Flying
The following week passed uneventfully. James and Lily went back to work at St Mungos with Willow and Tara joining them to see how the different approaches to healing could work together, while Remus threw himself back into his uni work. They all decided to stay at the Potters that week until they caught up with Regulus again. Dorcas and Marlene also stayed another couple of days before going to visit their families.
“We’ll see you at the quidditch trial on the sixteenth I’m sure.” Marlene said with a grin as James nodded vigorously.
James was up at dawn every morning training, and as many afternoon as he could fit in with work. He now knew first hand what it took to be a national quidditch player and he was determined to get there. Sure he loved working with kids at the hospital, but his dream to play for England had been reignited.
It was late Friday afternoon, a week after James had seen him last, when Regulus knocked on the front door. Regulus had been sitting in cat form at the edge of woods watching James train for most of the afternoon. An extremely indulgent activity, he admitted to himself, but he wanted everyone at the house before he made his arrival known. Regulus smiled to himself at the passion in James’s face as he flew back and forth, dodging the training bludger, catching and shooting the quaffle at the goal hoop. The man was made to fly. Regulus had no doubt at least one team would sign him up for the coming season.
Effie heard the knock and opened the front door on her way to the sitting room where everyone had gathered before dinner. She hadn’t seen Regulus in several years, however the pale, slim young man in tailored casual clothing was undoubtedly him. Regulus hadn’t expected Effie to be the first person he’d see. If he was honest with himself he’d been hoping it would be James. The week of dealing with his family after the Parkinson stupidity had been draining and he’d wanted a dash of private Potter sunshine. ‘Can’t get used to that.’ He thought. ‘That way madness lies.’
“Good Afternoon Mrs Potter.” Regulus said, politely trying to keep the icy coldness from his voice.
“Regulus, or should I call you Lord Black? It is lovely to see you again.” Effie said, smiling warmly and honestly.
“Regulus, please.”
“Regulus it is. Do come in. We’re gathering in the sitting room I believe.”
“You’re joining us?” Regulus asked, following Effie along the hallway.
“Yes. Monty and I have grown fond of the girls and would like to help in any way we can.” Effie said, opening the door to a well appointed room, complete with window seat and fireplace.
“Reggie.” Sirius yelled, jumping up to race for the door, before stopping suddenly as he remembered what happened last time he gave his little brother an enthusiastic hug.
“Hey Regulus.” Said Tara, followed by a chorus of greetings from the others.
“Come in Come in. James, shuffle over and make some room for the lad on the window seat.” Monty said affably.
James and Regulus locked gazes. James felt heat sear through him. Regulus melted.
“Thank you.” Regulus said formally. “Yes you can give me a hug.” He added to Sirius, who instantly threw his arms around him.
“Does that mean we all get too?” Sirius asked, only half joking.
“Absolutely n…” Regulus started before being smothered in a huge hug from Pandora, Willow and James who couldn’t resist the excuse to wrap at least a bit of Regulus in his arms again.
Effie laughed. Regulus was so uncomfortable with the contact, and they all knew it. James caught her attention. Where the others had tackled Regulus from the front, James was hugging him from behind with a look of such sweet sorrow it broke her heart. Effie met Monty’s gaze. This was where their boy had landed and it was going to be a tough road to follow.
Regulus, feeling overwhelmed, had unconsciously stepped back from all the affection into James and instantly felt at home. Safe. Then it was over. Pandora and Willow disengaged with a laugh. Sirius pulled Regulus over to the window seat, leaving James to drop to the floor in front of the fire. James didn’t mind. It was easier to see Regulus from there. Regulus didn’t mind either. It stopped him from going into cat form and curling up on the warm lap for the next few hours.
“Right. Now everyone is here, how are we going to tackle our slight time and space problem?” Monty asked, handing out cups of tea.
Regulus took one. For some reason tea at the Potters tasted better than anywhere else. With a mental shake, he decided not to go any deeper into that thought. “I’ve got some ideas on how to get you back.” Regulus said, addressing Willow and Tara. “But there is no guarantee. You understand this.”
