Chapter 4
"Bloody hell, Remus!" Regulus exclaimed, gripping the edge of his seat. Two British kids, neither with a license—how bad could it be? Very bad. They'd almost run into two stop signs and hit the curb three times. How had Remus even talked him into this? Regulus had gotten a car for his birthday last year, but no one had bothered to teach him to drive. So here was Remus, currently trying to teach him, despite not knowing how to drive himself.
"Shit!" Remus swerved, narrowly avoiding three masked figures near their school. Regulus sighed—they were totally screwed. One of the masked figures then flipped them off before recognizing them.
"Reggie?" The voice was familiar. Too familiar.
"Sirius?"
The three individuals looked at each other before promptly unmasking themselves.
Ah.
"Why are you three lurking at school with masks on?" Regulus demanded, trying to mask his panic with indignation.
Sirius crossed his arms, a mischievous glint in his eye. "What are you two doing driving without licenses?"
Regulus opened his mouth to retort but found himself at a loss for words. Peter, always the diplomat, chimed in, "Let's just pretend we didn’t see anything and move on, yeah?"
They all silently agreed with a series of awkward nods, each too embarrassed to press further.
Sirius's eyebrows furrowed after a moment of awkward silence. "Wait a second, you're driving around without a license? That's dangerous, Reg!"
"Yes, and breaking and entering is also dangerous," Regulus shot back, narrowing his eyes as he heard James snicker in the background.
"Newsflash, we're not breaking anything," James replied with a grin. "Just bending a few rules."
Regulus rolled his eyes. "Sure, because sneaking around in masks is completely normal."
Sirius then promptly marched over to the car, looking between Remus and Regulus. "Really, Remus? I thought you'd be better than this. Teaching someone to drive without a license?"
Remus threw his hands up in defense. "In my defense, I thought it would be easier than it is."
Regulus raised an eyebrow. Sirius then ushered Remus out of the car. "I'm driving you home," Sirius declared, sliding into the driver’s seat.
Regulus’s face became horrified. "No, no, no—definitely not."
"Why not?" Sirius asked, clearly baffled.
Regulus stared at his older brother. "You know how that neighborhood is—gossipy old ladies and all. You driving me home would be the talk of the town by morning."
Sirius stopped, realizing this was true. He thought for a moment before having a literal light bulb moment. "James, you drive him."
"What?" the two said in unison.
"Did you not hear me? Drive him," Sirius insisted. "You have a license, right?"
James rolled his eyes but shrugged, moving to the driver’s seat. "Fine, but if we get caught, I’m blaming you, Sirius."
Regulus sighed, sliding into the passenger seat. "This is such a bad idea."
James grinned, adjusting the mirrors. "Relax, Reg. How hard can it be?"
As they drove off, Sirius, Remus, and Peter watched them go. "Think they’ll be okay?" Remus asked, still looking a bit nervous.
Sirius chuckled. "They'll be fine."
Peter, who had been quiet up until now, looked at Remus curiously. "So, what was it like teaching him?"
Remus smirked. "Honestly? Terrifying. He’s a natural at being terrible."
---
The car ride was uneventful and eerily quiet. Well, not until James played the most hideous music Regulus had ever heard.
Regulus glared at James before reaching to turn it down. "Seriously, what is this noise?"
James smirked, keeping his eyes on the road. "It's a classic. You just have no taste."
Regulus rolled his eyes, turning the volume down. "If by classic, you mean torture, then sure."
James, still smirking, promptly turned it back up. "You need to broaden your horizons, Reg."
Regulus turned it down again. "And you need to respect other people's ears."
James turned it back up, a playful edge in his voice. "Come on, live a little. It’s just music."
Regulus sighed, crossing his arms. "You could at least play something decent."
"Define decent," James said, glancing over with a grin. "Your idea of decent might put me to sleep."
"Anything but this racket," Regulus muttered. "How do you even enjoy it?"
James shrugged, his tone casual. "It's got energy. Besides, it keeps things interesting."
"Interesting," Regulus repeated, shaking his head. "That's one word for it."
James chuckled. "You're a tough critic, Black."
"Only when it's warranted," Regulus replied, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "And this is definitely warranted."
James flashed him a quick smile. "Noted. So, what’s your go-to music, then?"
"Classical," Regulus said without hesitation. "Something with melody and structure."
"Figures," James said, laughing. "You would be into something as posh as classical."
Regulus rolled his eyes. "It's not posh, it's sophisticated. There's a difference."
"Sure there is," James teased, turning to look at him briefly. "Enlighten me."
Regulus sighed, clearly irritated but playing along. "Classical music has depth, layers of emotion, and complexity that you can’t find in most modern music."
James raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued now. "So, it’s like… fancy?"
