November
November 21st 1977
Two days before the ‘thanksgiving’ the harvest festival quidditch match, Slytherin vs Gryffindor. Before matches James and Regulus always spent time together, not like every waking hour was together or thinking about the other. But it was different leading to a match. They were supposed to dislike each other on the pitch. That was always impossible. “Okay so if I go Je t'aime et je veux que tu ne partes jamais, that means-“ James asked with a questioning look on his face. “That would mean, “I love you and never want you to leave” is that what you wanted?” Regulus asked. He was teaching James French, not only that but they were in the library. “Hey look at me getting my words down” James said happily, “your pronunciation is ass honey, but it’s alright we’ll work on it.” Regulus replied with a small laugh. These were always James ' favorite memories, the small,quiet,happy ones. The ones that held distinct form in his head. Regulus was happier then he had been recently, James wasn’t sure why, they couldn’t go home for the festival, or as some students enjoyed calling it ‘thanksgiving’, the quidditch game meant they had to stay. James was a bit saddened by that, he missed his parents, they were his best friends. Though unaware of his relationship. “You’re in a good mood, any reason?” James asked Regulus pointedly. “Am I not allowed to be excited about kicking my boyfriend's ass in quidditch in 2 days?” Regulus replied snarky. “Confident and cocky are we? Let’s make a deal?” James asked “oh I’m tempted what sort of deal?” Regulus replied, “whoever wins gets to do what?” He asked, “maybe that’s the whole point, whoever wins gets to do whatever they want to the other?” Regulus said. “For a day, whoever wins does what they want to the other for a day.” James agreed. Regulus nodded, this gave him a want to win. “Well it seems it’s time I must venture away, while I think about what I’ll do when I win.” Regulus said after a beat of silence he leaned over the table and kissed James , he had dinner plans with Remus, who since Halloween had become a good friend. This meant James much to Regulus ’s disapproval would probably skip dinner to fly, he was always anxious before games and flying was a good way to calm his nerves.
Nobody is surprised Regulus’s assumption was correct and that when It was 8pm and Regulus returned from dinner with Remus. James was still on the pitch. It was getting cold, Regulus knew he’d probably been out for too long but gave him a little while longer before he was dragging him inside. When the clock hit 8:30pm he walked down to the pitch. Noticing immediately how cold it was, yes it was November but -6.67 celsius was cold. He was hopeful that James had remembered his sweater or robe but as soon as the pitch was in distance of sight he could tell James did not. “James .” Regulus yelled out but not even a change in movement. Concerned about James ' health, Regulus speed walked nearly running, only to notice when he got closer James was talking. To himself but talking nonetheless. “Will you come home- no that sounds like I’m a silly 5th year, gods why is this so hard?” James groaned, “trying to ask your girlfriend to come home this Christmas?” Regulus asked sarcastically, James not looking up quite yet, “no my boyfriend but…” James had started then he glanced over, “oh! Heyyyy Reggie.” If his voice jumped an octave nothing was said. “Have you been out here since I left James ?” Regulus asked, concerned at the red nose and cheeks James ’s face held, “yeah but it’s no big deal, I feel fine.” He replied nonchalantly. “Were you also trying to ‘find the right words’ to ask me to come home for Christmas?” Regulus asked, “yeah, I want you there but I wasn’t sure you’d come home.” James replied, “Jamie me begging you after last Christmas and me staying with you this summer was the proof, I’ll always come home for Christmas.” Regulus said, coming closer to James ’s icy figure, “Now, come on inside, I don’t want to play against a dead James potter, that’s not very shag worthy,when I win.” Regulus finished as he wrapped his arm around James waist, he was smaller but could at least guide the boy.
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As much as Regulus wanted to take James back to his dorm and just have him for the rest of the evening he knew James needed his much warmer dorms. As he entered the common room he got some glances but nothing major, he lugged James to the group's dorm, the hollard a “Oh Remus, Sirius, I have a present for youuuu.” He knew they had a fourth roommate but he didn’t know him so only the two mattered. “Hello Regulus what do you…Godric why does he look like that?” Remus asked looking at James , Regulus glanced up and noticed he looked quite pale, “he’s been outside since I left for dinner, so a few hours.” Regulus replied, “Lordy Prongs , you're dumb.” Remus said. “Maybe but he’s coming home for Christmas so it’s okay.” James mumbled out, “yes Jamie I’m coming home for Christmas, now how about we lay down? Go to sleep for a while?” Regius said more than asked as he laid James in his bed.
