Ice Cream Social
Regulus Black looked around his now empty room. His older brother Sirius walked in and leaned on the door frame. “Do you have everything packed?” Sirius asked with a sigh “Ya I think so.” Regulus answered also with a sigh. They were moving to Fort Worth, Texas. Regulus has lived in New York City for his whole life, he is 14 years old now and their dad just got a new job in Fort Worth, Texas. Regulus and Sirius were very unhappy to hear this news. “I’m going to miss this place.” Regulus said, still looking around the room. “Ya, like that time Bella babysat us and brought her boyfriend over, then we stole mom and dad’s wine from the cabinet when they fell asleep.” Sirius said standing next to his little brother with a light laugh.
That memory made Regulus smile for a minute, that was the first time he got tipsy. It was fun, especially with Sirius. Regulus stopped smiling when he remembered what had happened the next morning. When their parents came home both Regulus and Sirius were hungover, and they both got punished. Their parents’ punishment was different, Regulus and Sirius were sent to their rooms and couldn’t leave for anything, not to go to the bathroom, or to eat, or anything. They were stuck in their rooms for almost a week after that.
“You ready?” Sirius asked, putting his hand on Regulus’ shoulder.
Regulus took a deep breath before answering. “Ya, I think so.”
They walked out of the room and got into a car with one of their personal drivers. They weren’t in the same car as their parents, thankfully. Walburga and Orion Black didn’t want their kids to ruin their hour drive to the privet airport. So, Sirius and Regulus had an hour of listening to their music as loud as they wanted. Sirius picked first, he put on ‘Freaks’ by Surf Curse, which Regulus didn’t mind., it wasn’t the worst of Sirius’ songs. But then it was Regulus’ turn, but he didn’t have any idea of what song to play so he let Sirius choose the songs for the whole car ride. Regulus thought Sirius picked out certain songs that he knew Regulus didn’t hate. This made Regulus feel important, important enough for Sirius to skip some of his favorite songs.
After a lot of Sirius’ favorite songs, a lot of scream singing from both Sirius and Regulus, they were finally at the privet airport. They put their one or two bags into the back of the plane and sat down. Sirius already had put his AirPods in his ears, probably listening to all his other favorite songs that Regulus hated. Regulus sat there in silence for a minute before taking out a book from one of his bags.
That was something that was different between Regulus and Sirius, well actually there was a lot different between Regulus and Sirius. Sirius had just above shoulder length black wavy hair, Regulus had short black curly hair, Regulus’ curls we more noticeable than Sirius’. Sirius had ocean blue eyes, and Regulus had grey-ish green eyes. Sirius likes playing video games, listening to music, playing music, and being the center of attention. Regulus, on the other hand, liked reading, looking at the stars, writing especially, poetry, and hated being the center of attention. They were polar opposites, but they got along, well most of the time.
They had a 4-hour flight, after about an hour Regulus looked over to see Sirius asleep with his AirPods still in. Regulus laughed so quite no one could hear, he didn’t want to wake him. Regulus went back to his book he was hoping to finish it on the flight. When they landed it was about 6 o’clock, Regulus woke Sirius gently, before their parents had a chance to hit him with a book or magazine to wake him up.
They got off the plane and there was a black limo waiting for them, it was near the end of summer, and it was hot and humid in Texas. This time they all were in the same car, the ride was silent. Walburga and Orion had come to Texas a few months ago to buy the house and cars. About 30 minutes of driving though fields and passing a few houses that were spread out by cars, they finally pulled up to a big white two-story house with porches and balconies all around the outside. There were pretty flowers in front of the house too. They all got out of the car and the driver grabbed their bags. Walburga took lead and walked to the door. Walburga Black’s walk wasn’t just a walk it was intimidating and with purpose, one foot in front of another always sharp steps never sloppy. Orion followed her, then Sirius, and lastly Regulus who was still taking in all the sights and smells of Texas.
Walburga opened the front door with a shiny silver key. The house was fully furnished, it looked like they could’ve lived there for years.
“Kreacher will show you each to your rooms. All your things should be all unpack in them.” Walburga said sharply, turning to her boys. Kreacher was their butler, he had worked for them for as long as Regulus could remember. Kreacher was originally from France but came to the US when he was in his early 20s. Regulus thought he probably started working for them shortly after that.
Their mother was right, all of Regulus’ stuff was in his room, it looked just like his room in New York, which made Regulus feel better about the move. He unpacked his two little bags he brought on the plane.
At 7 the whole family was downstairs at the dinner table. In the new house they had a formal dining table where they would be sitting at for all meals as their mother told them. Their personal chef had made chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, and salad. Their mother had a very specific amount of food Sirius and Regulus could have depending on how they have been acting lately. They got a normal serving size today, Regulus was glad, he was starving!
