Faded with you

I think I just saw my Mom. 

Those were the words that James spoke and that continued to hang in the air. 

Neither of them had moved even though Regulus knew it was his turn. But he didn't know what to say or what to do. He hoped with all his heart that those words would never come out of the boy's mouth. Just as he had hoped Sirius' name hadn't come up at the same time. 

But obviously, as fate was proving to him more often than he wanted, he was wrong. And Regulus hated being wrong. 

The latter turned to James who continued to stare straight ahead, the ice cream that was currently on the ground, “James?” He asked gently, afraid of… he didn't know what, honestly. 

“That is my Mom, Regulus. I know her, I would recognize her everywhere.” 

“I know. And it's probably her.”

“Then let's go.” 

“What?” 

“We can go and talk to her.” James said turning towards him, with a look that was definitely making the boy anxious, 

“James—”

“She is going to leave if we don't move.” 

“James, I think we can't.” Regulus said as kindly as possible but James' expression still trembled, 

“What? Why not? She is there. She is there and—”

“James, please.” tried the boy again but he could clearly see that he wasn't being listened to much. 

“If you don't want to come it's okay, but I have to—”

“I don't think it's a good idea.” He said slowly cutting him off and he stopped dead in his tracks.

“She is my Mom.” James said, dragging his words as if it were a matter of course. Because it was obvious.

Euphemia Potter was James' mother in every universe.

But not in that one, apparently.

“Don't make me say that.” 

“Let me talk to her. Please.” 

“She isn't—”

“Please, Regulus. I've never asked you anything in my entire life, but I'm asking you this. Let me talk to her. She is my mother. I have to talk to my mother.” James said quickly with a shaking voice and oh, how much did it hurt to hear him like that? 

“What if—”

“Please, I miss her. I miss my Mom. You know it, I told you that, I—Regulus, please, I—” 

No. Because if you'll see her and she doesn't recognize you, you'll break. And if you'll break, I'll break too. “I don't think it's the right thing to do. She—”

And then James' voice broke, “Please, let me look at her eyes again. One time.”

“James, she's not your Mom here. You'll—”

“I don't care!” snapped at the boy and Regulus snapped his mouth shut, “I don't care! She is not my Mom, I know that! You really think I don't know that? Like Sirius is not my best friend, or like Marlene isn't my best friend or like Sirius isn't your brother!” He continued in a tone of voice slightly too loud for a public audience and Regulus hoped with all his heart that no one was hearing them, trying not to give meaning to what he said just then given the moment, “What am I supposed to do, Regulus? We are in this fucking universe for months now! Do you really believe that we will go home soon?” 

Regulus closed his eyelids for a mini second before reopening them, “We are working on that, you know that. We have talked about this and—”

“Face the truth, Reg. We don't know how much we are going to stay here! It could be weeks, months or even years now!” 

“That is not true.” Regulus said and James stopped for a few seconds, his chest moving up and down, 

“Maybe it's not true. Maybe we are going home tomorrow. But we don't know that. So if I can see my Mom right now, if I can talk to her, then I will. I'm not asking for your permission.” James concluded and the boy didn't think it hurt that much to hear. That it didn't matter what he thought. His thoughts weren't important. That— “But I would like you to be on my side. Please.” James added and oh. Then he cared. Did he care?
 
“I've been on your side for months, James. And I'll continue to be.” Regulus said slowly and a spark passed behind the boy's eyes, 

“Then please, let me talk to her.” 

“I will if I can come too.” He proposed because one thing was certain, James wouldn't talk to Euphemia alone. 

He released a breath, letting his shoulders drop, the tension from before clearly gone, “Yes, yes, whatever. Whatever you want.” 

And so it was that Regulus followed James towards the bookcase where the boy had seen the woman, only to find her actually in front of him, while she was reading the plot of a book that she had just picked up. 

The boy raised his head slightly to look at James, who however looked at Euphemia, not daring to move his gaze from her, as if afraid of losing sight of her again. Or to just lose her again. 

Euphemia was still the same. Her long brown hair was pulled back into a bun and she was currently simply wearing a pair of pants and a plain t-shirt. Her face conveyed the same feeling of warmth and security that Regulus had seen on his first day of school at the station.

Euphemia had barely smiled at him that day, when his mother was busy telling Sirius that there would be consequences if he didn't behave in the right way again.

The boy had looked at her for a few seconds, moving his gaze from James to her, before looking away the next moment and turning to listen to his mother who had begun to speak to him. But never, had he forgotten that little smile. 

That little smile that was repeated every year when they were at the station. Even after he had managed to leave home. 

That same little smile the woman gave the two boys when she raised her head. “Hi, there. I'm sorry if I'm in the way of what you're looking for, guys. I was looking for a nice book to give to my husband.” 

Regulus glanced quickly at James, but he didn't seem to want to speak, so he took matters into his own hands. It was the minimum. “It's okay. We were just looking around. Who doesn't like looking at books in their natural habitat?” 

