The Lucky Ones (xoxo)

Chapter 4

Regulus Black

Regulus sat in the chaise in his bedroom, his eyes fixed on his friends. Barty and Evan lounged on the bed opposite him, Barty’s arm draped casually around Evan's shoulders. They were always like that, touching in some way. Regulus never understood it, how they could be so free with physical affection. They were always flirting one moment and trying to kill each other the next, but the one constant was that they were always touching.

Pandora sat beside Regulus, her expression thoughtful as she waited for him to speak, her presence calming amidst the chaos.

“I talked to Sirius," Regulus began, his voice tinged with sarcasm as he recounted his exchange with his brother, "it didn't exactly go as planned."

Barty chuckled, his gaze lingering on Evan as he shot back a playful retort, "Well, what did you expect? The Black brothers aren't exactly known for their heart-to-hearts."

Evan grinned, his hand brushing against Barty's thigh in a gesture that was far too intimate for mere friends. "Yeah, but at least Regulus here knows how to lighten the mood with his sarcasm."

Regulus rolled his eyes at their antics, his lips quirking up in a smirk despite himself. "Oh, please. You two are practically attached at the hip with your shameless flirting."

Barty and Evan exchanged a knowing glance, their playful banter giving way to a moment of genuine affection.

"Who, us?" Barty teased, his tone laced with mock innocence. "We're just friends, you know."

Regulus snorted in disbelief, his scepticism evident in his expression. "Right, and I'm the King of England."

“Oh, is that what you were doing in Switzerland then?” Barty asked.

Pandora intervened, her voice calm but firm as she addressed Regulus with a gentle reprimand, "Come now, Regulus. Let's focus on your conversation with Sirius. What did he have to say?"

Evan grinned, his tone teasing as he added, "You didn't end up throwing punches this time, right?"

Regulus rolled his eyes at their antics, his lips quirking up in a half-smile despite himself. "Very funny. I swear, sometimes I wonder why I even bother."

Barty flashed Regulus a charming smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Because deep down, you know you love us."

Evan leaned in closer, his breath ghosting over Barty's cheek as he whispered, "And because we're irresistible."

Regulus scoffed, but there was a hint of warmth in his eyes as he replied, "I owe you an apology Pandora. Leaving you alone with these two for a year straight… must have been miserable.” He feigned a sympathetic expression.

Pandora cleared her throat, a subtle reminder of their conversation's purpose. "Let's focus on your conversation with Sirius, Reg. What did he have to say?"

“You’re not even gonna defend us?” Barty said in outrage.

“Barty,” Pandora replied, her voice stern. Barty didn’t respond, pouting as Evan rubbed his back.

Regulus sighed, his gaze flickering to the fire as he recounted the strained exchange with his brother. "He's changed, you know. It's like he's a completely different person now."

Barty raised an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful. "And how did that make you feel?"

Regulus shrugged, his demeanour guarded. "I don't know. Conflicted, I guess. A big part of me misses him, and wants to give him a chance, but another part of me is wary of getting hurt again."

Evan’s gaze filled with understanding. "It's okay to be cautious, Reg. Just take things one step at a time."

Regulus nodded, a sense of determination flickering in his eyes. "Yeah, you're right. Maybe I should give him a chance to prove himself."

“Well are you going to kiss on the lips tonight?” Barty asked. Regulus’s eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

“You’re invited?”

“Isn’t everyone?” Evan replied as Regulus looked down.

“I’m not,” he mumbled, a little embarrassed. Pandora wore a puzzled expression.

“Well did you find this out before or after you guys actually talked things through?” she asked, trying to understand.

“Before. he explicitly said so when I talked to him at the steps of the Met, Practically waved the invites in my face too,” Regulus stated. Pandora’s face softened.

“You guys made a commitment to try, and I know Sirius almost as well as I know you. He would want you there,” Pandora counseled. Regulus shook his head.

“You don’t know that, I won’t go where I’m not wanted. You guys have fun, though.”