They all had to eat with perfect posture and dining etiquette. Their parents made them take lessons starting at the age of 2 or 3 on dining etiquette, piano and ballroom dancing. These lessons were stuck in their minds, because when they forgot a thing to do, or note, or a step, they were punished by being hit with a book or magazine.
They were a very important family, they hosted work dinner parties and family gatherings. Last year they had their cousin Bellatrix’s wedding at their house in New York. None of their family lived in Texas, would they still have these family events at their house or someone who lives in New York? Would they go to the gatherings in New York? These were all questions that Regulus never asked, because questions led to more questions than their parents got suspicious then they got punished, so why ask questions?
They had 3 more weeks of summer before they started at the local high school. They had never gone to a public school but there were no private schools in Fort Worth, so it was the only option. Regulus was about to start his first year of high school in a new school, in a new house, with people he didn’t know. Well, at least he has Sirius he thought to himself. But Sirius was very likable, and social, he would probably make friends easily here in Texas. That is another difference between them, Sirius is kindhearted, and Regulus is not. Well, not at first, anyways.
—————
“Pete, are you going to help with Rosie?” James asked, pulling a beautiful dark brown horse out from her stable. James Potter has lived in Fort Worth Texas for his whole life, his family owned the local country club and a horseback riding lesson company. James took care of a lot of the horses, not because he had to, but because he wanted to. James called the stables his happy place. He had been at the stables all summer, which he could see was making one of his best friends Peter annoyed. “No James, I told you I didn’t want to come to the stables.” Peter said from a corner. “Do you know when Remus is coming back from Philadelphia?” James asked, tying the horse, Rosie, to a fence “He should be back today” Peter answered coming out of the stables to stand next to Rosie. “Really?!?!” James said he almost dropped the box of hoove cleaning supplies for Rosie. Peter nodded his head “I’ll text him” Peter said pulling out his phone.
James fished cleaning two of Rosie’s four hooves when Peter’s phone dinged, it was Remus “He said he is about 30 minutes from his house.” Peter said this time James did drop something he dropped one of the brushes is joy. Remus was his other best friend; they have been friends since Remus moved there in 3rd grade. James loved making friends, and he was good at it too. Remus was not like James at all, Remus was kind of quiet and didn’t like being outside or sports. He preferred to sit inside with a good book and some music. But they did both like similar music, so it was always easy to pick a song with Remus.
“Okay I’ll finish with Rosie then we can go and see him” James said excitedly picking up the brush “Maybe you should take a shower before, you’ve being outside with horses all day.” Peter said, putting his phone back into his pocket. “Oh ya, you’re probably right Peter” James said with a small laugh.
After James was done with Rosie, he went home to take a shower to go see Remus with Peter. By the time he was done it was 3 in the afternoon, they could probably go to their favorite ice cream shop then talk about everything that happened this summer.
James and Peter headed over to Remus’s house in James’ golf cart, they all lived in the same area, but each house were acres apart from each other. As they passed James took in the warm summer Texas smells, the flowers, the BBQs, the smell of pool water, James loved summertime. During summer he didn’t have to worry, no homework, or grades just fun with his friends and girlfriend.
Then James started thinking about his girlfriend Lily. He has liked her ever since 6th grade, but she didn’t like him until last year in 9th grade, their first year of high school. They have been dating ever since. James loved Lily, she was so pretty, her long orange hair, and her face covered in freckles. Lily was also really smart, smarter than James, she was ahead in some subjects because some classes were too easy for her. James couldn’t wait to see her. Lily’s family went to Hawaii for most of summer, they won’t be back until two days till school starts again, so James still had to wait a good while, but at least he was about to have Remus.
When they got to Remus’ house Remus was already outside, James assumed that Peter texted him that they were coming. James jumped out of the golf cart and gave Remus a big hug. Remus wasn’t really a hug person, but no one could stop a hug from James Potter.
“So do you want to go get some ice cream and talk about this summer?” James asked, not really giving Remus a choice. Remus nodded and walked to the golf cart. The ice cream shop was not far so they didn’t need a car or anything like that.
James got chocolate ice cream with Reese’s in a cup, Peter got mint chocolate chip in a chocolate dipped cone, and Remus got vanilla with sprinkles in a cup. “So, Remus how was Philadelphia?” James asked as he sat down at a picnic table the park. “Good, I saw my cousins that I haven’t seen since I was in 3rd grade so that was cool.” Remus said taking a bite of his ice cream.
They stayed there for a while; it was about 6:20 when they got back into the golf cart to go back to Remus’ house. As they drove they noticed a fancy black limo on the side of the rode in front of a house to at was recently sold. Two boys came out of the limo, they looked very close in age but the one with longer hair was definitely older. They both had black hair and looked shocked. James made a mental note to himself to invite them to hang out with them if he sees them around, anyways they looked his age and they were clearly new.
