Warm

James’s bedroom wasn’t quite what he had expected. Instead of posters filling every wall and clothes littering the floor, the room was actually quite understated and tidy.

The walls were papered in a soft cream print, textured but neutral, with only a few complimentary paintings on the walls as decoration. One lovely portrait of sunflowers in a vase had the name Euphemia Potter signed in the bottom corner. It was unbelievably sweet and so James to have his Mother’s painting decorating his room.

The furniture was the same dark wood as most of the house and the accent colour of the soft furnishings seemed to be a pale yellow. As sunny as James.

A large display cabinet stood on one wall, filled with Quidditch-related memorabilia – a flyer from the first game he ever watched, his first pair of gloves, a signed quaffle from Georgina Harper-Smythe, and so on. The bottom part of the cabinet seemed to be more functional, with some gear that was currently in use being stored there. Regulus spotted a Tutshill Tornado jersey.

There was also a small brewing station in James’s room, which surprised Regulus although it probably shouldn’t have. The station was filled with rows and rows of bottles and vials of already-brewed potions, stored neatly on a shelving unit. Even the workstation was remarkably tidy.

Regulus wondered if James was the reason it was so neat, or whether that was his parent’s nagging – the Gryffindor dorm was nowhere near as tidy. Or, perhaps, James was now a tidy person as a result of his parent’s nagging growing up, and his roommates were the messy ones. Regulus wouldn’t be overly surprised if that was the case. And it would suit the Slytherin well if his boyfriend was as neat as he was.

The only piece of decor that didn’t surprise Regulus in the least was the photo wall. Or… not quite wall. A large board was mounted on one wall and it was absolutely covered in photographs – of his parents, his friends, other people Regulus assumed to be family members. A hundred faces smiling down. It was a little disconcerting at first and Regulus wasn’t sure he’d be able to sleep with them all watching now that he knew they were there, but it was remarkably sweet and so very James.

Regulus was lying in the bed on his side, scanning his eyes across the photos again when the door opened. He turned his head to greet James only to find someone else.

“Oh, hi, Regulus dear. I was just coming to see if James needed any washing done.” Mrs Potter smiled at him as she crossed to the bathroom, not looking at all surprised or concerned that Regulus was alone in her son’s room. “Do you have any?”

Regulus cleared his throat, sitting up. “No, Ma’am.”

“It’s Effie, sweetheart.” She came out of the bathroom with a basketful of clothes. “Did you sleep well?”

Regulus froze, feeling caught. “…Yes, I did.”

Mrs Potter seemed to sense the reason behind his hesitation. “Oh, you won’t get in trouble if you slept in here, darling. As long as you’re being safe…”

Unable to do this again, Regulus buried his face in his hands.

He heard footsteps approaching the bed and felt it dip with a new weight. “I’m sorry, dear – I didn’t mean to fluster you. Just know that Monty and I are quite alright with you and James. We’re happy for you both, even.”

Slowly, Regulus removed his hands, cautiously letting his gaze settle on the woman. “…Thank you.”

Mrs Potter looked as though she wanted to reach out but she restrained herself. Ah, a feelings talk was definitely incoming.

“I know that James is my son…” She began delicately. “…but I want you to know that nothing that could happen between you two would jeopardise your place here. You, Barty and Evan – you’re all welcome here for as long as you want. No matter what.”

“Even if we broke up?” Regulus asked quietly.

“Even then.” She nodded to emphasise her sincerity. “And if you ever need help setting James straight, you can come to me.”

Regulus gave her a hesitant smile at that. “I don’t think that’ll be necessary… he’s already… perfect.”

Mrs Potter practically melted at the words. “Oh, I’m so glad you think so. He’s always been so worried about being too much or not enough – just like his father, really.”

“He’s perfect.” Regulus said again, stronger this time. “Even when he’s being an idiot.”

A knowing glint entered the woman’s eye. “Especially when he’s being an idiot, I’d imagine.”

Regulus chuckled softly at that.

Her expression turned a little more serious again. “James is our little Moujza – our little miracle. We couldn’t have any children for so long, but then… he came along.” Regulus felt his stomach churn nervously. “And we wanted more children, Monty and I, enough kids to fill all the rooms here, but it didn’t happen… At least, not the way we thought it would. Hecate works in strange ways.” She told him with a small smile that made Regulus swallow, unsure how to respond.

“Jamie befriended Marlene at only three and she’s practically been part of the family ever since.” She continued, a reminiscent spark in her eye. “Peter came when he was six and essentially never left. Then, when James started school…” Regulus’s heart clenched. “It wasn’t just Sirius, dear, there’s also Remus and Lily and Mary and so many others.” She laughed softly; it was bright like James’s. “This house hasn’t been quiet in many years, which I’m sure you’ll come to know.”

