Warm

The holiday came quickly and before they knew it, a jittery Regulus, Barty, and Evan found themselves on the Hogwarts Express, en route to their new home for the very first time.

The Slytherins set up in a compartment next door to the Marauders so that it would be easier to get going. While James flitted about between the two excitedly, Sirius sported a dour look on his face for most of the journey.

When they finally arrived, Lord and Lady Potter greeted them at the platform with wide smiles, offering hugs and endearments immediately. To the Slytherins’ surprise almost all of James’s friends came over to greet the couple too, and before long they had crowded a significant part of the platform with all of their various friends and families greeting each other and chatting lightly. It was with a flurry of promises to meet and send owls and catch up at later dates, that the Potter group managed to finally extricate themselves.

“We’ve set up a Portkey, boys.” Mr Potter told the five of them as he pulled out a length of frayed rope. “Because there’s so many of us now.”

“Are we all ready to go?” Mrs Potter fussed, eyes darting around as she laid her hands here, there, and everywhere. “Everyone’s got everything? You’ll need to hold onto your things very tightly, darlings! Jamie don’t forget your bag! Evan, have you got a good grip there?”

They all chorused in with their affirmations and so Mr Potter activated the Portkey; Regulus felt a violent hooking sensation behind his navel that yanked him up and away. They landed, all of them, in an ungraceful heap, belongings and bodies strewn over each other everywhere.

“Not the most graceful arrival!” Mr Potter chortled good-naturedly as he brushed himself off and offered a hand up to his wife.

“Certainly not.” She smiled back at him, gratefully taking his arm. “Nothing to do about it now. You’re all alright, aren’t you dears?”

“Might’ve bruised my everything but I’m all in one piece!” James reported back cheerfully, offering Regulus a hand up. The Slytherin absently wondered if he realised that he imitated his Father or if he was simply going on instinct. Either way, Regulus took the hand.

“Speak for yourself!” Sirius jeered as he clambered to his feet. “I might just projectile vomit.”

James hit him on the arm for his dramatics, before stooping to pick up his bags. Wait… he was picking up Regulus’s bags first. Oh, that wretched gentleman.

“If you do, aim for Barty.” The young man grinned playfully.

The Slytherin in question gave a dramatic gasp, clasping his hand to his chest. “Jimmy? How could you? Ev, avenge my honour!”

“What honour?” Evan rolled his eyes, as he shouldered a bag. Regulus’s lip quirked in amusement and he bit back a snort.

Mrs Potter seemed rather entertained by the scene. “Glad to see you’re all in good spirits! Has everybody got everything?”

“Think so, Effie!” Sirius affirmed.

“We’re all good!” James confirmed for him and Regulus.

“Us too, Ma’am!” Evan added as his eyes checked over his and Barty’s things.

“I’ve already told you it’s Effie, darling.” She chided kindly.

“Well, let’s be off then!” Mr Potter declared, leading the way. “It’s not a far walk, I assure you.”

He was right. They made their way from the empty field to the pathway leading up to Potter Manor in only a few minutes, stepping with ease through the extraordinarily thick wards around the property. As they approached the mansion, Regulus used the opportunity to look his fill.

The Potter Manor was a large Medieval-style building with what Regulus presumed to be 12th century Gothic architectural design. The building teetered on the edge of looking like a castle. There were enormous, pointed archways, a truly impressive number of tall columns, towering spires and beautiful ornamentations to be seen at every turn. Not to mention the stone facades, arched windows, stained glass, and monumental towers rising up to the sky. In short, the Manor was grand, and ostentatious, and did not suit the Potter clan in the slightest.

In contrast to the imposing arches and lofty spires, Mr and Mrs Potter practically skipped along the path, playfully poking each other as they bantered back and forth. Meanwhile, James ambled along backwards as he chatted with Sirius, gesticulating wildly and tripping over his own feet. The dichotomy was startling.

“Definitely plenty of room.” Barty commented from Regulus’s side as he too observed the building. Regulus made a noise of agreement.

“This makes Rosier Manor look like a shack.” Evan stared at the mansion in awe.

“My Father would cry with jealousy.” Barty grinned.

“Good.” Regulus said. The Blacks certainly had a property or two as grand as this but Grimmauld place was where he grew up. He felt anticipation rise in him the closer they got.

“Wouldn’t have pegged them to live here.” Evan added after a moment.

“Me neither.” Regulus agreed.

Barty hummed. “I can’t quite imagine Jimmy growing up here. Toddling around through big stone corridors.”

Regulus couldn’t picture it either. He wondered if that had really been the case – a tiny James making a nuisance of himself as he spread chaos through this veritable castle.

“Hey, Potter!” Evan called.

“Yeah?” The young man looked over at them, slowing his pace to fall in step with them and subsequently forcing Sirius to do the same, even while he continued to walk backwards.

“Did you grow up here?” The blond asked, nodding towards the massive building.

