Jumpers
The entire Slytherin common room stopped and stared at him, whispers spreading like wildfire. Regulus didn’t care; if anyone dared to walk up to him and try to ridicule him, they would most definitely be taking a dip in the Black Lake.
It didn’t matter anymore, anyway—he was out of the Black household after running away with Sirius to the Potters house the summer before this school year.
But what was with all the commotion, anyway?
A bright red jumper with a lion on the front—that was what Regulus was wearing. He clicked his tongue in annoyance, and Barty, being the asshole he was, immediately teased him for it.
"Gryffindor, huh?" Barty raised his eyebrows suggestively, but he was only met with a potions book to the face.
"Don't need your bullshit today," Regulus muttered, his eyes narrowing.
The jumper he was wearing, given to him by James, had gold and red embellishments with a lion on the shoulders. It was most definitely a Gryffindor jumper. But how did Regulus end up with it? Well, James Potter was an ass who didn’t respect boundaries.
While Regulus was taking a stroll in the garden, the little shit had snuck up on him and pulled the jumper over his head. Was he pissed? Yes. But was it also kind of endearing? Also yes. But he would never admit that to anyone unless he was planning the downfall of his reputation.
Evan, also being a little shit, started joining in on the teasing with absolutely no context of what was happening.
"Why is everyone huddled around Regulus—" Evan began, smirking as he approached.
Finally, Dorcas, the supposed voice of reason, joined the group. But instead of helping, she joined in on the teasing too.
"Kill yourselves," Regulus barked back, his patience wearing thin. His voice was a sharp contrast to the usual calm, composed tone he maintained.
"Love you too, Reg," Evan patted him on the shoulder before walking out of their common room, laughing as he went.
As the group dispersed, Regulus sighed, running a hand through his hair. The jumper was surprisingly comfortable, despite its Gryffindor colors. He glanced down at the name embroidered inside, feeling frustration bubbling within him. He groaned as he sat up, deciding to go to the library before bed. He needed some peace and quiet, a refuge from the relentless teasing.
Regulus found himself in a quieter corner hidden behind bookshelves, trying to focus on his studies. The dim light of the library cast shadows on the pages of his book, creating a tranquil atmosphere. But his thoughts kept drifting back to James and the damned sweater. He felt a presence approaching the little secluded corner of the library.
"Hey," James said, grinning as he slid into the seat across from him. "Nice jumper."
Regulus glared at him, but there was no real heat behind it. "You know, you have a habit of giving me things I don't ask for."
James's grin widened. "Would you rather have frozen?"
Regulus rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips. "You're mental and insufferable."
"Maybe," James admitted, leaning back in his chair. "But you love it."
Regulus scoffed. "Hard pass."
James feigned sadness in his voice. "Ouch, Regulus Black just broke my heart," he said, pretending to clutch his chest dramatically. His eyes sparkled with mischief behind his round glasses.
Regulus glared at him. "I take back the insufferable part."
James smiled at him, the kind of smile that made Regulus's heart skip a beat, though he'd never admit it.
"You're literally just fucking mental."
James's smile widened, and he leaned in closer. "And you wouldn't have me any other way."
Regulus rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress the small grin that crept onto his face. "Don't push your luck, Potter." He dipped his face into the book once more, trying to hide his amusement.
James pressed his ear against the table, his voice dropping to a soft murmur. "Have I ever told you that your eyes are pretty?" James stared in awe of Regulus' eyes, his gaze unwavering.
A scarlet blush came to Regulus's face. "Fuck off."
James laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "Curfew is in half an hour. You should be going back." His tan skin stood out more in the yellow light of the booth, creating an almost ethereal glow.
"Whatever."
James smiled lightly. "I'll walk you to your common room."
Regulus glared, knowing he would get teased his entire life if he walked to the common room with James. But there was also a part of him that didn't mind the idea as much as he pretended to.
"If only glares could kill," James fixed his glasses as he stood up, preparing to leave. "See ya, Reggie."
Regulus didn't respond, his eyes sticking to the book, but James was right; it was nearing curfew, and he didn’t want another encounter with Filch.
Pulling his hair out of his face, he grabbed his bag and the book he was reading, slipping it into his bag. He smiled at Madam Pince before leaving; the librarian had a soft spot for him, so he was allowed a larger variety of books as long as he didn’t lend them to other people.
The walk back to the Slytherin common room was standard. He descended the stairs and passed the large waterfall, stating the password quickly. The painting swung open, and he hopped in. There weren’t many people in the main common room, just a few students huddling over the fireplace and a handful playing cards on the floor.
Twisting the doorknob to his dorm, a few people awaited him inside. Evan and Barty were sprawled out on Barty’s bed, talking about something.
Regulus sighed as he entered. "What's so fascinating?"
Evan grinned. "Just planning our next prank on some unfortunate Gryffindor. You in?"
Regulus shook his head. "Not tonight. I'm exhausted."
Barty smirked. "Exhausted from what? Hanging out with your Gryffindor boyfriend?"
"Shut up, Barty," Regulus snapped, though his voice lacked real anger. He felt a flicker of warmth at the thought of James, quickly squashed by his irritation at Barty’s incessant teasing.
Dropping his things haphazardly on his desk, he changed into his nightwear, telling Evan and Barty to turn off the lights once they were ready to sleep. He got comfortable on his bed, pulling the sheets up. He said his goodnights to the two of them before letting sleep take him.