything got sense for Remus; James has disappeared with Regulus that night that is why he was so steely to omit the answers to questions where he was. Gryffindor boy wrinkled his eyes, because James was talking to Lily also during Huffelpuff’s party; They giggled together and Remus could swear that latino boy even complemented girl’s look. There was no way James was into boys especially Regulus. Slytherin was Lily’s complete opposite; They haven’t had any single thing in common except reading books. James also wouldn’t do that to Sirius as the Black would kill him. James’s behaviour this year was in fact different but the last person, Remus could suspect for being a reason was Regulus. Latino boy has been closer to the boy but everyone was thinking it was due their extra lessons; James indeed was worried about Regulus but the boys was worried about everyone in his life. 

`I didn’t know you were with him.’

`How would you know, if he did not tell you?’ Regulus said and Remus understood that no matter how close they were to each other they didn’t know everything they do. `I guess y’all have problems to talk about your free time.’ Black haired boy claimed. `I am not surprised he did not tell you. I think I am touchy topic for Sirius.’ The boy knew it was true. He didn’t care about it but the curiosity has took over his body and mind; He wanted to know what his brother was saying about him.

Remus took a deep breath. `Well. I don’t know he doesn’t say much about you and your family.’ The boy admitted. Regulus rolled his eyes as his companion was hard to break. 

The boy wanted to know only one thing. What he said about that night when he run away from home. When he left Regulus. `What did he say about running away from home?’ The boy had no strength to ask in more sneaky way. 

Remus’ eyes widened. `He didn’t say much. Not about you.’ Regulus have gave him a sign to continue. `He just mentioned that your cousin charmed him. Andromeda I think.’ Remus stopped a bit to touch the grass. `That she saved him with charms, without her he would die.’ Those words has met the loud snort from Regulus. `What?’

`That is actually ridiculous. I was the one who saved him.’ The boy shouldn’t say that but he couldn’t care less about it right now. `How does he think she saved him?’

`I don’t know. Sirius just mentioned that she didn’t use her wand, that she is the only one to charm with her brain, as no one in the room didn’t have a wand excluding this psycho.’

`You mean my mother?’ The honey-eyed boy agreed. `To your information, no one can charm with his brain in this family except me.’

`Excuse me?’ Remus could anticipate everything but not Regulus Black, boy younger then him, having the ability to charm with his brain. `Sorry. WHAT?’

`I could do anything now. I learned it when I was a kid.’ Regulus changed his position. `I was the one to save him that night. I couldn’t watch him die. That is so typical of him. He never believes that I can do something good.’

Remus understood the point of view of the younger boy but also supported and defended his boyfriend. `I don’t believe you, only great wizards can do magic without a wand.’ This irritated Regulus really quickly. The boy looked at Remus and with his brain he made the boy  levitate. `Shit. What the fuck.’ 

`You still don’t believe me?’ Slytherin liked proving people that they are wrong, especially his brother and his friends. 

Remus felt dizzy. `Please, put me back. I will throw up.’ The boy begged and Regulus gently  put him down to the ground. `You are such a interesting person, my brain can’t take it in.’ Regulus just shrugged; The boy was the last person to laud and prise himself but the weed has numbed his behaviour and brain. 

`You are not the first one.’ The boy also laid on the ground. `I hope it is clear and obvious that you are not going to share it with anyone. Especially my brother.’ Regulus really cared about it, staying away from Sirius. He knew that he could easily leave his family but he just didn’t want to. If there was anyone who should become a death eater, and protect Sirius and his friends, that would be Regulus. With no one knowing his powers, Black was a great threat but no one could stop him; Because who would think of him? That was a huge benefit because the boy wouldn’t need to do anything and he would still be the one who is trusted. 

`Why?’ Remus couldn’t understand why the boy tried so hard to stay bad in Sirius’s eyes or anyones else. `You don’t want me to say that, you are the one who helps me with lycanthropy, nor that you saved him.’

`Lupin.’ Regulus sighed, he didn’t know the reason why he wanted Sirius not to change his mind about him. Maybe the boy was so used to be the worst for his brother, to be disappointment for him that he didn’t want to change it. `Don’t you think that it would break his worldview?’ 

`Okay but you’d rather him, to hate you then appreciate you?’ Remus wrinkled his eyebrows. 

`Yes.’ 

`I don’t get why?’

Regulus wasn’t planning to unburden himself to Remus, but he was high and his normal behaviour was just an armour; He was actually really empathic and felt everything deeper but his environment didn’t let him stay this way. Rage filled his body from his toes to the tip of his head. He had his mother rage and it was a really exhausting for the him; Sirius had it too but somehow he could stop it, and Regulus couldn’t. `You won’t get that.’

`But I want to.’ 

`That is not the wishlist concert.’ Regulus stated. 

Remus shocked his head and laughed. Regulus was so steely that it was quite amusing. `I want to know, what you think.’

The Slytherin boy looked deep into Lupin’s eyes and smiled. `I think you are hot.’ 

Remus beamed and winked at the boy. ` I didn’t mean that. But thank you.’

`I don’t care what you meant.’ Argued Regulus. It was true; Regulus was thinking that Remus’ was fit and he didn’t lie about it. To be honest marauders were the hot-group and that was a fact, which Regulus couldn’t deny.

`You are hot too.’ Remus whispered. 

`Why do you whisper?’ Regulus hissed with anger.

Remus lifted his hands in peace gesture. `I don’t.’ 

`Are you ashamed of thinking, that I am hot?’ 

`NO.’ Remus argued. `I don’t know why I whispered. I am high as heaven and—.’ The boy stopped as he saw Regulus’s face. `You are making fun of me.’

`Yes I do.’ Agreed the boy. `You should’ve seen your face.’ 

`Pierdol się* Black.’ 

Regulus understood what the boy said in his native language. `I don’t want you to fuck me. I mean you are fucking my brother and my cousin, so I think that you are fucking enough of my family’ That was really amusing for Regulus; The boy loved joking about it with his friends and was curious is Sirius has told them about their family lore. 

`What the fuck? I am not fucking Narcissa or Bellatrix. What are you on?’

`Well first of all, I am high as heaven.’ The boy mocked Remus. `And Sirius is my cousin.’ 

`No. He is not.’ Remus closed his eyes and laughed. `HE—IS—YOUR—BROTHER.’ The boy said it louder, trying to explain to Regulus that he is not right. How Sirius could be his cousin and brother in one?

`And my cousin.’ Regulus stated with the amusement. 

`How? That is not possible.’ Remus gesticulated, trying to understand what the boy is saying. 

`Well. That is actually.’ 

`No. It is not.’ Argued Lupin. 

`Our parents are cousins in fact.’ Regulus said. 

`What the hell? So your parents are cousins that got married?’ Remus twisted his face. 

`Mhm.’ 

`That is sick.’ Remus said. Now it made sense, why Sirius was brother and cousin in one. `He never mentioned it.’

`Are you surprised?’

`That he didn’t tell me? No. But that is kinda fucked up.’

`Toujours Pur.’ Regulus said while standing up. `They took it too far, I guess.’

`What?’ Remus wasn’t catching up with what the boy said. 

`That is our family motto. Always pure.’ Regulus explained and Remus felt shivers going down his spine. `I need to go Lupin. Don’t tell anyone what I said to you today.’

`Of course.’ The boy said and looked at disappearing figure of the young boy. Their family was sicker then he thought; No wonder why Regulus turned out like this.

 Remus was grateful that he didn’t have to live like the young boy. He thought about it for the entire journey to his dormitory. Sirius never mentioned their household and it never bothered Remus, but sometimes there were a moments when Remus couldn’t understand what his friend was doing or the reason behind it; He knew that it was due to his childhood but in his wildest dreams he wouldn’t guess that it was so complex. Mottos? Cousins marrying into cousins? For Remus having the crest was too much but now. The boy was aware that Black family was the most pure but it was still hard to comprehend. Shivers again attacked his body as he thought what their parents had in their minds when they were born. Heirs to the family, that need to be the best at everything. Remus never give it a thought but every talk with Regulus, has made him to do it.

The boy entered the room and quietly tried to close the doors so he would not wake his roommates but Sirius was already looking at him. Remus was sure that maybe he is invisible and the boy couldn’t see him; So looking straight into his boyfriend’s eyes he moved to his bed. The boy did it really carefully still looking at Sirius making the boy confused; James also looked confused at his friend. Two boys have exchanged their looks. 

`Where were you?’

`I was here for the whole time.’ The boy said, and sprinted to attention, thinking it would make him invisible even more.

`What are you doing?’ Sirius asked with wrinkled eyebrows. 

`Who?’ Remus didn’t know, who Black was talking about.

`You.’

Remus opened his mouth. `You can see me?’ He couldn’t believe that Sirius was able to see invisible people. 

`Moony. What the hell?’ Sirius hissed. 

Remus sat down on his bed and grinned. `I thought I was invisible.’

Sirius shocked his head; The boy couldn’t understand what was happening to his boyfriend. `Are you high?’

`WHO? ME?’ Remus asked as it was the most ridiculous thing in the whole universe. `Pff. Never.’

James sniffed the air and clearly smelled a marihuana. `I can smell weed from you.’ James said. 

Remus widened his eyes. `Just don’t tell James.’ The boy begged. 

Sirius looked at James and twisted his face. `On marlins beard. You are high as hell.’

Remus shocked his head and pointed his finger at his friends but still couldn’t see James sitting next to Sirius. `Heaven is high not hell.’ The boy said and his friends bursted into laugh. They weren’t supporters of smoking weed but they have never seen Remus being as high as he was now. It was amusing because the boy was totally serious. `Please pads. Don’t tell James. He will be mad at me.’ Remus kneeled next to Sirius bed and begged his friend. The honey-eyed boy was on the verge of the tears; He was really worried that James would stop talking to him. 

Sirius kicked James suggesting that he should say something. Latino boy sighed and got up standing next to Remus. `Moony I am not mad at you. I promise.’

`James you are here.’ Remus beamed standing up. He hugged James tightly and kissed his cheeks. The boy was grateful that James was here, but didn’t know how he did it. `How did you find in here? I didn’t know you can apparition, it is illegal to do it if you are underage.’ The boy said and wanted to mention that Regulus probably could do it but he remembered that the boy asked for the secrecy. 

`Moony, I was here for the whole time.’

`WHAAAT.’ The boy yelled and laughed. `Maybe you were invisible.’

Sirius snorted. `For sure it is not you.’ James giggled and sat Remus on the boy’s bed. The one question burned James’s and Sirius’s mind; If they weren’t able to convince Remus to smoke weed from time to time, then who was. `Moony.’ 

`Yes?’ 

`Who did you smoke with?’

Remus felt this question was a tricky one, and he knew that he needed to keep it a secret. `Alone.’ 

James snorted. `You need to learn how to lie.’ Remus was air-locked; He didn’t know how his friends knew that he lied. 

`You are some kind of prophets. I AM FRIENDS WITH PROPHETS. Can you tell me what’s my future?’ 

James smiled and sat next to Welsh boy grabbing his hand. `To see your future I need to know your past. I need to know who did you smoke with.’