Regulus gave him an exasperated look. "It’s not about being fancy. It’s about appreciating something that’s been crafted with care. There’s a reason it’s lasted centuries."
James nodded slowly, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Alright, Professor Regulus, I’ll take your word for it. Maybe you can give me a lesson sometime."
Regulus scoffed, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Maybe."
They drove in silence for a moment, the tension easing a bit. Finally, Regulus spoke up again. "Stop here," he said, pointing to a spot a few blocks before their house. "I'll pick it up tomorrow."
James pulled over and let him out. "Alright, see you then. Try not to get in any more trouble."
Regulus nodded, stepping out of the car. "Thanks, I guess, for...you know, not getting us killed."
James grinned. "Anytime, Reg. And hey, maybe next time, you can pick the music."
Regulus managed a small smile. "If there will be a next time."
James smiled at him. "Later, Reg."
As Regulus watched James disappear around the corner, he couldn't help but feel a strange mix of irritation and amusement. He also felt butterflies in his stomach, but that didn’t mean anything. Definitely not.
---
The school looked like a warzone, but not just any warzone—one drenched in chaos and water. The hallways were lined with plastic cups, each one filled to the brim and precariously balanced on surfaces like door handles, windowsills, and stair railings.
The occasional splashing sound broke the tense silence, and there was a 50/50 chance of getting a bucket of water poured onto you when you opened doors.
Water pooled in small lakes across the floor, reflecting the fluorescent lights and creating a maze of glistening hazards.
Students stood in awe and confusion, their expressions ranging from delight to exasperation. The prank was clearly an elaborate spectacle, and even those who were soaked couldn’t help but chuckle at the audacity of it all.
Amid the chaos stood Peter, Sirius, and of course, James.
Evan and Regulus observed from the sidelines. Evan, barely containing his laughter, watched the scene with admiration. Regulus, though outwardly indifferent, had a small smile playing on his lips as he took in the prank’s scale.
“How do they even pull this off?” Evan asked, his gaze following the water trails and scattered cups.
“Have you ever seen them open a book?” Regulus replied dryly.
Evan nodded appreciatively. “Fair point.”
The crowd of students parted as Professor McGonagall approached, her face a picture of stern disapproval. Her sharp gaze swept over the scene, taking in the cups, the water, and the chaos with a disapproving frown.
The sound of her heels clicking sharply on the tile added a sense of urgency to the situation.
Peter’s confident smirk wavered as he spotted McGonagall. He exchanged a nervous glance with James. “Uh, guys, I think we might be in trouble,” he muttered under his breath.
James’s usual bravado faltered slightly. “Maybe, but it’s not like we did anything that bad,” he said, trying to sound nonchalant but clearly concerned.
McGonagall’s gaze landed firmly on James. “My office. Now,” she said, her voice leaving no room for argument.
As McGonagall led them away, the students watching whispered among themselves, their amusement giving way to curiosity about what would happen next. James glanced back at Regulus.
“Didn’t see anything, right?” James asked, his voice laced with a hint of cockiness.
Regulus’s lips curled into a smirk. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
---
Regulus closed his locker, his mind still reeling from Barty's revelation. "They didn't get in trouble?" he asked, disbelief evident in his voice.
"The staff couldn’t prove shit," Barty explained, leaning against the lockers. "Some people think someone helped them."
The buzz of speculation surrounded them. Students whispered furiously, debating the prank and the possible accomplices who might have aided the mischief-makers.
As Regulus processed the news, Remus appeared around the corner with a grin that immediately set off Regulus’s internal alarm.
"Interesting," Regulus remarked, raising an eyebrow at Remus.
"What does that mean?" Remus’s grin widened, clearly enjoying the exchange.
"Nothing," Regulus replied curtly, unwilling to divulge more. "Just...interesting."
Remus laughed, leaning against the lockers, his posture relaxed. "You know, Reg, not everything has to be a mystery."
Regulus narrowed his eyes, not quite sure where this was going. "You're oddly happy for someone who nearly got us killed last night"
Remus shrugged, his smile never wavering. "Maybe I just like a bit of excitement. Not everyone’s life is as grey as yours."
Regulus scoffed, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "Oh, and your life is interesting?"
"You see that camera over there," Remus said with a smile, pointing to the far right corner of the hall.
Regulus nodded, unsure where this was leading.
"It's broken," Remus continued calmly. "So is the one on the left. This area is a blind spot to everything."
Regulus stared at him warily. "How do you know this?"
Remus just winked at him before walking away, leaving Regulus to ponder why Remus knew all this.
Regulus watched him go, feeling a mix of frustration and intrigue. He muttered to himself, "What are you up to, Lupin?"
But as Remus disappeared around the corner, Regulus couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, his life was about to get a lot more interesting.
