Chapter 2
For James, the next day was both better, and worse. Better because he saw neither hide nor hair of Regulus. For all intents and purposes the boy had disappeared. He sat with Peter, Frank, Marlene, and Alice for lunch. Their other friends were present as well, but James was, unfortunately, struggling to remember everyone’s names. However, it was worse because he was exhausted. He was approaching three nights of little to no sleep, he kept getting called on in class (despite the fact that his hand was not raised), and because he accidentally hit Frank while playing volleyball with the group. It was miserable because he saw neither hide nor hair of Regulus. For all intents and purposes the boy had disappeared.
James had planned to confront Regulus. He had played out various scenarios of demanding to know what the other boy’s problem was. All hypothetical, of course, James suspected that his world might implode if he had concrete reasons for why people didn’t like him.
Nevertheless, the next day at lunch he couldn’t help but glance at the McGonagall’s table, and notice a distinct lack of Regulus. James was on edge for the next half hour, waiting for Regulus to appear and resume his glaring once more. Yet, the fifth chair remained empty. The chair in Biology remained empty.
James couldn’t help but feel relief that Frank, after walking him to Biology, and talking with him until the second bell rang, went to his own lab table, with his own partner- leaving James alone. He liked Frank, he was nice, and attractive. But he didn’t like Frank. Perhaps it’s something that could come with time, but James was just settling in. Also, after being homeschooled and traveling for so many years; he had no real frame of reference for what was being overly friendly, and what was just friendly.
His relief doubled when he realized Regulus was not coming to class. Then waned when he realized Regulus was not coming to class. Was it possible James had really upset him that much? You’re being ridiculous, James, don’t think so highly of yourself, there’s probably just personal issues going on.
After Biology, James continued to the gym where they would be playing volleyball, proceeded to (accidentally) hit Frank, then continued on his way home. He had volunteered to go grocery shopping for the house that night, just to relieve some of the pressure from Fleamont, who reluctantly agreed. James was, admittedly, a good cook. However, he wanted to improve his cooking skills, before he was totally off on his own. So, he was taking this time to practice those skills.
He stopped at the store on the way home to pick up necessary ingredients, and also some snacks and general groceries for the home, before proceeding on his way.
At home, he readied a simple casserole- putting it on to bake before heading upstairs to work on homework. He video-chatted with Euphemia reassuring her that yes, everything was fine with his classes (mostly the truth), then proceeded to read his battered copy of The Great Gatsby , losing himself in a world of green lights, docks, and parties.
His timer for dinner went off just as Monty pulled into the driveway. Removing the dish from the oven as he entered.
“Hiya, Jamie,” he said, smiling easily, “What are you cooking?”
James smiled in greeting, “Hi, it’s just the broccoli, and rice dish that I made last year, nothing fancy. All I did was add cheese.”
“Well it smells good, who needs fancy? How about you go wash up and I’ll serve us? No rush, I’ll call your mother to eat with us.”
It was a thing they did sometimes, though James suspected the frequency would increase now, to call Euphemia as they all eat a plate together, just to eat as a family. James washed up and returned to the kitchen with haste, and the three sat together, listening to Euphemia’s most recent tales, some of which James had heard in their earlier call. After hanging up and doing the dishes together, the two Potters sat in companionable silence in their living room, each reading their own book. It was James that broke the silence:
“Dad, do you know the McGonagall family?”
“As in Professor McGonagall? Up at the university? Sure I do. Her wife works down in the hospital, they’re a great family.”
“Yeah, them. Their kids don’t really speak to anyone outside of themselves, I was just wondering if you had any insight.”
Fleamont scoffed, “Well teenagers aren’t exactly always nice are they? Listen, Jamie, they’re good and kind people. They’re doing a great thing by taking all those kids in. I’ll admit, even I was a bit wary when I heard five adopted teenage boys would be moving into town. But those kids never give anyone an ounce of trouble, and are polite as could be. This town is very fortunate to have Minerva and Poppy, they’re both assets to our community and I wish people would recognize that, and stop outcasting them just because they’re newcomers.”