Slowly, giving him room to pull away, Mrs Potter grasped Regulus’s hand and squeezed. “James has a habit, it seems, of finding beautiful souls and bringing them home. It’s not something I expected, but I’m so very grateful.” She gave him a watery smile. “And now, I’m grateful to welcome you into our lives. Barty and Evan too. That’s what I mean when I say that you’re welcome. That you’ll be welcome no matter what. Hecate brought you children here for a reason and I shan’t ignore that. Even if you make mistakes, even if there are falling outs. This is your home now… if you want it to be.”

Regulus wasn’t sure when it had happened, but a single tear trailed down his cheek. “I want it to be.” He whispered and that seemed to be all the permission Mrs Potter needed to gather him into her arms in a tight hug.

“I’m so glad.” She told him, running a soothing hand up and down his back. “So glad.”

Regulus melted into her warmth.

*

Regulus retreated to his room shortly after that to shower and change before settling in to read some more. Eventually, the door swayed open tellingly, encouraging him to go get breakfast, so Regulus made his way down to the kitchen only to find it already bustling with life.

“Reg, hi!” Barty called with a smile. “If you don’t marry Jimmy, I will – his pancakes are bloody fantastic!”

The fullness of the kitchen made it apparent why there was a set of table and chairs as well as a breakfast bar in the room, despite the fact that there was a separate dining room. Mr Potter sat at the table with Barty and Evan while Sirius was perched at the breakfast bar once again, eagerly awaiting a stack of pancakes. Mrs Potter was in the kitchen proper, preparing some fruit on the island countertop, while James, sure enough, stood at the stove with a pan in hand. Him and his Mother wore matching frilly aprons.

“Why thank you, Junior.” James grinned over his shoulder. “You can get the next set after Sirius, Regulus.”

Sirius sent him a superior look but Regulus just rolled his eyes, walking over to James. Experimentally, to see if anyone would say anything about it, Regulus came up behind his boyfriend and crowded against his back, looping his arms around his waist and dropping his chin on the man’s shoulder.

“You cook?” Regulus mumbled curiously into the Gryffindor’s long-sleeved top. James’s hair, damp from a shower, tickled his cheek. No-one said a thing about his position, not even Sirius.

“Yeah.” James smiled. “Ammi’s way better, though.”

“Nonsense, Jamie.” Mrs PotterEffie momentarily leaned over to ruffle her son’s hair. “I didn’t teach you everything I know for nothing – you’re an excellent cook.”

“And an excellent Potioneer.” Mr PotterMonty chimed in from over the top of his newspaper.

Mrs PotterEffie smirked smugly. “And an excellent flyer. I’m still winning Monty!”

James chuckled against Regulus. “They like to compete.” He explained quietly.

Regulus smiled against his shoulder. “I can see that.”

“Move for a sec? I’ve got to flip this.”

Regulus did and watched as James smoothly flipped the pancake by tossing it into the air. Then James tugged him back in and Regulus’s heart filled to bursting with how domestic it all felt. They stayed like that for a bit as James prepared Sirius’s pancakes, then Regulus’s, before the Slytherin went to sit at the table to eat.

“Pass the juice, would you?” Evan asked.

Regulus complied. “Slept okay?”

“Yeah, was weird at first but then B snuck into my room and it felt a bit more normal.” Evan explained as he filled his cup. Regulus hummed in understanding.

“We half-expected you to join us, but my guess is you went somewhere else.” Barty grinned slyly.

Regulus pointedly didn’t look up. “Perhaps.”

Mr PotterMonty smirked with mischief. “I caught him in James’s room this morning.” He tutted playfully.

Barty gasped in faux shock. “You sly dog!”

“With his parents next door?” Evan played along, acting scandalised.

“I don’t think I’ll ever recover from the shock.” Mr PotterMonty piled on with mock seriousness.

Regulus fought not to bury his face in his hands.

“Monty, you’re the best.” Barty told him. “Ev, we’ve found a new partner in crime.”

The man grinned. “I’ll never pass up an opportunity to take the piss.”

“Language, dear!”

“Sorry, dear!” Mr PotterMonty replied immediately.

“And you’re also as whipped as your son, I see.” Evan teased experimentally, watching the man’s reaction closely.

Mr PotterMonty simply gazed adoringly in his wife’s direction and shrugged. “There are more important things in life than pride.”

“Not for a Slytherin.” Barty said with a raised brow.

“Good thing I was Gryffindor then.” The man quipped back, looking at Regulus. “Just like my whipped son, apparently.”

Regulus suddenly felt the wards flare as someone flooed in. He wasn’t yet familiar enough with the wards to be able to recognise the magical signature.

“Who’s that?” Regulus asked.

“Marlene.” Monty replied with a wry smile. “Coming to eat all the pancakes, I expect.”

“I have arrived!” The blonde announced obnoxiously a second later, standing in the doorway with a flourish. “Good morning, Potters and hanger-oners.”

“Good morning, original hanger-oner.” Monty greeted back teasingly.