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James was woken up by his favorite. “Hey Jamie, handsome. Get up, everyone is already at breakfast, it's just us, let's go.” Regulus said in his ear. “Five more minutes baby.” James groaned back, “No, I’m hungry. I already let you sleep in. Up.” Regulus barked back, pulling James’s hair. “Owww alright, I’m getting up.” James winced.
The day directly before matches were spent with teams, planning, devising plans. That’s why two days before the matches they were spending time together. This also meant after James lugged himself out of bed, into clothes and downstairs he and Regulus had separated before the great hall. It was bad luck supposedly.
Not being with James or knowing he couldn’t spend time with James always put Regulus in a sour mood. “Aw is baby black pouty because he doesn’t get to spend time with his boyfriend.” Dorcas patronized him. That would happen all day, most by his close friends who knew and didn’t care.
James was in a similar boat only Remus was the only person for him to know. Sirius asked many times what was wrong with his best mate, only ever getting mumbled “nothings” or shoulder shrugs. James knew he should be more responsive but couldn't muster the strength. He wished he could be with Regulus all the time, maybe that was odd. He knew he should be able to last a day without Regulus,but after how he’d turned up to the Potter house similarly to Sirius this past summer, James despised being away from him. He still had bad vibes when Regulus was away, he’d never te that to Regulus though. Seeing him covered in blood, gashes,and so many bruises, James was terrified for his boyfriend of 8 months. It’s why he wanted Regulus to agree to come home for Christmas so bad.
It was only 2pm by the time James was bored so far out of his mind. The team had already gone over strategies. James laid in his bed, eyes closed trying to kill time anyway he could, including just sleeping the day away. That was until the other marauders came in. “Prongssss get uppp, I’m bored” Sirius whined out, “Pads shut the fuck up” James grovelled back. “Both of you just stop, Pads sh let Prongs be lazy, Prongs be nice.” Remus intervened. “What wrong prongsssss?” Siruis groaned, James groveled for a moment before “I’m bored but don’t feel like doing anything, we’ve already done everything for the quidditch match tomorrow and I don’t know.” James moaned out,rolling around in his bed. “Aw baby, Prongs needs cuddles!” Sirius yelled, pulling Remus and himself into James' small twin bed. Normally James would bitch and groan about this but instead he cuddled up to the other two and nodded off to sleep until dinner.
The evening was even more uneventful, boring dinner. Harmless,meaningless threats thrown at dinner. As soon as he could James left, going to the library this time. Enjoying the quiet atmosphere after dinner. Picking up a book of dark magic through the years and settling in the window seat…his absolute favorite.
He read until it was nearly curfew, he enjoyed reading on occasions, like such. He found it soothing. James picked himself up and started back to The Gryffindor common room. He didn’t need to rush, he was a prefect, he had hall duties most nights, not before quidditch or right before break, those were his compromises. So he shuffled through the corridors when he felt a shove, not really paying attention or caring he kept walking thinking someone just bumped him by accident. “Oh, is the little lion ignoring me? What did I do to piss him off?” Evan asked, James would openly admit he preferred Evan over Barty. “Sorry Evan, just tired I guess…what’s up?” James replied with a small smile trying to be polite. “Just curious why I didn’t see you with or around Reg today, y’all fight or something?” Evan questioned like it was bugging him. “No, it's our thing to spend the day before a rivalry game apart. Just what we do, why?” James asked curiously, “Regulus just seemed off today and I needed to know if I needed to show you the “snake way” but Reg wouldn’t say anything so I had to ask you directly…so after tomorrow's game y’all will spend time together?” Evan continued. “Yes Evan that’s the plan now if you don’t mind, I wish to maybe sleep a bit tonight.” James said, pushing past him. James just wanted to get to his bed,sleep, and then play so he could spend time with Regulus again. His steps were slower than he wished but he was almost to the portrait. That’s when he ran into McGonagall. “Mr.Potter! Do you think it wise to be out of bed at 11pm when you have a game at 9am tomorrow? Because I surely think it’s a poor decision.” She scolded. “I was reading for a while but I don’t think I realized the time, I'll see you tomorrow Minnie.” He claimed through the portrait and forced himself up to the dorm room.