Regulus wasn’t the type to join school or club passion projects. He preferred to stay on the sidelines, where it was safe, where no one expected much from him. But here he was, slumped over a chair in the dusty corner of the school library, trying to cobble together a script to present to the rest of the cast tomorrow.
The soft hum of fluorescent lights overhead mixed with the distant rustle of pages being turned, the quiet murmur of other students echoing faintly in the background.
He knew he didn’t look his best right now. He hadn’t slept well for the past two nights, tossing and turning in bed with lines and plot points swimming in his head.
He hadn’t even bothered to brush his hair that morning, letting it fall in a dark, tangled mess around his face. The school uniform he wore was just as neglected—his blazer forgotten in his room, his tie hanging loosely around his neck, and the top buttons of his shirt undone. It was clear that he had given up on appearances, but it wasn’t like anyone would notice.
The library was his sanctuary, the one place where he knew he wouldn’t be disturbed. Remus was always holed up in the art room, covered in paint or charcoal, and the rest of his so-called friends didn’t care enough about academics to even think of venturing into the library. So, Regulus wasn’t worried about running into anyone he knew, and that was just how he liked it.
Or so he thought.
“Regulus?”
The sound of his name, spoken with an all-too-familiar voice, made him tense up immediately. Ah, shit.
Before he could even react, the person had already pulled out the chair beside him and seated themselves comfortably. He grimaced, keeping his eyes fixed on the notebook in front of him, hoping that if he ignored them, they might just go away.
"Do I know you?" he muttered, finally daring to glance up.
The girl across from him let out a light, airy laugh. “We’ve met before, I’m sure. The name’s Lily.”
Of course, he knew that. He could never forget her—Lily Evans, with her bright green eyes and that fiery red hair that stood out in any crowd. She was the kind of person everyone seemed to gravitate toward, effortlessly charming and annoyingly likable. Regulus had secretly hoped she mistook him for someone else, another Regulus perhaps, but no such luck.
“What do you want?” he asked, his tone clipped as he stared down at his notes, scribbles of dialogue scattered across the page.
“I heard you’re doing the script for our movie,” she said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
His head snapped up, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. “Who told you?”
“Alice did,” Lily replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Regulus groaned inwardly, his eyes darting around the room as if to check for any eavesdroppers. The last thing he needed was this getting back to his brother. “Don’t tell Sirius,” he muttered under his breath.
Lily laughed, the sound melodic and utterly at odds with the frustration bubbling up inside him. She moved a strand of hair behind her ear, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I won’t, promise.”
Regulus exhaled, some of the tension leaving his shoulders, but he still felt a bit on edge. “Why are you here, Lily?”
“Just wanted to see how you were doing with the script,” she said, her tone sincere. “I know it’s a lot of pressure.”
Regulus rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of her gaze. “You have no idea.”
She looked at him then, really looked at him—taking in his disheveled hair, the dark circles under his eyes, the way his clothes were practically falling off him. Her expression softened, and for a moment, Regulus felt something close to embarrassment.
“You’re really committed to this, aren’t you?” she asked, sympathy lacing her words.
He shrugged, trying to brush it off. “It’s not like I had a choice. They roped me into it.”
“Well, from what I’ve heard, you’re doing a great job so far,” Lily said, her voice warm with encouragement. “Alice speaks highly of you.”
“Alice is too kind,” he mumbled, his eyes dropping back to his notebook. He couldn’t stand the sincerity in Lily’s voice, the way it made him feel… seen.
Lily leaned in slightly, her voice dropping just a bit. “You’re not giving yourself enough credit, Regulus. You’re crazy talented, and everyone can see that.”
Her words caught him off guard, and for the first time, he looked at her directly. She was serious—there was no teasing or mockery in her eyes, just genuine belief. It made his chest tighten in a way that was uncomfortable and unfamiliar. “Thanks, I guess,” he said quietly, not sure what else to say.
“How about I help you a bit?” she offered, a hint of eagerness in her voice. “Two heads are better than one, right?”
Regulus furrowed his eyebrows, instinctively resisting the idea. “It’s fine, I work better alone.”
Lily didn’t seem fazed by his reluctance. She simply made a noncommittal noise before pulling out her own stack of books, notebooks, pens, and highlighters, spreading them out on the table as if she’d decided she was going to stay whether he liked it or not.
He watched her for a moment, a bit dumbfounded, but said nothing. The silence between them was surprisingly comfortable. As he worked, the only sounds were the soft scratching of her pen on paper, the occasional rustle of pages turning, and the faint, almost rhythmic hums she made as she listened to music through her headphones.
Regulus found himself relaxing more than he had in days. It was strange, this feeling of calm that settled over him with Lily’s quiet presence beside him. He wasn’t used to it—wasn’t used to someone being there without expecting something from him, without demanding his attention or his energy.
