Chapter 11
Regulus~
Regulus had never been to a muggle party before, he was certain he’d stick out like a sore thumb. He, Sirius, James, Peter and Remus all got to the party before anyone else, seeing as they needed Mary to get in, they waited at a park down the street they all agreed to meet at. Regulus was right nervous, Sirius had convinced him into yet another cropped top, this time though it was more Regulus’ style - black cropped turtleneck. He wore a brown suit jacket over it with brown flared jeans, Peter convinced him into chucking a loose tie on because apparently “A tie completes every outfit.” Regulus looked like a prep school reject but James said he looked nice so of course he didn’t change.
Evan, Pandora and Amos showed up first, all dressed in muggle clothes. Regulus felt like he’d step into some weird vortex, seeing his friends (sans Amos) in muggle clothes. Amos and Evan were holding hands awkwardly, Pandora seemed upset. Regulus went to Pandora first.
“Alright, Rosier?” Regulus asked, wrapping his arms around them.
“I’m okay.” Pandora lied, shooting side eyes to Evan.
Regulus looped his arm through theirs, pulling them along to where he and Peter were sitting, whispering to them on the way there, “What’d he do?”
“He’s fucking fake dating Amos.” Pandora whispered, rolling their eyes. They took a seat next to Peter. Evan and Amos just stood there awkwardly. The whole situation felt horribly uncomfortable. It didn’t help that Dorcas, Barty and Elias showed up mere seconds later, Barty and Elias hand in hand. Evan’s jaw clenched, staring daggers at Elias.
Pandora, the trouble maker they are, got up and hugged Barty and Dorcas. Dorcas was glaring at Evan and Amos, if looks could kill, they’d both be on their way to the gates of hell. From then until Mary and the girls showed up, everyone sat in complete silence. At one point Peter attempted to make conversation but Barty just glared at him. On the walk up to the party Mary and Sirius picked the energy back up, yelling loudly to each other about some man Jean-Paul Gaultier and his cats walk. It was very weird, the whole night had been weird.
The guy at the door didn’t even ask if they were invited (Regulus was expecting to at least have to give him a hand written letter) he just looked at Macdonald and let them all in. If that was strange - the inside was a hundred percent stranger. Drunk and probably high muggles were jumping around dancing to some man on the speakers screaming about there being a long way to the top to ‘rock and roll’. Some people were just standing in the corners passing around cigarettes. Some drunk man stood atop the stairs, spinning in circles while holding a mirrorball.
Sirius grabbed onto Regulus’ shoulder turning him to face him, “Are you gonna be okay?” He asked.
“Yeah, of course.” Regulus brushed him off.
“Okay, well I’m going to be with Remus. If anything goes wrong - find me or James, Okay?”
“Okay, okay, go.” Regulus rolled his eyes, pushing his brother's hands off of him. “Godrick, you’re overbearing.” Sirius laughed, before running off with Remus through the crowd.
Regulus looked over to his friends, just to see they’d all split up the second they had the chance. Dorcas was by the stairs, drink in hand, leaning against a wall staring down at Marlene. Evan had run off with Amos to the drink table. Barty was awkwardly talking with Elias and a bunch of high Muggles in one of the smoking corners. Regulus hadn’t caught where Lily, Mary, James and Peter had run off to but now it was just him and Dora, standing by the door uncomfortably.
“I only came here for Evan.” Pandora confessed.
“I only came here for Sirius.” Regulus replied.
“Funny how fast they ran off.” Pandora said humorlessly.
“To be fair, we weren’t being all that fun.”
“He’s fake dating Amos, how stupid could he be.” Pandora laced their fingers through Regulus’ pulling him to the nearest seats.
“What’s his excuse?” Regulus asked.
“He says it’s to win the bet but obviously it’s just to get at Barty. Why are they such messes?” Pandora threw themself dramatically down on the empty couch they found.
“Because they’re immature idiots that have convinced themselves they’re mature. I expect no less from them.” Regulus shrugged. “Now for an actual question, why the fuck are there so many people in one house? Is this not illegal?” Regulus complained looking at all the dancing teenagers around them.
“We must look so strange.” Pandora pondered.
“Nah, look at you, you’re as colourful as anyone else here.” Regulus comforted.
“Not our clothes, Reg. We look amazing, I know that.” Pandora waved their hand dramatically. “I was talking more about how we’re sitting on a couch, completely sober, having normal conversations, while everyone around us is dancing happily. We’re at a party acting like we’re at brunch.” Pandora complained.
