Chapter 1
8 Years Later:
James knew his day was going to be shitty. And he hadn't even gotten out of bed yet.
He'd made his first mistake by giving in to Sirius yesterday, when he'd started pestering him to go out with him on a Friday night, (“Come on, Prongs! Just get one drink with me at the pub and then you can come back and sleep early for your interview tomorrow. Don't be a boring, old man!”), which of course had meant drinking way more than he intended to, and ending up with a vodka-tequila hangover knocking on his temple.
When he finally summoned enough energy to get off the bed and check the time, he realised his second mistake. Apparently he'd slept through his alarm, (something he hadn't done in years), and had woken less than an hour before he was supposed to show up.
Cursing his luck and his best friend, he tripped his way into the bathroom to shower, brush his teeth, (try to) tame his hair, and stumbled out trying to find an appropriate outfit for his interview.
This was not the first interview he'd be going to actually. After deciding against playing Quidditch professionally after graduating, and dropping out of Auror training four months into the programme, he'd spent the past six years trying to find a steady job that would hold his interest for more than a couple months.
It's not like he necessarily needed a job. His family was more than cushy enough for him to sail through his entire life with no financial strain. But the problem was, he felt hopelessly untethered.
Ever since he was a little kid, he'd always wanted to have a love story like his parents did. His dream career would change practically every week, (including muggle and wizard occupations) but the one thing he had constantly wanted in his life was someone by his side, to live life with.
Not to say that James wasn't a complete person without a partner. Because he was. He had lovely parents. Great friends. Enough job experiences that his resume was over four pages long. He had travelled with his friends throughout Europe and the Americas (not really for pleasant reasons, but James wanted to avoid thinking about that particular subject just yet.), and had had more than enough adventures in his life that people craved.
That still didn't satisfy the itch in his hand, it didn't fill the hole in chest. Especially when he'd had a taste of what he wanted, what life could be like.
James had always been a romantic, but his belief in it had been cemented because of one person. Someone who would be the last person James might have expected himself to fall for. But he had. He'd fallen deep and hard and painfully. But he would still bear that pain rather than not have fallen at all.
It had been roughly eight years since he had last laid eyes on the beautiful sight that was Regulus Black. Since he had heard his gentle, tinkling laugh. Since he had held him in his arms, where it felt as if they were puzzle pieces, clicking into place, made for each other. Since he had been graced with the sight of his bright smile, the one that was only visible to those who were blessed by the deity that was that boy.
And every single day since, felt like a prison sentence he was waiting to end.
When Sirius had shown up in his fireplace, that fateful summer evening, he had fallen unconscious the moment he fell through. James had felt the deep panic grasp his heart at the sight of his best friend's beaten, bleeding body but once he was sure he would be fine and was safe, his eyes had stayed stuck to the fireplace for a second black haired boy to follow through.
But he never did.
When Sirius finally gained consciousness after three days, the first thing he had asked about was his brother. How he had sworn he would follow after him. How he had packed his bag alongside his brother's and had carried him to the fireplace, and promised he'd follow. He'd, of course, panicked when he heard that the boy hadn't shown up.
The Potter's had tried their hardest to get the boy out, but Grimmauld Place was a fortress and the authorities couldn't (or wouldn't) take action. They had finally decided to bide their time and wait for the new term to start.
Except, Regulus had never shown up.
James had never felt fear so deep in his heart before. When he didn't see him on the train, he thought, perhaps he's coming through the floo. When he wasn't at the Welcome feast, he thought, maybe he wasn't hungry, or is coming a few days later. He made excuse after excuse for his (secret) boyfriend's absence until Regulus’ friends showed up, demanding answers from Sirius. Who was barely keeping himself together in his denial, and had broken down completely when confronted.
The Marauders had barely been able to keep Barty, Evan and Dorcas to stop them from attacking Sirius. Though they had apologised eventually, (some more begrudgingly than others), James knew it had broken something within Sirius, as well as created something new. A hunger like never before, to find his brother and bring him back.
The two groups had teamed up together to try and find the younger Black brother. But as every day passed with zero leads, even James had broken down and told them about their relationship. He couldn't keep acting like he was staying up day and night trying to just find Sirius’ younger brother (not to say he wouldn't have, even if that's all Regulus was to him), but the love of his life. His boyfriend.