Instantly greeted with a “where the hell have you been James Fleamont Potter?” Asked a red faced Sirius black, “I was in the library enjoying a book, lost track of time, got stopped and cornered by a slytherin, stopped by Minnie and I really just want to sleep.” James sputtered as he stripped out of his shirt and pants leaving his boxers on, he felt like he was burning and flopped into his bed, casting a silent cooling charm to see if it helped any. It didn’t. “Are we really supposed to believe you were in the library?” Sirius questioned, “you could’ve checked the map, and you can ask me again in the morning but shh I’m about to pass the fuck out.” James mumbled as he fell asleep.
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It was way too early when his alarm spell went off. It was 7am to be exact but it was bright and he felt hungover. “Godric I feel like shit” James groaned, “you better go to Pomfrey before the match we can’t risk you being out.” Remus chimed in. James knew he was right but Pomfrey would ask questions and those were stupid. he didn’t need her to know if he was sexually active, or any of his business he considered private. He also knew he wouldn’t be allowed to play if his best mates thought he could be ill, so he got his happy ass up and walked to the med wing. “James Potter, to what do I owe the pleasure?” Madam Pomfrey asked pointedly. “I just feel awful and I was hoping you had a draught of some kind so I can play in a few hours?” James responded, “hmm well you know the basic information I need, height, weight, any new medical problems and if you’re sexually active.” She asked as she looked through cupboards. “1.8m (5 '11), 86kg (190 lb) or so, no new medical history other than some more frequent migraines but I think those are stress induced, and yes.” James said after thinking for a minute. “Do I need to ask about that last question or can I assume there is no need for any sort of pregnancy draughts either?” Madam Pomfrey asked smugly, “You are correct there is no need for any of that draught, just whatever can make me feel good enough for the match in 2 hours.” James retorted. “Alright, here is a Pepperup Potion, it should kick in for the match and wear off after about 2-3 hours so keep that in mind. Afterwards come back, I can get something stronger but with you playing I don’t think you want to be drowsy so this is it for now.” Madam Pomfrey said handing him the bottle to take soon, then he was on his way back to the dorms. He was tired and honestly didn’t feel like playing but he knew he needed to. When he got back to the dorms he knocked back the potion in one swoop and called it good. It took all of 5 minutes for the potion to hit full effect. He felt great; he could probably run a marathon. By now it was 8:15 am so he went down to the pitch and the locker room. Changing into his quidditch robes. The trousers snug like a bug and the top loose with a comfortable robe on top, the trousers were his favorite part of the uniform, mostly because of Reggie but that was his secret.
By 8:30 am more of the team was rolling in, bantering and well being Gryffindors. James loved his Gryffindors but he loved his Slytherin a little more. “You feeling better Prongs?” Sirius asked, “Feeling great Pads, let’s kick some Slytherin ass.” James said loud enough for the whole team to hear. The room erupted into cheers and honestly utter chaos. At 8:55 am the team made their way to the pitch.
9:00 am Slytherin vs Gryffindor quidditch match
Both teams were in the middle of the pitch on the ground. “I want a clean, safe, fair game. That means no hex’s, no dirty plays. Up on my whistle” Hooch said, followed by her whistle. James was one of the first up, he and Sirius were chasers, Regulus was a seeker, fast as can be on his broom.
10:00 am Slytherin vs Gryffindor quidditch match
The game was back and forth currently tied at 150-150 for the two houses, the snitch had yet to be seen, not that James was paying attention to that more so to Regguls and how he flew around. He was so increasingly distracted he didn’t see when a bludger was smacked at his head. All he knew was when he felt the ball hit his head and him losing his grip on his broom. Regulus was across the pitch having just seen the snitch, the Gryffindor seeker was on his tail when he saw James hit and fall. James or the snitch? That was an easy decision…James. He just happened to have the luck of grabbing the snitch along the way. James was falling faster and faster, he didn’t scream, he was quiet. All that went through James head was this is how he was going to die, on a quidditch pitch mid game, he wanted to tell his mom he loves her one last time, and Reggie he’d see his death how is that fair; Sirius his best mate in the world wouldn’t have him anymore. He knew he should scream but he just couldn’t. What he could do is hear Regulus’s scream, “James…do something, anything”He cried out. James wanted to apologize.
