No Plan
James Potter had always felt too much.
He felt the crevice of his heart caving in the first time he saw an injured fox in the forest behind his house. Of course, he had immediately knelt next to the creature, his hands carefully cradling it as he called for his parents. He was six when he truly felt the caress of his magic; healing, protecting. He wasn’t even aware he was crying until his dad wiped his cheeks and the fox had climbed out of his lap. He had sworn right then and there that he would care for any creature he stumbled across.
The rest of his childhood was much like that, feeling every being’s hurt as if it were his own and having the need to heal them. It was as natural as his magic, one and the same really.
It was why he and Sirius latched on to each other in a codependent brotherhood. It was why James never gave up on Remus and made sure to include Peter in everything. It was why he was such a menace in his first few years when people would say something about his friends. Everyone knew his smile but very few had to feel the depths of his anger. He knew he couldn’t fix them like some thought. No, he didn’t want to. He just wanted their hurt to fade.
He’d take all of their pain and give them every essence of his happiness if he could. He wouldn’t mind hurting if it meant that they were no longer suffering, even in the slightest.
After all, his mum had always told him his heart was too big for his body. Even now when he towered over her and matched his own dad in height. This chasm of feeling was perhaps what fueled James’ borderline obsessive habits. It was why he knew everyone’s comfort foods and how to make their teas. It was why he played pranks, even if the reasons sometimes shifted from harmless laughter to revenge.
It was also why James knew almost everything about Regulus Black. He’d already deemed the boy his from the first moment Padfoot mentioned his name. Back then he’d thought of it as gaining another brother yet when he first laid eyes on Regulus he just couldn’t seem to stop looking. His eyes tirelessly sought the boy who seemed to covet shadowed corners where his shoulders would lose their weight and his eyes would soften their storms.
Throughout the years he saw the snark and softness, the defiant curl of Reg's lip and the protective arms that held what was his. James was fascinated by both the cold marble mask of the Black heir and the sarcastic heart that was just him.
Which was why Regulus Black for all intents and purposes was his, even if all James could’ve gotten was a glimpse.
Now though? Now Regulus was talking to him, flirting with him even. They had tea twice in the kitchens and by the Gods of old or perhaps by the grace of mother magic Regulus had seemed to enjoy his company. Hell he’d offered to help his ancestral wards be Walburga free. Even if it was for Sirius, James counted that as a win.
So here he was, stalking, watching Regulus browse through overflowing bookshelves. He was wearing a fitted brown turtleneck which was rolled up to the sleeves with tan slacks. Some of his tattoos were on display and James couldn’t help the groan that escaped him as Reg’s fingers skimmed the contents of whatever he was reading and the tattoos swirled.
Merlin save him.
Reg was beautiful, ethereal even. He hadn’t truly changed much, not the way people think. Perhaps a few new additions physically – by Godric he was a sucker for scars – but James knew his soul and it always looked this peaceful, if not a tad bit deranged, but hey that added to the deadly charm you wouldn’t see James complaining.
For the past five minutes the boy was entranced in whatever he was reading that he didn’t even notice as James peaked over his shoulder to see some obscure potions book that honestly looked like mermish to James.
“Funny seeing you here.”
He was suddenly shouldered in his jaw with a wand trained to his neck. He knew, objectively, that he was moments away from being eviscerated yet James couldn’t help but swoon a bit, a dopey smile pulling at his lips.
Was it stupid of him to be dwelling on the fact that Regulus was touching him again? Absolutely. Did he care? Not at all!
“What the fuck Potter!” Reg growled lowly, his wand arm dropping slightly, “Do you have a bloody death wish?”
“If it’s by your hands then sure.” James grinned with a wink. He couldn’t help it. Honestly! He’d always had a thing for grumpy people with soft hearts.
Regulus huffed and pursed his rather pretty lips, the natural haughty expression of the Ancient House of Black lineage peeking through, “Are you stalking me James?”
“Do you want me to?”
Reg simply rolled his eyes and spun around, walking down the aisle to purchase the books that were floating behind him, “What do you want?”
You.
“I saw you and couldn't resist.” James plastered on his most innocent smile as he grabbed the floating books and paid for them before Reg could argue.
“James.” Reg narrowed his eyes in warning but James was not a Marauder because of his self preservation instincts.
“Pandora told me you had nothing but a little shopping planned for the day.”
“Did she, now.”
James nodded as he held the door open for Regulus before exiting the bookshop himself. “Of course, which was why I planned the day for us.”
“Did you, now.” Reg’s eyebrows raised in disbelief as James nodded sagely. He was having way too much fun with this.
“I did. Care to join me?”
