come as you are

10

The first four days back at Hogwarts are evolved around the full moon. They’re only back for two days before the full moon hits, so the two days before the three of them are making sure Remus is doing okay and writing extra notes for him in class when he can’t focus on the teacher or he’s too unsettled to sit still in class.

The night of the full moon is as good and as hard as it always is. Since the three of them learned and completed their animagus forms, they have made the full moons marginally more bearable for Remus. Running around the forest as Prongs, Padfoot and Wormtail, the three of them are always exhausted the day after. When the full moon sets, the three of them have to carry a passed-out Remus to Madam Pomfrey before sneaking back into their dorm to sleep off their own fatigue.

James always wakes up the day after a full moon aching and sore, but he can’t even begin to imagine how Remus feels. Which is why, the three of them always take breakfast from the Great Hall to the infirmary. If Remus is awake, they eat together, and if he isn’t they eat quietly by his bedside and leave him some food on a statis charm on his bedside table. Pomfrey doesn’t let them stay all day, but at every chance they get, between classes, at lunch and dinner, and then after classes until curfew, they head back to the infirmary to keep Remus company.

It takes two days for Remus to get out of the infirmary, still sore and tired, but always in a better mood once he’s back in the comfort of their own dorm. Sirius is always better too, as he is never an easy person to be around when he’s forced to go to classes while Remus is laid up in the infirmary. Whenever Remus gets back to the dorms, Sirius always attaches himself to Remus like a third limb, curling them together like a koala bear.

The first evening they’re all together is spent with Sirius practically smothering Remus, stroking his hair like a cat in his lap and kissing his forehead more often than not. Peter and James are lounging on James’ bed, eating their way through a bag of sugar quills and discussing their next prank idea: they’re trying to figure out a way to turn all of the Hufflepuffs eyebrows neon yellow.

It’s only at breakfast of the next day that James realises they’ve all been back at Hogwarts for almost six days and he hasn’t seen Regulus. In all of the chaos of the full moon, James hasn’t had the time to spot the small Ravenclaw. James isn’t surprised: he’s grown used to the realisation that unless you’re looking for him, Regulus is as noticeable as an ant in a field of grass.

Suddenly alert and aware, James tunes out of Peter and Marlene’s conversation about Slughorn’s class yesterday and glances across the hall.

Regulus is seated at the Ravenclaw table. He’s as he always is, reading a book and alternative between sipping his drink and slowly spooning through a bowl of breakfast.

James was so pleased that Regulus came over for Christmas. When his mother asked him and Sirius how they’d feel if Regulus joined them for Christmas Day because their uncle was working, James almost jumped with joy. The sadness for the younger Ravenclaw was potentially going to spend the festive day alone only fuelled him to make sure Regulus had a good time at the Potter house.

Truly, he isn’t surprised that Regulus got along so well with his dad. They’re two peas from the same pod. Introverted, academic, and obsessively curious when it comes to anything they can learn. His father has always been a quiet man, kind and brilliant, but quiet. Or perhaps he’s a normal level, and it’s just James and his mother being so chatty and bubbly that makes his father speak less at the table.

James watches Regulus for a few moments, mind flashing back to Boxing Day morning when he found Regulus in the kitchen in the early hours drinking a mug of coffee and reading his fathers Herbology book about plants from the amazon rain forest. 

Despite how much Regulus seems to believe he’s unfavourable company, James and his family love him. He didn’t need to be chatty at the dinner table to win his parents over, and in the gaps when Regulus had nothing to say it was easy for James and Sirius to fill the silence. James hasn’t understood why some students seem to believe that Regulus is rude and brash, so unlikable. James just thinks he’s misunderstood. Regulus just doesn’t say things to please people, he tells them how it is: and it’s normally a reaction to wanting to be left alone.

Still, no amount of pushing and bluntness from Regulus will push James away. He wants Regulus to find a friend in James, and he wants the younger boy to know he has someone he can come to if he needs.

The rest of the day passes in true back to Hogwarts fashion. The professors aren’t holding back on going on and on about how they have only got seven months left before they graduate and are spat out into the big bad world. The pressure of graduation hasn’t seemed to hit the majority of them, or perhaps they’re still all riding on the high of Christmas and being back at the place they’ve all called home for the last seven years.

