Fated Encounters

James was having an awful day. Remus and Sirius were fighting over something so insignificant, it was ridiculous. The real reason they were at each other’s throats was because they couldn’t just open their eyes and see what was actually going on.

They were in love. Like head over heels in love. Except, neither of them were aware of the other.

Watching them dance around each other was like watching a train de-rail in slow motion.

Suffice it to say, James was avoiding the room at present. After skipping lunch, choosing to get some quiet by the lake instead, he went to Potions.

It all went down hill from there.

Slughorn was prepping them for the brew they would be making at the end of the week. Because it’s advanced, he was taking extra days to ensure the class is well informed on the ingredients, the procedure, the color.

Usually this description of the potion would include the smell.

But for this specific brew, the smell was in the nose of the beholder.

Amortentia. Of course. A highly addictive love potion.

Every single year it’s the most excruciating, tense, frustrating week for fifth year students. Dramatic turns of events left and right.

James, on the other hand, was bored out of his skull. Who can blame him for daydreaming? Sluggie’s voice monotonously droned on in the background as James mind was whisked away to the forest, or to the pitch.

Dreams of wind in his hair or steady reliable dirt under his hooves.

Slughorn called him out.

“Mr. Potter, are we interrupting?”

James didn’t have the energy to look shameful.

“No, Professor.”

“If this potion is not brewed correctly it could cause serious damage to not only you and other students, but to the classroom. Would you care to pay attention so we aren’t all stained red, come week’s end?”

James nodded, not wanting to speak. He could feel Sirius and Remus watching him from opposite sides of the room. But he wasn’t in the mood for either of them right now.

James forced his eyes to stay focused on the professor but still allowed fanciful fantasies to pass by his minds eye.

When the lesson was finally over, James was the first out the door.

He needed to be alone right now. But he couldn’t think of a single place on the grounds that wouldn’t have at least a few people present.

When his eyes finally landed on the solution, he b-lined for it without thinking.

A small broom cupboard, tucked away behind a corner where people passed by it and never paid it any mind. Never knew it was there.

Quickly, James rushed inside, checking over his shoulder to make sure no one saw him, and closed the door behind. He leaned against it, eyes closed, panting. For no reason other than that he was frustrated and anxious and people were making everything worse.

Then he heard a shuffle of fabric. Inside the broom closet.

Oh. It seemed this room was already occupied, as well.

It was completely dark aside from the sliver of light coming in the crack under the door.

James decided he would let this person have their place to themselves.

“Sorry, friend. Didn’t know anyone was in here, I’ll go.” He sighed, hand on the doorknob, about to turn it and leave, when another hand appeared from the darkness and caught his arm, holding him back.

The hand was pale and the fingers were long, agile. They gripped James forearm tightly, with some sort of plea he didn’t understand.

James followed the hand, up to an arm clad in black and Slytherin green, then up to a gorgeous head of black wavy locks.

It was only when his eyes landed on the other person’s face that he gasped, fully turning his body around.

Regulus Black.

Gorgeous , cunning, sharp-tongued Regulus Black was sitting in a broom cupboard, with a book in his lap.

That isn’t what caused James to physically react by stepping closer.

No, it was the purple-blue swell of his left cheek. Flawless, pale skin was barbarically interrupted by the bright color of the brutally.

It’s fresh. That’s what James kept thinking. This just happened.

“Regulus.” He whispered. “Who did this?”

The hand that gripped his arm fell away as James took yet another step forward, crouching to meet Regulus at his level. His silver eyes were dulled grey, which should never be. That should never be.

“It doesn’t matter.” Came a whispered response. The small sad, pitying smile that accompanied it broke James’ heart like glass picture frame being slammed into the ground at his feet. “It will happen again.” Regulus murmured, shrugging, eyes focused back on his feet.

James didn’t trust himself to speak with how angry he was. At the world, at circumstances beyond his control, and at whatever barbaric swine had laid hands on the most beautiful boy James had ever seen.

Instead, James slowly raised an open palm to cradle Regulus’ bruised cheek. He ran his thumb over sharp cheekbones, perfectly sculpted. Careful not to put pressure on the wound, he felt his magic seeping out of his fingers, wordlessly doing as he asked it to.

It healed the bruise, completely.

James had always been a little odd in the way he could do small tricks without his wand, without incantations or crystal balls.

This was, by far, the best outcome he’d produced. Sometimes he could half-heal a bird’s broken wing while on a run, but only enough for it to survive and properly get better on its own. Not enough to fly away as if it never happened.

This was different. In a myriad of ways. Firstly, James never did wandless magic in from of anyone, not even Sirius. And second, he’d never dared to try any of it on actual people. Healing humans always seemed a much more complicated, gamble of a process.

James had never wanted to take the chance.

He’s glad he did.

Oh, he’s so glad he did.

The relief that surged through his body when he saw the bruise disappear was something he’d never experienced before.

