See The Lights
James finally showered off the aftermath of Regulus’ prank with a cloudy mind. It was the longest shower he’d ever had, using almost his entire bottle of soap to scrub off the excess whip cream and syrup that kept popping up in different places every time he thought he was finished. When he finally stepped out of the bathroom, he felt like a new man.
With every scrub of his skin and moment of catching a whiff of himself brought him back to how thorough Regulus had been with his little prank. James was irritated to admit that he had been gotten good. He was almost worried he might not win this thing if this was what the uptight, neat as a pin Regulus Black had up his sleeve.
Almost worried.
Regulus had made two mistakes when he accepted the challenge. The first was thinking he had any chance of beating James at a prank war when James and his friends had been in the field since first year. James had thought the other boy was smart but this wasn’t evidence of that. The second was promising James the one thing he’d wanted since they slept together last year if he won. When he won.
That was the biggest mistake of all.
For you see, James Potter was a master of immaturity and tomfoolery. And Regulus Black considered himself leagues above that nonsense. There was absolutely no way he would be capable of stooping himself down to their level.
And even more so, a James Potter who had something he wanted was one to not be trifled with.
James sauntered out of the bathroom, rubbing a towel over his head. He felt refreshed and renewed like a baby deer. He spent his whole shower thinking up new ideas, special ideas, for pranks made just for Regulus. Sure, he could use some old one’s in his notebook. There were some he’d used over the years that he was very much proud of. Except Regulus was special. He deserved all of James’ critical thinking skills and the assistance of anyone in Gryffindor Hall who could help him get under Regulus Black’s skin. He especially needed Sirius, his partner in crime since they were eleven.
However, as soon as James stepped through the door to their room, he was met face to face with his best mate who did not look happy to see him. Sirius was sitting cross legged on his own bed, scowling at the door like he was awaiting the return of James from his shower. Peter was lazing on his own bed as well, presumably waiting also. He had their prank notebook, flipping through it and making notes on a separate notepad as though he were studying up for the impending war upon them. James felt a swell in his heart that Peter seemed just as into it as he was.
Peter Pettigrew had come with the room when James moved in along with Sirius and Remus. He started out as such a quiet boy who barely said two words their first month. Then one day, as James was planning his first prank with Sirius, the plump, shy boy had pointed out a fatal flaw in their plan with reckless abandon. From that day forward, James valued his input and he would definitely need it more than ever this year.
Remus sat casually on the floor, back pressed against the side of his bed, reading a book that James recognized as being one of of Regulus’. It was clear that he stood firm in his stance that he would play no part in this game as they all knew not to disturb him when he was reading.
James finished drying his hair and casually hung the towel on the back of his desk chair and met his friend’s eyes. “Everything alright, Padfoot?”
Sirius looked back at him with intense eyes. “Oh ya know, Prongs…I was just wondering about something.” His voice had an intensity to it that had James pausing. It was the way he said his nickname, lacking the usual affection he had developed over the years. The nicknames were pretty dumb, they all admitted, but they were code names factored from the brains of four eleven year olds who wanted to pretend they were sneakier and more clever than they actually were. He and Sirius even had tattoos of their nicknames hidden under their clothes. James held a special place in his heart for the names they’d developed as they reminded him of a time when they were young and dumb little kids and being immature wasn’t a problem.
Okay, so maybe Regulus’ little comments hurt a little more than James let on.
“What’s on your mind?” He prompted, trying to appear casual.
Sirius fixed him with narrowed eyes filled with suspicion. “What exactly is your intention with my brother?”
A million things ran through James’ mind. What does he know? Did Remus tell him? No, he wouldn’t do that. How did he find out? I took things too far and now he must know! Oh god, he’s gonna kill me. Regulus is gonna kill me! James saw Remus flick his eyes up from his book to meet his. They shared a panicked look as they both knew that if Sirius knew what had happened between him and Regulus, James was done for. Regulus would kill him and Sirius would never speak to him again and James simply couldn’t lose Sirius of all people. Regardless of his newfound mixed feelings, Sirius was like his other half. He held the other piece of James’ heart just as James held his. James loved all of his friends but there was always that knowledge that when it came down to it, Sirius was the one person he couldn’t stand to lose. So if this was it…
“What do you mean?” James asked cautiously, trying to play it safe and not give himself away too easily.
Sirius swung his legs off the bed and stood to face him. “I mean a prank war? Really, James? You wanna start a prank war with Regulus of all people?” His voice was incredulous and he didn’t sound angry. More concerned if anything and James felt an exhale of relief from both himself and Remus at the realization that Sirius knew nothing of his betrayal.
“He started it.” James shrugged once he’d calmed his racing heart.
“Technically, you started it.” Peter intervened, looking up from his notes. “What with the water balloons and all.”
“That was an accident,” Sirius and James said at the same time.
“Regulus doesn’t see it that way,” Remus entered the conversation, closing his book carefully and holding it in his lap. “The boy is out for blood.”
“Moony’s right.” Sirius said. “Are you sure you want to do this? I love my brother but he is a conniving snake when he wants to be.”
“Are you doubting me?” James asked, a little hurt at their implications that he might not be able to win this. Sure, Regulus was a petty bastard and had the most beautiful mind full of intelligence and cunning that could academically rival Remus if they were in the same year. However, James had been doing this for much longer. And Regulus had no idea what he just got himself into.