“Kind of; in my early years, we stayed at the Godric’s Hollow House – that’s my Dad’s favourite. But we moved here when I was…” He tilted his head in thought. “I wanna say seven? Yeah, seven.”

“Why?” Barty asked curiously.

“You’d have to ask my parents but I reckon it was because they started up doing the Lord and Lady Potter stuff again around then.” He estimated, tilting his head the other way. It was adorable. “So, they needed the space for hosting and so on. Which they didn’t do so much when I was little.”

Regulus nodded in understanding. “This does seem a lovely place for hosting.”

“Your stuck-up arse would know.” Sirius muttered still loud enough for them all to hear. James sent him a quelling look.

Before they knew it, they had arrived at the door – an enormous and ornately carved one at that – which swung open welcomingly as they approached. Regulus could have sworn the windows on either side of the doorway glinted, almost mischievously.

“Ah, thank you, dear.” Mrs Potter said to the door.

“Hi.” James greeted the home without a second thought as he passed through the doorway. Regulus watched from a few paces behind, coming to a stop right outside.

“This Manor is enchanted.” Regulus realised suddenly.

“Well, of course, it’s enchanted.” Mr Potter grinned slyly. “We’re Wixen. Now do come in.”

“Yeah, you’re blocking the door.” Sirius said as he pushed past Regulus unnecessarily given the wide doorway. He touched a hand against the stone arch as he went. “Hey.”

The three Slytherins exchanged shocked and excited glances.

“Jimmy!” Barty cried as he stepped across the threshold. “You didn’t tell us your house was enchanted!” He looked up at the ceiling. “Hello, darling. You’re gorgeous.”

Of course, Barty started flirting with the house. Regulus shouldn’t be surprised.

Awed, Regulus crossed inside with a gentle press on the stone wall, greeting the home as he did so, aware of Evan doing the same.

“In my defence, Abba told me not to.” James was grinning dazzlingly at them, in clear amusement. Regulus internally swooned.

“In my defence, your faces were well worth it.” Mr Potter had a matching expression. Regulus internally swooned again.

“Monty!” Mrs Potter reprimanded with a gentle hit to her husband’s arm, even despite the smile on her face. “Let’s get you darlings straight to your rooms so that you can put your things down.”

“Then James can give you the tour once you’re ready.” Mr Potter continued seamlessly, though he was now staring at his wife adoringly. Regulus recognised the look from James.

The entrance hall was grand with high ceilings clad in intricate beams, and the large windows that cast light in on them. A grand staircase greeted them almost immediately, peeling off on either side, while doorless archways invited them to rooms on both sides of the entrance hall.

Without preamble, the Potters ushered them up the stairs and through a dizzying twist of corridors that made Regulus vaguely remember James commenting that Evans had gotten lost here multiple times before.

The most startling and incredible part was that as they made their way, the house helped them along. The banister dipped and rose to accommodate the perfect height for each person. Regulus’s travel trunk skirted along the floor without him ever having to cast a spell. The stairs seemed to guide his feet, making the climb less arduous, and the windows of the correct hallways on their path seemed to shine a little brighter, leading the way.

“Thank you.” He murmured to the home, utterly endeared already.

“We’ve set you up in the East Wing, which I hope you don’t mind. Peter’s the only one who tends to stay here.” Mrs Potter explained nonchalantly.

“Peter?” Evan asked. “Pettigrew?”

James grinned, walking backwards again. He almost knocked an antique-looking vase off its podium as he gesticulated. “Yeah, both Pete and Marls have had rooms that are basically theirs for years. Marley’s over in the West Wing with me, Siri, and Ammi and Abba.”

Mr Potter hummed. “You would think that they both live here with how often they stay over, eating me out of house and home.”

“Are we expecting either of them, Jamie?” Mrs Potter asked, not seeming bothered by this fact.

“Pete said he’d come over tomorrow afternoon.” James answered promptly. “Marls didn’t give any warning so I’m expecting her at literally any moment.”

Mr Potter laughed. “House and home, I say.”

The curtains fluttered as if in laughter.

“This is you!” James said then as they reached a cosy corridor with thick blue rugs and drapes. A beautiful series of landscape paintings decorated the walls which accompanied a few matching pieces of furniture. Each surface sported a bouquet of fresh wildflowers. Regulus had been initially concerned that the imposing Gothic building would seem as cold as his home before but… this hallway seemed as warm and bright as a summer’s day. The whole house did.

“Regulus, darling, we put you across from Peter over here.” Mrs Potter pointed to a heavy mahogany door. It had his name engraved on it.

“And you other two are down the hall.” She continued, gesturing down the corridor to a matching set of doors. “Take your time to settle in and you can let the house know when you’re ready for that tour.”

“Yeah, it will pass on the message.” James agreed vaguely before he and Sirius were ushered off to give the Slytherins some privacy.

“Merlin’s tits.” Evan said when they were gone.