Remus twisted, and tore his hand from James’s grip, as he knew that it was a trick to tell them that he was with Regulus. `Well you think I am that stupid? I know magic doesn’t exist, so you won’t tell me my future.’

Peter who just woke up looked terrified at James and Sirius. `Moony lost his memory?’ 

Sirius laughed. `No. Pete he is just high.’ James and Black bursted into laugh. 

`Oh.’ Peter knew who was Remus’s companion as he saw them on the map. He didn’t want to upset Sirius, that is why he kept it a secret and now he wouldn’t mention it too. `Okay. I need to sleep.’ Peter said quickly and covered his head with the sheets. The boy didn’t want to talk to his friends as he knew that he would break and say that Regulus was the one who smoked weed with their friend. Sirius exchanged muddled looks with Latino boy.

Remus stood up from his bed and laid his body on Sirius. Remus hid his face in the other’s boy neck. `I really like you.’ 

`I like you too.’ Sirius said and gently touched Remus’s hairs. James smiled under his nose at this view. `But I need to know who gave you a weed.’

Remus really wanted to say the truth but he couldn’t betray Regulus. `I can’t. It is my sweet secret.’

James twisted his face. `Sweet?’

`Yes. It is even more sweet then the lycanthropy one.’ Latino’s boy jaw hit the ground as he heard that. French boy widened his eyes.

`Okay noted. You are never smoking again.’

`Why?’ Remus cried.

`Because you are saying weird shit.’ James argued. Sirius supported James and guided Remus to his bed. The the boy was under his sheets when he grabbed Sirius’s hand.

`I am sorry. I don’t want you to be mad at me.’ Remus whispered.

Sirius beamed. `Moony I don’t have a reason to be at you. Don’t worry.’ 

`Can you sleep with me?’ Asked the boy.

Sirius nodded and hugged Remus. `Good night.’ He said but Remus was already asleep. 

£££

The headache has been the first thing Regulus have felt after waking up. The boy tried to take a deep breath but his nose was runny and he already regretted his recklessness; The boy was mad at himself, for smoking weed outside at the end of October, wearing only thin t-shirt. Barty looked at him with vicious smirk. `That is how steeling my weed ends up. Karma is back.’ Barty laughed, it was more than comical; Regulus for once wanted to do something in secret and even this had to fuck up.

`Fuck you. Crouch.’ Regulus tried to say but his throat couldn’t make any sound. It was his mistake, because now he couldn’t go to lessons, and his mother would be pissed off as him being at Hogwarts was her good will.

Barty pointed at his ear. `Sorry, I can’t hear you.’ Regulus twisted and sticked middle finger at his friend. `That is the best comedy I could have ever ask for.’ 

Regulus rolled his eyes and stood up. The shivers covered his body; The boy hated being sick, it was a weakness and the boy hated being weak. In fact he would rather die. His friend laughed at him when the boy passed by. `I think someone is cold.’ Italian boy commented, taking a glass with the water to drink. Regulus scanned his friend and caused his drink to explode. `You little shit.’ 

Regulus smiled for a second and cleared his throat. `I think someone is late for his lessons.’ Barty snorted at this and took his bag. Regulus knew that Barty couldn’t care less about being late for lessons. The Italian boy quickly changed his shirt, throwing the wet one at his bed. `Can you tell Potter that I won’t do lesson this week.’ 

`Mhm.’ Barty said. `I will. And I am assuming that yesterday’s night did not happen?’ Barty stated but he knew that it would send him to grave if he said something. `For me, that is still funny that you got stoned with Lupin.’ Regulus sighed; When he got back Evan and Barty had made him a lecture that he can’t just disappear like that, and when they have noticed that he was high, they have made it in even bigger lecture. They argued that he can’t silence his feelings by getting high, which was quite funny for Regulus as both of them did the same thing just two weeks ago. However the fact that it was with Lupin has made his situation lighter in his friends’s eyes and even more ridiculous. Regulus’s friends stopped their lecture when he said that he might have a fever, and he in fact had it. 

`Have a nice day. You thief, and remember do not steal my weed again.’ He winked at him and left the room; Barty wasn’t mad at Regulus for stealing his weed but it was funny for him as the last person who he would expect to do it was Regulus; And he would joke about it in every occasion he would get. 

Regulus snorted and sat on his bed. The boy didn’t have much to do, even reading book was too exhausting. The boy tried to sleep but the knock on the door had stopped him.

His cousin Narcissa has opened the door to his dorm and smiled. `Oh. Reggie. Evan told me that you are sick.’ The girl walked in and sat on the verge of his bed. `I asked the elves to bring you a tea. Maybe you want to go to the Hospital Wing?’ The girl knew that the boy would rather go and sit on lessons then go to hospital wing.

`No. Thanks.’ Regulus protested. 

`I thought so.’ The girl smiled and grabbed his hand. She always comforted him; Both of them were the youngest in the family. `How did you get sick? Evan said that he can’t say it.’

Regulus pursed his lips into thin line. He didn’t have a need to lie to her as she was his best friend. `Well. I was smoking weed with Lupin yesterday. I was wearing only shirt and yeah.’

Narcissa widened her eyes. `I knew that you got closer to them this year.’ The girl said and beamed at him . `I am happy for you.’ The girl was aware of his feelings to James Potter. She squished his hand tightly to show him the support; Something spiked his fingers focusing Black’s attention on it. He scanned his cousin’s hand and saw a massive ring with  emerald rectangle stone, it was encircled by the small diamonds. The whole ring was silver and for sure was heavy; It contrasted with her pale skin. 

The girl noticed that Regulus was scanning his ring. `What is that?’

`Lucius and I got engaged.’ Narcissa whispered joyfully. Regulus tried to smile, but he hated Lucius Malfoy with all of his body. 

`When?’ 

`On Sunday.’ Narcissa had a joy-tears in her eyes. `I am so grateful for it.’ Almost every girl from the pure-blood family had a engagement ring on their finger before they have turned sixteen. Most of the marriages were arranged, including the one between Narcissa and Lucius. The only difference was that the girl really loved Malfoy. `You know I’ve always dreamed of having big house and family with him.’ Girl said. Regulus sat up and hugged Cissi. 

`I am happy for you.’ In fact he wasn’t happy for her. He felt pity as they were raised to birth children, to be the good wives. In Black family they have focused on teaching girls the same things as boys but the difference was massive. They were born to have kids and it was always depressing for Regulus. 

`I know you hate him. But he won’t hurt me.’ The girl assured Black; He knew that because she was the strongest girl he has ever met. In fact they both were really similar to each other, the youngest in the family both were independent but didn’t show it. `Reggie. Can I help you with something? I mean potions or I don’t know. Ask Miss Pomfrey to come here.’ The girl changed topics quickly but Regulus noticed that something has troubled her. 

`No. Cissy.’ Regulus argued. `I have everything. Evan is making a potions for me.’ She smiled and hugged him tightly. `Is everything okay?’

The girl clenched her jaw. `I came here of course to check how are you, but I also need to tell you something.’ Regulus nodded. `You know that they search for the pure blood girls husbands before they turn sixteen. Well Lucius asked me to tell you. In secret of course. They found husband for Pandora Rosier.’ Narcissa whispered, she was aware that Regulus would do anything to her. That is why she decided to tell him. `I just think you should know that. And tell her of course.’ 

Regulus clenched his fists as the fury overthrew his body. He couldn’t believe that those people couldn’t care less about their kids except them, extending the bloodline. Pandora didn’t deserve some asshole from the pureblood family. `Do you know who?’ 

The girl nodded. `He is Lucius’s cousin. Xenophilius Lovegood. He is in Ravenclaw ’ The heavy stone has let Regulus’s chest as he knew the boy. The blonde boy was quite similar to Pandora and he was in love with her since Regulus could remember. They both had similar worldviews and the boy for sure wouldn’t hurt Pandora. 

`Thanks to Marlin.’ Regulus said and smirked weakly. `Does he know about it?’

`They both will find out on Christmas break.’ Narcissa admitted, standing up. `Lucius overheard the talk between his uncle and his father. He said that I need to tell you, maybe she will I don’t know. Talk to him.’ Regulus nodded but he knew that Evan will be furious when he will find out. 

`I will tell him, and her.’ Narcissa smiled. 

`I need to go Reggie. I hope you will get better soon.’ The girl disappeared behind the wooden doors. Regulus closed his eyes and rested his head on the pillow; Thinking about Pandora getting married to random guy exhausted him. The boy almost drown in his dreams but the slam of the doors woke him up. 

Evan grinned, his hands were full of the potions. `Did I woke you up?’ Regulus shocked his head. 

`No. Cissy was here a five minutes ago. I wasn’t asleep’

`Oh. I passed by her. She didn’t mention she was here.’ Evan shrugged. The boy laid the potions on the Regulus’s bedside table. `Okay I will give you the fever potion for now later you—.’ 

Regulus knew that saying what Cissy had said him now wasn’t the best idea, but he couldn’t wait till he was better; He wouldn’t been able to look in Evan’s eyes. `They’ve found a candidate for Pandora.’

Evan clinched his jaw, stopping the preparation of potions. `What?’

`Cissy told me. Xenophilius Lovegood is going to be her husband. Malfoy overheard it.’ Evan was aware that it was going to happen sooner or later, but that has pissed him off. The boy shocked his head, the rage has appeared in his eyes. 

`I need to talk to her. Then him.’ Evan hissed. 

`Maybe wait for me. I can talk to them.’ Regulus tried to stop his friend, but Evan was furious and nothing and no one could stop him.

`No. You are ill. I am not going to waste time.’ Regulus tried to stand up but Evan grabbed his arm. `I can handle this alone. I won’t endanger you.’ 

`I know you can handle it but I don’t want you to handle it alone.’ 

`I am not going to be alone. I am taking Barty.’ Regulus rolled his eyes, because Barty wasn’t better idea. `I am not going to let you go. You barely keep your eyes open.’ 

Regulus agreed, he was too weak to argue with his friend. 

`I promise you. I won’t be as harsh as you are.’ Evan snorted and before Regulus could say something he was again alone in the room. 

His head was heavy, and the boy felt like he was drowning. The breaths the boy took were shallow and the simplest activities such as holding glass full of water, was too much for him. His fever was increasing; He closed his eyes. The water was surrounding him, he saw a cave, the boy felt that he wasn’t alone and it made him anxious. He didn’t know what was happening and breathing was getting harder with every second. Regulus hated nightmares but they have happened to him quite often. Something has pulled him under the water, when the sound knock on the door has stopped this tortures. 

Regulus opened his eyes, sat up and took a deep breath. Being woken up for the third time has irritated him, the boy rolled his eyes. `Can you all go into this fuckin’ room without making a freakin’ sounds, that wakes me up?’ The boy hissed, but he would never think that the person who disturbed his sleep was James Potter. However it wasn’t just James Potter because it was a James bloody Potter with a wet white shirt on. That was seen through. Regulus blinked quickly, pinching his arm. It was not possible that Latino boy has walked to him through the whole school with his wet shirt. Regulus was sure he was hallucinating or had a fever dream. 