Sirius wrapped an arm around his neck, “Of course not, Prongsie.” He knocked their foreheads together. “I have complete and utter faith in us. It’s just…” he trailed off and pulled his face away. “I don’t want to be the cause if Regulus gets hurt.”
So that’s what this was about.
You see, from the day Regulus Black had set foot in Hogwarts Academy, Sirius had dug his fingers into the boy’s shoulders and glared at each and every one of them that his little brother was off limits when it came to pranks. That didn’t mean Barty and Evan who shared a dorm with him were immune but it did mean James and Peter were extremely careful just in case there was a chance Regulus might be caught in the crossfire. And Dorcas who used to share a dorm with Regulus had opened herself up to being pranked pretty much the day he switched rooms and she was certainly unhappy about it.
Sirius had made it clear to all of them that if harm were to come to his brother, there would be dire consequences. He could honestly be thanked for how meticulous and well thought out the pranks James pulled were because he always had to have Regulus in the back of his mind to perform such feats without him being affected. And James, who knew that an angry Sirius Black was one you did not want to see, had put up the defense and left Regulus alone, often warning him not to be at certain places at certain times. Though that is what got him into this mess. Regulus used to thank him for it and now only scowled and rolled his eyes and James sometimes missed that politeness until he was familiar with the meanness and accepted it as his new normal.
When Sirius and Regulus had had their falling out in fifth year when Sirius had moved out of the Black’s house, leaving Regulus behind, he was even more adamant that they leave his brother alone. Not because he didn’t want him pranked but because he simply didn’t want to be around him at the time. What Sirius didn’t know was that James still warned Regulus and tried to talk to him even though the boy would yell at him to go away. Things were tense between the brothers up until they had a blow out fight in the middle of the hallway, screaming harsh words at each other and finally ending it with them hugging and crying. Since then, Sirius had become even more protective of Regulus. It was like he was trying to make up for the year they spent a part. The year that Regulus was all alone and not even Remus or Pandora could get him to speak or smile. The year that Regulus came out as a he, broke up with Barty, kept his head down and threw himself into his art. James once caught him throwing his supplies in the art room out of frustration and felt his heart break for the apparently fragile boy. That was a very tough year for them all.
Remus most of all, torn between the Black brothers and not knowing who to comfort and what information he was allowed to give without being disloyal to either of them. In the end, they really should’ve thanked him because if he hadn’t snapped at Sirius that if he wanted to know how Regulus was doing, he should ask him his bloody self, Sirius might not have done just that. Later, James found out that Remus’ outburst had been the result of having spent the previous night with a sobbing Regulus who wanted nothing more than his big brother but was too prideful to say so. Remus would also admit that his reaction may have been a little insensitive and in poor taste but James thought it was warranted if it meant the brother’s would make up and Regulus would eventually have a safe place to come home to. So it all worked out really.
He doesn’t want to think about where Regulus might’ve ended up when his mother finally kicked him out if he didn’t know Sirius was waiting for him.
So you see, this is the reason Sirius was so worried about Regulus being a part of a prank war with James. He couldn’t stand it if Regulus got hurt again because of him. He had just gotten him back and could not lose his brother again. James really didn’t think Regulus would blame his brother if he somehow got hurt physically or emotionally during this war but Sirius had his fears and an overprotective nature that not even Regulus could break through.
Nevertheless, James had to say, “I promise that no harm will come to Regulus during this war.” He held a hand over his heart and looked Sirius in the eye so that he knew he was, well, serious.
That seemed to lift his friend’s spirits as he breathed a gentle sigh of relief. “I’m counting on you to keep that promise and to also win this because I don’t think either of us could stand it if our pranking days were over.” He fixed James with a minor glare, clearly not done reprimanding him after getting the Regulus business out of the way.
James grinned mischievously. “Of course we’re going to win this, Pads. I wouldn’t make a bet like that if I didn’t have complete and utter faith in us.”
Sirius returned his grin. “Nice one, James.”
“Speaking of…” Peter put down James’ pranking notebook. “James, I’ve been wondering…what exactly is Regulus saying yes to? If you win, I mean.”
“ When he wins,” Sirius corrected. “And yes, I have been wondering that myself. What was that all about?”
James felt his soul leave his body all over again as they awaited his response. He met the eyes of Remus who quirked a brow at him. This could’ve been it. James could’ve laid it all out in front of him, finally told the truth of what had happened between him and Regulus last summer. It would’ve been so easy to look Sirius in the eyes and be honest. To tell him that he wanted to take Regulus out on a date, treat him proper, buy him dinner, kiss him goodnight. Kiss him very good night. How simple it sounded to say the words: Regulus and I had sex last summer and I don’t know how I feel about him now and I’m confused and I believe that if we just had one date, it would all come together and make sense please don’t hate me. How easy would it be to just say the words and not keep this secret from his best mate anymore? James could do it. He wanted to do it.
But.
But every time James had the idea to do just that, he had a flash forward in his mind of what the outcome could be.
Every scenario he could think of ended the same way.
He tells Sirius what happened and Sirius hates him. James could hear his voice ringing in his ears and saying things like You did WHAT?! What do you mean you don’t know how you feel?! You fucked my brother and you don’t know how you feel about him?! I trusted you to protect him and you do THIS?! How am I supposed to trust you ever again?! You’re dead to me, James! We’re done!