“Merlin’s saggy tits.” Barty corrected as he observed the space around them. The blue tones were soothing and neutral, putting Regulus at ease at once.

He hesitantly walked over to the door Mrs Potter had pointed out and ran a careful hand over his name engraved on the wood. “We’re really here.”

Evan followed his eye-line. “We really are. Do you think my name’s engraved too?”

“Only one way to find out!” Barty cried excitedly, and he rushed off towards his own room, Evan in tow.

Slowly, cautiously, Regulus placed a hand on the cool silver-coloured doorknob and pushed, the door swaying open invitingly.

The room was beautiful.

A large mahogany four-poster bed sat centrally in the room with tall windows framing it on the either side. The walls were painted a deep, Slytherin green with the faintest swirling pattern giving it texture. The bedspread was a tasteful mixture of white and green sheets, complementing the colour scheme beautifully. The rest of the furnishings followed this vein; a large set of wardrobes in mahogany, an ornate mirror, a gorgeous vanity, and a beautiful bookcase of the same wood, barely filled. A door on the right of the room presumably led to the bathroom. A small seating area was arranged in the between space closer to the door on his right and Regulus noticed an armchair settled by each of the windows – perfect for reading. Meanwhile, on the left were arranged a couple of tables and cabinets. It took Regulus a moment to work out that the space was a small brewing station, laden with tools and ingredients, ready to go.

Regulus almost cried; it was so perfect.

“You’re beautiful.” He told the room softly. The curtains fluttered in response.

Gingerly, Regulus set his things down and made his way around the room. Running a hand over the cauldron at the brewing station, admiring the view from the reading nook, testing the sofa in the seating area, feeling the softness of the bedsheets. It was all so heartachingly perfect.

Regulus just knew that this was James’s doing. Well, his parents would have set it up, but Regulus could picture his boyfriend in his mind’s eye, hunched over his dorm-room desk as he filled a letter with requests for every possible thing Regulus could want.

The cauldron was iron and slightly larger than standard size, just as Regulus preferred. The few books on the shelf were Potions-based as well as a few Muggle fictions. The Picture of Dorian Gray in pride of place. His favourite. The sheets were the same expensive silk that Regulus preferred. The bed was laden with pillows just as he liked. A small bouquet sat on the coffee table. Narcissus flowers.

Regulus hastily rubbed his eye to keep a tear from falling.

“Nice!” Barty complimented as the door swung open. “Very you. Want to see mine?”

Regulus did.

Barty’s room was similar but different. The walls were papered with flowers of the same colour as Evan’s eyes, the absolute sap. A large fourposter bed sat just as centrally in Regulus’s room with the windows framing it too. The tomes on Barty’s shelf were healing ones and Regulus wondered when his friend had told James that he wanted to be a Healer. The colour scheme was blue and grey, and instead of a brewing station, the seating area extended on both sides, giving the boy a spoiling number of places to lounge. Very Barty.

Evan’s room was of a similar vein too. Similar set up, a reading nook in the corner. The colour scheme was navy instead, with cream walls, and there was a table littered with random items.

“They’re cursed!” Evan told him excitedly. “Nothing too extreme apparently, but the note said I should feel free to de-curse them if I so choose.”

He always had wanted to be a Curse-breaker. Regulus’s heart was so warm.

Eventually, he started to unpack in his own room. Carefully placing his belongings into drawers, onto the shelves, in the wardrobe. He felt strange doing so but he forcibly reminded himself that this was his home now. He never had to go back to Grimmauld again. The house was helpful enough in reminding him of that as it conveniently opened the right doors and drawers as he went along. Even the hangers slipped themselves onto his clothes for him.

By the time he was finished, the room still seemed a little sparse, but Regulus was sure that the Potters would not let it stay that way for long. He had already been promised a shopping trip by Mrs Potter in her last letter.

“Okay, I dunno about you lads but I want that tour!” Barty announced after they congregated in the hallway. They sat on a matching pair of luxurious bench seats in an upholstered blue velvet.

“How does one go about conveying a message through the house?” Evan wondered. Regulus was thinking the same thing.

Barty shrugged and slapped a hand against the wall behind him. “Oh, pretty baby, can you call Jimmy-boy here? We’re ready for him. And by the way, you look stunning today.”

The window light seemed to flicker as the curtains wiggled. The house seemed… amused? Embarrassed? Flattered?

“Should I be jealous?” Evan side-eyed his boyfriend.

The brunet smacked an answering kiss on his cheek. “Never, hot stuff. You’re my one and only.”

Regulus barely restrained himself from rolling his eyes.

It didn’t take long for James to arrive after that, an uncharacteristically nervous smile on his face.

“So, how are you liking the rooms?” He asked, a little hesitantly.

“Potter, they’re perfect.” Evan told him, not bothering to tease him this time. The gratitude was clear on his face.