`Sorry. I didn’t want to disturb your sleep.’ James scratched his neck. `I just talked with Evan, he told me that you weren’t asleep so I though I might come in to check on you.’ Regulus wrinkled his brows but it wasn’t because of what James said; But because boy wasn’t sure if this was real. `I mean. Barty has told me that you are sick, so I thought I might check if you are alive.’

Regulus felt shivers. `Oh okay.’ He didn’t have more to say. The boy relaxed his head on the bed, scanning the boy; Regulus knew that James had a perfect body but what he saw in front of him it was better then he would ever imagine. The boy’s shirt was tightly sticking to his body, emphasising James’ muscles.

 It was intimidating for the young boy. The warmth attacked Regulus’ cheeks, which didn’t go unnoticed to James. Latino boy quickly decreased the distance between them and put his hand on Regulus’s forehead. The Slytherin boy blinked a couple of times. He was sure that it was his dream; He hoped for it. For Barty coming into the room waking Regulus up, laughing at him again, for having a dream about James Potter. `Shit. You have a fever.’ The boy said and Black started to understand, that it wasn’t a dream because the Gryffindor boy’s hand was too warm for the dream. The smell of the boy pinching his almost not working receptors. 

Latino boy has scanned the bedside table and smiled. `AHA. I have a fever potion.’ 

`What?’

`Oh my god you sound really sick.’ 

`Well. That is probably because I am sick.’ 

James shrugged and gave the boy a potion. `It says that you should drink the whole vial.’ Black wasn’t going to protest. He was too weak. `Sorry but I have a question.’ 

Regulus looked at the other boy’s face and the thoughts about his look has bombarded his brain. He looked messy and exhausted; His hair were a mess and there were a dark circles under his eyes. The boy’s lips were dry and cracked. `What?’

`Do you have a wand or something because my shirt is wet? I left mine in the dormitory and some little shit has spilled a water on my.’ James explained. 

`I —.’ Regulus narrowed his eyes as he tried to recall where his wand was but it was impossible when he had a fever. `I don’t know.’ The boy has slipped his quilt trying to stand up, but James has stopped him. 

`You are not going to search for it.’ James protested. `I am fine.’

`I could do it with my mind, but I can’t focus.’ Regulus mentioned and laid on the bed again. James scanned the boy; He was aware of fancying the Slytherin boy because even when the boy was exhausted and barely talked, he was still perfect for James. He though that the boy looked cute, but would never admit that. `You can take mine shirt and then give it back.’ Regulus said.

`Were are they?’ 

`On the left corner of the wardrobe.’ Regulus gave directions to his side of the furniture. James has opened it and saw a pictures sticked to the doors. One was with Barty and Evan in the Barty’s mansion; The other one was with Pandora, third one with Dorcas. 

James smiled and touched the pictures. `I didn’t know you were so sentimental.’ 

`Because I am not. Barty has sticked them not me.’ Regulus wasn’t saying the truth, because Barty in fact did sticked them but that was just because Regulus had them in his dairy, and his friend was scared that he might have lost them. 

`Okay.’ James said still scanning the pictures. He didn’t want to discuss with the young boy as Regulus was clearly tired. `Which one can I take?’

`I don’t know. Which one do you want?’ James searched for the bigger t-shirt as he was more massive then Black. The perfect one was the dark green one with the skeleton’s hand on it. 

James showed it to Regulus, and chuckled. `I will take this one.’ Regulus just nodded as talking was hurting his throat. Every one would expect the Latino boy to go to the bathroom to change the shirts, Regulus was expecting it too but James liked being unpredictable; So he took his shirt of in the middle of the room, making Regulus become air-locked. The young boy has widened his eyes but quickly closed his eyes so James would think that he was just tired. Barty would die from laughter if he found out; Regulus himself couldn’t believe that he was seeing James’s half-naked body, that boy has striped himself and Regulus didn’t need to do anything to cause it. 

`You are red again. Is your fever increasing?’ James asked worryingly, again his palm touched the other boy’s forehead. `It is not.’  

Regulus hasn’t have much time to think of his excuse. `That’s because the fever is decreasing so I am getting hotter.’ 

James laughed under his nose and thought that Regulus in fact is getting hotter with every day. `Oh, I think that too.’ 

Regulus felt the warmth again, James looked very well in his shirt. 

`Baby. Black.’ James said stopping the silence between them two. `I came here to invite you to our Halloween Party.’ 

Slytherin didn’t know how to react, he didn’t like the costume parties also his brain was numb. `Sorry. I won’t be there.’ 

James made a sad face. `Why? It is going to be Sirius’ birthday party too. He wants you to be there.’

`I am not so sure about that.’ Regulus argued. `Why he can’t invite me himself?’ He knew that Sirius was too proud to do it; It was first time Sirius wanted Regulus on his birthday party. Usually it was one of the biggest party in the school year and Regulus never got an invitation. 

`Because he asked me to do it. Half of the school will be there.’ James tried to convince boy but it had reversed outcomes.

`That is making me to want to turn it down even more.’ 

James shocked his head. `You can take Crouch and Rosiers with yourself.’ James begged. He really wished for Regulus to be there. The boy didn’t know that but every year Sirius wanted to invite him to his birthday, however he wasn’t brave enough to do it; This year his empathy also has become bigger towards his younger brother. `Dorcas will be there.’

`Because she is dating McKinnon.’ Regulus stated, causing James to do and eye roll. 

`And?’

`And she has a reason to be there.’

James had to bite his tongue to not to say that they can pretend to date if it is going to convince Regulus. `Well. You have me as a companion and it is your brother’s birthday.’ 

Regulus motioned his head in act of protest. `No. I am saying no.’

`But why? I want you to be there and Sirius wants it.’ 

Regulus snorted. `But maybe I don’t want to be there.’ 

James clenched his jaw. `Do you want me to beg you? On my knees.’ 

`Don’t be ridiculous.’ Regulus said but James was already kneeling in front of sitting Regulus. Slytherin shocked his head because he often thought of James Potter but he never would see him kneeling in front of him.

`Regulus Black. I am begging you on my knees. Please come to our party.’ James said and he formed the begging sign from his hands. `Please. Please. Plea—.’ 

The boy stopped as the doors opened and Evan has walked in with Barty. James and Regulus looked at Rosier and Crouch; 

Barty widened his eyes and looked at Evan. `What the fuck?’

James quickly stood up. `I can explain.’ 

This situation has looked really funny from the Slytherin’s perspective. `Well. I am waiting.’ Barty stated and relaxed his body on the wall. 

Gryffindor boy has turned to face Barty and Evan; He couldn’t see that Regulus has made a signs with his hands showing that they need to disagree. 

`Me and my friends are throwing Halloween Party this Friday. I am begging Regulus to come but he doesn’t want to agree. You are invited too.’ Barty smiled maliciously looking meaningfully at Evan. James acknowledged that if Black’s friends will find out, then Regulus will be at this party even if he didn’t want to. 

`We will be there.’ Evan said. 

Regulus rolled his eyes. `No, we won’t be there.’ 

Barty snapped his fingers at Regulus suggesting that his opinion doesn’t matter. `Don’t worry Potter we will be there. Don’t listen to him. He is raving.’ Regulus showed with his hands that he will kill Barty. 

James felt like a winner. He was near the doors when Barty clapped his arm. `Thanks. So see you on Friday.’ 

Evan winked at Regulus. `Potter.’ James stopped and looked at Evan. `Cool shirt.’ Regulus has blushed as he heard that; He knew that Evan did it on purpose, but he wasn’t disagreeing because James looked majestic in his shirt. 

`Thanks. Good Night.’ James awkwardly said and closed the doors. 

Regulus screamed onto his pillow. `Fuck you guys. I HATE YOU.’ 

Evan bursted into laugh. `I think you were fucking him today not us.’ The boy has alluding to the boy having Regulus’ shirt. 

Regulus narrowed his eyes. `What? No he had my t-shirt because his was wet.’ 

`I think not only his shirt was wet.’ Barty commented. Regulus has became even more red. `You are going to look fabulous on this party.’ 

Regulus closed his eyes. `You are killing me.’ 

`Someone needs to right?’ Barty said and send a kiss to Regulus. `I can’t wait for this party.’ The boy jumped. And Regulus already knew that there was no way back from this.

£££

Regulus haven’t seen anyone for almost week except his friends. Barty was talking only about their costumes for halloween; He come up with idea of forcing Regulus to be a vampire. In his mind Black looked as a vampire on daily basis but now, he could be even hotter vampire. Barty himself wanted be a Joker, he even bought a make up tools for it. 

`Do I need to wear a blood on my lips?’ Regulus asked hoping that Barry would give up, but Regulus could only dream about it. 

`Yes. Maybe Potter will want to lick it up.’ Barty winked at Regulus. `Or someone else.’

`Of course. Potter doesn’t have better things to do then wanting to lick my lips.’

Barty stopped doing Evan’s make up. `Believe me many people dream about it.’  Regulus  rolled his eyes; It was stupid to even talk about it. Even if someone wished to do it, it was his problem not Regulus’s.

`Mhm.’ Muttered Regulus. 

`There are many people.’ Evan supported Barty. 

Regulus lifted his hands in peace gesture. `Okay. I am not saying anything.’ The boy gave up; He didn’t want to use his energy for arguing with his friends knowing that he will be around other drunk teenagers. He sat down and cursed the day Evan has found out about his abilities to make potions; Due to it Regulus recovered in a week and now he didn’t even had a signs of being sick. 

`Voilà.’ Screamed Barty as he finished Rosier’s makeup. The boy was a Hatter from the muggle book `Alice in the wonderland’ and Pandora was an Alice. They always wanted to wear it but never got an occasion; In fact the girl didn’t even need to do anything as she looked like Alice.

The timing was really well, because ready girl has entered her room with Dorcas; The dark-skinned girl was Aphrodite. She looked stunning, the white dress was fitting her body perfectly; On her head was a golden diadem in shape of bay leaves and the same bracelet on her arm. Costume fitted her well as the girl really looked like a goddess of Beauty. Pandora looked stunning too. The baby-blue dress was short, the girl looked innocent in it; Her pale skin was matching it and half of her hairs were tied up. She really looked like, she was taken straight from the book

`On Marlins beard. You two look stunning.’ Regulus said. Dorcas just smiled at him.

`I wanted to chill today, but I will be busy protecting you from the creeps.’ Said Barty with fake disappointment. 

 Pandora rolled her eyes and shrugged. `Can we go?’ The girl asked, she was willing to see her friend from the Gryffindor house. Lily was going to be Ariel, siren from the muggle story.

Dorcas snorted and shocked her head. `The only person you will need to watch for is going to be Regulus , because Potter might want to fuck the life out of him.’ Dorcas said which has made the boy to stick middle finger at her. 

`At least I can’t be pregnant.’ Regulus stated maliciously. 

Meadowes lifted one corner of her lips. `Well. I am fucking with a girl so I am actually not in danger too.’ Barty has bursted into laugh after that. Dorcas also laughed but they haven’t much time left. `Guys we need to go.’ 