After their last classes, James makes an excuse to go to the library, feigning panic about their upcoming last exams at the end of the year. He’s pretty sure Remus doesn’t buy it, but he’s too busy being squashed by Sirius to pull him up on it.

Making his way to the library, James is practically skipping. He hasn’t checked the map, but he has no doubts that Regulus is going to be there. Since Christmas, James just wants to see him again, to check on him, and he supposes he could get some work done while he’s there too.

Unsurprisingly, he finds Regulus at his usual table at the back. Regulus is alone, head down and slowly scrawling on silk sheets of parchment. His robes are draped over the back of the chair, the dark blue of his jumper almost black in the slightly dim lights of the back of the library. His curls are perfect as always, long, thin fingers curled around the quill in his hand. His entire focus is on the sheets, eyes flicking between the sheet he’s writing on and a stack beside him.

James approaches his table, pulling out a seat opposite the younger boy and sitting down.

"Hello, Regulus," James greets.

Regulus looks up, face morphing from surprised, to confused, to eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"James," he says warily. "What are you doing?"

"Studying," James replies. "It’s a library, of course. What else is there to do?"

"For you, not studying," Regulus mutters.

"I am, I promise!" James defends. "Look, I have my books and everything!"

"That proves nothing," Regulus drawls, glaring. "You’re James Potter. You don’t study, and you definitely don’t study in the library."

"Well, new year new me?" He tries, but Regulus only sharpens his glare. "I won’t distract you, I promise!"

"You’re making a lot of promises, Potter."

"I am very pleased to inform you I never break them," he winks. "It’s a Potter promise!"

Regulus rolls his eyes, looking back down at his parchment. "Speak once and I will move, and on my way out I’ll hex your ankles so bad you have to crawl to your dorm tonight."

"Got it," James grins, not perturbed by the threat at all.

Truthfully, sitting in silence is hard. The time seems to drag on for hours, conversation twitching on the tip of James’ tongue, but he bites down on it and doesn’t speak. He’s tempted at times to suggest a break, but whenever he looks up, Regulus is so engrossed in his work that he doesn’t dare to break his concentration.

Before he knows it, he’s got an impressive amount of work done and the bell is sounding for students to leave so the library can close.

Wordlessly, Regulus begins packing up. James follows in suit, and silently, they make their way out of the library. Only two other students leave with them, instantly going off on their own ways. In all the seven years James has attended Hogwarts, tonight is the first time he’s been in the library late enough to see it close.

When he tells Regulus, the younger boy scoffs.

"I’m not even surprised," he says.

"What can I say, I don’t need to study," James shrugs, smirking smugly.

"Sure."

"I’ve made it this far, haven’t I?"

"And it’s life’s greatest question," Regulus quips sarcastically.

The quick and deadpan insult has James throwing his head back with a startled laugh, feeling something warm in his chest bloom when Regulus blushes slightly.

"Well, this was lovely but I doubt it will happen again," Regulus says, nodding. "You’ve officially filled your library quota for the year. See you around."

When the younger boy turns to leave, James barely suppresses the urge to grab his arm and stop him. He doesn’t understand why, but he doesn’t quite feel done with the night.

"I’ll walk you back to your dorm."

The words tumble out of his mouth before he can stop them. Regulus stops, turning around and looking at him quizzically. James feels his cheeks heat up.

"Uh, no thank you," Regulus replies.

"I insist," James smiles, confidence growing as quickly as it previously disappeared.

"James, no," Regulus says again, this time sterner. "I don’t need you to walk me back. I can walk on my own perfectly fine."

"I’m Head Boy," James argues. "If I walk you back, you won’t get in trouble for being out after curfew."

"It’s not after curfew."

"It almost is," James shrugs, then grins, "Not worth the risk."

"Merlin, you’re insufferable," Regulus grumbles, turning on his heel and beginning to walk down the corridor.

James doesn’t hear a no, so he happily runs after the shorter boy.

"So, how’s your week been?"

"Fine."

