“James?” Regulus speaks from somewhere beside him. Why he’d be speaking to James in the dead of night James couldn’t say, just knew that it was him who spoke. Would know that voice anywhere.
“Reggie.” James’ voice is heavy with sleep his arms stretch briefly as he confirms his in his bed in the dorm.
“I need your help.” Regulus speaks quietly. James thinks that maybe he heard a hint of fear in his voice. That awakens him further.
“Reggie,” he repeats reaching for his glasses.
No one reply’s this time.
James gets out of bed without changing, doesn’t even put on shoes before sneaking out of the dormitory. At the base of the stairs he spots a shadow hidden in the dark. In moments like this he looks so small, not just in height standing a whole inch shorter than James, but also in the sense Regulus doesn’t take up much space, as if wanting, trying desperately to hide from watchful eyes.
“What is it?”
Regulus is in front of James, so close they breathe the same air.
James has long since gotten used to the way Regulus moves without a sound, has long since known it due to his upbringing.
“James.” It seems the only thing he can say.
Regulus steps back hands hidden in his pockets.
James watches as he takes another one, closer to the door of the common room. He knows what is going on, knows this is Regulus’ version of a goodbye, a last look, a last stolen whisper between them.
In the past James would have called for him, asked Regulus to stay, tried to persuade him, to do anything he could to keep Regulus from walking out.
But instead James watches. regulus wears a blank expression, one that hides all the emotions James knows he is experiencing.
Regulus turns to open the door, James watches carefully from his perch at the base of the stairs.
James tries not to, but despite his best efforts he finds himself pleading secretly, wishing for, praying for, hoping for it.
As the door starts to close, at the last moment Regulus turns his head, only slightly, just an inch, the smallest action but the movement causes James’ heart to take a lunge.
The door closes, James is left standing there in the dark, every instinct begging him to follow, to reach out, to chase Regulus and drag him into a hug, to never let go.
But he doesn’t, James continues to stand there for what feels like hours. At some point he sinks to the floor. For only when Sirius shakes him awake, the glare of the sun waking him fully, does James realise he’d fallen asleep on the steps.