The Pettigrew Ball
The Pettigrew Ball was a grand affair, attended by the who’s who of high society. The Pettigrew family spared no expense in decorating their sprawling manor, which was adorned with glittering chandeliers, elegant tapestries, and luxurious furnishings. The ballroom was filled with guests dressed in their finest, their laughter and chatter mingling with the strains of an orchestral ensemble.
James Potter and Remus Lupin arrived fashionably late, as was James’s style. James, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit that complemented his confident demeanor, exuded an air of ease and charm. Remus, looking dapper and slightly more reserved, stayed close to James, scanning the room for familiar faces.
As they made their way through the throng of guests, exchanging polite greetings and pleasantries, James’s eyes caught sight of Regulus Black standing alone near the edge of the ballroom. Regulus was dressed in a finely tailored suit that fit his slender frame perfectly, his dark hair impeccably styled, and his grey eyes scanning the crowd with an air of detachment.
A mischievous smirk played on James’s lips as he nudged Remus and nodded toward Regulus. “Look who we have here, Remus. The ever-dour Regulus Black. Let’s go say hello, shall we?”
Remus sighed, knowing that James’s idea of “saying hello” was likely to involve some form of teasing. “James, maybe we should just leave him be. He doesn’t seem to be in the best of moods.”
But James was already striding towards Regulus, his grin widening. “Nonsense, Remus. It’s a party. Everyone should be having fun.”
Regulus noticed them approaching and straightened, his expression turning wary as James came to a stop in front of him. “Potter,” Regulus greeted coolly, his tone devoid of warmth. “Lupin.”
“Black,” James replied with a mockingly formal nod. “Enjoying the party?”
Regulus’s eyes narrowed slightly. “It’s adequate.”
James chuckled, glancing over Regulus’s attire with a critical eye. “Adequate, huh? I must say, you’ve certainly dressed for the occasion. Though I couldn’t help but notice—” He paused for effect, his tone dripping with feigned concern. “—that your suit seems a bit... dated. Did you raid your father’s wardrobe?”
Regulus’s jaw tightened, but he kept his composure. “I wasn’t aware that fashion critique was one of your many talents, Potter.”
“Oh, it’s not,” James replied airily. “But I do have an eye for detail. And well, I thought I’d offer some friendly advice. Maybe something a bit more contemporary next time?”
Remus shot James a reproachful look. “James, that’s enough.”
But James was not deterred. “I’m just trying to help, Remus. You know how these high society events are. Appearances matter.”
Regulus’s eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his voice steady. “Thank you for your unsolicited advice, Potter. I’ll be sure to give it the consideration it deserves.”
James grinned, clearly enjoying the provocation. “Good to hear, Black. After all, we wouldn’t want anyone mistaking you for a relic of the past.”
Remus, sensing the growing tension, placed a hand on James’s arm. “James, let’s get a drink, shall we?”
James allowed himself to be led away, but not without a final parting shot. “Enjoy the ball, Regulus. Try not to brood too much.”
As they walked away, Remus couldn’t help but shake his head. “Why do you always have to provoke him, James?”
James shrugged, still smirking. “It’s just a bit of fun, Remus. Besides, someone needs to bring him down a peg or two. He’s always so insufferably uptight.”
Remus sighed, knowing that there was little point in arguing with James when he was in this mood. “Just try not to make too many enemies, alright?”
James laughed, clapping Remus on the back. “Don’t worry, Remus. I’ve got plenty of charm to spare.”
Meanwhile, Regulus watched them walk away, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. He took a deep breath, willing himself to remain calm. He wouldn’t let James Potter get under his skin, no matter how hard he tried.
As the evening wore on, Regulus tried to enjoy the ball, but James’s words kept echoing in his mind. It wasn’t just the teasing; it was the way James seemed to take pleasure in making him feel small, insignificant. And the worst part was, Regulus couldn’t shake the feeling that there was some truth to what James had said.
Lost in his thoughts, Regulus didn’t notice when someone approached him until they spoke. “Regulus, are you alright?”
He looked up to see Sirius standing there, concern etched on his face. “I’m fine, Sirius. Just... thinking.”
Sirius frowned. “Did something happen?”
Regulus shook his head. “It’s nothing. Just Potter being his usual obnoxious self.”
Sirius’s expression darkened. “What did he say?”
Regulus sighed, deciding it was best not to dwell on it. “Nothing important. Let’s just enjoy the ball.”
But as he tried to lose himself in the festivities, Regulus couldn’t help but cast occasional glances in James’s direction. He saw the way James laughed and charmed those around him, effortlessly fitting into the social scene. And he couldn’t shake the feeling that no matter how hard he tried, he would always be the outsider, the one who didn’t quite belong.
Yet, as much as he hated to admit it, there was something about James that fascinated him. He was infuriating, arrogant, and completely insufferable—but he was also undeniably captivating. And that, perhaps, was the most frustrating thing of all.
Regulus Black, looking resplendent in a finely tailored suit, stood near the refreshment table, a flute of champagne in hand. He was doing his best to enjoy the evening, despite the earlier unpleasant encounter with James Potter. Regulus had managed to put on a brave face, engaging in polite conversation and even allowing himself a few moments of genuine amusement.