Fleamont finally took a breath. James squirmed, feeling like his father was angry with him . Nevertheless he agreed with his father, he had seen it with Alice. The wariness.
“I told a girl at school that it makes sense they keep to themselves if they’re situations were bad enough they had to be rehomed.”
Fleamont smiled at him, his posture showing pride, “that because you are a good lad, Jamie, and I hope your empathy can rub off on these other kids a bit.”
James thought it best not to mention that he would like a bit of empathy right now. It was only one day, one class, of Regulus not being kind. It wasn’t a reflection of the character of his whole family. Plus, Regulus wasn’t even there today. If things got worse, he would tell his dad- tactfully. But for now, he would give him the benefit of the doubt and assume Regulus was just having a bad day. Maybe he was jealous that his family was not greeted warmly into town, where James was. That could definitely be it!
With that thought, James felt sympathy overtake him. It couldn’t be easy to watch him being accepted into the fold, when, at least from Monty’s perspective, the same courtesy had not been extended to the McGonagall family. He remembered then that Alice’s tone had implied she had been rejected, but James wasn’t there, so it wasn’t his place to try and unravel what happened. He would have compassion for Regulus, and his family, and that was all there was to it.
“If nothing else,” James said finally, “they’re a very attractive family.”
“You should see their mothers,” Monty said with a chuckle, “in fact, if we weren’t all happily married, I think your mother would be knocking on Minerva’s door.”
James laughed, then resumed his reading. They read together for about another hour before heading to bed. It was a quiet night, and James was actually able to get a more than a few hours rest, with no nightmares.
The rest of the week proceeded uneventfully. James fell into his class schedule swiftly, and was able to name just about everyone in his classes by the end of the week. It struck James as funny that at Hogwarts classes were held every day, rather than just a couple days a week, but he kind of liked it. He was easily able to keep up with the curriculum in classes, and even found that he was enjoying himself. He was settling in. Regulus Black was nowhere to be seen.
James couldn’t help but gaze over at his table anxiously, every day. Waiting for the day Regulus would come back, wanting to know if he should mentally prepare in case he lashed out. Every day, his chair remained empty. This helped James settle into the conversation happening at his lunch table. The group was talking about a trip to the G.W. Beach, wherever that was, that Frank was organizing. James had agreed to go to be polite, though he didn’t exactly see the point of a beach that was cold and cloudy.
James’ first weekend in Godric’s Hollow passed without incident. One of the firemen on the squad had come down with a cold, so Monty pulled an extra shift on Saturday. James straightened up the home, called his mother, and finished his homework. Sunday, he went to a local diner with Monty, then they had a movie night together. At James' request, they watched Casablanca . He was a sucker for the classics, and Humphrey Bogart is easy on the eyes, alright?
Come Monday morning, James was surprised to find himself being greeted in the parking lot. He smiled and waved to everyone, but hurried inside out of the cold. In English, Marlene came and sat next to him, as she had begun to do last week. They had a pop quiz on The Great Gatsby , and while straightforward, James honestly thought it was a bit pointless.
After class, Marlene dragged James to the courtyard.
“It’s snowing!” James said excitedly. He felt something hit his side.
“Damn, who threw a snowball at you, Potter?” she asked, still wiping the snow off her hands from where she had, very obviously, just thrown a snowball at James.
“You asked for it, McKinnon!” James dropped his bag and began to throw handfuls of snow at her.
“You’re not even forming actual snowballs, you idiot! You’re just picking up snow and tossing it at me.” She was laughing the whole time.
“That is because I’m terrified of you and, more importantly, of your retaliation. Also, I don’t have to make a snowball when he’s got this covered.”
“When who-” she cut off as Peter hit her square in the back of the head with a huge snowball. James immediately burst into giggles, grabbed Peter’s wrist, and dragged him away from Marlene.