“Definitely, Jimmy.” Barty agreed, also seeming uncommonly genuine. “I almost shed a tear.”

James didn’t seem to know what to do when they were being nice. “Cool. I’m glad.”

Regulus stood, stalked up to the beautiful idiot and kissed him hard. James was initially shocked by the kiss but caught on quickly.

“You filled the room with all my favourite things.” Regulus mumbled when he pulled away.

James grinned at him dopily. “That was my parents, technically.”

“You told them what to do.” Regulus insisted. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” James smiled, nosing against his cheek before pulling back fully. “The house was helpful, I hope?”

“I barely had to lift a finger.” Evan confirmed. Regulus made a noise of agreement.

“I called upon this gorgeous home to ask you here.” Barty ventured. “How’d it pass on the message?”

“My door opened when it was time to go.” James explained with a grin. “You’ll find it does that often. You can never be late around here.”

“Ah.” Barty nodded in understanding.

“Ready for the tour, then?” James asked.

Regulus grasped his hand. “More than.”

“Lead the way.” Evan encouraged.

James obeyed. “So, as you already know this is the East Wing…”

*

The tour was awe-inspiring. The Manor-house had three great stories, as well as a basement, with high ceilings and an abundance of windows. A small belltower was built into the South end of the house “for some reason” but it had been converted to an open terrace where the family’s flying gear was stored.

“You can just fly right off!” James told him excitedly. “Already high in the air!”

Regulus imagined a horror-stricken Mr Potter watching a seven-year-old James do just that. He stifled a laugh.

The manor was much like many traditional Wizarding homes in other regards. A large kitchen, an elaborate dining room, studies, parlours, drawing rooms, powder rooms, bathrooms, boudoirs, a gorgeous solar, the buttery and larder. More rooms than the family of three could have ever needed on their own.

One of Regulus’s favourites was the library, unsurprisingly. A large two-storied room with books on books on books. He couldn’t wait to explore it.

The other was the Potions laboratory down in the basement. Once again, a grand room with long tables and a wall of cabinets containing ingredients and equipment.

“My Dad said you’re welcome to use it whenever.” James told him. “He even cleared out a table for you.”

Regulus practically salivated at the sight.

And finally, there was the ballroom on the ground floor. It was probably the most ostentatious room of the whole manor and Regulus thought it was a work of art. It reminded him of their date on James’s birthday.

The man then took them on a brisk walk outside, pointing out his Mother’s gardens and his Father’s small greenhouse on the way. There was a pretty terrace with outdoor dining and seating.

“The property goes on to that tree line over there.” James told them. “It’s a good natural boundary for the wards.”

All in all, the house was magnificently grand and unnecessarily large, but where it could easily turn cold and empty, the Potters had filled the place with love and warmth. Each room was as cosy as the last and the walls were alive with magic, filling every inch of the home with a steady sense of comfort.

Regulus adored it.

“Welcome home.” James said at last, his brown eyes sparkling with warmth.

Home.

*

They were left on their own to explore for most of the day and Regulus did indeed get lost a couple of times. The house was rather helpful in guiding him back, though, so he didn’t panic much. Yet, nervousness tingled under the surface of his skin; he kept expecting Mr or Mrs Potter to round the corner and reprimand him for touching something or other, but the only times he saw them they just sent small smiles as they went about their business.

In the evening, the Slytherins retreated to their quarters to prepare for dinner, putting on appropriate robes and ensuring they each looked immaculate. With the guidance of the manor, they began to make their way down to the dining room, meeting up with James and Sirius on the way.

Both of the Gryffindors stopped in their tracks, visibly pausing at the sight of them. It set Regulus’s nerves on edge.

“What?” He managed, a little harsher than intended.

The older boys exchanged looks, seeming as though they were having a silent conversation, and Regulus strained to read them. James rubbed the back of his neck unsurely, tilting his head in question. In response, Sirius scowled, then softened, then scowled harder, as though he couldn’t decide what to feel. Eventually, James seemed to win whatever discussion passed between them, turning to the other three boys with a hesitant smile.

“Those are lovely robes.” James complimented, his words coming out slightly odd. “Regulus, you in particular look stunning.”

Sirius rolled his eyes at that, shifting to cross his arms over his chest, but he didn’t say anything.

“Do you plan on wearing them to dinner?” James continued carefully.

Regulus looked down at his own pristine dining robes then over to James’s casual jumper and jeans. “Is there something wrong with them?” He asked defensively.

At this, James turned on Sirius with pleading eyes.

“Do I have to?” The long-haired boy sighed in irritation.

James tilted his head towards the Slytherins, fixing his friend with a pointed look.

Sirius blew out a breath. “Fine!” He turned to Regulus and his friends reluctantly. “You don’t have to wear formal robes. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever worn robes at dinner in this house. You can wear whatever the fuck you want – Effie and Monty won’t say shit. Merlin, they probably won’t even notice if you show up in pyjamas.”