The girl tilted her head proudly. “I am the original, aren’t I?”

“Good morning, dear.” Effie smiled. “James is just making pancakes, if you’d like some.”

Mckinnon’s eyes lit up. “Jamie! You heard the woman! Pancake me stat!” She came to plonk herself down next to Sirius, drumming her hands against the breakfast bar excitedly.

“Yeah, yeah. Coming right up, Marls.” James waved a hand without turning around.

“So, Mckinnon really does just… show up…?” Evan ventured.

“…Whenever she wants, yes.” Monty said pointedly in the girl’s direction.

“He loves me really.” Mckinnon insisted with a wicked glint in her eye. “He’s just threatened by Effie’s great forbidden love for me.”

“Ah, yes.” Monty replied sardonically. “That must be it.”

Then the girl perked up, turning back around. “Speaking of great love – Effie, I have a girlfriend!” She shouted joyfully.

“You said in your letters, darling.” Effie nodded in amusement. “Quite often, in fact.”

“She’s so pretty, Effie.” Mckinnon sighed dreamily, ignoring Sirius’s cough of “Simp.” from beside her. “And she’s a Slytherin – just like you. I should have known I was meant for a Slytherin woman.”

Effie looked over at her with barely suppressed laughter. “How lovely.”

“Slytherin women are the best.” Monty agreed, staring at his wife again.

“Slytherins in general.” James chimed in without turning around, making Regulus bite back a pleased smile.

“Hell yeah!” Barty pumped his fist.

Sirius shook his head vehemently. “Absolutely not. Gryffindors are way better.”

Effie smiled at him indulgently before flicking her eyes over to her husband then back down at the chopping board. “I must admit, I’m quite fond of them myself.”

“Me too.” Regulus said before he could stop himself. It earned him some eye rolls and teasing grins but James turned around and gave him an overjoyed smile so it was worth it.

James served up some pancakes for Marlene and then his Mother, who came to sit at the table. Then, the wards flared again, from the front door this time (whoever it was must have apparated). Regulus was once again too unfamiliar with the wards to tell who it was.

“Are you expecting someone?” Evan asked curiously, looking a little bewildered that yet another person was coming to join the Potters’ breakfast table. Regulus understood the sentiment.

“No, but it’s Lily this time.” Effie answered, looking a little troubled.

Sure enough, Evans entered the kitchen a few minutes later, looking vaguely upset but trying to hide it.

“Sorry to just barge in but I had another row with my sister and I just…” The redhead sighed, looking quite defeated.

“It’s no problem at all, dear. Come here.” Effie opened her arms invitingly and Evans didn’t hesitate to go in for a hug.

Mckinnon gave her friend a sympathetic look. “My parents were being annoying again too.”

Regulus immediately stiffened at that, and he felt Barty and Evan doing the same. The blonde seemed to notice their reaction and was quick to reassure them.

“Oh, nothing like that – they’re just homophobic but pretend they’re not and it’s really annoying.” She explained nonchalantly. “Like they pretend Dorcas is a boy for their own peace of mind.”

“That sucks.” Barty said sympathetically.

Unbidden, Regulus remembered the time Barty Crouch Sr. found out his son liked boys and cursed him so hard that Evan had to perform emergency healing spells while Regulus held him still. Afterwards, the awful man pretended it had never happened. Barty still had the scars on his back.

Regulus reached for Barty’s hand under the table. The boy took it and squeezed without looking.

“I’m sorry, Marls.” Evans said, pulling back from Mrs Potter and hugging her friend next.

“I’m sorry too. Your sister’s awful.”

Evans sighed. “She’s jealous, I think. It makes her cruel sometimes.”

Regulus’s eyes involuntarily flicked to Sirius who was staring intently down at his breakfast.

“Will some pancakes help?” James offered, gesturing to a fresh stack that must have been for himself originally.

Evans smiled at him. “Yes, actually. Thanks.”

“No problem.” He gave her quick grin before turning back to the stove once more. “Help yourself.”

Evans came to stand at the kitchen counter and started adding syrup and fruit to her pancakes. “Can we talk about something else?”

“Sure!” James answered. “I am really excited because my apparition test is tomorrow! And also, nervous, I suppose.”

Evans’s eyes lit up mischievously. “Oh, I forget you’re such an ickle-baby when you mother us so much.”

“Practically a foetus.” Sirius piled on with a grin.

“Yes, yes, rub it in. You’re all so much older.” He rolled his eyes good-naturedly.

“Two galleons he fails the first time.” Mckinnon called.

James gasped exaggeratedly. “Do you have such little faith in me?”

“Three galleons he fails the second time too.” Sirius smirked.

James brandished his spatula dramatically. “This is betrayal! I am excellent at apparition!”

“James, you almost splinched yourself in class.” Evans teased. “I was there.”

“That was months ago!” The young man argued. “I’m much better now.”

