Secret Horses
It was late when they got home, well not really but it was almost their curfew. Sirius always hated how early their curfew was, it was 5. When they got home Regulus took a shower, he was sweaty from being outside for the last 3 hours. When he got out, he went to his room and got a new book that he bought from his favorite book shop back in New York.
“Reading again?!?!” Sirius said flopping on Regulus’ bed. Regulus just nodded. “So, I might go to and help James with his horses tomorrow.” Sirius said, putting his arms behind his head. “How? Mom and dad said we can’t leave tomorrow because they will be going to have a meeting with dad’s new boss.” Regulus asked, putting his book down. Regulus could never read when Sirius was talking to him. “I’m gana’ sneak out.” answered like it was obvious. Regulus just rolled his eyes. “You should come too Reg.” “Don’t call me that, and why?” Regulus said lying down now. “Sirius propped up on one of his elbows, so he was looking directly at Regulus. “Regulus, really?!?!” Sirius said with a laugh. “You totally like him.” Sirius said lying back down. “What!! No!” Regulus said sitting straight up. He got up and when to the bathroom. “You’re blushing!” Sirius teased to him as he walked out of the room.
Regulus wasn’t sure if Sirius was right, or Regulus was. Sirius did always know Regulus more than he knew himself. Sirius did help Regulus get out of denial that he was gay last year. Was Sirius, right? Did he have a crush on James? James Potter was so cool, smart, athletic, and don’t forget super fucking hot. Oh... Regulus did have a crush on James Potter. But how could he not, his short untidy black hair sometimes slightly covered his face, and his golden rimmed glasses. James had one of the best smiles too. Regulus’ whole world lit up when James smiled.
Regulus splashed himself with some water from the sink. He needs to stop; he can’t have a crush on a boy he met a few hours ago. James and Sirius were getting along really well too. What if Regulus and James did start dating that would be weird if James’ best friend is Sirius. What is Regulus thinking! James Potter would never date him.
Regulus took a few deep breaths before returning to his now empty bedroom. Sirius probably got bored of waiting for regulus to come back and when back to his own room. Regulus tried to read his book but couldn’t stop thinking about what Sirius said and James. Regulus was going crazy, he knew it, he had to be insane. James and Regulus were so different, it could never work. James might not even be gay; he could be straight. Why didn’t Regulus think of that before? James Potter is probably straight. Another reason why it would never work.
No matter how much Regulus tried to convince himself that it would never work the more he wanted it to happen. In the end Regulus finally fell asleep thinking about ‘what if’. It wasn’t good for Regulus, and he knew it, but he couldn’t stop himself.
When Regulus woke up, he got dressed in some black jeans and a dark green T-shirt. He went downstairs to the dining table to find all the food sat out. Their parents left early that morning. He sat down and got some food on his plate, he took advantage of the fact that his parents weren’t there, he piled his plate high with bacon, eggs, and toast. Sirius came down a few minutes later and did the same thing.
“So, are you sure you don’t want to come with me to your boyfriend’s stables?” Sirius asked holding back a laugh. “He’s not my boyfriend, Sirius. And yes, I’m sure.” Regulus said taking a bite of eggs.
After Regulus was done with his food, he went back upstairs to his room. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do, maybe he would walk around the property, or wright some poetry. But he was definitely not going to be around stinky horses and by James.
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Sirius got ready to sneak out after breakfast. It was going to be easy because his parents weren’t home, he just needed to make sure none of the staff saw him. Which was easy because they never really paid attention to him and Regulus.
He snuck out at 10 and walked to James’ house from there. It was a far walk but his music made the walk easier. Soon enough he was at James’ house. He knocked on the front door. A woman that was just a little taller than him with dark brown hair in a bun, opened the door. “Oh dear, you must be Sirius!” The woman asked. Sirius nodded politely. She moved out of the way and gestured to him to come in.
She called for James; he came down the stairs instantly. “Sirius! You ready?!” James asked, Sirius could tell he was excited. “Yep” Sirius said with a smile.
