Skirts and Confessions

Now Barty and Evan are both known for their Gambling bets on nearly everything, so when they made a bet on the game it was no surprise to anyone. Regulus had been to indulged in his book that night to hear the terms of the bet if the two lost. He hadn't heard anything of him having to be involved with the bet and now he has to pay the price of two morons. 

He as well as Barty and Evan were forced to wear skirts for the entire day as those were the terms of the bet. Though he's being forced to wear a black sweater with it because he, Much to his disappointment and disgust, has a more feminine body than the other two boys. 

They had borrowed a few extras from the girls in Slytherin and one of them had to bring up his slim waist and Feminie features so they suggested he wear a sweater to go better with it. 

Though nobody could've seen the chaos this would bring. 

Regulus wishes he had paid more attention that night because as he stands in the loo staring at the Skirt and Sweater he was being forced to wear he could feel his chest constricting and his breathing becoming shallow. He could turn it down, of course but then the problem would be the names, in which he could usually ignore, would be more frequent along with the questions as to why he didn't wear it. 

His hands are clamy and gripping the sink with such force his knuckles turn white. He huffs, The breath coming out shaky and shallow, he can feel tears pricking at his eyes and tilts his head back to stop them from falling. He inhales sharply as he scoops up the skirt and starts dressing. It's plaid, as is every other skirt, the color coordinating with the Slytherin house. 

After a minute of deep regret as he stares at himself in the Mirror he makes his way out of the loo and into the common room where Barty, Evan, Narcissa, and Severus all wait. The reaction from Narcissa Is exactly as he suspected. Her eyes are wide and she's got a look of horror on her face at it. 

Regulus shakes his head discreetly at her as they make their way out. Barty and Evan look absolutely Hilarious in the skirts and the Two trudge down the halls of Higwarts without a care in the world for who is looking. In fact they relish in the attention, good or bad they seem to adore it. Regulus however feels like his skin is crawling and there's snakes beneath his flesh. He feels uneasy but as a Mastered Emotion blocker he hides his disgust with himself and walks behind the two with Severus and Narcissa. 

"Reggie." Narcissa Whispers, grabbing his shoulder that keeps revealing itself with every step because of the to big sweater that keeps falling down. 

"I'm fine." He whispers, but she could hear the crack in his voice and see the break in his self-confidence. Though she says nothing. What can she say? Regulus won't listen to her anyways. He's too much of a Black to take her words into consideration. Even if she is his sister. 

Her hand stays firmly on his shoulder as to hold up the sweater and Regulus doesn't budge to move her off, instead he's rather thankful she hadn't left him to deal with this on his own. He receives a skeptical look from Severus but he just stares straight ahead, ignoring his and others looks of what can only be disgust or amusement at the tragedy he's to endure. 

Narcissa glances at him as they head down the entrance hall to the Great hall where Breakfast is being served. Regulus just stares straight, his mind is flooded with thoughts bad and even worse. There's nothing good about this Situation. He thinks about What Sirius will do when he sees Regulus. He wonders if Sirius will help him or laugh and exploit his secret.  

He wonders if the Marauders, The group of Sirius's friends, know about it. Sirius isn't well known for keeping his mouth shut. He speaks his mind and his opinion. It's how he got disowned in the first place, for disobeying rules and rebelling against his parents. Eventually so until He left with his friend James Potter. 

Regulus' brows furrow in slight irritation as they make their way into the great hall. James used to a horrible person Regulus disspised and adored. He got to have the relationship with his brother, Sirius, that Regulus himself couldn't have. They get along perfectly as if they were made for each other while Regulus and Sirius Argue at nearly every moment. 

Narcissa finally lets go of him when they sit at the Slytherin Table. On instinct Regulus looks up at the Gryffindor Table his thoughts still flooding his mind as he meets a wide eyed James. 

James Fleaumont Potter has, Ever since fourth year, been head over heels for his Best mates little brother. On multiple occasions he'll ask about him. Sirius Black has no mind sharing everything about his little brother to anyone or even his opinion on the boy, but, there are certain things not even James knows about Regulus Black that Sirius does. 

There is one thing however that James knows about Regulus black that nobody else knows. Except maybe the entirety of the black family. It is that Regulus Black was not always a Boy. He only obtained this knowledge when Sirius was heavily intoxicated one night. 

They had been celebrating the win against Ravenclaw in Feburary. There schedules with Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw were switched due to injury of nearly half of the hufflepuff team. Nobody knows what happened and some think that the Hufflepuffs just flunked it because they knew they weren't ready. 