"Got lots of studying and essays already?"

"It’s manageable."

"I can’t believe you’re doing seven N.E.W.T.S," James laughs, shaking his head. "It’s both mad and impressive."

"Thanks,"

"I don’t know how you handle all the pressure," "I’m barely keeping on top of my five."

"I like the challenge, and I couldn’t pick between them, so I just took them all."

"It’s no wonder you spend so much time in the library with seven N.E.W.T.S to study for," James says.

Regulus shrugs. "A bit of time is spent re-writing my class notes."

"Re-writing your notes?" James asks. "What’s wrong with the ones you do the first time?"

"They’re always a mess," Regulus says. "There is so much to write in class, so my notes are always rushed. I like to spend the time later re-writing them neater and more organised, and then I can add things from my readings as I go."

"That’s… you’re really smart."

Regulus jolts, whole body twitching. James looks down at the younger boy in time to see him frowning up at him.

"What?" James asks.

"Did you not already know I’m smart?" Regulus asks. "I’m sure you’ve heard Sirius call me a swot and a nerd plenty of times."

"Sirius calls anyone who looks at a textbook a nerd," James smiles. "And he’s right, you are a nerd and a swot, but you’re also so fucking smart. It’s actually insane, Reg."

"Regulus."

"Regulus," James amends, winking. "My apologies."

Regulus rolls his eyes.

Before they know it, they’re standing outside the Ravenclaw common room. Regulus flashes James a slightly bewildered look when the older boy doesn’t immediately leave.

"Well, thanks for the escort back," he murmurs.

"You’re welcome, Regulus," James smiles. "Sleep well!"

"Right," Regulus replies slowly. "See you, James."

And then he’s gone, the corridor suddenly feeling cooler and darker.

Ignoring it, James goes back to his dorm.

Two days later, James and Sirius are walking to class after having to run back to the dorms for showers during lunch. Their free period before was taken up by practicing on the Quidditch pitch, so they had to grab quick showers to freshen up before their afternoon classes. They’re walking down to the dungeons to meet Peter and Remus for potions when someone suddenly calls his name.

"James!"

James spins around, noticing a slightly shorter Ravenclaw is coming up behind him. Her brunette hair is cut short into a bob, dead straight and slick. She smiles at him, eyes looking up at him in a way that makes her look hungry.

"Oh, hi," James smiles. He stares at her for a moment, her face familiar yet not clicking with recognition. Then, it hits him, "Bridget, right?"

"Bridget Goldstein," she nods, smiling. "Surprised you remembered."

"Well, we have been in the same Transfiguration class for seven years," James laughs. "Everything okay?"

"Of course," she replies, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I was just wondering if…"

When she doesn’t add anything else, James frowns.

"Yes?" He prompts gently, heart beginning to pick up with anticipation.

With cheeks burning ruby red, she looks up at him and asks, "Would you like to go to Hogsmeade with me next weekend?"

Oh.

What?

"Oh," James murmurs, blinking.

What the fuck?

Bridget shifts from foot to foot. "I’ve seen you hanging around with Sirius’ little brother, so I asked him earlier if you were single and he said yes, so I… I thought I’d ask."

"Oh, well, I—" James stammers, suddenly feeling like someone has reached into his mouth and grabbed his tongue.

He looks over Bridget’s shoulder, seeing Sirius looking at him in curiosity. The dog animagus smirks at him, clearly finding James’ fluster amusing, so James flashes what he hopes is a subtle look of panic. Help me. Help me, Sirius. Fucking help me!

"James?" Bridget asks tentatively.

Oh Merlin.

Shit.

James doesn’t want to hurt her feelings, but the idea of going to Hogsmeade with her has got his chest in a clamp. He doesn’t understand why. She seems lovely, if not almost a stranger. They’ve never spoken before, despite sharing half of their classes for years. She’s never shown any interest, so why is she now?

I should say something.

I need to say something.

Just say something!

"I, uh…" James fumbles again. "Bridget—"

Suddenly, there’s an arm hooking around his shoulder and a body rocking into his side. Sirius is beside him, almost full body-slamming James over in his haste.

