Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

Before we start; this contains specific cinema vocabulary. For you to understand better, here's a little (slightly cursed) drawing:

Pan-shots are for landscapes, and Inserts for objects. That's it!

Come back to it as much as you want :)

“It’s going to be yours soon?”

“Yeah, it’s going to be mine soon. Stop asking this after every single one,” Sirius laughed.

Everyone had been asking him for the past thirty minutes. He was one of the participants of the short film festival organized by their campus. This year’s theme was ‘is poetry just lines on paper?’. He wasn’t the only one participating.

Remus did too. Earlier, his film had been screened; the story of a man writing poems on a mysterious notebook he found in his dead grandparents’ attic. Turns out the notebook wasn’t an ordinary book, and everything he was writing was becoming real. In short, an ode to poetry and dreams. Of course, Remus was some sort of cinema genius (and this, without the fact that Remus was basically Sirius’ crush in this class); Sirius knew he was going to make something good. But this year, he too had outdone himself.

“Yeah, but most films were screened already,” Mary whispered. “When will yours be? I’m starting to wonder if you really proposed a project for this — ”

“Shhh!” The huge room darkened, a sign that the next film was starting. “Quiet!”

ACT ONE. Scène I.

[Slow push in. James’ in the frame. He’s in football gear, on the field, laughing with teammates. They’ve just finished training. Their voices and laughs are lower than the voice-over.]

James’ voice, offscreen — Hello. My name’s James. And I’m bad at making speeches. (chuckles.) I’m not the greatest with words. Usually. I’m more… your typical sports jock. The nice type, don’t worry. Not the “bullying the nerds” one. Actually… I don’t bully them, I fall in love with them. Well, it’s a long story. It all started one day when I had a school project for literature.

Scène II.

[Eye-level shot of Mrs. Burbage, Medium-long shot.]

Mrs. Burbage — James Potter, you’ll be with Regulus Black. McKinnon, please, stop chatting. You’ll be paired with Miss Meadowes.

(indistinct chatter.)

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (sitting at his table, hands grabbing the edge, taping his fingers on it. He’s listening to what Mrs. Burbage says, then looks around to see where Regulus is.) .

[Point-of-view shot, everyone is blurred but Regulus, who’s sitting in the first rows.]

Regulus (turns his face around to meet James’ gaze) .

[Medium-long shot on James. Camera follows him.]

James (packing his things quickly, putting his backpack on one shoulder and walking to Regulus.) — Hi.

[Medium-long shot on Regulus.]

Regulus (in the middle of packing, turning slightly before focusing on his things again.) — Oh, hi. (not looking up to meet James’ eyes.)

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (one hand in his trousers’ pocket, the other holding the strap of his backpack.) — So, for the school project… (hesitates for an instant.) You’re Regulus, right?

[Two-shot. They’re separated by Regulus’ table. People pass by them, ignoring them.]

Regulus (lifts his eyes swiftly, slightly amused.) — Yes. That’s my name.

James (smiles brightly.) — My name’s James. (tilts his head a bit.)

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus — I know. (looks at his satchel.)

[Insert on Regulus’ hands closing the satchel. There are a few pins on it, one with a gay flag, one with a trans flag, one with a cat, and another one with a skull with a black background.]

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (smiles proudly. Marks a pause before speaking.) — Well, for the project, do you prefer your house or mine?

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (nodding.) — Yours. (puts his satchel over his shoulder with a quick movement.) But I don’t mind the library either. (eyes James up and down with a smirk.) Unless you’re the type to be repelled by libraries. (lower.) I wouldn’t be surprised.

[Close two-shot.]

James (looking at Regulus with a surprised look, but smirking equally. Tilts his head condescendingly.) — I’m not repelled by libraries. (regains his serious tone, and begins to talk slightly with his hands.) It’s just easier at home. I have a lot of materials for school projects at home anyway. My mom works in a shop that sells writing, drawing and other supplies. That’s why we… (notices Regulus looking at him, and feels a bit ashamed by his ranting.) have a lot of these things. So my house. Alright.

Regulus (has a downward smile, and nods quietly.) .

[Medium close-up on James.]

James — When are you free?

Marlene (from outside the frame.) — Potter, what’re you doing?

[Two-shot James and Regulus.]

James (turning around to her, without saying anything for a moment before answering, smiling at her.) — Give me a second, McKinnon! I’ll be there in a second (insisting on the word ‘second’. ). (turning back to Regulus.) Sorry, she’s my friend. She’s a bit loud sometimes, but she’s nice. Anyway. Where were we?

Regulus (playing with a pin on his satchel.) — I’m free tomorrow. After class. I finish at 4 p.m.

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (smiling at him.) — Alright, let’s do this. (searches for something in one of the pockets of his backpack, without taking it off his shoulder. The backpack is messily packed, and James finds a single pen in a random pocket.) Here, give me your arm. I’ll write my number on it.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (mindlessly gives his arm, as asked, blinking.) .

[Insert on Regulus’ arm and James’ hand writing on it.]

James (takes Regulus’ arm, lifts the sleeve of his jumper so his forearm’s skin is exposed, and writes his number there.) .

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (gives another smile, puts the pen in his trousers’ back pocket.) — Here’s my number.

[Medium-long shot on James.]

James (starts walking back to the door without turning his back to Regulus. Winks at him.) — Text me. (smiles.) I’ll send you my address!

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

(sound of James’ footsteps fading out. Marlene and James’ voices and laughter can be heard from afar, that’s the only sound that fills the silence.)

Regulus (a bit speechless, lidded eyes but raised eyebrows, stares at James disappearing into the hallway, shoulders relaxed.) .

[Medium-long shot. Regulus is alone in the classroom now, one sleeve up, his satchel on his shoulder.]

Regulus (looks briefly at his arm and what James wrote on it. He’s standing here without really moving from his table.) — Alright. (looks up from his arm, looking around him, then towards the door.) .

ACT TWO. Scène I.

[Insert on Regulus’ hands. He’s holding a phone, and he has the Contacts app opened.]

Regulus (sighs.) .

[Insert on Regulus’ forearm, there’s James’ messy handwriting, with a number written on it.]

[Medium-long shot on Regulus. He’s in his bedroom. The light is dim. He has his nightstand lamp on, casting a soft blue light on his face. He’s laying on his stomach on his bed, propped on his elbows. His bedroom wall is full of posters and cards and papers about astronomy, poetry and flowers stuck on it.]

Regulus (sighing again, and passing a hand through his hair.) .

[Close-up on Regulus’s eyes. They’re darting from his arm to his phone.]

[Insert on Regulus’ fingers hovering over his phone nervously.]

[Close-up on Regulus’ face.]

Regulus (bites his lip, frowns.) — Okay.

[Insert on the phone and Regulus’ hands.]

Regulus (types the number that’s written on his forearm quickly, with sharp movements.) .

(a new conversation opens itself.)

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (sighs, nods. Whispers, to himself.) — Okay, okay.

[Insert on the phone screen.]

Regulus (typing his message.) — ‘Hi. This is Regulus. You said I could text you’ … (pausing.) No. (erasing the text.)

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (typing his message.) — ‘Good evening’… Argh. (erasing the text.) No, definitely not. (lifts his eyes up to his ceiling.) ‘Hi, it’s Regulus from lit class.’ (nods and types the text on his phone.) ‘Can you send your address?’(winces a bit.) Too direct. (erases a bit.)‘I’ll need your address for the school project reunion tomorrow. Can you send it, please?’ (nods, focused.) Okay. Good. (types some more.) ‘Please.’(nods.) Now it’s not too bad. (re-read his text.)

[Close-up on Regulus’ face.]

Regulus (bites the inside of his cheek out of nervousness.) .

[Medium close-up on Regulus, his phone in the frame. It’s lighting his face in whitish light.]

Regulus (sighs.) — Alright. James Potter, if you gave me a wrong number, I’ll… (doesn’t finish his sentence, and pauses, pursing his lips. Then Regulus clicks on the send button.)

[Medium-long shot of Regulus laying down.]

Regulus (turns the screen of his phone off.) .

[Insert on a pile of books, some random ones and some school books. Regulus’ hand enters the frame and he grabs the book on top of the pile.]

Scène II.

[Over-the-shoulder shot of James, at his desk. There’s a book opened and turned upside down to mark the page on his desk, and a few pens lie there untouched. His phone is on the side, turned upside down too.]

[Medium close-up of James. His desk lamp is on, and some orange light lights his body.]

James (looking at his ceiling, lazily. Hands folded on his stomach. He gave up on studying.) .

[Insert on his phone. Nothing happens, then the screen lights itself, and even though it’s face down, it’s possible to see the light of the screen from a notification.]

(sound of a notification.)

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (looking down at his phone.) — Hm? (taking the phone, and looking at the notification.)

[Insert on the phone in James’ hand.]