“I’m sure you’ll be fine, Moujza.” Effie told him.

“See!” He pointed the spatula at his Mother. “Someone who believes in me.”

“But if you’re not, I have Poppy on floo-call.” She continued jokingly.

James hung his head in mock-disappointment before refocusing on his pancakes. “Well, hopefully I do pass. Because it would be great to be able to apparate to Tornado training on my own.”

“How’s that going by the way?” Mckinnon leaned in interested.

“Good, so far!” James grinned as he flipped a pancake. “Coach Hillford wants me to work on Alanov Twists soon, though.”

“But that’s extremely high-level.” Regulus protested before he could stop himself. Then, he realised that James was, in fact, expected to perform at a high-level, given that he was training with professionals now. “Oh, right.”

“Yeah…” James just smiled bashfully. “I’m a tad nervous, but Hillford thinks I can do it so… I guess I’ll find out.”

“I’m sure you can.” Sirius declared confidently.

“As am I.” Effie added.

“Can I come watch?” Mckinnon asked.

Sirius’s eyes widened excitedly. “Oh! Me too! Please Prongs! Pleeeeeease!”

Effie seemed to be considering the idea. “I would quite like to see one of your practices.”

“I always love watching you fly, Moujza.” Monty agreed.

“I don’t know...” James prevaricated, plating up a pancake. “Hillford might not like it.”

“I think I’d like to watch too.” Regulus admitted hesitantly.

James rubbed the back of his neck. “I suppose I could ask at least.”

Barty burst out laughing. “Jimmy, where does your spine go when Regulus speaks?”

James glared lightly at him. “I’m thinking lots of swear words in your direction right now, Junior.”

“I’m shaking in my boots.”

“How about I give you a better reason?”

“Pain play? Before 10?”

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

“Boys!” Effie interrupted sternly. “There’s no need for fighting.”

“Oh, no. This is just how they talk.” Evan assured her.

Regulus nodded in agreement with a wry expression. “For some reason that is beyond me, this is them showing affection to each other.”

Effie visibly paused at this, seeming curious. As did a few others in the room. “Oh?”

“Jimmy likes it when I rile him up.” Barty grinned wickedly. “He gets excited.”

James rolled his eyes but he was smiling. “Junior likes that I can keep up with his smart mouth and gutter brain.”

Barty sighed dreamily. “You think so lowly of me… It’s brilliant.”

“You’re sick in the head.”

“You say the sweetest things.”

There were a few disbelieving looks.

Evan sighed and shook his head. “Yeah. I don’t get it either.”

“I’ve decided not to question it.” Regulus added.

“I’m just glad they’re getting along…” Evan continued. “…Or at least, their version of it.”

“Fascinating.” Monty commented looking between the two boys. They were silently mouthing insults at each other now.

“Boys.” Mckinnon scoffed derisively. Then she abruptly perked up. “Effie, Lils has a girlfriend now too!”

The kitchen quickly devolved into a series of separate conversations spread across the room. It was loud and rowdy and overcrowded, but it was the best breakfast Regulus ever had. And the pancakes really were good.

*

As it turned out, Effie really did mean it when she said the house was never quiet for long.

Peter showed up an hour after lunch and Macdonald made it in time for dinner. And while only Mckinnon and Peter both ended up staying overnight, the other two were back again the next day. Remus showed up on day three and stayed over for four whole consecutive nights (with Sirius, to Regulus’s utter astonishment). The Marauders had a sleepover in one room one night which left them all looking tired the next day, particularly Remus. Those other three must be a handful. And each of the Prewetts and Fenwick popped in multiple times, with Frank and Alice swinging by too. Not even counting Regulus, Barty and Evan, Potter Manor hosted at least five teenagers on any given day. It was madness. It was like being at Hogwarts.

Barty worked up the courage a few days in to ask Effie if they could invite their own friends over and she not only agreed but enthusiastically encouraged it.

“Of course, you can invite your friends over, dear. It’s your house! Invite anyone you want!”

And so, Pandora, Emmeline and Dorcas found themselves visiting Potter Manor too, much to the delight of Peter and Mckinnon, who both introduced their partners to the Potters as if they were their own parents. Regulus quite enjoyed the terrified looks on his friends’ faces.

“I–It’s nice to meet you Lady Potter.” Emmeline stuttered.

“Enchanting! It’s– uh– enchanting to meet you!” Dorcas corrected, trying to seem smooth but clearly just as nervous.

Effie just smiled kindly at them. “Oh, aren’t you both so sweet. Welcome to the family, loves – here, I just baked some cookies.”

Yeah. James was downright mean compared to his Mother. And that was saying something.

James did indeed pass his apparition test on the first try despite all the teasing, and he was already talking about getting his Muggle driver’s license for some reason.

“I just bet it’ll be useful one day. Also: it seems like fun!”