"We can’t do next weekend, Goldstein, so sorry!" Sirius interrupts easily, grinning lazily at her. "James here has promised me some personal bro-on-bro Quidditch practice."

"Oh, no worries!" She smiles, laughing. She looks at James, tilting her head. "Maybe another time."

"Yeah," James croaks, forcing a smile he knows probably looks feeble. "Sorry. Maybe another time."

"See you around."

"B-bye," he stammers.

It’s only when she’s halfway down the corridor does all the tension seep out of his body. He slumps, groaning as he drops his face in his hands.

What just happened?

What the fuck?

"Fuck me sideways," Sirius laughs, clapping him on the back. "What was that about?"

James moans, shaking his head. He pulls his hands away, face warm with mortification.

"I have no idea," he whines.

"What was wrong with you?" Sirius asks, chuckling. "Since when do you get flustered by a girl that isn’t Lily?"

"I don’t know," James shakes his head.

"That was brilliant," Sirius muses, grinning when James glares at him. "I haven’t seen you get like that since back in the day when you were crushing on Lils. Fucking golden, mate!"

James moans again, rubbing his face.

Sirius is right. He turned into third year James all over again, only this time he wasn’t fumbling about speaking to Lily but instead panicking over the prospect of going to Hogsmeade with Bridget.

"You’re welcome, by the way."

James sighs, nodding. "Thanks, mate."

"You looked like a deer in fucking headlights when she asked," Sirius winks. "No pun intended."

"Where did that come from?" James asks, shaking his head to try as dissipate the confusion clouding his mind. "I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to her?"

"Clearly she’s trying to get her hook in before the end of the year and she never gets to see your lovely face again," Sirius grins wolfishly, shrugging. "Can’t blame her, Prongs. You’re a lovely specimen."

James frowns, still feeling confused. Then, he remembers something she said. Something so out of pocket, so random, that it floods James’ mind like a siren call.

"She said she spoke to Regulus?"

Sirius stops laughing then.

"My Regulus?" He asks.

James nods.

"Brilliant. He’s going to be pissed someone has bothered him. Better watch your back, Prongs. He’s going to be plotting your death now."

James blanches as Sirius begins to stroll off.

"Oh!" His friend says suddenly, turning and grinning at him, "by the way, I’m telling Peter and Moony about this. Fuck it, I might even show them it in a pensive. Your face was fucking brilliant!"

"Fuck you, Sirius."

Sirius’ howling laughter echoes down the corridor. His friend grabs his hand and yanks him into movement. His legs feel strangely shaky underneath him, but he manages to walk to their next class. He tunes out Sirius’ teasing and laughing, and in class, he can’t bring himself to focus.

His mind is spiralling, running in circles to the point that he feels dizzy even sitting down.

Why did he act like that? Why did Bridget’s appearance and invite to Hogsmeade make him so frantic? James isn’t opposed to dating girls, just he isn’t opposed to dating boys. He hasn’t ever really thought about it that hard. He’s always just assumed he’ll like what he likes, is attracted to whoever he’s attracted too. He’s never been one to be curious about his sexuality, naive enough growing up to never question a couple that isn’t a man-woman despite his parents being straight.

James has never dated a guy before, sure, but he’s also never dated a girl before. He had a pretty hefty crush on Lily for the first three years of Hogwarts before he grew out of it, or the excitement of it fizzled out. A good thing too, considering now he sees Lily more of a surrogate sister and the idea of being anything other than friends feels like it’s crossing a line that shouldn’t be crossed. Still, James has never been ashamed to admit there’s blokes he finds attractive, just like he finds girls attractive.

James has never become a stammering, stuttering mess over attention. He’s a Marauder, Head Boy, and the Quidditch Captain. He’s used to having eyes on him at all times, and he’s always usually relished in it. So why did Bridget approaching him send him in such a frantic spiral? Why did the idea of going out with her make his heart race, and not in a good way? It wasn’t excitement, or ego-boosting. His racing heart and sweaty palms was nerves, panic, because he really didn’t want to go.

But why? He wonders. Bridget is attractive, seventh year, and James has never heard a word about her, so she can’t be one for scandals or shit-stirring. She sounds lovely, and bold enough to ask James on a date.