"And you’re sure you won't reconsider?" Pandora's voice held a gentle persuasion, her silver eyes reflecting the flickering firelight.

Regulus sighed, his fingers tracing patterns on the arm of the high-backed chair. "I appreciate the sentiment, Pandora, but I can't just waltz into Sirius's party like nothing's changed."

Evan leaned forward, his tone soft yet firm. "But things have changed, Reg. You and Sirius have finally started to mend things. It's a step forward."

"Pandora is right, Regulus," Barty added, "Sirius would want you there."

"Regulus, you can't hide away forever," Pandora said softly, her voice carrying a note of urgency. "This is your chance to mend things with Sirius. Don't let it slip away."

Regulus sighed, "But what if it's too soon? What if Sirius hasn't truly forgiven me?"

Evan leaned forward, his expression earnest. "You won't know unless you try, Reg."

Regulus let out a heavy sigh, the weight of their words settling upon him like a cloak. "I'll... I'll consider it."

A small smile played on Pandora's lips as she reached out to grasp Regulus's hand. "That's all we ask, Reg. Just consider it."

With a nod, Regulus rose from his seat, his friends following suit. As they made their way out of his bedroom, Regulus couldn't shake the nervous anticipation building within him. The prospect of facing Sirius, of bridging the chasm that had separated them for so long, filled him with both dread and longing. He wished he could just stay here in his bedroom, with the only friends his mother ever approved of, stagnant. But that wasn’t how life worked, and if he wanted to move on with his, he would have to face his brother. Pandora, Barty and Evan left to go get ready, and Regulus was left standing in the entryway when he heard a knock.

Regulus opened the door and there stood James bloody Potter. Regulus’ eyes widened. He quickly glanced inside, making sure his mother wasn’t nearby before stepping out and shutting the door behind him.

“Hey Reg,” James said as he slipped his hands into the pockets of his coat.

“Don’t ‘Hey, Reg.’ me. What the hell are you doing here?” Regulus asked, whisper-yelling.

“Sirius sent me to talk to you.” Regulus’ eyes widened. James wasn’t stupid enough to tell him, was he?

“You didn’t tell him about what happened, right?”

“No! No…” James trailed off with a nervous chuckle. “I’m not stupid, but we should probably talk about it.”

Regulus pursed his lips as he glanced back at Grimmauld Place.

“Fine, but not here, we can go for a walk,” he stated before turning around sharply and James followed silently. He glanced sideways at James, the fading sunlight casting a warm glow on his features. The crisp autumn air whispered through the trees as James Potter and Regulus Black walked along the winding path that led away from the bustling streets of New York City. The silence between them was thick with unspoken tension, a stark contrast to the easy camaraderie they once shared.

"Reg," James began tentatively, breaking the silence that stretched between them like a yawning chasm, "I've missed you."

Regulus sighed softly, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "I've missed you too, James. But things have changed."

James nodded, his expression heavy with the weight of their shared secrets. "I know. Sirius..."

"James, I... I don't know how to move forward," Regulus confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

James turned to face him, his expression a mixture of empathy and apprehension. "I understand, Reg. It's not easy for either of us."

Regulus sighed, the weight of this secret pressing down upon him. "I've spent the past year away at boarding school, but being back in New York, everything feels... complicated."

James chuckled bitterly, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "Complicated doesn't even begin to cover it."

"What happened between us... it was a mistake." Regulus's voice wavered slightly, betraying the turmoil within him.

James stopped walking, turning to face Regulus with a mixture of resignation and longing in his eyes. "I know. It was reckless and foolish, but... it felt right, didn't it?"

Regulus's gaze flickered with uncertainty, torn between the pull of the past and the complexities of the present. "It did, but... I can't keep living in the shadows, James. I need to focus on rebuilding whatever relationship I have left with Sirius."

James reached out to gently cup Regulus's cheek, his touch warm and tender. "I understand, Reg. I respect your decision. But just know that Sirius wants you back in his life."

Regulus's lips twisted in a bitter smile. "And what about you, James? What do you want?"