Regulus quickly took a present for his brother and put it under his jacket. `I can go.’ As he said that they rushed to the Gryffindor tower. Many students were going with them and Regulus already felt uncomfortable. The common room was filled with drunk students already, the smoke from cigarettes pinched Regulus nostrils; The boy wished to be drunk or high right now but Sirius would kill him. The boy hated weed and despite their complicated relationship they would argue about it. `I need to find Sirius.’ The boy said and scanned the room but finding his brother wasn’t hard; The boy was sitting with his friends and some random people on the couches next to the fire place. 

Regulus moved there through the crowd, and prayed that Sirius in fact knew about his invitation because if that was a Potter’s trick he would kill the boy and then himself. `Sirius.’

The Gryffindor boy quickly stood up and jumped over sofa’s backrest. `You are here.’ The boy hugged him, leaving Regulus astonished. `Prongs said that you weren’t sure about coming here. I am glad that you’ve decided to party with us.’ 

Regulus just nodded, he was never a good speaker especially with Sirius. `Mhm. That is for you.’ The boy said and gave the present to the boy. 

`What? Reggie I don’t want—.’

`Those are your things from the house. I mean the most meaningful one; I thought you wanted them.’ The box contained many pictures of Sirius and his friends, letters or small things that were important for the boy.

Sirius beamed. `Reggie. Thank you. I don’t know what to say.’

`That is a new thing to hear from you. Pads.’ Remus said behind Sirius’s back and winked to Regulus. 

`What’s the new thing to hear from, Pads?’ Asked James appearing out of nowhere. `Regulus, hi.’

`Hi.’ The boy said awkwardly. He never had much conversation with James when Sirius was around.

`Sit with us.’ James offered standing next to the older Black, giving the opportunity to scan him. The boy was wearing the costume of some hero, that Regulus didn’t know. 

`Oh no. Barty is—.’ Regulus tried to explain because the last thing he wanted was sitting with Marauders.

`Oh. don’t force us to beg you.’ Remus argued shutting Regulus . The boy worried that James might have mentioned that he begged him on his knees, to convince him to come to their party. 

`Okay. Only for minute.’ He said and sat down between James and Sirius. They have talked and Latino boy was taking care of Regulus’s glass to be full of alcohol. After a couple of minutes the song has changed. 

`REMUS WE NEED TO DANCE TO IT.’ Sirius shouted and without waiting for the answer he pulled Remus to the dance floor.

James scanned the Slytherin boy. `So vampire?’

`Mhm.’ Regulus nodded. `I don’t know who you are.’

`Spider-man. The hero from muggle comics.’ James explained. They felt tension between them and it was uncomfortable for both; Latino boy wished that Sirius wasn’t here so did Regulus. James still felt like betraying Sirius by only talking to the younger boy.

`That is cool. I guess. Barty is a villain form the muggle books too.’ Regulus said, but it was weird that James didn’t try to keep the conversation going between them. 

`Yea. I saw him.’ James said and turned to Regulus. `Maybe—.’ The boy started but some girl has disturbed him in the middle of the sentence. 

`James you need to go with me.’ She said pulling James to the dance floor, leaving Regulus alone. The boy groaned and relaxed his head on the backrest. He felt that someone was sitting next to him but the boy didn’t bother to open his eyes. 

`Well I have never seen such a majestic vampire as you Regulus Black.’ Said the voice next to him. It was belonging to the Theodore Nott. 

Regulus smirked and scanned the boy. `You are a vampire hunter. I don’t think that you should think of me that way.’ Nott shocked his head and laughed. That was a coincidence that their costumes were matching. Regulus liked Theodore; He was always calm, even in hard moments. They were raised almost together, and Nott always was nice to him but the boy was older then him, and it had impact on their friendship.

`I think I might do an exception and don’t try to kill you.’ Nott said and put his arm around Regulus. `That is a nice match. Regulus.’ The boy said. He was always elegant and the way he talked was showing people that he was aristocratic. He was older then Sirius but went to Hogwarts the same year as the older Black. 

The boy was handsome and Regulus knew it. 

He had black hair and brown eyes. He was as pale as Pandora and his smile was always one of the perfect smiles Regulus have ever seen. Something was about Theodore Nott that no one had and Black knew it.  `I am glad that it is you. At least I can be sure you won’t kill me.’ Black whispered next to Nott’s ear. The other boy smirked and scanned Regulus again. 

`Why are you sitting here alone?’ The boy asked. `Where are Rosier or Crouch?’

`I don’t know. I was sitting here with my brother and his friends but they have left me.’  Regulus answered. 

Nott just nodded as he wasn’t the fan of Sirius Black but if Regulus was okay with him, then he didn’t have a need to comment on it. `I saw you talking to Potter. You are giving him extra lessons right?’ 

`Yes.’

`I also have heard that you are writing OWL’S this year.’ Theodore started topic; He was always dazzled by Regulus’s intelligence. `My mother told me.’ The boy looked at the glass full of fire whiskey. On his hands loomed a massive ring with the Nott’s family crest. `Now I know who will help me with material in case of being lost.’ 

`Of course.’ Regulus said and saluted, amusing his companion. The other boy looked deeply into Black’s eyes. 

His fingers touched Regulus’s hair. `You have something in here.’ The boy said and took the small fluff from his hair. Their faces were really close to each other but Regulus quickly turned his head away. Nott wasn’t the intrusive type of person, and he quickly moved away to not to invade Regulus’s personal space more. `Sorry.’ Apologised the boy.

`It is okay.’ Said Regulus. `I thought you might have changed your mind and tried to kill me.’ Both of the boys bursted into laugh after that. 

This whole situation was observed by James Potter, Lily and Marlene. He was mad that some random guy could be so close to Regulus at the party he was throwing. Latino boy couldn’t believe that so many people could be closer to the Black then him; The fact that Regulus didn’t moved away from Nott also has pissed him off, because if he was on the Nott’s place Regulus would be on the other half of the room already. 

Marlene who was a Cupid took her bow and aimed it at Regulus and Theodore. `I think that mine Cupid’s arrow will be the cause of another love story. Or even not because they seem pretty close to each other.’ Joked the girl to her friends. James narrowed his eyes and quickly shocked his head.

`Marls. Do not say that.’ James vividly gesticulated. `They can’t be together don’t even joke about it. He is fucked up.’ The boy offended Nott; It was really judgemental but he thought of the boy the same way as he though of Sirius’ parents. 

Marlene twisted her face. `Chill James I just joked. Are you jealous?’ The girl said because she could understand why James reacted like that to her words. She noticed that his friend got close to Regulus but the girl would never anticipate that the boy had a feelings to the Slytherin; Marlene never got a chance to talk to Regulus one by one so she couldn’t judge if the boy was worth it or not. 

James lifted his brow. `No? Why do you think I would be huh?’

`I don’t know. Maybe because you just screamed at me because I made a joke that they look pretty close to each other?’ Marlene mentioned. `Not my fault that they have matching costumes.’ 

Lily who still observed the Slytherins looked meaningfully at Barty that was across the room; She didn’t know if that was the boy’s plan to make their costumes match to piss off James. Barty shrugged opening his arms suggesting that he didn’t have anything to do with it. 

`That is the first time I am seeing them talking.’ James argued.

`Since when do you observe what he is doing?’ Marlene lashed out, narrowing her eyes.

Lily looked at her friends and wasn’t sure if she should say what she saw, but there was no point in hiding it. `I think they are pretty close. They are going to dance now.’ 

James looked at Lily. `They WHAT?’ Marlene snorted as James has searched for Regulus and Theodore. `No. I am going.’

Lily threw her hands up. `What are you planning to do?’

`Do excuse-me dance.’ James said and run towards dance floor. Marlene looked confused at redhead but the girl just shrugged. James was passing through the crowd and searched for the familiar head. When he saw them the boy tried to hide his jealousy but his face become burgundy. 

He stood up behind Regulus facing Nott and smiled. `Excuse-me dance. My turn.’ He said taking Regulus away from his companion. Black was drunk and it was visible from afar. `How are you? Do you like the party?’

Regulus shrugged; He didn’t know how he felt, the only person who made this party entertaining was Theodore Nott and James had force them to part. `I don’t know.’

`So you don’t like it.’ James said, the disappointment was heard in his voice. 

Regulus rolled his eyes because he didn’t know what to say. `And do you like your party? I guess that is more important.’ The boy mentioned, James had on the tip of his tongue that it would be better if Regulus didn’t talk to Nott. 

`Well, I don’t know either.’ James bit the corner of his lips, he was more anxious then ever, and he didn’t know why. `Where is Barty or your friends?’ 

`I don’t know.’ Regulus mumbled, the alcohol has took a control of his body. `I need to sit down. 

James quickly helped Regulus to sit down, he was worried that the boy might feel worse due to his illness but the boy just wanted to smoke cigarette. `Do you want some?’ The boy pulled the pack of cigarettes from his pocket. Latino boy nodded and lightened his cigarette. They have been smoking when Barty sat next to Regulus.

`It is time.’ Barty shouted talking the cigarette from Regulus hand. `I’ve decided.’

James’s brows shot up. `For what?’

`I want Regulus to do the new piercing, here.’ Pointed at his left brow. 

French boy rolled his eyes. `Barty you are drunk. I don’t think it is the best idea.’

Barty’s face showed pure judgement. `Last time when I was doing your tattoo, you were drunk and it didn’t stop you.’

James looked from Barty to Regulus, he knew that he needed to pretend like he didn’t know that Black had tattoos. `You have tattoos? Where?’

Regulus turned his head into James direction. Meanwhile Barty winked at James and said. `Many of them. Potter. In many different places.’

Regulus punched his friend. `Shut the fuck up. Crouch.’ The boy stood up. `Come with me.’ Said Regulus. `Can we go to your dorm Potter?’

`For what?’ James asked.

`I am going to pierce his brow.’ Regulus explained, he could not disagree for doing it as Barty would do it, with or without Regulus; James quickly stood up and guided them to his dormitory. 

`There is a mess sorry.’ He said before opening the doors. Regulus snapped his fingers and headed straight to the bathroom. James’s perfumes were dominating smell in the bathroom, making Regulus to go crazy. 

`Accio.’ Said Regulus and the tools for piercings has appeared next to them. `Sit on the bath.’ 

`Yes. Sir.’ Barty laughed making James air-locked. `You like to be bossy.’

Regulus only rolled his eyes. He has cleansed the place where the piercing should be and took the needle. James widened his eyes as he saw the shaking hands with the needle. He wouldn’t let anyone do him a piercing, especially a drunk friend.

`Are you sure you want to do it? Your hands are a little bit shaky.’ James said looking behind Regulus’s back. 

Barty smirked. `I am not scared. It is not the first time.’ Regulus has touched his skin with the needle. Italian boy has hissed and clenched his hands on the sink next to them. There was no blood and Regulus did it really swiftly. `Fuck.’ Groaned Barty. Regulus exchanged the needle with the piercing. 

James looked scared and opened his mouth. `Okay. That looks painful.’ 

`Because it kinda is.’ Regulus said, while cleaning his hands.

`Regulus likes to hurt people.’ Barty winked at Potter. 

`What?’ James wrinkled his brows.