James gave him an approving nod.

Meanwhile, the Slytherins paused. James had told them that they could where “whatever you want” on his birthday but Regulus, admittedly, hadn’t believed him. And now here they were, even Sirius confirming it as fact, surly and reluctant as he was. Regulus observed that his brother wore an equally casual outfit of a t-shirt, ripped jeans, and leather jacket.

“I don’t believe you.” Evan said and Regulus didn’t blame him but Sirius huffed in annoyance.

“Fuck’s sake.” He rolled his eyes again. Regulus hoped they rolled right out of his fucking skull.

Barty, meanwhile, was thinking things through. “If they’re telling truth we’ll look like idiots.”

“And if they’re lying and we change…” Regulus trailed off at James’s offended expression.

“I’m not lying!” He insisted, frowning in thought. After a moment an idea seemed to come to him – he gave Sirius a hopeful look.

“No.” Sirius said instantly.

James peered at his friend with those doe-eyes that melted Regulus’s heart so often. “Please?”

“No.” Sirius repeated, though Regulus could tell his resolve was faltering.

“For me?” James brought out the big guns with that one.

Sirius sighed.

“Fucking fine!” He stormed off in the direction of the West Wing and his room.

“Wait here!” James told them animatedly as he held out his arms, gesturing for them to stay still. Then he rushed off after Sirius.

“What…?” Evan began.

“…the fuck?” Barty finished.

“…We still have a few minutes before we’d be late.” Regulus reasoned. Surely, James wasn’t playing games with them. He may be a prankster but he wouldn’t with Regulus. Would he?

Luckily, he didn’t have to spend much time wondering. James came running back over to them after only a few minutes, this time, clad in full dining robes, rumpled and hastily put on as they were.

He looked fucking hot.

They were rather simplistic robes with none of the bells and whistles that Regulus himself was accustomed to, but they were no doubt of the formal variety. A fitted white shirt with an equally tailored waistcoat underneath a tasteful maroon robe. It emphasised the broadness of his shoulders and clung to the man’s biceps in a way that made Regulus want to bite. Instead of buttoning the high collar all the way up, James had the top few unfastened, likely as a matter of preference but, in effect, it exposed the long plane of the man’s neck enticingly. Overall, the robes were wrinkled and combined with James’s ever-messy hair, he looked utterly dishevelled – rather as though he had just come back from a quickie in a bathroom.

Oh, how Regulus wished that were true.

“Happy?” Sirius asked sourly as he trudged up behind James, also wearing robes, and Regulus suddenly wondered if this had been a prank after all. His heart sunk.

James gave them a winning smile, though. “Now, when my parents notice the robes, we can all pretend we’re celebrating your first day here, and we can prove to you that it’s definitely not the norm without any embarrassment!” He explained, looking rather proud of himself.

Oh. Regulus’s heart lifted again.

James grinned as he held out a formal hand for Regulus to take. “Shall we?”

Regulus couldn’t keep the pleased quirk of his lips down. He took his boyfriend’s arm and allowed himself to be led through the halls after a final round of nervous looks between him and his friends.

When they arrived at the dining hall, they found Mrs Potter puttering about and placing dishes on the table. It was a rather simplistic set-up compared to the lavish furniture of the room.

“Hey, Ammi!” James greeted upon entrance. “Do you need any help?”

“That would be lovely, James. Could you just–” She finally caught sight of them. “Oh! Well don’t you look dashing! All of you! What’s the occasion?” She put down the plate and walked over to them. “Silly me, that was a silly question. Oh, you should have told me, boys – I would have dressed up too!”

She put a fond hand against James’s cheek before running her eyes down his robes. “Mouzja, you really should have let me spell these for you, you look dishevelled.”

“We kind of decided last minute, Ammi!” James grinned at her. “Spur of the moment.”

She smiled warmly back before directing the smile over the rest of them. “That’s very sweet. You all look lovely dears.”

Then back to James. “If you could bring out the rest of the veg and set everyone up with drinks that would be most helpful. I’ll go fetch your Abba and see if I can wrangle him into some robes.”

“Good luck with that!” He responded cheekily and she squeezed his cheek slightly before pulling away.

“Definitely not regular then.” Evan commented in vague surprise after she left.

“I fucking told you.” Sirius grumbled, stomping over to a seat at the table.

James sent him an appeasing smile. “That you did.” Then he released Regulus’s arm. “Take a seat, I’ll get the veg.”

“I’ll help.” Regulus found himself saying, causing Sirius to raise an eyebrow at him.

They brought over the platters while Barty and Evan sat down, before distributing out some drinks – whatever they were in the mood for would apparently suffice, as opposed to whatever complimented the meal. Soon enough, a now formally dressed Mrs Potter came in on the arm of a reluctantly formally dressed Mr Potter.

“Why did you do this to me?” The man complained on entrance, tugging at his collar. Sirius snorted.