(the notification says: Unknown - Hi. It’s Regulus from lit class. I’ll need your address for the school project reunion tomorrow. Can you send it, please?)

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (stares at the notification, then unlocks his phone, and opens the notification. Then, with a surprised tone.) — Regulus? (he stares at the text for one more second, before smiling wryly.)

Scène III.

[Medium close-up on Regulus, in his bedroom.]

Regulus (passes a hand on his face, rubbing his eyes a bit on the way. He’s reading his book on his bed, laying on his stomach, propped on his elbows.) .

(blue light lights his face.)

Regulus (sighs and turns a page.) .

Scène IV.

[Medium close-up on James, in his bedroom.]

(orange light lights his face.)

James (typing quickly on his phone, still smiling.).

Scène V.

[Medium close-up on Regulus, in his bedroom.]

(blue light lights his face.)

(notification sound.)

Regulus (lifting an eyebrow, looking at his phone lighting next to him. He sighs, and takes his phone.) — Is it…?

[Insert on Regulus’ hands, and his phone.]

(the notification says: Hi Regulus, it’s James :).)

[Close-up on Regulus’s face.]

Regulus (blinks at the text, then unlocks his phone.) .

(another incoming message notification sound.)

Regulus — Oh.

[Insert on the phone’s screen and Regulus’ hands. Their conversation is open, and James sent two texts.]

(one text is James saying hi, the other is him sending his address.)

ACT THREE. Scène I.

[Black background.]

(sound of doorbell ringing.)

[Door opens. Medium close-up on Regulus. Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective.]

Regulus (has his satchel with him, dressed with a jumper, baggy black jeans, and Doc Martens. He smiles a bit awkwardly.) — Hi.

[Medium close-up on James. Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective.]

James (with messy wet hair, a sport t-shirt, joggings and white socks with one that has a hole in it. He smiles softly.) — Hi. Welcome, get inside.

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium close-up. They’re in James’ entrance/living-room.]

Regulus (is now inside, looking around him.) — Thanks.

James (closes the door behind them, then turns around and watches Regulus looking around. Scratches the back of his head.) — Sorry, I’m just back from practice. Do you want something to drink? (he walks past Regulus, to show him the way to the kitchen, then he turns around, waiting for Regulus’ answer.)

Regulus (turns his head toward James, meeting his gaze.) .

James — We have orange juice, apple juice. Water? (lifting his shoulders interrogatively.)

Regulus — Water is fine.

[Medium-long shot of Regulus. He’s still standing in the middle of the living-room.]

(the sounds of steps walking away.)

Regulus (looking around him.) — It’s nice. Your house is nice.

[Medium close-up of James, in his kitchen.]

James (speaking louder for Regulus to be able to hear him, but focused on pouring two glasses of water.) — Thanks. My parents come home late, so it’ll be just the two of us for a bit.

[Medium-long shot of James coming back in the living room with two glasses of water in his hands. James gets closer to the camera as he walks, and it becomes a medium close-up.]

James (smiling.) — Here’s your water.

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium close-up.]

Regulus (taking the water.) — Thanks.

James (taking a sip.) — Ready? I’ll show you my room.

Regulus (nodding.) .

Scène II.

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium-long shot.]

(the light is a mix between the white nightstand lamp, and the orange desk lamp.)

[Insert on the paper and the pens on the floor between them. They’re not paying it any attention. The work is started but lays untouched and unfinished.]

Regulus (sitting cross-legged on James’ bedroom floor, his back against James’ bed, speaking with his hands.) — And so that’s why a lot of people use words today without knowing where they’re from.

James (sitting on his bedroom floor, one knee up, his arms crossed on top of it, and his chin burring in the crook of it, listening attentively to Regulus speaking.) — Interesting.

Regulus (clearing his throat.) — Sorry, that was off-topic.

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (shaking his head.) — No, no, that’s interesting. And so Shakespeare is the master at making up words. Isn’t he?

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (smiling at James.) — Oh, yeah, he is. He invented a bunch of words and people of his time were just rocking with it, basically. (shrugging, looking up to the ceiling.) But he’s not the only one. The sixteenth century was full of guys trying to come up with words. In France there’s Rabelais too for example.

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (listening attentively, with a light smile.) .

Regulus (speaking off frame.) — He didn’t write as much poetry as Shakespeare, though. Even though Shakespeare’s invented words are often far from being… poetic.

[Two-shot of James and Regulus in the bedroom.]

Regulus (looking back at James.) — Did you know he invented the word ‘alligator’? Or the word ‘lonely’. (with a smirk.) Or ‘obscene’.

[Close-up on James’s face.]

James (chuckling, and smirking equally.) — Interesting knowledge you have here.

[Close-up on Regulus’s face.]

Regulus (looking at the poster they started earlier.) — I know, right. (marks a pause before pointing at the poster with his chin.) Maybe we should make research for this instead of chatting about words Shakespeare invented.

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (taking his chin off his crossed arms.) — Yeah. (taking his laptop from his bed.) Maybe we can do some more research. (goes to sit next to Regulus with his laptop open. pointing at the space next to Regulus.) Can I?

[Point-of-view from James’ perspective. High angle shot of Regulus.]

Regulus (still sitting with his back against James’ bed, looking at him with a glimmer in his eyes.) — Yes.

Scène III.

[Two-shot of Regulus and James sitting together in James’ bedroom, on the floor, their backs on James’ bed, James’ laptop on their knees. They’re both reading something that’s on the screen. Medium-long shot.]

James (with a pen in his mouth, playing with it as he reads.) .

Regulus (has a pen stuck behind his right ear, very focused on the screen, frowning a bit.) .

(sound of a door closing.)

Regulus (looking up from the screen, then at James. He nudges him lightly with his shoulder.) — Is it your parents?

James (looking up in turn, then meeting Regulus’ gaze.) — Hm? Yeah, probably my dad.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (pursing his lips briefly, looking hesitant.) — Should I go downstairs to present myself or…?

James (off frame.) — Hm?

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (looking back at the screen, resuming his reading.) — No, don’t worry. He’ll come up and knock at the door in a few minutes.

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium close-up.]

Regulus (looking at James.) .

James (looking up at Regulus.) — What? (sensing Regulus’ nervousness, getting a bit worried.) Are you stressed? There’s no need, you know. (with a light smile.) My dad’s nice. (his smile growing wider.) He’s brilliant actually. He works in a vineyard. I think that’s cool. (shrugging.) And he makes bad jokes, but I guess everybody’s dad does that. (looking up at the ceiling to think better.) He also goes to every single one of my matches since I was eight, and he always makes a silly sign to cheer for me. My mom helps him, actually, but— 

Regulus (smiling a bit, looking at James talking about his dad with softness in his gaze.) .

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up of James.]

James — My mom’s brilliant too, actually. You’d like her. She’s very smart. (looking back at Regulus, smiling at him downwardly.) She’s a bit like you.

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up of Regulus.]

Regulus (mouth slightly agape, surprised, blushing lightly at the compliment.) — Really? I…

(sound of three knocks at the door.)

Regulus (looks away from James, looking towards the door.) .

[Medium-long shot of the door.]

Fleamont Potter (voice muffled by the door.) — James? Are you here?

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium close-up.]

Regulus (unsure, looks at James.) .

James (looks at the door.) — Yeah, I’m here. I’m with Regulus, a classmate. We’re working. (There’s a pause. James looks at Regulus with a smile before turning back to the door.) You can come in.

Regulus (straightening his back slightly.) .

[Medium-long shot of the door.]

(the door opens.)

Fleamont Potter (appears in the door frame. He’s smiling kindly.) — Hello boys.

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium close-up.]

James (smiling lightly at Regulus, then at his dad.) — Hello. (with his hands.) Dad, Regulus. (meeting Regulus’ gaze.) Regulus, my dad, Fleamont.

Regulus (smiling nervously, a bit hesitant.) — Pleased to meet you, sir.

[Medium-long shot of Fleamont Potter.]

Fleamont Potter (waving it off, with a soft smile for Regulus.) — Oh, no need to call me sir. Call me Fleamont. (looking at both James and Regulus.) I won’t disturb you any longer. Are you staying for dinner, Regulus?

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium close-up.]

James (looking at Regulus expectantly.) .

Regulus (looking down to his knees very briefly, before looking up with a small smile.) — Oh, no, my parents are waiting for me at home. Maybe another time. Thank you for offering.

James (pursing his lips, nodding.) .

[Medium-long shot of Fleamont Potter.]

Fleamont Potter (nodding once.) — Of course. Well, see you later. (with a little smile.) Don’t forget to take breaks. (starting to close the door.)

[Two-shot on Regulus and James. Medium close-up.]

James — We won’t!

(sound of the door closing.)

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (looking at Regulus.) — See? My dad’s cool.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (head tilted to the side, looking at James with a very discreet smile.) .

James (off frame, his tone slightly teasing.) — What?

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (has a smirk on his face.) .

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium close-up.]