“So? I quite like brunch.” Regulus smiled.
“Me too but we’re a bit weird looking.”
“Since when does being weird looking bother you?” Regulus knocked their shoulder with his own.
“It doesn’t. I’m not bothered, Reggie.” Pandora lied. “It’s just, well, I guess I want to have fun like all them.” Pandora gestured to all the dancing people around them.
“We could try?” Regulus guessed.
“You don’t really want to, do you?” Pandora raised their eyebrows at him.
“No, I don’t but you do, so let’s try it.”
“If you don’t want to, I’ll just go alone.” Pandora shifted awkwardly.
“We both know you don’t want that. Plus, ‘bout time I stepped out of my comfort zone, right?” Regulus smiled at them softly.
“Are you sure?” Pandora asked, a smile creeping its way to their lips.
“Yeah.” Regulus lied. Pandora’s face lit up, pulling Regulus to his feet and dragging him over to the drink table.
“I watched Evan, he got some red drink from here first.” Pandora informed him.
“Are you sure it wasn’t just a red cup?” Regulus said, picking up one of the plastic cups.
“Oh, frog brains! What do we do now?” Pandora asked.
“Well, we could just not drink anything?” Regulus offered.
“No, it seemed like a vital part of the muggle party experience… how’d Evan know the rules? Is there like a handbook for how to properly party like a muggle?” Pandora asked, fiddling with their sleeves.
“Probably not…” Regulus looked over the shoulder of the nearest dancing muggle to see their cup. “That person’s drinking something yellow? So probably that.” Regulus pointed to the weird contraption holding a yellow liquid in it. “Want to just try that?” Regulus asked.
“Well… it’s worth a try.” Pandora picked up a red cup, moving over to the contraption, “Reggie, how do I use this?” They looked up at him expectantly.
“Well, I’d guess you pull up this little knob thing?” Regulus tried it, making liquid fall all over the floor. “Fuck!” Regulus exclaimed.
A guy that was dancing behind Dora turned around to see what was going on, he was tall - like Remus level tall - and had long ginger hair. “Hey, do you need help with that?” He walked over grabbing the cup off Pandora and filling it for them. “First party?” He shot a smile at Pandora, completely ignoring Regulus.
“Yeah, is this the right drink to drink?” They asked.
“Right drink? There’s not really a set drink to drink, you just grab whatever you like.” He informed, stepping in closer to them, “I’m Dylan.” He smiled, sticking his hand out to Pandora.
“Pandora.” They smiled back.
“Ah, like the box?” Regulus couldn’t help but roll his eyes at his inaccuracy.
“Box? I’m not sure?” Pandora smiled awkwardly.
“Oh, it’s a whole story, I can tell you ‘bout it, if you’d like?” He stepped in closer to them.
“A story? I’d love to.” Pandora smiled softly, stepping in closer to Dylan. “Reggie, wanna come?” They smiled back at him. Dylan stepped in closer to Pandora- Oh Godrick, were they flirting? Have they always been flirting? Is this his cue to leave? Regulus has decided he hates muggle parties.
“Oh no, I’m good but you go ahead.” Regulus felt the urge to stab Dylan in his stupid face.
“Okay! You’ll be okay, though?” Pandora asked softly.
“Yeah, I’ll be alright.” Regulus lied. Pandora’s smile lit up, looping their arm through Dylan’s and pulling him through the crowd.
Regulus stood by the drink table looking around for any familiar faces, obviously finding none. He felt so frustrated. He figured now was a better time than ever to try the yellow drink. Regulus filled his cup to the brim, almost overflowing it because he couldn’t get the contraption to close. Some muggle guy was staring at him from the stairway, Regulus blatantly ignored his looks. Regulus took a sip from his cup and immediately started coughing. Regulus was baffled, muggles drink this for fun? While he was coughing up his drink the muggle boy from the staircase made his way to him.
“Not one for beer, are you?” The boy asked, taking the cup off of Regulus.
“What? I love butterbeer?” Regulus question, whipping at his mouth.
“Butterbeer? I’m not sure what that is but I was talking about the drink in your hand, mate.” The boy laughed, Regulus couldn't help but admire his rather pretty smile.
“It’s disgusting. I understand why it’s yellow.” Regulus remarked.
“Here, try something sweeter.” The boy grabbed Regulus’ cup and made his way to the kitchen - just expecting Regulus to follow. Regulus was curious, so just this once he’d follow. The boy walked Regulus over to this big bowl of pink liquid and dipped his cup into it. Regulus felt like gagging just thinking about all the germs in that thing. “It’s punch, it’s sweeter.” The boy handed the cup to Regulus, “I’m Mason, by the way.” He smiled.