James hesitated as he struggled to find the right words. "I want you to be happy too, Reg. Whether that's with me, with Sirius, or on your own. But if you ever need a place to stay, you're always welcome at Potter Manor. That’s actually what Sirius sent me here to tell you. Whenever you’re ready, my mum’s got a room waiting,"

Regulus's breath caught in his throat, the offer hanging between them like a fragile thread. He had spent so long trying to keep his feelings hidden, to protect himself and those he cared about. But standing there, beneath the canopy of golden leaves, he couldn't deny the warmth of James's offer or the longing in his own heart.

"Thank you, James," Regulus murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll... I'll think about it." James's smile glowed, radiant as the sun itself. Yet, Regulus's attention was abruptly drawn to the jarring notification sound emanating from James's phone. He observed with growing unease as James's expression shifted from sunny to somber, a frown etching across his features.

“What’s wrong?” Regulus asked. James swallowed.

“It’s Lily,” he responded as he turned his phone towards reg.

lils: James where are you
lils: SOS
lils: no ones answering the phone
lils: come to the roof. Its snape

“I’m sorry, Reg. I have to go, I’ll call a cab or something,” James murmured absentmindedly, his brain clearly going a mile a minute.

“Nonsense. You will not wait around for a fucking taxi, I’m callling my driver.”

Remus Lupin

Remus stood amidst his friends, a mix of anticipation and uncertainty hanging in the air. Evan, Barty, Pandora, Sirius, Marlene, and Mary formed a tight-knit circle as they awaited the next development. The buzz of conversation was momentarily interrupted as Evan's phone pinged with a message.

"A text from Reg," Evan muttered, his brow furrowing as he read the words aloud. "He said ‘We're here’ and he wants backup. Meet on the roof."

"Regulus?" Sirius's voice held a note of surprise.

"What does he mean by 'we'?" Barty's skepticism was evident in his tone.

"I think he's referring to them," Marlene interjected, gesturing toward the direction of the stairs. Remus followed her gaze and saw Regulus and James, their movement purposeful as they made their way upstairs, James's hand firmly grasping Regulus's wrist.

Before Remus could process the sight, Evan, Barty, and Sirius were already rushing after them, leaving Remus, Marlene, and Mary to exchange puzzled glances.

"Where's Lily?" Mary's voice broke the silence as they trailed behind the others.

"I'm not sure, but whatever's happening, it seems like they're involved," Marlene replied, her eyes fixed on the disappearing figures of their friends.

They sprinted up the stairs, their footsteps echoing in urgency as Evan and Barty led the charge, taking the stairs two at a time. Bursting through the door right after James and Regulus, their hearts pounded with anticipation, the gravity of the situation thick in the air. The sound of Lily's desperate voice reached them before they laid eyes on her.

"Stop! Get... off... me," Lily's plea cut through the tumult, her voice trembling with fear and defiance as they spotted her and Snape. He had her cornered against the unforgiving brick wall, his lips inching menacingly closer to hers while she fought against his unwavering grip.

For a brief moment, the group stood frozen in shock, the gravity of the situation sinking in as they witnessed Lily's struggle against Snape's relentless advance. The air crackled with tension, palpable with a sense of urgency as the rest of their group began to pile out of the door, drawn by the commotion.

James was the first to break the deadlock, his movements swift and decisive. With a surge of determination, he lunged forward, seizing Snape by the shoulder and wrenching him back with a forceful tug. The sickening sound of bones crunching filled the air as James delivered a powerful punch, his actions speaking louder than words.

Meanwhile, Remus's senses were heightened, his heart pounding in his chest as he scanned the scene before him. He felt a surge of protectiveness wash over him as he watched Lily's struggle, his instincts urging him to act. Without hesitation, he moved forward, his movements fluid as he reached out to pull Lily away from the danger, enfolding her in his arms protectively.

As he held her close, Remus couldn't ignore the rush of emotions coursing through him – anger at Snape's audacity, fear for Lily's safety, and a fierce determination to ensure that she remained unharmed. In that moment, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, all he could focus on was shielding Lily from harm, his protective embrace offering her solace and reassurance amidst the turmoil.