James (bites his bottom lip to impeach his smile to grow wider.) .

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (still staring at James, his discreet smile threatening to grow wider too, as James’ a bit contagious.) .

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (biting his lip but smiling anyway.) — What! Tell me!

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium-long shot.]

James (pushing Regulus lightly in his shoulder, making the laptop fall slowly on the floor.) .

James and Regulus (watch as the laptop hits softly the floor, landing on the carpet with a thud. Both of them stop for a second.) .

Regulus (still smiling a bit.) — Be careful, you’re going to break your stuff.

James (still smirking, rolling his eyes.) — Nah, we’re good. So why was that smirk?

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (avoiding James’ gaze, looking at their poster instead, grabbing a pen, smirking.) — Nothing. I didn’t even smirk.

James (trying to keep his smile downward, with a low voice.) — Liar.

Regulus (ignoring his comment, and writing something on the poster.) .

People were looking at Sirius. He knew they were watching him, their eyes piercing and burning his skin; his brother — Regulus — and his best friend — James — were acting in this short film, and people probably wanted to see his reaction. They were playing characters falling in love; and Sirius Black was sort of known to kick in the nuts everyone getting too close to his brother. So it was no surprise that people wanted to see his reaction to this; thinking he hadn’t been informed before. Thinking he was about to burst into flames at any given moment now. But Sirius gave them no satisfaction. Instead, he stared intently at the screen, watching the next scenes unroll before his eyes.

ACT FOUR. Scène I.

[Black background.]

(sound of doorbell ringing.)

[Door opens. Medium close-up on Regulus. Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective.]

Regulus (has his satchel with him, dressed with a different jumper than the other day, but overall the outfit is similar. He smiles a bit.) — Hi.

[Medium close-up on James. Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective.]

James (with messy wet hair, a different sport t-shirt, different jogging than the other day, and grey socks with one that has a hole in it, again. He smiles brightly.) — Hi.

Scène II.

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium close-up. They’re in James’ bedroom, on the floor, with the poster between them.]

(there’s a silence, none of them speaks, and there is only the noise of pens and paper.)

James (colors something on the poster, lies down on his stomach.) .

Regulus (sitting cross-legged with his back against James’ bed, a book opened on his lap, reading silently. Turns a page.) .

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (still coloring, without lifting his face.) — Is there something you like more than anything? (picking another pen.)

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (lifting his face from his book.) — Huh? (blinking once.) What?

[Insert on James’ hand, coloring the poster.]

[Medium close-up on James.]

James — Is there something you like more than anything? I mean… (hesitating.)

[Medium close-up on Regulus. Reaction shot.]

James (offscreen.) — We never really talked before but you’re pretty cool. Tell me more about you.

Regulus (eyes opened in interest, shoulders relaxed, looking at James coloring the poster. Smiles downwardly very lightly and discreetly at James’ words.) .

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (lifting his eyes from the poster, with a genuine smile.) — I want us to be friends.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (trying to hide his smirk.) — Really?

James (offscreen.) — See?

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (propped on one elbow, laying on his side, watching Regulus.) — You’re interesting, and none of my friends are like you. You’re nothing like them. (smiling.) I wonder why I never spoke to you before.

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (looking to the side briefly, before looking back at James.) — Probably because I’m not really the type of person people like you talk to.

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (scrunching his nose.) — I don’t like that explanation.

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium-long shot.]

Regulus (sighs.) — It’s true.

James (shrugs.) — I don’t know if it is.

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (smiling defiantly.) — Let’s change that.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (smiling a bit, James’ is contagious.) .

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium-long shot.]

(little silence. They smile at each other.)

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up of James.]

James — So, what’s the thing you like the most? Like, (looking up to think better.) the thing that you’d rather die than give up on? (looks back at Regulus with great interest.)

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (wetting his lips, before biting his bottom one.) — Stars.

Scène III.

[Over the shoulder shot, over James’ shoulder. Medium-long shot of Regulus. Regulus is on James’ porch, and James is with him at the door, holding it. It’s almost night outside/twilight.]

James — Are you sure you don’t want me to walk you to your house?

Regulus (smiling at him.) — No, because then you’d have to walk back to your house alone. It would be useless.

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James in the doorframe.]

James (shrugging.) — I could drive you home. (pointing vaguely behind him with his thumb.) I can get my car out of the garage quickly, really.

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus on the porch.]

Regulus (shaking his head, with a very light and discreet smile.) — No, don’t worry. I need to walk a bit. The fresh air is fine. (grabbing his satchel with both his hands, marking a pause.) Thanks for today. (looking like he wants to add something.)

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’s perspective. Medium close-up on James in the doorframe.]

James (tilting his head to the side, with a wry smile, looking at Regulus in the eye.) — You’re welcome. (smirking softly.) I loved talking about stars and football with you. (nodding lightly.) That was fun.

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus on the porch.]

Regulus (tightening his grip nervously on the strap of his satchel, smiling anyway, looking to the side briefly.) — Oh… Well, you probably have a lot of people with whom you can talk about football. (looking back at James.)

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James in the doorframe.]

James (head still tilted a bit, the tone of his voice a bit unsure.) — My teammates?

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus on the porch.]

Regulus (shrugging.) — Yes.

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus perspective. Medium close-up on James in the doorframe.]

James (smiling wryly, shrugging vaguely.) — They won’t tell me about the stars. It’s not the same. (a pause.) It’s not as good, to be honest.

[Close-up on Regulus’s face.]

Regulus (swallows. He has a little proud smile.) — Oh, really?

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus perspective. Medium close-up on James in the doorframe.]

James (nodding, smiling with a touch of mischief.) — Really. (with a little bit less mischief.) No one before has told me about the stars the way you did.

[Medium close-up on Regulus, showing his side profile.]

Regulus (mouth very faintly agape.) — Oh.

[Medium close-up on James, showing his side profile.]

James (smiling, clueless of Regulus’ reaction.) — Yeah. 

[Master shot of Regulus and James. Shows the porch, the road, and the two characters.]

(little silence.)

[Pan shot. Medium close-up on Regulus, showing his side profile, then sliding to a point-of-view shot from James’ perspective.]

Regulus (looking down, biting his lip to refrain a smile.) .

James (off-screen.) — Thanks for today.

Regulus (lifting his face, with a neutral expression.) — Thank you for today.

Scène IV.

[Master shot of Regulus, turning his back to the camera, walking on the side of the road. It’s twilight. He’s alone. There’s a few trees in the gardens he passes by. There are no cars or no people, he’s all alone.]

Regulus (walks, a bit slowly, a bit clumsily, as if he is walking on an invisible line, he is holding the strap of his satchel with one hand.) .

[Medium-long shot of Regulus, from the side.]

Regulus (looking down at his feet, focused, as if lost in his thoughts.) .

[Long shot of Regulus, facing the camera, still walking.]

(some birds chirping in the far background.)

[Close-up of Regulus’ face.]

Regulus (smirks to himself, biting his bottom lip. Then giggles.) .

[Long shot of Regulus, turning his back to the camera.]

Regulus (starts walking in the middle of the road, dances awkwardly a bit, as he giggles/laughs.) .

ACT FIVE. Scène I.

[Long shot of James in the locker room. There are several teammates around him. They’re in football gear.]

James (sitting on a bench in the middle of the locker room, with his phone in his hands, typing a text, focused on it, smiling at his phone.) .

Peter (passing by James, with a teasing tone.) — Oh, mate, you’ll text your girlfriend later!

[Medium-long shot of James. His teammates are starting to leave, and the locker room is emptying itself.]

James (lifts his face to look at his teammate, smiling at him. With a fake-annoyed tone.) — I’m not texting my girlfriend, I don’t have a girlfriend! (looking back at his phone screen.)

Peter (off-screen, still with his teasing tone.) — It’s only a matter of time… Who’re you texting with that big smile of yours?

[Medium close-up on Peter.]

Peter (searching for something in his locker, then looking back at James, and with a cheesy voice tone.) — I’m jealous, Potter.

[Medium-long shot of James. They’re now alone in the locker room.]

James (grabs a random t-shirt that was left on the bench, and tries to whip Peter with it, laughing, with a wide smile.) — Shut up!

Peter (offscreen, yelping and laughing in the background.) — Oh, but you’re really down bad, on top of this! Defending your princess like a valiant knight. (pretends to sob dramatically.) You’re cheating on me.

James (going back to his phone with a smile, replying distractedly to Peter.) — No. I could never, Pettigrew. (types something with a chuckle.)

[Medium close-up on Peter.]

Peter (closing his locker, looking at James with a mocking grin. Sighing and shaking his head a bit.) — Oh, my. (walks away.) Get ready soon, mate, we’re starting soon! (sound of his steps walking away.)

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (nodding distractedly.) — Hm-hm.

[Insert on James’ phone and hands holding the phone. It’s the conversation with Regulus.]