Willow and Tara nodded, hope mixed with trepidation in their eyes.
“I found a document in the cathedral archives outlining a spell which may be the one Nagini used to lure you here, though I still don’t understand why.” Regulus continued.
“Demon blood. Powerful witch with goddess undertones.” Tara said, pointing at herself then Willow.
“Hence Gloriana as well.” James said.
Regulus met the sparkling honey brown eyes and nodded. “That makes sense. Two elder gods with different types of followers pulling power from different planes both which are represented by our friends.” He studied the two women curled up on the couch together. “I reiterate you know there is no guarantee this will work?”
Willow squeezed Tara’s hand. “Probability of success?”
There was a knock at the front door. Closest to the door, Effie went to answer it. She came back a moment later and handed Regulus an envelope. Regulus gave a low laugh.
“To answer your question. Reasonable.” Regulus said.
Filled with curiousiry, Sirius read the note contained in the envelope. “Merlin! What did you do?” He asked, staring at his little brother.
“Yay. It worked.” Pandora said brightly into the silence.
“It appeared it did.”
“Stop being cryptic Black and tell us what you’re talking about.” Remus growled
“You remember how Voldemort and Nagini were found in France?” Everyone nodded. “Well I ran a little experiment to test a theory and it worked.” Regulus said smugly.
“What did you do?” Monty was becoming wary. He’d received some disturbing news that morning and his gut was telling who was responsible for it.
“I simply sent some, not gentlemen that implies too much worth, some men to the continent for a small holiday. I sent them a week ago. They arrived this morning.”
“How did you send them?” Monty said.
“With magic. Through a wall.”
“Where did they end up?”
“The Black Cathedral in Budapest. Don't worry. I sent them intact and they arrived intact. I did contemplate seeing what would happen if I removed an appendage first but I couldn’t be bothered.”
“Do I want to know who?”
“You already do.” Regulus responded, calmly meeting Monty’s hardened dark blue gaze. “And before you ask, they kidnapped and tortured my friends to lure me into a trap, then attacked me.”
James shivered at the glacial tone and stoney eyes flashing with anger. This was not a Regulus anyone should ever cross.
“Are you telling us, that you sent people into the future from one country to another? And it worked?” Effie asked, breaking the tension stretching between Monty and Regulus. They had the same cold, steely core, she realised. It was what made them so good at what they did. Effie looked at her son's open face, taking in all the conflicting emotions on display. If James could temper that steel, the two had great potential together.
“Yes.” Regulus and Monty said at the same time, gazes never wavering from each other.
“Wow! That gives us hope.” Willow said. “What do you need from us?”
Regulus raised a brow at Monty, then looked over at the Americans. “Excellent visualisation. I can’t recreate Nagini’s spell completely but from what I’ve discovered we can do our own version using the elements you’ve remembered. Timing is also important. You arrived on a waning gibbous moon just before the last quarter in October so we’re going to attempt to send you back on the same phase this month - three lunar months since you left.”
“That’s the 26th and 27th.” Remus said, moon phases etched in his head forever.
“You said we? Is that all of us?” James asked, doing his best to keep a lid on his excitement. He’d forgotten how much fun learning new magic could be.
“If you’re willing.” Regulus replied, holding James' gaze this time.
“Of course we are. Just like old times.” Sirius beamed, knocking shoulders with Regulus, who turned and glared at him.
“Do we need to practice?” Tara asked, ever practical.
“I’d say yes, however I’m not sure how you would go about it.” Regulus admitted after a moment
“Also where? Willow said something about where it began.” Lily said, joining the conversation for the first time.
“Fowey.” James said. ‘Where it all began.’ He thought, remembering the first kiss on Halloween, and the passion Regulus had ignited in him the following night. He looked up and met silver-blue eyes alight with the same memory. It took all his self control not to fling caution to the wind and simply run away with Regulus Black right now.