“YOU TWO ARE SO DEAD!”
They started laughing even harder. The two boys decided splitting up was their best strategy. James liked to consider himself observant, but he was also fairly absent-minded. Which is why he forgot who he always walked with on the way to his business class everyday. Which explains why he was surprised when, just before walking into class, he felt a snowy, wet, mess drop down the back of his shirt. James shrieked and shook it out, laughing as he looked up and saw Marlene standing there. Her cheeks were still pink from the cold, but she wore a victorious grin.
“You are a cold, cold person, McKinnon.”
“Enjoy your cold, cold shirt, Potter.” James bursted into laughter again. He then noticed other people in the hallway staring and felt his face go red, though his laughter continued. If that’s what she did to him, James couldn’t imagine what Peter was in for.
The day continued with excitement. If there’s one universal truth, it is that everyone finds snow distracting. Especially students. Once meeting up with Peter for lunch, James covered Peter’s head with a binder as they walked to the cafeteria. They certainly looked a sight, but the two of them knew that only a fool would doubt Marlene McKinnon. Frank thought they were hilarious, even threatening to join Marlene’s side in the war.
Peter and James were in the lunch line discussing how they would safely exit the school at the day’s end, when James turned and froze, feeling his stomach drop. Regulus Black had returned.
“James? Hey, buddy, are you okay?” Peter asked, touching his arm.
James snapped out of it and felt his face go red.
“Yeah , I- My stomach just started to hurt, I think I’m just gonna get a ginger ale.” James muttered.
“Well would you like me to get you some crackers? I have a couple extra dollars.”
“Oh, no thank you, Pete. Though, I do appreciate it. I’m sure I’ll be fine, no need to worry.” He finished with a smile.
“If you’re sure.” James was sure. Sure that if he ate anything he would throw it up all over the floor in Biology.
After sitting at the table, James made a deal with himself: if Regulus glared at him from across the cafeteria, James would skip Biology- if not, he would go. Cowardly? Perhaps. But, despite his new resolve to have compassion for Regulus, he didn’t actually want to be on the receiving end of that glare again.
James risked a glance, subtly from under his lashes. No glare. He perked up a bit. Sirius, Remus, and Bartemius were laughing, their hair glistening with snowflakes. Regulus and Evan leaned as far away as possible as Sirius shook his head out like a dog, flinging the snow all over them. To James, it looked like a movie scene. Regulus even looked breathtaking when annoyed with his brother. Regulus looked especially breathtaking when looking annoyed at his brother.
There was something different about him today. Perhaps he was a little less pale, or his eyes less sunken in. Or maybe, it was just that he seemed to be having fun. James couldn’t quite place it, nor could he look away.
“James, what are you staring at?” Alice asked, trying to follow his gaze.
On second thought, looking away is a great option. The best option, really. James thought, averting his eyes quickly, as Regulus chose that moment to look over. He ran a hand through his hair, and was very grateful it was a natural mess, so as to block some of the heat rising to his cheeks. Regulus hadn’t looked angry, but James wasn’t going to tempt him by risking another glance.
“Regulus Black is staring at you,” Alice said suspiciously.
“Does he look angry?” James whispered, feeling weary.
“No,” she was confused, that much was clear, “should he be?”
“Well, not technically, no. I just think we got off on the wrong foot.” James felt like a diplomat, he didn’t want to lie to his new friends. But he also didn’t want anyone to believe they now had a reason to be wary of the McGonagalls.
“I don’t think there is a right foot with those kids. Especially the Blacks.” Mission failed. James felt himself grow a little annoyed with Alice at that moment, just for a split second, for passing judgement on a situation she wasn't involved in, but quickly snapped our of it. James then stopped himself from defending a boy, who has quite literally but done nothing but glare at him, too valiantly. Whatever happened between Regulus and Alice was between Regulus and Alice.
“Regardless, he’s still staring at you,” Alice continued, unaware of James’ thoughts.