James (sent the first text: Hi, you should come at the end of football practice friday, at 6pm :).) .

James (sent the second text: So we can go to my house together for the last meetup.) .

Regulus (sent the third text: are you sure?) .

James (sent the fourth text: Yes, of course. And like that you’ll see me play a bit ;).) .

Regulus (sent the fifth text: alright, i’ll be there.) .

James (sent the sixth and last text: Nice :).) .

[Close-up on James’ face.]

James (smiling, looking at his screen.) .

Teammate (offscreen, screaming from afar.) — Potter! You’re late!

[Long shot of James in the locker room. He’s the only one left in here.]

James (shoves his phone in his sport bag, that is at his feet, and stands up.) .

[Insert on James’ feet. His shoes are not tied.]

James (walks on one of the laces, trips but doesn’t fall.) .

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (looks down at his feet.) — Shit.

Scène II.

[Long shot of Regulus. He’s standing next to the bleachers, in the shadow, facing the camera, not quite in the middle of the frame, there is a guardrail in front of him. A few football players pass in front of him, playing.]

Regulus (arms crossed, his satchel on his shoulder, looking in front of him.) .

(sound of a whistle, people screaming some instructions that aren’t fully comprehensible.)

[Wide shot of James among his teammates, running after the ball, and making signs with his arms.]

Scène III.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (looking in front of him, arms crossed on his chest, still standing next to the bleachers. He’s wearing another variation of the outfit he usually wears.) .

James (offscreen, with a cheerful tone.) — Hi, Regulus.

Regulus (turns his head toward James’ voice, one eye closed from the sun that blinds him.) — Hi James. (softly.)

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium-long shot.]

James (entering the frame, leaning against the guardrail next to Regulus, crossing his arms on his chest. With a proud tone.) — So, how was I?

Regulus (looking up and down at James.) — Not terrible.

James (grinning wryly.) — Oh, come on. That’s it?

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (hiding a smile, looking at James.) — What. What do you expect me to say?

[Medium close-up on James. He’s sweaty, and his hair is messy. His cheeks are redder than usual.]

James (shrugging, still smiling, looking in front of him, at the field.) — I don’t know. It’s the first time you’ve seen me play. (looking back at Regulus with a smirk.) Thought you’d be impressed.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (rolls his eyes, smirking.) — Oh, come on, Potter. (pointing at himself.) Do I look like the kind to be impressed by some football?

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (marks the pause, looks away from Regulus and squints from the sun, then shrugs still with the smirk on his face.) — Dunno.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (shakes his head, with jaded eyes and a smirk.) — Liar. I’m not, and you know it. (shrugging.) Besides, it’s not the first time I’m seeing you play. (looks in front of him, avoiding James’ gaze.)

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium-long shot.]

James (turning his face toward Regulus, surprised.) — You saw me play before? You already came to one of our matches?

Regulus (still looking in front of him, avoiding James’ gaze.) — Yes. I did.

James (smiling genuinely.) — But I never saw you! (looking in front of him.) You should have come to me.

Regulus (squinting from the sun.) — Don’t be silly, we weren’t friends back then. I wouldn’t have… (shrugging.) well, you know. We didn’t know each other.

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium close-up.]

James (looking at Regulus, leaning a bit more with his arms on the guardrail.) — Alright, you’re not wrong. (smiling.) But you came to one of our matches.

Regulus (rolling his eyes, pursing his lips, mumbling.) — Not one.

James (getting closer to Regulus to hear better, smirking.) — Hm?

Regulus (looking at the floor, mumbling.) — Not just one match.

James (biting his bottom lip, looking fondly at Regulus, his mouth getting closer to Regulus’ ear.) — Oh, but I heard correctly then. (with a smirk, and a little tilt of the head.) Beware, Regulus, soon you’ll transform into a fan. (with a teasing tone.) For someone that isn’t ‘ impressed by some football ’…

Regulus (hitting James’ shoulder with his, and pushing him.) — Don’t start. (looking up at James and meeting his gaze.) And aren’t you supposed to go change, or something? (pretending to sniff the air around him, and then with a snarky tone.) You’re stinky.

James (backing up a bit, biting his bottom lip, then barking a laugh.) .

People are staring at Sirius; he feels it on his back. He knows people are burning holes at the back of his head, wondering one and a thousand things. He almost hears all of their thoughts.

ACT SIX. Scène I.

[Medium close-up on James, facing the camera. He’s sitting in the driver’s seat. His hair is wet from a shower, and he’s wearing a shirt that says ‘I’m dangerous. I can poison your cookies if you’re mean to me.’.]

James (grabbing the steering wheel.) — Alright. (turning to Regulus with a little smile.) Is your seatbelt fastened?

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus. He’s sitting on the passenger’s seat. His satchel on his lap.]

Regulus (with his seatbelt fastened, nodding.) — Yes.

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (looking back in front of him, starting the engine.) — Perfect.

Regulus (offscreen, sarcastic.) — Do you even have your driving license?

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (holding his satchel with both his hands, pursing his lips, lowering his voice.) — Maybe I shouldn’t have gotten into your car.

[Medium close-up on Regulus, looking in front of him, facing the camera.]

James (offscreen.) — You’re being dramatic. Of course I have my driving license. My friends are always saying I drive like a pro. (a little pause.) My mom says so too. (gets out of his parking place.)

Regulus (looking out the window with a soft smirk.) .

Scène II.

[Black screen. Then the front door of James’ house opens. Medium-long shot, two-shot of James and Regulus.]

James (opening the door, walking in first, with a smile.) — Make yourself comfortable. (chuckles.) You’re used to my house now. (closing the door behind them, fiddling a bit with the lock to get the key, and finally getting it.)

Regulus (walking in, smiling at James’ words.) .

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (looking at Regulus, with a sort of shy smile.) — My house is going to miss you.

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium-long shot of Regulus.]

Regulus (turning around to face James, with a surprised look and an amused smile.) — Your… house. (lowering his chin a bit, lifting his eyebrows.) Your house is going to miss me? 

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (scratching the back of his head quickly, looking away briefly.) — Yeah, I mean, it’s going to be weird without our meetups here. (looks back at Regulus, puts his glasses up on his nose, shrugs.) You should come back here some time. Even if we don’t have group projects together.

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium-long shot of Regulus.]

Regulus (very amused but not mocking, tilting his head slightly to the side.) — You mean, we should hang out.

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (nodding with a smile.) — Yeah, exactly. We should hang out sometime. Together. (smiling wider, tilting his head a bit to the side. Marks a pause.) Hm, (clearing his throat.) do you want water? (looks at his phone to check the time.) I can make tea, if you want. (looks up to meet Regulus’ gaze, smiling at him.) We have time. We’re almost done with this lit project.

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (eyes shining a bit at that.) — You would?

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium-long shot. They’re both in the living room.]

James (scratching the back of his head briefly.) — Make tea? (nodding.) Yeah, of course. (starts walking to the kitchen.) Do you have a preference?

Regulus (following James to the kitchen.) .

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium-long shot, facing the camera. They’re walking in the kitchen.]

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (goes to open a cupboard.) — I recall we have green tea, black tea, hibiscus maybe. What do you prefer? (turns around to meet Regulus’ gaze.) Wait, let me guess.

[Medium close-up on Regulus, standing in the entrance of the kitchen.]

Regulus (watching James, with an amused smile, arms crossed on his chest, leaning against the wall.) .

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (looking up to think better, then pointing his index at Regulus.) — Black tea!

Regulus (chuckling offscreen.) — Bingo.

James (smiling wider, then turning around to open the cupboard and take the tea out of it. Lower, to himself.) — I knew it.

Scène III.

[Two-shot of Regulus and James in the kitchen. Medium-long shot.]

James (hands the cup of black tea he made for Regulus.) — Here.

Regulus (grabs it.) — Thank you.

James — Do you take any sugar, any honey with it? Some milk maybe?

Regulus (bringing the tea closer to his chest, humming it.) — If you have honey, I wouldn’t say no.

James (smiles.) — Of course. (searches in his cupboards, finds the honey pot, takes a spoon from a drawer, and puts both on the counter.) Here you go. (smiles.)

Regulus (getting closer, putting his cup on the counter, opening the honey pot, taking the spoon, doing his thing.) .

James (watching with a smile.) .

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (not looking up at James.) — You’re not having any tea?

[Medium close-up on James.]

James — Nah. I’m good. (opens the fridge, takes some orange juice out of it, pours himself a glass of juice.) I rarely drink tea.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (looking up, with an interrogative look on his face.) — Why did you offer to make tea then?

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (smiles over the rim of his glass, taking sips.) — Well, you waited for me outside for a while. Thought something warm might… warm you.

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium-long shot. They’re standing close to each other, James facing the camera, Regulus turning his back to it. They’re looking at each other.]

Regulus (tilting his head, blinking.) — James, it’s spring. (smiling incredulously.)