“Regulus.” Regulus answered unfocused, too busy staring at the cup contemplating whether or not to drink it.
“Your name is Regulus?” Mason questioned.
“Yes and yours is Mason.” Regulus replied unenthusiastically.
“I just meant- I’ve never heard a name like that, it’s a bit str- different.” Mason laughed.
“My brother’s name is Sirius.” Regulus added, making Mason bark out a laugh.
“You’re kidding, right?” He laughed.
“Nope.” Regulus shook the cup in his hand watching the colour of the liquid change - he was not drinking that.
“You gonna try it?” Mason asked, stepping in closer to Regulus.
“Eventually.” Regulus lied.
“Well, in the meantime… Do you wanna dance?” Mason asked.
“I’m not a dancer.” Regulus replied dryly - also lying knowing his mother made him and his brother do 12 years of ballet from age 3.
“That’s okay, I’ll teach you.” Mason smiled, stepping far too close to Regulus’ personal space bubble.
“No thanks.” Regulus replied, turning on his heels to leave the room.
Mason grabbed onto his arm, spinning him back around. “Hey, hey, hey, wait. We don’t have to dance but who said we can’t talk?” Mason smiled, still holding onto Regulus’ arm.
“I’m not a talker.” Regulus shrugged him off.
“I’ll talk for you.” Mason pulled Regulus in closer by his arm.
“I’m not a listener.” Regulus plunked Mason’s hand off him, dropping it like it disgusted him.
“Well, I know something that doesn’t require listening or talking.” Mason smirked but it looked more like a snarl. It only clicked then to Regulus that he was hitting on him. He already didn’t like him, now he wants to set him on fire.
“I can assure you, I’m not into that either.” Regulus stepped back from him.
“Oh, I think I can change that.” Mason challenged.
“I hate change.” Regulus deflected.
“I think you’ll like this one.” Mason winked.
“No, I’m not sure I will.” Regulus excused himself from the room, walking back out to the main area. Mason followed him out, walking closely to him. Regulus pretended to not see him and continued to push through the crowd.
Mason pulled on Regulus’ arm turning him around, “Hey, look at that, we’re on the dance floor. Might as well dance while we’re here.” He remarked, stepping in closer to Regulus.
Regulus stepped back away from him, bumping into the person behind him who promptly started yelling. Regulus looked around for an escape, it was all too much. He spotted James alone by the drink table filling up his cup. Regulus pushed through the crowd to him. Regulus grabbed onto James’, startling him, making him drop his drink. James spun around presumably to yell but his eyes softened the second he saw Regulus.
“Hey! I was looking for you a bit ago, where’d you run off to?” James questioned, smiling down at him softly and genuinely - unlike Mason.
“I was um- I was around?” Regulus stuttered, looking around for Mason.
James’ hand grazed his arm, “Hey, are you feeling alright?”
“Yeah… I guess?” Regulus lied.
“What’s up?” James persisted.
“I don’t know… It’s weird.”
“I’ll try to get it.” James promised.
“There’s just this guy…” James’ eyes widened, “He’s following me around and I think he offered to fuck me? I’m not sure. It was weird. He was like- talking in riddles.” Regulus explained.
“Are you okay? Is he near us? Can you see him?” James asked, holding onto Regulus’ arms and scanning the room.
“I’m fine, it was just uncomfortable.” James’ grip tightened. “I think he finally pissed off, though.” Regulus guessed.
“Want me to hex him?” James offered no joke in his tone.
“I’m sure that'll go over well with the ministry.” Regulus remarked, stepping in closer to James.
“Oh yeah, especially with the spells me and Sirius have been making.” James joked, shuffling in closer to Regulus.
“I don’t doubt that.”
“Yeah, we made one that turns your feet into giant frog feet. You think he’d suit frog feet?” James joked.
“Maybe, got anything better?” Regulus challenged.
“Better?” James laughed, “Hmm, well, we have this one that makes their nose hair grow rapidly and wrap around their legs. How’s that one?”
“How do you even think of that?” Regulus laughed.
“Oh, that’s nothing. Pete made one that makes the person think dragon horns just grew off their butt.” Regulus rested his forehead against James’ shoulder, laughing wildly. “Hey Reg, he didn’t give you that drink, did he?” James asked, concern lacing his voice.
