Gladiator

“I can’t believe you,” Regulus said with a sigh as the Marauders approached him, high on the day's events. “You’re all idiots.”

“Whatever do you mean, Regulus?” Sirius teased, “You don’t have any faith in your dear older brother?”

“Not enough that I think you’ll actually win the Triwizard Tournament. That’s serious stuff, any of you could die.” 

The four of them had made quite a show of taking turns each putting their names into the Goblet of Fire. Of course they did; it was their last year at Hogwarts and they were all fairly experienced wizards. Not to mention their reputation of getting into stupid trouble when it pleased them. James didn’t really think any of their names would be drawn, there had been several students before and after them who had put their names in as well. The odds were small, but he supposed they would all find out who was drawn soon, as they were on their way to the ceremony.

They had been walking outside when they spotted Regulus walking on the grounds alone and Sirius remembered he hadn’t bothered him yet today, something James could tell Regulus was pretending he hadn’t been waiting for. The Black brothers’ relationship had been fragile the last few years but since Sirius had moved in with the Potters the summer after their fifth year, and especially after Regulus had joined him during last year’s Christmas break, they had been growing closer together. James and Regulus had been growing closer as well, spending time talking about books and Quidditch over the summer. James had even convinced him to go practice on the pitch with him a few times this year. 

Sirius had glued himself to Regulus’ side as they went back and forth, James walking on the other side of Regulus, occasionally joining in with a jab of his own, while Remus and Peter rolled their eyes as they trailed behind them. 

“You’re just jealous you don’t have the guts,” Sirius said as he poked Regulus in the side. 

He gave a fake laugh, “Ha, as if. Only you four would be stupid enough to sign up for something so barbaric when you should be focusing on your NEWTs. Honestly, I thought at least Lupin would have had more sense than the rest of you, but he disappoints me just as much.”

“Oh please,” Sirius laughed, “It was Moony’s idea. I dunno why everyone always thinks he’s the sensible one behind our business, he’s the evil mastermind.” 

“Don’t listen to him Regulus, I’m as sensible as they come.” Remus called from behind them. 

“That’s how he gets you,” James continued. “He acts all polite, but really he– wait Reg, hold still there’s a–” 

Before he could say bug, Regulus had swatted at his neck and pulled his palm back to reveal a small red bug, wings slightly displaced from being squashed, but not enough to stop it from flying away. 

“Did it get you?” James questioned, trying to tilt Regulus’ head to the side to examine his neck, though Regulus smacked his hand away. 

“Yes, but I’m fine,” Regulus said. “It doesn’t even–” 

Regulus collapsed before he could finish his sentence. James and Sirius managed to catch most of his weight before he hit the ground, laying him in a seated position while holding up the rest of him, though his head just fell to the side and he showed no sign of waking up. James was able to get a good look at the bug bite now, a small angry mark in the shape of a heart. 

“What happened?” Remus asked.

“Is he okay?” Peter asked.

“I don’t know,” Sirius said, panicked.

“Hospital wing,” James suggested. 

Without much more discussion, each of the boys helped lift Regulus and brought him to the hospital wing. 

“What’s happened?” Madam Pomfrey asked as she rushed towards the boys who were gently setting Regulus down on the first bed they came across. 

Each of them tried explaining at once, a rush of words and panic asking her to help him. She quieted them and took a look at the bite. “One at a time, someone tell me what happened and what the bug looked like.”

James was the first one to gather his words and told her what happened, not leaving out a single detail, though it all happened so fast, there wasn’t really much to tell. Regulus was bit by a bug and then collapsed. 

Madam Pomfrey didn’t ask any follow up questions, just continued to examine Regulus, checking his breathing, his pulse, and other things James couldn’t tell their purpose. His own breathing was heavy, he’d never heard of a bug causing someone to pass out for so long after being bitten, and it was worrying him that Madam Pomfrey hadn’t said anything. 

Before she could say anything, whether she was going to or not, the hospital wing doors opened and Professor McGonagall walked through. 

“Mr. Potter, were you, or were you not told to make yourself present at the name drawing?”

“What?” he asked.

“Come with me immediately.” She turned and left without further explanation. James looked to his friends, their expressions showed that they knew exactly what McGonagall was after him for. 

Sirius nodded to him, “We’ll stay here with him, mate. Meet you in the dorms later.” 