Every now and then, she would glance at his work, and he half-expected her to comment, to offer some kind of critique, but she never did. She just let him be, and he found that strangely comforting. Maybe it was out of character for him, but the presence of another person—a person who wasn’t asking for anything, who wasn’t expecting anything—was surprisingly calming.
The minutes ticked by, and for once, Regulus wasn’t counting them down, wasn’t dreading what came next. He lost himself in the work, the script slowly taking shape under his pen, his thoughts coming more easily than they had in days. He felt more focused, more at ease, and he couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, this wasn’t so bad after all.
Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of their free period. Lily began packing up her things, neatly stacking her books and tucking her pens away. She moved with a kind of grace that Regulus couldn’t help but notice, even if he didn’t want to.
As she stood, she flashed him a short smile, her green eyes sparkling with a kind of mischievous energy that made him feel oddly warm. “See you around, Regulus,” she said lightly, before giving him a wink and heading out of the library.
Regulus watched her leave, the corners of his mouth twitching into what might have been the beginnings of a smile. He shook his head, chuckling softly to himself. Maybe Lily Evans wasn’t so bad after all.
—
James turned around, remembering with a sigh that he had promised to pick up a book for Peter. The groan that escaped his lips was almost instinctive as he realized he needed to go to the library. It wasn’t his favorite place—too quiet, too sterile—but James Potter was a man of his word, so he dragged himself halfway across campus to the old, creaky library.
As he pushed open the heavy wooden doors, the familiar scent of aged paper and polished wood washed over him. The place was nearly empty, save for a few students hunched over their textbooks. He squinted, trying to recall the title of the book Peter had asked for, running a hand through his already messy hair as he navigated the rows of towering bookshelves.
He was headed towards the back section, where the older, dustier books were kept. That’s when he saw him.
Oh.
His heart thrummed in his chest, the same way it had when he’d caught a glimpse of that figure playing the piano days ago. But this time, he was over a laptop, his fingers flying across the keyboard.
Regulus looked… different. His clothes weren’t their usual pristine, neatly pressed state. His school blazer was nowhere to be seen, his tie hung loose, and his top buttons were undone. His dark curls were a mess, tumbling over his forehead, but the way the sunlight poured in through the window beside him, casting a warm, golden glow over his figure, made James’s breath catch in his throat. It reminded him of how the spotlight had shined on him in the music room, turning him into something otherworldly.
James stood frozen, watching as Regulus’s curls bounced up and down with each small movement, his eyes focused intently on the screen in front of him. There was something so captivating about the way Regulus was absorbed in his work, his brow furrowed in concentration, lips slightly parted in thought.
He looked like an angel—an angel who had somehow fallen from the heavens and ended up here, in the quiet, dusty corners of the library.
James sucked in a breath, silently praying that Regulus hadn’t noticed him yet. He didn’t want to disturb him, didn’t want to ruin this moment, this almost ethereal vision of him. So, he tiptoed along the edge of the bookshelf, trying to stay as quiet as possible while still stealing glances at Regulus.
Finally, he spotted the book Peter had asked for—some thick volume on magical creatures. He reached up, grabbed it, and held it close to his chest. But his eyes kept drifting back to Regulus, drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
As James stood there, unable to tear himself away, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He quickly pulled it out, glancing down at the screen.
Peter
[3:15 PM]
Did you get the book yet?
James hesitated, his fingers hovering over the keyboard as he cast one last glance at Regulus.
[3:16 PM]
Yeah, just grabbed it
[3:16 PM]
Thanks xx just drop it off at my house later .
Before he could put his phone away, another message popped up on the screen.
Love of my life
[3:18 PM]
Oi, where are you? It thought u were only getting a book whats taking you so long
James bit his lip, feeling a twinge of guilt.
[3:19 PM]
On my way. Just got sidetracked for a bit.
[3:20 PM]
Sidetracked? With what?
James hesitated again, his thumb hovering over the screen as he glanced back at Regulus, still deep in concentration, unaware of the world around him
[3:21 PM]
It nothing
[3:22 PM]
Yeah i dont care just get here already
James tucked his phone back into his pocket, feeling the weight of the conversation settling in his chest. He hated lying to Sirius and he fealt so guilty that he had this feeling he couldnt describe for Regulus but for now, he just wanted to hold onto this moment a little longer.
He took a deep breath, steadying himself before he turned to leave. But then, almost without thinking, he pulled out his phone again. The temptation was too strong to resist. He positioned the camera, aiming it just right to capture Regulus in that perfect moment—the soft light filtering through his curls, his focused expression, the quiet intensity that seemed to radiate from him.
James snapped a quick picture, making sure the sound was off so as not to disturb the peace of the library. He checked the photo, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction as he stared at it. It wasn’t just a picture; it was a memory, a moment he wanted to keep.