‘They all know.’ Effie thought, watching the interaction. ‘Except Sirius who doesn’t want to.’ She met her husband’s concerned gaze and nodded slightly. The hug Pandora and Willow had initiated, gave James permission to join in. The vacant spot in front of the fireplace where Willow had been sitting, so James and Regulus could look at each other without it appearing obvious.
“Well in that case, we’d better organise accommodation for a few days in Fowey.” She said brightly. “Why don’t you go down on the twenty …”
“Fifth.” James and Regulus said in unison.
“I was going to say the 22nd, but if you think the 25th is better, then that works too.” Effie responded.
“Regulus gets married on the twenty second.” Pandora said quietly, seeing the confused look on Effie's face.
Effie turned to Pandora who had been idly playing with Lily’s long red curls. Pandora shrugged. “The future is cloudy right now. There’s a storm coming and I can’t see where the stars will land. I’m hoping they land the right way up. Upside down stars are tricky to handle.” She said, frowning slightly. “Broken points and claws, with scratches along the tail winds, are also a probability. Though less likely. Hmmmm. Need to get the cottage in order.”
“Don’t worry. You get used to it.” Lily smiled from the floor. “They’ll work it out.” She added with more conviction than she felt.
The room lapsed into silence. Each lost in their own thoughts. Regulus let his gaze wander round the group. He hadn’t missed the interactions between the older Potters. He didn’t know how he felt about that. His gaze settled back on James. Why such a generous, gregarious, sunny-souled human was in love with a mean, cold-spirited creature such as him, Regulus couldn’t fathom. Ultimately, it didn’t matter. Regulus had set his path. James would have his own soon too. They would rarely, if ever, cross.
Winnie entered as the conversation restarted. “I thought you might be hungry.” She said placing plates of cakes and fresh pots of tea on the central coffee table.
“Winnie, you're a gem.” Sirius said. “Thank you.”
“You are welcome. Will young Master Regulus be staying for dinner?” Winnie asked
“I’m afraid not Winnie, though I thank you for thinking of me.” Regulus said, more warmly than Effie had expected.
“Please give my regards to Kreacher when you see him next.”
“I will.”
Winnie and Regulus nodded slightly to each other before Winnie left to return to her domain.
“You know our house elf?” Monty asked incredulous
“We’ve met.”
Monty looked at his son who shrugged. James knew when they’d met but wasn’t going to admit it to his parents. “Right then. Moving on. The eight of you regroup on the 25th, perform some incredibly complex never been done before magic on the 26th or 27th, sending our friends back to their own time and country, before the six of you return here on the 30th. And I do want a debrief from all of you on that day.” Monty summarized.
There was a chorus of head nods and yeps from the room.
“In that case. Black please let me know how else I can help in making sure Willow and Tara get home in the correct number of pieces.”
“Thank you Sir. I will.” Regulus said, finishing his tea and standing up.
“Reggie. Don’t go yet. At least stay another couple of hours.” Sirius said, voice filled with disappointment. “The weather’s cleared again, maybe we can play quidditch. It’s been forever. And James could use the practice.”
“I cannot possibly play quidditch in this outfit and without a broom.” Regulus said, incredulously, and studiously avoiding the hopeful look on James’s face.
“We do have spare training gear and more brooms then are generally needed.” Effie said.
“Come on Reggie. It will be fun. Let’s see how rusty you’ve got since school.”
“Is that a challenge?”
“Certainly is. You up for it?”
Regulus struggled with himself for a long moment. He hated passing up a challenge.
“Come on Regulus. We’ve never seen you on a broom. Are you as good as the others?” Tara asked.
“Better. Fine. You’re on Brother mine.” Regulus ground out.
Pandora squealed.
“In that case we’ll meet you on the pitch in ten minutes. Sirius lend Regulus some appropriate clothes. James find him a decent broom. Everyone else, get blankets and go watch the match, while Monty, Tara and I change as well.” Effie ordered.
Thirty minutes later, the biggest 3-a-side grudge match Remus had ever seen was taking place, while he sat with Lily, Pandora and Willow on bespelled blankets watching the action.