“It’s a celebration!” James told him cheerfully, though it was obvious he was holding back snickers.

Mr Potter pointed at his son accusingly. “I thought we were in this together! No robes, only rogues!”

James did burst out in laughter at that, as did Sirius. Regulus bit back a smile, relaxing into the scene.

Mrs Potter, meanwhile, elbowed him in the side. “You’re ridiculous. Now sit down and stop complaining.”

Incredibly, her husband did just that, a smile coming onto his face. “Yes, ma’am.” He gave her a lazy salute before pulling out a chair for her.

Regulus felt startlingly like he was getting deja vu.

The rest of the meal went much the same way. There was only one fork and one course to the meal, with all of the food laid out on the table, and one could help themselves as wanted – just like at Hogwarts. The three Potters and Sirius bantered almost continually with no care at all for poor table manners. At one point, James accidentally knocked over his glass but all his parents did was shoot a couple of repairing and cleaning spells his way with a fond shake of the head. After they ate, the table was partially cleared away and dessert was brought out. Dinner had been incredibly delicious but Mrs Potter’s gateau was practically orgasmic, and the three Slytherins heaped on praise throughout the meal.

Other than that, Regulus and his friends stayed quiet and observed their interactions, only engaging when spoken to directly. And it was fascinating and mind-boggling to see the way James and even sometimes Sirius bantered easily with the adults, with playful insults and overt teasing. The interactions made it clear that the boundaries between them were extraordinarily low, and the Potters did not once reprimand their son for a joke at their expense – they largely just laughed along.

Respect. That was the key word here. The Potters seemed to respect their son and treat him largely as an equal, with James sending that love and respect back twofold. It was an eye-opening window into how James had turned out the way he had, and it filled Regulus with an inexplicable amount of joy to know that this existed. James wasn’t born perfect, he was just raised in a house like this; where love, respect, warmth and care were the cornerstones of the home.

And now Regulus was there too. And Barty and Evan. And Sirius.

It would take a lot of getting used to, Regulus was sure – just the same way Hogwarts had been an immense culture shock when he first arrived. But he – they all – had plenty of time and space to figure it out. To learn to be loved the way the Potters wanted to show them.

Regulus had been staring at the sun for some time, but now he was in its orbit. Now, gravity had pulled them closer and they were intwined together. Regulus found he didn’t mind at all.

*

He couldn’t sleep.

The day, the dinner, the house, the Potters – they were all perfect and still… he couldn’t sleep.

It was like his mind just wouldn’t shut off, like his body wouldn’t relax. The bed was so soft and the sheets were so smooth but he just couldn’t seem to drift off.

It was like he was waiting for something. The other shoe to drop. Something that would pull the rug out from beneath his feet and leave him scrambling. He wasn’t accustomed to peace like this, to… happiness. Pure and unadulterated. He just couldn’t settle into it; his instincts screaming at him to stay alert, stay vigilant, for the next big hurdle to be thrown at him.

He tossed and turned restlessly for a while before giving up and opening a book. But still… he couldn’t relax. His mind just kept wandering off the page, turning over recent events in his mind.

Had he made the right choices? Would this all blow up in his face? Could he really trust in this? Could he accept it?

He couldn’t fucking sleep.

The house seemed to sense his turmoil; the curtains fluttered in displeasure at his agitation. It was equal parts endearing and unbelievable, but it seemed as though the house was trying to help. The lights turned up and down at various intervals, as though the house was trying to determine what was most comfortable for him. More pillows arrived on his bed, making it a soft and comfortable refuge to sink into. Scents seemed to fill the air – lavender at first, then chamomile, hibiscus, sandalwood. Eventually, it settled on eucalyptus. Like James’s shampoo. Regulus liked it.

And still, he couldn’t sleep. It was frustrating at this point.

“Thank you for trying.” Regulus told the house as he lay on his new bed, staring at the upper panel overhead.

The house didn’t seem to like this. The door slowly swung open. Regulus stared at it questioningly.

“You want me to leave the room?”

The door moved wider open.

“To go where?”

A light flicked on in the hallway, urging him to follow.

Regulus stared out his door. Was he really going to do this? Oh, fuck it, what did he have to lose?

He got out of bed, putting on a pair of slippers and made his way out the door. Another lamp, further down the hallway flicked on.

“Lead the way, I suppose.”

The house did indeed lead him, through the many corridors and even down the stairs. Eventually, he found himself making his way to the kitchen. Except, when he approached, the light was already on.

Curious, Regulus cautiously entered the room to find a figure sitting alone at the breakfast bar with mug of something.

“The fuck are you doing here?” Grumbled the person.

Yeah, that’s right. It was Sirius.

Regulus froze in the doorway for a moment. What the fuck, house? Why would you do this to him?

“You know what? I’m not doing this. Fuck off, I was here first.” Sirius sneered at him, though he seemed tired in a way that didn’t just have to do with sleep.