Tucking his phone back into his pocket, James turned on his heel, forcing himself to walk away, each step feeling heavier than the last. But as he reached the library doors, he couldn’t help glancing back one last time. Regulus was back to his work, oblivious to the world around him once more, but the image of him bathed in that soft sunlight, looking like he belonged in some heavenly realm, was burned into James’ mind.
He shook his head, chuckling softly to himself as he pushed open the door.
That night, James lay in bed, unable to sleep. The darkness of his room seemed to echo his troubled thoughts. Sirius was just across the hall, but James couldn’t bring himself to share what was gnawing at him. The feeling in his heart was more than confusion—it was a growing, unsettling ache that refused to go away.
There was only one person he trusted with this sort of emotional mess, other than Sirius—Peter. Marlene would have been a good choice too, but Peter was closer. With a sense of quiet resolve, James decided to act on his impulse. He grabbed his phone and, dressed only in his pajamas, tiptoed out of his room. He felt a pang of guilt as he passed Sirius’s door but pushed it aside. He carefully made his way down the stairs, avoiding the creaky steps, and slipped out the back door into the crisp night air.
The cool breeze against his face was a sharp contrast to the stifling feelings inside him. He walked toward the large tree in the backyard, where their old treehouse stood. The sight of it—lit up with Peter’s signal—offered a small, comforting reassurance. The soft glow from the treehouse lights pierced through the darkness.
James climbed the narrow steps to the treehouse, the wood creaking under his weight. He knocked three times on the door before pushing it open. The treehouse interior was warm, a stark contrast to the chilly night outside. Peter was already there, glancing at the wall clock, his face registering surprise as he took in the time.
“Any reason you wanted me to meet you here at—” Peter’s eyes widened as he looked over to the clock across the room. “1:23 AM?”
James, looking troubled and a little disheveled, nodded and moved toward the three beanbags in the balcony area at the top of the treehouse. Sirius had insisted it be built for stargazing, and tonight it felt like the perfect retreat.
Peter sat across from him, concern etched on his face. “James, what’s going on?”
James slumped into one of the beanbags, running a hand through his messy hair. “I’ve been having these feelings about Regulus,” he began, his voice trembling slightly. “I saw him in the music room, and then again in the library this afternoon. It’s this… this strange feeling in my stomach, like when I was a kid and had a crush on Lily, but it’s different. It’s more intense, more confusing.”
Peter’s eyes widened as he processed what James was saying. “James, you, lik—”
“I KNOW!” James cut him off, frustration and panic clear in his voice. “I HATE REGULUS!” The words exploded from him, carrying with them all the pent-up confusion and fear he’d been holding in. His chest tightened, his heart racing as the reality of what he’d just admitted settled in.
Peter looked at him, his face a mix of horror, confusion, and something that looked like pity. “How did you come to that conclusion?” he asked, his voice soft, almost incredulous.
James stared at him, his mind racing. “What else could it be?” he said, desperation seeping into his voice.
Peter sighed, glancing away as he mumbled something under his breath—something James couldn’t quite catch, but it sounded like, “He’ll figure it out on his own.” and “fucking dumbass”
“Please, Pete,” James pleaded, his voice shaky. “I don’t know what to do.”
Peter looked back at him, a reluctant resolve in his eyes. “You’ll figure it out,” he said quietly, standing up. “I don’t think I’m the right person to talk to about this.”
James felt a wave of panic rise in his chest. “What do you mean?” he asked, his voice cracking slightly. “Pete, I need—”
“James,” Peter interrupted, his tone firm but not unkind. “I’m not trying to be a bad friend here, but… I don’t want this revelation to come from me.”
“Pete,” James said again, his voice barely above a whisper, the word heavy with desperation.
Peter sighed, his expression softening. “Think about it more, James. Maybe spend more time with Regulus. Just… give it some thought.”
James blinked, the idea slowly sinking in. “Right, right, I might not hate him if I get to know him,” he said, a spark of hope igniting in his eyes. “Gods, Pete, you’re a genius!”
Peter smiled weakly, glancing toward the door. “Well, I’m heading back. We’ve got school tomorrow.”
James nodded, watching as Peter made his way out of the treehouse and disappeared through the fence that connected their properties. James lingered for a moment, then reentered the house, his steps heavy with the weight of everything he’d just shared. He climbed back into bed, pulling the covers over his head and trying to push the thoughts away.
But as he lay there, a soft, almost silvery light grey seemed to seep into his mind, soothing the chaos within. He couldn’t explain why, but it brought a sense of peace that finally lulled him to sleep.
—
Regulus reminded himself to breathe as he heard the voices from inside. He gripped the papers so tightly that his knuckles began to turn white, and the edges of the paper crumpled under the pressure.
Breathe.
Breathe.
Breathe.
He closed his eyes for a moment, steeling himself for what he feared might happen once he stepped into that room.