The woman, Euphemia, who was James’ mother, gave them a few snacks before they left. James drove the golf cart and Sirius sat in the passenger's seat this time. James propped his phone up and put on some music. Sirius never heard this kind of music before. He assumed it was popular around Texas though. Sirius would admit that it wasn’t his favorite if someone asked but he didn’t.
Sirius was amazed when they got to the stables. Sirius never seen anything so full of life. It was coved in Plants and flowers. It looked new too, even though James told him the stable was over 15 years old. James gave Sirius the rundown on the horses and what they needed to do.
The first horse they got out was a Halfinger. His name was Rocket, he was a light tan color with a pale cream color main and tail. “Rocket is 3 years old, he mostly is for the littles, like 6- and 7-year-olds. We need to brush out his main and tail, then get him some exercise. A little girl named Ellie is coming at 2 for her lesson and she will be riding Rocket.” James explained while getting Rocket out of his stable and bringing him out to the open field.
“Can you hold this?” James asked, giving Sirius the lead to rocket before he could even answer. James went back into the stable. Sirius just held the lead and waited for Jams to come back. Sirius didn’t really know what to do so he was watching James really carefully for next time.
James came out with two brushes, one for him and one for Sirius. James showed Sirius how they were supposed to brush the body of the horse then the main and tail. They were done brushing Rocket within 10 minutes. James showed Sirius where they take the horses to get their energy out. It was a giant field. James gave Sirius the lead again, Sirius guided Rocket with a little bit of James’ help to the field then let him wander in the giant field before heading back to the stables.
“Okay this next horse is a Oldenburg, her name is Taylor. She is a show and racehorse. Her owner is one of my best friends, she is in Florida, so I have to take care of her.” James told Sirius when they got back to the stables. Taylor was a beautiful horse; she was white with gray splooshes all over.
“How many races and shows have she won?” Sirius asked amazed feeling the horses soft coat. “About 20” James answered getting a box of hoove cleaning supplies. “Actually, 25, James” a voice came from a corner. “MARLENE!!” James yelled dropping the box of hoove supplies. He ran over to the corner, there was a skinny girl with just about shoulder length blond wavy hair with bangs covered by a white backwards hat. She was wearing a blue and white button up crop top that was tied, with some blue jean shorts and cowgirl boots.
“Wow, James, you already replaced me?!” the girl asked jokily. “Marlene, this is Sirius Black, he is one of the people that have moved in down the street that I told you about.” James gestured to Sirius. Marlene waved politely; Sirius did the same. “Sirius this is Marlene McKinnon, she is the owner of Taylor.” James said gesturing to Marlene. “Taylor is a beautiful horse. And that is amazing how many awards you have won.” Sirius said. “Ya, I learned how the ride at the same as this idiot.” Marlene said pulling James’ head down a little and messing up his already messed up hair more. James pulled away with an eye roll. “If he had enough determination, he would probably be better than me, but nope he likes riding just for fun.” Marlene said with a laugh.
Marlene joined them for the rest of the day, they talked about all sorts of stuff, Marlene’s time in Florida, Marlene and James first riding lessons, New York, Blue Bonnet High. They talked and worked for the next few hours before Marlene asked, “Hey Sirius, why don’t you ride a horse?” “I don’t know how. They don’t really have horseback riding lessons in New York City.” Sirius answered with a smile. “Oh” Marlene said, she looked like she was thinking hard about something.
“I can teach you.” Marlene said with a burst of excitement after a short silence. Sirius looked at her a little confused. “Ya, I can teach you, it’s not that hard, and I am the best” Marlene said with a little swish of her hair as a joke. “Ya that would be really cool.” Sirius said with a smile.
Marlene grabbed his wrist and drug him into the stables. “Marlene where are you taking me?” “Your lessons start now.” Marlene said when they got inside the stables and took Sirius to a stable with a brown horse with a white stripe down its nose. “This is Mateo he is my brother’s horse, be he is at college, so he is used for beginners.” Marlene said. “Can you get him out while I get the saddle?” Marlene asked while putting a loose rope over Mateo’s head.