It all ended with Sirius leaving and James couldn’t handle even the thought of that much less the reality of it.
There was also the fact that Sirius was lying to him too. Because he didn’t tell him about hooking up with Remus that night either and James didn’t even know what was going on between the two of them now. Were they dating? Still hooking up? Or were they like James and Regulus and deciding to keep it between themselves? James thought he would see Remus in a completely different light if he had looked at Sirius with the same disgust Regulus had looked at James and demanded they never speak of this again. James really hoped that wasn’t what happened. He liked Remus a lot and Remus was kind, a lot kinder than Regulus, and the key difference between them was that James and Regulus weren’t in love so James’ heart wasn’t broken every time Regulus said no but he knew that Sirius’ would’ve been.
So they were both lying to each other and James supposed that if Sirius wasn’t willing to give up his secret, then James definitely wasn’t. No matter how different their situations were.
“Oh, um…” James tried to think of something, anything , to say that would satisfy their curiosity. He came up with absolutely nothing and stared intensely at Remus who rolled his eyes dramatically and put him out of his misery.
“Tutoring,” Remus intervened calmly.
“Tutoring?” Sirius repeated confusedly.
Remus stood and rubbed his hands over his jean clad thighs. “James has been begging Regulus to tutor him in French. He hasn’t gotten his language credit yet and Mcgonagall wouldn’t let him take Spanish because of, well you know.” He waved his hand, letting them fill in the blanks on their own.
James begged whatever god existed that Sirius would believe him.
“Interesting…” Sirius said slowly. “Why didn’t you just ask me? I would’ve helped you.” There was a hint of hurt in his voice.
“You know I can’t focus around you, Pads.” James said. “I really need this A if I’m gonna graduate.”
“I guess you’re right,” Sirius deflated. “And Reggie’s been saying no up until this point?”
Remus looked at James who had nothing to say and scoffed quietly under his breath. “Reg thinks it’s a waste of his time. You know how much of an idiot he believes James to be.”
Okay ow.
Sirius snickered. “Yeah. Reggie thinks James is the scum of the earth. Sorry, mate.” He added as an afterthought when he caught sight of his hurt expression. “My brother’s a bit of a bitch but hey, if you really need assistance from him, I’ll help you win this for sure.”
“Thanks, Siri.” James finally found his voice. “You’re the best I could ask for.”
Sirius ruffled his hair affectionately. “Right back at ya.” And the way that Sirius smiled at him, James knew that he had to keep this secret for as long as he could. He caught Remus’ eye again and mouthed a sincere ‘thank you’.
Remus only rolled his eyes at him again. “Now if you will excuse me, I must return this book to dear Regulus.” He began walking towards the door.
Sirius pulled away from James. “Oh, I wanna come too! Maybe I can convince Reggie to give up this competition he has no chance of winning anyway.” He winked at James who gave a hearty laugh.
“Good luck with that,” James said.
“Come on then,” Remus replied and Sirius bounded out of the dorm room before him excitedly and James felt a swirl of affection in his belly at the knowledge that the brothers now had a decent relationship where Sirius felt genuine excitement at seeing Regulus. He knew the other had the same excitement though it was toned down heavily due to his stoic nature. As Remus passed by James, he said lowly so only he could hear, “You are in some deep shit if Sirius ever finds out. I can’t save your ass every time.”
“I know,” James repied exasperatedly. “Thank you anyway.”
Remus squeezed his shoulder and followed Sirius out of the dorm.
James felt like he could breathe easier when it was just him and Peter in the room. He came towards the blonde boy and sat at the edge of his bed. “While they’re visiting the enemy, let’s plan our first attack, eh Wormy?”
Peter instantly made room for him. “They’re not gonna know what hit ‘em. I made some notes you might wanna take a look at.” There was air of shyness in the way he offered his journal for James to see. James and Sirius were always the executors behind the operation while Peter was often a scapegoat or a lookout. It was the first time he’d ever gotten fully involved in their pranks and really thrown himself into it. Remus used to be the brains of the operation when they were young tweens but after third year, he’d begun to bow out and James had the sneaking suspicion it was because he was spending more time with Regulus and began to think pranks and practical jokes were mere kid stuff. It really was a shame because some of their most thought out and historical ideas in the beginning came from Remus Lupin himself. Now James and the other two would have to think of ways to beat Regulus on their own if Remus really wanted no part in the competition.
“That’s the spirit! Let’s see what you’ve got.” James enthused and began looking over the notes Peter had made on past pranks they’d done and how they could improve if they tried it again on Regulus. Peter may not have been as intelligent as his friends but he had creativity that made James proud to have him on his side.
“James?” Peter said while James read.
“Hm?”
“I thought you already took your language credit? I could’ve sworn they let you take Spanish in third year?” There was no accusation in his voice, just simple curiosity. And it was true. Hogwarts Academy didn’t care if you already spoke the language you were taking. James knew Sirius and Regulus had both taken French in their respective years without a problem.
He froze. Could he trust Peter not to say a word? Peter wasn’t known for being good at keeping secrets. James chuckled nervously. “You know how strict Minnie’s gotten. She said it no longer counted so I have to do a redo.”