"Here goes nothing," he muttered under his breath.
When he entered, all eyes immediately locked onto him. Regulus scanned the room, noting the presence of a few familiar faces.
"Uh, Regulus, I think you might be lost," Peter said, his eyes darting around nervously, as though expecting someone else to speak up.
"No, I’m at the right place. This is for the film, right?" Regulus replied, struggling to keep his voice steady despite the knot tightening in his stomach.
A ripple of shocked glances passed through the group, and everyone stared at him with varying degrees of surprise and confusion.
"Oh, um, okay?" a girl murmured uncertainly, breaking the silence.
The gawking was abruptly interrupted by Alice, who clapped her hands briskly. "Alright, everyone, let's sit in a circle and wait for Professor Trelawney to arrive." Regulus moved to a corner, deliberately choosing not to join the circle just yet. He observed the others, their whispering and side glances making him feel like an outsider.
Soon after, Professor Trelawney swept into the room with a dramatic flourish, her shawls and bangles jangling as she moved. "Good morning, my dear students!" she greeted in her signature dreamy, far-off tone. Her gaze, magnified by her enormous glasses, zeroed in on Regulus. "Ah, yes, the stars foretold your presence, Regulus Black."
Regulus nodded, feeling a surge of discomfort under her intense scrutiny. "Yes, that's me."
"Wonderful," she intoned, her voice laced with theatrical flair. "Alice has informed me of your contribution. Come, join us in the circle, where we shall channel our creative energies."
He hesitated, sucking in a breath as the room once again fell silent, all eyes on him.
"Hey, she said sit down," a girl spoke up, her tone carrying a sharp edge. Her long hair was pulled back by a headband, and her annoyed expression told Regulus she had little patience for delays. He recognized her as Emmeline Vance, a year above him, notorious for her quick temper.
"Let him take his time, Ems," Alice gently intervened, shooting her a calming glance.
Regulus exhaled slowly, eventually and begrudgingly joining the circle.
Trelawney continued, her hands weaving through the air as if conjuring something mystical. "We are gathered here to create something magical, a film that will capture the very essence of our school. And for that, we need everyone’s unique talents. The spirits tell me that each of you has something special to offer."
Her gaze settled on Regulus, piercing through him as if she could see his very soul. "Would you like to share what you've been working on? The spirits whisper that you have been quite industrious."
Regulus swallowed, his throat dry, before nodding. "Sure." He held up his crumpled papers, the words he’d labored over feeling heavier now. "I've been working on the script. It's still rough, but I think it has potential."
The room fell into a hushed silence as the group began to read. Regulus had only completed a portion of the script, but it was crafted with care and attention to detail, capturing the essence of the story in a way that resonated deeply.
“This isn’t half bad!” Emmeline piped up from across the circle, her voice breaking the tension. Her expression softened, revealing a hint of admiration.
Everyone else seemed to echo her sentiment, nodding and murmuring in agreement.
"I told you guys he's great!" Alice beamed, her pride evident as she looked at Regulus.
Regulus tried to block out the compliments, searching for any criticism—something to ground him in the reality he was used to. But no one offered anything negative. This was the first time he had shown his writing to anyone outside his small circle of friends, and the experience was both exhilarating and terrifying. It was nice, he realized, to be good at something he truly enjoyed.
Writing was his thing—unlike piano, where Sirius would always outshine him, or art, where Remus excelled. Here, in this moment, he felt a rare sense of pride and belonging.
Regulus pinched himself, feeling the twinge of pain. Good—it wasn’t a dream. For the first time in weeks, he truly smiled, a genuine, unguarded smile that reached his eyes.
---
The following day dawned bright and crisp, the early morning light filtering through the curtains of Regulus’s room. He stretched lazily in bed, the remnants of yesterday's anxiety dissolving in the warmth of the sun. Regulus had always had a liking for the sun—it was bright, and it made him feel nice, almost as if its light could chase away the shadows that lingered in his mind. With his parents away for reasons he neither knew nor cared to ask, he relished the quiet freedom of having the house to himself.
He made his way to the kitchen and helped himself to some toast and eggs. As he bit into the toast, the simplicity of the meal and the tranquility of the empty house brought him a rare moment of peace. The absence of his parents’ usual scrutiny allowed him to savor the silence and the feeling of being alone but not lonely.
After breakfast, Regulus headed to school. He walked, his mind drifting as he took in the familiar sights of the neighborhood. He still didn’t know how to drive, but he didn’t mind the walk. The fresh air and the time alone with his thoughts were something he had come to appreciate.
During a break between classes, Regulus found himself outside, enjoying the fresh air. He wandered around the school grounds, taking in the scenery. The small pond they had sparkled in the distance, and a few students were lounging by the shore, soaking up the rare bit of sunshine. Regulus made his way to a secluded spot under a tree, pulling out a book from his bag. He wasn’t particularly interested in reading at the moment, but he wanted a quiet place to think.