“That's what my husband will say. You know, he really loves reading. Do you have anything to recommend to me? I'm Euphemia, but you can call me Effie. And I have no idea what to get him.” 

“I'm Regulus and he is James. It's a pleasure to meet you.” The boy said introducing them, waiting for the boy next to him to say something, but he didn't open his mouth. 

The woman held out her hand which was subsequently gladly accepted, first by him and then by James who, taking it, remained for a few more seconds, the two hands intertwined, before letting his fall from her hand. “Are you both readers?” 

And at that moment James answered before Regulus could. “Oh, no. He is the only reader. Maybe the best reader. He literally spends hours on the couch reading books.”

Euphemia smiled widely, the same smile as James. “Oh, don't tell me about it! My Monty reads even the night. I have to argue with him to make him sleep earlier, but every time he tells me he has to finish the chapter. I'll be honest, I think he's lying when he says that.”

“You know, one time I actually spy on him. He has started a new chapter.” James said with a smile on his face as Regulus next to him rolled his eyes, even though it really happened. But it wasn't his fault, the best was just about to arrive. 

“Never interrupt a reader unless necessary.” Regulus interjected seriously and both Euphemia and James smiled at that. 

“Has he ever read the Iliad?” He asked the next moment while Regulus turned in surprise, 

“I do not believe. Although I remember that he wanted to read it for quite a while. How did you know?” asked the woman smiling and James swallowed quickly as he replied, 

“It’s one of Regulus’ favorite books.” He said simply and it was true. But it was also true that it was one of his father's favorite books. And that many times, his father had told him that he would wait for the moment, the day, when he could discuss that book with Regulus. 

“Really?” 

Regulus looked away from James slowly, “Yes, it is. It's really beautiful. I'm sure you know Achilles and Patroclus.” 

Euphemia's gaze went from James to Regulus before she nodded with a smile. taking the book that was being offered to her, “Yeah, I know them.”

“It's a good book. Let us know if he will like it.” James said nodding as he felt Regulus move closer to him. 

“How about you two come with me and give it to him in person? I'm sure Monty would be happy to meet you.” The woman said before adding now decidedly excited, “I'm sure he'd also be happy to have someone to talk to about his books while James and I can go cook. Do you like cooking? Please, tell me you like cooking.” She begged him with a huge smile full of hope, 

There was a pause before the answer came, “I love cooking.” 

“Then it's decided! Well, if you don't have nothing better to do, of course.” 

And when James said nothing, Regulsu interjected, “We have to call our friend first, to hear if she needs a ride, but we'll let you know while you are going to pay the book.” 

“Yes, of course. I'll be right back.” The woman said before turning and heading towards the house while the latter turned to James, who was looking at the woman's back. 

“James? Are you okay?” 

“She asked me if I want to cook with her while you and my Dad talk about books.” repeated the boy. Because it was a dream. Everything that was happening was a dream right? Everything he had wanted wasn't happening right now under those conditions, was it? 

“Do you want to go? We can go home and eat something on the way. James, we don't have to go.” Regulus said softly while he shook his head, adjusting his glasses on his nose, 

“It's okay. We can go.”

“James…” 

“I just wanted to talk to her and now I can cook with her, Regulus. Do you really think that I would say no?” 

“I don't want it—to be too painful afterwards.” 

He turned to meet his gaze, “I won't be alone.” He said with fear in his heart for the response. 

“Of course not. I will be here the whole time.” 

“Even after?” 

“Especially after.” The response was immediate and James felt significantly better. 

“Then I'm okay. We can go.” 

And that was why, a short time later, the two found themselves going to the woman and her husband's house. 

Regulus honestly couldn't read James's face. Usually it was easy, the boy was an open book to read but at that moment he couldn't understand what he was thinking. 

He looked calm. He looked anxious. He looked neutral. He looked like a thousand things at once and the boy didn't know which was best. 

“I'm fine, Reg.” James said suddenly in the silence that had been there until now, making him jump in surprise, while he hadn't even been looking at him yet, 

“What?”

“You're looking at me trying to understand me.”

“I'm not.”

“I'm fine, I swear.”

Regulus looked down the road straight ahead, Euphemia’s car in front of them, “You know that I can’t actually believe you after that time when you nearly died because of the pneumonia.” 

“I wasn’t going to die.” 

“You could barely stand and you wanted to go to Remus and Peter. What normal person would do that?” 

“Says the guy who hadn’t slept in days and was just drinking coffee as if nothing had happened.” He responded and Regulus made an offended sound, falling silent the next moment and turning to the window. 

James turned curiously to him quickly before looking back at the road, “Okay, sorry, that was rude.” 

“Oh really?” he asked skeptically as James tightened his hands slightly around the steering wheel, 

“It wasn’t my intention. I’m sorry if I hurt you.” 

“Not forgiven.” 

“Are you for real now?” 

“Of course I’m for real.” 

“Reg.” 

“No.” 

“Regulus?” James asked slowly as Regulus crossed his arms over his chest. 

“I will not.” 

“What if I buy you a book?” 