“Yeah but it looks gross.” Regulus replied, lifting his head from James’ shoulder.
“Yeah it does.” James grabbed the drink off Regulus and threw it in the bin a few feet away from them.
“Thanks, I was goi- James, that’s him.” Regulus gestured towards the guy walking up to them smiling.
“Reggie, can I hug you?” James asked.
“It’s a bit of a bad time, don’t you think?” Regulus raised his eyebrows at him.
“Ju- just can I?” James stressed.
“Yeah…” Regulus answered, heat rising to his cheeks. James’ hands dropped from his upper arms to his waist, pulling him into him. Regulus rested his head on James’ chest, snaking his arms around the back of James’ neck. Regulus felt like he was on fire where James was touching him.
“Regulus?” Mason’s voice rang in Regulus’ ears.
James’ grip on Regulus’ waist tightened, “Are you that daft? He’s mine, you twat. Piss off and go back to drunkenly crying and jerking yourself off in the bathroom.” James snapped.
“He didn’t tell me he had a boyfriend.” Mason defended.
“He made it quite clear he wanted nothing to do with you. Now again, piss off or I’ll make you.” James threatened. Mason scoffed, saying something about posh boys. James let go of Regulus, pushing him back a little to look at him, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, it’s really not that serious.” Regulus spoke just above a whisper, his cheeks burning “Ne pourriez-vous pas choisir une autre distraction ? Tu me tues mon chéri.”
“What’d you just say?” James asked, cheeks a deep scarlet.
“I was calling him names.” Regulus lied.
“Good, he deserves it… Reg, are you sure you’re okay?” James asked again.
“I’m sure, Jamie.” Regulus promised.
“Jamie?” James reeled back.
“I meant, James. Mind me, I must be drunk.” Regulus lied.
“Wait- you’ve been drinking?” James’ eyes blew wide.
“Potentially.” Regulus lied.
“Reg, you’re 16. Are you drunk? How much have you drunk? What did you drink? You haven’t smoked anything, right?” James pestered.
“What? No. Can you please relax? James, I’m fine. Now if you don’t mind me, I’m off to go find Barty” Regulus decided, turning on his heels leaving James to stress to himself.
James ~
Life update: James is going insane.
Or, a more accurate statement: Regulus is driving James insane.
James is stuck at the drink table replaying his last interaction in his mind over and over again. A few moments stick out to him: 1) Regulus came to him when he wasn’t feeling okay. 2) Regulus laughed against James’ shoulder. 3) Regulus let James hug him. 4) James called Regulus ‘mine’. 5) James called Regulus ‘mine’ and liked it? Like, a lot more than he should? 6) Regulus called James ‘mon chéri’. 7) Sirius calls Remus ‘mon chéri’. 8) James knows for a FACT that it means ‘my darling’.
James can’t think through a single full thought, his mind is just throwing the image of him with his arms around Regulus’ waist calling him ‘mine’ over and over. It’s driving him crazy. He feels horrible. He liked it. He liked calling Regulus, his. He wanted to say it again, he still wants to. Sirius would kill him if he knew what he was thinking. Merlin, it’s his best friend's little brother and he’s here thinking of his waist. James had to remind himself that it was fake, it was just to get that guy to fuck off.
But what if he could make it real? James could feel his cheeks heating up. Real? Why would he want it to be real? It’s Regulus. Oh, but it’s Regulus. James has never wanted anyone to be his but the thought of Regulus being anything but is hurting his chest. James could practically feel the jigsaw pieces in his mind finding their place. He likes Regulus. He likes Regulus and Sirius is going to murder him for it.
It’s fair to say that James is freaking out. Things like this don’t happen to James, he’s not used to this whole realisation moment. He’s liked the same girl since he was 11, this wasn’t supposed to happen. The only person James knows who knows how to deal with stuff like this is Remus, so that’s exactly who he went to find.
You’d think with Remus being the size of a 10 story apartment building he’d be easy to find at a party. But no, not Remus. Of course the one time he decides to be the height of a normal human being, is the time James needs him to stand out. James eventually finds him after running up and down stairs for 10 minutes. When James finds him, he’s curled up on a pool chair with Sirius on his chest. They look so soft, Remus was whispering something to Sirius, making him laugh into his chest while Remus played with his hair. James needed help but not desperately enough to break them up.
So, the next course of action was to find Peter, except Peter seemed to be just as caught up as Remus. James found Peter standing under the staircase flirting with a muggle boy. So, of course he left that alone too… though, he would have to ask about that later.
James’ last resort was Lily…