James had been resting in the arm chair across from the fire with Remus and Sirius snuggles up together on the couch. Peter was sprawl up on the second couch and Lily had been resting in James lap. He felt to guilty to move her because of how wasted they'd gotten far to drunken and weak to do so as well so he left her be. 

His hand was raking through her hair while he conversed with a Tired Sirius who cuddled up in Remus lap. 

"Could you imagine if one of us was a girl." James snorted. He didn't know how this conversation even started or how it ended up with James asking about an alternative Gender of his Mates. He wants to say it was because of Sirius's tendency to switch between Women's clothes and men's or as Sirius stated skirts and pants. But he was to drunken to remember how it started. 

"Reggie used to be a girl." James had almost immediately sobered up at that. He has blinked to register it before his brows furrowed and he pushed further. 

"What do you mean?" 

"Reggie. used to be a girl. Reggie a guy now though so it doesn't matter." 

"Are you saying Regulus is Trans Sirius?" He questioned sternly and a bit forcefully as he was slightly angered with himself for not knowing such a very important detail about Regulus. Sirius took a swig of his drink, only gathered by a group of seven years Sirius had asked to get for the sake of a party. 

"Mhm. He is. But he hates "Girls" clothes. It brings back rather painful memories of our childhood when he wore them. Though he'd never wear them willingly now. Regulus is so damn stubborn when it comes to clothes. I got him a sweater once that I thought would look nice on him but he said it made him look bad and almost threw it out. I'm pretty sure he might still have it. He's to nice to throw out presents from me. " 

James mind had gone black when he tried to process the information. His throat had dried up like a shriveled prune and he hadn't even realized he was asking a question until Sirius was talking again. 

"Oh yeah. Regulus would probably cry if he was put in a skirt. It makes me sad when he crys." Sirius sighed sadly. "I miss him." He whispered, his eyes tearing up. 

"And what about when This happened. How old was he?" Sirius furrowed his brows tight in concentration, glancing up at Remus who was still staring at him sweetly before shrugging. 

"Uhm He was probably eleven when they first started his transition. Because I had left second year remember." 

"What was Reggies name." Remus gave James a harsh glare cold enough that James could feel it crawl down his spine. His mouth opened in an attempt to say nevermind before Sirius had already said it. His words died on his tongue when Sirius answered without a second thought. 

"Regina Arcturus Black. I thought it was funny and sometimes I called him Nina because of this horror story he read about once." Remus cleared his throat and James decided that was the end of this conversation. 

James was glad that everyone else was either to intoxicated, passed out or to busy shagging/snogging someone to remember this information. He had asked Remus if he remembered about any strange conversations that night and he received a confused and annoyed look that evening. 

James had asked to much about it when they were drunk and decided it was best not to tell anyone, not even Sirius, about this knowledge he obtained. He was greatful he hadn't, he didn't know how Sirius would react or anybody else. He was afraid that if he told anybody besides Sirius, even his most trustworthy friends, that they would expose this secret to everyone in Hogwarts and James just couldn't do that to Regulus. 

Now however as he talked with Sirius he debated bringing it up. That was until he saw Regulus walking through the great hall doors in a black sweater that was falling off his shoulders with every step and a plaid Green skirt. His eyes had widened when he saw it, his brain going blank at how just Wonderful Regulus looked before he felt guilty for even thinking that at the remberance of how Regulus must've still felt about those clothes. 

James didn't have to speak with him or even make eye contact to know that Regulus felt sick with himself. His movements were faster than normal and even from where James was sitting he could see the swallow of Saliva in the back of his throat. He messed with the hems of the sweaters sleeves and only stared at his destination instead of making eye contact with anybody as he usually would. Narcissa held his shoulder the entire way to the Slytherin Table, where they received multiple whistles of enjoyment and teases. 

James had finally made eye contact with Regulus when he looked up, possibly on instinct, to look at James. It occurred everyday since Sirius had retreated to James house. Unlike everytime Regulus looked at James and he almost instantly felt butterflies in his stomach, James felt queasy almost to the point where he felt like he was turning green and about to hurl at any moment. 

James removed his gaze with furrowed brows to look at Sirius who was to busy Flirting with Remus to notice his brother walk in. 

"Sirius." He hissed, but Sirius glanced at him and waved him off before leaning into Remus's side as he continued to cause everyone's lose of appetite. 

"Sirius." James hissed again throwing a napkin he curled up into a ball at him. Sirius glared at him retracting himself from Remus as everyone let out a simple sigh of relief and silently thanked James. 

"What?" Sirius hissed back glaring harder as James debated on going back on his words. 

"Reggie." James announced not so discreetly tilting his chin in the direction of the Slytherin Table. Sirius blinked his head snapping back over his shoulder. 