“You can’t buy me, Potter.” 

“Are we back at Potter?” 

“We’re back at Potter.” 

“Oh, come on. It happened once!” 

“Actually, exactly. How do I know it won’t happen again if it’s happened before?” 

“I can’t believe we are having this conversation.” 

“After you publicly insulted me? I’d say so.” 

“Insulted? Publicly? It’s just the two of us!” 

“That’s enough.” Regulus said as James turned to him, 

“Are you—really?” 

“Really.” 

“Why are you acting like this right now?” 

“Because you won't talk to me!” 

“I'm talking to you right now!” 

“I mean really talking! You said that—that we are in this together, then talk to me! I can't read you tonight and it's making me insane!” Regulus blurted out loudly and James snapped his mouth shut. 

“I'm sorry.” 

“James, I don't want you to say sorry to me. I want you to talk to me if you need to. And I don't understand if you need to right now.” Regulus turned to him, “I'm not Sirius. I can't read you right away.” 

“I know.” 

“But I want to understand. You said that you are fine but I don't know if you really are fine and—Merlin, you helped me these days, these weeks, and I want to help you too, alright? Like you said, we don't know how much time we have to stay here, so.” A pause before Regulus added, “And I'm sorry if I hurt you earlier, alright?” 

James took a light breath before nodding, “I don't really know how I am. I feel like I'm fine because I can actually talk to her but it's weird because she isn't talking to me. She is talking with another James, not me and it's—again, it's weird. But I'm not sad about it, I swear. It hurts, yeah, but I'm not sad. I'm okay.” He explained while turning at the same time as Euphemia, the three had now definitely arrived at their destination given the house that appeared in front of them the next moment. 

“And we are just cooking and talking, what worse could happen?” 

“I don't know. But I know it's hard.” 

“When I told you that talking and seeing Sirius was better, I meant it. Talking to her and seeing her smile really did make me feel better. Even if it feels like a dream.” 

“I’d say this is all a dream.” 

“If it weren’t for you, I’d almost say it’s a nightmare.” James said smiling as he stopped the engine and Regulus rolled his eyes. 

“If you want to leave, like you said today, we can leave. I’ll find an excuse. I’m a pretty good liar.” 

“Oh, I know that, don’t worry. But thanks. I doubt anything will happen to make me feel bad right now.” 

“C’mon. Let’s go.” Regulus said as he took off his belt as James did the same, but before they got out he said, of course, 

“Thank you, Reg.” 

“Don’t.” Regulus responded instead by getting out of the car and heading towards Euphemia, who was already heading in their direction, ready to show them the house.

“Welcome to my home.” The woman said as she opened the door to her house and then moved to let them in, which they did slowly. “Just act like it’s your home.” She added before turning around and yelling, “Monty!” 

“Mi vida! You’re back!” A male voice immediately answered with a laugh as he approached them, before making Fleamont appear in front of them. 

Regulus couldn’t remember how much James and Fleamont actually looked alike. Even though the boy had the woman’s smile, he was identical to the man in everything else. Same messy hair, same glasses, same eyes. If it weren’t for their height, the gray hair, and the slight wrinkles that were showing on his face, they could easily have been brothers. 

“Well, hello there.” The man’s accent was definitely more pronounced than James’s he noticed, “I didn’t know we had visitors?” 

“They helped me so I offered them a dinner together.” 

“Oh, really? And they just accepted?” asked the man laughing as he took off his glasses to clean them with the hem of his t-shirt, “It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Fleamont Potter. And I'm sorry if the love of my life here forced you to come.” 

“Rude!”

“I called you the love of my life!” 

“You are still rude.” The woman said in a falsely offended tone, “These are Regulus and James.” 

“Do they have a surname?” he laughed,

“Black. Regulus and James Black. We are…married.” promptly lied Regulus while James sent him a quick look of confusion, Fleamont instead smiled,

“Married? So young? That is beautiful.” 

“I didn't know you two were married! Since when?” 

Lying was definitely easier for Regulus, “Since two years ago. We married at my house, in France. We came back for a friend.” 

“In France? Oh my god, it was always my dream to go there. Is it beautiful right?” 

The boy nodded, “It is. I miss being there. The air, the smells, even the streets…but I'm with James here, so it's okay.” And for once, he realized that he wasn't lying. 

“That is so sweet. Oh, how I love young love.” Euphemia said softly before James handed her her wrapped book to change the subject,

“Did you two buy her a book? Trust me, she doesn't read.” 

“It's for you, mi vida.” The woman said looking up as her man's eyes lit up in surprise, taking the package from her. 

“For me? Did you buy a book for me?” 

“They helped me to choose it. And it’s one of Regulus’s favorite so it’s perfect.” 

The man smiled even more before leading the three into the living room and then unwrapping the book and remaining speechless. “You’re kidding, mi vida.” 

“Oh, don’t thank me. Thank James, it was his idea.” The woman said before being picked up by the man who held her tightly. 

“James, you officially became my son. Giving me a copy of the Iliad? C’mon.”