He realized he still hadn’t hit the ground, what he’d yet to realize was that Regulus was cradling him. He had caught James, it was actually less of a catch and more so a grab with his broom, he knew he didn’t have enough muscle mass to get James up himself so he relied on his magic. The match was over, Slytherin had won, but even all the Slytherins were silent as Regulus got James to the ground. There waited Madam Pomfrey, Sirius, Madam Hooch and McGonagall. As soon as he landed Sirius was at his side to help. “He hasn’t opened his eyes since I’ve seen him.” He rasped out, “he needs the infirmary now! Let’s go” Madam Pomfrey barked out letting her magic grab James and pull him behind her. Instead of staying on the pitch he rushed after Madam Pomfrey, maybe this was a bad decision but he needed James to be okay.
When he was first admitted they didn’t let anyone in, so Sirius and Regulus were stuck out in the hall, with just the other to keep company. “Thank you for saving James, I froze. I got scared.” Sirius confessed. “I didn’t do it for you, I am a very selfish person Sirius, you of all people should know that. James is just one of the things I choose to be selfish about, he makes me happy to be selfish.” Regulus said out loud. He was seated on the floor back against the wall, knees to his chest, he let his head fall to his knees. He wanted to cry in all honesty, he wanted to wail for the love he nearly lost, but Sirius was there and it felt like the wrong time to expose the relationship. So he sat with his head down and silently waited and waited, until finally McGonagall walked out letting out a sigh. “He’ll be okay. Dramatic one he is. Visiting hours are over so I recommend you go back to the dormitory’s Mr. Black that is associated with my house, Regulus I wish to speak to you.” She said, “anything you tell him I-“ Sirius started. “If it’s anything crucial I will tell you immediately, until then go to bed we both need it.” Regulus replied gently he knew he needed to sleep but probably wouldn’t for a long while. “Fine…goodnight Reg, Night minnie.” Sirius said as he left. “What is it?” Regulus snapped, he was tired and worried, “James asked to see you, it’s technically outside of visiting hours but you saved his life so, just don’t tell anyone.” McGonagall said as she walked away. Regulus pushed himself up, and opened the infirmary doors. The only occupied bed was towards the end of the hall, by the big bay windows. Regulus walked as fast as he could without running. In the bed laid a very much breathing and very awake James, instantly Regulus broke down. “You dumb daft idiot! I thought I was going to lose you. I thought…I thought you might not remember me or us.” Regulus cried out only loud enough for the two of them to hear. “I know, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” James replied scooting over in the pretty small infirmary bed. “Come here, lay down,” James said, grabbing Regulus’s hand. Regulus crawled in next to James, he laid on his side to face James entirely. “I told my brother that I am selfish and that you are one of the many things I’m selfish with, I was sacred James. I almost didn’t get to you in time, what if I- what if I hadn’t?!?! You would’ve died!” Regulus beat his fist against James. “I know, and I’m sorry, and I love you and I didn’t want you to see me die, I was terrified. You saved me! You saved me. Take that in, okay? For now let everything go. I just need Reggie, not my savior of a Boyfriend Regulus.” James said with a laugh. Regulus crawled from where he was leaning against James to now he was on top of James, head against his chest. “I love you Jamie, so so much…you know Slytherin won.” Regulus grinned, “That is correct, so what shall I do for you?” James asked with a smile. “Can I actually save my day for a later date, when we can be alone more?” He asked, turning his head on James’s chest. James smiled at Reg, “anytime you want love. Right now though I do ask that we lay down and get some sleep.” James muttered followed by a yawn. Regulus was more than happy to oblige, he tucked his ear against James chest. He was lulled to sleep by the steady heart beat.
