Late night walk
Regulus is walking in the forbidden forest. If he were someone else he would maybe be afraid to be here at dusk, the dark slowly clothing on him. When the world is getting ready to fall asleep the forest is waking up. He hears the soft caws of a crow nearby. Regulus knows there are dangerous creatures in the forest. But he also knows that if he stays out of their way they will leave him be. Still, the correct response is to be afraid or at least worry. But not Regulus. He had seen enough in his lifetime to not be bothered by something as a forbidden forest.
Also, he is not alone. Or at least he was not supposed to be alone. It was his boyfriend’s idea to have a late walk in the forest so where the hell is James. Regulus is not surprised he is waiting. James is always late. It’s not his fault, his brain just often forgets time. Regulus is leaning against the tree trunk twirling a wand between his fingers.
Suddenly a large stag jumps through a bush landing in front of the boy, digging his hooves deep into the ground. “James!” Regulus shouts because well his boyfriend just almost ran over him. The deer lowers his head in an apology nudging his snout into Regulus’ chest. Regulus lets out a loud sigh and starts scratching the fur behind Prong’s ear. It never stops being funny how this large wild-looking animal melts under Regulus’ touch reveling in even a small display of affection. Prongs lets out a happy noise that makes Regulus chuckle.
“Happy to see you too.” Prongs raises his head watching Regulus with his deep brown eyes. He has a light fur around his eyes that looks too familiar to his glasses. “But I was promised a walk.”
Prongs takes a step back and lowers himself to the ground in front of the boy, carefully folding his long legs, and waiting. Regulus looks at him confused. He was promised a walk. If he is correct walking doesn’t contain sitting on the ground. When Regulus doesn’t move Prongs shakes his head and pulls him by his shirt with his teeth nodding towards his back.
“No,” Regulus says immediately when James’ intentions catch up with him. Prongs sneers at his reaction. “Don’t laugh at me!” Regulus says eying the animal in front of him. The stag is tall and runs fast, he is not sure he feels up for it. But it’s James. There is no scenario where James would let him fall. And he let James carry him many times before. This is not much different, is it?
Any left concern disappears when he remembers that James doesn’t do this. When he found out about James and his friends being animagi, he asked him if he let his friend ride on his back. And James does when and only when they are also in their animagus form. Especially Peter loves to sit on James as a rat. But not when they are humans. So, the fact he is offering this to Regulus feels like a privilege.
“Okay. But be careful, please.” Regulus says. The stag slowly blinks at Regulus once as a reassurance. He climbs on Prong’s back and gets a hold of his antlers. He presses his face into Prong’s neck and whispers. “I’m ready.”
Truth to be told the first few minutes Regulus is not sure he likes it. But then he gets used to it and lets himself fully trust James and his abilities. After that it’s amazing. All Regulus feels is the strong mussels under his body. He hears the rhythmic beating of hooves. They run through the forest it almost feels like flying. Smooth and free, like no one can touch them.