They'd kept it a secret for fear of Sirius’ reaction, but he just didn't care anymore. What was the point in keeping them a secret when there was no ‘them’? (Sirius had been mad for about a minute before he'd seen James' heartbroken face and forgiven him with a hug.)
They'd eventually given up, rather defeatedly when after two years of using every single resource to find him, he'd stayed hidden. But that didn't mean no one noticed his absence.
Group meetings often felt incomplete without him.
Remus complained about none of them being intellectual enough to talk about his books to, when he just missed his discussions with Regulus.
Peter had stopped playing chess with the others, having grown tired of winning too easily.
Barty and Evan would often be too quiet whenever they met, still rowdy- because they were Barty and Evan- but much quieter than their Hogwarts days.
Pandora would tear up whenever something reminded her of Regulus, which was everything considering the two were inseparable.
Dorcas would lock up her emotions whenever he was brought up, clenching her jaw and balling her fists and would change the subject as quickly as possible.
The girls missed having their fourth gossip member.
Sirius would shut down and go numb on some days, would cry himself hoarse on some and push himself to be the loudest, most boisterous version of himself on others, just to ignore the part of his soul that he was missing.
And James, he refused to forget his existence, much to the pain, anger and annoyance of the others. He refused to act like they weren't missing a vital part of themselves. Like Regulus being away made no difference.
He'd gotten yelled at about it over the years but eventually everyone accepted that this was his way to ‘cope’ with his loss. And maybe, in a way it was.
But, mostly it was because he knew, down to his soul, that this wouldn't be forever. He knew the promises Regulus and he had made under the stars. Of the future they wanted together. Of the days and nights they wanted to spend in each other's space, no matter what life threw at them.
So, he was positive this absence was temporary. He refused to believe otherwise.
But still, without his love by side he felt adrift. The future they had planned together was something he was ready for, not this limbo. So, he was doing his best to find something that stuck.
This was how he had ended up with the job he would interview for today.
Remus had heard at his current job in Diagon Alley's bookstore, that the new Apothecary that had opened down the street recently was looking for an employee. He'd heard good things as well as bad things about the employer. He was respectful and kind. He was intimidating and terrifying. He was smart and bold. He was spiteful and petty.
So, James really didn't know what to expect at this interview. He was positive he wouldn't get the job, but he'd been decent enough at Potions in school to give it a try, no matter how nerve wracking the owner sounded to him. He honestly didn't know whether to be terrified or excited.
This is how he ends up jumping on one foot as he ties his converse, exiting his room to find Remus drinking tea in the kitchen, and Sirius passed out beside him, drooling on the counter.
He screamed near his best friend's ear to wake the fucker up, which he did jumping out of his chair as his boyfriend snickered beside him.
“What the fuck, Prongs? You know I'm hungover, why would you do that?”, he groaned, rubbing his temples.
“If I have to wake up with a hangover that is your fault, go to an interview I'm definitely going to bomb with a headache, you can keep your drool inside your mouth in solidarity.”, he said, grabbing a mug and quickly making his tea. He didn't have long before he needed to leave.
Sirius grumbled, “I don't drool.”, while very indiscreetly wiping it off as Remus piped up. “I told you, you'll be fine. The guy isn't really looking for a high class Potioneer. He just needs a trustworthy bloke to watch the shop and help out a bit.”
“And you know this because you met him?”, he asked, eyebrows raised, already knowing the answer.
“No, you know that I have long shifts at the bookshop, and he always closes before I get off. But the other day, I ran into this bloke exiting the shop, grumbling to himself and when I asked if he was interviewing he told me he was and that it had been a waste of his time and skills because he basically needed someone to watch the counter. Now, I don't know how much of it is true, but it's still worth a shot. Maybe after a few weeks you can ask to help around a bit more.”, he answered, ever the diplomat.
James huffed before finishing his tea. The answer made him feel worse and better at the same time, somehow. He could breathe a little easier knowing that if he really didn't get the job, he wouldn't be missing out on much. But if he did get the job, it would probably end up boring him anyway.
Despite his newfound nerves, adding to his previous ones, James set his mug down, gave a quick hug to the two of his friends, receiving good luck's from them, fled out the door of their Shaftesbury Avenue Flat and apparating to Diagon Alley. He was on the cusp of running late.