“Jesus, stop looking!” James whisper-shouted, before burrowing his head in his arms.
Frank swatted the back of his head then. “I don’t know what’s happening over here, but I know you guys are not listening to my plan for the Super Mega Awesome Snowball Fight in the Parking Lot 2k22.”
“Correct, we were not,” Alice nodded, “mostly because I did not want to.” James was eternally grateful that Alice didn't tell the whole table.
“Alice, stop trying to seduce me, I’m working!” Frank said easily.
“I’m not trying to seduce you,” Alice paused, her eyebrows furrowed, and she looked back to Frank, “would you like me to seduce you?”
“Me, personally? I don’t think you would have to work that hard.” Peter adds, perfectly timed, if James were to voice his opinion.
“Me, personally? I would like to plan the Super Mega Awesome Snowball Fight in the Parking Lot 2k22, so if you’re not suggesting anything helpful, do not speak directly to me. My secretary here,” he points to James “Will be happy to take any concerns or complaints and bring them to me.” Frank said, resolutely not acknowledging Alice. She remained unbothered.
Emmeline Vance, who had been pulling out a chair to sit down, stood straight again and pushed the chair back in, muttering: “No, nope, not dealing with that today, I’ll try and sit by you lot again tomorrow.” The whole table laughed, unsurprised.
The conversation was enough to relieve James’ nerves a bit, but as lunch ticked by, he could feel them begin to return. Regulus wasn’t glaring, so James resolved to go to class. He was trying to be understanding, but he was still nervous. He walked with Peter and Frank to Biology, the two either didn’t notice James’ growing nerves, or thought it was a symptom of his sickness. Either way, James was grateful they didn’t mention it.
Frank was sad, as the snow had switched to rain. Which had, rather efficiently, washed the snow away. Peter, while sad, was also grateful that he wouldn’t be feeling Marlene’s wrath from the snowball earlier.
“Pete,” James tried to hide his nerves, “I’m pretty sure she will just find another way to get you back. I don’t think snow is her only weapon.”
“Once again, James, you are right. I am going to be sleeping with one eye open for the rest of my life.”
“Which could be very short,” Frank picks up, “considering you’re up against Marlene McKinnnon.”
The trio laughed. Even if Regulus is glaring at me, James thought, I still have made friends, I will be okay. Regulus Black is not the end-all, be-all of human beings.
Upon arriving in the room, James found their table empty. Peter and Frank walked to their seats, though they both turned to glance at him once in a while. James pulled his notebook out and began to doodle on the first page. It was an odd quirk, but he hated the first sheet of paper in a notebook, as it always got caught in the spiral. So, he never used it for notes, but always ended up doodling on it, rather than tearing it out. He was currently drawing a small cat on two of the lines. However, since James had no idea how to draw a cat-face, he had the neck at the edge of the paper.
He was startled when the chair next to him moved, but continued to draw the cat little paws.
“Hello,” said a voice like velvet. James looked up, stunned. Not only is he beautiful, but his voice is beautiful too? How on earth am I supposed to speak after that? Why is he talking to me out of nowhere? Maybe he’s talking to someone else and I misunderstood. No, he’s definitely looking directly in my eyes. Oh his eyes are golden. A beautiful, beautiful golden.
“My name is Regulus Black,” he continued, it now occurred to James that he had never fucking responded!
“I didn’t get the chance to introduce myself last week, my apologies, you must be James Potter.”
James felt like his brain had flown out the window. No way I spent my whole weekend agonizing over this, just for him to show up today and act like nothing happened. Was he really just staring off into the distance last week? Maybe he wasn’t even glaring at me, and I’ve been upset over nothing. Oh, my god, I still haven’t responded.
“Yes, that’s me, Regulus… Not me, Regulus. You, Regulus- I- That is to say- I mean- oh my god- Yes, Regulus, that’s me, James. I’m James.” James knew his face was on fire, and suddenly wished he still had Marlene’s snowball. After that, he was adamantly staring down at the table.
