Chapter 2
It was two weeks until James finally saw Regulus. The last time had been on the train home before summer. They bumped into each other, James on his way to change and Regulus headed god knows where. The two exchanged enough to fill the space of a minute or two, one of their longer conversations. James was surprised that he could remember what they spoke of. It was nothing special, just something about having a nice summer. The boy was sure Regulus knew, although he didn’t know exactly how. He smiled in that sad way one would as they said goodbye.
Since the term started, his best friend's little brother had successfully disappeared. At least from James’ sight. The halls had been missing his quiet presence and the Slytherin table was uncomfortably unbalanced. James feared he wasn’t even at Hogwarts to begin with. What if his family was so ashamed of Sirius’ departure that they transferred their new heir? It seemed drastic, yes, but no doubt the family frowned upon the two brothers making contact. Their parents had always been fearful of Sirius’ rule breaking personality would rub off and their spare. Walburga Black was a pureblood French witch who had sometimes spoken of sending her children to a French school. James couldn’t imagine what that would possibly be like.
Then suddenly and magically, he was there. High, sharp, cheekbones with alluring dark eyes fixed on the book that laid in his lap. The shiny waves of his hair had grown out, falling across his eyebrows and just below his jaw.
Barty Crouch Jr. and Evan Rosier sat on either side of him, going on about whatever Slytherins talked off. The smaller of the trio wasn’t paying much attention to their words, but didn’t seem to be bothered. James had always guessed that Regulus was good at blocking things out. There always seemed to be a book in his lap or a journal in his hands. James couldn’t ever begin to guess what he might be writing, but was sure anything he said would be incorrect.
A crash sounded from the Gryffindor table, prompting Regulus to look in his direction. James quickly averted his gaze to the noise.
“Jesus!”
Peter held a panicked look on his face, frantic and scrambling around to clean up his mess, “Sorry guys!” Of course Peter would managed to knock over five bowls at once.
By the time the commotion was over, James found that the Slytherin he’d been staring at was gone.
Remus stopped him when he got up, “James, where are you going?”
The boy in question racked his brain for an answer, “Got to go ask a teacher something,” He left before anyone could decide if the response was credible.
If they didn’t believe him, the group could just chalk it up to the boy simply being weird. Not that he was loud and proud about it, but it was highly unlikely that James would need to seek help from a teacher, especially if it meant missing his breakfast.
“Regulus!” He didn’t dare go above speaking level. He was sure the other would hear him.
The boy turned, “James?” His head tilted in confusion.
He was met with a much better view than across the hall. Regulus' face was clear, not a single bruise or blemish. That calmed James. With the other's absence, his mind had immediately jumped to the worst of conclusions. Regulus held a more mature face this year, as to be expected with the universal secret of aging. He looked more defined.
“Hey,” James spoke like he was out of breath.
“Hey?”
“I um-” James paused, what had he even wanted to say? “I just wanted to say hi. Haven’t seen you in a bit.”
Obviously still confused, Regulus responded, “I’m doing just fine James.”
“Okay good.”
They stood in awkward silence for a moment. James scolded himself for hasty action. It might have served him well to prioritize planning over action.
To his surprise, it was Regulus who spoke first, “Is Sirius okay? I assume he went to you.”
“Yes,” James said, “You saw us leave didn’t you? I could’ve sworn I saw you.”
“I just needed to know if he was okay. To be sure,” The younger Black brother gazed loosely at the ground.
“Oh,” James said, “Well um… Are you okay?” He leaned closer.
Regulus laughed, a sound that was cold and startling. It made a dangerous chill run down James Potter’s spine, “Thank you for the sentiment James. I suppose I appreciate it. For what it’s worth.”
With a swift turn of the heel, Regulus walked off; his shiny well-polished making deep echoes in the empty hall. James, now left all alone, tried not to be offended. He stared still until Regulus’ figure was gone from his sight. He could never understand how Regulus’ had the ability to leave just so abruptly. James knew that if the tables were turned, he could never be like Regulus. The boy stared straight in front of him, but James knew he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from looking back.
James understood why none of his friends had chosen to take ancient runes. It was complicated, confusing, and convoluted. Admittedly, it came easy to him. He could get A’s on every test and be down with homework before the class period even ended. James’ grandmother would be filled with much disappointment if she discovered he knew ruins better than his native Bengali. It’s not like she would ever find out though (although a great woman, she was long dead).
Sometimes he was insecure that he didn’t know more of his roots, maybe even a little embarrassed. James lived the life of an average British teen (if you forget all the magic and wizardry). Should he be doing more? Where would he even start? He resigned to not thinking about it.
A few minutes after the last bell, someone walked in. Professor Babbling spoke a few hushed words in his ear, and then pointed right at James. He shifted his gaze quickly; it’s rude to stare and nobody likes to get caught.
“Regulus?” James questioned when the boy sat at the no-longer empty desk beside him.
He didn’t spare the other a glance, “Yes?”
James raised a brow, “Why are you in this class? I think that’s the obvious question here.”
“I was just… too good.”
“Oh yeah?” James smirked.
“Yeah,” Regulus said with a shrug, returning Jame’s smile, “I’m too good.”
He later went on to recount how he’d managed to test out of fifth year ancient runes. James remembered always thinking Regulus was smart, but that was just over the top. James wouldn’t have ever chosen to take exams early, even if it meant a million galleons. It made a little bit of sense Regulus would have gotten ahead. In the brief moments James spent in the Black manor, he could tell the space was unwelcoming. It was dark and cold, seemingly nothing to do anywhere. James could understand being so bored that you’d study.
Sometimes James wondered if he did so well in runes because his friends weren’t there. He tried his best to pay attention in any class, but he couldn’t help getting side tracked by his friends. Maybe Regulus wasn’t exactly a friend, but suddenly, James was thoroughly distracted.