He followed Remus’ directions, making his way down six stores from the bookstore, to stand in front of a small Apothecary, the name, “Vega's Potions and Apothecary” shown proudly over the little store.
He took a deep breath before shaking off his nerves, planting a bright smile on his face and stepping into the store. A little bell chimed over his head as he entered and looked over the surroundings.
The walls were painted a shining dark blue, with stars and constellations painted over. There were shelves covering many large areas of the walls, filled to the brim with potion ingredients and pre-made potions.
In front of him was a glass counter with a stone top, the transparent section showing off some of the precious, expensive ingredients that would've been foolish to put on display without protection, behind which there was a small working station, with ingredients strewn about and a cauldron bubbling away. On the wall over the station, the different moon phases were painted, along with some runes. A few stools were placed in front of and behind the counter to give the customer and the employees a place to sit and there was a doorway, currently open that must've led to the backroom and the lab, James assumed.
While the shop was amazing enough that James had to fight to keep his awe off his face, the strangest thing about the shop was by far, the little girl sat, drawing away behind the counter. James wondered if he had maybe arrived early, or if this little girl was somehow supposed to be his boss (he'd seen stranger things in the wizarding world) but before he could ask, the little girl looked up, turned to the backroom doorway and screeched in a high enough pitch that James feared for his ears.
“Papa!”
James felt a bit more comfortable at the thought that this little girl wasn't the intimidating boss who would be interviewing and walked up to the counter. He was about to greet the little girl when presumably her father shot out of the doorway.
“Hello, you must be the interviewee who was scheduled for today.”, he rambled, as he closed up the door and put up several spells to lock it up and James felt his heart stop in his chest. “I was just finishing up something in the back room, apologies for my tardiness.”, he said, before turning around and freezing, much like James.
Because, standing in front of him was the man he had thought about every day for the last decade. Who's smile and laughter and voice replayed in his mind every night. Who had ripped him apart and soothed him too. Who had held his beating heart in his soft, gentle palms all these years. Who's body he had spent hours and days memorising. Who had changed completely and yet stayed the same. Who was staring at him right now, like he had grown two heads.
“I'm sorry, is there something on my face? Why do you keep staring?”, he asked, glancing at the little girl and touching his face as if something was stuck to it. James' eyes certainly were.
Regulus had clearly grown over the years, and grown ridiculously well. The little bit of baby fat that used to stubbornly stick to his cheeks was long gone, revealing sharp cheekbones and an even sharper jawline, capable of slicing James if he wasn't too careful. His hair was still long but shorter in length. It curled around his ears and cheeks, falling into his eyes, so much so that Regulus had one side clipped back.
His shoulders had grown broader, and his arms had been built up, visible from the tight, white button-up he was wearing, under his apron, with his sleeves rolled up. (Why did James feel faint over his fucking forearms?) His hands were the same, reflective of a piano player- long, slender fingers, with chipping black nail paint and silver rings adorning almost each finger.
But James didn't miss the many changes in his body, that clued him in on his lover's missing time. His fingers had grown calluses and looked rougher than James had ever seen (still plenty soft, but Regulus had clearly been keeping his hands busy), there were long scars crossing his forearms, disappearing under his shirt, and the most noticeable, a scar right through his left eye, from his forehead, down to the outer edge of his button nose. His grey-blue eyes which James had once drowned in were now of two different shades, his left now almost milky white-grey.
It was clear that Regulus had changed a lot over the years, but some things had remained the same. The eyebrow, he raised when looking at him. The pink lips he pressed thin and the way he crossed his arms to glare at James, unimpressed.
It was that familiar glare that brought James out of his stupor and he scrambled to answer the question which he had already forgotten.
“Um- I, Sorry?”, he choked out, his throat suddenly tight.
“I asked why you were staring at me. If looking at my eye is that uncomfortable for you, you may please leave, I don't want my time to be wasted.”, he said, cold and monotone like he would before they fell in love.
“I- what?”, he asked, not understanding what was happening. “Regulus, it's me, James!”
“I'm aware, you're James Potter. Received Exceeds Expectations in OWLs and Acceptable in NEWTs for Potions. Have been unable to hold down a job in the past six years and are looking to apply here. I got your letter, yes. But if working with someone who is half blind makes you ‘uncomfortable’ you can save us both time and get out.”, he sneered.