“Right. Okay. Yeah, I’ll see you.” 

McGonagall didn’t say anything as he followed her across the castle towards Dumbledore's office. She muttered a password and he followed her up many stairs where he was greeted with a site that confirmed his thoughts. They did say that none of the Tournament events were required unless you were involved and putting your name in the cup counted as being involved. Now he was going to be much more involved than he wanted to be at the moment. 

“Congratulations on becoming Hogwarts’ Triwizard Tournament Champion, Mr. Potter. I do remember requesting you be present at the ceremony.”
“I’m really sorry, Professor,” James said. “I was a bit busy, we had to take Regulus to the hospital wing, and I sort of lost track of time.” 

They weren’t the only ones in the office. Olympe Maxime and Damyan Raykov, the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang respective headmasters, were standing near Dumbledore’s desk, each with one of their students next to them. Beauxbatons and Durmstrang had arrived at Hogwarts earlier this week. James had seen them around school, mostly in the Great Hall for meals, but he hadn’t spoken to any of them yet, though Peter had tried asking out one of the Beauxbatons girls and was sadly rejected. Each school had put on a bit of a presentation to introduce themselves to the Hogwarts students, though James didn’t recognize the ones before him. 

The Beauxbatons girl was tall, probably taller than James, and broad. Her dark curly hair framed her face as she smirked at James. He could tell she would be a tough competitor and started to second guess just how sure of himself he was about putting his name in the cup. 

The Durmstrang girl was a different story. Her expression was stony, thick eyebrows drawn together and posture stick-straight, dark hair slicked back in a tight bun. She had an athletic build under her brown uniform and she stood with her hands behind her back. She didn’t acknowledge James when he offered a small wave to both of the girls. 

“Don’t let your selflessness get in the way of punctuality, Mr. Potter. I do hope Mr. Black is alright.” Dumbledore stood from his desk and addressed the rest of the room, specifically the students. “I give my congratulations again to each of you for being chosen. I wish you all the best. Your first task will be in one month. I recommend using the time to study defensive spells, as well as offense, as you will not know what the task is until you are there. You are welcome to help each other, but do remember this is a competition, and the one who comes out on top at the end of the three trials will win the Triwizard Cup. Students, you are dismissed, and I wish each of you the best of luck.” 

Dumbledore stood without saying anything, his hands folded in front of him and a pleasant smile on his face, and waiting for James and the other students to slowly walk towards the door. James had been expecting more, if he’s honest, though he supposed it would have been more dramatic if he had been there the entire time. 

“Isn’t this so cool? Aren’t you so excited, oh this is just a dream!” The Beauxbatons girl had begun saying with a slight accent as soon as they exited the staircase. “I’m Lettie, by the way, Lettie Auclair. I’m guessing you don’t know since you weren’t there when the names were called.” She offered her hand to James, which he shook. 

“James,” he said, “Potter.”

This made her laugh. “Yes, I’m aware. Quite the stir you caused, where were you again? Someone was injured? Horrible timing, really. That is Kalena, by the way,” she motioned to the Dumstrang girl who was walking on the other side of James, walking closer to the wall than to James

She nodded to James when he looked at her, but didn’t say anything. James thought she was exactly the image of a Durmstrang Triwizard competitor, strong and steely and not going to let anything get in the way of her victory. He had a feeling she was going to win, or would at least be a challenge to go up against.

“Erm, it’s good to meet you both, really. But as has been mentioned, I do have something I ought to be doing, so we’ll have to meet up later, if you don’t mind.” 

Lettie clapped him on the back, “Yes, yes of course, we should all be friends, help each other out, yeah? At least a little. You go deal with your friend, we’ll be alright.” 

Thanking her, and nodding again to Kalena, James sped ahead of them towards the hospital wing. Sirius had said to meet in their dorms, but the hospital wing was on his way, and seeing how that meeting was much quicker than he thought, he figured it wouldn’t do any harm to check. As he got closer, he started moving faster. The sounds of screaming from the last place he saw Regulus was not comforting. 

Upon opening the doors, James was partially relieved that Regulus had woken up, only for the relief to be crushed upon the site of him writhing on the bed, fists clenching the sheets. Madam Pomfrey had her wand out and was muttering spells, though they didn’t seem to be doing any good. Remus and Peter were holding Sirius, keeping him on the bed next to Regulus. 