Sirius was just as excited to learn to drive this truly terrifying-looking contraption named a ‘motorcycle’. Regulus thought he was insane. It looked like a death-trap.

On the topic of muggle devices, there was a ‘telephone’ in the Potter house, which could be used to speak with someone very far away in real time, without a fireplace or a spell of some sort. Regulus found himself using it to speak with Emmeline or Dorcas on occasions he could pry it from the fingers of someone else.

Regulus quickly lost track of how many people were in the manor at one time and who was sleeping where. There were even a few occasions where it was decided that James and Regulus should share a room so that someone else would have a place to stay. It was baffling that the Potters trusted them that much but Regulus certainly wasn’t complaining. In fact, there was so much reshuffling going on that Effie and Monty were already talking about converting a few rooms on the second floor to guest bedrooms.

“I never want to be in a situation where we have to turn someone away.” Regulus overheard Monty saying quietly to his wife.

“Me neither.” She responded. “We have plenty of rooms to convert though, I’m sure.”

Despite the chaos of eighteen teenagers – that’s right, eighteen – passing in and out of the household on a regular basis, the Manor seemed to run as smoothly as ever and the Potters seemed like they were in their element. No meals were skipped or late, the house was always tidy and there were no major incidents beyond a few squabbles here and there. (Regulus had to admit he was responsible for a few of them – adjusting was still difficult.)

The rules of the household did, in fact, seem to be as relaxed as James had advertised, and the only thing Regulus got reprimanded for was almost forgetting to put on gloves before handling Lobalug Venom down in Monty’s lab.

“Oh, Merlin! Don’t do that again! I nearly had a heart attack!” Monty panted out with a hand over his chest.

He then proceeded to give what was quite possibly the gentlest scolding of Regulus’s life – the man mostly just sounded worried for his health. It made Regulus feel warm.

*

“Regulus, my boy, could you slice the pig’s lung for me? Thin as you can.” Monty asked one day when they were both down in the Potions lab.

The man had been gracious enough to let Regulus not only use the space but also to brew potions with him. He was a clear master at the craft and Regulus was having the time of his life, eagerly soaking up his expertise and attention like a sponge.

Regulus nodded in acknowledgment and got to work, carefully slicing as finely as he could manage.

“Yes, that’s perfect!” Monty complimented easily. He was so free with his compliments that it made Regulus’s heart warm. His own Father had always been so cold and stoic, so largely impassive that Regulus had craved every morsel of affection the man would give him.

Monty did not leave him wanting.

“I always like ‘em sliced thin as I can get ‘em. Do you know why?” The man asked. Even without Regulus asking, he had taken to teaching and advising wherever possible. Regulus loved it.

“It increases the surface area, and subsequently the reaction speed.”

“Yes!” Month beamed at him. It was the same dazzling smile that James had, and Regulus had to be careful not to drool. Salazar, James was attractive now, but if he grew up to look anything like Monty then the Slytherin had even more reason to never let his man go. These Potter genes were something else.

“And also, it makes the potion taste better! Better flavours always increase saleability, which is a must for us Potioneers!” He bumped his shoulder against Regulus’s good-naturedly.

Us Potioneers.

Regulus finished slicing and pushed the cutting board over to the man, carefully avoiding eye contact. “I have been wondering…” He began quietly before forcing himself to buck up. “I would like to pursue a Potions Mastery after I graduate from Hogwarts. … Would that be a possibility?”

He could only hope the man wouldn’t laugh in his face.

“Finally!” Monty cried excitedly, causing Regulus to look up at the ecstatic expression on his face. “One of my kids wants to go into Potions!” He fist-pumped victoriously. “Take that, Effie! You might get James but I win this round!”

Regulus felt unbelievably warm all over. He called him one of his kids.

“Of course, you can get a Potions Mastery!” Monty told him, settling down a little. “I can set aside a study fund for you and help you pick who you want to apprentice with – I know quite a few Potioneers so you definitely have an in, in terms of connections.”

A smile crept onto Regulus’s face.

“Oh! And I’d be honoured to have you if you wanted to study under me. But if not, no hard feelings – I’ll pull as many strings as I need to get you where you want to go.” He gave a roguish grin. “Being Lord Potter does have its perks sometimes.”

Regulus felt like he could die happy right now.

“Oh, I’m rambling! Sorry about that, my boy, I’m just so excited! You’ll be such an excellent Potioneer, I’m sure!” The man finished in a rush, giving him a pleased and proud expression.

Proud. Regulus hadn’t even done anything yet but he was already proud.

“Thank you.” Regulus managed, overwhelmed by all the positive emotion.

Monty held out his arms invitingly. “No need to thank me. But I’d really love to hug you right now.”

Regulus practically surged into his arms. His embrace was so warm and the Slytherin melted into it.

Monty placed a kiss on his forehead. “Oh, I’m so excited for you, my boy. I’ll support you in any way I can.”