James (shrugging.) — I don’t know. (leaning against the counter, almost sitting on it.) It’s still a bit cold outside.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (blinks at James, a grin growing on his face, then looks down back at his cup of tea.) .

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium-long shot.]

Regulus (putting honey in his tea, closing the honey pot, letting the spoon in his cup of tea. Smirking and nodding slowly.) — Of course. (drinks his tea, looking up at James with a satisfied smirk.)

James (looking attentively at Regulus with a downward smile.) — See? It’s worth it. You’re happy with your tea.

Regulus (swallows his sip of tea, rolls his eyes, poking the inside of his cheeks with his tongue to mask his smirk.) — Come on, Potter. Nothing of what you say makes sense.

Scène IV.

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Long shot of them in James’ bedroom. There’s Regulus’ cup of tea on the floor, and the poster for the group project as well. It’s almost finished. Regulus and James are both sitting next to each other, around the poster.]

Regulus (gluing a paper to the poster, focused.) — And? You feel like you’re ready?

James (searching for something in a pencil case.) — Well, yes. (aside.) Do you know where the scissors are?

Regulus (grabbing the scissors lying on the floor next to him, and handing them to James.) .

James (looking up, grabbing the scissors.) — Thanks. (continuing his previous sentence where he left it.) Yeah, we’re ready. (ranting with a smile, taking a sheet of paper with some text in it, cutting it.) This is a bit the match of our season, but the guys and I, we… we trained a lot. We’re ready to fight against Durmstrang’s team. They’re good though. It’s not going to be easy. Their receivers are good.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (nodding, listening quietly, gluing his papers to the poster, filling some holes.) .

[Medium-long shot of James.]

James (sitting with his legs extended, looking at Regulus with a wry smile.) — Is it interesting?

Regulus (offscreen.) — What?

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium-long shot of Regulus.]

James (offscreen.) — What I’m saying.

Regulus (looks up to meet James’ gaze, blinks slightly, waiting for James to elaborate.) .

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (shrugging.) — I've been talking non-stop about football since earlier. (with a contrite smile.) 

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (smiling slightly.) — I don’t mind. I don’t know shit about strategies and other team’s skills but it’s whatever.

James (offscreen.) — Really?

Regulus (nodding, smiling kindly.) — Yes. (looking back down at his glue and paper, putting glue on another paper.) I’m not good with the talking so… I don’t mind you talking about football. (shrugs.) It’s nice, I’m learning stuff. Plus you seem to really like talking about it.

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (almost blushing, smiling with his lips pursed, looking down a bit.) .

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (clueless of James’ reaction, sticking the paper to the poster.) — And you listened to me talk about stars the other day. I can rant about it for hours without noticing, and you let me. That was nice of you. I guess it’s the same for you and football. (smiles to himself.)

[Insert on Regulus’ fingers pressing the paper to make it stick to the poster.]

Regulus — It would be unfair of me to not reciprocate.

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (focused on sticking some more papers.) — In any case I’m not listening to you out of duty. (smiling to himself again. Marking a pause. Lifting his face to meet James’ gaze.) It’s interesting, and seeing you so passionate about it almost makes me want to play (chuckles.) 

[Reaction shot of James. Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up.]

James (watching Regulus as he speaks, fascinated, breathing visibly. The corner of his lips rising as Regulus chuckles, but his eyes are stuck on fascination.) .

[Point-of-view shot of Regulus from James’ perspective. Medium close-up.]

Regulus (smiling awkwardly.) — What? I meant what I said. (tilting his head, looking to the side, lowering his voice, with mischief.) Even though I really won’t play football. I’m so bad at running after a ball. (sticking more papers to the poster.)

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (looking at Regulus, smirking.) — Okay, we definitely need to play football together one day.

[Two-shot on Regulus and James. Medium-long shot.]

Regulus (looking at James.) — What? (laughing.) No, we definitely don’t.

James (smiling equally.) — Oh, yes we do. When are you free?

Regulus — No, no, no! (smirking.) I’m not playing football .

James — What, are you too good for playing football with me, mister I Know Which Words Shakespeare Invented?

Regulus (chuckling.) — Oh, that happened once.

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James — You know which words Shakespeare invented! I bet the little nerd that you are knows in which book the words appeared for the first time. (looking at Regulus expectantly.)

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (looking away, smirking, blushing a bit in the dim light.) .

[Medium close-up on James.]

James — You do! (puts a hand in front of his mouth to hide his smile.) I can’t believe it…

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (rolling his eyes, smiling despite his efforts to hide it.) — Not for all of them…

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (to himself, lower, biting his bottom lip, his hand wandering on his chin.) — You do. You really do.

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium-long shot.]

Regulus (rolling his eyes again.) — You’re being dramatic.

James (still impressed, smiling.) — I’m not. (without a pause.) You need to play football with me.

Regulus (lifting one eyebrow, with a wry smile.) — That again?

James (nodding.) — Yes.

Regulus — You never give up, huh?

James (shaking his head with a smile.) — Nuh-huh.

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (reluctantly.) — Alright. But if I suck, don’t force me to continue.

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (happy.) — You’re not going to regret it.

[Medium-long shot of Regulus.]

Regulus (gluing the last papers, filling the last holes in the poster, looking away from James. To himself, lower.) — I am going to regret it.

Scène V.

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Long shot. They’re leaving James’ house, walking away from the porch, James just locked the door after them.]

Regulus (waiting for James to get to his level.) — You know, I could have walked back to my house by myself.

James (walking to him, vaguely pointing at the sky.) — It’s almost night.

Regulus (shaking his head.) .

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus — It isn’t more night than usual, when I leave your house.

[Medium close-up on James.]

James — Yeah, but I need to walk a bit. (walking next to Regulus.)

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Long shot. Their backs to the camera. There aren't any cars, any people, they’re alone. It’s twilight. They’re walking in the middle of the road.]

Scène VI.

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium-long shot. They’re walking in the middle of the road. James is the closest one to the sidewalk, Regulus is the one the most in the middle. They’re facing the camera. The light is bluer than before, but it’s not exactly night yet. A car with its headlights on is approaching behind them.]

James (grabbing Regulus’ wrist softly.) — Car. There’s a car.

Regulus (turns around, sees the car.) — Oh. (follows James to the side of the road, to let the car pass.)

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Over-the-shoulder of James, who’s turning his back to the camera. Medium close-up.]

(both of them watch the car pass by. They stopped walking.)

[Insert on James’ hand and Regulus’ wrist.]

James (lets go of Regulus’ wrist.) .

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium close-up. They’re facing each other.]

James (looks at the car driving away.) .

Regulus (looks at James’ hand, that isn’t holding him anymore.) .

[Close-up on Regulus’ face.]

Regulus (looking down at James’ hand.) .

James (offscreen, clueless.) — Look, isn’t that Venus?

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium-long shot.]

James (pointing at the sky.) — Here.

Regulus (looking in the direction James is pointing.) .

[Wide shot of the sky.]

[Insert on Venus. The planet is shining brightly in the dark blue sky.]

[Medium close-up on Regulus. High angle shot.]

Regulus (looking up.) — I see it. Venus. (smiles.)

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium-long shot. High angle shot.]

James (smiling.) — It’s pretty. My parents called it ‘The Evening star’ when I was a kid.

[Over-the-shoulder shot of James’ shoulder. Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (squinting at the sky, as to see better.) — In fact, it’s not really a star. (chuckling.) I think you know that already, but Venus is a planet.

James (offscreen, with a playful tone.) — Yeah, I know that.

Regulus (smiling, admiring the sky for a few seconds without saying anything.) .

James (offscreen, teasing.) — Aren’t you going to explain to me why Venus shines so much that it’s mistaken as a star?

Regulus (looking away from the sky, turning his head to meet James’ gaze.) .

[Over-the-shoulder shot of Regulus’ shoulder. Medium close-up on James.]

James (head slightly tilted to the side, with a wry smile.) — I know you know why Venus shines like a star, Regulus.

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (smiling softly.) — Yes I know.

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James — Tell me. (looking up.)

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium-long shot. High angle shot.]

Regulus (looking up slowly.) — Well, it’s because of its magnitude. The magnitude scale is a bit complicated to explain, just like this, but know that, the lower a star is on that scale, the brighter it shines.

[Large shot of the sky. Venus in the frame.]

Regulus (offscreen, speaking calmly.) — Venus is often at -4. Even lower sometimes. So it’s very bright. Brighter than Sirius, the brightest star of the sky, which is at -1,5. (chuckles lightly.) To be precise, Venus isn’t emitting more light than Sirius. It’s just calculated by taking into account how we perceive it from Earth. From Earth, Venus seems brighter. If that makes sense. There is also Venus’ atmosphere.

[Medium close-up on Regulus. High angle shot.]

