Warm

“So…” Evans leaned on the table beside Regulus where he was in the middle of packing up.

He had hurried along to the dungeons to shower and change after breakfast, making it to Lupin’s study group only a few minutes late. He had then spent an hour on the main table doing charms with Lupin before moving over to the Arithmancy table for the rest of the time. It had gone surprisingly smoothly and Regulus once again found himself glad to have joined for more reasons than his revenge on Sirius. Most of the students had already left for lunch while Regulus finished up one last homework question, so only him, Evans, Lupin and Hedgewick remained. The other two were engaged in conversation a few tables over and Regulus had been so engrossed in his work he hadn’t noticed Evans creeping over.

“So?” The Slytherin responded absently as he placed his books in his bag.

“You weren’t here last week, even though I distinctly remember telling you you’d better be.”

“I was busy.” He answered, putting his quill away.

Evans hummed unconvinced. “How’d your test go?”

“What?” Regulus side-eyed her disbelievingly. Surely, she didn’t actually care.

“Your Potions test. How’d it go?” She smiled at him patiently.

“… I got an O.”

“That’s excellent! I mean– I didn’t have any doubt you’d do well, but that’s great to hear!”

“… Thanks.”

“I had a History of Magic test this week – I think it went well but I’m always a little fuzzy on the dates.”

“… Okay.”

“How has your week been?”

“… Busy.”

“Do anything fun recently? Anything special?”

“… What do you want, Evans?”

She gave him an innocent look. “I was just making conversation.”

He raised an unimpressed eyebrow.

She slumped, shooting him a sheepish smile. “Fine. I wanted to know if your date with James went well.” She admitted quietly, glancing in Hedgewick’s direction.

Regulus paused in what he was doing. “What is it with you Gryffindors?” He muttered to himself before addressing her just as quietly. “Evans, I’m not sure how much clearer I can be – Potter and I are not dating.”

She looked unperturbed. “Not yet, yes, I know. But you had your little not-date this morning, didn’t you? James insists it’s just Quidditch practice but Peter said something about breakfast?”

Regulus resisted the urge to rub his temples. “That would be because it is just Quidditch. We spent about three hours training on opposite ends of the pitch. And while we did walk to breakfast together after, we spent it with my friends, Crouch and Lestrange.”

“Still sticking with that story?” Lupin said as he ambled over, Hedgewick seemingly gone.

“You should prepare for incoming.” Regulus smirked vindictively. “I told Potter about our conversation the other day.”

Lupin winced. “What did you say?”

Regulus’s smirk widened. “You see, I could tell you, but equally, I could not tell you, forcing you to blindly stumble your way through Potter’s confrontation while trying to figure out how much he knows.”

Evans grinned. “You’re evil. No wonder he likes you.”

That sparked Regulus’ curiosity. “Pettigrew said something similar the other day. Potter can’t seriously be attracted to…”

“People who are mean to him?” Evans offered. “He definitely is. Truthfully, I think it balances out his general…” She made a vague hand gesture.

“Sunniness?” Regulus offered in return.

She grinned at him. “So, you do like him. And you’re aware he likes you too.”

Regulus inwardly cursed. There was no point trying to hide it now. “I take it that means you approve, despite him being after you for the last however long.”

“Absolutely.” She smiled at him. These Gryffindors smiled far too easily. “James and I actually did give things a go at the end of the last school year and a bit over the Summer. We kept it quiet for a few reasons but in the end, it wasn’t working at all, and James was actually the one to call it off. Thank god.”

Regulus schooled his features carefully. He certainly hadn’t expected that.

“But it’s all in the past now.” She continued. “We’ve both well and truly moved on and I’d be happy to see him find someone else.”

“… I see.”

“So?” He looked at her blankly. “You still haven’t told me how it went.”

Regulus shouldered his bag. “And why would I do that?” He asked flatly.

Lupin folded his arms over his chest. “Because we know James extremely well and are willing to give you insider information.”

Regulus squinted his eyes in suspicion. “Why do you want us together so bad?”

Lupin paused, exchanging a look with Evans. Then: “You tell me yours; I’ll tell you mine.”

Regulus considered it for a moment. With all the overt flirting, Potter could obviously tell Regulus was interested, or well, ‘interested’. And Regulus was starting to believe that Potter liked him – not only were the Gryffindor’s friends actively encouraging him, but the older boy’s reactions this morning had certainly been revealing. And yet, Potter was clearly resisting; perhaps, some ‘insider information’ would be useful.

Regulus dropped his bag on the table and leaned against it. “He was rather excited to see me, which I had to mock him for. I then proceeded to divulge some details of our chat with Pettigrew and managed to get him to blush.”

“James blushed?” Lupin interrupted surprised.

“We’re talking about James Potter, here? The guy with no shame whatsoever?” Evans added.

Regulus didn’t quite manage to keep the smugness from his expression. “Yes, it was quite intriguing to me. And so, you can imagine I simply had to tease him further. Did you know the tips of his ears redden too?”

“No way.” Evans breathed, delighted.