Regulus released a small laugh, and James wasn’t sure if his heart would explode from joy or embarrassment first. He felt addicted to the sound.
“Thank you, for the confirmation.” His tone was not unkind, but James squirmed all the same. He was saved when Slughorn walked in and began to explain the day's assignment. Only to feel nervous all over again when he explained that it was a partner project. Together, they were to examine the sample on the given slides, and determine what stage of mitosis the cells were in. Without using the book. After being released to start, James glanced at Regulus.
“You can go first, if you like,” Regulus said, sliding the microscope towards him with a small smile. James felt unsure. He offered, is it more polite to accept his offer, and look first? Or should I decline and let him look first? Are either of them rude?
“Or I can, if you want,” his smile dropped. Clearly, he already thought James was rude.
“No, no, sorry. I can go. Or you can go, if you want to go first that’s totally fine, I don’t mind either way,” James said, ignoring that he was blushing and making a fool of himself, again.
Regulus raised an eyebrow, “how about you go, and I’ll double check?”
James nodded, that he could handle. He pulled the microscope towards himself, and began to adjust the dials. He had done this assignment before, so he felt confident saying, “prophase.”
Not forgetting their arrangement, he moved to pass the microscope to Regulus, who, at the same time, reached to grab it. Their hands brushed and James gasped. It felt as though an electric current was running up his arm from where Regulus had brushed him, and he suddenly found himself desperate for it to happen again. Then, he realized that Regulus’ hand had been ice cold.
“Sorry,” Regulus muttered, and pulled his hand away rapidly. He looked annoyed, though with himself or with James, James could not tell.
“It’s no bother,” he opted to say, sympathetically, “your hand was just really cold. You should invest in some mittens.” James finished with a nod. Everything James was thinking, then saying, felt like the wrong thing; but he decided to just barrel on anyway. Regulus pulled his gaze away from the microscope, looking amused but not smiling, which James hadn’t realized was possible.
“Well, it’s definitely prophase. Mittens, you say? I like gloves, Potter, what say you to that?” His tone was so dry, it made James laugh. Seeing as he was being playful, James decided to take a risk.
“Sorry, do you think you could go sit at a different table? I actually refuse to be seen in public with glove people. It’s bad for my image, you understand right?”
Regulus began to change the slides and readjust the dials, still looking amused.
“Any other things I should keep in mind about protecting your precious image?”
“No, I think that’s all for now. Though, wait for my email, I might think of a thing or two throughout the day.”
“Would you like to look at this? Or do you believe me that it’s anaphase?”
“After you just admitted to being a glove person? Regulus, I will be double checking all of your work.” James felt proud of himself for still being able to string together coherent thoughts while talking to the beautiful man.
The microscope changed hands again. James adjusted the dials, it was anaphase.
“Do you even own mittens, James?”
“Me? Of course not. I don’t like the feeling of the band on my wrist. But if I didn’t mind, I know I would wear mittens. Why separate your fingers when you could keep them all together?”
The pride quickly turned to embarrassment because what? James paused, realizing that that was the dumbest string of words he could’ve put together. And that it could probably be misconstrued into some kind of sexual innuendo. His face warmed again, and he covered it with his hands. So much for coherent thoughts. Regulus chuckled. James opened one eye and cracked his fingers open so he could see him.
“Just give me the next slide, Black,” James now removed his hands fully, and resolved himself to pretend he wasn’t blushing. Regulus handed it over, though not without being careful not to touch James’ skin. Which James definitely was not sad about. Not in the slightest.
After changing the slides, James mumbled a small “interphase”, feeling as though he had talked enough for one day. He passed Regulus the microscope.
James looked down at their worksheet. He could’ve been writing the answers down as well, but found himself rather embarrassed by his own handwriting. It was neater than most, he knew that. But Regulus’ handwriting was a beautiful, looping, cursive. Comparatively, James’ own looked like a five year old had written it.