"Why the hell is he wearing that?" He whispered, eyes widened in shock. Regulus ignored both of their gazes and instead conversed with Barty who sat beside him. 

"I don't know." James stated as he stood up and removed hismelf from the bench. 

"I'm going to ask him." Sirius looked back at him bewildered before he abruptly stood up as James made his way down the hall removing his robe as Sirius trudged behind him. 

"What are you doing?" He hissed grabbing James arm to stop him from moving. James glanced back at Sirius before yanking his arm back. 

"I'm asking Regulus." 

"No your not. He doesn't need you to involve yourself in whatever their doing. He can handle this perfectly fine on his own." 

"He doesn't look fine." James snapped raising his arm and gesturing to the young Black. Sirius glanced at Regulus who was now looking at the two confused, a flash of pity and guilt Crossed his face before it was masked with a scowl. 

"Yeah well its Regulus. He can take care of himself like he always does." Sirius Snapped annoyed as his grip on James arm tightened. 

"Talk how you want I know how much you care for him. Now I am going to ask. Come over when you feel like caring. " James stated simply and Sirius gave a puzzled look as he stayed standing frozen just watching as James trudged forward. He received many looks of confusion and disgust as he trudged behind the table of Slytherins until he was standing just behind Regulus who was looking down at his plate as if it was more interesting than anything else. 

"Potter. To what do we own the pleasure." Barty cheered sarcastically as he gave a to big smile. 

"You guys are wearing skirts?" James asked raising a brow as Barty looked down at the Skirt he wore before putting on a cheeky smile. 

"Yes. Does it arouse you potter?" Evan gasped beside him as James flushed pink in embarassment. 

"I-what–No" Barty Snorted loudly as Evan gasped yet again Dramatically placing a hand on his chest 

"Oh. Oh the Potter boy has a thing for feminine men." He shouted as there were snickers and laughter filling the Slytherin Table. 

"I'm taking Regulus." James stated with a cough, his cheeks still flushed pink at the embarasament he was forced to endure. Regulus's head turned back towards James as he rose a brow with a teasing smirk.

"Oh please do." Barty suggests. 

"Maybe He can fulfill your filthy desires." Evan chimes in helpfully. 

"Ravish you till the sun sets" At this Regulus is turning Crimson as well as James.

"Shag you in an empty classroom." Before the two could say any more Regulus is already hitting the two square in their chests to shut them up. They both heave of a breathless laugh as they start coughing. 

"Shut up both of you!" He shouts flustered as he huffs trying to clear his head of thoughts involving him and James from his brain. He hits the two again for good measure before turning back to a crimson James who is surely having unpleasantly, pleasant thoughts. His blush deepens more when Regulus pulls the sweater back over his shoulder. 

"What do you want James?" Regulus asks Harshly, most likely to avoid anymore unpleasant remarks. 

James paused, he looked back up at Sirius who was watching in suspicion and displeasure at the interaction. His blush slowly faded as he remembered why he was over here in the first place and his eyes drop back to Regulus. 

"I wanted to know why you were wearing a skirt." James sighs, closing his eyes as his body slumps down, much more comfortable than him being immensely tense due to the Slytherins suggestions. 

"Why does it matter Potter? I quite frankly like the skirt. It goes well with the sweater don't you think? No wait don't answer that your taste in clothes is absolutely horrendous." 

James looked at him dully, he didn't show anything any reaction that he would've, he was just focused on his goal to get Regulus out of a skirt because it most likely hurt him to wear it more than it did to Insult a boy he'd never like. James sighed. 

"Can you just answer my question please." James requested looking at him softly as he grabbed Regulus's shoulder. James can faintly feel the pulse of his heart beat skip a few as he glides his thumb across the pale skin of Regulus's collarbone. Regulus glanced at the gesture of comfort, biting his tongue to crumple the hum of satisfaction at the warm touch. In a daze his hand reaches up to hold the hand that gives him a soothing and complexed feeling. 

The tips of his fingers barely graze James' wrist before he hears footsteps and his brain snaps back to normal once remembering where he was and who those footsteps they most likely belong to. James is still looking at him for some kind of answer as Regulus finds Sirius storming toward the two looking livid and disgusted by their interaction. Then Sirius has his hand on James wrist and it's harshly ripped away. 

Regulus frowns at the lost touch of warmth and the return of the cold. Sirius glares at him and James, Lips stretched into a scowl. 

"You can Ask him without touching him James." Sirius hisses and Regulus as well as many other Slytherins Stiffle laughs at the Crimson that returns to the Gryffindors cheeks. The only time Sirius calls James well James, is when he's Angry or he's shouting for some strange purpose in the hall or to gain his attention. He can guess this result is one of three and he's not fairly happy with the reason. 