Peter only looked at him and it was clear in his eyes that he didn’t believe a word of what had just been said. Except he only said, “I wonder if Sirius has to retake a class as well. Perhaps Remus could tutor him in Spanish?”
“I’m sure he’d like that,” James replied with a careful smile. Peter didn’t say more on the subject. He didn’t push or call James out for the liar he was. He got the feeling the boy was going to remain silent on the issue.
And James had never been more grateful.
***
“Hold still,” Evan said with his camera held up. Regulus already regretted saying yes to being his friend’s subject. Normally, he didn’t mind the eccentricity of the Rosier twins. Ever since his mother gifted him the camera in second year, Evan had been obsessed with photography, taking pictures whenever he could. He always had the thing around his neck because he claimed he never wanted to miss an opportunity. Though he was a bit of a hypocrite as he never allowed his own photo to be taken. I’m the artist not the art was always his claim but Regulus knew it was because he was a bit of a control freak like himself and, also like himself, he wouldn’t be able to handle it if the photo of himself didn’t live up to unrealistic expectations of perfection.
Regulus huffed, still twirling his pencil. “I’m trying to draw.”
“No, you’re not.” Pandora slandered from where she was hanging upside down on his bed. “The page is blank.” The key word was trying . He couldn’t focus. He couldn’t stop thinking about the war he’d been forced to engage in. It’d been on his mind since they’d parted ways in the cafeteria. No one had a word to say about it once they’d made it back, all absorbing the events that had transpired. Barty was more focused on his notebook, scribbling and bobbing his head to the tinny music emanating from the headphones around his neck. Dorcas sat crosslegged on the floor, guitar in hand and mindlessly playing a riff that attempted to match what Barty was listening to.
It wasn’t unheard of for Evan to use his friends as a subject but Regulus definitely thought it was futile to use his and James’ prank war for his own personal gain. His final project was a year away anyhow.
“Would it kill you to smile?” Evan asked exasperatedly.
“It might,” Regulus muttered.
“So are we just not going to talk about how Regulus just challenged James fucking Potter to a prank war?” Barty said abruptly.
“He challenged me,” Regulus replied indignantly.
Pandora poked Regulus in the knee. “Why you agreed is beyond me. James is a force.”
Dorcas looked up at him. “Yeah, Reg. Are you sure you want to do this?”
Regulus looked at them all incredulously. “I’m sorry but weren’t you all the one’s egging me on?”
“Well, we weren’t going to let you be made a fool out of,” said Barty. “We’re not completely terrible.” He went back to scribbling in his notebook.
“What are you writing?” Pandora inquired.
Barty put the pen to his lips. “Some new lyrics I thought of this afternoon.” He often wrote songs for the band he had with Pandora, Dorcas, and Dorcas’ girlfriend Marlene. It was a small indie band the four of them had crafted back in fifth year. Regulus originally thought it was just a fleeting hobby but in the past year or so they’d gotten serious about it and had genuine dreams of getting a record deal and going on tour one day. Regulus would tell them how impossible it was if they weren’t any good but he’d heard Barty’s songs and Pandora sing so he figured that maybe their dreams weren’t so impossible and he was genuinely rooting for them on the inside. He even designed a potential album cover for them once though he’d never tell Barty about it.
“Ooh,” Dorcas said excitedly. “What about this time?”
Barty bit the tip of the pen, his eyes flicking over to Evan who wasn’t at all paying attention. He was far too focused on staring at the pictures he’d taken of Regulus. “You’ll see.”
Evan looked up suddenly and glanced back at him. “B, smile for me.” He held his camera up and immediately had Barty’s attention. Barty took the pen out of his mouth and gave him a toothy grin. Evan snapped the photo and looked down at it instantly. “Perfect.” Then he looked at Regulus. “See? It’s not hard.” Barty smiled to himself at Evan’s praise. God, Evan made him such a loser.
“That doesn’t count,” Pandora said. “Barty will do whatever you want.”
Barty dropped his smile and glared at her with grit teeth. “Pandora, honey, shut up.” Evan pretended not to hear them.
Pandora and Regulus looked at each other and mutually rolled their eyes. So it would seem that the conversation Regulus had left Barty and Evan to have on the stairs had not gone well. Regulus could see that Pandora was making a mental note to slap some sense into her twin later.
Dorcas, the only one who chose to stay out of Barty and Evan’s drama, stood up with a, “And that’s my cue. I’m gonna go see if Marlene’s learned the last song you gave her.” She exited swiftly but not before looking pointedly at Regulus and rolling her eyes dramatically at Barty. Regulus snickered under his breath.
“Dorcas, look at me.” Evan called before she made it to the door, lifting his camera and pointing it at her. She grinned brightly and posed as he snapped a photo of her. “Gorgeous, thank you.”
Dorcas looked a little embarrassed at the praise. “Dammit, Evan. Don’t turn sweet on me now.”
“I’m ninety-nine percent sure he’s talking about the picture he took and not you,” Barty brutally pointed out. He was a little mean when he was jealous.
Thankfully Dorcas was used to it and inoffended as she noticed Evan wasn’t even looking at her anymore. “Ah. That’s more like it. I like you all so much more when you’re being bitches.”
“Right back at ya,” Barty winked.