James dropped off Remus first, then Peter. It was starting to get dark, if James wasn't home by the time stars became visible then he would get a real serious talking to by his mom. He parked the golf cart and ran inside as fast as he could, you could see some stars by now. “Sorry mom, me and Peter were hanging out with Remus he just got back from Philadelphia.” James explained, running into the kitchen, where his mom, Euphemia Potter, was making dinner.
“It’s okay love, you got back in time.” She said stirring the noodles on the stove. Euphemia was an amazing cook; James especially loved the spaghetti she made with homemade meatballs. “Did you meet the new people down the street?” Euphemia asked, still not looking away from the pot. James sat down on one of the bar stools. This happened a lot, it was their mother's son's time. While Euphemia made dinner James would tell her about his day. It was something James looked forward to.
“No, I didn’t meet them, but they finally arrived, they have two kids. They look about my age too. I’m going to invite them to hang out if I see them around.” James answered, James really wished he said ‘Hi’ or ‘welcome to the neighborhood’ or something.
“That sounds like a lovely idea James, I spoke with their parents once when they came to the country club a few weeks ago. They said they were moving here from New York. And you are right, their two sons are around your age. The older one is 15 and the younger one is 14. They will probably go to your school this year too.” Euphemia said draining the noodles.
“Well, I think they are kind of weird, they were really proper and kind of snobby.” James’ father, Fleamont Potter, said entering the kitchen. “Oh Monty, don’t be like that, they were probably just nervous and didn’t know if we were proper. They were trying to make a good impression.” Euphemia said, taking the noodles back to the stove. “I’m just warning James, Effi. Their kids might be snobs too and they might be rude.” Monty said, sitting on the bar stool next to James. “Well, I think they are probably just like normal high schoolers like me, Peter, and Remus.” James said defiantly. “I agree James.” Effi said, poring the red tomato sauce into the noodles.
After dinner James went up to his room and got on his PS5 to see if Remus was online. Sadly, he wasn’t so James texted him.
‘hey can U play Calla D with me’
‘I need to finish unpacking then ya’
‘k finish quick I'm bored!!’
It wasn’t long before Remus was online. Remus was good at packing and unpacking. Remus was always organized. That’s why James and Peter borrowed Remus’ notes for a class they missed. They were always color coded and organized with no mistakes. The only thing was Remus’ handwriting wasn’t the best and they sometimes had to ask him what a word was, but other than that his notes were perfect.
While They were playing someone joined their game,
‘Hey, can I join y’all’s team?’ It was a boy’s voice, he sounded about their age, but James couldn’t really tell.
‘Are you good? Because if you are shit then no.’ Remus answered with a laugh.
‘Remus! Ya you can join, I’m kind of shit so if you are it’s fine’ James trying to be kind.
‘I don’t think I’m that shit at it but I’m not the best’ The boy said reassuring.
James was not lying; he was kind of shit at Call of Duty. But the other boy was not shit at all, he was better than Remus! Remus was the best at Call of Duty, and this new guy just beat him! James and Remus were amazed.
‘Ya, your pretty shit at this game, Padfoot203’ Remus said sarcastically.
‘Well, I don’t like to brag, Moony135. And you can Just call me Sirius.’ The boy said with a laugh.
‘And I thought Remus was the best at this game! And my name is James by the way.’ James said amazed when it showed the final scores.
‘And I guess your name is Remus then.’ Sirius asked.
‘Yup. It’s a shit name really’ Remus said. Remus always hated his name. Some people thought it was cool and unique, but he hated it.
‘it’s not that bad, me and my brother are named after stars!’ Sirius exclaimed.
James and Remus laughed at this, they got along really well, especially Sirius and James. They both like pranks, making music, and loved to talk. They both hated the same things too, they both hated school, cleaning, and reading. They became friends fast. They played and talked for a few hours before Sirius had to get off because of his strict parents. It was late anyways so James and Remus got off too.
The next day James went to the country club with his mom, early that morning. The country club was having a Halloween party this year. Yes, it was still July but when they have a party, they have a party. Effie goes all out for any occasion, James thinks that’s where he got, that from, that’s why James was with her. He was the assistant party planner.
“I have a meeting with the Black’s today at 1 so you might be able to meet their kids like you were saying yesterday.” Effie said looking though a stack of papers on her desk. “Ya that would be amazing.” James answered. He was really excited to meet the two Black sons. He really hoped his dad was wrong about them, James never liked thinking that some people weren't good or nice people even though he knew it was true. All he could do is hope.
Soon enough it was 1, James went to the activity room of the club. While Effie went to meet with Walburga and Orion Black. When he got in the room there were already two kids in there. He recognized them from the evening before, they were the Black sons.