“Yes way.” Regulus replied, amused. “We then proceeded to practice as normal.” Something told him to leave Potter’s shooting struggles out. “When eight approached, I cajoled him into taking a break to eat.”

“Thank you for that.” Lupin nodded at him. “He always mothers the rest of us so much but neglects himself.”

Regulus wasn’t quite sure what to do with that information so he ignored it. “On our walk up to the castle we exchanged some pleasant conversation, which I must admit to being a first for us.”

“Let me guess, you spend most of your time arguing, bantering and flirting?” Evans drawled as though speaking from experience. Regulus didn’t like it.

“Yes.” He answered in a clipped tone. “He then joined me at the Slytherin table for breakfast.”

“He what?” Lupin exclaimed. Regulus magnanimously ignored the outburst.

“And we ate in the company of Crouch and Lestrange. The latter of whom has plans to go Snarkuffle finding with Potter tomorrow afternoon.”

“What’s a Snarkuffle?” Evans asked.

“Not a clue.” Regulus replied, a hint of fondness seeping into his tone. Then a wicked smirk crept onto his face. “I got him to blush again at that point.”

“Twice in one day?” Lupin remarked, impressed.

Regulus hummed in agreement. “Once he finished eating, he headed off rather abruptly. He has a habit of hurrying off or trying to shut down a conversation whenever I seem to be making progress. Do you have any thoughts on that?”

The Gryffindors exchanged a look.

“I’m not sure.” Lupin admitted. “But I’ll try to find out.”

“He’s not really the type to run away.” Evans mused. “He tends to jump recklessly headfirst into these sorts of things.” She tilted her head thoughtfully. “We’ll find out what’s up.” She promised.

“So much for insider information.” He scoffed. But one more thing nagged at Regulus’ mind. “Do you happen to know what the fake smiles are for?”

The Gryffindors frowned in unison, not even looking at each other.

“What are you talking about?” Lupin asked.

“You know, the fake smiles.” They looked at him blankly. “When Potter smiles, but it’s just a little too bright.”

“James is the definition of too bright.” Evans dismissed. “He’s always like that.”

“I thought you didn’t mind his too muchness.” Lupin hedged.

Regulus inwardly paused. Could they really not see it? Potter had a pretty excellent façade going.

But perhaps it was too excellent for the Gryffindors to see past. Slytherins, being cunning by nature, were well adept at sniffing out people’s masks in a matter of seconds, as Barty and Pandora (an honorary Slytherin as far as Regulus was concerned) had done earlier, but perhaps Potter’s friends were more easily fooled.

Regulus decided to let it go for now. “I don’t mind.” He admitted quietly. “I suppose I’m just not quite used to it yet.”

Lupin and Evans nodded in understanding, assuaged by his words.

“It took me ages to get used to despite living in the same dorm as him.” Lupin revealed, smiling reminiscently.

“We love him for it, though.” Evans added fondly. 

“Your turn.” Regulus moved swiftly onwards. “Why do you want us together?”

Lupin visibly paused, causing Evans to answer first. “Our breakup was hard on James and I just really want to see him happy again.” She smiled earnestly at Regulus. “He does seem happy these days… and I think it’s because of you.”

Regulus felt like he had been slapped in the face. He was fooling her. Fooling James. Fooling them all.

“I agree. I really want to see James happy too – never expected it to be you, but… life’s funny that way, isn’t it?” Lupin took a deep breath, bolstering himself. “And also, I’m dating Sirius; I know about his past – your past.”

Regulus fought not to react, his heart hammering in his chest.

“I know what it’s like for you there… and… James was the first person who made Sirius feel safe. I want that for you too because I know Sirius does, even if he’s not the best at showing it.” Regulus didn’t believe that in the slightest. “I don’t know how James does it but he’s like that for me too – he’s always so safe and warm, like… like…”

“The sun.” Evans whispered.

Regulus suddenly felt everything click into place.

James Potter was the sun.

He was warm and safe and bright and constant. You could look to the sky every day and find comfort in knowing he would always be there. And in the darkest times, you could simply wait for the sun to appear.

He was so bright all the time – even when he didn’t want to be, even when he’d rather be anything else. Because he was the sun. The people-pleasing, fake-smiling, ever-present sun who shone down warming rays on everyone around him.

But from a distance.

They say you should never look directly at the sun. That it’ll hurt your eyes. That it’ll blind you to look. Regulus was normally good at following the rules. But here Regulus was, already looking right at him, staring into the sun and breaking all his carefully curated rules to do so. The strangest part?

Regulus didn’t plan on looking away.

*

“What is the point of this?” Regulus grumbled in irritation as the group arrived at the lake. The Autumn air was far too cold for his liking.

“To spy on them. You already know this.” Came Dorcas’ impatient reply as she and Evan got to work laying down a picnic blanket. Merlin knows where they got it.

“Pandora will tell us everything later.” He frowned unhappily but he sat on the blanket nonetheless. Emmeline started transfiguring cushions for them.