“Later sluts,” Dorcas waved and swiftly exited.
Pandora giggled and sat up, swinging her legs over carefully to avoid smacking Regulus in the face. “How’s the picture taking going anyway, Evie?”
Evan didn’t respond, flicking through his photos. Regulus threw his pencil at him and he looked up. “Huh?”
“Have you captured the perfect set up to Reg’s win?” Barty chimed in.
“You really think I’ll win?” Regulus hadn’t meant to sound so surprised.
Evan slid down to the floor by his sister’s knee, resting his back against the leg she had hanging off the bed. He looked up from his camera and quirked a brow at Regulus. “You don’t?”
And the thing was that Regulus wasn’t really sure. Yeah, he’d pranked Potter back but he really hadn’t been expecting to find himself in an all out war. He just simply wanted Sirius and his idiot friends to grow up. He was running on pure revenge when he’d snuck into their dorm and now he wasn’t sure he could really stoop down to their level. Maybe he was all talk and James knew it.
Regulus bit his lip. “I don’t know…maybe you should find a new subject, Evan. I’m not sure this is going to be very interesting for your final project.”
“If not, it’ll be the perfect slideshow for their wedding.” Pandora said nonchalantly.
Regulus felt his heart in his throat. “Wedding?!”
Evan looked at him with raised brows. “Please, this whole thing is practically a romance novel in the making. Enemies to lovers to be exact.”
“He’s right,” Pandora giggled. “You and James’ auras match together perfectly. It’s only a matter of time before you connect in the ways of love.”
“What does that even mean?” Regulus exclaimed.
“In simple terms,” Barty smirked. “You and James are totally gonna fuck.”
“Classy, Crouch,” Evan wrinkled his nose. “But you are correct.”
What Regulus didn’t tell them was that he and James had already done it. He couldn’t take the speculation on his feelings or Evan turning it around on him and meddling in his affairs. That was Regulus’ thing.
“No way in hell,” Regulus said in faux disgust. “I hate James.”
“For now,” Pandora shrugged.
“And you just called him James. It’s already starting,” Evan sang.
“No, it’s not!” Regulus shrieked. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Pandora ignored him. “I predict they will be in harmony by the end of the year.”
“Well I predict they’ll kiss before then. Let’s say…” Evan tapped his finger to his chin. “Before the Potter-Lupin birthday bash.”
“So soon?” Barty asked amused.
Every year during Easter Break, there was a party thrown at the Potter’s house to celebrate James and Remus’ birthdays. Because they both took place in March, it was just simply easier to do a joint celebration and combine their respective friend groups for an all out bash. It had to take place during April during their week-long holiday though because Euphemia and Fleamont would go out for the night and were the least strict parents of them all and trusted their son not to make a mess of things. They really shouldn’t have because Regulus knew the only reason they had the combined birthday celebration of Remus and James was because it was extremely difficult to smuggle alcohol and contraband into school. Well, it was difficult if you weren’t Barty who had a med card and a perfect fake id. But he hated James for some reason and was an unwilling participant for him so they had to use their brains.
“I have a very strong feeling,” Evan said with a smirk playing on his lips. It almost sounded like he knew something the rest of them didn’t. Then again, the Rosiers always seemed that way.
“Care to wager?” Pandora asked with a sinister smile.
“Please don’t.” Regulus tried and was ignored.
“I love it when you two bet.” Barty looked downright giddy. Regulus didn’t feel the same.
“But of course.” Evan offered his hand to his sister and they shook on it. “We’ll discuss what I get when I win privately.” He seemed so confident and Regulus wanted to hit him.
Pandora giggled again. “Whatever you say, Evie.”
“This is not going to end well for anyone,” Regulus groaned. “I highly doubt either of you will win and Evan’s project is a pointless venture.”
Evan waved him off. “Nonsense. It’s perfect. I’ve already started, see?” He pressed a button on the camera and flicked through the photos he’d taken. He’d managed to capture their expressions at having been pranked perfectly. He got James’ messy look and mixed expression as well as Regulus’ sopping wet state. Somehow he’d been able to capture them both at an angle that made them not look totally awful. Especially when he showed them the picture of James challenging Regulus. Regulus could see the look in both of their eyes, showing separate emotions and the lighting made them look like two rivals that had a little something brewing underneath.
“Wow, Evan.” Pandora said breathlessly. “These are really good.”
“Thanks,” Evan turned the camera off and held it to his chest, suddenly shy.
“When did you even take these?” Regulus asked. He couldn’t remember Evan having his camera out at any of these moments.
“What can I say?” Evan shrugged. “I’m good at what I do. I take pictures in the shadows. You’ll never spot me.”
“So like a stalker?” Regulus offered.
Evan shoved him. “Shut up.”
“Don’t listen to him, Rosie.” Barty said. “You’ll make the perfect photographer for our band one day. Plus Regulus will need those for the wedding.”
“Shut up!” Regulus shouted.
Evan looked at Barty, a playful smile on his lips. “I don’t work for free, you know. You’ll have to pay a small fee.”
Barty smiled right back at him. “Oh? And what fee is that? Dinner and a movie? A kiss under the moonlight?”
Evan’s smile immediately dropped. “Um, I don’t know. I don’t—”
“Relax,” Barty interrupted. “I was kidding. I got your message loud and clear.” There was a bitterness in his tone on that last sentence.