They were finished well before the rest of the class, and James glanced around. Frank and his partner were comparing two slides again and again, trying to determine which was which. Peter had a chart pulled up on his phone under the table and was trying to slyly compare the two. James tried not to look at Regulus. Regulus, however, had missed the memo and was staring at him intently. He almost seemed frustrated, like there was something he couldn’t figure out. Something clicked in James’ brain.
“Hey, did you get contacts?” He blurted out, definitely without thinking. Regulus looked confused and shook his head slowly.
“Oh,” James nodded, “I just thought your eyes looked different today.”
“Spend a lot of time looking at my eyes, do you, Potter?” Oh, frigid Regulus was back. Any amusement that he’d previously shown was gone. Though, rather than making him sad, this time it almost frustrated James.
Well, they spent a significant amount of time glaring at my head. Kind of hard not to notice them, really. And they were definitely jet black last time I saw you. Is what James wanted to say, but he didn’t want to make the other boy feel embarrassed. So, James took to embarrassing himself.
“It must have been distorted through the rim of my glasses. That happens sometimes.” Not with colors, but yeah it happens sometimes. He hoped it helped the situation.
“Ah, young Regulus,” Slughorn came to them then, “You are giving Mr. Potter a chance with the microscope, correct?”
James saw Regulus’ hands clench under the table.
“ James identified three of the five samples, sir.” Slughorn looked over their worksheet, then up at James, skeptically.
“James, my boy, have you done this exercise before?” he asked jovially.
“Well, I mean, technically, yes. We didn’t use onion root, though.” He said, smiling sheepishly at the man.
“Oh! Did they do it with whitefish?” Slughorn was excited now. Completely oblivious to James’ bashfulness, he made sure to nod while smiling.
“You were working in an advanced curriculum then, weren’t you?”
“Yes, sir,” If James was embarrassed before, he was mortified now. He didn’t want to appear to be bragging.
“Brilliant! It’s a good thing the two of you are partners, I suspect your other classmates would just rely on you if you were separated. I’ll be on my way then.” James didn’t think it was very professional for a teacher to say that about other students, but it was his first time in public school in a while so, how would he know? He was just about to pull out his book, when Regulus spoke again.
“It’s too bad about the snow, isn’t it?” He was definitely forcing himself to make small talk, James was capable of recognizing, but if he was trying then so must James.
“I didn’t really mind it. Though I suspect it’s a miracle for the ice cubes you call hands.”
“You like the cold?”
“Well, I run warm normally, so the cooler months don’t bother me as much, you know? Also, I’m willing to deal with the cold, if it means I can have snow. It’s just so pretty, I love it. Right now? This cold rainy bleh we’ve got going on? That’s not for me.”
“I must inform you that you’ve just moved to one of the bleh -est places possible.”
“I am wilting like a sunflower, Regulus, absolutely wilting.” James said solemnly, as if he’d be dead before they knew it. He hoped he was being funny, he just wanted Regulus to like him- or, at the very least, not spend another class doing nothing but glaring at him.
“So why did you move here, James?” He was struck by the blunt question, no one had outright asked him so far.
“It’s a little complicated,” James didn’t want to bore him.
“I’m sure I can keep up.”
“My mum is an author, and she goes on book tours a lot. I traveled with her for a while, but my family ultimately decided that it was better that I stay in one place for university.”
“That doesn’t seem that complicated, Potter. They made this decision for you?” Regulus’ eyebrows furrowed, he wasn’t unkind, he was just curious.
“No! No, it was- well, kinda. But it wasn’t forced on me. If I really wanted to say no, I could have. But there were certain opportunities I saw my mum not take, because she wasn’t sure how she could bring me along. I’m a bit of a Momma’s Boy, to be honest, and, while I miss her, I just want her to be happy.”
“And now, you’re unhappy?”
“What? I never said that!” Regulus changed the topic, which James was grateful for.
“Would I have read any of your mother’s books?”