So, what happened?

Why did Bridget ask Regulus? Of all people, why Regulus? He’s not even in their year, or their classes. James has met up with Regulus almost always in secret and quiet places, so how did she know they were friends?

Was she too scared to approach one of the Marauders?

Or Lily, Marlene or Mary?

Why Regulus?

And what has that done to Regulus? After the meltdown in the first term after Hogsmeade and the gossip, James can’t bare to think about Bridget approaching him causing him the same panic. It would be the second time that James has caused him such stress, and the idea makes James feel sick to his stomach.

Then, the realisation hits James like a freight train: He likes Regulus.

That’s why the idea of going out with Bridget made him such a state, so desperate to say no and run away.

He doesn’t want to go on a date with Bridget, or anyone, in fact.

He only wants to go on dates with one person.

Regulus.

He likes Regulus.

In fact, he really likes Regulus.

He likes Regulus more than a friend, more than generous company, more than a little bit of worry the younger boy is lonely.

He cares, he craves the quiet boys presence like a lifeline. He’s been seeking Regulus out for months thinking he was doing it to be kind and friendly, but it’s more than that.

It’s so much more.

It’s been consuming him for weeks and he didn’t even realise. It’s become an obsession, and addiction, to know that Regulus is okay, to see him smile, to hear his voice, albeit either sarcastic, mean or soft. He’s grown reliant on Regulus’ warmth, on the safety he provides with his security and peace.

He urges to wrap the younger boy in a blanket, to run his fingers through the always soft looking curls, to just reach out and touch his hand, to find out if their warm or cold. It wasn’t random. It wasn’t strange. It was something he’s been making excuses for this whole time.

He doesn’t have any excuses anymore.

He likes Regulus.

Oh Merlin, he thinks.

I like Regulus.

When classes are over, they all start making their way to the Great Hall for dinner. James lags behind, mind elsewhere and legs moving on autopilot. It’s only when they’re approaching the hall and as they’re walking in, he spots Pandora coming down the corridor towards them, does James react.

His friends have already gone in, so they don’t notice when James suddenly breaks off and makes a beeline for Pandora.

The Hufflepuff notices him when he’s a few steps away, smiling kindly.

"James, what a pleasure," she says. "Here to speak about Regulus again?"

James blinks, stopping short. Time seems to freeze for a beat. "What?"

"The only times we have interacted is when you want to speak about our darling Regulus," Pandora muses, then she tilts her head, "Or have I presumed wrong?"

"I… no," James admits weakly. "No, I’m… I’m here to ask about Regulus."

Pandora’s smile grows, knowing and unsurprised.

"Come on," Pandora says, grabbing his wrist.

She tugs him down the corridor and into an empty classroom, closing the door behind them. She drops down onto one of the chairs and waves at the seat opposite.

"Have a seat, Potter," she says, and when he does, she crosses her arms and asks, "What can I do for you today?"

James "What does Regulus like?"

Pandora stares at him, her gaze calculating and sharp.

After a moment, she asks, "In what way?"

"In every way, Pandora!" James blurts desperately, waving his hands. "Does he like presents? Jewels? Hugs? New shoes? Head rubs? What’s his favourite food? Does he like strawberries? Should I buy him a fancy meal at a restaurant in London?"

"Oh my," Pandora laughs. "Are you alright, James?"

James shakes his head, dropping his head in his hands. "No, Pandora. I like Regulus and I want him to like me, so you need to help me do it!"

"Do… it?"

James rips his head from his hands and locks eyes with her across the table.

"Make Regulus like me," he clarifies seriously.

"That’s a pretty hard task," Pandora shrugs. "It’s taken six years for him to admit me likes he as a friend."

"I haven’t got six years," James shakes his head. "I’ve got seven months and then I will only see him when Sirius does. I need to win his over now."

Pandora sighs, long and heavy, pursing her lips. She seems to be thinking, either about an answer or if James is being truthful or not.

James is a second away from screaming at her to give him something, anything, when she finally speaks.