`It is his guilty pleasure. Watch out Potter.’ Barty made an undertone.  

James has become red and looked at his shoes. Regulus killed Barty with his eyes. `Ignore him. Potter.’ 

`I am just warning him.’ Barty laughed. `It wasn’t in your dreams right?’ James nodded. Barty bursted into laugh. `So you did dream about him.’

James looked at Barty with fear in his eyes. `What?’

`I just hope it wasn’t a naughty dream.’ Crouch wagged his finger at James. `Just like Regulus’s abou—.’ Black slapped Italian boy on the back of his head. James didn’t know how to react. He didn’t know why Barty was so opened about those things and why he always made undertones about his feelings to the younger boy. It was confusing and uncomfortable for James as he couldn’t show that he physically needed Regulus. 

`Maybe look at your new piercing.’ Regulus said with clenched teeth.

Barty looked in the mirror and smirked. `My father will love it. Can’t wait for him to see it.’ The boy announced. James showed that he is surprised. His parents wouldn’t be mad at him for doing piercing but wouldn’t be proud that it was done at the party by drunk teenager. `That is sarcasm. Potter.’ Barty explained.

`His parents hate piercings and those type of shit.’ Regulus said. 

`Then why are you doing it?’ Asked.

`To piss them off.’ Barty said and laughed. 

`Oh.’ James muttered. `I get it.’ 

Barty looked around and twisted his face. `I hate this colouring. It is so freakin disturbing.’ That was true as the Gryffindor house was all decorated in warm colours, red, yellow, orange and brown and it was complete opposite of the Slytherin house. 

`Yours are distressful.’ James argued. He personally wouldn’t been able to live in such monotonous and gloomy place. He wan’t surprised that they might feel depressed if the only colours they were seeing are green, grey or black. 

`Our houses look like that.’ Said Barty seriously, surprising James. It was funny to Italian boy because he knew James would feel bad about it, even if it was the most unimportant thing to worry about. Barty was playing with the boy and only Regulus knew it.

James twisted his face. He didn’t want to offend them and didn’t know that their houses were so gloomy. `I am sorry. I didn’t —.’ 

Barty bursted into laugh. `Don’t shit yourself, Potter. I don’t care what you think of my house.’ Barty said and headed to the entry of the bathroom. `I need to go find Evan.’ Said and disappeared behind the doors. 

`I am so sorry. I didn’t want to offend your—.’

Regulus rolled his eyes; He didn’t like when James felt bad because of him. He didn’t know how to make James stop apologising and there was one thing that would make James to stop it. `Potter. Truth or Dare.’

`What? Dare.’ Said James he was surprised that the boy was willing to mention the game by himself. 

Regulus without thinking much moved his face closer to the boy. James looked at Black’s lips and blinked fast. His heart has stepped a bit because he didn’t know what will be Regulus’ dare. He could feel Slytherin’s breath on his face. `Do never apologise me again for something that didn’t hurt me.’ Whispered the boy. The tension between them was unbearable. 

James swallowed saliva loudly. `Of course.’ He wanted to kiss Regulus so badly that it was tearing him apart. Slytherin was so drunk that he couldn’t control his motions, his head was heavy and James’s arm looked really comfortable. He rested his forehead on Latino’s boy arm. `Can I ask you a question?’ Asked James.

`Mhm.’

`Are you and Nott together?’ James said ruining the tension between them, but this question has burnt his mind too much. 

Regulus looked at him and laughed. `What? No. Potter he is not my type.’ Said the boy not thinking before saying. 

James pursed his lips together. `Then who is? Your type I mean.’

French boy shocked his head slowly and laughed. `Oh. You are not going to find out.’ Regulus passed by James and touched his arm. `At least not today.’ And went out, leaving James with a crisis. He shouted and rested his head on the cold wall. From day to day it was harder to not to feel tension between two boys and it was new for James. He felt like a kid who wanted a lollipop and couldn’t have it because his parents wouldn’t let it. Regulus was his dream that was above his limits, that was someone else’s achievable dream. James alway got what he wanted and now it changed. Even simple thing, like the boy saying his name was exciting for James. 

Meanwhile Regulus was going down the stairs; He was planning to go to his room, not being able to kiss the boy was exhausting him. 

`Oh Regulus, have you seen James?’ Asked Marlene McKinnon with worry in her voice.

Regulus pointed upstairs with his thumb. `Yes, he was in his room.’ 

`Good thank you.’ She said and went upstairs but something has touched Regulus  that wouldn’t give him a break. 

`McKinnon. What happened?’ Regulus uttered.

The girl stopped and looked at him. `I shouldn’t tell you. Mary and Sirius are arguing. James should know about it.’ The girl explained but omitted the reason why they were arguing. It was because Mary didn’t know that Sirius was into boys and now she found out. She wasn’t mad at him for this but was mad that he lied to her.

`He is gay, she didn’t know it?’ Marlene widened her eyes.

`How do you know that?’

`I am not blind, McKinnon.’ 

The girl snorted. `Nice too.’ 

`I didn’t mean to be mean. I just—.’ He trued explain but why would the girl cared about his explanations. She judged him already. `Doesn’t matter.’ He said and went downstairs. Marlene wrinkled her brows; She never saw Regulus trying to explain something he was doing. The girl didn’t know what happened upstairs but he looked like he was tired of something. The girl noted that she needs to talk to James about it. Both of them staying alone in the dormitory, James being jealous about Regulus wasn’t sticking to Marlene; In her mind formed a thought that maybe it was Black who was James’s new crush. Blonde quickly brushed off this thought because James was straight and into Lily.

The Slytherin boy passed between crowd, and went out of the party; He felt released as he didn’t want to be around people anymore; Feeling to James was exhausting as the way he felt next to the boy shouldn’t happen. He regretted that he got closer to the boy because it was more tiering then just admiring the boy from afar. Now he could talk to him, or even hug him for goodbye, but still couldn’t kiss him and it was the worst; The boy felt deficit of the relationship. He fished to make out with James but it was literally impossible. He entered his room and quickly changed his clothes showering beforehand. The boy looked through Barty’s stuff and found a comics with the boy who looked the same as James today. Regulus smiled and took it to his bed. He opened and read it really quickly. 

Black concluded that James was really similar to the spider-man. Even his crush was red head which only killed Regulus; He couldn’t understand why the only emotion he couldn’t turn off was the one he felt to James. Even in his trance the perks of James, his smile and his person was still on the top of his mind. He knew that as long as James is alive he won’t be a emotionless creature because the love for the boy was too strong. 

•••••

For Marauders the weekend after the Halloween party always meant one activity. Prank on the teachers in front of the whole school. This year they decided to fill all the cups with the red exploding paint; It was invisible when not charmed so any teacher would found out before their plan. When all the teachers would sat Remus’s task was to charm it so it would explode covering all the teachers. It would slow down the lessons and amuse students. However firstly they needed to prepare it all; They have chosen to do it a night before. It was a two months till Christmas and they still couldn’t think of a prank to see the students and teachers off. 

James was under his invisible cloak. He was holding the paint that Remus and Sirius were brewing by themselves for the whole week. Remus and Sirius were looking at the Map to see if someone is heading into their direction, and Peter under his animagus form was the first one to go into the Great Hall to see if someone or the ghosts are in there. 

The boys were waiting till Peter didn’t came back. The boy changed into his normal form. `Clear.’ James showed the thumb up from under his cloak and walked into the Hall.

 The boys walked into the Hall and smiled as they saw ready tables.  `Me and Pete will to the left. You do the right side of the table.’ Ordered James and took the gallon of the paint with himself. He gently pour it to the cups when Peter moved closely to Latino boy. 

`I am happy that Sirius and Remus are finally together.’ Started boy. `But Prongs I have a question.’

James looked at him and waited for the question the boy wanted to ask. `Are you one of them too?’

`I am what?’ Latino boy was confused. 

`You know. Do you like boys?’ Peter asked. He often saw that James was with Regulus at night. He didn’t want to share it with the rest of the group because he knew that Sirius would react harshly to it. Peter liked to look at the Map when the rest of the boys were asleep, that is how he saw Remus and Regulus that night.  

James wasn’t sure what he should say. He knew he fancied Regulus but it was a really delicate matter because it wasn’t some random guy. It was Sirius’s brother and James would never have a opportunity to be with the boy in any romantic way. `I don’t know.’ The boy answered. `I am not sure. Why?’

Peter shrugged. He didn’t want to force James to say the truth. `I am just asking.’ The boy smiled and begin to pour the paint to the cups. 

Sirius from a cross the room had a brilliant idea. `Pete. Prongs.’ The boy whispered loudly their names. `We should also pull the prank on students.’ He said but James wasn’t so sure about it. This would include Regulus and he knew that the boy wouldn’t like it. `Oh. Guys come one. We have enough paint for the whole school.’ Sirius tried to convince them to do it. 

Remus twisted his face. `I mean—.’ 

`We are doing the pranks every year. Please it is my birthday.’ Begged Sirius. James hardly agreed for it. `What happened to you prongs?’ Asked Black. `Since when do you not want to do pranks, because I don’t get it.’

James couldn’t say the truth. `I want to.’ James protested, taking the gallon of the paint, started to pour it into student’s cups. He felt bad because Regulus wouldn’t know about it; The boy shocked his head because three months ago he wouldn’t even care for the boy, and now he doesn’t want to do pranks to not to piss him off; And they weren’t even a friends. The whole hall was done by the three in the morning. 

`At least we got rid of the paint.’ Said Sirius as they went through the corridor. They needed to be careful so no one could find them outside their beds. They knew they will get an detention either way. 

When they finally got to the dormitory, James changed his pyjama and laid on his bed. He tried to sleep but couldn’t. His thoughts spun around a younger Slytherin. He was so complex that even everyday’s questions in truth or dare couldn’t show everything. James had enough of thinking about the boy. The question Peter asked didn’t have a well outcome, if Peter saw it then Sirius must too. He put head under his pillow, wanting to scream but couldn’t. The boy cried. He wanted Regulus so badly that it was not normal. With those thought he fell asleep. 

`I can’t wait for people to see our prank.’ Sirius happily announced. This was their tradition that for every marauder birthday they are doing pranks. Many students even tried to avoid marauders or meals in case they would be the victims of the pranks. Unluckily it wasn’t Regulus. The boy wasn’t aware of what is going to happen and with the tolerating mood he went to the great hall with his friends. James cursed under his nose when he saw him, focusing Lily’s attention on him. 

Sirius impatiently waited for the right time when the whole teachers crew will sit down. `Now.’ 

Remus took out his wand and unnoticed whispered the charm. The whole great hall got silence for a second. The only people who weren’t a victims were the makers themself. The paint exploded in everyone’s face, amusing marauders. Sirius cried form the laughter along with James. Even the headteacher himself lifted the corner of his lips. However it wasn’t funny for the rest of the school.

McGonagall red from the anger headed into marauders direction. `I am assuming you did it.’

Sirius between his laugh breathed. `A tradition is a tradition. Miss.’ 

The teacher smiled ironically. `Yes. Mr. Black. I want all of you four in my office in ten minutes.’ She hissed and went back to her place. 