6 am
Madam Pomfrey walked out of her sleeping chambers into the infirmary, she saw two bodies in the far bed. She knew she should be mad, upset but all she could feel was relief. James was fine mostly. He had a URTI or in simple terms upper respiratory infection. It should be gone by this afternoon as she was able to get him the draughts needed to help combat the infection. It explained his symptoms yesterday and last night. Because he never hit the ground, the most he had from the fall was some mild whiplash from falling off his broom and then when Regulus grabbed him. He would be released later today closer to dinner time. She quietly walked over to the sleeping boys. She noticed how Regulus held onto James’s shirt like it was something he was afraid of losing and James held one of his arms around Regulus’s waist like he could or would never let go. She didn’t really want to wake them; she knew they both were shaken up by the incident and so she hated to wake them but she also knew the other Black brother. She softly cleared her throat, “visiting hours technically start in an hour, I can say I let you in early or you can because of nightmares but he wouldn’t believe that if you two are cuddling.” She said smoothly without letting her laugh out. Regulus shot up first “Madam Pomfrey! Good morning I was just…I give up” he muttered as he let his head hit James’s chest, “I’m pretty sure she already knew it was you Reggie.” James replied. “That was in this bed or who is normally in your bed? Because to both of those, yes, I’m not dumb.” She retorted , Reg flushed a bright red. “You are right my dearest brother wouldn’t let you keep your oh so dear limbs intact if I was like this when he walked in. Maybe you should pretend to be sleeping. I'll pretend I'm here because of nightmares.” Regulus said as he climbed out of the bed and sat next to the bed, it wasn’t entirely fake he would’ve come due to nightmares, Sirius should know regulus has always gotten worked up after big scares, James might not know that as much. “Well I’m unlocking the doors…free reign now.” Madam Pomfrey said as she walked to the doors, “pst…reg…reggieeeee” James whined out like a neglected child, “what Jamie” regulus replied hopefully not overly snappy he was just annoyed by the early morning, “I love you, and again thank you for saving me, my beautiful baby black.” James raised his hand and caressed Regulus’s cheek. “And here I thought you were being cute and romantic and then ‘baby black’ of all things and you picked that…seriously That!?!” He replied pushing James back. “I was keeping it PG in case of all moments that’s when my best friend, your older brother, was to walk in. If I knew I had more time I could’ve said my beautiful bo-“ James was cut off with a cry. “Prongs, how could they separate us for so long? Do they not understand our love?” Sirius wailed as he barreled in and to James’s bed, Regulus had since moved back, choosing to lean back and watch then make a scene. “I don’t know Padfoot, it was treacherous, I barely made it through the night. I luckily didn’t have to face the cruel empty hall when your dearest brother came in, also needing to not be alone for a while.” James reassured him. By now Remus was also a seen present in the room.
The two spoke back and forth of what exactly no one ever picked up on fully or undershoot so instead Remus and Regulus started talking. “How are you doing Regulus?” Remus asked, hiding his full concern, “Been better but it’s fine, as long as he’s getting better I’m fine.” He replied, looking from Remus to James to his feet. “I was really scared Remus, I thought I was gonna lose him, I can’t lose him.” Regulus said in a very hushed voice, “ I know Reg, I know. He’s fine and you're fine. We’re all okay.” Remus said hugging Regulus only to be interrupted by a very loud cry, “Moony!?! Are you…are you cheating on me with my brother.” Sirius cried out. “Oh yes I stole your boyfriend and your best friend, how dare I?” Regulus said as monotone as he could, “no hun, i was chatting to your brother about a book we were reading together and I was saying my goodbyes so you and I could go to breakfast, I’m starving.” Remus replied lovingly and calmly. “How dare he, I’ll hold Regulus back Padfoot you go.” James said like it pained him, “Seriously though Pomfrey was going to me my calming draught soon and James has a few more hours here, she’ll get us breakfast. You guys go enjoy a breakfast date. We'll see you by dinner at the latest. Bye Remus, Bye Sirius” Regulus said, “I don’t know how I’ll live but I’ll see you on the other side Padfoot, Moony if I die continue to cherish Padfoot for me. I’ll see you later. I love you.” James whined like it pained him. Remus drags Sirius out of the hospital wing.
“I love him, I really really do, he's my best friend but Godric I love our alone time Reggie” James muttered out looking at Regulus, “You were the idiot who had nearly ended that not me thank you very much. I might have lied a bit, Pomfrey said we should be out soon.” Regulus said with a grin. “You are the one who won, it can be your day.” James replied with a smile, " that’s right, I won, so I get the day but Im actually moving it to a different one I don't associate with yesterday.” Regulus said, “Whatever makes you happy you get my love, my sug-“ James started his stupid cheesy remarks only to get smacked in the chest. “Then let’s lay down for a while longer, yes?” Regulus said as he climbed back into the bed and cuddled into James' larger frame. “I love you but I swear to god if you ever pull that sorta stunt again I’ll kill you with my bare hands.” Regulu threatened, followed by laying his head on James' chest. “ I never dream of it happening again, I never want to lose you my love…my star.” James kissed Regulus’s head and they drifted to a gentle easy sleep.