"You're safe now, Lily. You're okay," Remus murmured reassuringly as she nodded into his chest, finding solace in his embrace.

James didn't relent; his actions were swift and fierce. Remus watched with a mixture of awe and concern as James delivered a punishing kick to Snape's crotch, causing him to crumple to his knees in pain. The sight was jarring, a stark reminder of the brutality that lurked beneath the surface of their world.

But then, in a surprising turn of events, Regulus stepped in. Remus observed from across the roof as Regulus approached James with a touch that was uncharacteristically gentle. It was a gesture that seemed out of place coming from someone who didn’t know him all that well.

As Regulus's hand made contact with James's chest, Remus noted the softness in James's expression, a stark contrast to the ferocity he had displayed just moments before. There was a silent exchange between them, a wordless communication that spoke volumes. Remus couldn't help but wonder at the depth of their connection, and what it meant for the unfolding situation.

Regulus's slight tilt of the head conveyed a message that James seemed to understand instinctively. It was a silent plea for James to trust him, to let him take control of the situation. And as James reluctantly stepped back, Regulus turned to Evan and Barty, who stood nearby, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. Without hesitation, they stepped forward, ready to assist their friend in whatever way he needed.

"Hold him down," Regulus commanded, his voice steady and commanding. Without hesitation, Evan and Barty each took hold of one of Snape's arms, pinning him in place as Regulus approached.

As Regulus drew closer, his movements were deliberate, calculated, like a predator closing in on its prey. There was an intensity in his gaze, a steely determination that sent a shiver down Remus’ spine.

Grabbing Snape by the jaw, Regulus's fingers dug into the boy’s sweaty skin, his voice cold and lethal as he delivered his ultimatum,"If you ever, and I mean ever, lay one of your pasty little fingers on her again, I will make sure you are blacklisted from every bar, restaurant, school, and firm in the state, got it?" Regulus's voice brooked no argument, his grip tightening on Snape's jaw.

Snape remained silent, his defiance evident in the set of his jaw. But Regulus wasn't finished.

"I said, 'got it'?" he repeated, his tone chillingly calm as he waited for Snape's response.
Snape's reluctant nod was met with a steely gaze from Regulus, who released his grip with a sense of finality before stepping away. Remus's arms reluctantly released Lily as Marlene, Mary, and Pandora moved in to take her from him. Their collective presence enveloped Lily in a protective cocoon, offering her solace and support amidst the turmoil. Remus watched with a mixture of relief and outrage, his gaze lingering on Lily's face as she found herself in the care of her friends.

Fueled by a surge of righteous fury, Remus strode purposefully towards Snape, his steps heavy with intent. Snape, sensing Remus's approach, straightened up, his eyes meeting Remus's with a mixture of defiance and apprehension. Remus wasted no time in asserting his own authority.

As Snape rose to his feet, a wave of anger surged through Remus. Without a moment's hesitation, he grabbed Snape by the roots of his hair, yanking his head back with a forceful tug. Leaning in close, Remus's voice dripped with venom as he delivered his warning in a low, menacing whisper,

"Count yourself lucky that Regulus was there to stop him. Because if it was me, I wouldn't have hesitated. I would have let him beat you until you were unrecognizable. And then," Remus's voice lowered to a dangerous growl, "I would have had my own turn."

With a final push, Remus released Snape's hair, causing him to stumble forward as he scurried away, his defiance momentarily quelled by the ferocity of Remus's words. As Snape retreated, Remus couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at having stood up for Lily.

Remus made his way over to where Regulus, Evan, and Barty were gathered, his expression a mixture of relief and lingering tension.

"What'd you say to him?" Regulus inquired, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

"Just reminded him to count his lucky stars it was you and not me standing next to James," Remus replied with a wry grin.

"And why is that?" Regulus arched an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"Because, unlike you, I wouldn't have stopped James," Remus admitted, his smirk mirroring Regulus's. "I might have even joined in."