Without thinking, James ran to Regulus, kneeling at the side of the bed and cupping his face. Immediately, Regulus let out a gasp and the screaming stopped. His hands gripped James’ wrists, keeping his hands stuck to tear stained cheeks. 

“Oh dear,” Madam Pomfrey said and turned to Sirius, Remus, and Peter. “One of you, fetch Professor Slughorn. Quickly.” Peter stood up and left and then she said to James, “Don’t let go of him,” before turning and walking into her office. 

“What happened?” James said to Sirius and Remus. 

“Well,” Remus started, “A few minutes after you left, Regulus woke up and started screaming, and didn’t stop until you– well, that,” he motioned towards James still holding Regulus face in his hands. Sirius didn’t say anything. There were tears on his face as well though his gaze was stuck to the floor. “Madam Pomfrey wouldn’t let us try and help.”

“James,” Regulus croaked, his voice rough from screaming. “I’m fine now, you can let go.”

“Nope, sorry, Reg. When Madam Pomfrey tells me to do something, I listen.” James said, attempting to let humor dull the tension in the room, though it didn’t do much, even when James squished Regulus’ cheeks together, making his lips stick out like a fish. 

Regulus sighed, but didn’t argue. James couldn’t see any injury on him, the bug bite looked exactly the same, and apart from the sweat on his forehead and the tear tracks on his face, Regulus looked fine. If James hadn’t just seen him writhing in pain just minutes ago, he wouldn’t think anything was wrong. 

Madam Pomfrey returned with a book in hand, her thumb stuck in the middle of it. When she was closer to them, she opened the book and said, “Is this what bit him?” 

James nodded when he saw the bug on the page; it was nearly identical to what James had seen on Regulus earlier. Small, fiery red, slightly heart shaped. Next to it was only a small paragraph. James thought there was an uncomfortable amount of empty space on the page. 

The love bug (Amorius Coleoptera) is a small, bright red insect that inflicts a painful effect upon its human victims. Though beautiful with its scarlet hue and heart-like contours, its bite causes extreme agony that only fades with physical contact from the victim's antidote: the person closest to the victim at the time of the bite. The agony produced from the bite persists for weeks or months without the brew of Salvio Amorium, a potion made by grinding the beetle’s wings.

“Shit,” James said when he finished reading, and he could tell that everyone else in the room shared the same sentiment. 

Regulus pulled James’ hands from his face and looked away from everyone. 

“Mr. Potter, what did I tell you?” Madam Pomfrey said, with a sharp look at James, she looked furious, which, frankly, terrified James. He put his hand over Regulus’, where it was now resting in his lap. 

Just then, Peter returned with Slughorn in tow, and led him to where they were gathered. 

“Goodness Poppy, what’s the issue? All Mr. Pettigrew could tell me was that Mr. Black was bitten by a bug. What do you need me for.”

“Horace, thank Merlin. I need you to begin brewing the antidote immediately,” she said as she thrust the book into his hands. He read the page, which didn’t take very long given how little information it had.

“Oh, yes of course, it shouldn’t be an issue, although it will take a few weeks to finish. And of course, it won’t work permanently until we can get the wings, but it should work as a temporary pain relief until then.” 

“Have you anything that will work immediately?”

“I’m afraid not. Very tricky things, these are. But, I’ll get to work immediately.”

“Very well,” Madam Pomfrey said. “Until we get things better sorted, you ought to get a good night’s rest. Potter, Black you’ll stay in the Slytherin dormitories for–”

“No,” Regulus interjected. “I mean. I would just prefer to stay in Gryffindor, if that’s all right.”

“Doesn’t matter to me as long as you stay together. Off to bed, all of you,” she said shooing them out. “And Potter? You are not to let go of that boy, understood?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I’d like to see you both before breakfast tomorrow.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The walk back to Gryffindor tower was awkward at first. James and Regulus held hands, but didn’t really acknowledge it, which kind of felt like the sort of thing they should acknowledge, but James still felt unsteady after seeing Regulus in so much pain. 

Sirius, Remus, and Peter walked slightly ahead of them, Remus whispering something to Sirius and rubbing his back, but as far as James could tell, he wasn’t saying anything back. He had a feeling he knew what was bothering Sirius, but this wasn’t the time to discuss it, and it was one of those things Sirius had to come to him for; if James pushed it before he was ready, Sirius would shut him down.