James looked up at him, feeling a knot in his stomach, but before he could do anything, Regulus was faster, grabbing his hand and moving closer to him, their shoulders now touching. “It will be an honor.” He said quickly before closing his mouth. Yeah, bad idea to answer right after. 

“It’s an amazing book, really.” 

“Oh, I know. Tell me more. What have you read? Tell me everything, we have time. Please.” The man asked enthusiastically while Regulus squeezed the boy's hand and then took a step back, going to sit in front of Monty while James waited a few seconds before following the woman, his mother, into the other room, the kitchen. 

It was exactly like in his world. In their world. Euphemia cooked the same way. She moved the same way and gave the same advice that James tried to follow as usual. 

As usual. 

A usual that only he remembered as usual. 

“You think they finished?” The woman asked, making him distract himself from his thoughts and James smiled spontaneously, 

“You mean Reg and D—Monty? I think they will never be done.” 

The woman stopped, “Oh. Oh, you’re right! What have we done?” 

“Well, me and Reg didn’t eat so if we brought food…” 

Euphemia turned to look at him, “Do you think we can convince him? If we take Regulus away from Monty I’m sure we can make them stop.” 

“I can try and take away Reg.”
 
“And I can try and take away Monty. Yes,” Euphemia nodded before adding the last touch of spices to the sauce, “Yes, that’s what we’ll do. I’ll tell him he has to help me set the table.” 

“And I’ll tell Reg he has to help me plate.” 

“We are a great team.” 

James smiled sadly, “The best team.” 

“C’mon.” 

And when the two of them appeared in the video room that the two were indeed engaged in a dense conversation, so much so that at the first name called neither of them reacted, and then the one who noticed the two was Regulus, who turned to James and stood up. 

“Can you help me plate, Reg?” He asked kindly, 

“And you Monty, help me with the table.” She ordered him instead, 

“Wait a second, mi vida, we were talking—” 

“I think we should listen to them.” Regulus said, receiving a look of betrayal from the man who however got up and followed the woman towards the table to help her. 

“Everything okay?” 

“Yeah, okay. You?” James asked as he headed towards the kitchen, followed by the boy, 

“Me? I'm having a great time. We basically read the same books and—and it's great.” Regulus said slowing down his words as James turned to him confused,

“Why did you stop talking?” 

“Because I'm being selfish?” 

“What? No. No, you're not being selfish. You talking is making me feel better, trust me. Continue.” 

“You don't have to—” 

“Please. Keep talking to me. I'll never not like you talking to me. If I ever say that, you can kill me.” 

“Are you sure? I mean—that’s stupid and probably—”

“Talk to me about Achilles and Patroclus. Please.” 

“And why them?” 

“Because I feel like you have a lot to say about them.” 

“I do, but—”

James took the spatula and pointed it at his chest dramatically, “Oh, Regulus Black, please kill me. Kill me, kill mee.” 

“Fine! I will talk, stop it.” The boy interrupted him laughing as he smiled wider, listening to him as if he were listening to a song while plating. 

“Stop wetting the floor!” 

“I’m not! I’m just trying to get you wet!” James said laughing as he squirted another splash of water into Regulus’s face who quickly returned it, snorting a laugh. 

The two were now in the kitchen washing dishes after they had managed to win at rock, paper, scissors with Euphemia who had vigorously opposed. 

So in the end they had come to the conclusion that James and Regulus would wash the dishes while she would finish cleaning the kitchen later. 

Only that James had started to splash water at Regulus from time to time, who after the fourth shot had decided to get his revenge. 

And that was how the two found themselves in the situation as before. 

“I swear to Merlin James if you—”

“You what?” 

“I’m going to kill you.” 

“You know I’m into that.” James said before splashing him again, 

“Stop it!” 

“Not until you do!” 

“Well, guess what?” Regulus said filling his palm with water and then throwing it directly in the boy's face and still not wetting the floor while the boy made an outraged sound that made him laugh. 

“What’s happening here?” Euphemia asked the next moment entering the room and making the two boys suddenly turn towards her, before she looked at them and then burst out laughing, even though the two were already ready to apologize. “You two are so…I left a towel on a piece of furniture, go get it while I finish drying the last dishes.” 

“I’m so sorry but James—”

“You started it and—”

She smiled and pushed James out of the room while Regulus followed him the next moment, “Just go.” 

“Did you see what you did?” The latter said hitting the boy on the arm while he tried to see through his wet glasses, 

“You started it!” 

“And that’s a total lie!” Regulus said taking the towel that was actually placed on a piece of furniture with some photographs on it and drying his hands and face before passing it to James who did the same.

The boy looked over the photos to see one of Euphemia and Fleamont smiling at their wedding. She was wearing a long white dress while he was wearing a simple white tuxedo. He was kissing her cheek as she closed her eyes towards the camera. 

Next to it was another photo. But it was a strange photo. It was like something that didn’t have full form and it was all dark blue and black. He didn’t think he had ever seen anything like it, which was strange. 

