Episode 18
Harry
Harry and Reggie pulled into the clubhouse, their bikes rumbling to a stop side by side. This was Harry’s first ride since the operation, and he couldn’t help the grin tugging at his lips. It felt good to be back on his bike, the cool air whipping around him. Tonight was family dinner night at the clubhouse—an idea Lucius had insisted on, claiming that proper dinners were essential for bonding.
Harry secretly loved it. Lucius and Severus took their roles as surrogate parents seriously, and it was strange but wonderful having that kind of love and stability. Of course, Sirius had grown into a father figure as well, which added its own complications—especially since Harry was dating Reggie.
“Are you okay?” Harry asked, removing his helmet and noticing the faraway look on Reggie’s face.
Reggie snapped out of it, nodding quickly. “Yeah, I’m fine. Are you? You should’ve ridden with me.” He stepped off his bike, his hands cupping Harry’s face.
Harry leaned into the touch with a soft smile. “I’m fine. It felt nice to ride solo. Though I do love holding on to you.”
Reggie smirked and leaned in for a kiss. “Next ride then,” he murmured against Harry’s lips, pressing another kiss there as if sealing a promise.
“Are you two going to snog all night, or are you coming in?” Draco’s voice rang out, irritation laced with humor. He stood on the porch with Fen, looking every bit like the exasperated older brother. “Father’s been worried sick.”
Harry laughed and called back, “I thought younger brothers were supposed to be the annoying ones.”
“Hey!” Otto’s indignant voice piped up as he emerged from the house, Theo and baby Elijah in tow.
“You’re all annoying,” Severus’s deep voice interrupted from inside. “Get in before Lucius starts pacing again.”
Harry shook his head fondly, feeling that familiar warmth settle in his chest as they entered the clubhouse. Every time, it felt a little more like home.
Reggie
Reggie tried to stay calm, but his nerves were getting the better of him. It wasn’t the patching ceremony that had him on edge. It was the second patch he’d been carrying all night—the one that read Property of Regulus.
“You’re overthinking it,” Sirius teased, throwing an arm around Reggie’s shoulders. “You know he’ll want to wear it.”
Reggie let out a shaky laugh, running his fingers through his hair. “It’s not just the patch,” he admitted. “It’s what it represents. When I met him, I never thought he’d want something like this—something that says he belongs to someone.”
Sirius gave a knowing smile. “Reggie, Harry’s always wanted to belong. To someone, to something. He just didn’t know where to look until he found us.”
Reggie glanced at Harry, who was laughing and holding Elijah. His chest tightened, the weight of the moment sinking in. Before he could say more, Sirius clapped him on the back. “Looks like Daddy’s ready to get this started.”
“Stop calling Prez Daddy,” Reggie muttered, though Sirius only smirked and sauntered off.
Harry
The room quieted as Prez raised his hands for attention. “Alright, settle down.” His commanding voice filled the space, though his expression was warm. “When Lucius suggested family dinners, I thought he was mad. But now, I see the point. It’s good to come together like this—outside of church, outside of business.”
“I told you I’m always right,” Lucius chimed in, drawing laughter.
Prez rolled his eyes good-naturedly before continuing. “Tonight, we’ve got something special. Harry, come here.”
Harry’s brow furrowed in confusion as Sirius handed Prez a large white box. “This is from your family,” Prez said with a smile.
Taking the box, Harry felt Reggie’s reassuring hand on his back. He opened the lid, and his breath caught. Inside was a cut—smooth, black leather with the patch “Nurse” stitched on the front. When he turned it around, the Death Eaters' logo stared back at him.
Before he could say anything, Reggie stepped forward, holding out another patch. This one was smaller but carried just as much weight. Property of Regulus.
Tears stung Harry’s eyes as he looked up at Reggie, who was watching him nervously. “Yes,” Harry managed to choke out, his voice trembling.
Reggie smiled, his hands steady as he added the patch to the cut. “It looks perfect,” he whispered, pulling Harry close. “I can’t wait to see you in just this later.”
Laughter bubbled from Harry, his cheeks flushing as his family surrounded him. For the first time, he truly felt like he belonged.
Draco
Family dinner had settled into a warm hum of conversation, but Draco slipped away to his room. He needed space to think.
Sitting at his desk, he opened the email again, reading it for the hundredth time.
Dearest Draco,
I know I shouldn’t be writing to you. You don’t even know who I am. I hate to see the stories your father has told about me. I do wish that I could meet you. I… well, I don’t have much time left. I know I have no right to ask. I know that you have had a wonderful life. I just would love to meet you before I pass. If you could find it in your heart, please reply back.
Yours,
~N~
Draco’s stomach churned. He didn’t trust it. He didn’t even know who “N” was, but something about the message gnawed at him. He had already begun tracing its origin, though he wasn’t ready to tell anyone.
The door opened, and Fen stepped inside. “There you are. Come on, there’s cake. Are you alright?”
Draco forced a smile, wrapping his arms around the larger man. “Perfect,” he said softly. “Just perfect.”