"Regulus isn’t materialistic," she starts, suddenly serious. "If you buy him something, he’s probably going to think it’s a joke, a trade, or a ploy in a long plan you have to manipulate him. So honestly, no presents. He isn’t fazed by people gifting him things or taking him places. Unless it’s books, but even then, I think if you buy him books he’ll probably be convinced it’s cursed and won’t touch it."

"What the fuck?" James blinks, then shakes his head. "Okay. Right. Got it. No presents, doesn’t want to be spoiled. What else?"

"No touching. If Regulus wants a hug, and as far as I’m aware, it’s incredibly rare, he will instigate it. He likes honesty and he likes quiet. He doesn’t like people who show off, or people who raise their voice. He doesn’t really like people, if I’m honest. And a pressured Regulus is a running Regulus, so don’t overwhelm him. Take it slow, whatever you want to do. Give him time to adjust each time."

"Right," James nods slowly. He leans back, letting out a heavy breath as everything Pandora says sinks in. "Wow."

"Honestly, he’s not as high maintenance as I’ve made him sound. He’s a pretty simple person, I promise. He likes his space, he doesn’t like crowds or attention. He can handle it in small doses, and don’t overload him with praise. He needs it, but he’s not used to it, so he gets all funny and twitchy about it," Pandora explains. She blows out a breath, "Basically, he’s everything that his brother is not, despite that they’ve both come from a shit home and they’ve become completely different people because of it. Sirius seems like a very tactile person, he loves to feel loved and be around people. Regulus? Absolutely not. Being deprived of it as a child has seemed to hardwire him to enjoy his own space and the company of others makes him feel like he’s suffocating."

"This might be harder than I thought."

"He’s worth it," she smiles. "If he’s made you stick around for this long, then he’s clearly worth your time and effort."

"He is," James agrees.

"Don’t hurt him, James," Pandora warns. "He deserves the best."

"I promise," James doesn’t hesitate, shaking his head. "I’d never hurt him, Pandora."

"Good," she nods. Then, she smiles, grinning and full teeth, "and good luck! You’re going to need it. Regulus is the most stubborn bastard you’ll ever meet, but once he lets you in, you won’t want to be anywhere else."

Please, he mentally begs. Please pray that he’ll let me in. I don’t want to be anywhere else. Never.

"He’s lucky to have you as a friend," James says.

Pandora chuckles, shaking her head. "He probably won’t agree with that anymore, considering all I do is talk to you about him."

"You’re doing me a favour."

"Then don’t throw this favour back in my face."

"I wouldn’t dream of it."

And he means it.

It all kicks off the following day.

James and the rest of the Marauders are walking out to the Great Hall for lunch when they come across Lily arguing with Snape in the corridor. They’re standing close, shouting. A crowd is beginning to form, watchers who are staring wide-eyed at the seventh years having a screaming match with one another. Behind Snape, James instantly spots Mulciber and Avery, grinning manically at one another and then back at Snape and Lily.

James feels the familiar hatred burn inside him. A sudden adrenaline spikes with the long history of anger and resentment for these three Slytherins. James finds it fun when they go for each other, but when they go for Lily because of her fracturing friendship with Snape, something bubbles in James’ stomach.

He doesn’t doubt Lily can handle herself against Snape, but the sight of the other two Slytherins sparks James’ need to give Lily some back up of her own.

"Lils," James says, approaching them. When the red head looks at him, eyes bloodshot with tears and yet face set in stone of anger, he feels himself tense. "You okay?"

"She doesn’t need the Mutt defence squad," Snape snarls, sending daggers at him and the other three behind him. "We were only talking."

"Then why does it look like she’s trying not to cry, and why have they got their wands out?" James asks, nodding to the two Slytherins behind him.

Snape glares at him. "Not everything involves you, Potter."

"I’m only here to check on a friend, though I appreciate that’s a concept you probably don’t understand," James snaps. "Considering that would require you to care about anything other than yourself."

"James, stop it," Lily hisses. "We were done here anyway."

"What did he want?" James can’t help but ask.

Lily shakes her head. "It’s nothing. We’re done."

She spits the last word like it’s left a nasty taste in her mouth. Snape flinches, face turning hurt for a moment, before it drops off and is replaced by something angry, sinister.