“Oh, you are looking at wedding photos?” The woman asked as she approached them, “That’s the only photo where Monty wasn’t drunk.” She explained fondly, 

“What’s that photo?” James asked curiously as he put his glasses back on, 

“That’s our son.” 

And there, Regulus swore he heard the boy next to him’s breathing sink. 

“Do you have a son?” James asked slowly as the woman let out a soft breath, picking up the towel and starting to fold it deftly, 

“Not really. He was never born.” 

“I’m so sorry to hear that, Euphemia. That’s horrible.” Regulus said as the woman shook her head, 

“Don’t be. I know that where he is now he is happy. James is happy.” 

And there, Regulus swore he felt the boy’s heart break next to him. 

“James?” 

The woman smiled, “That’s a really cute coincidence, but yeah. If he was born his name would have been James Fleamont Potter. Monty decided to call him James while I decided to add Fleamont. So he would have the names of two of the things I love most in the world.” 

“That’s a wonderful name.” Regulus said as he felt James lean on him because if he hadn’t, his world would probably have collapsed on him, as he felt him slipping through his fingers in that moment. 

He had never been born but his parents still loved him. He had his name. He would have had a future. A future in which he would always be their son. Their only son. Their James. 

“I’m sure you would have been a fantastic mother. And I’m sure that in another universe, the one James is in, you already are.” Regulus said as he grabbed the hand of the boy next to him not knowing what else to do to keep him from collapsing, because Merlin could feel with all his heart that he was about to collapse in that moment. 

And thank goodness that nothing bad was supposed to happen. 

“That’s very sweet of you, Regulus. I just hope that he is loved by many people. Because he surely is loved by us.” 

“He is. Trust me, he is. I know that.” The boy said softly as he squeezed James’ hand tightly, which caught the woman’s attention, who instantly changed expression,

“James are you okay? You suddenly went pale. Do you need water? To lay down?” 

“No, it’s okay. He forgot his…pills today.” 

“Pills for what?” The woman asked, reaching out to place her hand on his forehead, 

“For blood pressure.” Regulus said, remembering a conversation he had with Pandora days before.

He mentally thanked the girl with all his heart.

“Oh dear…I’m so sorry. Can we do anything to help?” 

“No, it’s okay. We just need to get back home.” 

“I’ll drive you, James obviously can’t drive like that.” 

“Don’t worry, I’ll drive. We both have licenses.” 

“Oh damn. Are you sure? You can always stay here for the night and we can go to a doctor tomorrow morning.” 

“It’s happened before, no need to worry.” Regulus said even though he didn’t know anything about blood pressure and its drop or rise, “First we deliver to the house, first we take the pills.” 

“Of course, just go. Thank you for everything. Monty write our number on a piece of paper!” She then said making to help the two boys but Regulus shook his head thanking her. 

A few minutes later the two had managed to get out of the house, with both of their numbers written on a piece of paper that James put in his pocket, accompanied by the two who waved them goodbye as they reached the car. 

“As soon as you get home, call me, okay?” Euphemia said, hugging Regulus and looking worriedly at James before holding him in her arms, 

“And let us know if you’re both okay.” Fleamont added, 

“And don’t forget to eat something afterwards.” The woman added again, 

“And call us.” Fleamont confirmed as both boys nodded. 

Regulus quickly looked at James as he sat in the driver’s seat. 

That had definitely been a bad idea. And the boy next to him was in pain so he certainly couldn’t have helped him. 

But he didn’t know how to drive. 

It would end badly. Bad, bad, bad. 

He raised his hands uncertainly on the steering wheel not knowing exactly what to do.

Great, great, great. 

He should have turned on the engine, right? Or did he have to do something else first? 

“Put the key in and start the engine slowly.” James said suddenly with his eyes closed as Regulus turned to him in surprise, “I’ll tell you all the steps you need to take but you have to trust me until we get out of here, then we’ll switch, okay?” 

“Yes. Of course.” 

“They are still watching, right?” 

“Yes.” 

“Okay, let’s go. Put the key in.” James said slowly as Regulus did as he was told. 

Was this seriously happening? 

“Great. Now press the clutch pedal and put it in first—” 

“James, please, can you go slower? I never drove, alright?” Regulus asked in a slightly panicked tone as James nodded but didn’t open his eyes. 

Regulus was on the verge of madness, but he couldn’t tell so he said nothing more and tried to pretend that everything was fine. 

Like when his mother would stop him from speaking or during the dinners when Sirius was absent because he was locked in the basement without dinner. 

Everything was fine. 

“Okay, press the clutch pedal.” 

“Okay.” 

“Then put it in first gear. Just—” 

“Yeah, I remember that form Barty.” Regulus said, 

“Release the handbrake and slowly release the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator.” 

“The one furthest to the right?” 

“Yes, that’s the one.” 

“And it’s done. Now go straight slow and we’ll be fine.” 

“Are you sure?” 

“I trust you.” James said opening his eyes to look at the road as it now began to move. 