James was left speechless. How could he not recognize him? They'd dated for a year! Regulus had known of his existence since he was 10! Why was he acting like he only knew about him from the resume he-
Like a bucket of ice water was splashed over his head, James froze again. He'd known something was wrong when Regulus hadn't replied to a single letter over the years. When he hadn't ever reached out after graduating. After Orion's death, when he was sure to have become Lord with enough power to overpower his mother. It all made sense to James all of a sudden and he felt a lump growing in his throat and the tears threatening to spill from his eyes.
Regulus had been obliviated. He really didn't know who James was. Possibly that he ever even went to Hogwarts.
“You know what, this is ridiculous, if you don't get out willingly, I won't hesitate to remove you with force.”, he warned, pointing his wand at his chest. Even his wand was different.
That was enough to snap James out of his stupor. He wouldn't get out. Not ever. He'd sworn he would never let him go when he found the love of his life again, and James was never one to back down from a promise. Even if his love didn't remember him, he still did. That would be enough for now.
“No, no I apologise”, he blurted, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. “I just, you look very similar to an old friend of mine and I got stuck on that for a moment. I apologise for staring, it wasn't because of your eye, I swear, I really don't care about that.”
Regulus retracted his wand but still eyed him warily. He gestured for him to take a seat and James did so readily. He was going to get this job if it was the last thing he ever did.
“Your daughter is beautiful. What's her name?”, he asked, trying to distract and soften him up. Thankfully it worked.
Regulus stroked his hand over the girl's hair, who had diligently returned to her drawing after the standoff between him and her father, and said, smiling softly and gazing fondly, “She is, thank you. Her name is Lyra.”
“That's a beautiful name.”, he said, unable to keep the smile off his face at the gentleness in his face and voice.
“What do you say to that, Ly?”, he asked, gently nudging the girl.
She looked up at her father and when he pointed at him with his head, she turned, giving him a toothy smile and saying, “Hello! I'm Lyra.”
Regulus huffed softly as James introduced himself and she returned to her drawing after giving him a bright smile again, Regulus’ smile. “Apologies, she tends to get lost in her little world sometimes. Takes after me, I suppose.”
It wasn't the only thing that was Regulus’ that reflected in the little girl. Her eyes were the same shade of grey-blue as her father's, her button nose and mouth too. She had the Black family bone structure, visible even through her chubby cheeks, and her pale skin. But there were reflections of who must be her mother as well. Her eyebrows were different from Regulus’, softer to his angular and her hair was a dark, chestnut brown, though the curls seemed to be her father's too. She was so much like Regulus that James could even forego the jealousy that he felt at the prospect of him being married. He decided to pry as subtly as possible (so not so subtly at all).
“Your wife must be beautiful if your daughter is any indication.”, he asked and Regulus’ eyebrows soared up his forehead, disappearing under the curtain of his hair.
His lips twitched in the way James knew he was trying to suppress a smile. “Um, thank you, and she is. She's also not my wife anymore. We're divorced because we were both gay, so again, if that's an issue you can leave.”, he said, though he seemed to already know it wouldn't be an issue for James.
“Of course not, sorry for intruding.”, he wasn't. “I'm pansexual myself, so it would be hypocritical of me to judge.”
Regulus huffed a laugh again, his lips twitching once again, before he conjured a piece of parchment and a quill and neutralised his expression once again. James wanted to see him without his mask desperately.
“Alright, so the job is basically as my assistant. You don't need to have an exceptional grip over Potions, though if you do, that would be welcome. I basically need someone to take down orders, watch the shop and maybe assist me if possible. Someone with a good enough sales experience, who is comfortable around people and wouldn't mind working around a child sometimes.
“See, this is the first time I'm opening a shop and I'm not the most friendly face that people imagine salespeople to have. The surname ‘Black’ doesn't help either. I've had the shop open for almost two months and the amount of people asking for illegal potions is honestly ridiculous. I'm also a single father with a growing daughter who goes to muggle preschool and will start primary school next year so I have to raise my daughter and give time to the shop as well.”
“But I'm sure you don't need to work, right?”, James knows he's pushing it a little now, but he can't help it really. “ Isn't your family loaded?”
Regulus simply raised his eyebrow and pinned him with a look. James could feel his cheeks start to heat of their own accord, god had he missed that look. “Aren't the Potters? But you're jumping from job to job, looking for something to occupy your time. Challenge you, right? Something to work towards.”