As he took a sip of his champagne, he felt a presence beside him. Turning slightly, he saw Lucius Malfoy, a man known for his imposing presence and sharp wit. Lucius was impeccably dressed, his platinum blond hair tied back neatly, his cold, calculating eyes scanning the room before settling on Regulus.
“Regulus,” Lucius greeted smoothly, a smile playing on his lips. “It’s been too long.”
“Lucius,” Regulus replied, his voice polite but guarded. “It has indeed.”
Lucius moved closer, his eyes glittering with an inscrutable intent. “You look quite dashing tonight. The suit suits you.”
“Thank you,” Regulus replied, uncomfortable under Lucius’s intense gaze. He took a step back, but Lucius followed, his hand brushing against Regulus’s arm.
“You know,” Lucius said, his voice low. He brought his hand to Regulus' back, lowering it to the curve of his arse. “You’re wasted on these plebeians. You deserve to be among those who truly appreciate you.”
Regulus stiffened at the touch, trying to pull away, but Lucius’s grip tightened. “Let go, Lucius,” he said, his voice firm.
Before Lucius could respond, a voice cut through the tension. “Is there a problem here?”
James Potter appeared beside them, his eyes narrowed and his posture tense. He glared at Lucius, who reluctantly released Regulus and took a step back.
“No problem at all, Potter,” Lucius drawled, his tone dripping with condescension. “I was just having a friendly chat with Regulus.”
James’s eyes flashed with anger. “It didn’t look very friendly to me. I suggest you find someone else to bother.”
Lucius raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a smirk. “Very well. I wouldn’t want to ruin the evening with unnecessary drama.” He glanced at Regulus, his eyes cold. “We’ll continue this conversation another time.”
With that, Lucius sauntered away, leaving James and Regulus standing there. James turned to Regulus, his expression a mix of anger and concern.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice softer now.
Regulus nodded, though his composure was clearly shaken. “I’m fine. Thank you.”
James frowned, his eyes scanning Regulus’s face for any sign of distress. “You shouldn’t let people like him get close to you. You need to be more careful.”
Regulus bristled at James’s tone. “I can take care of myself, Potter. I don’t need you to play the hero.”
James’s jaw tightened. “I’m not trying to be a hero, Regulus. I’m just saying you shouldn’t be so... easy.”
Regulus’s eyes flashed with anger. “Easy? Is that what you think of me?”
“I didn’t mean it like that,” James said quickly, realizing his mistake. “I just—”
“You just what?” Regulus snapped, his voice rising. “You think you can waltz in here and tell me how to behave? You don’t know anything about me, Potter. You don’t get to judge me.”
James opened his mouth to respond but closed it again, struggling to find the right words. The tension between them was palpable, the anger and hurt in Regulus’s eyes cutting through him like a knife.
“I’m sorry,” James said finally, his voice sincere. “I didn’t mean to insult you. I just...I know we are not exactly friendly...but I don't want you to get hurt.”
Regulus’s anger wavered at James’s apology, but the hurt remained. “Maybe you should think before you speak next time,” he said, his voice cold.
James nodded, his expression contrite. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
Regulus looked away, trying to regain his composure. “Just... leave me alone, Potter. I don’t need your help.”
James hesitated, then nodded again. “Alright. If that’s what you want.”
He turned and walked away, leaving Regulus alone once more. Regulus watched him go, his emotions a tumultuous mix of anger, hurt, and confusion. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, but the encounter with Lucius and the argument with James had left him shaken.
As he stood there, trying to gather his thoughts, Sirius appeared beside him, his expression one of concern. “What happened, Reg? Are you okay?”
Regulus forced a smile. “I’m fine, Sirius. Just had a run-in with Potter and Malfoy. Nothing I can’t handle.”
Sirius frowned, his eyes filled with worry. “Are you sure? You don’t look fine.”
Regulus sighed, the weight of the evening pressing down on him. “I just need some air,” he said finally. “Can we go outside?”
Sirius nodded, slipping an arm around his brother’s shoulders. “Of course. Let’s get out of here.”
Together, they made their way through the crowd and out into the cool night air. The garden outside the Pettigrew manor was beautifully lit, the soft glow of lanterns casting a warm light over the neatly trimmed hedges and vibrant flowers.
Regulus took a deep breath, the fresh air helping to clear his mind. “Thank you, Sirius,” he said quietly.
Sirius smiled, giving his brother a reassuring squeeze. “Anytime, Reg. You know I’m always here for you.”
As they walked through the garden, Regulus couldn’t help but think about James’s words. Despite his anger, a part of him couldn’t deny the truth in what James had said. He did need to be more careful, to protect himself from those who sought to take advantage of him.
But the way James had said it, the condescension and judgment in his tone, had cut deep. Regulus didn’t know what to make of it, or of the confusing mix of emotions that James seemed to stir in him.
For now, though, he was grateful for his brother’s presence, for the comforting familiarity of Sirius’s support. Together, they walked through the garden, the tension of the evening slowly melting away in the cool, quiet night.