Everything was going fine. Everything was fine. Sirius wasn’t locked in the basement, James wasn’t feeling bad, and the boy’s hands weren’t shaking. 

Everything was fine. 

Everything was fine. 

Everything was—

“Okay, pull over, please.” 

“I—now?”

“Yes, okay—right now.” James said, looking back as Regulus stopped the car as normally as he could, then following what the boy explained next, and making sure the car didn’t move or anything else, he got out of it, only to be hit in the face by the cool night air, as James did the same. 

“I didn’t know you could drive.” The boy said gently as the boy looked up at him, his hands still shaking. 

“Promise me you’ll always be the one driving. Swear it.” 

“Okay, I swear.” 

“Good, because I will never—”

“Reg?” James cut him off abruptly, and the boy stopped just as abruptly, 

“Yeah?” 

“Can I hug you? Please? I—I know you’re not—but—please, can I—”

“Yes, of course.” Regulus said before James leaned forward and hugged him with a lot more force than he expected, but he quickly hugged him back. 

And even though Regulus wasn’t a hugger…this hug was okay. 

“Are you okay?” 

James let out a silent sob before saying, “They love me.” 

“Of course they do.” He replied in an equally low tone, 

“They love me even if I’m not born. Even if I’m not there, they still love me.” His voice broke at the end and the boy wrapped his arms around him tighter, 

“Of course they love you, James. How could anyone know you and not love you?” 

And even though he was trying to make him feel better, it only made him feel worse. 

Because you know me. But you don’t love me. You don’t. But he still said, “Really?” 

“Isn’t everyone we know proof of that?” 

“Our Barty hates me, I’m pretty sure of it.” James said without moving from the hug, 

“Well, he is Barty. And he doesn’t know you like they do. Like I do.”

And to that James didn’t respond. 

Much more time passed than either boy thought it would as the two held each other in their arms. 

“You’re finally back!” Pandora said as she heard the front door open and the two boys enter. “Hurry up! We’re here!” 

“Wasn’t she at Lily’s?” James whispered as he leaned down to pick up Romeo who was obviously there to greet them promptly to Regulus who nodded slowly, 

“That’s what she told me.” 

“Guys!” 

“Coming!” 

“Do you think there’s a bomb?” 

“What do you think?” 

“If there is a bomb I’ll take Romeo and leave.” Regulus said and James pouted, 

“You would abandon me?” 

The boy thought for a few seconds as the two headed towards the kitchen, where Pandora’s voice had come from, “I guess if you’re fast, you can come with us.” 

“You know I’m fast.” 

“Guys!” Pandora said as they entered, interrupting their little conversation while Romeo threw himself from James’ arms to reach, to the surprise of the two, Marlene. 

“Didn’t you say that Lily had given you a romantic surprise?” 

“Oh, I did. But this? This is more important!” The redhead said enthusiastically as Marlene stood up and went to hug James, before quickly hugging Regulus too, 

“You could have told me you were wizards!” She said offended before adding, “Can I see your wands? Pandora told me you have wands.” 

The two boys looked at each other before James spoke, “Okay hi everyone, good to see you all.” He turned to Pandora, “Explain please?” 

“I had another dream.” 

“Dream?” James asked confused as Regulus’ eyes widened slightly beside him, 

“You had a dream? What kind of dream?” 

“Did your Pandora have dreams too?” 

“Uh…i don’t know. That’s not my thing?” James said with a shrug, looking at Regulus, 

“Yes. She had them. But it was more complicated than that, they were visions.” Regulus said vaguely, clearly not wanting to explain further, “What did you dream?” 

“I dreamed of her. Pandora.” 

“You dreamed of Dora.” 

“Yes. Until now they were weird dreams. Just voices that didn’t make much sense. But today was different. This time I saw her.” 

“You saw her.” Regulus repeated as James instinctively placed a hand on his shoulder, a contact he didn’t flinch from. 

“Yes. I talked to her. I mean, she talked to me. I couldn’t talk to her. I couldn’t talk at all.” 

Regulus didn’t move, “What did she say?” 

“She told me that you two are trapped here and she knows. She thinks she knows. I tried to tell her it was true by nodding but I don’t honestly know if she could see me. She was—she was distant. It was like she was there for a short time and something was holding her on the other side. Someone.” 

“She did a spell.” Regulus said turning to James who nodded, 

“Using someone else to not lose control.” 

“Remus?” 

“He can’t. For the—you know.” James said not wanting to say the words even though he knew Regulus knew, and in fact he nodded the next moment. “Sirius?” 

“No. He couldn’t. They would both be lost.” Regulus said before coming to the same conclusion as the boy, the most plausible one of all, both saying the same name, 

“Lily.” 

“Did you use it too?” Marlene asked curiously butting in while James shook his head, 

“I know about spells but I’ve never done them.” 

“I was the one who didn’t make Pandora lose control. It’s plausible that Lily is helping her.” Regulus simply said before turning to the girl, “What did she say?” 

“She said that—that you two have a mission. That’s why you can’t go back.” 