“Barty.” Evan attempted.
“It’s fine, Rosie. We’re fine. We’re…normal.” Evan winced at the word normal while Barty looked down at his notebook and crossed out a few words.
Pandora and Regulus looked at each other then at Evan who was staring longingly at Barty who was now refusing to look at any of them. “Put your headphones on, Crouch.” Regulus said.
Barty looked up. “Why?”
“Because we’re going to talk about you, sweetie.” Pandora beamed.
“Seriously? You can’t just leave the room?” It was odd that the talking about him wasn’t the part that bothered him.
“Too much work.” Regulus waved his hand and made a gesture that Barty should just shut up and listen. Barty looked at them for a moment and then slowly lifted his headphones from around his neck and over his ears, turning the music up higher on his phone. He then went back to writing in his notebook, pretending his friends weren’t going to talk about him while he was right there.
When Regulus was confident that Barty couldn’t hear them, he leaned over and punched Evan in the shoulder. Hard.
“Ow!” Evan cried out. “What the hell was that for?!”
“You said no ?” Pandora reprimanded. “Barty asks you out and you say no ?”
Evan at least had the decency to look kind of ashamed. “You don’t understand.”
Regulus glanced at Barty briefly before responding. He slid down to the floor next to his friend. “We’ve been trying to understand but you’re confusing us in the same way you’re confusing Barty. You’ve liked him for years and he clearly likes you back. I mean, he kissed you—”
“He kissed you?!” Pandora shrieked. “When?!”
Evan groaned and put his face in his hands. “Thanks a fucking lot, Regulus.”
“New year’s,” Regulus supplied. Normally he wouldn’t go around revealing all of Evan’s secrets to his twin but Barty and Evan were starting to get on his nerves. They all knew Evan was scared to be in a real relationship with Barty and that he really needed to get over himself. If James liked Regulus—
Nope. Not going there.
Pandora began slapping at the skin of Evan’s bare arm repeatedly. “He kissed you and you still rejected him ?! What is wrong with you?!”
Barty made eye contact with Regulus, his eyes scanning the twins and their commotion before going right back to work. A good choice as they all knew not to get involved when the Rosiers were quarreling. Though Regulus hoped that whatever heartbreak song Barty was clearly writing about Evan wasn’t anything too bad because God knows Evan would take it the wrong way and things would only get worse. He also hoped it wasn’t another sappy love song also about Evan because, even though Barty had a knack for songwriting, Regulus was too caught up in his own love life drama to listen to another song about how desperately in love Barty was and how he couldn’t do anything about it. Mostly because it related too much to his own situation.
“You know what’s wrong with me,” Evan said once he’d caught one of Pandora’s wrists in his hand. “And if I let this thing happen, I’m only going to get hurt.”
“Evan…” Pandora trailed off.
“It’s okay if someone I don’t care about that much tells me that not wanting to have sex makes me weird or wrong but if it came from Barty? Or if Barty told me it was a dealbreaker?” Evan breathed and it came out a little shaky. “I wouldn’t be able to handle it. I can’t lose him just because I’m broken.”
This was what Evan had always believed was standing in their way. It had only been a year since they were all sitting in Barty’s basement, and Barty had gone upstairs briefly that Evan had blurted out to them that he was asexual. He had waited until Barty left the room to say it because he didn’t want him to know just yet and even now still didn’t. It was because Evan liked Barty so much that he didn’t want him to know. Mostly because he got it into his head that Barty was some sexual deviant. Regulus supposed that made sense considering he was Barty’s first time and while it was awkward and uncomfortable and Regulus went by a different name then, Barty claimed it was magical and became sort of a player. He flirted with anything that moved and Regulus wanted to smack and shake him when he did that shit in front of Evan because it was only convincing the blonde boy more and more that Barty would never give up sex for him.
But Regulus knew differently.
He’d known Barty the longest and he knew in his heart and soul that if Evan just simply told Barty the truth, that Barty would declare sex as the worst thing in the world and give it all up just for a chance to even hold Evan’s hand. Regulus knew that Barty was ass over tits in love with Evan and that he was one hundred percent it for Barty. He didn’t want anyone else. Regulus still remembered their break up because of it. “I’m sorry Reggie but I think I’m in love with Evan,” Barty had said and Regulus had simply looked at him not even surprised or upset and just replied “Ya think?” For he’d known the longest time that Barty and Evan were going to spend the rest of their shitty lives together. Regulus only wished that he had that kind of guarantee. They truly didn’t know how lucky they had it.
Pandora wrapped her arms around Evan’s shoulders and rested her cheek against his temple. “You’re not broken, Evie.” Regulus, not good with emotions and comforting others, rested his hand against Evan’s knee.
Evan looked like he might cry and Barty had caught notice of the expression on his face. Because of course he did. It was like he had a built in Evan detector. Those two were so perfect for each other, it was fucking frustrating.
Barty took his headphones off. “Rosie. What’s wrong? Did these bozos say something to upset you?” His tone was joking but his eyes had a different dialect.
“Fuck off, Crouch.” Regulus said.
Evan choked a laugh. “Could use a smoke, maybe. But otherwise I’m fine.”