James walked over to introduce himself. “Hey, I’m James Potter. You two must be the Black brothers?” James said in the kindest voice he had. “Oh ya, I’m Sirius and this is Regulus.” The taller boy with almost shoulder length wavy hair. James assumed that he was the older one. The other boy, Regulus, with Short curly black hair waved shyly. “I’m so sorry, this is a very weird question but were you playing Call of Duty last night?” James asked Sirius, trying not to sound weird. “Ya....why?” Sirius asked, James had diffidently sounded weird, he knew it. “I’m pretty sure me and my friend Remus were playing with you.” James answered, trying to defuse the tension. “You’re that James! Oh my gosh! That’s weird.” Sirius said, James was sure it was the same person now he sounded more relaxed now, like he did on the game last night.
James showed them around the club then invited them for ice cream later with Remus and Peter. Sirius was quick to agree, Regulus on the other hand was hesitant but Sirius got him to agree. Sirius and regulus seemed like polar opposites. James wondered if all siblings were like that, James was an only child and so was Remus. Peter did have an older sister, but she was a lot older than him, so James didn’t really know her.
The meeting only lasted about an hour. James and Sirius exchanged numbers so James could tell him what time they were all going out for ice cream. James was so happy his dad was wrong about the black brothers, well at least one of them. He didn’t know if regulus was snobby or rude, Regulus didn’t really talk unless James directly asked him a question.
“So how were the Black brothers?” Effie asked, packing up some of her stuff, they were done for the day. “They were great! Actually, I met one of them on Call of Duty last night with Remus!” James exclaimed. Effie smiled; she loved seeing James so happy. James told her about their plans for ice cream later.
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‘hey Remu I met those new people down the road today, and guess what!? The older one is the dude that we played Calla D with last night. I invited him and his brother for ice cream later with us and Pete’
‘WHAT!! That is so cool James! What time R we going out for ice cream?’
‘around 2’
‘k can you pick me up?’
‘ya’
Remus was excited, he wasn’t sure why. Remus has never been a people person, but he just felt like he needed to meet Sirius. James just texted Remus the plan for later and Remus went to tell his mom.
James came to get Remus first because it was the farthest. Then they pulled up to The Black’s mansion like house. A boy with black almost shoulder length wavy hair, with ocean blue eyes, came out of the house first with another boy with black shorter curly hair. The first boy sat next to Remus in the back seat section of the golf cart. The second boy sat next to James in the passenger's seat.
“So, this is Regulus,” James said gestured to the boy in the passenger seat. “And that is Sirius.” James said gesturing to the boy next to Remus. Remus gave a kind wave to Sirius; Sirius gave a little wave in return.
They when to get Peter last, before getting ice cream. The same interaction that happened, when Peter sat down, as when Sirius and Regulus sat down. By the time they got their ice cream and sat down it was about 3.
“So, are you three from here?” Sirius asked after they sat down. “Ya lived here my whole life, my parents own a horseback riding lesson compony here too, that I help out with a lot.” James answered eating his ice cream “Nope, came here when I was 9 from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.” Remus said. “I’m from here too.” Peter said shortly. “We lived in New York our whole life. Well, we lived in Canada for 3 years, but I was 3 and Regulus was only a year old so neither of us remember shit.” Sirius said answering his own question with a bite of ice cream.
“Are you two going to be going to Blue Bonnet High?” Remus asked in the silence. “Ya, I’m going to be in 10 and Regulus is going to be in 9” Sirius answered thoughtlessly. “Do you ever let him answer for himself?” Peter asked with a little annoyed attitude. “What?!” Siruis’ head snapped up. “Well, I just mean you always answer for him before he would even have a chance to answer.” Peter said with more attitude. “Well, maybe it’s none of your fucking business” Sirius meeting Peter’s attitude. “I’m fine with him answering form me.” Regulus said softly but sternly at the same time.
They sat in silence for a few minutes before they started talking about their plans for the next year. “James wanted to be captain of the football team and president of the student. Peter wanted to get a girlfriend and get all A’s. Sirius wanted to join the football team and to get a girlfriend. Regulus wanted to start writing a book about something, but he doesn't know what yet. And lastly Remus, he wanted to do a lot this year, some things he didn’t share with his friends. But what he did share was, he wanted to become top in every class, and he wanted to read a new book every other week. Something that Remus didn’t tell his friends is, he wasn’t to come out to be gay to them. But how? How would he tell them without it being weird? He would find out a way later.
They hung out until 6, James dropped everyone off at their houses. First Peter, then Sirius and Regulus, then Remus. When Remus got him when straight to bed, he was exhausted, he didn’t know why. He didn’t help James with the horses today or mowed the lawn. Why was he so tired? It didn’t really matter, he fell asleep for a hour when he woke up to his mom calling him down for dinner.