“No, she won’t.” Evan put in, taking a seat himself. “She always leaves out the good stuff.”

“Bloody Ravenclaw.” Barty added but with a fond smile. He flopped down on top of Evan who simply rearranged their limbs to be a little more comfortable. Regulus had to resist the urge to bash their heads together and yell ‘KISS!’

“It’s not like we’ll be able to hear what they’re saying.” He pointed out, gratefully taking a couple cushions from Emmeline and situating himself more comfortably. See? This is how you do sitting on the ground. It had taken several charms to get his robes looking pristine again after Pettigrew and Macdonald had made him sit on the actual dirty ground.

“No, but we’ll be able to see what they’re doing and it’ll help us with our interrogation of Pan later. We’ve already been over this.” Emmeline said, annoyance lacing her tone. “Now hurry up and do the warming charms – yours are always the strongest and it’s fucking freezing.”

“Don’t forget the privacy wards either.” Barty piled on with a smirk.

Regulus glared at them all but Em was right – it was fucking freezing – so he got to work. He shot some warming charms at each of them before setting up some wards. They were not enough to keep people out but they did allow for free conversation and dissuaded people’s eyes from looking their way.

As he worked, he mulled things over. Upon finding out about Pandora’s plans to hang out with Potter, Regulus’s other friends had decided it was completely necessary to spy on them. They called it reconnaissance for Regulus’s seduction plan but he knew that they were just being nosy. And since Pan let it slip that morning that Snarkuffles could be found by large bodies of water, Regulus found himself trudging towards the Great Lake and setting up camp despite the awful temperature. Normally, he wouldn’t be inclined to go along with such an idiotic scheme but they were all being remarkably supportive of his revenge plot, so he figured the least he could do was join them. And besides, it would give them more opportunity for getting information on Potter. As well as an excuse to just look at him. Not that that was the leading factor.

Soon enough, the group relaxed, talking freely and eating from the stash Barty had smuggled from the kitchens earlier. While Emmeline and Dorcas chatted lightly, Evan and Barty bickered-slash-flirted heavily. Regulus idly flicked through a book, dipping into the conversations as he pleased. Emmeline transfigured an extra blanket for herself – despite Regulus’s spells it was still a little chilly and he ended up transfiguring one for himself too. Dorcas broke out the nail polish at some point and started with her own nails before moving onto Emmeline’s. Barty was trying to convince her to do his next when the anticipated pair came into view.

It was difficult to see them clearly from so far away but Pandora’s stark blonde locks and the messy black birds-nest Potter called hair were both identifiable enough as the duo made their way down from the castle. Regulus pointed them out to the others.

“Ooh, it’s starting.” Barty practically sang as the group all shifted to face them a bit better.

When the pair got closer, Pandora’s eyes slid over to them. She always had a knack for seeing past charms and wards, so it wasn’t particularly surprising when she looked straight at the group. She nudged Potter slightly and pointed over at them, saying something they couldn’t hear. Potter’s eyes slid over the area a little confusedly – he likely couldn’t see them all that well, with the privacy wards obscuring them from view – but this didn’t stop him from making his way over with her. The closer they got, the more Potter’s gaze seemed to focus as the Notice-Me-Not Spell lost its effect on him.

“Oop, incoming.” Barty narrated as the pair breached the ward barrier; it wasn’t actually warding against people entering, just aimed to provide privacy, so the pair stepped through easily.

They were a bit of an odd pair, truth be told, but strangely enough they worked; Potter was tall and dark skinned while Pandora was shorter and pale beyond measure. And even personality-wise they had almost nothing in common other than being the two most wholesome people Regulus had ever met. And yet, he could see them being friends quite easily.

Today, Pandora was wearing a bright pink and orange puffy coat paired with a Ravenclaw blue scarf and gloves but a pink and orange knitted hat. What looked like small carrots dangled from her ears as earrings, which caused Regulus to bite back a fond smile. Her fair skin was slightly flushed from the cold.

Potter, on the other hand, was wearing a surprisingly tasteful and sleek black coat with a matching set of a maroon scarf and gloves (though the gloves were barely visible from being stuffed in his pockets). He also had a muggle-looking draw-string bag slung over one shoulder. Potter too was flushed slightly from the cold, but it was barely noticeable other than the reddening tip of his nose. His eyes were bright from behind his glasses and a small lopsided grin adorned his face as per normal.

“Hi,” Pandora greeted, drawing Regulus’s attention back to his friend. Fake cheerfulness laced her tone and she held suspicion in her eyes. “What are you all doing out here?”

Dorcas smiled winningly at her. “We just wanted to get some fresh air. You know how stuffy the dungeons can get.”

Pandora hummed. “It’s not too cold for you?” She asked, well aware that they were all, in fact, still too cold despite the warming charms. Dorcas had slipped under Emmeline’s blanket too while Evan had transfigured one for him and Barty.

Emmeline smiled forcefully at her. “It’s a little cold but nothing we can’t handle.”

This, oddly enough, caused Potter to frown in concern. “Are the warming charms not enough?”