James gave a high five to Sirius, but Lily stopped their triumph. `Have you all lost you fuckin’ minds?’ She yelled. `Do you though how hard it is going to get rid of it? Do you at least have a charm to clean it?’

Remus twisted his face. `No. I put the charm on it so it can only be cleaned with water and shampoo.’

Lily clenched her jaw, standing up. `I feel bad for Dorcas and Mary. They will need the whole day to clean it from their hairs.’ The girl spit out, going out of the great hall. As she said that James searched for Regulus next to the Slytherin table. Slytherin was astonished by what just happened; But more astonished was James when he noticed that the person who was sitting next to the boy was again Theodore Nott. Latino boy clenched his jaw and fists, he was willing to kick Nott’s ass if that was possible. Regulus smiled at Nott before going out of the great Hall with his friends; As he passed through the Hall the boys eyes collided and James felt that his cheeks became red from shame. He never felt shame after doing pranks even when Lily was clearly mad at him, but Regulus was different; Latino boy acknowledged that omitting Regulus wasn’t possible in his situation. In his mind he noted that he must apologise to the Slytherin.

Remus snapped his finger on James. `Prongs we need to go.’ 

`Oh. Mhm.’ Said James and headed to the McGonagall’s office. She was waiting for them inside. The woman was sitting behind her desk, her face showed that the blood in her was boiling. 

`Sit down.’ She pointed at the chairs behind her desk. `I’ve spoken to the headmaster, and you achieved what you wanted. Lessons for today are canceled.’

Sirius smiled triumphantly. `YES.’ 

The teacher shock her head slowly and cleared her throat. `But you will get a detention. One month of cleaning the great hall instead of the elves.’ Stated teacher, standing up. `Every weekday including Fridays.’ 

James couldn’t be at the detentions on Fridays as he would miss extra lessons with Regulus. `Miss. I can’t have a detention on Fridays.’ 

`Why is that?’ The woman lifted her left brow

`I have extra lessons from potions every Friday.’ James explained. Sirius moved restlessly, stressing James.

`With who?’

James never said the boy’s full name, especially not in front of Sirius. It felt like a crime to say it. He cleaned his throat. `Regulus Black.’ The boy never thought about it but this name really sounded powerful. McGonagall just nodded and opened her arms. 

`Then you will have a day off the detention.’ Woman muttered. `Now. I would like to say that I hope it is the last time. But I know it is not. We will be finishing here.’

Remus nodded and smiled. `Good Bye.’

`Minnie.’ Added Sirius and quickly run out of the room. The woman rolled her eyes and sighed. 

`Oh Marlin keep me in your care, because I am going to kill those boys.’ 

£££ 

Half an hour later Regulus, Evan and Barty were sitting next to the tree on the school’s grounds. Regulus was reading a book and Barty was laying, relaxing his head on Evan’s laps. Rosier was also holding the book but his boyfriend wouldn’t let him focus on anything  else then himself.  

Regulus also pretended to read the book because his thought circled around the morning; He didn’t want to admit it out loud but cancelled lessons were the blessing from the Marlin. 

Evan was playing with Crouch’s hairs when the boy noticed a familiar figure going towards them. `I think your lover is coming.’ Regulus looked up from his book and sighed; James always knew when he was and he would find him even in the most unpredictable places. 

`Regulus.’ Said James, trying to calm his breath. `I am so sorry for the prank I’ve done.’  

Barty grinned. `I kinda liked it. At least lessons are canceled.’

Regulus stood up and faced James. `I’ve told you. Do not apologise me for something that didn’t hurt me.’ James smiled and rolled his eyes, because the boy remembered their deal. Barty and Evan exchanged looks, with smile on their faces. 

`Okay. You are right—. I just thought you might be mad.’

`Oh I was at first but—.’ Shrugged the boy. 

`You’ve forced Snape to wash his hair finally.’ Evan cut in.`That is an achievement.’ James grinned; He never had such a calm and kind conversation with Slytherin’s. `Sit with us. Potter.’ 

`I hope your army won’t come here because if they do I am not agreeing to your companion.’ 

James sat down in front of Regulus and Evan. `They won’t find me.’

`Then stay with us.’ Said Barty and kissed Evan’s hand. The silence they sat in, was uncomfortable for James; He wanted to say something but was too anxious. He felt something was moving next to his legs when he saw the army of tiny, black spiders going into Slytherin’s direction. 

`WHAT THE FUCK.’ James screamed, jumping up. `What is that.’ The spiders climbed on Evan and the trunk he was resting on. The spiders mobbed the whole boy omitting Barty’s head. They were even in Evans hairs. The boy lifted his hand and smiled at the insects. `WHAT THE HELL.’

`Are you scared of spiders. Potter?’ Evan asked. 

`Well. Yes?’

Regulus’s brows shoot up. `You were a Spider-man and you are scared of spiders?’ 

`That is different.’ James gesticulated. 

`It is not. They are scared of you right now. They feel what you feel and are scared that you might kill them. ’

`Mhm. Of course.’ James nodded. `My mom always told me that.’

Barty sat up. `But Evan feels their emotions.’ 

`What?’

`Evan feels emotions of every creature except humans. Animals, animaguses, werewolves, sirens, nymphs.’ James widened his eyes. It meant that he would feel his emotions and that was not a good thing because next to the Regulus, he felt a range of different emotions. `He can’t hear their thoughts but can feel if someone is scared or anxious.’ 

`I can feel that. Potter is anxious right now.’ Evan joked, he knew that James was animagus; The boy felt every emotion that went through James and was surprised that he is not tired by the amount of emotions. `By your face.’ Evan winked, giving James signs that he knows what was happening. Evan also felt that Remus wasn’t a human, he felt that every Marauder was something but the boy never had a need to care about it. 

`I am panically scared of spiders.’ 

`I can see that. Would you rather sit with spiders right now? Or with what?’

`I don’t know.’ James shrugged. `Birds are cool.’ 

Evan lifted one corner of his lips. In the moment all spiders had run away, not touching James. `I’ve asked them not to touch you.’ 

`You can talk to the animals?’ James whispered excited.

`No. They can feel what I say. It is hard to explain. I said that you are scared of them so they didn’t touch you.’ 

`How do you know all that?’ 

`My family knew Newt Scamander. I found his notes in my house.’ Explained Evan. Evan’s grandfather has been a friend from school with Newt Scamander and Evan even had an opportunity to meet him when he was young. Scamander immediately found out about his talent and purposively left his notes in the rabbit whole; So only Evan and Pandora could find it. 

 The bunch of ravens sat down circling Evan. `These are aggressive.’ 

`Okay. That is weird. You can talk to animals.’ James said.

`Do you think why I can communicate with Barty?’

The boy punched him. `Excuse me?’ He kissed Evan on the lips. `You should be—.’

`I am grateful for you.’ The boy kissed Barty’s forehead. 

James’ mind burned a lot of question. `Does Pandora can do that?’

`She can literally talk to them.’ Said Barty moving away from Evan. `They can feel Evan’s intentions but Pandora literally can talk to them. They talk back and she understand it.’ 

`Oh, wow.’ James was never interested in the Slytherin’s lives; Especially about theirs  because he knew how they are like, at least he thought he knew. Sirius sometimes mentioned them but it was never in a good way. It was always in a subjective way. They were always described in a negative way, and he only mentioned their flaws for sure not the ability to talk to animals. Rosier always was scary and intimidating. Like their whole group; They had always been so fearless, the way they were passing through Hogwarts. That was substantial that they were purebloods, that they have knew their worth.

The boy felt confusion in his body which was palpable for Evan. The Slytherin also felt James’s feelings to Regulus, that is why he become nicer to him;  He felt that James was fighting with it but was loosing and Evan only counted till the day they just kiss. 

`You all are. Unpredictable.’ James announced. 

Regulus  rolled his eyes. `Because?’

`I just. I don’t know.’ James tried to explain. 

Barty laid again on Evan’s laps and looked at the sky.  `Don’t expect anything from people. Potter.’ Said Barty and kissed Evan’s cheeks. The boy swiftly stood up, his stomach has made a groan. `I am hungry and it is dinner time.’ The boy pulled Evan up. `If you want to stay then I am not going to hold you back.’ The boy winked at Regulus. 

`I am kinda hungry too.’ Said Regulus, standing up. James also stood up and let Regulus to go first. The boys headed to the castle, for the dinner. James knew he needed to find his friends, and go with them for dinner but just couldn’t leave Regulus; If he had a chance to talk to him more he would use it. 

The loud noises from the left has brung their attention. It was pissed off Sirius with Remus and Peter who tried to stop him. `Oh there he is.’ The boy yelled as he saw his younger brother. Evan and Barty stood up ready to defend Regulus. They were really protective of him, and if situation needed it they would sacrifice everything for him. James widened his eyes because in the first moment, he thought that his friend was mad at him. His heart was rushing and his brain was working on the highest possible level.

`What?’ Regulus asked. 

`What?’ Hissed Sirius being closer to the boy. `I will tell you what.’ 

`I can’t wait.’ Uttered Regulus fixing his posture. The boy knew that if Sirius was militantly biased then he needed to be even more harshly then usually. They often argued when they were younger but never in public. Actually they barely spoke a few words for the past four years while being in Hogwarts. 

`You are a fuckin’ addict.’ Boy stated throwing his hands up. `Firstly some pills at the party then stealing weed from your friends?’ Regulus killed Remus with his sight. `Oh don’t look at him this way. He is responsible enough to tell me what is going on.’

`Excuse me?’ Barty held Regulus back before the boy could hit Sirius. James observed it with shock. `Responsible? Who?’ Regulus pushed his brother. `For sure not you.’ 

Sirius snorted. `You know what? Some people have something like feelings and they worry about their friends and—.’

`You have lost the privilege to be worried about me the night you left the house.’ Regulus hissed. The boy was furious, he hated when Sirius didn’t care about him and then pretended to be good brother. `Do not pretend to be a good brother.’ 

Sirius twisted his face, pushing Regulus back. ` Excuse me?’

`Oh now you haven’t heard?’ The boy hissed. `You left me with them—.’

`Are you going to rub my nose in dirt about it, till the end of my life?’ Sirius spitted out.

`Yes even after death.’ Regulus snorted. `You never cared about me and suddenly it pisses you off when I am smoking weed? I am not an fuckin’ addict! That was the the first time.’

`Yes! All addictions starts this way. You know I hate those things.’ 

Regulus shocked his head. Everyone was so shattered, they have never seen the argument of the Black brothers and didn’t know how far it would go.

`You do things I hate too. But I am not going to lecture you!’

`Of course it is better to look at everything from the side and do nothing right? Mommy’s pet never got his own opinions. This time too.’ Sirius mentioned the situation in their house. 

Regulus became red on his face. He clenched his fist and took a deep breath. `Oh, are you jealous? That she loves me more then you?’

`You call this love? Torturing and starvation.’ Sirius laughed. `I would rather die then to be like you.’ Spitted Sirius. `A fucking blinded puppet that would kill someone just to impress them!’ James widened his eyes along with Remus. Barty and Evan clenched his jaws and fists ready to fight with Sirius, but Regulus was faster. He bursted into maniacal laugh. 