The two brothers catch gazes for a second before Regulus is reciving a full on scowl. He glances at Narcissa for help who looks like she is quite well enjoying and dispising the conversation. 

"Why exactly are you wearing a skirt?" Sirius barks out his grip on James' wrist tightening as James sucks in a sharp breath. Regulus glances back down at the Skirt he was in before smoothing it out. 

"Last time I checked you hated anything having to do with a female." Sirius hissed as Regulus glanced at him then to his friend who are gladly intruding on the conversation by listening. He glares at them all before rolling his eyes.

"Yes well. You've been gone for a while so I wouldn't expect you to know if my preferences have changed or not." Regulus states calmly, harshly albeit but calmly. Sirius looks almost ready to strangle him and James feels the need to intervene but decides not to on account of not knowing how to. 

"I know you like the back of my hand, Even if I have been gone. You still adore the same boring green and Classical music that you have since you were five, Your a bookworm who's read every kind he could get his hands on and you fucking hate skirts and dresses with a passion. Need I say anymore because I can continue to explain why. " Sirius snaps and Regulus is fairly surprised when he hears Sirius say things that are true and he was certain not many people knew. His heart jumps to his throat with the threat of exposure and from his peripheral vision he see Narcissa take stand. 

"Well obviously you don't know me very well at all. Ive actually decided classicals not my thing, and yes while green is my favorite color Its a rather aquatic I like better. And I havent read a single book since the start of this year. Oh unless were counting out spellbooks." Regulus smiled smugly. "And go ahead and do as you please. It's not like I can stop you. You'd do it anyways with or without my permission. You've done it before haven't you Siri." Regulus pouted, And knew that he pulled the wrong/right cord with the twisted expression of disgust and disbelief on sirius' face.  

His own stomach churned with disgust at his own actions but he supposes its in black blood that it doesn't show. He also thinks that maybe it's in the black name that he doesn't back down because that's how he was taught, even if by the wrong sorce.

"I asked you to leave you decided to stay." 

"Like I had any choice. It's my right as heir to stay and I'm not some idiot who decided to ditch his family to frolic in the woods with some Gryffindor he just met." 

"You had a choice Reggie." Sirius whispered sadly staring him down. Regulus felt his skin grow hot the cold replacing itself with a massive sweep of rage. 

"You have no right to call me that! After what you Did! How could you just leave me there to take up the mess you've created. I had to deal with it. I had to suffer. I'm the one who had to pick up the pieces you left our family in. The betrayal you caused almost killed Me! I finally got to be heir! Just like you wanted me to be!" Regulus shouted, jabbing his finger into his brother's chest. 

"Look Regulus. I'm sorry you had to go through that. We both are." James started stepping between the two as Narcissa took up her side protectively on Regulus's right. "but can you please answer the question!" James sighed in irritation throwing his arms up in exasperation. Regulus directed his attention towards the boy and James winced and regretted the moment he spoke. 

"Why do you care so much about why I'm in a skirt! It should be nobody's concern but my own!" James opened his mouth to speak, but his brain blacked out before he even could and his snapped it shut turning away to look somewhere else. 

"We're just worried about you. I'm worried about you." There's a moment of silence. Silence so loud that James thinks he can hear everything, their hearts beats and breaths and nothing. There are silence so deafening loud that he can feel the thick tension surrounding him. James cam feel the eyes that bore into him, and he grits his teeth together. "Just please change it. I don't want to see you hurt yourself over something stupid."  Someone gasps and James realizes he's probably said to much and snaps his mouth shut. 

"He's completely Arse over Tits for Reggie!" Barty screeches as he stands beside Regulus protectively and pulls him close to his chest while Regulus trys to get loose while the broil underneath his skin starts to simmer.

"James Mate. Please! Tell me you don't fancy him." Sirius asks sternly grasping James' shoulders and staring him down. James turns pink for a second out of embarassment and shakes his head. The anger forgotten as the topic switches to Regulus and James. 

"I– No its Regulus. I could never do that to you sirius. " James states painfully quick in fear of Losing Sirius as Sirius sighs in relief. Regulus feels the simmer bubble brightly and his heart drop down to his stomach. He finally frees himself then he manages a few mental insults to Barty. 

"Wow thanks Potter really boosts my confidence." Regulus snaps and without word he's starting out the hall again, his confidence shattering with every step and his heart cracking with every breath. He can't tell if it's from the disappointment of not being the perfect child or from the anguish at James's words. He doesn't bother to tell them apart. Instead he trudged down the Halls to the Dungeons, clutching his sides as Tears prick at his eyes and his throat tightens.