Pissed conversation
Regulus followed Pandora out into the hallway. He had been expecting a call from Tom for a while now but now that Regulus was being forced to make new songs it made sense for him to call.
Pandora handed Regulus the phone and left him alone.
Tom’s voice is just as cold as Regulus remembers it being. “Regulus, this is you?”
“Yes.”
“Good. We have something serious to discuss.”
Regulus rolled his eyes. “Yes, I assumed as much.”
“Don’t get smart with me.” Tom hissed. “Now, I’m sure you can guess that I did not appreciate that stunt you pulled at the concert the other night.”
Regulus groaned silently. “That wasn’t me. That was-”
“Don’t try to blame someone else. I know it was your song. I know because it sounds very similar to other songs of yours that I have rejected.” Tom said. “Now, normally I would tell the public it was a fluke or that you had taken one too many pills but they seemed to enjoy it. That being said, pull another stunt like that and I will waste no time ruining your image and suing your band, do you understand?”
Regulus inhaled sharply. He knew the threats were coming; he just didn’t expect them to come that fast. “Yes sir.”
“Good.” Tom said. “Now, onto other matters. I heard part of the song you played tonight and although you tried to mask the meaning behind it, I got the message loud and clear as did your parents.”
Regulus almost dropped the phone. He was not aware that Tom had any sort of connection to his parents. He had not seen or heard from his parents in a few years and had assumed that they were out of his life for good. It was foolish of him really. They were everywhere.
“They were obviously quite displeased with the hints that you were trying to drop about their parenting.” Tom stated. “I hope you understand that we cannot have that. The songs you play from here on out will not allude to any kind of mistreatment. I won’t have you lying to the public for attention.”
“The song I played tonight was a breakup song. Nothing more.” Regulus said innocently.
“Maybe the public believed that but I know better.” Tom said, voice icy. “Now, I may not be able to control the type of music your next album will showcase but I will control what you say. If you make that mistake again it will be the band's final mistake, do you understand?”
“What do you mean?” Regulus asked.
Tom simply laughed although the laugh lacked any trace of humor. “Oh Regulus, I made your band famous. I can take that away just as easily. I can blackball the four of you and make it so no one will touch you. Do not mess with me. Am I understood?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” Tom said. “I’m sure we will talk soon.”
The line went dead and Regulus took a deep breath. He knew that Tom held power but he never thought they mattered enough for Tom to use that power as leverage.
“Regulus,” A voice called from down the hall. “Are you alright?”
Regulus turned his head and let out a dry chuckle. “How on earth do you manage to always find me at my worst? I mean, you’ve only known me for a handful of days.”
James smiled. “Finding people who need a shoulder to lean on is sort of my specialty. In any case, I know a little bit about Tom and assumed you might need some emotional support.”
“Yes, well, I’m fine.” Regulus said, picking at the skin around his fingernails.
“I’m sure you are.” James replied, looking at Regulus’s hands presumably noticing the cuticle damage. “That doesn’t mean you can’t talk about it. I’m all ears.”
Regulus sighed. “You know, I don’t really make talking about my emotions a habit. Some people say that it’s healthy but I’d argue that it is far more healthy to suppress bad emotions and eventually turn them into number 1 hits.”
James looked at him in shock for a moment, clearly looking for any traces of humor. “I’m really hoping that was a joke but based on your expression I don’t think it is. You know, your brother was the same way when he first got out.”
Regulus’s expression darkened. “I’ve been out for a while James. Just because I’m not trapped in a house doesn't mean I want to get all chummy with a guy I barely know.”
Regulus turned around, setting Pandora’s phone on a table nearby and walking towards the exit. He’d text Barty and let him know where Dora’s phone was and just say he was feeling tired. He just wanted to be alone.
Unfortunately, James did not want him to be alone. At least, that’s what Regulus thought when James matched his pace and followed him down the hall.
“You don’t have to be all chummy to talk about your feelings.” James stated matter of factly. “Most people aren’t chummy with their therapists at first.”
“Are you suggesting that I need therapy?” Regulus said, eyebrow arching. “Or that you are my therapist?”
“That is not at all what I’m saying. All that I am saying is that you just need to trust a person to tell them what you’re feeling.”
“James, all due respect but I don’t trust you. Now please, just leave me alone. I am tired and I want to go back to the hotel and go to sleep.”
James sighed. “Yeah, fine whatever. Honestly what is with you? I’ve known you for barely a day and yet in that time you have told me you hated me, bared your soul to me and now you are once again back to hating me.”
Regulus stiffened a bit. “It is too late to be having this conversation. I’m going back to the hotel. Could you let the others know?”
“Sure, whatever Regulus.” James groaned. “If you are still at all interested, here is my moms number. She said she would be happy to talk to you if you need an opinion. Actually, she’s wanted to talk to you for ages and is quite happy for the excuse so please ring her.”
Regulus’s eyes shot up. “Why on earth has your mother wanted to talk to me for ages?”
“It’s just how she is. The day she found out Sirius had a brother she wanted to meet you. She feels protective over people she has never met, especially when they are in bad situations.”