“Not unless you’re big into mental health,” James felt some tension leaving him, “she writes a lot about working through trauma, and all the different ways trauma presents itself in relationships with others.”
“Yet, she doesn’t notice that you are unhappy?”
“What is there to notice? I’m not unhappy.” James felt defensive on behalf of his mother. You don’t even know her. He wanted to mutter. Oddly enough, it was the knowledge that Euphemia would kill him that kept him in line.
“You put on a good show, Potter, but I’m willing to bet you’re wilting more than you’d ever let on.”
James didn’t respond. He promised his parents he would give this an honest shot. He doesn’t want to appear miserable, or like he’s not trying. His grades were good so far. He was looking for a job. He had made friends that he genuinely got along with. He was trying. Regrettably, he felt tears prick his eyes again , did it seem like he wasn’t giving this his all? Were his parents disappointed?
“Am I wrong?” James ignored him again, “I didn’t think so.” Regulus was smug.
“Why does it matter to you?” James did not enjoy confrontation, yet he couldn’t seem to stop himself.
“It doesn’t.” Ouch.
James sighed and looked at the blackboard, willing Slughorn to do anything that would take his mind off of this.
“I’ve upset you,” he sounded confused, as if he didn’t understand how anything he said could be remotely hurtful. Nevertheless, James did not want their interaction to end negatively.
“I’m more upset with myself, honestly. But I do know that everything I’m thinking is always showing on my face. Everyone always tells me I’m an open book.” He gave Regulus a small smile, forcing the tears away.
“I happen to find you very difficult to read,” Regulus murmured, holding eye contact with James.
“You are definitely the only person who has ever said that to me.” Regulus smiled in response. Even his teeth are bloody perfect.
Mr. Slughorn then called the class to attention and began to review the answers on the projector. James tried to concentrate, but his mind was reeling from the interaction with Regulus. He was clearly witty, and attractive. But he was observant, and could be cruel unintentionally. James, who, despite recent appearances, always tried to be intentional with his words, wasn’t sure how well they would mesh.
Calm down, James, you don’t know if he’s trying to be your friend outside of Biology. You don’t need to worry about how well your habits will mesh.
When the bell rang, Regulus was as quick to exit as he had been the week previous. James stared after him in amazement. Frank flooded his eyesight.
“That was awful,” he said with a groan, “you’re fortunate that Black was your partner in that because it made my brain hurt.”
James waved to Peter as he exited the room towards a different class.
“I’ve done the assignment before,” he said with a shrug, “I knew what I was looking for.” James was a little bothered by the implication that he didn’t know what he was doing, but decided to let it drop. Frank had no way of knowing James’ academic capabilities.
“Yeah, well he seemed like quite the conversationalist today,” his tone was neutral, but James got the feeling he wasn’t that happy about it.
“He must have just been having a rough day on Monday, he was nice to me today.” Not a total lie, but also not outright saying anything bad about Regulus. The boy didn’t have to be kind, but James was adamant about not giving anyone a reason to be judgmental. They made their way towards the parking lot.
The rain was still beating down on the pavement, and then James' glasses as he walked across the lot. When he started his truck, he made sure to turn the defrosters all the way up and started trying to get the water off his lenses. Once properly cleaned, James began to check for a clearing to reverse out of his spot. Upon looking up, he made direct eye contact with one Regulus Black from across the lot. He was leaning against a sleek black Volvo, seemingly waiting for someone.
Probably his siblings. James’ brain provided. What really caught James’ attention was that Regulus was staring directly at him, and had probably seen everything he had just done. Even if it was all perfectly normal, he couldn’t help but feel embarrassed at the scrutiny. James jumped and put his car in reverse, only to slam on his brakes a moment later, as there was a car directly behind him.
His face was red again, he knew, as he waited for the car to pass and then began his reverse. Finishing the maneuver, James kept his gaze forward on the parking lot. Though, in his peripherals, he could’ve sworn he saw Regulus laughing.