“What kind of mission?” James asked hopefully, but of course his hopes were quickly dashed, 

“She said we had to figure out the mission.” 

“We looked at what we know about you and what you told Pandora.” Lily said as she picked up her pen ready to write in her notebook, “And we looked for differences and similarities.” 

“Or similar events that happened.” Marlene added as she approached the table, the two boys still standing there trying to figure it out. 

“You can check the points but a few things could be your mission. We checked your friends and people you met and in theory, except for your parents, you met everyone. Me, Lily, Marlene, Remus, Peter, Sirius, Benjy, Dorcas, Barty and Evan.” 

“We also met James’ parents. I don’t think they’re the mission.” Regulus said after a quick glance at James who had just nodded, “And my parents are dead. That’s what Sirius said at least, so I guess they’re not the mission.” 

“Great, so that option is out. We did some research and there’s no Hogwarts listed here.” Lily explained as Marlene nodded, 

“We thought it might have something to do with the school, but nothing. No sign of Hogwarts.” 

“We tried to draw something on the timeline, but it didn’t make sense, so we abandoned the idea pretty early on.” Pandora said,

“Great.” James said flatly, 

“So we thought of people who would recognize you but the only one is me, so point void from the start.” 

“When did you do all of this?” James asked curiously as the three girls simply smiled at each other satisfied, 

“So the only thing left to analyze was the relationship between the people with you and with each other.” Lily continued connecting the name of Barty to that of Evan with the pen, “Evan and Barty. They are together in our world and in yours, and they are friends with Regulus. Best in yours, less here but for lack of time.” The girl said with a firm tone, the tone that James knew because it was the same one the girl used when talking to the teachers, connecting the two boys to the name of Regulus, “Then we have Marlene and Dorcas. They are together in your world and in ours too.” 

“Wait, really?” Regulus asked surprised as the girl nodded,

“We saw each other, we went to dinner together and now we are definitely something more. But we are here.” The girl said with a huge smile while James did the same, 

“Oh Merlin, Marls? Why didn’t you tell me?” 

“It’s not important right now. The thing is, we are okay on that.” Marlene said interrupting him and then gesturing for Lily to continue, while the girl connected Dorcas to Regulus, Barty and Evan and Marlene to James. 

“Then we have Benjy. It was more complicated because he wasn’t related to anyone. Was he related to anyone?” 

“He’s a good friend of mine.” Regulus said as James met Pandora’s gaze quickly, 

“Great. Then he is okay.” Lily said connecting Regulus to Benjy. “Then we have Peter and Remus.”

“Remus is our friend while in our world I almost never spoke to Peter.” Regulus said, moving closer to the table to get a better look at the notebook while James, who dropped his hand from the boy’s shoulder only at that moment, did the same. 

“Okay, then,” Lily said, connecting Remus to Regulus and James and Peter only to James, “Then we have me and Pandora. We are together in this world but not in yours.” 

“Yes, but I don’t think that counts much. I mean, what actually matters are the relationships you have with us, right?” 

“Yes, but the relationships between us could also count, since all the names here are connected to you here too.” 

“So you should become like our Pandora and Lily?” James asked but Regulus intervened reasoning, because he understood. Of course he understood. 

“No. Pandora has always admired Lily so the fact that they are together doesn’t change their relationship that strongly. If instead they had hated each other in ours and they would have gotten along here it would have been different. And then—”

“—Lily is probably helping Pandora.” James finished for him and he nodded,

“Do you think it’s also a matter of feelings? Hate, love but also respect and contempt?” Marlene asked as he nodded, 

“I’m pretty sure about that. But in this scheme there’s only one person missing.” He said turning to James who widened his eyes on the paper understanding instantly. 

“The only person left is…” Lily said pointing the pen at the only name left. 

Sirius. 

“Sirius is James’s best friend and your brother.” Lily said connecting Sirius to both James and Regulus, “You’re not brothers here,” 

“But we’ve already talked. And in some ways it can be considered a relationship of that kind.” Regulus said thinking back to the words said by Sirius. You’re basically my brother now. 

“So all this was for nothing?” Marlene asked sadly as James shook his head, 

“Remus and Sirius. In our world, Remus and Sirius have been together for years. They are soulmates in every universe.” 

“Except in this one. Because in this one, they don’t know each other.” Regulus said as Lily took out a red pen and connected Remus’ name to Sirius’. 

“That could be a step forward, right?” 

“So our mission to get home would be to get Sirius and Remus together?” James asked as Lily met Regulus’s gaze,

“It’s the only thing that’s completely different.” 

“And it’s the only thing that would make sense right now.” 

“Exactly.” 

“If they’re soulmates like James says, it shouldn’t be that hard to get them together, right? Like Marlene and Dorcas.” Regulus said as Pandora smiled, 

“Can I say that we’re a great team?” Marlene asked as Lily nodded, closing her notebook and handing it to Regulus. 

“If you can think of anything else.”