“How come you didn’t want to go to the Slytherin dorms?” James finally asked. 

Regulus was quiet for a bit and James felt his hand involuntarily twitch in his own. 

“My friends would– they’re annoying.”

“They wouldn’t tease you for something like this, would they? Regulus, if your friends don’t respect you then I really think–”

“Thank you, James,” Regulus interrupted, “I appreciate your attempt to defend my honor against my best friends, but it’s not necessary. They’re good friends, they’re just annoying, like I said, and I don’t have the energy tonight to deal with them bothering you.”

“Oh. Okay, well. If they ever do–”

“Yes, James. I promise to come to you if I find I need a knight in shining armor to protect me from my closest friends of six years.”

“Alright, Reg, I get it. It was meant genuinely, but if you’re gonna be a prat then nevermind.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt you were genuine. Though I do doubt your ability to beat them in a duel.”

“Hey, I’m plenty skilled in a duel. Plus, Moony’s been teaching me how to fight like a muggle, they’d never see it coming.” 

“Now, that’s a sight I’d like to see. On second thought, feel free to fight them as much as you’d like.”

“Maybe I will,” James said, he accidentally squeezed Regulus’ hand as he did, which felt sort of flirty, which, in this context, didn’t feel entirely appropriate, what with Regulus being forced to hold his hand or suffer screaming agony. The past few weeks, he and Regulus had talked like this a lot however; flirting disguised as teasing arguments and then neither of them acknowledging it, both looking away from each other when it got too serious. The hand holding made it feel too serious. 

James suddenly felt very guilty. Felt like flirting with Regulus like this, squeezing his hand, even if it was an accident, was taking advantage of Regulus’ current condition. He wanted to let go to make himself feel better, but didn’t, knowing that it would only make Regulus feel worse. Physically, even if it saved them from emotional discomfort. 

Remus told The Fat Lady the password upon arrival and James was met with cheers from the Gryffindors upon arrival. There weren’t too many people in the common room, but enough to be loud and startling. 

Mary and Lily immediately hit him with questions. 

“Why weren’t you there when they called?”

“Have you met the other champions? What are they like?”

“Have you any idea what the first task is?” 

“Why is Regulus with you?”

James hadn’t thought about what he would say to any of these questions. The bug bite felt like a bit of a vulnerable thing to talk about if you were in Regulus’ position, something that might be embarrassing or uncomfortable to talk about, especially in front of peers you hardly spoke to. They probably should have talked about that instead of their totally-not-flirting they were doing. James had no idea how Regulus felt about the topic, but Regulus wasn’t saying anything, and James wasn’t sure how to answer without invading Regulus’ privacy. 

Luckily Remus saved him from saying something stupid. “Sorry, loves, no time for questions, we’ve got a prank to plan. The wicked never rest, and we’ve convinced Regulus to join our side. Talk later.”

Lily and Mary groaned in unison. 

“You lot are ridiculous,” Lily said.

“Fine, keep your secrets for now,” Mary said, knowing that when the Marauders were set on a task, they were not going to be deterred. “But do know we’re expecting an explanation!”

“We can talk more tomorrow,” James said, tossing a winning smile their way. 

Upstairs, James checked the lock on the wall to see that it was barely half past eight, much earlier than they usually went to bed, but considering the silence upon entering their dorm, James figured no one was in the mood to talk, and they ought to just get to sleep after the day they’ve had. 

Peter started undressing immediately, and Remus slowly followed him. James and Regulus stood there, staring at James’ bed as the other boys got changed and went about their night routines. James realized, much later than he probably should have, that he would have to share a bed with Regulus. That wouldn’t really be an issue, James was no stranger to sharing beds, given that Sirius joined him more nights than not, preferring to sleep with someone rather than alone with his thoughts. James never minded, liking the company and physical contact just as much. 

But this would bring back that guilty feeling from earlier. James knew Regulus wasn’t a very touchy person, and holding hands was one thing, but being forced to share a bed is different. James tended to be quite touchy in his sleep, what if he was too much and made Regulus uncomfortable, but Regulus wasn’t able to leave because of the stupid bug? 

“Regulus,” Sirius had stopped to stand in front of Regulus and broke his silence. “Are you okay?”