“Right,” Regulus said with a confused expression. “Well, thank you for the number. I’ll probably give her a call. Night.”
And before James could say goodnight, Regulus was out the door.
—
When Regulus got back to the hotel he felt like he was about to burst. This night had been utterly too raw for him. He had one somewhat meaningful conversation with James and now James was acting like they were friends. Stress fogged up his brain the same way alcohol did. It made him do stupid things.
He was grateful when he got into his room and saw his stuff was there waiting for him. Pandora truly was a marvel.
Quickly, he showered and got into his pajamas. As he was putting his clothes away a note card fell out of his jeans.
Euphemia ‘Effie’ Potter
*** *** 1694
Regulus stared at the card for a long time. What could she even help him with? The contract was thick and even if they got out of it would it be possible to get the rights to all of the songs Regulus had written?
Cursing silently he pulled out his phone and typed the number in.
Regulus: Hello, is this Euphemia Potter?
Effie: Why yes it is. May I ask who this is?
Regulus: My name is Regulus Black. You know my brother Sirius.
Effie: Oh Regulus, of course. I’ve heard so much about you. Jamie said you may be texting.
Regulus: I don’t even know why I am in all honesty. I don’t think our contract is very easy to get out of and even if it is there are certain things that may make leaving not worth it.
Effie: May I ask what those things are?
Regulus: Right, of course. To my knowledge, the studio owns the rights to all of the songs we record with them which have been every single one of our songs. I’m worried that the songs I’ve been writing recently may belong to them as well and if that’s the case I don’t think it's worth it for me to leave.
Effie: Oh yes, I heard the song last night. It was lovely. I understand why you might fear that. If you are willing to email me any copies you may have of this contract I could look over it. I’ve been out of practice for a few years but I am sure I’ll be able to make better sense of it than you can. Plus, this way your label won’t be able to find out.
Regulus: You listen to my music?
Effie: Of course I do. Monty and I both do. Sirius mentioned your first album back when it first came out and we thought it would be best to familiarize ourselves with it so when we met you we could have something to talk about.
Regulus stared at that text for a moment. He had never met these people before and yet they cared enough about his brother to listen to all of his music.
Regulus: Well, that is very kind of you. I’ll forward you the contract right now. Please don’t feel rushed or feel as though you have any obligation to read over it.
Effie: Nonsense, I’d be happy to do it. I won’t be able to tonight but I will let you know as soon as I finish.
Regulus: Thank you so much. I’m off to bed but this is a huge help.
Effie: It’s really not a problem. I hope to meet you in person soon. Goodnight.
Putting down his phone Regulus flopped onto his bed. He really was so exhausted. These last few days had been so stressful and he felt like he was going to burst.
He quickly leaned over his side and flicked off his lamp. Maybe he would wake up and this would all be a dream.
**********
James was feeling great. Sure, Regulus had shot his friend request down after the show last night but he had clearly been stressed.
He seemed better now as the group walked through the museum Regulus and Remus walked around in awe. It was actually very entertaining to watch. The two would stop and stare at a painting for quite a long time and say absolutely nothing while the rest of the group just stood around awkwardly.
Personally, James had been rather excited about this but was devastated when he learned that the photography exhibit had been closed down for construction. The paintings and statues were obviously lovely but none of them had ever really stuck out to him. Photography was his passion but he loved watching Regulus and Remus react to all of the art.
“Okay so this is boring and I would like to leave.” Barty announced to the group after 3 hours of walking around.
“I could not agree more Bartimus!” Sirius exclaimed.
Barty scowled at Sirius. “We should go get dinner and then go out to a pub.”
Most of the group nodded eagerly. Most of the people had been entirely bored this whole time.
“The car can be here in 5 minutes.” Pandora announced, looking at her phone. “There is a really good Italian restaurant close by and it's only a short walk from our hotel and a pub.”
Out of the corner of his eye he saw Regulus tense up a bit but before he could question it Evan asked, “Shouldn’t we wait to have Italian food for when we are in Italy?”
“Italian food is the best kind of food there is Ev.” Barty stated. “We should have it all the time.”
“Italian food is not the best-” Evan started
“I will take no slander on Italian food Evan.” Barty interrupted. “Let's just get out of this museum and go eat.”
The group shuffled out of the museum, Regulus, Remus and Pandora watching wistfully as they piled into the car.
When they got to the restaurant, Regulus whispered something to Pandora who nodded and then he turned and started walking down the street.
“Where on Earth is my brother going?” Sirius asked
Pandora frowned a bit. “He has a headache so he’s going to lie down.”
Sirius raised an eyebrow. “Would he like us to bring him anything? He must be starving.”
“He said he would just get room service.”
Sirius nodded and the seven went and sat down.
The waitress who came to their table was so sweet and almost instantly took a liking to Marlene who was loving every minute of it. Dorcas on the other hand did not seem to be loving every minute of it. Not at all.
“Alright, here is the last dish.” The girl said, setting a plate down in front of Barty. “Can I get you guys anything else?”
Marlene smiled a bit evily. “Could I get your number?”
The girl blushed a deep red and nodded while from the other side of the table, Dorcas’s eyes narrowed.