That seemed to be a theme with the Potters.

And so, cold-hearted Regulus, who grew up knowing nothing but ice and frost, leaned into the man’s chest and embraced his warmth. People really should try flying too close to the sun more often – the sun’s father was just as warm as he was.

*

He was still beaming hours later when they had finished brewing for the day.

Regulus walked into one of the drawing rooms to find James sitting with Peter and Remus. If he remembered correctly, Sirius was off with Marlene working on his deathtrap motorbike, Barty and Evan were being taught to bake brownies by Effie, and Lily and Mary were off in the library, probably making out instead of reading.

Salazar, this house really was full.

“Well, hello there.” James greeted flirtatiously. “What’s a boy so beautiful doing in a dump like this?”

“James, that lamp next to you is gold encrusted.” Regulus deadpanned while Peter snorted.

His boyfriend just grinned, undeterred. “My kingdom is being massacred.” He gestured to the chess set in front of him. “Want to help me save it from the fires of ruin?”

“Your kingdom is doomed.” Regulus told him with one quick look at the board, but he came to perch beside James anyway. “He has you in three moves.”

“Three?” Remus frowned. “I was guessing four.”

“The knight.” Him and Peter answered in sync.

Remus’s expression cleared in understanding. “Ah, I see.”

“This is terrible.” James lamented but he was smiling. “My armies, decimated. My people, enslaved. My name, forever tarnished in the annals of history.”

“What a shame.” Regulus couldn’t help but lean over to kiss his cheek.

“You’re in a good mood.” James observed as he moved his piece. “You had fun with my Dad?”

“Mhm.” Regulus hummed, his smile returning full force without permission.

“Was it just my Dad’s general being?” James asked playfully. “Because I can’t compete with him.”

“You might have to.” Peter snickered. “Reg’s got a cruuuuush.”

The man’s smile actually dropped at that. “Noooo! Not you too! I really can’t compete with him.” He looked genuinely worried.

Regulus made a sound like a giggle that he would deny was a giggle until his dying breath, and pecked him on the lips.

“He’s like the older version of you. It’s not my fault.”

This seemed to appease James only halfway. “He’s a Potioneer. I’ve lost you forever, haven’t I?” He pouted dramatically.

So, Regulus grasped his cheek and directed him into a proper snog. Short but passionate. When he pulled back, James looked dazed.

He smirked at his boyfriend. “Do I look lost to you?”

He blinked dumbly. “Definitely not.” He leaned in to kiss Regulus again but Peter interrupted.

“Hey, now!” He protested. “Move so I can deliver the killing blow! I must have your king’s head on a spike!”

“That’s graphic.” James commented but he acquiesced and Peter fist pumped when he won.

“I am supreme king of the nine realms!” He declared victoriously.

“You only conquered one kingdom.” Regulus argued, though he was rather amused.

Remus gave him a smirk. “He beat Prongs eight times.”

“Eight times?” Regulus looked at his boyfriend disappointedly. “You’re so lucky you’re pretty.”

“Prettier than my Dad?” He asked hopefully, giving him that doe-eyed look with those big brown eyes of his.

Regulus chuckled. “Prettier than your Dad.” He agreed and James grinned.

“But only by a little.” He smirked evilly and his boyfriend pouted again. Regulus kissed the pout.

“You really are in a good mood.” Remus repeated, observing them.

“Was it James’s only slightly less pretty father?” Peter teased.

Regulus leaned into James’s side contentedly. “I asked him about pursuing a Potions Mastery after Hogwarts.” He couldn’t contain his smile. “He was very supportive.”

James beamed hugging him properly. “That’s great! (Oh, he’s going to be so smug to Ammi at dinner), but it’s great!”

“Congrats, Reg!” Remus smiled at him.

“We’re happy for you.” Peter added.

“Happy about what?” Effie’s voice chimed in melodically from the doorway. She rested against it casually, gazing at them all with fondness.

“Regulus wants to get a Potions Mastery – he just talked to Abba about it.” James told her happily, beaming with pride as he hugged Regulus to his chest.

“Fuck.” Effie swore, surprising Regulus; he didn’t think she actually could swear, let alone around ‘children’. Then she looked at Regulus apologetically. “Sorry, dear. That is great news! I’m very happy for you!”

“Thank you.” He smiled at her, a touch confused.

“It’s just that…” She squinted her eyes at a spot on the wall in irritation. “My husband is going to be so smug. We have a bit of a competition going, you see - who can influence our kids more.”

Regulus chuckled in understanding, ecstatic to be considered one of their kids. “Ah. Okay.”

“Ammi…” James smirked mischievously at her. “Barty wants to be a Healer.”

The woman suddenly lit up. “Take that, Monty! It’s two-one!” She looked supremely satisfied. “Oh, I have to talk to Barty – I have to owl some colleagues! So much to do!”