“How do we know if it’s right?” James asked, 

“By trying. Or waiting for another sign from the other Pandora.” Lily said as everyone remained silent. 

Silence that was broken after a few seconds by Marlene who asked if they could eat the brownies she had made and brought.

“James! Finally! Have you arrived home? How are you? Are you feeling better? How is Regulus? Have you encountered any problems on the way?” Euphemia asked as soon as she answered the phone without even allowing the boy to say hello, 

The boy smiled sadly leaning his back against the wall, “Hi. Yes, I’m okay, I’m feeling better, Regulus is okay and no, we didn’t encounter any problems on the way.” 

“I’m glad. Monty! They are okay!” A slight pause, “Monty asks if you took the pills and if you are lying on the bed.” 

“Really?” 

“Yes. Are you?” The woman asked and James glanced at the pool in front of him, 

“Of course. Regulus is right here next to me.” 

“Aw, say hello to him for me.” 

“I will.” 

“And you are free to call us whenever you want, please. Whatever, we are here.” The woman said as James nodded even if he knew she couldn't see him, 

“Thank you.” 

“No, thank you. It was a pleasure to meet you and know you better. You and Regulus are special people.” 

James closed his eyes, “You too.” 

“We are just old.” 

“I should go, Regulus is calling for me. That is not a good sign.” The boy then said before Euphemia laughed again, 

“You’re right, that is not a good sign. I’ll hear from you two then.” 

“Yeah, in the future.” 

“Don’t let it be too late, please.” 

“Bye Effie, and thank you for everything.” 

“I just made you dinner, thank you for talking to us. Bye, James Black.” Euphemia said laughing again and when James ended the call, the laugh still rang. 

“James, what are you—James?” A voice asked a few minutes later as Regulus peered out from inside the house to look at him. 

“Hi, Reg.” 

“What happened?” He asked, coming out and sitting next to him, while he continued to turn over the piece of paper with Fleamont and Euphemia’s numbers on it since the call ended. 

“I talked to Mom.” 

Regulus ran a hand through his hair, “You did? What did she say?” 

“She asked if I was okay and if we were home.” 

“Mhm. And you’re okay?”

“You really like asking me that, am I right?” James asked, smiling, 

“Oh, don’t flatter yourself, Potter.” 

“I’m blushing. Really blushing.” 

“I can see that.” Regulus said, nodding as he also looked into the pool water. 

“She also said that…that we should call her as soon as possible and that she would be happy if we did.” 

“Okay.” He said slowly, 

“I don’t think I will though. I’ve thought about it and…and maybe it’s better if we don’t, you know, we actually build a relationship with them? I think we were actually wrong to go and talk to them and go to their house in the first place. I was wrong.” 

“Why?” 

“Because…when we leave here…I don’t know, I don’t want them to actually miss us. They already have things to think about, to miss, I don’t want to throw me into the mix.” 

“Okay.” Regulus finally said and James turned to him, 

“Okay?” 

“Sure. Whatever you want to do is fine with me. It’s not up to me to decide.” 

“Unlike me who didn’t make you choose when it comes to Sirius because I’m selfish.” 

“It‘s not the same. And it’s not true. Stop doing this.” 

“Do what?” 

“Taking the blame when there’s no blame to take. I don’t like this James. Give me back my James, the happy, stupid, enterprising one.” 

“Your James?” 

Regulus rolled his eyes, “That’s not what I meant.” 

“But that’s what I heard.” 

“Did you hear the rest of it?” 

“Yeah.” 

“And what are you going to do about it?” 

“Which James do you like the most?” The boy asked curiously as Regulus looked at him skeptically, 

“What do you think?” 

“I honestly thought no one, but like every day you surprise me more and more, Regulus Black.” 

“I love the silent James who isn’t sad.” 

“Silent? A blow to the heart.”

“I honestly need the romantic James. As much as—” Regulus began, standing up and offering his hand to the boy who took it,

“As smart, gorgeous and funny as you are, you are definitely not romantic.” The boy finished for him, 

Regulus made an offended expression, “That is not true. Barty and Evan are together because of me.” 

“And how did you do that?” 

“I locked them in a room to talk. Okay, that’s not the point.” 

“Oh no, that is totally the point. Should we lock Remus and Sirius in a room too?” 

“That’s the idiot James.” 

“You like him. You missed him, I’m sure.” The boy said as he followed Regulus into the house, laughing, 

“Trust me, I didn’t.” 

“Oh, you did and—” James began, adjusting his glasses and starting to explain all the reasons he could think of to annoy Regulus who was clearly hiding his smile. 

And their voices dissolved into the silence of the night, while the only sound that persisted was the whisper of the air that caressed the surface of the water of the pool, creating small waves. 

Waves that now caressed the slip of paper, floating adrift, dropped from the boy's hand absentmindedly when he had stood up to follow Regulus, with the numbers of James' parents now indistinguishable. 

The ink, once vivid in the boy's hands, now dispersed in the water, tracing thin dark filaments, slowly erasing the numbers that now joined the water, disappearing completely.