Regulus (looking up at the sky, focused, speaking calmly.) — Venus’ atmosphere is full of clouds. And since the Sun’s rays of light hit Venus quite a lot, Venus reflects a lot of its light. That’s mostly why the planet looks like a star in the sky, even though it isn’t really one. (smiles to himself.) Sometimes, you can confuse it with Jupiter. (chuckles with a smirk.) Or U.F.Os.

[Reaction shot of James. Medium close-up.]

Regulus (offscreen, slightly muffled.) — Mixing up Venus with U.F.Os happens more often than you’d think…

James (looking at Regulus intensely.) .

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium close-up.]

Regulus (looking up, with a smirk.) — Venus being a planet is way better than it being a U.F.O., don’t you think? (slowly looking back at James.) I mean, planets are… (stopping in his tracks, noticing James looks at him, smiling at James.)

James (opening his mouth to say something, but no word passes his lips.) .

Regulus (smirking lightly.) — Planets are cooler.

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (smiling softly.) — Yeah, they are. (pausing for a second, without looking away.) You know, you could talk about this for hours, and I would listen. (resuming his walking.)

[Close-up on Regulus’ face.]

Regulus (resuming his walking, smiling wryly to himself, looking down to the ground.) .

[Medium close-up on James.]

James — Have you ever thought about making a podcast or something? (smiling wryly, softly.) I’d listen.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (smirking softly, turning his head to meet James’ gaze.) — I don’t have a podcast.

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium-long shot. They’re walking next to each other, looking at each other.]

James (smirking equally.) — You should.

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Long shot. Their backs turned to the camera. They’re walking away, in the middle of the road. A calm and soft guitar song starts playing in the background.]

James (his hands in his trousers’ pockets.) .

Regulus (holding his satchel with both hands.) .

[Screen fades to black.]

ACT SEVEN. Scène I.

[Pan shot of a hallway of the school full of students. There are lockers on the sides, and some people are chatting here and there. The hubbub fills the atmosphere.]

[Medium-long shot of Regulus.]

Regulus (walking, with his satchel on his shoulder, and a school book in hand, earphones in his ears. He doesn’t pay attention to anything/anybody around him.) .

[Two-shot of James and Lily. Medium-long shot.]

James (leaning his shoulder against some lockers, talking with a kind smile, nodding.) .

Lily (looking down a bit, nodding, smiling softly.) .

[Medium-long shot of Regulus.]

Regulus (notices them, frowns.) .

[Two-shot of James and Lily. Medium-long shot.]

James (hugs Lily.) .

Lily (hugs James back.) .

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (looking very faintly hurt, looking away, walking away.) .

Scène II.

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Lily.]

Lily (smiling softly.) — Thanks, James. (puts a strand of hair behind her ear.) I’m sorry that you saw me like that. (chuckles.) I don’t usually cry at school but…

[Point-of-view shot from Lily’s perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (shaking his head slowly.) — Hey, it’s fine. Everyone has their problems. I won’t tell anyone.

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Lily.]

Lily (smiling genuinely at him.) — Thank you. Really. I can’t talk about my problems with Petunia with a lot of people.

[Point-of-view shot from Lily’s perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (nodding.) — I understand.

[Two-shot of James and Lily. Medium-long shot. Camera facing the lockers, Lily and James are face to face, their side to the camera.]

James — You can come to me, and tell me about it whenever you feel like. (smiles at her.) Really. I’ll listen.

Lily (purses her lips, smiling back.) — Thanks again. (pauses.) I have to go, I have class but…

James (nodding.) — Yeah, of course, of course. (stops leaning against the lockers, waves briefly with his hand.) I’ll let you go. (smirks.) Have a nice day? I mean, I hope the rest of your day goes as well as possible.

Lily (starting to walk back, without turning her back to James.) — Of course. (waves quickly.) Bye, Potter.

James (waves.) — Bye, Evans.

Scène III.

[Over-the-shoulder shot, over Regulus’ shoulder. Long shot of Lily.]

(chatter.)

Lily (sitting a few rows away, talking with a friend of hers, laughing at a joke.) .

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (looking at Lily with a sort of frown, his chin propped in his hand, his elbow on his table.) .

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium-long shot of Lily.]

Lily (smiles playfully at her friend, notices Regulus is looking at her, then smiles lightly at Regulus.) .

[Point-of-view shot from Lily’s perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (doesn’t smile back, looks away, scribbling something random on his notebook.) .

[Insert on Regulus’ hand, Regulus’ pen, and what he’s scribbling. It’s random.]

[Medium-long shot of Lily.]

Lily (hesitantly smiles, before her friend is telling something else, and she looks away.) .

Scène IV.

[Medium-long shot of Regulus. Overhead shot. Regulus is in his bedroom, laying on his bed, looking at the ceiling.]

(the light is dim, his nightstand lamp casts a soft blue light on him.)

Regulus (lidded eyes, almost falling asleep, lost in his thoughts. One hand on his stomach, the other one next to his head) .

(his phone on the other side of his head lights up.)

Regulus (not looking immediately, sighing.) .

[Medium close-up on Regulus. Overhead shot.]

Regulus (looking annoyed.) .

[Insert on the phone. The notifications appear. It’s James.]

(the first text notification says: Reg!)

(the second text notification says: What about tomorrow to play football together? The pitch isn’t occupied on Saturdays, in the late afternoon. Practice finishes at 5, so it’s empty by 6.)

(the third text notification says: I promise it won’t be awful :) I’ll be patient.)

(a new notification appears.)

(it says: And after that you can explain the stars to me ;).)

[Close-up on Regulus’ face. Overhead shot.]

Regulus (annoyed.) .

[Medium-long shot of Regulus.]

Regulus (sits on his bed, grabs his phone.) .

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (reads the texts, his face softening slowly.)  

Scène V.

[Medium-long shot of James’ side profile. He’s in his bedroom, sitting on his bed.]

(the light is dim, his desk lamp casts a soft orange light on him.)

James (holds his phone, waiting expectantly for a reply, his knee trembling slightly.) .

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (looking at the screen of his phone, the whitish light of it lighting his face.) .

Euphemia Potter (offscreen, voice muffled by the door.) — James, dear, dinner is ready.

James (lifting his eyes from his phone screen, his knee stopping shaking.) — Yeah, I’m coming, give me one more minute. (looking back at his phone.)

[Insert on James’ phone. It’s the conversation he has with Regulus. A new text from Regulus appears.]

Regulus (replied: I don’t think this is a good idea Potter.) .

[Close-up on James’ face.]

James (eyes darting at his phone, frowning.) .

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (frowning, typing a reply, before sending quickly, and waiting.) .

Euphemia Potter (offscreen, voice muffled by the door.) — James, dear, it’s going to be cold.

James (not lifting his eyes from his phone.) — Yeah, I know mom. Give me a minute.

(sound of a notification.)

[Insert on James’ phone. There’s a reply from Regulus.]

Regulus (replied: because I’m bad at football, and all, I don’t think it’s a good idea.) .

Regulus (replied: don’t you have someone else to ask?) .

[Close-up on James’ face.]

James (frowning harder.) — No, no, no. (typing quickly something.)

[Insert on James’ phone.]

James (replied: I wanted us to hang together, I don’t really care for someone else.) .

James (replied: We can do something else if you prefer?) .

Regulus (replied: are you sure?) .

[Close-up on James’ face.]

James (frowning, typing his answer.) .

Euphemia Potter (offscreen, voice muffled by the door.) — James!

[Insert on James’ phone.]

James (replied: Yes! I’m sure :).) .

James (replied: Whenever, wherever, whatever you want.) .

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (clenching his jaw slightly, looking expectantly at his phone.) .

Euphemia Potter (offscreen, voice muffled by the door.) — What on earth are you doing? (knocking softly on James’ door.) James?

[Medium-long shot of James.]

James (lifting his face from his phone, looking at his door.) — Yeah? I’m fine, I’m coming, I promise, mom. (looking at his phone, then reluctantly standing up from his bed, walking to his desk to put his phone on it.)

(sound of a notification.)

[Insert on James’ phone.]

Regulus (replied: alright then… why not.) .

Scène VI.

[Long shot of James lying on his bed, facing his ceiling and looking at it. His desk lamp is on, casting a soft orange light in the room. He has his phone in his hand, holding it near his mouth. He’s looking at his ceiling almost without moving.]

James (there is a little silence, he bites the inside of his cheek before answering supposedly something Peter said just before.) — You don’t understand Pete. I want to hang out with him. I don’t care what we do, we could be knitting socks together, or spend an entire afternoon playing Scrabble, that I wouldn’t even mind.

[Medium close-up of James, from the side.]

Peter (from the other side of the phone.) — Hey, don’t insinuate Scrabble is boring. I love Scrabble.

James (continues, ignoring Peter.) — I’d be ready to sit and listen to him telling me all about what he read on his cereal’s box this morning, for hours, Pete. (a few seconds pass, he bites the inside of his cheek again.)