“Slow down, Ammi. You’ll overwhelm him.” Her son advised, though he was grinning fondly at her.

“Oh, you’re probably right, Moujza.” She settled down, placing a hand on her chest. “Him and Evan have gone off anyway.” Probably to go snog or fuck. “I actually came because I was about to start dinner and was wondering if any of you would like to help. I’m making karahi.”

Regulus had to fight down a wince. Even the name sounded spicy. He just knew his tastebuds were going to die tonight. It’s not that he didn’t like when she cooked curries and so on, they were just so spicy.

“Oo. Chicken or lamb?” James looked adorably excited.

“Chicken.” She seemed amused. “Join me?”

“Yes!” He started to get up. “Can we make chur chur too?”

“I was thinking kashmiri naan, but why not both!” She smiled fondly at him. “Anyone else?”

Regulus was tempted to join them, if only to watch James cook, but his boyfriend had been trying to spend every minute he could with his parents, having missed them so much at school, and Regulus knew he would appreciate some one-on-one time with his mother.

“No, thank you. I’ll just look forward to dinner.” He declined with a smile. The other two did the same.

After the two Potters left, Regulus grimaced. “That, uh… karahi? It’s spicy, isn’t it?”

Peter smirked at him. “It’s hotter than the Sahara, the way Effie makes it.”

Regulus winced. “I’m going to die.”

Remus chuckled at his expression. “Just do what I do – eat a bit of it with a shit-tonne of yoghurt and then rely on the sides. The chur chur naan is actually really good.”

“Yeah, it has potatoes and paneer cheese in it.” Peter agreed. “The other one – Kashmiri – has nuts and dried fruit.”

“Plus, there’ll be other stuff. You know Effie by now.” Remus tacked on.

Regulus hummed, assuaged. “Yeah, you’re right. It’ll be fine. And that potato-cheese naan sounds really good.”

“It’s so good.” Peter gushed. “Like heaven.”

Honestly, that was a good descriptor for all of Effie’s food, spicy or no. She didn’t tend to stick to one culture’s food, just cooking whatever she felt like. And it was clear in the taste how much she enjoyed cooking.

That being said, that first night she had clearly been going easy on them. Every time she cooked any traditional Pakistani food or anything else that could be remotely spicy, she went hard. The three Potters themselves didn’t seem to register actually how hot the spice level was, oftentimes adding more chillies and so on that they didn’t serve the others. The first curry Effie had cooked for Regulus, Barty and Evan, she had assured them was mild.

It had not been mild.

Regulus had drunk so much water to get through that meal that eventually James took pity on him and got him a glass of milk, biting back his laughter.

Peter and Marlene in particular seemed used to it by now. And Evan’s and Mary’s tastebuds were immune. But the rest of them? Battles were fought at that dinner table.

Still, the taste was so good that Regulus kept going back for more no matter how much it hurt him. A toxic relationship, perhaps, but a delicious one.

“I’ll have to start getting used to it.” Regulus mused aloud.

Peter grinned teasingly at him. “Yeah, Jamie and spice are a package deal, I’m afraid. I think I’m lucky I was introduced to it so young.”

“I was not so lucky.” Remus joked. “But at least I’m better than Sirius or you.”

“Har har. Laugh it up.” Regulus scowled, though it wasn’t particularly strong.

“At least you know James can cook, though.” Remus sat back in his seat. “Neither Sirius nor I are very good. I’m not entirely sure how we’ll survive as adults.”

“I know how I’m going to survive.” Peter had a cheeky look in his eye. “By coming over to James’s. Wherever he ends up.”

“That’s a shout.” Remus nodded. Then he turned to Regulus as a thought came to him. “Do you know his plans?”

“About where he’s planning to live after Hogwarts? No, why would I know that?” Regulus raised an eyebrow at them.

The other two exchanged a look.

“Because you’re together.” Remus said slowly, like it was obvious.

“Jamie’s probably already planned out your wedding and how many kids you’re having.” Peter added. “Hasn’t he?”

Regulus paused. That did sound like James. “In his head, probably.”

“Oh.” A lightbulb seemed to flick on behind Remus’s eyes. “You haven’t talked about the future yet.”

“We’ve not even been dating two months.” Regulus said incredulously. “I’m fifteen. And I’m actually quite enjoying not having my life planned out for once.”

The boys looked a little contrite at that.

“That’s fair.” Peter conceded. “I guess we’re a little ahead there, being legally adults and all that.”

Remus nodded. “James especially given that he’s the only one of us with a proper job and his post-Hogwarts career already lined up.”

For the first time, it actually hit Regulus that he was a year younger than them. They only had a year and a term left of school. Regulus had over two.

Would James move out after Hogwarts? Would he move into one of his family’s other properties? The Godric’s Hollow house, perhaps? Or maybe a flat somewhere closer to Tutshill’s training grounds? Would they be living apart for a whole year? Would Regulus move in with him officially at some point? How soon would that be?

