James Potter had always been the life of the party. His bright smile and infectious laughter could light up any room. He was the Quidditch captain, the prankster, and the heart of the Gryffindor common room. But lately, things have been different.
His boyfriend had noticed the changes in James before James had even realized it himself. Regulus had seen James at his best and at his worst, and he knew when something was wrong. He had watched James become more distant and irritable. James would snap at his friends, and sometimes he would disappear for hours without explanation.
One day, Regulus found James sitting on the floor of the astronomy tower, his knees pulled up to his chest and his eyes red and puffy. James had been crying. "Hey, what's wrong?" Regulus asked as he sat down next to James.
"I don't know," James said, his voice shaky. "I just feel... I don't know. Empty, I guess?"
Regulus put his arm around James and held him close. "It's okay," he said. "I'm here for you."
James leaned into Regulus' embrace, and they sat in silence for a few minutes, James' head resting on Regulus' shoulder. Finally, James spoke. "I'm just so tired all the time," he said. "I can't concentrate on anything, and I don't feel like doing anything."
Regulus listened patiently as James talked. He didn't try to offer any advice or solutions. He simply held James and let him talk.
"I don't know what's wrong with me," James said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I feel like I'm failing everyone. I'm not a good Quidditch captain anymore, and I can't even focus on my studies."
Regulus pulled back slightly and looked James in the eye. "You're not failing anyone," he said firmly. "You're going through a tough time, but that doesn't mean you're any less of a person. You're still the same amazing James Potter that I fell in love with."
James looked at Regulus, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," he said softly.
Regulus smiled and leaned in for a kiss. They sat there for a while, holding each other and talking. It wasn't a quick fix, but it was a start. Regulus knew that it would take time, but he was willing to be there for James every step of the way.
Over the next few weeks, Regulus made a point to check in on James every day. He would bring him tea, listen to him talk, and hold him when he needed it. James started to open up more, and he even went to a few of the school's counselling sessions. Regulus never pushed him, but he was always there to support him. One day, as they were walking through the Hogwarts grounds, James turned to Regulus and said, "Thank you for being here for me. I don't know what I would do without you."
Regulus smiled and squeezed James' hand. "You don't have to thank me," he said. "I love you, and I'll always be here for you, no matter what."
James smiled back, and they continued walking, hand in hand. It wasn't a quick fix, but with Regulus by his side, James knew that he could get through anything.