Damn him. James hated and loved that fact that he could still counter and read James so easily. Hell, he didn't even know that he once could, but the man still had it.
“Touché.”, he replied, sheepishly.
“Look, James, I'll be honest with you. If you think this is just another job for you to jump ship two months in, I'd request you to not take it. I need someone I can depend on, someone I can have around my daughter. Someone who would not misuse my trust. This isn't an easy feat for me, which is why every candidate has walked out of here within minutes. So, if you think this is asking for too much commitment for a low level job then I expect you to tell me now.”
James could have laughed at the implication. Regulus could have asked him to fight dragons for him without any pay, and he would've happily jumped in. To think he would run from committing to him was the most ridiculous thing he'd ever heard. If his love had his memories, he would've popped the question right then and there.
Okay, maybe I need to reel it in a little.
“I'm in. I think this might just be the kind of challenge that helps me get out of my rut.”, he said, beaming.
Regulus raised an eyebrow but didn't question him further. They discussed his salary and his hours, he would be at the store from 12 till closing at 8 on weekdays where Regulus would open at 9 and stay till 2:30, until he would leave to pick Lyra up. He would then return at 6.30 to prepare for the orders of the day and close up. For weekends, he was given either day off depending on his choice and plans and he could show up as early and as late as he wished on the other.
Even if he didn't have the incentive of Regulus being the love of his life, to accept the job, he would've, simply for the benefits he offered. He could take as many days off as he wished as long as he told him beforehand (except sick days) and didn't didn't abuse his policy. He could have the holidays free. He had access to order any potion as long as it wasn't too expensive or illegal. And he was free to use the lab in Regulus’ presence.
Before he could wrap up the interview, the bell dinged again as a customer entered the shop. James turned to see the man, who walked up behind the counter and pulled Regulus into a tight hug. James had to tamp down his temper.
“How many times have I told you not come behind the counter?”, Regulus asked, his voice muffled. James had to sit on his hands to not rip them apart.
“Seeing as this is the second time I've visited, I would say twice”, he replied, stepping back and smirking at Regulus, who rolled his eyes and pushed him back besides James. He was completely ignored as the man turned his attention to Lyra and started chatting. “And how's your highness doing this fine morning?”, he said, tickling her chin so she giggled.
“I'm good, Jeffy! And you?”, she asked, beaming as she turned to him. Her accent was just shy of posh, just like Regulus’. James felt like his chest would burst.
Also, what a stupid name was ‘Jeffy’.
“Well, I'm all better now that I've seen you. I know my day is going to go amazing now, the princess has blessed me with her presence after all.”, he exclaimed, swooning as she burst into laughter. He had a thick accent that James could place as Eastern European.
James noticed the man had many scars covering his body. He had one coming down from his forehead, down his neck and under his t-shirt. His arms were covered in scars as well, though they were different from Regulus’, a lot like Remus’ actually.
“You'd have many more amazing days if you visited more often.”, Regulus said, stepping out from the backroom, a case of vials in his hand. When had he left the room? “You get married and you forget all about us. Do I need to be jealous of Catherine, Jefferson?”
“It's Jeffrey, you-”, he paused, glancing at Lyra and covering her ears. “You dickhead.”, Regulus snorted. “And if you miss me so very much, you always have your memories to remember me by”, he finished with a flying kiss and an over-exaggerated wink.
“Bloody hell, you will never let that go, will you?”, he said, shaking his head as he moved the vials around the case, labelling some with a quill. “It was a stupid game of truth or dare, are you really going to hold it over my head forever?”
“I was your first kiss, love. Of course, I'm going to gloat over that forever.”, he said, smirking.
James had to dig his fingers into his thighs to stop himself from punching the guy. Who did he think he was? He wasn't Regulus’ first kiss. Not by a long shot. It was Barty. He had even kissed Evan and a couple other men, but then his lips were for James.
“I pity Cathy.”, Regulus sighed, passing the case to Jeffrey. Still a stupid name. “I kept the potions the same as last month because you said they worked well for you. I added a couple of blood replenishers, pain potions, and skeli-gros because your lovely wife pointed out that you were running low. I have included a calming draught and a fertility potion for her as well, but if there is anything else you need, just let me know and I'll have it delivered.”