Tara had joined Monty and Regulus as their beater, while Effie was seeker for James and Sirius. The teams were pretty evenly matched, as Monty, Effie and Sirius often joined James to train, so had kept their skills sharp. Tara had turned out to be a natural, making up for what she lacked in finesse with sheer strength and determination. Regulus was like an eagle, hovering patiently and diving with precision whenever he saw the snitch.
“Wow.” Breathed Lily. “This is fierce. What’s actually going on?”
Willow watched for a moment before answering. “Years of built up resentment between the brothers. And way too much sexual tension between James and Regulus, which our dearest Reggie is using to his advantage.”
Lily gave a soft laugh. “Poor James. He did that to a Hufflepuff beater in fifth year. He’d smile or wink at her causing her to misdirect, or completely miss, the bludger and then sail past with the quaffle.”
“Karma.” Willow said. “What happened between the Black brothers? I get the impression their parents abused them pretty badly as kids, but how did Sirius end up here and not Regulus.”
Lily and Remus shared a look. It wasn’t really their story to tell.
“Regulus made a deal with their mother to keep Sirius safe. Sirius thinks Regulus betrayed him. The moment Regulus steps too far out of line, Walburga will kill Sirius and James. And probably Monty and Effie.” Pandora said, tears filling her eyes.
“Goddess! Why hasn’t Regulus told them?” Willow was astounded.
“Pride. Love. Fear. He may be more powerful than Walburga and Orion combined, but they’re still his parents and that’s a difficult emotional connection to break. Especially after years of suppression and abuse.” Pandora said. “We do everything we can to help. The kringleshacks are particularly fond of him, though they won’t tell me why. I think they’re kindred spirits. Cold, charcoal-hearted, creatures.”
“So not a villain with a heart of gold then?”
“Oh no! Gold is not at all useful. Charcoal can be used to keep you warm and for drawing pictures.” Pandora beamed.
Willow shook her head and smiled. Pandora in person made only slightly more sense than she did in her books. That was going to be a fantastic story to tell when they got home. She wondered if they could get a photo together.
“Of course.” Pandora said. “You’ll need proof to show your friends.”
Lily laughed at the shocked look on Willow's face, and kissed Pandora's cheek. “You’re supposed to wait until someone verbalises their thoughts before you answer them.” She said smiling.
“Piffle.” Pandora said, then immediately “Ooh. That’s going to hurt.”
Twenty seconds later James got smashed by the bludger and found himself hanging upside on his broom as the snitch circled his head and darted off.
Tara cheered. Effie dove for the snitch only to be beaten by a millisecond by Regulus, who grinned smugly at his brother, snitch in hand. The spectators cheered. The game was over.
Hot and sweaty, the six players landed on the slushy, snow covered field. Remus guided the floating blanket back to the ground and waited for everyone to disembark before removing the spell. With deft movements, he caught and folded the blanket before it got soaked through.
“Excellent game.” James said, from where he lay moving his arms and legs in the slush.
“What on earth are you doing Potter?” Regulus asked, staring down at James.
“Making a snow fairy. Want to join me?” James said, grinning up at the bemused Regulus, a wicked gleam in his eyes as he slowed down his movements. “I can show you how it’s done.”
“I’m fine. Thanks.” Regulus said, keeping the lewd thoughts invading his mind off his face
“Squeee. This is fun.” Pandora said from behind Regulus.
Regulus turned in a slow circle. Sirius, Lily, Monty, Tara and Willow had also collapsed into the slush. “Oh Seriously!”
“I’m Sirius. And this is fun. Seriously.”
Effie laughed. “Come back to the house and have a cup of cocoa.” She said. “This lot will follow soon enough. You too Remus.”
With a long suffering sigh, Regulus took a last look at James spread eagled on the ground. What he was going to do to that man if he ever got the chance was quite a delicious thought.
Remus laughed. “Yep.” He said, looking at Sirius in much the same way. “Come on. Effie makes the best hot chocolates.”
Too filled with the emotions that came from spending time with this group, Regulus walked with Remus back to the house.