The girl, ‘Bella’ according to the napkin, scurried away after writing her number down and Marlene triumphantly folded it up and put it in her pocket while maintaining eye contact with Dorcas the entire time.
James wanted to laugh but he felt a bit conflicted. On one hand, Marlene clearly liked Dorcas and James knew her well enough to know that this was her way of showing it but on the other hand, this was not at all the way to go about dating someone.
James had the distinct memory of Sirius doing a very similar thing in the early stages of his crush on Remus. Everytime they would go out as a group Sirius would get someones number to try and make Remus jealous and all it did was make Remus think Sirius would never like him. In all honesty, it was a miracle the two ever got together.
Despite this, dinner was amazing. Not even Evan had anything bad to say about it when they were finished. James was so full that he could barely move and everyone seemed very content.
“Okay so who’s coming to the pub with me and Evan?” Barty asked after he payed the bill.
“Oh hell no.” Dorcas said. “I can hardly walk. There is no way I can dance or drink.”
Most of the group nodded or mumbled something along the lines of what Dorcas had said but James, despite feeling like he was going to burst, was not tired. He didn’t want to just go and sit in a hotel room until he was so why not.
“I’ll go.” He announced.
Barty grinned. “Jim! Perfect. Let’s go.”
Rolling his eyes, he followed the two out the door and down the street. The pub itself was a bit sketchy. There were not a lot of people there and it looked dirty but none of the three seemed to care. They took three bar seats and started drinking.
James didn’t tend to drink on weeknights and certainly not when he had work the next day but Barty and Evan were nothing if not convincing. An hour later, he was feeling an intense buzz whereas Barty and Evan were hammered.
“You know what I like about you Jim?” Barty asked.
James glared at Barty. “That isn’t my name.”
Laughing, barty said, “Yes I know but that is besides the point.”
“What do you like about me?”
“I like the fact that you are the only person that Regulus has ever been wrong about. Most of the time he is the best judge of character but he is so wrong about you and he refuses to admit it.”
James frowned at this. “What exactly does he think about me? He barely even knows me.”
Evan laughed. “Yes we know. He’s hated you for years though.”
“But why?”
“Well, I think it started because he couldn’t go to Hogwarts with his brother which isn’t really your fault but he thinks it is because when Sirius came back from year 1 you had undone all that shit Walburga taught them and so she wouldn’t let Reg go. It’s not really your fault at all but Regulus was 11 and it certainly seemed like you were keeping him from going.” Barty explained.
James raised an eyebrow. “That cannot actually be why he doesn’t like me. He acts like I stole something from him.”
Evan and Barty shared a look.
“Well, in a way you did.” Evan whispered.
“Could you be more vague?” James groaned.
“Evan isn’t a good storyteller.” Barty said. “But you know how Sirius ran away to your house?
James nodded and Barty continued. “Well, Regulus didn’t see his brother for years after he left. He was stuck in that house with that bitch for so long with no one. Sirius probably thought and still thinks that it got better after he left but it got so much worse. All of us would be terrified every holiday that he wouldn’t come back and that she would hurt him to the point of no return. I think maybe in the back of his head, he blames you for that. He blamed Sirius for a long time but he knows that Sirius had to get out. I think he blames you for taking his brother for him. “
James gaped and Evan hit Barty hard on the shoulder. “Regulus is going to murder you Barty.”
Barty looked confused but when he turned back to James he seemed to realize something. “Shit. I should not have told you that.”
“I won’t tell him.” James assured. “I just feel like shit now.”
“That’s probably more the vodka than anything else.” Evan said.
James nodded. “Wait, how did Regulus get out? Sirius said it was your uncles money but that was recent. Did he not get out of that house until then?”
Barty’s eyes went wide. “He got out before then.”
“How?”
“No. Not for us to tell you.” Evan said before Barty could answer. “And you know we should probably be heading back. We have a show tomorrow.”
Barty nodded and so the three left the pub. Barty and Evan walked side by side, whispering to each other while James was behind them, thinking.
When they got to the hotel, James tried to direct the two to their rooms but they were completely pissed. It took them 20 minutes to get to their floor.
When they tried to go into the same room James tried to stop them.
“What the hell Jim?” Barty asked, yanking his arm away from James. “Let me go into my room.”
Ignoring the fact that Barty called him Jim again, James asked, “Are you guys sharing a room?”
Evan laughed. “Yes we are. Aren’t Remus and Sirius sharing as well?”
“Wait, you two are dating?”
“Are you slow?” Barty asked. “We’ve been dating for two years.”
“Wait, actually?”
Evan rolled his eyes and pulled Barty in for a kiss. “Not everyone is as into PDA as your friends are. Plus, the label won't let us announce it to the public. They think we sell more if we all seem single and available.”
James gaped at the two. “Oh. Well, I’m happy for you. I think I just keep hating your label more and more.”
“Yes, we all do.” Barty said, nodding. “Goodnight Jim.”
“Night Barry.” James laughed, stumbling away from their door to his room.
He fumbled with his keycard for a moment before bursting into his room and falling on his bed. He decided that because he knew why Regulus hated him, he could fix it easily. He hoped he was right