Rotten To The Core

Regulus’ heart was pounding. What if this goes wrong? What if it doesn’t work and he hates me? What if it doesn’t work well enough? What if what if what if? He was so lost in his thoughts that he nearly missed James altogether. It wasn’t until he bumped into him that he snapped back to reality.

“Woah, hey Reg! Nearly knocked us both over then”

“Sorry, I wasn't paying attention. I was just- well I was actually looking for you” He really struggled to find the words, like as soon as he was with James his mouth and brain just didn’t connect.

“Well you’ve found me! What do you need? It’s gotta be quick though I need to get to the football match” James sounded so happy, god he really hoped this didn’t ruin things between them. He didn’t know what he’d do if he lost James and he’s only just met him.

“I wanted to show you something, here” He said, giving James one of the cards. For a second after he took it nothing happened, but then his eyes rolled back and his arms dropped, like he had passed out but stayed standing. It was freaky but Regulus couldn’t risk getting distracted, he had to do this. He took a deep breath “Ok, here it goes. James, you are in love with me.” nothing seemed to change but after a second he came to, his eyes back to normal. He wobbled for a second but Regulus steadied him by grabbing his arms. He looked sort of confused for a second but when his eyes caught Regulus’ something changed in his face. He smiled.

“James? Are you ok?” no reply. Just a look Regulus couldn’t quite place. It was like a mix of happiness and hope. Whatever it was, Regulus had never seen it before. He tried again “James! Are you ok?”

“I’ve never been better! Regulus, have you always had that rosy tint on your lips?”

“Holy shit. Ok you have to get to football so I’ll see you there.” With that, he turned and walked away, not sure what would happen now. It worked. It actually worked. James was in love with Regulus.

after the football match

Everyone was cheering while the other team walked off the field. They had chosen seats in the middle of the crowd, Regulus in the middle with Mary on one side of him and Remus on the other. Everything was going well and nothing too crazy had happened. “I’m lowkey surprised that love spell thing worked” Remus said, before cheering for Marlene as she ran round the field in triumph with Sirius.

“Yeah, it was pretty strong too. I’m just glad he hasn’t burst into song. I’d rather not get serenaded in front of the whole school on our fifth day.” As Regulus said that, James walked towards the microphone stand where someone was congratulating the team and took the mic.

“Excuse me everyone! I have something I want to say!” They all looked at each other confused, and James continued “I want you all to join in for this ok? Give me an R!” the cheer team and crowd all went along with it, all as confused as each other, “Give me an E! Give me a G! What does that spell?!”

“Shit.”

“REG!” the crowd shouted back.

“I said WHAT DOES THAT SPELL?”

“REG!” the crowd shouted back even louder.

“Fuck.”

“I love you Reg! Did I mention that?”

“Bollocks.”

“Holy…” Remus said but didn’t have a chance to finish because then..

“Give me a beat!” He was going to sing. James was going to sing. About Regulus.

“You’ve got to be shitting me, what did I JUST say!” Regulus said, putting his head in his hands. Mary and Remus were too busy laughing to reply. Then he did it. He actually started singing.

“Did I mention? That I’m in love with you! Did I mention? There’s nothing I can do!”

“This is not happening. This is NOT happening.”

“Did I happen to say I dream of you every day? Well let me shout it out loud! If that’s ok?”

“No it’s not!” Regulus was mortified. He could see everyone in the football team dancing along as well. This was officially the worst moment of his life.

“I met this boy who rocked my world like it’s never been rocked! And now I’m living just for him and I won’t ever stop! I never thought that it could happen to a guy like me but now look at what you’ve done! You’ve got me down on my knees” He actually fell to his knees then. My love for you is RIDICULOUS! I never knew”

“Who knew?” responded the football team, who were still dancing but now singing too. It was a nightmare come true for Regulus.

“That it could be like this!” continued James, “My love for you is RIDICULOUS! My love is R I D I C U L O U S!”

“R I D I C U L O U S”

“It’s! Just! And I would give my kingdom for just one kiss! Come on now!”

“There’s no way this is actually happening. Tell me this isn’t actually happening”

“No mate, this is happening! HAHA this is brilliant” Remus said, doubled over laughing. James faked a mic drop, catching it again before saying,

“Reg! Will you be my date to the coronation?” He couldn’t say no, that would ruin the plan. So he had no choice but to say,

“YES!”

“HE SAID YESS!!!!” James shouted, and the whole crowd started cheering, the football team too. Well all except one. Sirius. He didn’t look happy like the rest of the team, no. He looked angry. Once the team started leaving the field and the crowd got up to leave, Regulus saw Sirius grab James’ arm and pull him into the changing rooms. For a second, Regulus felt bad for Sirius, it can’t feel good to see your best friend declare his love for your little brother. But then he thought that it was stupid to feel bad, it was about time Regulus did something to make him angry. Something to make him hurt. To make up for all the pain he took for the both of them. He was lost in his thoughts to the point where he didn’t even realise Mary and Remus had been trying to get his attention.

“What. The fuck. Was that.” Remus said, still laughing.

“That was bloody brilliant, that’s what it was!” said Mary, smiling and throwing an arm around Regulus. “Of all the things that happen because of that spell, that is going to be the best”

“I’m never showing my face again.” Regulus said as the three of them walked off the field. Regulus was not excited to know what Marlene would say about it.