Evan glanced at Remus, his eyebrows raised in surprise. "Didn't know you had that kind of fire in you, Remus."

Barty nodded in agreement, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Yeah, I always thought you were more the 'voice of reason' type."

Remus chuckled softly, a faint blush creeping into his cheeks. "Well, we all have our moments, I suppose."

Regulus raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Remus's response. "And why is that?"

"Because," Remus admitted with a shrug, "I've seen enough of Snape's antics to know he deserves a taste of his own medicine."

Evan grinned, nodding in understanding. "Fair enough. Can't let him get away with treating people like that."

Barty smirked, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Besides, sometimes a well-timed threat is more effective than a punch."

"Well, if it makes you feel better, I threatened to exile him from the state," he revealed, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Remus nodded in approval. "Classic move. Nothing like a little Black family intimidation to set things straight."

The four boys approached the rest of the group, their presence bringing a sense of solidarity to the tense atmosphere. Regulus stepped forward, his hand finding its place on Lily's shoulder in a gesture of quiet support.

"It's been taken care of," he said softly, his voice a soothing balm to the lingering unease that hung in the air. Lily's eyes still held a steely determination, but there was a flicker of relief in her expression at Regulus's words.

"Thank you," she said with a nod, her voice carrying a note of genuine gratitude. "Thank you all, actually."

Pandora, Mary, and Marlene stepped closer, their expressions a mix of concern and solidarity.

"Are you okay, Lily?" Marlene asked, her voice filled with genuine concern as she reached out to gently squeeze Lily's arm.

Lily offered her a small but reassuring smile. "I'll be fine, Marlene. Thanks to all of you."

Pandora, Marlene, and Regulus nodded in understanding. However, Mary's features twisted with a simmering anger that she couldn't contain.

"Taken care of? Is that supposed to make it better?" Mary's voice was sharp, her eyes blazing with fury. "Snape had no right to lay a hand on you, Lily. He's a slimy, despicable excuse for a human being."

Marlene placed a comforting hand on Mary's arm, trying to calm her friend's escalating emotions. "Mary, it's over now. Lily's safe, and Snape won't be bothering her again."

But Mary shook her head, her anger unabated. "It's not just about Lily. It's about Snape thinking he can do whatever he wants, to whoever he wants. He needs to be held accountable for his actions."

"Yeah, you're right," Regulus conceded, his tone still tinged with determination. "Just know that if I ever see him near Lily again, he'll wish he never set foot in this town. I can promise that."

Mary nodded as Pandora stepped forward, her gaze flickering between Lily and Regulus with a knowing look. "If anyone tries to mess with you again, they'll have to answer to all of us."

Sirius, moved by the display of unity, placed a hand on his brother's shoulder, a silent exchange of understanding passing between them. Remus's eyes couldn't help but flicker between Regulus and James, intrigued by the tender moment he had witnessed earlier. There was a depth to their connection that Remus couldn't quite comprehend, but he couldn't deny the palpable bond between them.

**Spotted: The elite of New York City's social scene making a discreet exit from Sirius Black's own party, but why leave the bash of the season early?**

Looks like the glitterati of the Upper East Side couldn't handle the heat at Sirius Black's exclusive bash last night! Sources confirm that the city's elite were seen slipping out of the grand affair well before the stroke of midnight, leaving tongues wagging about what could have possibly driven them away from the hottest party of the season. Rumor has it, the evening started with all the glitz and glam expected at a Black affair, but things took a turn when tensions rose among the guests. Word on the street is that an unexpected confrontation left rumours swirling and tempers flaring.

Our sources reveal that Lily Evans found herself in a heated altercation with an unknown by the name of Severus Snape. Looks like not everyone was feeling the love at the party of the year.

Looks like the night ended on a high note for some, but for others, it was an early exit from the festivities. What caused this sudden departure? Only time will tell. Keep your eyes peeled, Upper East Siders, because when the glitterati make an early exit, you know there's more to the story than meets the eye.
XOXO, Gossip Girl 💋