Barty of course immediately shut his notebook and stood from the bed. “Well come on then. I got some new shit I think you’ll like.” He held out his hand for Evan to take. The other boy hesitated. They held hands all the time. Regulus wasn’t supposed to know that but it was hard not to notice. He was a frequent observer. Though the circumstances were different now and it was clear that things had shifted and might be a little weird between the two now no matter how much they were going to pretend that things were still normal.
Evan reached for Barty’s hand, trying to act like it was nothing, and let himself be pulled up. “You guys coming?” He asked, eyes low key pleading with them to maybe say yes.
Pandora and Regulus decided on no mercy.
Pandora faked a yawn and stretched her arms over her head. “I think I’m actually gonna nap. It’s been a long day.”
“And I have to plan childish practical jokes, I guess.” Regulus said.
Evan looked like he wanted to murder them both but that is what he got for exhausting his friends with his relationship drama. Also Regulus was a little salty about the bet he’d just placed with his sister right in front of him so. Karma’s a bitch.
Barty laughed. “Good luck. Make sure you come up with something good. You have to beat Potter.”
“I’ll do my best?” It came out like a question as Regulus had no idea what the fuck he was going to do. His first prank had only gone well because he was running on pure spite. Now he was running on anxiety and a severe lack of caffeiene.
The two left the room, still holding hands.
“Reggie,” Pandora said. “I’m going to pray to the god of love that my brother gets his head out of his ass and let’s Barty love him.”
Regulus chuckled. “You do that. I think I’m just going to continue meddling.”
Pandora shrugged. “We all have our strengths. Yours is being a vindictive cunt.”
“Thank you,” Regulus replied with an evil smile. Then he stretched and stood. “Anyways, I should go visit Remus. Maybe he has some ideas on how to get Potter.”
Pandora smiled. “Okay, do you mind if I nap here? Emmeline and Amelia have been fighting lately.” His sweet friend unfortunately shared a room with two girls who couldn’t be more different and insisted on arguing about it. Though Regulus made a mental note to ask Emmeline if she ended up making it in the showcase since he had been kicked out and Severus apparently never showed. As much as it pained him, if it had ended up being her, he was happy for her.
“Not at all,” he said. “Sleep well.”
Regulus made it all the way out of his dorm hall, going outside into the cold. Off to the side, he could see Barty and Evan engaged in conversation. He couldn’t hear what they were saying but Evan was looking down at the ground while Barty gestured wildly. He must’ve said something outrageous because Evan looked up with the joint in his hand and laughed loudly, covering his mouth to hide it. He wasn’t looking at Barty but Regulus was and wished that Evan was too because even from far away, he could see the expression on Barty’s face. It was an expression that said I would do anything to make you laugh like that over and over.
And if Regulus were a different person, he might’ve also prayed to the love gods that these two get their shit together soon. For now, he would just have to keep pushing Evan until he fell off the cliff and into Barty’s waiting arms. Regulus shook his head and kept walking.
He found Remus before Remus found him. He was walking with his brother. Sirius had his arms crossed, trying to hide from the cold while Remus held a book tightly to his chest. They were talking quietly and not looking where they were going. As Regulus approached them, he could hear bits and pieces of what they were saying.
“Just think about it,” Sirius was saying.
Remus sighed and looked down at his feet. “Sirius, please be patient with me. I need more time.”
“How much longer?” Sirius retorted. “It’s been five months!”
“I know and I’m sorry. I need you to hang on a little longer. Just until I figure out how to tell—
“Regulus!” Sirius shouted when Regulus got close enough to catch his eye.
Remus startled and stepped an inch away from Sirius like they’d been caught doing something they weren’t supposed to. Regulus didn’t understand why, they shared a room and were cordially close friends so it wasn’t odd they’d be talking to each other.
“Hello,” Regulus said slowly. “And where the hell have you been?” He directed the question at Remus who he hadn’t seen since that morning and had expected to come find him much sooner so he could bitch about James Potter to someone who understood him.
“Sorry.” He didn’t sound sorry at all. “I have been finishing the book you lent me.” Remus handed the book in his arms to Regulus.
“Oh,” Regulus said, heart warming a bit. “Did you like it?” He asked the question almost shyly, very often insecure about recommending people his interests as he worried they might make fun of him. Remus would never do that though.
“Very much,” Remus answered. “The characters were likable and the writing style was simply—“
“Reggie!” Sirius whined. “I haven’t seen you in days and you want to talk about books with Remus?!”
Regulus looked at him boredly. “You see me every day. And don’t call me ‘Reggie’.”
“Yeah, but I never get the chance to talk to you. I didn’t get to apologize for ruining your presentation since you were too busy yelling at James. Though it really was an accident.” His brother’s words sounded genuine.
“It wasn’t your fault. I forgive you,” Regulus replied because he knew Sirius would be beating himself up about it forever if he didn’t. Sometimes he wondered how they ended up like this, speaking to one another so easily without biting remarks or underlying jealousy. Sometimes he even wondered if this all might be a dream and that one day he’d wake up still in that house, watching his mother throw his artwork in the fire every time he painted something with Sirius in it. But this was real. They lived together safely and with the kind of family they’d only dreamt about.