Reg stared at him for a moment, eyes piercing his very soul as if he could read all of his intentions. “Lead the way.”
–
James had taken him all over Hogsmeade with the exception of Honeydukes which he claimed was the only way to end this trip. As loath as he was to admit it, Reg thoroughly enjoyed himself even with the eyes that followed them here and there. James had distracted him with the oddest commentary on little things which Reg may or may not have laughed at.
They sat opposite each other in the Three Broomsticks, sipping on the butterbeers and treacle tarts that James got for them when the boy turned to him and smiled ever so softly. “Thank you. For helping with the wards and post. Sirius won’t admit it but he was worried.” James paused ruffling his hair, “Mum said you wrote to her and Dad with contingencies. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. It’s my mess, I'll clean it up.” Regulus took a sip of his drink before locking eyes with the older boy, “Wally doesn’t deserve the satisfaction of knowing she got to you. I’ll be damned if she or Orion ruin anything else.” anyone else reg doesn’t say but he could tell James understood.
“It’s not your fault your family is fucked.”
There it was. The flicker of volatile, red hot anger. Not against him but for him. It was the same look, the same protective feeling of James’ magic as it ran scorching hot. James Potter was angry and fuck if that didn’t turn him on. Reg couldn’t help it as his lips twitched into a smirk, his chin resting on his hand as he took in the other boy before softly muttering, “No, it's not.”
James took a breath and was about to ask something or the other when they were interrupted by a smooth voice that made Regulus smile in surprise.
“Cissa.” Reg hummed softly as he got up to hug her. She clung to him just as tightly and sighed. The notice me not charm still intact even if she broke the barrier.
“Hello my darling little prince, I've missed you.” Cissa pulled back to look him over before she smiled. Said smile turned more viciously amused as she eyed James with a calculating glint, “You must be James Potter.”
“Er, yes ma'am. It’s nice to meet Reg’s favourite cousin.” James stood, with the grace of all pureblood heirs to place a kiss on Cissa’s hand. Bloody fuck then. To say Regulus was stunned was an understatement. He knew that James was raised somewhat traditional but fuck him. The boy actually knew how to use it. He was so screwed in every essence of the word. At least he hoped he would be…
“I hope you don’t mind if I join your date for the moment.” She didn't break eye contact as she slid gracefully into the booth Regulus had vacated, leaving him to slide in next to James.
“It’s not a–”
“No, it's completely fine!” James smiled back at her with his uttermost charm.
“Good.” Narcissa smirked at him, raising a delicate eyebrow.
“Cissa,” Reg muttered exasperated, “What are you doing here?”
“Uncle found something for you and your band of misfits.” They locked eyes and he knew that Cissa was choosing her words carefully in front of James to protect the bond he has with the others. In other words, Uncle wanted him and his friends to do some obscure magic to test, not that they minded one bit.
Oh no, Barty and Dora loved writing to the man and monopolising his magical texts while Ev and Cas had more interest in the arcane bits and bobs he had accumulated in the vaults. Reg was a mix of both he supposed, his interest lay more in the web of magic and its ripple and flow than anything else.
Narcissa drew out a shrunken chest from her robe pocket and handed it over to him, “You know how it opens. Be careful.” Which meant a bit of blood and all of its contents would unfold. Out of the corner of his eye he saw James look at it curiously but wisely didn’t ask.
“Now if you’ll excuse me, I'll let you two get back to your…outing.” Her lips twitched up slightly as Regulus rolled his eyes. He gave her a pointed look, but she merely leaned back in her seat and blinked at him, every bit the regal Malfoy she had become.
“You’re insufferable.” He huffed, but his tone lacked any and all bite.
“And you’re adorably sweet,” she quipped, patting his cheek with exaggerated affection. “Mr. Potter, do make sure my darling cousin doesn’t brood too much. He’s terribly good at it.”
James’ grin widened. “Oh, don’t worry, I’ve made it my life’s mission to see him smile at least twice a day. I’m already halfway there today.”
Regulus groaned, sinking back into his seat. “Morgana, help me.”
Reg pressed a quick kiss to Cissa’s cheek before she left with the promise that he’d write her later. James then looked over at him with a mischievous tilt to his grin, “So, shall we continue this date with an all you can eat stop at Honeydukes?”
“Only if you’re paying.”
“Don’t worry love, you’ll never have to afford anything with me.” James winked, grabbing his hand and pulling him out of the pub and towards the candy shop all the while Regulus was slowly having a heart attack at James calling him love again.
Honeydukes was bustling with movement and sounds as James dragged him to every nook and cranny throwing in sweets for them and their friends along the way as James talked about what sweet was whos favourite.
