Chapter 4
James looked around the library, in hopes that Evan might be around so that he wouldn't have to search the entire castle. He was relieved to find Evan and Regulus sitting by a table in the far end.
He wondered what Regulus might think about him talking to Evan. Would it bother him? In the past Regulus hadn't exactly expressed positive feelings towards the marauders, or any of the Gryffindors. But why would he mind? James had no ill intentions, and he hoped Evan didn't either.
“Rosier” James said, making the both of them look up at him “Potter” Evan smiled, pleased once again “I found the notes, sorry about the handwriting, mine's a bit shit” James smiled handing him the bundle of papers.
He noticed the way that Regulus hasn't seemed even slightly surprised about this encounter. Had Evan told him about it? Did they talk about him a lot?
“I would be screwed if it weren't for you Potter. I am Bloody terrible at Herbology, right Reg?” Regulus looked from Evan to James, nodding slightly “He is”
“So thank you again Potter” Evan smirked lightly “You are very welcome” James chuckled, letting his eyes linger on Regulus, for just a second, before walking the other way.
“Pete I swear if you don't give me back my scarf, right this second” Sirius told Peter, as the four of them were in the courtyard after lunch. Peter refused and simply sat on the scarf “It is not my fault that you and Remus can't behave. I mean you are acting like bloody animals” Peter explained, sounding so concerned “Well..” Sirius chuckled “It's almost as if the animalistic tendencies just come so natural to us” he looked at Remus who wasn't even paying attention to their little fight, but simply reading his book “You can have mine padfoot” James handed Sirius his scarf “A true friend” Sirius wrapped it around his neck, in attempt to hide a love bite along his neck.
“Do you think he is okay? I mean are we sure they are being okay with him? Considering everything” James asked, as his eyes had been locked on Regulus and his friends. They were sat in the opposite end of the courtyard. Evan and Barty were clearly having some sort of discussion, but were laughing at the same time. Regulus was quiet. Alone, James noticed.
Though James and Regulus were not exactly bffs at the moment, James couldn't help but wonder how his whole friend group had reacted to him coming out. It didn't seem like anything particularly bad had transpired, but then again the Slytherins were excellent at hiding things they didn't feel were other people's business.
“Well” Sirius sighed, turning his head towards James “The last time we spoke, he explained how lovely they had been. At least Crouch and Rosier, I'm not sure about the rest. But relax Prongs, i'm sure he is doing just fine” Sirius chuckled, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder “Right. Of course hes okay” James said, feeling just a tad stupid for caring so much, when his own brother did not even seem to be worried. But that is what he always did. Cared so deeply, and maybe too much.
James thought about it, over and over in his head. Was there even anything he would be able to do about it, if Regulus wasn't okay? He figured that maybe he could try to ask him about Sirius, in a subtle way to figure out how he was actually doing.
He nearly sprinted down the hallway, as he had seen Regulus walking a lone “Black” he stopped up, walking beside him, and Regulus looked more confused than ever. Which made sense, since James was embarrassingly out of breath “Potter” he said, sounding like he would rather be anywhere else “I just wanted to ask you something about Sirius” he lied “Yes?”
James noticed how excellent he was at sounding so careless, and how the look on his face barely changed “It's just, if anything unusual happened when he was with you over the summer? He seems a bit off at times, so I just figured you might know why. Is everything okay at home?” James was sort of rambling “Well Potter, from how much I know my brother tells you. I think you are aware that things aren't exactly “Okay” at home. It's manageable. And no, nothing in particular that would make Sirius act any different has happened” Regulus said, instantly making James think that what he meant was that Sirius's situation hasn't changed, but Regulus's definitely had “Well I think that answered my question then” James said, unsure what to do next “Potter”
Both of them turned, to find Evan standing there with a pleased smile “Hello” James replied, slightly annoyed that he hadn't gotten more alone time with Regulus. Regulus on the other hand, seemed to be relieved “I was hoping to run into you actually. As you know Halloween is just around the corner. And it just so happens that we are hosting a costume party. We would love for you and your friend to come. Right reggie?” Evan had put an arm around Regulus, who didn't look too pleased “Oh. I'm not sure if we are throwing one as well this year. But I will definitely ask them” James said politely “I spoke to a couple of Gryffindores actually, and there's talk about mixing all of the parties together. Who doesn't love a little inter-house unity?” Evan smirked “Sound fun actually, I will do my very best to get my friends convinced too” James said “Lovely, bye Potter” Evan winked at James, as he dragged Regulus away with him.
James was sort of locked in place after their conversation. He had always loved inter-house unity related things, as he thought the rivalry was ridiculous. But he had a strange feeling in his chest. He had been so set on talking to Regulus, getting at least something out of him, that he had been clueless. Just like Marlene had said. Had Evan Rosier actually been flirting with him just now? And the other times? Or was the whole thing some sort of evil scheme by the Slytherins, to take advantage of the Gryffindors.