Peter (from the other side of the phone, voice sizzling a little bit.) — Damn, mate. You’re down bad, I was right.

[Close-up on James’ face.]

(James doesn’t answer, instead he has some sort of pleading and desperate look on his face. He’s closing his eyes hard for a second, taking a deep and frustrated breath.)

Peter (his voice sounding slightly afar, from the other side of the phone.) — I thought you were into girls, mate. Allow me to be surprised. (the voice sounds clearer.) I don’t mind it, huh, I’m not like… homophobic or something. It’s just— 

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (interrupting Peter.) — That’s the thing! (sighs.) I am also into girls. Well, I think. (softly puts the phone next to the pillow before curling slightly into a ball on his bed, lying on his side.) But it’s been weeks, and I don’t know anymore. He confuses me. He’s so…

Peter (sizzling.) .

James (with intensity in his eyes, and depth in his low voice.) — I want to hold him, I want to kiss him on the cheek. And on the lips. (crosses his arms around his legs.) Everywhere. I want him to look at me. (with a changment in his tone, with more vigor, as if he was retelling a memory.) When he passes in the hallways without seeing me, it’s like something bad happened in my day. Even though dozens of people pass by me everyday without minding me, and I’m totally fine with it. When he smiles at me, I’m— 

Peter (from the other side of the phone.) — Okay, okay, Romeo. No need to say more.

James (ignoring Peter, with a determined tone.) — I think I like him. A lot.

Peter (from the other side of the phone, sighing.) — You like him like you’d like a girl?

James (immediately.) — Yes. (thinks a bit.) No. I mean I like like him, but he’s different from everyone that I've ever liked. Does that make sense?

Peter (from the other side of the phone, sighing again.) — Yes, it does. I mean I don’t think I’m into dudes, but yeah. (a pause.) And what’s the problem? You like him. Good. What’s the matter? That’s okay to be gay, mate.

James — Well, is gay the right word? I don’t think I mind the gender of people I date.

Peter — Yeah, gay, whatever. There’s no shame in this. My point still stands. (sizzling.)

[Long shot of James. High angle shot.]

James (laying down on his back again, staring straight ahead of him as if he was lost in his thoughts.) — The problem is, he almost refused to go out with me. He seemed to hesitate to hang out with me, even though we did it several times, and everything was good.

Peter (from the other side of the phone.) — James, it was for a school project. Are you sure it counts?

[Medium close-up on James. High angle shot.]

James (frowning slightly, briefly.) — We weren’t really talking about the school project most of the time. He was telling me about the stars and I was telling him about football. And the last day, I walked him home, and he told me about Venus, in the sky… and we laughed together on the way. I’m sure he wasn’t bored with me. (grabbing a handful of hair, opening his eyes wide, like a deer scared by headlights.) Maybe he was?  I don’t think he was. I hope he wasn’t…

[Insert on James’ phone, on his bed. The screen is showing the call with Peter.]

Peter (interrupting James in his spiraling.) — Okay, okay, don’t torture yourself over this. So you’re afraid he’s not liking you back?

[Long shot of James. High angle shot.]

James (give a brief look to his phone, before looking back to the ceiling.) — Well, yes, of course. But I don’t know… Two days ago we were laughing together, and suddenly, he’s acting cold. Maybe I did something bad? (pauses.) The thing is I don’t know what. (puts his face in his hands.)

Peter (sizzling a bit, from the other side of the phone.) — Alright. I don’t know more than you. But he agreed, in the end, right?

James (taking his hands off his face, and with a little voice.) — He did.

Peter (with a smile in his voice.) — Well now you gotta make this the best date ever.

[Medium close-up on James. High angle shot.]

James (repressing a smile.) — It’s not a date!

Peter (from the other side of the phone, with a smile in his voice.) — Oh, don’t lie loverboy, you’re head over heels for him, I get it. You’re all angsty because he almost refused to hang out with you. (with mischief in his voice.) I bet you’re blushing just thinking about when you’re going to be with him again, little nincompoop. It’s just like a date. For you at least.

James (losing a bit of his smile.) — Yeah… but maybe not for him.

Peter — Then make him understand. (the sound of Peter shifting his position on the other side of the phone.) You’re overthinking all of this mate, this isn’t like you. Be yourself. And see what happens. That’s not a big deal. You’re cool, and kind and funny, and if he doesn’t see that, he doesn’t deserve you.

James (scrunching his nose at this, but nodding nonetheless.) — Alright.

[Close-up on James’ face.]

Peter (with a smile in his voice.) — Good. Now, what’s your plan?

James (smirks softly.) .

ACT EIGHT. Scène I.

[Long shot of James. He’s standing next to the bleachers. He’s on the left side of  the frame. There’s some clouds filling the sky, and the light is white-greyish. He’s wearing a sport’s jacket with the colors of his team. He has his hands in his pockets, and he’s looking at his feet, he looks a bit nervous.]

James (kicking a bit in a rock, playing with it.) .

Regulus (entering the frame on the right, walking to him.) .

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (lifting his head, hearing Regulus’ steps.) — Oh.

Regulus (immediately.) — Hi Potter.

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium-close up on Regulus. He’s wearing another jumper, this one’s grey and dark green, and the outfit overall is like all the precedent ones. He’s wearing his satchel.]

James (smiling.) — Hi Regulus.

Regulus (looks at him with an indescribable expression on his face, nodding.) .

Scène II.

[Two-shot on James and Regulus. Medium-long shot. They’re walking along the football field.]

Regulus (holding his satchel’s strap with both his hands, looking at the grass.) — So, what did you plan?

James (looking at Regulus.) — Well, to be honest I thought you would give me ideas. I’m not good at… finding ideas… to do, you know.

Regulus (looking up.) .

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (genuinely asking.) — You’re telling me you don’t know what we’re doing now?

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (scratching the back of his head, with a sheepish smile, looking away from Regulus’ gaze.) — Huh… (looking at his feet, before looking quickly back at Regulus.) No, no, I have an idea. (smiles proudly.) Follow me.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (smirking but it’s almost not visible.) — Alright.

Scène III.

[Black screen.]

Regulus (voice slightly muffled.) — Where are you taking me, Potter.

James (voice slightly muffled.) — You’ll see. I’m sure you’re going to like it.

(sound of a key being turned in a lock.)

[Door opening. Medium close-up on James.]

James (satisfied, smiling.) — Ah. Here we are.

[Two-shot on James and Regulus. Medium-long shot.]

James (pushing the door open, before stepping aside.) — You first.

Regulus (with curious eyes, walking past the door.).

[Pan shot. High Angle. They’re on the school roof.]

Regulus (walking slowly to the middle of the roof.) .

(sound of wind.)

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium-long shot of Regulus. He’s standing there, and some wind blows his hair a bit.]

Regulus (turning around to face James, slightly incredulous.) — You… You really took me on the school roof?

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium-long shot of James.]

James (turning around after he closed the door behind him, half smiling shyly, half smiling proudly.) — Yeah. (shrugs.) Yeah I did.

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (curious, looking at James getting closer.) — How did you get the key to this place? (looking around.)

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium-long shot.]

James (walks to Regulus and stops when he gets to his level. Shrugs.) — Privileges to be Coach’s favorite, I guess. (smirking to Regulus, showing a key ring.)

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium close-up.]

James — It’s supposed to be used to open the changing room if I want to train on weekends, but I discovered around two months ago that this key, (shows said key.) is the key that can open the roof’s door. (looks at the key.) But I don’t come here often. (looks back up to Regulus’ eyes.)

Regulus (listens.) .

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (smiles.) — This is cool.

[Medium close-up on James.]

James — Yeah?

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (nodding.) — Yeah.

[Medium-long shot of James.]

James (smiling at Regulus, then taking his hand.) — Follow me.

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Long shot. They’re walking to the edge of the roof, where there’s a guardrail.]

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (still holding Regulus’ hand, stopping one or two meters from the guardrail.) — Are you scared of heights? Have vertigo?

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (looking at James in the eyes.) — No. And you?

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (smiling kindly.) — No.

[Long shot. They’re turning their backs to the camera. James is leading Regulus to the edge, letting go of his hand, and then, he sits there, legs hanging in the void, grabbing the guardrail. Regulus imitates him.]

[Medium close-up on James. He’s facing the camera.]

James (looking in front of him, with curiosity in his voice.) — Have you ever wondered what you’re going to do later?

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (looking at James, then looking in front of him.) — Yes.

James (offscreen.) — And so? Who are you going to be? What are you going to do?

Regulus (leaning his head against the guardrail.) — I’ll write books. I plan to just continue with a literature degree. This is the only thing I’m good at. Writing.

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (turns to look at Regulus.) — I know you’re going to be amazing already. (smiles to himself.)

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (meets James’ gaze, with a little downward smile.) — Thanks. (there’s pride in his eyes.) And you? What do you want to do after we get out of this shitty place?