“What? No introduction for us? I hear you gave Barty and Pandora a proper one.” Evan tried to deflect, not wanting Pandora to win this stand-off.

“We can do that in a sec.” Potter said distractedly, rummaging around in that bag of his. He pulled out a handful of small vials triumphantly. “I still have a bunch of warming potions left over. They’re small doses so they’ll only last you a couple hours but I have plenty to spare.” He explained earnestly.

The Slytherins paused.

“Why do you have that many warming potions on hand?” Regulus asked, speaking up for the first time. Potter’s eyes snapped to him.

The Gryffindor began speaking, a shy grin on his face. “We were handing them out to some of the First and Second-Years this morning. Remus, Lily and I, I mean.”

Regulus raised an eyebrow. “You just hand out warming potions to firsties free of charge? Where did you even get them?”

“Y-Yeah. I mean, yes.” He cleared his throat. “It just gets so cold around this time of year and the younger students struggle with warming charms a lot, so a few years ago, I started brewing extra potions to help them out. I mean, it’s not like I can’t afford it and when I first owled my parents about it, they were more than happy to help. Remus and Lily caught on pretty quick and have been helping me out too.”

Regulus stared at the boy uncomprehendingly for a few seconds. How was he even real? He was quite certain people this kind didn’t exist.

Pulling himself together, Regulus held a hand out wordlessly. Potter scrambled forward to hand him a vial. Once he had hold of one, Regulus held it up to the light and examined it closely. The shade was a perfect golden for a warming potion and the consistency was viscous like honey.

“Bradnitch’s recipe?”

“Yeah, but I added some extra lavender because my Dad always swears by it.”

Regulus let his eyes slide slowly up to Potter’s. “Your father’s a Potions Master, isn’t he?”

“The best in the country.” He boasts proudly, eyes shining.

“And you? How good are you?” Regulus stared into his warm eyes challengingly.

“Good enough that you can trust the potion.” Potter said decisively, meeting his stare unflinchingly.

“He’s third best in our year, right behind Evans and Snape, and surprisingly in front of Lupin. He could probably be better too, if he actually paid attention in class.” Dorcas supplied smoothly. Regulus had forgotten she and the rest of their friends were there again. Damn it.

Oh well, he was supposed to be focused on Potter anyway.

Deliberately, Regulus raised the vial in a mock-cheers and smirked at the Gryffindor. “Fascinating.” He practically purred. Then, he swiftly uncorked the vial and downed it, maintaining eye contact all the while, even as a rush of warmth flooded his system. He thought he saw Potter swallow hard, eyes tracing the line of Regulus’s neck, before the Gryffindor forcefully wrenched his attention away.

Ugh, not again.

Potter didn’t waste time before handing out the potions to the rest of the group. Barty and Pandora took theirs eagerly but the rest of his awful friends insisted on proper Pureblood greetings from Potter first. He obliged, seeming amused and unbothered by their antics.

Barty moaned obscenely as he finished his, leering right at Potter. “Ugh, that hit just the right spot, darling.”

Regulus felt icy rage pricking at his newfound warmth. He glared at Barty warningly.

Potter, on the other hand, just rolled his eyes, looking vaguely amused but largely unimpressed. “Good to hear, mate.”

The bland response soothed Regulus somehow.

“We should probably be off now, though.” Potter continued, looking to Pandora for confirmation. She nodded and smiled at him pleased, holding an arm out for him to take. The Gryffindor stared at it blankly for a moment before he seemed to realise. Taking her arm swiftly, if a little awkwardly, he settled into the proper traditional hold, a respectful distance between them exactly as would be expected for a couple of young unmarried Purebloods. The manoeuvre was clearly unpractised and the Gryffindor gave her a hesitant look.

“Did I do it right?” He outright asked her in a loud whisper they could all hear.

“Yes.” She chuckled. “You did it right.”

Potter let out a relieved breath. “Thank Godric. My Mum’s lessons were so long ago.”

“You remember how to do traditional greetings but struggle with how to take a lady’s arm?” Pandora inquired curiously.

He shrugged. “I have to do the greetings a lot more often than this. Plus, some things are easier to remember than others. Like the order for cutlery? Easy enough. The dances? Merlin help me.”

Her lips were quirked in amusement. “Now I rather want to see that.”

“No, you definitely don’t.”

She regarded him curiously, just as the rest of them were doing. An image of James clasping Regulus’s hands and clumsily stepping on his feet as they danced popped into Regulus’s head out of nowhere.

“Anyway, shall we?”

Potter grinned at her. “We shall.” Then he turned to the rest of them. “Enjoy the rest of your afternoon! And come find me if you need more warming potions, yeah?”

The group gave a few agreements and acknowledgements. Potter and Pandora left without another word. The Slytherins watched the pair’s retreating figures in silence for a few moments, the duo skirting around the lake’s edge as Pandora began to enthusiastically explain something to a rapt Potter.