Marlene brought a saddle, lead, and a step stool. She put the saddle on first then the lead. She lastly put the step stool next to Matao. “Okay Sirius, step on the stool then though one leg over Mateo. Keep your left hand on your thigh and grab the little rope thing with your right hand.” Marlene explained.
Sirius listened very carefully to Marlene’s instructions. He though his leg over the horse he grabbed the little rope Marlene was talking about. He kept his left hand on his thigh.
“Okay, now this part is a little weird, but it is necessary,” this made Sirius question his decision on learning to ride a horse. “To make him to go you will have to say boomboom.” Marlene said, trying to hold in her laugh but failed. Sirius looked at her expecting her to say ‘Just kidding’ but it never came, she was being srtious. “Okay and to turn pull slightly to whichever way you want to go on that little rope.” Marlene explained by pointing at the rope in Sirius’ right hand. “And lastly to get him to stop just pull back lightly on that small rope.”
“boomboom” Sirius said under his breath. “Sorry he didn’t hear you” Marlene teased. Sirius let out a sigh before he said “Boomboom” in his normal voice. Mateo started moving, Sirius wobbled for a second before regaining his balance. They were in one of the open fields. Sirius, when left and right, he stopped and started again. I wasn't that hard, he enjoyed it. After about 30 minutes Marlene helped him get off Mateo.
“What time is it?’ Sirius asked helping put Mateo back I his stable. “Almost 4:40” Marlene answered putting up the saddle. “Shit!” Sirius exclaimed. He picked up his phone to see 15 calls from regulus and 20 text messages. Their parents were going to be home at 5, they were supposed to stay on the property. “What?” Marlene asked as Sirius was starting to panic. “My parents are about to be home, and I wasn’t supposed to leave our property. My brother has been blowing up my phone for the last 30 minutes!” Sirius explained in panic. “What!? You snuck out?!” Marlene asked, turning to him. “Ya and I need to get back before they get home!” Marlene took a deep breath before answering. “Ok, here’s the plan,” Marlene began while getting Taylor out and her saddle “We can ride Taylor over there, she’s the fastest horse here and I know how to ride her.” Marlene finished; it only took a few short minutes to get Taylor ready.
Marlene was right, Taylor was fast, they got there within 10 minutes and thankfully Walburga and Orion weren’t there yet. Sirius thanked Marlene for everything. He made a mental note to make it up to her somehow. He climbed through a downstairs window and quietly went upstairs. He went to his room and grabbed his phone from his pocket.
‘Look in my room’
Sirius texted Regulus. Not even a minute later Regulus came storming into Sirius’ room. “You little fucking asshole!” Regulus said flinging Sirius’ door open.
“Hey, I made it back” Sirius said grabbing his guitar from a corner in his room.
“Ya but what if you weren’t? Then who would get in trouble until you finally got home? Oh ya, ME!!” regulus busted out.
“Ok, I’m sorry. Calm the fuck down.” Sirius said sitting on his bed with his guitar. Regulus stormed out of the room, slamming the door shut. “Ok I get that you’re fucking pissed, but was that really necessary?” Sirius called loud enough so Regulus could hear him. Regulus didn’t answer.
Sirius didn’t care that much, he had an amazing time with James and Marlene, he learned a lot about Marlene. She was a horse race champion, she had an older brother who plays for the Texas Longhorns, she played softball, she learned how to ride a horse when she was 6, her and James has been friends ever since, she played the guitar, and she loved sweet tea. Sirius liked hanging out with Marlene, they got along. And Sirus couldn’t wait for his next horseback riding lesson.
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‘James get your ass over here’
‘what happened’
‘I’ll tell u when u get here’
‘k’
James went to the stable as fast as he could in his golf cart to pick up Marlene and Sirius. When he got there Marlene was standing outside of the stables. James left at 3, but Marlene and Sirius wanted to stay so James told them to text him when they were ready to leave.