Instead of responding, Regulus moved into the kitchen and began to make himself some tea. White. Lots of sugar.

“Are you deaf? Go away!”

“I couldn’t sleep.” Regulus said out of nowhere, not looking at Sirius as he focused on his task. He didn’t know what possessed him to do so but… he did promise James he would try with Sirius. Maybe he should at least attempt to honour that.

“That’s not my fucking problem! Get out!”

Or maybe not.

“I live here too, you know.” Regulus told him as he boiled the water, still not looking at his brother.

“Oh, I know.” Sirius spat bitterly. Regulus didn’t have to look up to know he was glaring daggers. “You just couldn’t help yourself, could you?”

Regulus stared at the kettle. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You always have to get everything you want.” Sirius’s voice cut through the quiet kitchen like a blunt knife. “Even if it’s mine.” He scoffed bitterly. “Especially, if it’s mine.”

Regulus tried to remain calm. He imagined the heat from the kettle warming the ice creeping into his veins.

“That’s not why I’m here.” Regulus told him, voice blank, expression blank.

“Then, why are you here?” The seething anger laced every inch of Sirius’s tone. “I certainly don’t want you to be.”

Regulus poured out the water from the kettle and stared into his cup.

“Narcissa regrets getting engaged.” He told Sirius, his thoughts coming out in a jumble. “I think I would have come to feel the same way when…” He fiddled with the teabag currently steeping. “And there was an opportunity–”

Sirius slammed a hand on the table. Regulus fought not to flinch.

“Is that what the Potters are to you?” He barked. “A fucking opportunity?”

“He loves me.” Regulus said, trying to get Sirius to understand but it was all coming out wrong. And his face was still blank – Sirius hated his blank expression.

“And I know that’s a mistake.” Sirius responded, deadly quiet now. “I know that you schemed your way into his heart, and I don’t know for sure what your endgame is here but he deserves far better than the likes of you.”

The words bit at him like rabid dogs but Regulus finally looked up at his brother, willing him to understand. “I love him too.”

Sirius’s eyes were molten lava. “You’re not capable of love.” Regulus felt himself shut down. “You never were.”

He couldn’t stand another minute. He fled the kitchen without another word, not bothering to take his untouched tea with him.

What he didn’t hear was a broken whisper after he left.

“I wish you were.” A tear made its way down Sirius’s cheek. “I wish you were capable of loving me.”

*

Regulus didn’t really think about where he was going after that – he just blindly followed the house’s guidance. He probably shouldn’t have, given the last place the house led him, but he couldn’t much bring himself to care.

It wasn’t until he was standing right outside the door that Regulus realised where the house had taken him. He didn’t even have to knock on the door; it just swayed open gently.

Regulus made his way over to the bed and pulled up the covers, slipping in without preamble.

“Regulus?” A sleepy James asked as the Slytherin scooted closer.

“Can I stay here?” Regulus asked him, timid for one of the first times in James’s company.

“‘Course.” James replied easily, his voice slurred and rough with sleep. The man turned onto his side, opening his arms for Regulus to slip right between, and then cuddled him close, his chest pressed comfortingly against Regulus’s back. “Stay for’ver.”

Regulus sighed in relief, leaning into James’s warmth. In the man’s arms he found his peace.

He fell asleep.

*

When Regulus woke, he was alone in the bed but James wasn’t far.

“Morning.” The man greeted him softly as he pulled a t-shirt over his head. He looked gorgeous bathed in the morning light, and definitely alert enough to have been awake awhile. “I’m just about to go on a run with my Dad…” He began as he flopped down on the bed beside Regulus, reaching out a hand to stroke the boy’s jaw. “…but how’d you sleep?”

Regulus leaned into the touch. “Good. Thank you.”

“Not a problem.” James replied easily, though a small frown began to form. “Is there something wrong with your room?”

“No, it’s perfect, James.” Regulus tried to explain as he gazed into those comforting brown eyes. “…I think that might be the issue, though.”

James hummed in acknowledgment, scooting closer. “I don’t think I can help with that.”

Regulus closed his eyes, enjoying their proximity. He made a small noise of agreement.

“I don’t like not being able to help.” James whispered, pecking Regulus on the nose.

Regulus let a hand rest on James’s hip and caress the fabric there. “I know. But…”

James sighed. “Time. It’ll take time.”

“I’m not very patient.” Regulus told him quietly.

“Me neither.” James whispered back. Regulus heard him take a deep breath. “But I suppose we’ll have to learn together.”

Regulus opened his eyes then and was confronted by so much earnest hope, it was a little overwhelming. He closed the small gap and kissed James, soft and chaste, only for a moment. “I’d like that.” He told him, letting his hand run up and down James’s torso more boldly. “So, you go for early morning runs with your Father?”

James smiled. “Yeah, have been for years.”

“That explains so much about you.” James chuckled at that. “It’s a little… disconcerting, you know.” He continued.