`There it is. Empathy of Sirius Orion Black the third.’ Regulus shouted. Sirius hated being called by his full title. `You know why you hate me and our parents so fuckin much? Because you are the same, hypocritical, narcissistic with ego higher then himself asshole. That is you.’ 

`You think you are better them me?’ Sirius pushed Regulus again, Barty and Evan stood up between them. 

`Move. Now.’ Regulus ordered to his friends, he pushed between them. He faced his brother. `You know why I am better then you? Because I didn’t left my brother in the place from where I decided to run away. You know what was happening. You shouldn’t be surprised that I am smoking weed or something. Leaving your younger brother who `you care about’? Very responsible, mature and empathetic.’ Said Regulus and turned away from Sirius. He wanted to go to the dormitory. The Gryffindor’s voice stopped him.

`You are right. I don’t have brother anymore.’ Said Sirius. 

Remus gasped. `Pads. Don’t—.’ 

`I don’t care I don’t have a brother. Not anymore.’ 

Regulus rushed to Sirius, despite the high difference Regulus’s eyes were almost on the same high. `You piece of shit. You are fuckin’ pathetic. You call yourself brave?’ The boy pushed Sirius again again and again. `You are so pathetic that you can’t even fight back.’ Said Regulus touching the delicate subject. Maybe Sirius was always more feisty but Regulus had craziness in his mind. At this point Regulus would cause or endure more pain then his older brother. 

Older boy without thinking much hit Regulus on the face. The boy staggered but it only cause amusement in Regulus’s body. Barty wanted to react but out of nowhere appeared Theodore Nott as a prefect of Slytherin house. 

`What is happening in here?’ Said Nott, scanning the place. Regulus had a nose bleed and on Sirius’s fist loomed the Slytherin’s blood. Theodore never liked Sirius, and he was always more overprotective of Regulus then of anyone else. He hardly ever used a violence towards anyone but now he was willing to hit Sirius, however being a prefect has given him much more opportunities. `I am taking fifty points from the Gryffindor. And you Black will have detention. Till Christmas.’ Announced Theodore looking at Sirius contemptuously. 

Sirius snorted. `Of course. You could never fight back. You always hide behind someone’s leg like a puppy.’ 

Barty clenched his fists and stood in front of Sirius blocking out Regulus form his brother. `One more word. Black and I am going to kill you. And believe I am not going to be scared of any punishment.’ Warned Barty. `We’re going.’ Said the boy pulling Regulus after him. Evan and Theodore went after them leaving Marauders alone. 

`What the fuck. Pads?’ Asked Remus.

`Do not talk to me. Where you planning to tell me that you and my brother got stoned together?’ Spitted out Sirius.

`No. I knew you would react this way.’ Remus answered honestly. Sirius just snorted and went outside. Peter who always took Sirius’s side in every conflicts went after Sirius. 

James looked at Remus. `I don’t know what just happened.’ 

Lupin pursed his lips together. `The night I came in high, I was with Regulus. Peter told me that he knows and Sirius overheard it. He got mad because on the Hufflepuff party Regulus  was on some pills.’ Remus explained. 

`I know. About the pills.’ James whispered. `Who told Sirius about it?’

`Marlene was there with Dorcas.’ Remus sighed. `But how do you know about the pills?’

James scratched his neck. `I was next to him when Barty took it again. He offered it to Regulus but he turned down his offer. That is why I left with him because I blackmailed him to think I will take these too.’ James explained.

Remus nodded and looked at the entry to the School. `I tried to stop him from this but he didn’t listen to me. Prongs I need to go to him.’ 

`Yeah. Go.’ James agreed. `I will go and eat something okay?’ He didn’t want to be with Sirius after what just happened. It was hard for James to proceed why the boys hated each other so much. In his family the most important values were family and love. He couldn’t understand how two brothers could hate each other so much. That was also a complicated because Sirius had no clue that the person who saved him, who stopped his mother curse was Regulus. James wished to mention that but Regulus didn’t want anyone to know and sadly Latino boy had to respect it. 

The boy rushed to the Great Hall, hoping to see the young Black but the boy was probably in his dorm. He sat next to Lily and without saying a word he put a spaghetti on his plate. Lily lifted her brow and slapped boy’s arm. It was unusual for the boy to be silent, especially the day after the prank.

`Are you okay?’ 

James nodded and begin to eat but the big lump in his throat didn’t let him. `Yes. Or no. I don’t know.’ He was on the verge of tears. He didn’t know what to feel to the young boy and for sure the argument between Sirius and Regulus didn’t help him. 

`Oh. James tell me what happened.’ Lily grabbed his hand and squished it. 

`Where are Remus, Sirius and Peter?’ Asked Marlene, compounding his state even more. 

`But don’t tell anyone.’ He warned in cracky voice. `Sirius and Regulus had an argument-.’

`James that is normal.’ Lily calmed him. `They are siblings and that is how it works.’ She said as she herself had a complicated relationship with her sister. James was the only child and he never experienced something like that. 

The boy shocked his head. `No. It wasn’t a normal argument. They said a pretty horrible things to each other.’ 

`Like what?’ 

`Sirius said that he does not have a brother.’ Lily widened her eyes as she heard that. `Then he hit Regulus. If not Theodore Nott there would be a massive fight. Barty got mad and Evan for sure too but he didn’t show it.’ He said on one breath, and cried. He thanked Marlin for the Theodore, because he wouldn’t been able to fight against Regulus and his friends. Not right now. 

Marlene gently scratched James’s back, putting her head on his arm. `James don’t worry. I am sure they will make up.’ 

`But you don’t get it. They both have so much hatred to each other.’

`James. We know it. They both had a really hard past and that is normal because Sirius has left this toxic place whereas Regulus stayed there.’ Lily hugged the boy. `It is going to be okay. I promise you.’ 

James nodded and whipped the tears from his cheeks. `I want to help them.’

`But James you can’t.’ Marlene said. `They need to understand it by themselves. I am sure that if they had a choice to save one another they would.’ James hoped for it but he also knew that both of them were too proud to admit it. 

`Maybe you are right.’ James whispered; He stood up. `I am not hungry. I think I am going to sleep. I haven’t sleep much yesterday.’ 

Lily agreed. `Good Night. James remember that If you need to talk we are here for you.’ 

James smiled and hugged them for the Good-bye. He headed to the dormitory but something has made him to change his route. The boy trailed around the castle with no purpose. He hated the way he felt this year; Absent. He felt horrible for liking Regulus, he wasn’t sure if that was the right thing to feel. The boy liked being around the boy as everything felt magical next to him. The boy was mysterious and that only made James to be more and more motivated. 

Latino boy since always could see peoples perks not only in their personality but also in their looks; However after coming to Hogwarts, everything changed. He was only able to see it in Lily Evans; He had girlfriends during that time but they didn’t last longer then six weeks. The redhead was perfect, her smile, the freckles she got; Even having a good grades impressed him. Her green eyes reminded him of the forest next to his house, he never imagined himself with someone else then her. Until this year. Regulus had perfect grades without trying. His eyes were grey with the spark that no one else had, just like stars on the dark sky. The boy smiled so rarely that James had a mission to cause it any time he saw the boy. He was totally different around his friends and other people. Latino boy was aware of not knowing everything about Regulus and it was thrilling for him. 

Regulus looked perfectly even when he was high, drunk or sick; He wished to know how the boy did it, how he alway managed to be perfect and flawless. How he was so smart and wasn’t prideful, even tough he covered all of the OWL’S curriculum and was about to write it with people years older then him. Charming with his mind, being one of the best in quidditch and managing to be the perfect heir of Noble house of Black while keeping sanity. James was dazzled by the young boy and hiding it was getting harder and harder with every second. He wished to kiss the boy, to touch his hairs or grab his hands; He wished to be the reason of his smile, and to study all of his scars and tattoos he had. 

Those feelings made a disagreement in his mind and body. He never was into boy and never suspected to be, but seeing Regulus with another boy had made him jealous. Latino boy always thought of Lily as his destiny but now wasn’t sure about it; He still loved Lily and nothing could change it but the way Regulus said his name on that party, made James to want to hear it everyday, every moment. 

James was sure that Regulus didn’t feel the same, that the boy was off his limits. However he couldn’t just give up their relationship like that. The tension James felt next to Regulus  was unbearable, because he knew that he couldn’t do anything about it. When Slytherin moved his head near to James’s and he thought he is going to kiss him. When Regulus initiated any interaction between them. 

Young boy didn’t know about it, no one knew about it, but the voice James was hearing, that reminded him of being unworthy, silenced around Regulus; Like the voice was scared of the Black. James didn’t know how it all happened but just knew that he felt completely calm while being only next to the boy. At least calm mentally because every time James saw the boy his heart raced so quickly, that he sometimes thought of having a heart attack. Sadly it wasn’t so simple, because there was Sirius that stopped him and every time he got to think of Regulus romantically he saw Padfoots’s disappointed face; Especially after today’s argument. 

James let a loud groan as he passed by the library. He looked outside the windows and scanned the sky. In the past he would think of Lily but now the only person who he would think about was Regulus. He knew that the boy was named after the star, now he understood what Remus meant about chasing the star that doesn’t want to be caught. He sat under the windowsill and hit his head with his fists. He wanted to cry from the helplessness. Not being able to talk to anyone about his feelings made him go crazy; He wished to be with his mom now. To hug her, she would help him. 

He also felt sorry for Sirius as the boy didn’t have anyone except them. He remembers that they have met long before going to Hogwarts and that they clicked instantly; Later the boy hoped to be with one house with him but was aware of the possibility that the boy will be sorted into Slytherin; He couldn’t sleep after he found out that they will be in one dormitory. He knew that Sirius had brother but never really cared about the boy especially after he was sorted into Slytherin. He was invisible to him, till this year when he saw him with Barty at the station. Since this moment he felt that something was in Regulus, that he needs to find out about. Suddenly half of his thoughts revolved around the young boy. The books he was reading got interesting to James. The need to be better in potions had appeared in his mind, just to impress young boy. 

To James’s ears reached a snorts full of contempt. On the horizon he saw the hatred face with his band. Lucius Malfoy, Severus Snape and Mulciber. The boy quickly stood up and clenched his fists. Nothing irritated him more then face of Lucius Malfoy. After he found out what he has done to the muggle girl, he wanted to kill the boy. `He deserve to die.’ Said Snape, but the view of James Potter forced him to shut up.

`Who my eyes can see.’ Lucius uttered looking at James. `Without your army? Is this related to the pathetic fight this blood traitor had with Regulus?’ 

`I am not surprised that you are with you army. On your place I wouldn’t go anywhere alone too.’ James said, passing them. He knew that Malfoy wanted to throw him off the balance but he wouldn’t let it, not today. 

`What was that supposed to mean?’ Mulciber said.

`That is free to your interpretation.’ James opened his arms. 

Malfoy snorted. `You think you are smart. Potter?’ 

`I know I am.’ James beamed, boiling blood in the blonde boy. Mulciber slapped Lucius suggesting that he should say something that would make James angry. 

