Trains and there secret compartments
"Hey, Wormtail!" Sirius called cheerily when he saw Peter Pettigrew, his shorter blond friend. "Padfoot, how was Christmas?" Peter exclaimed, joy radiating off of him.
Peter and Sirius launched into conversation, telling each other what food they had, what they did, and what presents they had gotten. James walked behind them, just enjoying listening to their conversation; he was not in the mood to talk, especially since he was thinking about Regulus.
Suddenly, James was tapped on his back by icy cold fingers. "Reg!" He beamed, turning around. Regulus looked tired and beaten down. "Shh, James, don't let him hear us. Come on," Regulus said in a hushed tone as he pulled James into an empty cabin.
Reg quickly shut the blinds of the door then turned to face James. "James, I'm sorry. What we did never should have happened. It was stupid and reckless. I mean, my family has enough disappointments as is. If my family found out that I'm... well, you know what, they would kill me. James, I'm really sorry. We can't do this." He looked close to tears when saying this and would not dare look James in his eyes.
James wished he would. He loved Reg's eyes, how green they were; it was like looking at sea glass. James gently moved Reg's chin to look at him. "Look, Reg, I know we don't know each other too well, but I really like you. It's stupid how much I like you if I'm being honest. And if you don't like me, that's fine, and we can go back to how things were, you hating me and all. But if you're doing this because of your family, I promise I can keep you safe. I will do what it takes to be with you, even if we have to keep our relationship a secret. I will do it if that's what it takes. So, what do you say?"
James paused with a nervous smile on his face; he watched Reg's facial expression go from sadness to shock to hope. Regulus let out a deep breath and hugged James tightly. "We can't let anyone know," he whispered. James rested his head on Reg's shoulder. "So, they won't know," he agreed.
They stood there for a moment, alone in the compartment, alone on their own planet. "You should probably get back to Sirius; he's probably wondering where you went," Regulus eventually sighed.
James did not want to let go, though he knew he would have to. "Alright, I guess. But can I see you again sometime?" James asked. Regulus thought for a second, "Soon, I would prefer."
James smiled. "Soon." He liked the sound of that.
Regulus leaned in and gave James a swift kiss before exiting the compartment. James stood there lovestruck. Was it even possible to fall in love that fast? It must be because James certainly did.
"Where were you, mate?" Sirius asked as James entered his compartment, which also included Peter, Remus, and Lily. "Hey, James," Remus yawned, laying back down on Sirius’s lap. "Last night was a full moon," Peter explained. "Yeah, I know. Sirius would not shut up about how worried he was and how he wished he could-" James was cut off by an elbow to the rib. "Ow, what the heck!" He exclaimed, flopping down next to Peter.
"You still never said where you were," Sirius reminded him, quickly changing the topic. "Oh right," James blinked. What should he say?! "I had to talk to Marlene about Quidditch; she's with Dottas and others." James shrugged, trying to sound convincing. "Anything I need to know?" Sirius asked, looking up from the sleeping Remus. "Nope, not that I can think of," just that I kissed your brother again, he hated lying to his best friend; this would be hard, but it was what had to be done after all. Reg was worth every second of it.
"So?" James asked, eyeing Sirius then the sleeping Remus in his lap, then Sirius again. "What?" Sirius asked, shifting nervously. "You still haven't told him you fancy him, have you?" Lily asked. "What? I don't fancy Remus," he mumbled, face turning red. "We never said anything about Remus. How did you know who we were talking about?" Peter laughed. "You gits," Sirius mumbled, kicking Peter's shoe. "Hey, these were a Christmas present from Gran. Don't mess them up!"
They all continued talking as per usual until their compartment door slid open. The boy with curly black hair stood there, eyeing Sirius nervously. "Marlene said to give this to you," he said quickly, thrusting a yellow sticky note into Sirius’s hand.
He then glared at James in a way that was supposed to be hateful. "Potter," he said annoyed, gazing into James’s soft brown eyes. "Here," he threw a pink note in James’s lap. James felt the blush creep up his face; he felt flustered like there were butterflies in his stomach. Woah, am I kind of into that?! He thought.
Regulus quickly left the cart, leaving everyone confused.
James read his note:
'Not from Marlene, just using it as an excuse. Just say it's Quidditch practice times for this week; that's what Sirius’s note is. Let's meet by the kitchen on Friday night around 10; there are supposed to be shooting stars. Hope to see you there. Oh, bring this note with you. Trust me, I have something to show you.
From R.A.B.'
James read the little note and smiled, folding it up. Regulus thought of everything. "Looks like we have a busy week," Sirius sighed, putting his note away. "Yeah, I can't believe it. First week back from break and already giving us lots of practice time," James said, even though he had no knowledge of the hours.
He tucked the note safely into his jacket pocket. Around noon, Alice came to visit. Then later, Mary joined them. Lily eventually left with her to have a girls' club meeting, which Sirius was supposed to attend, but on account of the sleeping Remus, got out of it. Upon hearing his excuse, Marlene rolled her eyes and remarked, "And that will be discussed at today's meeting, but come to Lil's room Thursday for a proper meeting."
It seemed like the odds were in James's favor; no Sirius to ask about his whereabouts Thursday night and no doubt, in the first week back, Remus would be in the library or reading by the fireplace. Now just to shake off Peter, which should not be too hard; all he had to do was say, "I'm busy, Pete, not now," and he would be set free. It was the same excuse he had been using since they were little kids, living on the same street.
The rest of the train ride was uneventful. James spent it staring out the window, watching the beautiful fields of the Scottish countryside fly past. He let his mind wander to Regulus and their date four days from now.
Eventually, everyone changed into their swooping black robes and corresponding ties. Out the window, James saw the vast castle filled with glowing light — Hogwarts, James Potter's second home.