“I can’t believe it happened again.” Barty broke the silence, leaning back into Evan and shooting Regulus a gleeful look. “He completely ignored me but one word from you and he’s practically drooling! What happened to taste? Evan, hold me!”

The blonde boy shot the dramatic git in his lap an unimpressed look. He patted his head twice patronisingly and responded in a sarcastic tone. “There, there.”

“Yep, that boy is definitely crushing hard.” Dorcas drawled, a glint in her eye. “He literally stuttered when you spoke to him.”

“Nice moves, by the way.” Emmeline complimented half-teasingly. “Drinking the potion while staring him down? And that line: ‘How good are you?’” She exaggeratedly dropped her voice to a sultry drawl in imitation. “You’re definitely getting better at this.”

“Yes, thank you.” He said sharply. “Has that satisfied all of your voyeuristic urges?”

“Not even close.” Barty crooned wickedly.

The group continued to idly watch Pandora and Potter for the next hour or so, at first debriefing over their conversation with Potter – discussing his Pureblood habits, his apparent charitability, and his proficiency in Potions. At the very least, they were able to conclude that Regulus and Potter could talk about Potions together, giving them another shared interest to ‘bond’ over. Eventually, the conversation slipped away from Potter, even as they continued to monitor the pair. Nothing much of interest seemed to be happening as the duo continued to chat and walk, stopping at regular intervals to crouch down and examine something closely. As they walked, Pandora kept her arm looped through Potter’s, who seemed to get more comfortable with the position as time passed. Regulus tried his best to force down his rising jealousy at the sight.

Dorcas did end up painting Barty’s nails, and Evan’s too. The two boys grinned wildly as they held up their matching navy-blue nails in each other’s faces. They had just convinced Regulus to paint his too when a loud set of voices caught their attention.

“Merlin’s tits!” Came his brother’s obnoxious voice, his tone full of a familiar white-hot fury.

Regulus’s head snapped up from where he had been watching Dorcas paint his nails a sleek black colour. His eyes latched onto Sirius in record time, quickly registering the horde of mainly Gryffindors behind him, also making their way down to the lake.

“Padfoot!” Pettigrew called from close behind the raging boy, sprinting to catch up.

“Sirius, calm the fuck down!” Lupin tried from a further few paces behind.

Sirius didn’t stop until he was near the lake, where his run slowed to an angry power walk. Regulus braced himself for Sirius to turn towards him and his friends, used to his brother’s vitriol by now.

Instead, in a shocking twist of events, the Gryffindor stomped in his best friend’s direction.

Potter and Pandora were not far from Regulus and their friends, having made their way around this part of the lake and back again, so Regulus was more than close enough to see the majorly confused and minorly fearful expression on Potter’s face as Sirius approached. Pandora had slipped a blank look onto her face, braving herself for a fight.

At the sight, Regulus geared up too, ready to step in if it became necessary. He sensed the other Slytherins doing the same.

“What the fuck, Potter?” Sirius yelled, arms flailing dramatically.

“What did I do?” The boy responded immediately, looking genuinely baffled. Regulus idly noted that Potter jumped immediately to thinking he had done something wrong.

“James Fleamont Potter!” Sirius cried, Pettigrew and Lupin finally catching up to them. The rest of the Gryffindor crowd stopped a distance away.

“Sirius. What is it?” Potter responded evenly, his confusion morphing into concern… because of course his worry for his friend won over his own feelings. Of fucking course.

“He’s just… being dramatic.” Lupin tried to placate, still breathing heavily.

“Saw, map, jumped, conclusions.” Pettigrew panted out.

That made absolutely no sense to Regulus but Potter’s frown of confusion instantly changed to an expression of dawning realisation, his eyes widening. He opened his mouth to speak but Sirius got there first.

“I can’t believe you have a girlfriend and you didn’t tell me!” Sirius raged. “We’re supposed to be best friends, you absolute pillock! I should hex your balls off for this!”

Regulus blinked. That’s what this was about? What a drama queen.

It suddenly became apparent that the crowd of Gryffindors had not assembled to prevent a fight but rather to stand by and watch a scandal unfold. One of the Prewett brothers even looked like he was collecting bets.

Meanwhile, Potter, bless his heart, was trying his damn best to calm his lunatic of a best mate down. Unfortunately, Sirius was a bull in a china shop and he couldn’t get a word in edgewise.

“This is a genuine betrayal, James!”

“–Pads.”

“I’m absolutely fuming right now!”

“I swear I–”

“You were the first person I told about Moony when we got together!”

“Yes and–”

“Did that mean nothing to you?”

“Siri–”

“Does our friendship mean nothing to you?”

“Of course not!”

“Yet here you are on a fuckingdate with your bloodygirlfriend…”

“She’s not–”

“… and you didn’t even have the nerve to tell me first!”

“I would–”

“Even my fucking brother knew before me!”

Regulus felt like he got slapped in the face with that one. Sirius waved aggressively in his direction.

“Yeah, that’s right! I know you’re there, you slimy group of spying snakes!”

“Padfoot, they’re not–”

“Of course, they’re there to spy on your date, you naïve prick!”