"Come on," Lily murmurs, tugging on James’ arm till he turns around.

They haven’t taken two steps away when they hear it loud and clear.

"Just another dirty Mudblood."

They all freeze. James feels himself reaching for his wand as Lily rips herself away from him, spinning around and storming straight back to Snape.

"What did you say?" She seethes, visibly shaking with anger.

"I said," Snape snarls, barely his gnarly teeth, "you’re just another dirty Mu—"

"Everte Statum!"

Snape suddenly goes flying back several feet, robes billowing in the movement, and landing in a loud, heavy heap on the floor.

"We need to wash your mouth out with soap after language like that," Sirius taunts, winking at James.

Snape is getting up, but he’s not even on his feet before Avery and Mulciber cast at the same time.

"Diffindo!" They both shout, and two bursts of light strike Sirius at once.

The moment Sirius goes down, James sees red.

Within seconds, everyone’s wands are out. Curses and hexes, jinxes and charms and flying back and forth. It’s three against three, and the power is not imbalanced.

James’ mind goes blank as they all duel. Thoughts spill from his mind, the drive for survival takes over. Hex after hex, charm after charm.

Block, fire, block, counter, fire, dodge.

With a burst of anger when he barely manages to dodge a nasty dark hex from Snape, he casts a levitation charm on the slimy Slytherin, hanging him upside down in the air.

"ENOUGH!"

The shout cuts through the corridor. They all freeze, the words of a curse dying on James’ tongue. He’s panting, they all are. Their shirts have become untucked in their duels, cheeks red with exertion.

James glances at Lily, whom the deafening shout came from.

"Stop it!" Lily yells. "For fuck sake, all of you just— stop it!"

Snape struggles in the levitation, but James doesn’t bless him with relief. He can hear Sirius’ grunts of pain behind him now the corridor has gone quiet, and it only fuels his drive to make the Slytherins hurt again.

"James, put him down."

His eyes snap to Lily.

She’s glaring at him with a look as cold as ice. "I said, put him down!"

James does. Reluctant and unkindly, he allows Snape to stop to the floor with a grunt. All that can be heard is heavy breathing. In the end of the duel, James realises that Avery and Mulciber must have ran off as they’re no where to be seen now. It’s only Snape, standing stiffly away from them.

"Lily—" Snape starts, but James has had enough too.

"Fuck off, Snape," James snarls, adjusting his glasses right.

Snape’s eyes darken, and he steps forward, but stops short when Lily moves half in front of James.

"Severus," Lily says, tired. "Just go."

Snape huffs, shaking his head, but surprisingly, he goes.

Lily turns to James when he’s gone. "Well done, James. Really. Well fucking done!"

"I didn’t start it!" James defends, brushing his hair off his forehead.

"I don’t care!" Lily snaps. "It’s my battle. Let me fight it!"

James swallows thickly. Yeah. Sorry."

"You should get him to the infirmary," Lily mutters, nodding to Sirius. "Try to avoid anymore fights on your way there."

She’s grabbing her bag and walking off before James can react.

James slumps, rubbing his face. He didn’t mean to upset Lily, he just wanted her to feel like she had someone covering her back.

And in James’ defence, it was Sirius who started anything physical. James hurries to Sirius’ side, who’s groaning still. The bleeding doesn’t seem to catastrophic, and Sirius is awake and alert when James crouches in front of him, but Lily is right: he needs Pomfrey.

"Come on, mate," James says, heaving Sirius to his feet. "We need to and see Pomfrey. Moony, Wormtail, help out will ya?"

Peter doesn’t hesitate to take Sirius under the other arm, straightening them all up. Remus grabs their bags from the floor, following behind as they slowly limp Sirius between them.

It’s just when they’re rounding the corner that James spots him.

Sitting in one of the window alcoves, legs up and knees bent, an open book resting on his thighs, is Regulus. Only, the younger boy isn’t reading. Instead, his eyes are focused on them.

Huge, wide eyes stare back at James and with a sinking feeling, he recognises the look in them.

Fear.

Regulus looks terrified.

— tbc.