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (laughs.) — I don’t know. Maybe I’ll just… go to uni, like everyone else… Maybe I’ll continue playing football. (smirking.) This is the only thing I’m good at.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (smirking.) — Football?

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (smirking equally.) — Yes. Football. And… (looks up, thinking.) Nevermind.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (curious.) — And what?

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium-long shot. They’re facing the camera.]

Regulus (elbowing James a bit, with a wry smile.) — Tell me.

James (looking back at him.) — Hmm. (with a downward smile.) Singing.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (surprised, still smiling.) — Really?

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (nodding.) — Hm-hm.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (looking at James with a smirk.) — What are you waiting for? (lays on his back on the floor, his legs still hanging in the void.) Sing something. (closes his eyes.)

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (following Regulus as he lies down with his eyes. Lifts an eyebrow, and laughs.) — Really? What if I happen to be a very bad singer?

(a pause.)

Regulus (offscreen.) — I know you’re not.

James (amused.) — How would you know?

Regulus (offscreen.) — I know.

(a pause.)

James (stares at Regulus, his smile not fading away.) .

Regulus (offscreen, with a smirk in his voice.) — I’m still waiting— 

James (snorts, shakes his head, still smiling wryly.) — No matter what I sing, it’ll be good for you?

Regulus (offscreen, nodding.) — Hm-hm.

James (looking in front of him, pursing his lips.) .

[Extreme wide shot. It’s their view from the roof. There’s a hill far in the background, and the only buildings are those of the school. They’re  on the highest point of the school. There are big grey clouds in the sky.]

James (offscreen, starts to sing.) .

(song is Love In The Dark , by Adele.)

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (sings.) .

[when he sings “I’m far too ashamed to do it with you watching me”: Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (opens his eyes, rests on his elbows, eyes wide opened, watching attentively.) .

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (hits the chorus.) .

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (still propped on his elbows, stunned. In a very, very soft whisper.) — James…

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (turns around to meet Regulus’ gaze, with a smile on his lips, not really stopping, singing “It feels like we’re oceans apart”.) .

[Point-of-view shot from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (in awe, mouth slightly agape.) .

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium-long shot. They’re staring at each other.]

(James sings “There is so much space between us”, and a few piano notes start to play in the background.)

(when he sings “Everything changes me”, rain starts to slowly pour.)

(they both look up to the sky.)

(the rain intensifies, and the music notes too. It goes crescendo: at some point it’s not James singing acapella anymore but just the song and the rain you can hear.)

(both of them stand up quickly, because the rain is starting to get intense. Standing up in a hurry, they end up very close.) 

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium close-up. They’re almost nose to nose.]

(the rain is so sudden they burst into laughter.)

James (laughing, speaking louder than the hard rain hitting the concrete, barely audible over the rain and the music.) — We’re going to be completely soaked!

Regulus (laughing harder at this.) — We are!

James (with an unerasable smile on his face.) — Come on! (starts to run towards the door.) We gotta go inside! Quick!

Regulus (following after him, still laughing.) .

[Long shot of them running toward the door. They stop at it.]

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (still laughing, fiddling with his bunch of keys, trying to find the right one, as they’re getting soaked.) — Fuck! I can’t find the right one.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (giggles.) .

[Point-of-view shot from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (looking up from his keys, meeting Regulus’ gaze.) .

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium close-up. They’re now properly soaked.]

James (stares at Regulus, water dripping on his forehead and on his clothes.) — Your pretty hair is completely messed up.

(strands of hair are sticking to Regulus’ forehead, his curls are completely soaked.)

James (pushes the wet hair away from Regulus’ eyes, slowly.) .

[Point-of-view from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (staring at James with eyes full of emotion, his smile morphing into gaping lips, looking at James through his lashes.).

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium close-up.]

James (pushing more hair behind Regulus’ ear, before softly and slowly caressing the skin on his cheekbone.) .

[Point-of-view from James’ perspective. Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus — Kiss me.

[Point-of-view from Regulus’ perspective. Medium close-up on James.]

James (soaked, drops falling on his cheeks and on his nose. Opens wide eyes.) .

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium close-up.]

James (staring at Regulus, his hand still on the side of Regulus’ face.) .

Regulus — Kiss me, please— 

James (puts his other hand on Regulus’ cheek, and kisses him.) .

[Long shot. High angle.]

(music playing in the background, rain pouring hard on the roof.)

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium close-up.]

James (breaks the kiss.) — Okay, I’m sorry.

Regulus (laughing.) — Don’t apologize. (grabbing James’ wet sports vest, bringing him closer.) Kiss me again.

James (smiles and gives Regulus a simple peck.) — No, really I’ve been waiting for this for a long time, but… Er…

Regulus (almost rolling his eyes, but smiling anyway.) — What?

James — Well, I planned a full declaration.

[Medium close–up on Regulus.]

Regulus (incredulous, not losing his smile.) — You what?

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (a bit out of breath, beaming.) — Yeah. I learnt a poem. For you. 

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (mouth falling a bit more agape, his smile growing wider.) — You what?

[Medium close-up on James.]

James (nodding, beaming.) .

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Long shot. Light high angle.]

James (letting the bunch of keys fall on the floor, then walks to the middle of the roof, fully under the driving rain, smirking widely at Regulus.) — Listen, Regulus, because this is going to be so much better than the stupid sad song I sang just before. (standing in the middle of a puddle, opening his arms wide, face up to the sky.) .

[Medium-long shot of James.]

James (reciting with all his heart.) — Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? (James pauses and Regulus laughs in the background.) Thou art more lovely and more temperate: (brings his right hand to his heart.) Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, and summer’s lease hath all too short a date.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (biting his bottom lip, looking at James reciting Shakespeare with stars in his eyes, very amused, but impressed anyway.) .

James (offscreen.) — Sometimes too hot the eye of heaven shines.

[Medium-long shot of James.]

James (turning around to look at Regulus with a wide smile, completely ignoring the rain drenching him.) — And too often is his gold complexion dimm’d: and every fair from fair sometimes declines, by chance or natures changing course untrimm’d; by thy eternal summer shall not fade.

[Medium close-up on Regulus.]

Regulus (walking toward James.) .

James (offscreen.) — Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest; nor shall Death brag thou wander’st in his shade, when in eternal lines to time thou growest.

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium-long shot.]

James (finishing, softer, since Regulus got closer, smiling at him like a Sun.) — So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, so long lives this and this gives life to thee.

Regulus (puts both his hands on James’ cheeks.) — James Potter, you’re fucking perfect.

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Medium close-up.]

James (chuckling, beaming.) — Eh, maybe I wasn’t finished with my poem.

Regulus (without losing his smile, without blinking away from James.) — Sonnet 18, Shakespeare. From Fair Youth. I know when it’s the last verse. I know it by heart.

James (putting his hands on Regulus’ waist, smiling proudly.) — Did you like it? I spent time learning it.

Regulus (kisses James.) .

James (kisses back.) .

(rain pouring around them.)

Regulus (puts his forehead against James’.) — If I liked it? I fucking loved it. By far the most romantic thing someone has ever done for me.

James (giggling. Then twirling Regulus around.) — Really? I’ll do a thousand times more, if you want.

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium-long shot.]

Regulus (hugging James.) — Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

James (putting him on the floor again, hugging back, his hands in Regulus’ back.) — You’re welcome.

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Long shot.]

(they stay like this for a few seconds, rain still pours hard.)

[Two-shot of Regulus and James. Medium close-up.]

Regulus (face hidden in the crook of James’ shoulder.) — You know what would be hella good right now?

James (face hidden in the crook of Regulus’ shoulder.) — What? Tell me.

Regulus (lifting his face to meet James’ gaze, his face, shoulders and jumper completely soaked.) — Going inside. (smiling wryly.) Or we’re going to catch the worst cold of our lives.

James (laughs.) .

[Two-shot of James and Regulus. Long shot. Light high angle. They run to the door, James grabs the keys he left on the ground just before, and they finally disappear inside.]

[Screen fades to black.]

Everyone whispers. The instrumental part of Love You In The Dark by Adele starts to play, and everyone around Sirius is whispering. Including Mary, who’s been sitting next to him this whole time, and who’s now also staring at him.

She puts a gentle hand on Sirius arm, and, as Sirius is still staring blankly at the screen, she says.

“Sirius? Hm,” Everything around has never been so loud and so quiet before. “Are you okay?” Sirius doesn’t answer. “You know… it’s just acting?”

Sirius doesn’t answer, and doesn’t look at her. Instead, his lips quirk into a smirk.

In the corner of the room, Regulus and James are holding hands, as they also watched the film they played in; Sirius knows it’s not acting.

Suddenly, there’s a gasp in the public. Everyone has their eyes on the screen.

[Directed by Sirius Black appears on the screen.]

He knows it’s not acting, because it’s him who asked them to play in his project. As soon as his name fades to black again, everybody applauds.

[The End.]