As he flipped through the pages absentmindedly, his thoughts drifted to how different everything seemed now compared to just a few weeks ago. It was like finding out that other people thought he was good at something had given him a new sense of pride. The praise and encouragement from his peers had sparked something in him, a feeling that maybe he could be more than just the quiet, overshadowed younger brother.
After a while, he closed the book and leaned back against the tree, closing his eyes and letting the sounds of nature wash over him. The distant laughter of students, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, the gentle lapping of water against the shore—it was all so peaceful. For the first time in a long while, Regulus felt at ease with himself, like he was finally finding his own place in the world.
---
The next time Regulus entered that room, he was less nervous. He walked in with a quiet confidence, the memory of his previous success still fresh in his mind. He was ready to contribute, ready to be a part of something.
“Oh, come on,” he muttered to himself as he stepped inside, trying to push down the last remnants of his nerves.
Suddenly, he heard a laugh echo through the room, a laugh he recognized all too well. It was loud, infectious, and unmistakably his brother’s.
“Holy shit, you weren’t lying, Wormy!” Sirius’s voice boomed, full of amusement.
Regulus’s eyes narrowed as Sirius approached him, a smirk playing on his lips. “I’m sorry, do I know you?” Regulus quipped, raising an eyebrow in mock confusion.
Sirius’s eyebrows furrowed, clearly not amused by the joke. “Ouch, Reggie.”
“Fuck off, if you’re only here to make fun of me,” Regulus snapped, turning on his heel to walk away. But before he could get far, Sirius grabbed his arm, pulling him back into place.
“Seriously, what is wrong with—” Regulus started, his voice edged with irritation.
Sirius cut him off, leaning in close, his voice softer now, almost conspiratorial. “I’m proud of you, Reggie. I mean it.”
Regulus froze, his heart skipping a beat. “What?” He blinked, genuinely taken aback. “You’re… proud of me?”
Sirius nodded, his usual smirk softening into something more sincere. “Yeah, I am. I didn’t know you had it in you, showing of your writing to other people- i remember when we were kids you wouldnt show anyone else-.”
Regulus felt a strange mix of emotions—pride, disbelief, and a touch of bitterness. “Things have changed’ since you left,” he muttered, trying to keep his voice steady.
Sirius’s expression faltered for a moment, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. “I know I haven’t been the best brother,” he admitted, his voice quieter. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t care. I do, Reggie.”
Regulus swallowed hard, his emotions swirling. He had spent so long resenting Sirius, feeling like he was always in his shadow, that hearing something like this felt almost surreal. “Well,” he said, trying to sound nonchalant, “it’s not like I’ve been waiting for your approval or anything.”
“Sure, sure,” Sirius said with a grin, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. “But you have it anyway.”
Regulus didn’t know what to say to that. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, unsure of how to respond. The words hung in the air between them, heavy with years of unspoken feelings.
He half hugged regulus before heading over to where James and Peter were sitting.
James, the man who had unwittingly started all of this, offered Regulus a smile—a friendly, encouraging gesture. Regulus responded by rolling his eyes, trying to maintain some semblance of his usual aloofness.
Sure! Here's a version with more depth added to the emotions and interactions:
“Hey, you two! If you’re not joining, you need to leave!” Alice’s voice cut through the moment, her finger pointed accusingly at James and Sirius. Sirius scoffed, pushing himself off the table with a dramatic roll of his eyes. He headed for the door, clearly expecting James to follow without question.
But James hesitated, something pulling him back. He glanced around the room, his eyes flicking from the curious faces of the others to Regulus, who was watching him with a mixture of suspicion and guarded curiosity. James swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the moment pressing on him. He could feel the eyes of the room on him, but his attention was fixed on Regulus. There was something there—something he couldn’t quite place but felt compelled to explore.
“Uh—uhm, I would like to join,” James said, his voice wavering slightly as he spoke. He cleared his throat, trying to steady himself.
The room went silent, the air thick with surprise and confusion. Regulus felt his heart skip a beat, his mind racing to catch up with what he was hearing. James Potter, the golden boy, the one everyone admired and looked up to, wanted to join them? This wasn’t just some prank or a joke, was it?
Alice, who had taken on the role of the group’s unofficial leader, looked at James with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. “Are you serious?” she asked, her voice carrying a note of disbelief.
James nodded, his expression sincere. “Yeah, I am. I think it could be… fun,” he said, though the word felt inadequate to describe the pull he felt toward this group, toward Regulus.
Alice exchanged a quick glance with Emmeline, who shrugged with a nonchalance that didn’t quite mask her own surprise. *Why not?* her gesture seemed to say.