“Godric! Would you just–”

“They’re nothing but a bunch of–”

“ENOUGH!”

Potter’s shout sliced through the air like a cutting curse. He stood a few paces in front of Pandora, protectively shielding her with his body and breathing hard as he stared his best friend down.

“James–” Sirius tried.

“NO!” Potter yelled. Then he visibly took a calming breath. “Shut up and listen.”

“Prongs…” Sirius tried again, though his steam was clearly running out and fast.

“I said shut up and listen.” Potter reiterated firmly, his head held high and his gaze unflinching. Despite the circumstances, Regulus found it a bit hot.

“I’m not dating Pandora.” Potter said clearly, his gaze firm but his tone startlingly gentle. “We’re just friends – in fact, we only properly met yesterday. She’s not interested in me and as lovely as she is,” he turned to her briefly, “sorry, you are quite lovely,” then back to Sirius, “I’m not interested in dating her either. And yes, contrary to popular belief, I am not an idiot, and I’m well aware that Pandora’s friends were spying on us.” Regulus’s hackles raised at that. “But it’s only because they’re quite protective of her – not that any of them would ever admit it.”

“I used to be bullied.” Pandora added softly.

Potter offered her a gentle, comforting smile, making Regulus melt a little. That wasn’t quite the reason they were spying but it wasn’t exactly untrue either. Their whole group was, in fact, rather protective of Pandora, largely due to her history of being picked on. But they knew she could handle herself. Regulus wondered if Potter genuinely believed that to be the reason for their presence or whether he had made up a plausible reason on the spot. Either way, Regulus appreciated it.

The Gryffindor then returned his focus to Sirius again. “Of course, you would know all of this, if you had paid attention when I said I was spending the afternoon with a friend this morning. Or, a wild concept, if you had simply waited until I got back to ask me instead of jumping to conclusions and frightening poor Pandora, you absolute wanker.”

There was a tense moment of silence.

“Oh.”

Potter let out an exasperated chuckle, his body deflating back into his regular relaxed and approachable posture. It was like a switch had flipped once again.

“Yes, oh.” He held out his arms invitingly. “Now get over here you idiot. Let’s hug it out.”

Sirius didn’t waste a second in throwing himself into Potter’s arms. Regulus probably wouldn’t either. They were nice arms.

“I can’t believe you thought I got a new partner and didn’t tell you.” Potter chuckled over his friend’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry. I should’ve known you would never do that to me.” Sirius replied.

Regulus felt like he had whiplash from how fast this argument had turned on its head. Did Potter have fucking superpowers? One second, Sirius was raging at him, and the next they’re hugging. Also, Potter was far too forgiving – if one of his friends spoke to him like that and caused such a scene, Regulus probably wouldn’t speak to them for weeks. Then again, Potter didn’t seem to have a bad bone in his body, disgustingly enough.

“I would never hurt you like that.” Potter assured.

Regulus kind of wanted to throw up in his mouth with how sweet it all was.

Peacekeeper Potter seemed to be on a roll, though, as he pulled back from Sirius, leaving a comforting hand on his arm. He turned to Pandora.

“Sorry about that. I hope you’re not too put off.” He sent her a sheepish grin as if the ordeal had been even an ounce his fault.

“Not at all.” Pandora was quick to assure him. “I stand by everything you said.”

“Still friends then?” He asked her with a grin. “Can we go Snarkuffle finding again?”

“Absolutely,” she grinned back, “on both counts. I expect they’ll be more visible the colder it gets.”

“That’s exciting to hear!” Potter then turned his attention on Pettigrew and Lupin. “Thanks for the help lads. I’m sure Padfoot was being a handful.” He nudged the boy in question playfully.

“We weren’t much help at all, mate.” Lupin responded but he smiled at Potter like he couldn’t help it.

“Speak for yourself.” Pettigrew exclaimed. “I ran for you Prongs! You better be grateful.”

“So grateful.” Potter responded easily. “You can have the last of my sugar quills, and I’ve got some chocolate frogs for you, Moony.”

Both boys beamed at him appreciatively. Regulus wasn’t quite sure what Potter was rewarding them for. Trying and failing to stop Sirius? Knowing Potter, the trying part was enough to warrant rewards.

Potter then looked past them to Regulus and the other Slytherins. After Sirius had drawn attention to them, the privacy wards had weakened dramatically under the strain of so many eyes and ears, not that it really mattered right now. “Sorry you had to see that!” He called. “And ignore Sirius – he’s a prick when he’s feeling dramatic!”

“I take offence to that!” Sirius objected half-heartedly, his mood obviously lifted.

Potter slung an arm over his shoulder but otherwise ignored him. “We good?”

Barty was the first to respond, grinning wickedly. “Potter, we just got a front row seat to that clusterfuck. We’re definitely good!”

Potter grinned back. Now that it was pointed in his direction, Regulus could see the fraying edges of the other boy’s ever-positive mask. The smile was too wide again. It didn’t reach his eyes fully.