“How do you know I like sugar quills?” Reg peered at the boy curiously as he dumped a bunch of them in the basket, “And pumpkin pastries…and my
“I just know things.” James turned to him wearing candy spectacles and smiled ever so wickedly. Regulus couldn’t help the snort that escaped him at that.
“You’re an absolute child.” Reg teased as he grabbed some more sugar quills for himself and Cas.
“From you, I'll take it as a compliment.”
James grabbed his wrist again, pulling him along out of the shop and into the crisp evening air. Regulus couldn't help but shiver at the touch of the boy’s golden magic that scorched his skin, if asked he’d blame it on the wind.
James’ eyes glinted with a mischievous light as Reg tilted his head taking him in. He felt high as his magic growled a sweet hum of possessiveness. James’ touch was soft even with the hands of a labourer, a craftsman of the finest. Perhaps James was willing to forge him into something great if the burning intensity of his eyes were anything to go by.
How did he know Regulus’ favourites? Why did he seem so in tune with his movements when they walked? James Potter surprised him. He wasn’t supposed to know him. He wasn’t supposed to see him, yet here they were.
“How do you…” Reg trailed off, suddenly at a loss for words as he contemplated James Potter in all his finery.
“I’ve watched you since your first year love, how could I not?” And oh how James didn’t mean to say that. Not when Regulus looked at him with such confused intrigue, his eyes ignited with his thunderous magic somehow promising both brimstone and hail.
But James wasn’t supposed to see him. Not the loud obnoxious boy who loved so loudly and whose very existence was promised a good, bright life. No he wasn’t supposed to even consider Regulus as a thought much less a concept. “Why?”
“You’re fascinating don’t you know?” he said it so simply as if it was something everyone ought to know. “Now come on, let’s go meet your friends.”
Suddenly he was being pulled towards the Black Lake to meet his friends whom he hadn’t mentioned even going to see. “How the fuck-“
“I told you Reg, I know things.” The cheeky grin slipped its way back onto the older boy’s face as he laughed and reached out to lace their hands together, pulling Regulus along.
–
James watched as a fond smile curled at the edges of Regulus’s lips at the sound of Pandora’s melodious giggles joined by the smoothness of Rosier’s voice that uttered a tune in a language James didn’t know existed. Walking closer he could see Pandora twirling barefoot with Dorcas in the shallow waters of the lake while Rosier and Crouch were sat against a tree, books and pieces of metal strewn between them.
Reg was taken from him and into Pandora’s awaiting arms as she twirled him to the rhythm of whatever was being hummed. “You’re late starlight.”
Pandora’s eyes twinkled as she looked from Reg to James who ran his free hand through his ten times too messy hair, “My bad Pan. I just couldn’t help myself.”
He watched as the four of them shared a look while Regulus rolled his eyes in fond exasperation, the twitch of his lips gave him away.
“Are you staying?” Dorcas asked after a moment, wiggling her brow at him, her lips pursed in amusement.
“He is.” Regulus answered before James could even try before turning a glare to Rosier and Crouch. He wasn’t sure if it was a warning or a threat to spare him. Probably both. Regulus had done it numerous times over the years when he wanted them to be nice to someone – mostly when interacting with the firsties –, or rather not as intense to overwhelm. He felt his heart swell at that.
“Lovely!” Pandora clapped and took the bag of sweets out of his hand and threw them up in the air. They floated down seamlessly no doubt aided by her magic. “Let’s eat!”
James was buzzing with excitement as he watched them all interact. The way Regulus softened and joked yet he always maintained his sarcastic edge. Even though Reg no longer held onto his marble mask to the general public this was something different and more freeing. He fell into conversation with them naturally with Crouch teasing him and James giving back as good as he got startling laughs out of Cas and Pan while Reg smirked at him and joined in. At one point they all got up to soak their feet in the already freezing water while playing exploding snap.
Through it all, there was not a moment that Reg’s magic didn’t cling to his skin as the boy in question loosened his control. Magic was always sentient but his was just one of a kind that James would gladly get drunk on. He was sure they all knew the reaction of Reg’s magic to him with the amused glances they sent his way.
It was only when the sun began to dip into the edge of the horizon that they began to make their trek back to the castle. Crouch and Dorcas were arguing about who truly won their game of exploding snaps while Pandora had Rosier haul her back to the castle on his shoulders. Reg had lagged behind with him, simply existing in silence. He found he didn’t mind silence as long as it was with him.
Regulus caught his eye as they made it to the castle, making his breath catch in his throat as the other boy’s eyes glinted with a look he couldn’t quite place, “Thank you, for today.”
James smiled and nodded as their hands brushed against each other, “The pleasure’s all mine.”