`I see you are more confident.’ Lucius noticed. `Spending time with Regulus, Crouch and Rosier has caused it?’

`Excuse me?’ James stopped half step.

`You’ve heard me.’ Malfoy said, he knew where to push to touch people’s sensitive point. `I know you chase Regulus.’ The effect of this sentence satisfied Lucius, as James clenched his fists. `Just so you know. He likes to have bitches. You are not special.’ Said Malfoy smiling under his nose. 

`You are pathetic.’ James muttered. With every second he was closer to hit Lucius. `I don’t know what you are talking about.’ 

`Oh. You know. Extra lesson and stuff. Parties.’ Said Malfoy, he didn’t know that James felt something to Regulus, but that was funny to him and seeing that this is touchy topic for Potter made him go further. `He fucked Crouch. Maybe Nott too. Watch out or you are going to be next.’ 

Mulciber showed his teeth and gave high five to Snape. `What are you talking about?’ James hissed, the blood boiled in him as he heard the part about Nott. He didn’t get why Malfoy was the first one to talk about Regulus’s life when he literally killed a prostitute. 

`Chill. Potter.’ Malfoy clapped James’s arm. 

`He is just saying that Regulus is resourceful.’ Mulciber cut in. 

Malfoy laughed. `Not like the hoe I kill—.’ Malfoy mentioned the girl he killed, but James’s fist stopped him as it met the boy’s face. Rage filled his body as the boy heard Malfoy being proud of killing a girl, raping her beforehand.  

`Shut the fuck up. Malfoy.’ Sad James holding the boy’s collar. He was hitting him, and didn’t remember how he did it, but he also beaten Mulciber and Snape to the ground. When they weren’t an obstacle anymore he went back to the blond leech. Malfoy didn’t have an opportunity to fight back because James was too fast. `DO.NEVER.SAY.SOMETHING.LIKE.THAT. AGAIN.’ The boy shouted still hitting the boy in his face; James was in trance and didn’t know how he managed to do it but the boy lost his consciousness. Latino boy never fought alone and for sure wasn’t aware of his strength and abilities. James couldn’t stop even if he felt that his hand begin to hurt; Malfoy’s whole face was covered in blood and his nose for sure was broken. Potter was hitting him till someone didn’t pulled him away. 

`Potter you are going to kill him.’ Said the boy who held James back. James looked terrified at Malfoy and Evan who was holding him. 

`I don’t know what just happened.’ James said scanning the floor, blood was everywhere and till he didn’t get what has happened he didn’t feel the pain in his right hand. James never blackout so much, he always knew what what happening around him and now he was scared by his state. 

`Come with me.’ Said Evan, showing him the way to the dungeons. 

James looked again at the unconscious bodies. `I—. What about them? They should go to the hospital wing.’

Evan scanned them. `Mulciber is conscious.’ The boy noticed. `You don’t think it is a good idea to go with unconscious Malfoy who has broken nose and your almost broken hand to the hospital wing. They would take you there too.’

James new that Rosier was right. `You are right.’ 

`I know I am.’ Said Evan. `He will call for help, don’t worry.’ The boys headed to the dungeons, but James scanned the floor again being impressed by his abilities. They were going to the potion class, James wrinkled his brows. 

`We can’t be here.’ He stated. 

Evan snorted. `Since when do you care about the rules, Potter?’ James just shrugged. The blonde boy has pointed at the chair for James to sit down. `Slughorn, lets me to be here after hours.’ The boy explained. `Show me your hand.’ The boy searched for some vials. He touched it and shocked his head. `I didn’t know, you were so full of rage.’ 

`I didn’t know that too.’ James bit the corner of his lips. Evan put some tissue on the other’s boy hand. James hissed and tore his hand away. `Auch.’ 

`Oh you didn’t think it is going to tickle.’ Evan ironically muttered. `What did he say that got you so mad?’

James didn’t want to say the truth. `Nothing.’

Evan rolled his eyes, feeling that the boy lied. `He mentioned Regulus, right?’

`What? No. He—.’

`Potter. Cut the bullshit. I know you are an animagus. I can feel every emotion in your body. Don’t lie to me because you got anxious as I mentioned Regulus.’ Evan lifted his brow, still cleaning James’s wounds. `I feel everything. Potter. That is why I know that you are worthy of him. That is why I am not going to mention anyone of what you done there because the emotions you had.’ The boy stopped to change the bandage. `Caused me a migraine.’

James took a deep breath. `You feel everything?’

`Mhm.’

`Then why are going to keep it all a secret? If you know what I feel.’ James asked.

Evan snorted. `I know what you feel. Not what he feels. I know, you know, what Malfoy has done that one night. I also know that it was a reason to beat the shit out of him.’ Explained the boy. `You know Regulus wouldn’t like the fact that you did it because of him. I am just giving you a favour.’ 

`Why?’ 

`Because I want to.’ Evan said. `Just be grateful for it.’ James sighed as he understood that Evan knew about his feelings to Regulus and stayed quiet about that. 

`Thanks.’ Evan smiled as he heard that. 

`No problem.’ Evan was making some ointment for James. `Be glad that it is not broken. It is going to take a while before it will heal.’ The boy said. `Put this everyday, that should last for a two weeks at least.’ Rosier gave him a ointment in a small vial. 

James took this and put it into his sweatshirt. `So you know I am an animagus?’ 

`Yes. I know that your whole group is and I don’t really want to know why. Imagine what I felt when they were arguing.’ Evan stated. `I felt yours emotions, Lupin’s, Pettigrew’s and Black’s.’ 

`I feel sorry for you.’ 

`I feel sorry for myself too. That is why I didn’t react, I was overwhelmed by this.’

James got up and again bit the corner of his lips. `Did you tell him that? That I am an animagus.’

`No. Why would I?’ 

`He is your friend.’

`Believe me. Potter. The less you know the better you sleep.’ Said the boy heading outside. `Night. Potter.’ 

Confused James headed to the astronomy tower, to avoid unnecessary question from his friends. He sat down on the cold floor, and looked at the sky. He knew it was matter of time when Malfoy or one of his companions would snitch on him. Latino boy rested his forehead on his knee and sighed. The boy didn’t hear when someone entered the tower. Beating Malfoy so much, helped him with overwhelming feelings to Regulus. 

`Does it hurt?’ Asked young Black sitting next to James. 

James jumped a bit when he heard Regulus’s voice. `What?’

`Don’t play stupid. Your hand.’ The boy pointed at the hand in the bandage. 

`A bit.’ James said. He didn’t know what he should say to the young boy. 

`I know why you did it.’ Regulus said, looking at the stars. `I am impressed. I feel like I should even congratulate you.’

James closed his eyes; He knew that trusting Evan should seem to be a bit too tricky. `Rosier told you, right?’

Regulus wrinkled his brows. `What? What would Evan tell me?’

`That I beaten Malfoy.’ James said confused. `He helped me with the bandage.’ 

The Slytherin snorted. `It was Narcissa who told me about it. He woke up in the hospital and the first things he muttered was, that it was you.’

`Oh.’ James moved restlessly. `Well.’ Gryffindor didn’t know what to say, he felt shameful for loosing control, and it seemed like he wouldn’t want the company of the boy. 

`I need to talk to Evan then. He keeps too much secrets from me I guess.’ Regulus said and smiled a bit. Regulus felt that James didn’t want a companion, so he stood up. `Well. I am going. I think you need to have some time alone. I am not going to disturb you.’ He turned to the doors, but Latino boy’s hand has stoped him.

`Stay.’ James whispered holding Regulus’s hand with the one that was wounded. `Please.’ 

Regulus tensed and sat next to James; He knew that it was probably much for James, he saw their argument and then he beat Malfoy. `Are you okay?’ 

`Yes.’ James said in cracky voice. He wasn’t okay, that’s why he beat Malfoy but he hated to admit that he had a bad day or bad mood. 

`Potter, can I tell you something?’ James looked at Regulus. `You don’t need to be always okay. Bad days are good too. See, if the sun would want to light the whole earth at the same time, it would cause it to part. But it let the night covers the earth for a couple of hours to shows us stars.’ James had tears in his eyes, no one ever explained it this way. `Do you like looking at the stars?’ The Gryffindor nodded. `Then why do you try so hard to not to let them to yourself?’ 

`I—.’ James started but the tears went down his cheeks. `Thank you.’

`I just don’t understand it at all.’ Regulus said. `You are trying so hard to please everyone around you, that you don’t see your needs in between.’ 

James tried not to let a loud cry in front of Regulus. `See, even now. I am telling you that having a bad day is good and you still keep your feelings away. You can cry. You can scream, you can fight. Potter.’ James sniffed. `Do whatever you want.’ But Regulus didn’t expect that James would pull him to the hug. 

`Thank you so much. Regulus.’ The Slytherin sat still, didn’t know how to react. He dreamed about hugging James for so long that it was unrealistic when it happened.  `Are you okay?’

`Why wouldn’t I be okay?’ Regulus was impressed that even after this whole lecture James worried how he felt.

`Because of you know-.’

`My fight with Sirius?’ James nodded. `Potter. I knew it is going to happen sooner or later. I didn’t think much when I was sharing weed with Lupin. It was predictable that it would end this way.’

James remembered that Sirius also mentioned the pills on the Hufflepuff party. `I wasn’t the one who told him about the pills.’ James explained. 

`I know. It was McKinnon. Potter even if it was you, I couldn’t really change it. I was the one who took it. Everyone could say it to him.’ Regulus tried to calm the boy. `You can’t take responsibility for someone’s else deeds.’ 

`I know I just thought that—.’

`So stop thinking. Potter. It is not your fault, nor Lupin’s, nor Pettigrew’s, nor McKinnon’s. He wanted to react that way and you can’t change it.’ 

`But it hurt you.’

Regulus motioned his head. `It didn’t actually. Despite all of this I am not surprised that he said what he said.’

`But how?’ James couldn’t understand why the boy was so calm about it.

`Because I know Sirius. He does everything before thinking about it.’ Regulus explained. `Even if he doesn’t regret this I don’t care.’ 

James looked into the boy’s eyes. The stars reflected on it’s surface. `I am impressed. I would want to die after hearing words like that.’ 

`Well. See we have different worldviews. The last person you should worry about in this conflict is me.’ Regulus assured the boy. `Worry about yourself.’ 

`Why?’

`Because it clearly worries you.’ James pursed his lips because it was true what the boy was saying. `I can’t change what happened, neither can you. You just need to accept that it happened. He will be talking horrendous shit about me. But I don’t care and you shouldn’t too.’ 

James beamed. `Thank you again.’ 

`Oh Potter. That’s fine. I mean I am dazzled of how you left Malfoy.’ Regulus said and got up again. `I need to go. Potter. I know it is your turn to play truth or dare but I am giving you a dare in advance. Try not to worry about mine and his situation.’ 

Potter nodded. `I will try to. Good Night.’

Regulus was holding the door handle when he turned to James once again. `I took care of it. They won’t snitch on you for beating them. Night. ’ Said the boy and disappeared. James laughed under his nose because no one said such a beautiful words to him, even his mother. Regulus was mysterious and often mean, but when he cared he cared with the whole heart and James was the right example of it.