I Go Back Sometimes
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and you’re stuck to me like i sew us together
memories haunt me, i’m losing my mind
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Tracing Regulus Black’s Meteoric Rise: From Child Star to Global Icon
A Timeline of Regulus Black’s Career from Age 8 to Recent Hiatus and Controversy
James settled into the armchair, the studio lights bright and warm, as he faced Benjy Fenwick across the small table. This interview was a routine part of promoting his new movie, Shadowed Truths, due for release in just a few days. Benjy, a seasoned interviewer from The Quibbler known for his incisive questions, greeted him with a smile.
“So, James, Shadowed Truths is quite a departure from your previous roles. It’s darker, more intense. How did you prepare for such a role?” Benjy began, setting the stage with an easy question.
James leaned back, relaxed. “It was definitely a challenge. I had to get into a different mindset, really immerse myself in the character’s world. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to do the project; it pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
Benjy nodded thoughtfully. “You’ve had quite the career trajectory. I remember when you did Eternal Flames. That was one of the only other roles you had that leaned into a darker subject, isn’t it?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “That film had a significant impact, especially considering how young you were at the time.”
James felt a subtle tension creep into his shoulders. He knew where this was headed. “Yeah, Eternal Flames was a really big moment for me. It kind of brought me on the radar for bigger roles, ‘cause it was such a success.”
“Do you think that had to do with your co-actor, Regulus Black? He was always a pretty big name in the industry, considering he had his ‘big break’ when he was fourteen.”
James shrugged, trying to seem as much at ease as possible. He glanced over to Frank, his bodyguard, who nodded at him in encouragement. “It might. He was in the industry a lot longer than I was at that point, so I think a lot of the success came from him, yeah.”
Benjy leaned in slightly, his eyes keen. “The chemistry between your characters was quite... electric. Many fans noted how convincingly you portrayed that relationship. How did you two manage to capture that so authentically?”
James’s pulse quickened. The question was loaded, and he knew Benjy was fishing for something more than a simple answer. “We… were both committed to our roles. The script was written so powerfully, and we just focused on bringing that to life.”
Benjy smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Authenticity on screen can sometimes blur with real life, especially when you’re young and finding your footing in the industry, don’t you think? There were rumours, of course, about your off-screen relationship. Anything you’d like to say about that?”
The directness of the question hit James like a splash of cold water. He had hoped to avoid this topic, but Benjy had cornered him. Keeping his expression composed, James replied, “Regulus and I were just good colleagues. We worked well together, and that was reflected in our performances. Anything beyond that was purely speculation.”
Benjy didn’t let up. He knew James was lying through his teeth. “It’s interesting, though, how such rumours persist, especially when both parties seem to go their separate ways so completely afterward. It’s been quite some time since we’ve seen Regulus. Given your history, do you have any insight into his recent reappearance?”
James’s head snapped back to Benjy, who looked at him with a pleased smile. Wide-eyes, he looked back at Frank from behind the cameras, who was making a gesture that implied something like ‘keep calm!’. This was the first he was hearing of Regulus’s return, and it felt like a punch to the gut. Trying to mask his surprise, he said, “Regulus, he, uh…” James gulped, clearing his throat before he continued, “ He was always a very private person. We haven’t talked since he left the industry, and if he’s chosen to come back now, I’m sure he has his reasons. I respect that.”
The interviewer sensed the tension, pausing for effect. “It’s always intriguing to see how past collaborations might influence future projects. Fans are certainly curious if we’ll see the two of you together on screen again.”
James gave a noncommittal, fake smile. The kind he put on when he spotted a paparazzi or, like in this case, got interviewed about something uncomfortable. “Who knows? The industry is unpredictable. But I think it’s safe to say that we’re both focused on our own paths right now.”
The interview wound down, but James’s mind was racing. Benjy had been more direct than he had anticipated, touching on a nerve James thought he had buried. As he left the studio, his phone buzzed with notifications, headlines already speculating on Regulus’s return and their rumoured past.
“Was that okay?” James asked Frank, unsure of his reaction to the news of Regulus returning.
Frank nodded shortly as they walked out of the studio. “It’ll do.” He visibly made the pause to let James think that his next words weren’t in addition to what he just said. After a few seconds, Frank then said, “I’ll schedule a meeting with your PR team and Miss Evans.” James nodded. Figured.
The big, glass door made it visible that there were paparazzi waiting outside of the building. James sighed, pulling out sunglasses from a pocket of his jacket. He always had these with him in case of any flashlights.