Regulus was staring up at him, shocked. Silver eyes alight once more, as they should be, clearly a thousand questions running through his head. James wanted to hear them all. Everything. He wanted to know any thought that passed through Regulus’ head at any given moment.

But James couldn’t tell the boy that. Not only did he have enough on his plate as it was, James and Regulus weren’t really ‘allowed’ to speak. Which was weird when he thought about it that way, but Sirius has always been ‘weird’ about his brother.

James knew that Sirius loved Regulus, he did, he had seen it with his own eyes. But he didn’t understand why, even when they were on good terms, Sirius insisted on keeping his brother at arms length. Never inviting him to Hogsmeade or a quidditch match after-party (though Regulus always showed up regardless). Sirius had given them all explicit instructions to let Reggie live his life the way he wanted. He told them not to interfere.

Since that day, a little piece of James’ heart had been silenced, blacked out in the hope of keeping his best friend happy.

Regulus on the other hand, was practically forbidden (by his wretched mother) from speaking to anyone who wasn’t a pure blood slytherin. Especially his brother.

But, much to James’ delight, Regulus had not once thought of ignoring Sirius for that reason.

In fact, the only time Regulus and Sirius were on the outs was when they had a squabble over anything else, school, quidditch, assignments, friends. Anything but home. If they ever did disagree on the subject of Grimmauld Place or the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, they wouldn’t let up until they resolved it. Never leaving it open, knowing that if they did, it could destroy them.

So, Regulus, while he spoke to his brother, tried to keep his other scandalous socializing to a minimum. Spending most of his leeway on Pandora Lovegood, a sweet Ravenclaw girl that had a proclivity for divinations.

James would catch glimpses of Regulus in passing, momentarily wishing to speak to him, to ask him about his day, to get him to insult him. Anything, just to hear him speak.

But he would refrain, knowing that if word got back to the wrong people, Regulus would be in danger, and that was the last thing James ever wanted.

Sometimes, Regulus would look up, just for a second, they would lock eyes, something indiscernible passing between them, before the line was cut and life went on.

Just because they were ‘forbidden’ from speaking, doesn’t mean that fate didn’t have a few tricks up their sleeve.

James didn’t move his hand away, still running a gentle thumb over the smooth skin of his newly healed skin.

Quietly, without breaking the spell cast upon them, he whispered,

“This will never happen again.”

Regulus just kept looking back at him. His eyes were so open and unguarded it threatened to steal the brave lion’s breath from his lungs.

“How…” Regulus began, then thought better of it apparently. Instead, he gripped James’ wrist, the one attached to the hand still holding him.

James gasped silently at the contact. His hands were cold, but left a blaze of fire licking up James’ arm, in their wake.

“Thank you.” Regulus whispered, ever so slightly leaning into the warm hand, closing his eyes. Like he was relishing in it while he could. As if, were it his choice, Regulus would stay there, in James’ embrace.

The older boy was frozen watching Regulus melt into his touch, it flipped his insides into somersaults, his heart tumbling down somewhere in his stomach.

God, he was so beautiful. Flawless.

“James!” A voice calling distantly from outside the broom cupboard quickly ripped James from his floating world of ecstasy.

For a few moments, he had forgotten everything on the other side of that shitty, splintering door. He’d been lost in a haze of Regulus Black.

Fuck. He was in trouble.

The voice came again, closer. It was Sirius.

“James! I know you’re here somewhere.”

Shit. James left the map in the room that morning. Shit.

Even with the impending shadow of Sirius upon them, James made no move to take his hand away, nor did Regulus remove his own grip from James’ wrist.

The world may go on, but they would hold each other as long as it allowed.

James remembered, right then. Though, he’d left the map, he had thought to grab the cloak.

Reluctantly, he turned to his bag, abandoned by the door, and unbundled the fabric. After one last, moment of glorious soft skin and gentle petting, James removed his hand and replaced it with the cloak.

“Put this on.” He whispered. “I will take care of your brother.”

Regulus’ brows furrowed, and he shook his head.

“I can’t take this. Keep it, and sneak out.”

“He’ll know I was up to something.” James shook his head with a small smile. “Just take it for a while, you can give it back to me later.” He spoke quietly, still, but threw Regulus a wink that made a blush break out across his skin, thankfully it was too dark in the closet to be noticed.

“Were you?” Regulus asked suddenly.

“Was I…?”

“Up to something.” If James wasn’t really looking, he would’ve missed the minuscule smirk growing on the younger boy’s face. Mischief twinkling in his stormy silver orbs.

James laughed breathlessly.

“I suppose I was.” A faux sighed, shaking his head in disappointment. “You’re a bad influence. Already, I’m breaking the rules.”

“What rules are those?”

“Well, if I don’t get rid of your brother, we will find out sooner rather than later.” James backed away to the door, not willing to look away from him just yet. It wasn’t a long journey by any means.