Did his boyfriend even want marriage and children? Regulus certainly did but– No, this was James, he definitely did. Should they talk about it though? They barely even managed the sex talk, were they ready for discussing such things? Even with everything that had happened this year, their relationship was still rather new.

“Oh, you’re spiralling, aren’t you?” Remus’s voice cut through his thoughts. “We didn’t mean to set you off. You’re completely right, it’s quite early for you to have discussed those sorts of things.”

“I’ve only had really basic chats with Em about it all and we’ve been dating for months.” Peter added soothingly. “We just forget that you’re younger sometimes with how on it you always seem – I mean, you were literally setting up your career plans today.”

“You’re quite mature.” Remus agreed. “Even more so than James in some lights.”

“And you two are weirdly functional a lot of the time.” The blond continued. “I just kind of thought you might have talked about adult shit because you two have a weirdly adult vibe sometimes, but it’s completely normal that you haven’t.”

Regulus tried to calm himself. They were right. It wasn’t strange at all. He and James were going at a perfectly reasonable pace. There was no need to worry about it.

Still, he couldn’t quite relax.

“Do we need to call in reinforcements?” Peter ventured a little anxiously.

“Don’t be stupid. I’m fine.” Regulus replied. “You just… caught me off-guard.”

“How off-guard? Do we need to call in reinforcements?” The blond repeated.

“James wants children, right?” Regulus burst out abruptly, suddenly desperate to know. “He definitely wants them?”

“Yes, he wants kids.” Remus replied carefully, wary of his reaction.

The Slytherin let out a breath of relief, tipping his head back. “Oh, thank Hecate.”

“You… want kids?” Remus asked, surprised and cautious.

“At least two.” Regulus confirmed, still basking in his relief.

Peter smiled at him. “That’s always James’s answer too.”

“I wouldn’t have thought…” Remus trailed off, speaking more to himself than anything.

Regulus could understand that. He wasn’t the most outwardly loving or the most obvious father material, but it had been drilled into him since birth to sire an heir and a spare, and out of all the things he’d been taught, this one wasn’t so bad. The desire for children wasn’t a terrible thing. Admittedly, he wasn’t entirely sure he’d be the best father but… James definitely would be. And with James by his side, he had a lot more hope for not turning out like his parents. Now Regulus was picturing them raising children together in this massive, enchanted manor. Oh, that was a beautiful dream.

“I definitely want children.” Regulus stated, firmer now. “And James wants to be married, right? That’s a given.”

“He wants one of those big ostentatious weddings with about a thousand people on the guest-list.” Peter affirmed with his nose scrunched in distaste.

That actually sounded quite perfect to Regulus. While he wasn’t one for big romantic gestures generally, his wedding was another matter entirely. His wedding should be grand and magnificent and the envy of all. It should be the most talked about event of the year. Possibly the decade if Regulus was feeling ambitious enough. It sounded like James would be more than willing to accommodate that.

“You like that, don’t you?” Remus sounded equally unenthused by the notion of such a grand matrimony. “Oh, you two are a match made in hell.”

Regulus suddenly decided that he truly didn’t need to worry about his future with James. He wanted this life he was picturing in his mind; himself a successful Potioneer, James a successful Chaser, two plus children running around wherever they decided to call their home and big shiny ring on Regulus’s finger. He wanted it and it seemed like James would want that too. He didn’t need to worry. He just needed to keep somehow fooling that perfect man into wanting him and he could have that perfect life. He would have it, he decided.

“I’m glad, though.” Peter admitted in a rare moment of complete sincerity. “You seem so happy together, just like I knew you could be. And I’m so glad you decided to go after him so steadfastly.”

A small prickle of guilt twinged in his abdomen. Peter didn’t know why Regulus had pursued him so relentlessly at first.

“Me too.” Remus joined in, making Regulus’s guilt grow. “You’re way more caring than people make you out to be. Hell, than you make yourself out to be. You’re actually a really great boyfriend to him and an excellent friend to us.”

The guilt gnawed at him.

Peter nodded in agreement, smiling softly. “I’m glad we became friends. I don’t know why you approached us at first, but I’m glad.”

“It’s obvious, isn’t it?” Fear shot through the Slytherin’s body. “He had a crush and he went after it.” Remus told his friend surely and inaccurately. “You and I were included to help him get closer to James, and possibly also Sirius, though that hasn’t worked out quite yet.”

The guilt had clawed its way into his veins now, threatening his entire system.

“Of course.” Peter smiled, wide and completely oblivious to Regulus’s true motivations. “Well, in any case, I’m happy we actually became friends.”

“I’m so glad you and the others are in our lives now. We’re all the better for it.” Remus rounded out.

Regulus was choking under the guilt that had flooded his very lungs.

“Me too.” He smiled at them, deciding there and then that they would never know the truth. “I’m so glad.”