He looked tired. If Remus hadn’t kept so close to him tonight, James would be more worried about him. Other than his hair looking more wild than usual, and a slightly more intense look in his usually intense eyes, he looked okay. James would talk to him tomorrow, probably, if he could find a good moment. He might have to wait a while for them to talk for real, Sirius was still not very good at having serious talks with Regulus, at least as far as James knew, but he did know they were working on it. 

“I’m fine, Sirius. Of course this is less than ideal,” he raised their joined hands, “But there’s not much we can do about it.”

Sirius answered by pulling Regulus into a fierce hug and whispering something into his ear. Regulus hugged back, mostly one armed, avoiding twisting James’ arm uncomfortably. Regulus whispered something back and they pulled apart. 

“I’ll let you borrow some sleep clothes,” Sirius said. 

Getting changed was awkward, but not impossible. Regulus insisted he would be fine for the few seconds it took him to let go of James' hand and change his shirt, but James was still worried. He was fine, a few seconds didn’t seem to matter much. They didn’t speak as they crawled into James’ bed and laid stiff on their backs. James took a mental note of Sirius climbing into Remus’ bed and added it to the list of events that would push Remus closer to confessing. 

“So,” James started as he took his glasses off and drew the curtains. “I suppose we should have a talk about boundaries, and such.”

Regulus didn’t say anything for a while. James debated continuing to talk, because he had a tendency to do that when he wasn’t sure what else to do, but he also wanted this to be a conversation and not him talking to himself, so he waited for Regulus to speak. 

“Listen,” he said eventually, “this– touching– isn’t as easy for me as it is for you. I’m not used to it like you are. Hand holding is fine, but I’m not sure I can– anything else.”

“Yeah, of course, I understand. Just hand holding.” James paused. “Erm. What do you want to tell everyone when they ask why we’re always holding hands? I mean, someone could use it against you, if they knew. Or, I mean, I dunno, maybe you just don’t want to tell anyone–”

“You’re right, James. I can’t let anyone know I was bitten by a bug through no fault of my own, with completely unavoidable consequences. That would be dreadfully embarrassing and damaging to my pride.”

“You know, when we’re trying to have a serious conversation, you could cool it with the sarcasm. Just a tad.”

“Why would I care if everyone knows I was bitten by a bug, James? It’s not a big deal. Although–” He paused for a moment. “I suppose we could make something up about what the bug does. It does seem a bit, I dunno vulnerable for everyone to know I’ll be in pain if you let go.”

“Yeah, right, of course,” James answered, not taking the opportunity to tease Regulus for being rude only to prove James’ point right after. “Don’t worry about it. The lads and I are great liars, we can come up with something.” 

“Thanks,” Regulus murmured. “Goodnight then.”

“Oh, erm. Goodnight.”

Neither of them moved. They lay side by side on their backs, holding hands between them, staring at the ceiling. James tended to be a cuddler when he slept, but he made a silent promise to himself that he would hold still tonight to avoid touching Regulus more than necessary. He could probably do that. 

After some time, they both moved onto their sides, facing each other, James’ hand lying on top of Regulus’. 

“What’s it feel like?” James whispered. 

Regulus’ eyes were closed when he took in a breath and answered, “Like the Cruciatus Curse.”

Right. James had suspected as much, but he had tried to convince himself it wasn’t that bad. That James wasn’t going to be the reason Regulus had to feel like that again. 

Regulus woke up in pain. It wasn’t as bad as it had been earlier, but it still hurt enough for him to gasp and sit up. As soon as he was conscious enough to realize what was happening, he turned from where he had flipped over in his sleep and grabbed James’ hand from where it rested in the same position. The touch must have been enough to wake James, though not fully, as his eyebrows just pinched together and he flipped onto his back and pulled Regulus into his chest. 

Regulus hoped James didn’t hear the sigh of relief he let out as his head hit James’ chest. 

When he woke up again, it was to the sound of voices. The curtain on James’ side of the bed was open enough for him to hold a conversation with Remus, who was asking James if they should go with him and Regulus to see Madam Pomfrey before dinner. 

“I don’t think we’ll be there for very long, we can meet up with you when we’re finished,” James was saying. Regulus was still nuzzled into his chest, he resisted groaning in annoyance for being woken up so early, deciding now was not the time to complain about his dislike for early mornings. James lifted a finger where his hand rested on Regulus’ shoulder and tapped him softly. “Regulus, are you awake yet? We’ve got to go meet Pomfrey before breakfast.”