They exited The Quibbler’s building, the late afternoon sun casting long, angular shadows that stretched across the pavement. The moment he stepped outside, the chaotic symphony of camera flashes and shouted questions enveloped him. It felt as if the ground itself were vibrating with the the moment. Paparazzi surged forward, their lenses snapping furiously, trying to capture every fleeting expression.
James moved with purpose, though the clamour of voices threatened to drown out his own thoughts. The questions cut through the din with alarming clarity.
“James! Any comment on Regulus Black’s return?” one photographer shouted, his voice cutting sharply through the noise.
“Are you two going to work together again?” another asked, a hint of insinuation in his tone. “Or was that just a one-time thing?”
“James, what’s the deal with you and Lily? Are you dating or just faking it for the cameras?” This question, louder than the rest, seemed to try and cut through the protective barrier James and his bodyguard were trying to maintain.
James’s discomfort was palpable, his shoulders tense as he kept his gaze straight ahead. The questions were invasive, the flashes blinding. He had hoped to leave the building quietly, but now the spectacle was anything but. The paparazzi, in their desperation for a story, crossed every line of propriety, pushing uncomfortably close.
Frank stepped in front of him, his presence a solid wall of calm authority amidst the chaos. With a voice that was both commanding and measured, Frank addressed the crowd. “Everyone, please step back. Mr. Potter will not be making any statements today. I need you all to give him space.”
The black limousine, sleek and discreet, finally arrived at the curb, its tinted windows providing a much-needed sanctuary from the invasive eyes. Frank led the way, manoeuvring through the press with practiced ease, his imposing figure parting the sea of photographers.
James slipped into the back of the limo, the door closing behind him with a satisfying thud. The moment the door sealed, the cacophony outside was muffled, replaced by the low hum of the vehicle’s engine and the soft music on the radio. James exhaled slowly, his body relaxing as he sank into the plush leather seats. His head fell against the headrest as he closed his eyes in exhaustion.
“Hey, Alice,” Frank greeted their driver warmly, who smiled at them for a moment without saying anything.
“Thanks for that, Frank,” James said after about five minutes, running a hand through his hair. His sunglasses were now resting on the seat beside him, allowing him to meet Frank’s gaze directly. “I thought they were going to mob us for a second.”
“No problem,” Frank replied, his voice steady and reassuring. “They’re relentless, but we’ve dealt with worse. Just keep your head down and stay calm.”
James nodded, his fingers drumming restlessly on the armrest. “I hate that they’re asking about Regulus. It’s like they’re trying to dig up something scandalous. I haven’t even spoken to him since he went off the radar.”
“I know,” Frank said, his tone even. “They’re always looking for a story, and they don’t care how they get it. But you handled it well. Ignoring them is sometimes the best approach.”
James sighed, looking out of the window as the cityscape slid by. “It’s just... all this speculation. It’s annoying and uncomfortable. And the way they pushed for personal details—it’s like they don’t see us as people.”
“Unfortunately, that’s the price of fame,” Frank said. “But it doesn’t make it any easier. Just remember, you’ve got a lot of support. Sirius, Mary, Remus, Peter, Lily, your fans. Those people like you for who you are, not for the headlines.”
James turned back to Frank, a wry smile touching his lips. “You sound like you’ve had to deal with this kind of thing before.”
“More times than I’d like to count,” Frank admitted. “But it’s part of the job. My main priority is making sure you’re safe and keeping you out of the public eye when you need it.”
“Appreciate that,” James said, his voice softening. “Sometimes I forget how much goes into managing this side of things. I was just so caught off guard by the Regulus stuff. It’s like... it’s not just about him coming back. It’s about everything that happened.” Everything we were.
Everything we aren’t anymore.
Frank’s gaze was steady, his expression empathetic. “I get it. It’s hard when past relationships get dredged up—“
“It wasn’t a relationship,” James defended himself quickly. It wasn’t. It was a fling, some affair that was barely even worth to talk about.
Frank looked at him with a bit of pity in his eyes. James didn’t like that. “Especially,” he continued, “when you’re trying to move forward. But focus on what’s ahead. You’ve got a lot to look forward to with the premiere coming up.”
James nodded, taking a deep breath. “You’re right. Thanks for keeping me grounded, Frank.”
The limo rolled on, the distant city lights reflecting off the windows. James closed his eyes slowly and felt his mind drifting away.