As soon as James stopped the golf cart Marlene jumped in. “What happened? Where’s Sirius?” James asked as he started to drive. “Sirius snuck out. His parents told him to stay on their property, but he snuck to your house. I just rode him back to his house on Taylor.” Marlene explained. James was shocked. But at the same time Sirius did seem to be that kind of person to sneak out.
“Do you want to stay for dinner? Mom wouldn’t mind, well actually love if you stayed.” James asked “Sure, I’ll text my dad and tell him.” Marlene said, pulling out her phone from her pocket.
James walked thought the front door and yelled “Mom I brought your daughter!” Effi ran into the four area and gave Marlene a hug. “Marlene sweetheart! How was your summer? How was Florida? How is your father?” Effie asked letting go of Marlene. “Mom give her a chance to answer each question.” James teased “Are you staying for dinner sweetheart?” Effi asked hopefully. “Ya, if that is okay.” Marlene answered with a smile. “Oh of course it is. Anytime!” Effi offered, as James and Marlene fallowed Her into the kitchen. She was making lasagna. Another of James’ favorite.
“So, Marlene how was Florida?” Effie asked again when she was calmer now. “It was amazing actually! We went to the beach every day; I got some really good pictures I can show you later too!” Marlene exclaimed. “I would love that sweetheart.”
They all knew the real reason Marlene and her dad when to Florida was because of her mom. Marlene’s mom ran off last May and hadn’t come back. Marlene’s dad found out that she was somewhere in Miami, Florida. They bought their tickets, and they flew out the next week. Marlene has been gone ever since. They FaceTime once a week, but James could tell she didn’t want to be in Florida anymore. She missed Texas, and James, and Effi, and Taylor. Sometimes James would call her, and it would look like she was crying, she would always deny it and say it was just sunburn, but James knows Marlene and he knows when something isn’t right. From the last time Marlene called him before she came back, they were unsuccessful in finding her mom. James didn’t bring it up around Sirius because it’s not really his business, it’s Marlene’s.
“Are you two excited for school to start again?” Effi asked, pulling out the lasagna dish from the oven. “Kinda, Mary told me that the Rosier twins and that Crouch kid that moved here last year, were coming to our school this year, her brother told her. I remember them from middle school they were the worst troublemakers ever!” Marlene said with a disappointed sigh, “I thought only one of the Rosier twins were a troublemaker? And how is Mary, I haven’t spoken to her in a while? Is she back from Louisiana?” James asked, interested in the conversation now. “I can’t really remember I just remember the name Rosier and trouble together, but you might be right. And Mary is fine I talked to her the other day, she said that are coming back next week.” Marlene answered “Well maybe the Rosier twins have changed since they were in 6th and 7th grade. I heard their mother saying something about Pandora winning a local fashion show, back in July.” Effi said now pulling the pan of garlic bread out of the oven.
Monty came out of his office a few minutes later they all sat at the dining table and talked about their summers’ and the upcoming school year. Still Marlene’s mom was not mentioned, James thought that was on purpose, which he didn’t mind. He didn’t really feel confrontable talking about it either.
“Do you want to play a board game, loves?” Effie asked after everyone was done eating. “That would be amazing!” Marlene answered. Marlene loved board games, mostly because she always won. Marlene won almost everything she could possibly win. She was an undefeated pitcher in softball, she won 25 horse races/shows, she won almost every Potter game night. Marlene was a natural born winner.
They played ‘Clue’ James liked ‘Clue’ it was the only game Marlene ever lost. It was only once but still. The game lives in James’ mind rent free, they were in 2nd grade, 8 years old, Marlene was winning the whole game but James made a random guess right before Marlene’s turn and he was correct! It made James feel good to know that he beat the amazing unbeatable Marlene, even if it was just once.
After the game It was dark out, so Monty drove Marlene home in his old white truck. Marlene loved Monty's old white truck. She has always loved it. Ever since they first met.
James remembers when the school was talking about their driving lessons for the next year and for the rest of the day Marlene talked about her dream car. She wanted a truck just like Monty’s. James was sure she would be the first to get her driver's license in the class.