Sirius, who had paused in the doorway, turned back to face James, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “James, what are you doing?” There was a sharp edge to his voice, something between disbelief and concern. Sirius was used to being the leader, the one who made decisions for the both of them. Seeing James take a step that diverged from their usual path was jarring.
James met Sirius’s gaze, his own expression softening but resolute. “I think it could be interesting,” he said, the small smile on his lips betraying a hint of nervousness. “Besides, I’ve got some ideas that might help.”
Sirius stared at him for a long moment, searching James’s face for any sign that he might be joking. But there was no trace of humor there—only a quiet determination that Sirius wasn’t used to seeing in his friend when it came to something like this.
“Are you serious about this?” Sirius asked again, but this time, his voice was softer, less confrontational. There was something almost vulnerable in the way he asked, as if he was afraid of the answer.
“Yeah,” James replied, his voice gaining strength. “I think it could be fun. And…” He hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting to Regulus before looking back at Sirius. “And maybe it’s time to do something a little different, you know?”
Sirius’s expression shifted, a grin slowly spreading across his face. “You’re really going to do this?” he asked, a mix of amusement and admiration in his tone.
James nodded, more firmly this time.
Regulus, who had been watching the exchange with a growing sense of disbelief, couldn’t help the slight smile that tugged at the corner of his lips. He rolled his eyes, trying to mask the strange mix of emotions swirling inside him.
As Alice clapped her hands to refocus everyone’s attention, welcoming James aboard, Regulus found himself stealing a glance at James. The reality of it all was still sinking in.
—
James and Sirius were lounging on the couch in the middle of the Potters’ living room, lazily tossing a football back and forth. The room was filled with the comfortable noise of their easygoing banter, their conversation bouncing from school gossip to weekend plans without missing a beat. It was the kind of day where everything felt relaxed, as if nothing could disrupt their casual routine.
Peter walked in, dropping his bag on the floor with a heavy thud before joining them on the couch. “So, you guys know that film project I’m working on, right?”
James caught the football, a wide grin spreading across his face. “Yeah, Pete, it’s not like it’s all you talk about or anything.”
Sirius snorted, shaking his head with a smirk. “Trelawney and her mystical nonsense. Probably a load of rubbish if you ask me.”
Peter rolled his eyes, feeling the skepticism but deciding it was time to drop the news he had been holding onto. “Well, you might be interested to know who’s part of it.”
Sirius raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. “Who?”
Peter didn’t miss a beat. “Regulus,” he said, watching their faces closely for their reactions.
James’s grip on the football slipped, and it hit the floor with a soft thud as he stared at Peter in disbelief. “What? Regulus? Your Regulus?” His voice was tinged with confusion and something else he couldn’t quite place.
Sirius, who had been lazily slouched in his seat, suddenly sat up straight, his expression a mixture of shock and skepticism. “My brother? In a film project?” He looked at Peter as if waiting for the punchline, half-expecting this to be some sort of elaborate joke.
Peter nodded, his expression serious. “Yeah. I didn’t believe it at first either, but I saw him there with my own eyes. He’s writing the script.”
Sirius blinked, processing the information as if he’d just been hit with a curveball. “Regulus? Showing off his writing?” He sounded both surprised and impressed, a rare combination for him when it came to his younger brother.
James shook his head slowly, his mind whirring as he tried to wrap his head around the idea. He had never really imagined Regulus doing something like this—something creative, something that involved working closely with others. It was almost like seeing a completely different side of him.
Sirius leaned back into the couch, his hand running through his hair as he tried to make sense of it all. “So he’s really doing it, huh?” There was a strange mix of pride and confusion in his voice, as if he was unsure how to feel about this unexpected development.
Peter nodded again, his tone affirming what he’d seen. “Yep, and from what I hear, he’s actually pretty good at it.”
Sirius’s expression softened, his thoughts clearly elsewhere as he processed this new information. “Well, I’ll be damned,” he muttered, more to himself than to anyone else.
James stared at the floor, his thoughts churning as he considered the implications of what Peter had just told them. There was that familiar, confusing feeling in his gut—the one that always seemed to surface whenever Regulus was mentioned. It was like a knot of emotions he couldn’t quite untangle, a mix of curiosity, frustration, and something else that he didn’t want to examine too closely.
Then, an idea began to form in his mind, almost as if it had been waiting for this exact moment. If he joined the project, he’d have a legitimate reason to spend more time around Regulus, to figure out what exactly it was about him that stirred up these strange feelings.
James looked up, the decision solidifying in his mind. “Erh, how about we pay him a visit?”
Sirius glanced at him, a grin spreading across his face as he caught onto what James was suggesting. “We can go tomorrow,” he agreed, a spark of excitement in his eyes. The idea of seeing Regulus in this new light was clearly intriguing to him as well.