“I’m glad,” Sirius said in relief. “And I’ll help you make something even better for next year. We’ll get you into the college of your dreams.” He smiled at Regulus. The two brothers had grown up forced into the arts. Regulus was told his whole life that he would never live up to the talents of his older brother as he was shit at the piano and had spent years and years practicing his art skills. Sirius was so frustratingly good at everything and it was infuriating to Regulus that he was always killing himself to be perfect while Sirius just simply was.
Regulus hated the thought but a part of him was always glad that Sirius preferred acting to the modern arts and that he never tried again to pick up a paintbrush. Regulus took pride in the knowledge that he was finally good at something his brother wasn’t. He didn’t think he could handle it if Slughorn chose Sirius over him as it would be just one more person who preferred his more eccentric and interesting brother. Which was why Regulus had never been more thankful that Remus stayed with him this long. He may have lived with his idiot brother and his idiot best friend, but Remus was the one thing that Regulus thought he and Sirius shared that might have actually preferred him. Maybe. Hopefully.
“That won’t be necessary,” Regulus said as politely as he could. “None of you will be here next year so I don’t think I will have to worry about my presentation being ruined again by your lot.”
“Suit yourself,” Sirius shrugged. “But while we’re on the subject, I cannot believe you challenged James to a prank war. Are you out of your mind?”
Regulus raised a brow. “He challenged me. I only accepted because I might be finally free from childish jokes.”
“Come on, Reggie. I love you, but you stand no chance of winning. James has been doing this a lot longer than you.” Okay, that hurt a little. His own brother didn’t believe in him. Because of course he’d take Potter’s side.
“Have a little faith, Sirius.” Remus defended. “I think Regulus is ambitious enough to stoop down to your level. He could definitely win this.” Thank you, Remus. He was always in Regulus’ corner.
“Well, would it really be so bad if you just said yes to James?” Sirius asked casually.
Regulus choked on his spit. “I—excuse me?”
“It’s alright, Reg. He told me all about it.” Sirius said while Regulus tried hard not to scream. “Though I don’t understand why you were keeping it a secret. I know you think James is an idiot, but come on, he’s got a lot of good qualities. Though maybe I’m biased.” He chuckled goodnaturedly.
Regulus tried really hard not to have a panic attack. He went through a wide range of emotions. “He…told you?” Regulus was going to kill him. What part of “Don’t tell Sirius” did that idiot not understand?! Even more so, why the fuck was Sirius taking the news so well that his best friend and little brother had sex? What was the world coming to?
“Of course he told me. It’s James. He told me all the little details.” Oh god. What the fuck is wrong with him? “Though I really don’t see why it’s such a big deal. Maybe it’s just important to him this close to the end of the year.” No it’s not! It is not important to him. James is just trying to get under his skin and make fun of him for a baby crush Regulus had. James is an asshole! “He really didn’t need to make a bet just to get you to tutor him. There are plenty of others who speak the langauge. The Rosiers for example. But you know, James. Always wanting the best.” Sirius rolled his eyes fondly.
Pause.
What.
“I—what?” Regulus said.
“It’s okay, Reggie. James told me he asked you. I’m not offended, don’t worry. In fact, I’m glad he asked you to tutor him instead of me because god knows we wouldn’t be able to focus.” Sirius shook his head fondly.
“Tutoring.” Regulus repeated, the word swimming in his head.
“Yes, tutoring.” Remus chimed in. “You know how James has been bugging you to teach him French for the past few months?” His friend looked at him pointedly. Then it clicked. Remus, though he didn’t know about them sleeping together, was the only person who both knew of Regulus’ crush and that James had been asking him out every day. Regulus didn’t know why he couldn’t tell Remus about what happened that night but he guessed it just seemed like something he ought to keep to himself. Regulus breathed a silent sigh of relief knowing that James had felt the same and lied.
“Oh,” Regulus said, finally understanding. “Yes, of course. Tutoring. Well, you know I’m very busy and James can be such an idiot so it would just be a waste of my time.”
“I know you think that but James really is smart.” Sirius tried.
“I know,” Regulus replied easily. And he did know that. As much as Regulus liked to call him an idiot in other things, James actually was very intelligent when it came to academics. Though a lot of people liked to assume James and Sirius were just a dumb jock and a theatre kid respectfully, they actually held some of the highest scores in their classes. Which was why this lie was the dumbest thing Regulus had ever heard but luckily, Sirius believed it because James really didn’t speak a lick of French and was always complaining about how he couldn’t focus. So maybe there was some thought put into it.
“Just think about it,” Sirius said. “And good luck with this war. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.” He ruffled his brother’s hair and was about to saunter off but took a moment to pause. He turned around. “Oh, and Reggie?”
“What?” Regulus answered, trying to calm himself.
“Don’t hurt James in this.” His expression turned wistful. “He puts his heart in everything he does and I couldn’t stand it if he got hurt because of that.”
Regulus wanted to say he didn’t care if James got hurt. He wanted to ask why Sirius was still on his best friend’s side. Why he was still choosing James over him after everything. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know. “Fine. Whatever.”
Sirius took it for the agreement that it was and walked away satisfied with his hands in his pockets.
Remus waited until he was out of earshot before saying, “You are both so exhausting.”
Regulus didn’t know if he meant him and Sirius or him and James but he had to agree either way. Right then he knew he needed to talk to James.
Great.
James: 1
Regulus: 1