Jeffrey's features softened as he reached out to squeeze his hand (James bit his cheek hard enough to draw blood to avoid screaming at him to back the fuck off). “Thanks Reg. Now I know what you usually say, but I got a job recently that's working pretty well for me, so I insist on covering at least a little bit.”, he raised his hand to stop Regulus before he could protest and placed a small pouch full of galleons on the counter. “Consider it the payment for the other potions, alright? Please Reg, don't disrespect me by denying it.”
Regulus harrumphed but accepted it and added the pile to a drawer and noted the transaction in a little leather bound journal.
“Alright, now get lost before Cathy sends a search party for you. Merlin knows how she puts up with you. Get me that cousin for Lyra you promised, dumbass.”, he said, smiling as he waved him off. Jeffrey laughed as he winked at him, ruffling Lyra's hair before leaving with another tinkle of the bell.
Regulus suddenly turned to him like he just remembered he was there, “Oh, my apologies. Jeffrey is an old friend of mine, he orders some special potions monthly. Him and his wife went to school with me.”
James let go of his jealousy and took the opportunity to dig deeper that had been handed to him. “Ah, that's great! What school was that?”
“Durmstrang.”, he said, “I was homeschooled till fifteen and then was transferred. I finished my education there, got my mastery in Potions and opened this shop.”
James' stomach dropped. He'd been sent to Durmstrang? James had heard about that school and how tough the curriculum was on the students. How they were raised around Dark Magic and pushed to their limits. Their environment could not be farther from Hogwarts, and he didn't even remember going there.
“That's nice.”, he said, trying to keep his voice even.
“What are your thoughts on Lycanthropy?”, Regulus asked all of a sudden. His gaze was cold and unreadable once again.
“I- I'm sorry?”, he stuttered out.
“Lycanthropy, thoughts?”, he repeated.
James didn't know if this was a trick question or not, but he decided to answer honestly either way.
“I think werewolves are still people, no matter the problem that they face turning once a month. Their condition does not make them inferior in any manner.”, he answered, raising his chin defiantly, hoping against hope Regulus didn't disagree.
When he cracked a smile, James felt like he could breathe once again. “Very well said. I ask only because I provide Wolfsbane for sale and for free as well for certain pre-approved individuals that can't afford it. It would be difficult to continue that operation if you were against the idea of unregistered Werewolves having access to free Wolfsbane so, I had to make sure.”
“Wait, what do you mean give it for free as well?”, he asked, his brow furrowing. This was the last thing he'd expected.
“Well, as you may know, Werewolves are not given the same status as other wixen in society. They have a hard time holding down jobs or even having a safe place to transform. So as long as someone can prove that their financial situation is dwindling, I provide them with Wolfsbane to ease their transformations. There is a long series of security measures I take that ensure they won't be selling it instead of using it, or that they won't use it for nefarious purposes. But otherwise I like to help out stray Werewolves as much as I can.”
“Are you one?”, he blurted out, not able to keep the terror out of his expression.
“I'm not, but no need to look so terrified. I simply like to provide a helping hand for personal reasons, so if you know someone who needs Wolfsbane or a shelter or any sort of help, I donate to some organisations that can help them out.”
James was left speechless. He'd always known Regulus was kind, but using Black family funds to help underprivileged Werewolves?
Sirius would be fucking proud.
James didn't stick around much long after that. Regulus carried Lyra on his hip as he showed James around and gave him instructions. He warned him of protective spells placed over every ingredient, equipment and potion to keep it safe. So if he ever wanted access he would need his authorization and presence for it.
Eventually, he signed the appropriate documents and bid goodbye to Regulus and Lyra, promising to show up on time for Monday.
He decided to take the 10 minute walk instead of walking now that he wasn't in a hurry and had countless thoughts buzzing around his head.
When he finally opened the door to his apartment, he found Sirius and Remus watching the telly in the living room. He quietly sat down in the armchair until Sirius turned it off and turned to him.
“So, did you get the job?”, he asked, leaning forwards, visibly excited.
He nodded, not willing to speak yet.
When he didn't continue, Remus turned to him too, his gaze searching, brow furrowed in concern.
“What's wrong? You got the job, right?”
James let out a broken laugh. Not able to calm his thoughts. So, he blurted the thing that was running through his mind more than anything else. That made all the other problems worth it.
“I found Regulus.”