“Tell him I said he needs to stop being such a thorn in my side.”

“That would be an admission of guilt, I’m afraid.” James smiled. “Whenever you wear out the novelty of that cloak, come find me.”

•••

“I will.” Regulus whispered, watching James Potter slip out the door silently.

“There you are!” He heard, not too far from his spot on the floor. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

“I’m right here, Padfoot.” James’ honey toned voice came back, reassuring.

“Well, Remus is in the room studying and I can’t handle the cold shoulder from him today. Can we do something?”

“Like what, Sirius?” James’ tone changed drastically from one second to the next.

Regulus, shamelessly, got closer to the door, still under the cloak (that smelled so fucking heavenly), to better hear their conversation.

James sounded tired. Very tired. Speaking again when Sirius did not respond.

“It can’t go on like this any longer. It’s been days and I would like to return to my room at some point.”

Regulus couldn’t help but be extremely curious. James not going to the room, Sirius avoiding Remus for longer than a few hours and pretending nothing was wrong, like he had ever accomplished that feat before.

Sirius didn’t even tell his brother they were fighting. But, Regulus did notice he was tense when they spoke, now he knew the reason.

“What do you want me to do, James? I don’t even know what’s crawled up his arse and made him so tetchy.”

“Yes, you do, Sirius.” James stated, agitated, then his footsteps moved further and further from the door, walking away.

Regulus had never seen James like that with Sirius.

Didn’t matter, Regulus made up his mind already. His brother was oblivious, James was exhausted from trying not to pick sides, and the only person who had the bravery and wit to win over Sirius Black was up in Gryffindor Tower, probably moping over a novel.

Well, not any longer, if Regulus had anything to say about it.

Really his reasons for sneaking into the Marauders sacred space were selfish.

When his brother was happy, Regulus was happier.
But when James Potter, the literal sun around which the entire earth orbits and worships, comes sneaking into a cupboard to escape the world, frowning and exhausted, something must be done. Something would be done, as long as Regulus was breathing…but James didn’t need to know that.
James Potter wasn’t James Potter if all wasn’t right in his corner of world.

Therefore, a chat with Lupin was due.

It also gave Regulus a chance to see the room, up close, without his brother and James existing in it at the same time.

He slowly, silently pushed the door to the dorm open after sneaking through an empty Gryffindor common room, which was another oddity.

Perhaps Remus and his brother had driven away more than their roommates, the bickering and angry outbursts probably emptied the whole house.

Remus was, as predicted, lying in bed with his arm under his head, reading a book with a frown etched into the lines of his face.

Regulus got one foot inside when Remus spoke.

“Whoever you are, I can hear your heartbeat.” Clearly not in the mood.

“Well, I think it’s time we had a talk, Lupin.” Regulus suggested, while removing the cloak.

Remus gave him an unimpressed look.

“James sent you, did he?”

Regulus ignored the jolt of his heart at the sound of James’ name spoken allowed, as if it would call to him across a distance.

“No one sends me anywhere. I’m here because we need to speak. This was just helpful.” He shrugged, gentle settling the soft fabric in the crook of his elbow.

“Well, you’ve got me. What is there to talk about?” Lupin’s eyes went back to his book.

“Remus, you are making everyone miserable. And you know. I know you do, don’t bother denying it.”

Regulus watched as the frown on his face changed, it went from frustration to anguish so quickly that the younger boy almost missed it.

“This is ridiculous.” He insisted, nearly pleading with him. “You and he are both miserable without each other, and you are the only one with enough confidence to move. So just do it.”

Regulus hated seeing anyone in such a state, but especially Remus. He was kind, intelligent, reserved. He was also well-read which Regulus appreciated immensely. He excelled in everything because he was diligent in his work, and he was also cursed with one of the worst fates that could ever be bestowed upon a person, let alone a child. Remus did not deserve this heartache on top of it.

Suddenly, the door opened again, rather loudly, revealing a very downtrodden Sirius.

“Reggie?” He blinked several times, obviously confused.

“You.” Regulus whirled around and pointed a finger accusingly at his brother. “You are going to sit right there,” pointing the same finger to the spot on a bed, beside Lupin’s. “And you are going to listen to what Remus has to say.” Sirius opened his mouth as if to speak but Regulus stopped him. “And you will not say a single word until he is finished.”

The oldest Black brother often said when Regulus was determined he looked scarily like their mother. In that instant, he hoped it was true.  It was time for him to get his head out of his own arse.

Silently, reading Regulus’ refusal to take no for an answer, Sirius nodded solemnly and made his way across the room.

“Salazar knows I don’t need to be here for this, but” he gives Remus a pointed look, the boy looked terrified, for a number of reasons. “If I hear this isn’t resolved soon, you will be hearing from me again.”

With that, he threw the cloak back over his head and exited the room, feeling like he’d really accomplished something.