“That I go on runs with…?”

“No – how similar you are to your parents.” Regulus answered. “I’m noticing a lot of little things.”

James’s eyes shone with curiosity. “Like what?”

“You have the same smile as your Father.” Regulus told him. “And the same mischief. Your eyes; they’re the same colour as his but they’re warm… like your Mother’s. You laugh like her… and, and you care like her. Like you can’t help but focus on everyone around you but yourself.” Regulus stared into his eyes. “You share some nervous ticks with your Father, but you move the same way your Mother does – it’s in the way you walk.” James’s t-shirt had pulled up a little and Regulus stroked the bare skin there. “I’m sure there’s a lot more things, and quite a few you get from both, but I just… I’ve spent quite some time observing you and it’s difficult for me not to notice.” He swallowed nervously. “You even… you love me the way your Father loves your Mother. Loud but soft. Uncaring of the fool it makes you seem.”

He trailed off then, and watched carefully as emotions seemed to flicker through James’s eyes lightning fast. Regulus almost feared he would cry.

“I love you.” James breathed at last. “I love you so much. Can I kiss you?”

“You don’t need to ask.” Regulus murmured, and then they were kissing. Warm and soft at first but then deeper, as more passion was poured into each other’s lips. Regulus gripped James’s hip tighter, pulling him closer, and the man cradled his jaw, his thumb stroking back and forth.

Then, James shifted, rolling them over so that he lay on top of Regulus, an arm braced on either side of his head. “You’re so lovely.” James muttered almost to himself before diving back in, stealing the air from Regulus’s lungs. The Slytherin liked this position quite a lot; with James caging him in, taking what he wanted, showing Regulus exactly how much he desired him. He didn’t mind the heavy weight of James’s body pressing him into the sheets, not when he knew that James would stop in a heartbeat if he asked. So, instead, Regulus put his hands on both of James’s hips and encouraged him closer, letting James take everything he wanted without any complaints. Their lips pressed together, their tongues battling playfully, their heartbeats as one.

The door swung open.

“Jamie, are you ready to– OoOoh! Look what we have here!” Mr Potter’s cheerful voice cut through Regulus’s soft haze.

He pushed his boyfriend off of him frantically, red-faced as he met Mr Potter’s eyes. “I’m sorry, sir, I–”

Mr Potter just waved a hand dismissively, an entertained smirk on his face. “Oh, I’m just teasing, don’t worry. You’re young, you’re in love,” he put a hand by the side of his mouth as if saying a secret, “you’re probably horny–”

“Abba!” James interrupted, looking caught between embarrassed and amused.

“And as long as you’re being safe–” Mr Potter continued only for Regulus to interrupt this time.

“We’re not!” He cried, then realised how that might sound. “I mean we aren’t– We haven’t…” He took a breath. “I’m not sixteen yet and James won’t…”

“Oh.” Mr Potter looked surprised but pleased. “Look at me, I raised a gentleman. That must be frustrating…”

“Abba, you’re going to give him a heart attack.” James cut in. “I’ll be ready to go in a minute – I’ve just got to put on my shoes.”

“I suppose that’s my cue to wait outside.” Mr Potter smirked playfully even as he turned to leave. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do! Actually, that’s that’s bad advice – don’t do anything your mother wouldn’t do!”

The door closed.

Regulus’s heart was still absolutely pounding. “Your Father just caught us making out.”

James didn’t seem overly bothered by this fact. He slipped off the bed easily and started putting on his shoes. “Yeah. Probably not going to be the last time.”

“How are you not freaking out?” Regulus whisper-screamed, aware of Mr Potter on the other side of the door.

James shrugged. “My parents have caught me doing some way weirder things over the years than snogging my boyfriend.”

“What are they going to do?” Regulus pressed, nerves alight.

“Probably, just tease us.” James finished the last knot and came to half-lie on the bed, feet off the covers. “My Mum might try to give you a feelings talk but you can just run away or something.”

Regulus made a strangled noise in the back of his throat. “Kill me please.”

“No.” James said cheerily, reaching over to peck Regulus on the lips. “It’s fine.” He pecked him on the cheek. “We won’t get in trouble.” Then the other cheek. “It’s not like…” A kiss on the forehead. “…this was a secret.” A kiss on the nose before he pulled back. “They trust us and we have nothing to be embarrassed about.”

Regulus pulled him back in by the neck for a proper (though still short) kiss. “If you say so.”

James grinned at him dazzlingly. “I do say so.” He pushed to standing. “I’ll be back in a bit but you can stay here as long as you want.”

“An open invitation to James Potter’s room?” Regulus teased, regaining his wits a bit.

“Only for you, Starlight.” James pointed at him cheesily as walked backwards.

Regulus smiled, pleased. “Have fun on your run.”

The man gave him a mock salute. “Will do.”

And then he was gone. Regulus sank into his sheets. They smelled of eucalyptus.