“Don’t worry about us!” Emmeline assured. “Though, we appreciated the defence!”

The others gave similar agreements before Potter’s eyes slid straight to Regulus’s. For a moment they held eye contact as he pondered what to say. In the end he settled for a single deliberate nod.

Potter’s facade cracked for a split second as his smile wavered into something a little sadder, a little more genuine, before it snapped back into place. No-one else seemed to notice. But Regulus did.

Potter nodded back. Then he swiftly turned his attention once again, this time to the rapt crowd of Gryffindors.

“Show’s over, you pricks. Off you go!”

“Thanks Jamie – you just made me a few galleons!” Called a blonde girl. The one who played Quidditch. Mckinnon or something.

Potter sent her a lopsided grin, apparently unbothered by his friends betting over a row between him and his best friend. “You’ve known me for thirteen years. Who was stupid enough to bet against you?”

One of the only non-Gryffindors of the group raised a sheepish hand. Benjy Fenwick, a Sixth-Year Ravenclaw whom Regulus recognised from Lupin’s study group. He vaguely recalled the boy was close with Evans. “That would be me. I thought you would cut Sirius off earlier in his rant.”

His brother huffed in mock annoyance at that while Potter just chuckled. “I guess I’m more patient than you thought.”

“No, you’re just a pushover, Jamie!” Mckinnon jeered teasingly.

“Yeah, yeah. Now fuck off, all of you!”

The girl gasped dramatically, bringing her hand to her chest. “Language! What would your mother say?”

“She’d tell you to fuck off.”

“No, she wouldn’t – Effie loves me more than you!”

Potter rolled his eyes. “Lily? Some help please?”

The red head looked like she was holding back laughter but nonetheless she started ushering the crowd away. Potter shot her a thankful look. “Thanks, Lils!”

“You owe me one, Potter! Getting this lot to do anything is like herding cats.”

Macdonald meowed in response to that, causing Evans to shove her in retaliation. Mckinnon laughed loudly and joined in. It didn’t take long for the whole group to start meowing as they allowed themselves to be shepherded off to the castle.

Regulus didn’t think he’d ever understand Gryffindors.

“Sure!” Potter responded to her before turning towards the remaining Gryffindors. “You guys can head off too.” He phrased it like an offer even thought it was clearly a polite order.

“You’re not coming with us?” Sirius asked.

“Nah, I’ll be back in a bit.” Potter cajoled, shooting a quick pleading glance at the other two. They seemed to understand instantly.

Lupin ambled forward and grasped his boyfriend’s hand, pulling him away from Potter. “Come on, you’ve disrupted them enough and I do believe you were in the middle of a chess match.”

Pettigrew slung an arm over his shoulder. “Or are you too scared I’ll beat you again?”

“Not a chance, Wormy.” Sirius shot back. “Fine, let’s go, but you better be back in time for dinner, Prongs.”

“Of course.” Potter grinned easily. “Who else will convince you to eat some bloody vegetables?”

“I’m too punk for vegetables!” He called, even as the trio walked away.

“No, you aren’t!” Lupin began, his tirade trailing off the further away they got.

Potter let out a breath, his hands coming up to cup the back of his neck as he stretched a little. “Well, that was…”

“…Yes.” Pandora finished for him.

“You sure you’re okay? I really am sorry about all of that.” He said, concernedly as his hands fell back to his sides and his posture went back to normal.

Regulus had had enough. “You can stop playing peacekeeper now, Potter – they’re gone.”

“I wasn’t–” The Gryffindor started automatically but paused at Regulus’s raised eyebrow. “Okay maybe a bit, but it’s fine – I don’t mind.”

“I do mind. Stop it.” He instructed sharply.

It was Potter’s turn to raise an eyebrow. “Yes, sir.” He saluted lazily. Regulus ignored the way his stomach flipped in excitement at those specific words coming out of Potter’s mouth.

“Have you ever painted your nails?” He asked instead. Regulus had no idea where that question had come from, but at the very least, it had the effect of startling Potter too.

He blinked in surprise and it took a moment for him to answer. “Some of my friends like to practice on me sometimes.”

Regulus held up his right hand demonstratively, two fingers painted black while the others were still bare. Then he raised an eyebrow in silent invitation.

Potter’s lips slowly curved into a genuine-looking smile. “Any room for us over there?”

Pandora’s eyes lit up. “Oh, yes! Is Dorcas painting your nails? Can you do mine next, Cas?”

Dorcas’s gaze slid between Regulus and Potter for a second before she answered Pandora with a smirk. “Absolutely, and Regulus can paint Potter’s once I’m finished with him.”

Pandora grinned, catching on, and she rushed over to the group, Potter in tow.

“Sounds like fun.” The Gryffindor smiled hesitantly as he approached.

Regulus couldn’t help but agree.

*

Regulus took it back. This was absolute torture.

Potter was sitting close to Regulus, probably closer than they had ever been before – his legs were crossed under him, his knees bumping Regulus’s whenever one of them shifted. And they were so close, in fact, that Regulus got a soft hint of Potter’s shampoo scent. Eucalyptus. His hands were gently placed on a cushion in Regulus’s lap, ready for the other boy to paint, and he was peering at Regulus expectantly.

‘Why?’ You may ask. Well, upon being asked what colour he wanted his nails painted, the git had said, “Surprise me.”

“That’s a stupid answer.” Regulus frowned at him, desperately trying to keep his cool despite the proximity.

“No, it isn’t. People always pick interesting things when I say, ‘surprise me’.” He tilted in his head slightly to the side. It was strangely cute.

“Interesting things?” Regulus drawled.

“Yeah,” Potter answered, his eyes brightening. “Sometimes they try to pick something I might like. Sometimes they try to pick something I’ll hate. Sometimes they pick something they’ve always wanted to try, or a new idea. Sometimes it’s random. And so on. You get the gist.”

Regulus stared at him for a moment. Potter met his gaze evenly. “That’s such a you thing to say.”

“A me thing?” An eyebrow raise.

“It’s such a people-pleasing answer – you’re essentially stating that you’d be happy with any colour as long as the other person, aka me, is happy with it.” He frowned.

“Is that a bad thing?” He asked, tilting his head the other way.

“It’s nauseating.” Regulus deadpanned. Then he snatched up a polish at random. “And now you have to deal with bright yellow nails.”

The Gryffindor just grinned lopsidedly at him. “Ooo! Exciting! Was that a random pick or a hate pick?”

“You’ll never know.” Regulus shook the bottle then started to open it. He felt Potter’s eyes watching him as if it were a physical sensation.

“I guess I never will.”

Regulus focused on painting the boy’s nails then, starting with his right index finger and making his way along. He was nowhere near as proficient as Dorcas was at this but over the years of practice, he had become decent enough; Dorcas liked to practice with someone and Pandora loved having her nails done despite being rather awful at it herself. The trick, Regulus found, wasn’t the steady hand, which he already had, but rather having patience with the slow, carefully placed brush strokes. He subconsciously began frowning in concentration and hunching over in a way that would drive his Mother berserk as he painted with care. And he didn’t notice the change in posture until he subconsciously straightened up again after the pinky finger on the left hand.

His eyes flicked up to Potter, who was still staring at Regulus, an oddly unreadable expression on his face. Upon registering Regulus’s attention shift, though, his expression melted back to a smile.

“You’re good at this.” He complimented softly, gazing into Regulus’s eyes.

“… Thanks.” Regulus gazed right back.

“Just the thumbs now.” Potter commented absently.

“Yes.” Regulus returned.

They were still just staring at each other.

Suddenly, just as had happened a number of times already, Potter seemed to snap out of it, jerking back to sit up straight. Regulus hadn’t realised that they had both started to lean in.

Potter cleared his throat, looking away from Regulus, who could already feel his frustration building. What happened? Why did Potter pull away when he clearly didn’t want to? What was stopping him?

Determined not to let all his progress slip away so easily, Regulus gently nudged Potter’s thumb with his own finger. The skin tingled. “Hand up.” He instructed.

“W-what?” Potter’s eyes snapped back to him.

“Hand. Up.” Regulus reiterated, taking great pleasure in the way Potter’s hand slowly raised up.

Regulus gracefully took his hand and manoeuvred it so that he could hold the boy’s thumb steady and closer to Regulus’s face. Potter couldn’t seem to look away from their joined hands.

Slowly, probably slower than strictly necessary, Regulus painted the nail in long, steady strokes. Then, once he was done, Regulus lightly blew on the nail, looking up through his lashes into Potter’s eyes as he did so. The Gryffindor tried to hide it but he shuddered at the sensation.

Regulus smirked at him. “The other one.”

Slowly, reluctantly, Potter lifted the other hand too, pulling the first hand away quickly, the very second Regulus let go. The Slytherin repeated the process on the other thumb, relishing in Potter’s stifled reactions.

“Let me see them all.” He then commanded.

“But they’re done.” Potter whispered.

“I need to put a drying charm on them.” Regulus replied smoothly, staring the boy down once again.

Reluctantly, Potter complied, his eyes anywhere else as Regulus sent a drying charm at each nail, one at a time, making sure to grasp Potter’s wrist under the guise of stabilising his hand. While painting them by hand was more accurate, a drying charm did just the trick for this part.

“Now, they’re done.” Regulus announced in a purr after the last nail.

Potter swallowed noticeably. “… Thanks, mate.”

Mate? Ugh. Regulus was not having that.

“The yellow looks good on you.” The Slytherin complimented experimentally.

It did the trick. Potter’s eyes snapped back to him, his mouth opening in shock. “You… I… Er– thanks… Black.”

Progress but still not enough. Regulus took a chance.

“My name is Regulus.”

The Gryffindor’s eyes widened the slightest bit. He cleared his throat again. “Thanks… Regulus.”

He found that he quite liked the sound of his name on Potter’s tongue.

Regulus gave him a gentle smile. “You’re welcome, James.”