Third Time's a Charm

As Regulus makes his way over to the stand next to his bed to pull on his rings and necklaces, his eyes pause on the small polaroid of him and Sirius from when he was 11 and Sirius was 12. Sirius had come home for winter break with an old camera that he had gotten from his friend for Christmas. They had snuck out to the park with their cousin Andromeda to play in the snow. Regulus was hesitant at first but Sirius always broke him. 

“Come on Reggie it’ll be fun”

“I don’t know Sirius, what if Mother and Father come back, it’s against the rules.”

“It’ll be okay, I promise, we can make snow angels and snow people, and we’ll have Andy there.”

“... okay” Sirius had always been the one to break him out of his shell, but that was the last night his shell cracked . 

Regulus could have sworn the snowflakes were falling stars, with the way they sparkle in the moonlight and how they fall together in clusters. They made snow people in their snow towns and snow angels to watch over them. They had snowball fights and competitions on who could slide down the hill faster, Regulus always won that one. 

At the end of the day Sirius had pulled out his camera and asked Andy to “capture the moment”. Regulus could still hear the echoes of their laughs, the biggest smile on both their faces, reaching their eyes, the twinkling snowflakes contrasting their raven hair. He could feel the warmth in Sirius’ embrace as he wrapped his arms around him to keep him warm, feeling himself wish with all his might and on all the stars that they could stay in that moment forever. 

But all good moments eventually come to an end, and when they got home trying their best to muffle their laughs so they didn’t wake their parents, they were already waiting for them. They had returned from their dinner early to find the house empty and were furious. You could almost see the rage radiating off their mother in waves, her wide eyes and flared nostrils, the thin line of her mouth and pencil straight posture. 

They pulled Andy into Fathers office, he knew it wasn’t good, it was never good in Fathers office. That was the last time Andy ever visited. Next it was Sirius. Regulus had begged for him not to leave but of course he didn’t have a choice. He could hear their voices through the door, he would never forget the sound of their Fathers cane across Sirius’ face. He didn’t speak for a week, too afraid that he would say the wrong thing. 

Sirius later told him through tears that they had burned the camera but that he had saved the photo which he gave to Regulus. He had always been better at hiding things. 

Regulus snaps out of his daze and grabs his apron. He’s working the closing shift at Broomstick, a coffee shop a couple streets away. When he leaves his room the house is empty, Barty probably off bugging Pandora or Dorcas, and Evan up in his room typing away on his tattered old computer. They have better ones but Evan also insists the computer is magic and refuses to let it go.

They had all been looking for jobs since their move, all of them successful except Barty. Dorcas has been volunteering at the local veterinary clinic. Pandora found a job at a crystal store run by someone named Sybill Trelawney, Regulus had never met her but Pandora seems to like her so that's enough for Regulus. Evan can work from anywhere as he is a writer, and Regulus has his job at Broomstick. He still isn’t sure on why he’s allowed the closing shift on his own since he hasn’t worked there that long but either Hooch was really trusting or they don’t care. In the end he’s getting paid so it doesn’t really matter. 

***

 The air had turned sharp and the wind had picked up, the trees dancing around him as Regulus made his way to the shop. Regulus never minded the cold, it always cleared his thoughts and the walks calmed him before having to interact with people. 

It takes him less than 15 minutes, so when he arrives he has an extra few minutes before his shift actually starts. He quite likes his job, it isn’t anything fancy but he could get lost in making orders and cleaning up, it always soothed his mind when he had a task he could solely focus on. Since this was the last shift of the day Regulus didn’t get many customers, a few students, a couple on a date, and some adults getting a coffee to refresh before heading home other than that it was a pretty slow day. It could be an added factor that there was definitely a storm headed their way and the wind had gotten so bad that Regulus was sure some trees might just snap in half. 

There hadn’t been any customers for over half an hour and there was about fifteen minutes left until closing so Regulus decided to start cleaning. He wiped down the counters, stacked the chairs, washed and dried the dishes, all that he was supposed to until the only task left was to sweep the floor. Grabbing the broom from the closet Regulus began, unconsciously humming along to the tune in his head. He barely registered the bell to the front door before he was flat on his back, something heavy on top of him, or no, some one . He got a face full of curls, a mix of pine and cinnamon overflowing his senses causing him to sneeze. 

“I’m so sorry, and bless you,” The mop of curls lifted and was replaced with two brown eyes behind slightly crooked glasses, a lopsided grin forming out of new found recognition. 

“Hello Mystery Boy” Regulus’ daze was instantly replaced with confusion.

“Excuse me?”

“You do speak English”

“Um, what?”

“Oh yeah right sorry, I didn’t know your name. Or if you were real. So I’ve been calling you Mystery Boy.” Real? Regulus’ confusion was growing more and more every second.

“Why wouldn’t I be real?”

“That’s harder to explain, and embarrassing.”

“Well you’re literally on top of me so I don’t know how it could be anymore embarrassing.” 

“Oh uh yeah right sorry.” Scrambling to get off of him, the pink on the other boy's cheeks deepening to a magenta. He held out his hand and Regulus hesitantly reached for it, being gracefully pulled to his feet. “The wind is bloody mental outside, I wouldn’t make it home in this weather so I found the nearest place that I could go inside and that just happened to be here. Didn’t realise you would be so close to the door, sorry again. I’m James by the way.” He finished with a sheepish smile. Regulus had only now realised that James was drenched head to toe. His hair flat on his head, coat dripping on the wood floor, no umbrella in sight. When neither of them said anything the curly haired boy gestured towards the door, starting to move. 

“I can go, I know it’s supp-”

“No, no it's okay. Besides if I let you go out there I might as well be murdering you, or at least an accessory to murder, in which I would go to jail. So it’s best if you stay inside.” James laughed, a sound that Regulus found he would love to listen to on repeat if he could. 

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” After another awkward moment of silence Regulus started to walk backwards towards the counter. He pulled out two mugs and two chocolate chip cookies. James still hadn’t moved from his spot by the door, but his eyes were watching Regulus carefully, unsure of what to do. In the end he made his way towards Regulus, placing his arms on the counter and folding his hands together. 

“What are you doing?” 

“Making us drinks. Coffee or tea?”

“Um, coffee please, but decaf.” Regulus continued his work, pouring the coffee, boiling the kettle for his tea, and grabbing two plates for their cookies. Once he was done he grabbed both mugs and plates, moving to the table in the corner with two sofas, one red and one green, a small table in the middle. James was at his side in an instant holding his hands out to take a mug or a plate, but Regulus swiftly placed everything on the table and took his place on the green sofa, folding his legs and taking a small sip of his tea, the warmth immediately flowing through his body, a nice refresher for his tired bones. When he glances up James is already looking at him, mouth slightly open. Regulus tilts his head.

“What?”

“How did you do that? I would have for sure dropped all of those.” Regulus shrugged and continued nursing his tea. They both seemed content to sit in silence and Regulus wasn’t about to argue, instead he watched as the drops of rain raced down the window pane. He began to root for the drop on the right, as it seemed to be moving faster and more swiftly. But, just as Right was about to win, Left caught onto another drop of rain and slid all the way to the bottom without interruption. Regulus frowned slightly, moving his eyes to another part of the glass to find new opponents. He could feel James’ eyes on him but he was solely focused on the new race. This time he decided to go for Left, it was a bit slower than Right but it eventually worked its way down the glass until they were side by side. They were a drop away from the finish line when a new drop blocked Lefts path, giving Right a clear line to finish. Regulus’ frown turned into a small smile as the new drop seemingly made Left faster, an extra boost, a helping hand for Left to win the race. 

James started to fidget and Regulus finally tore his gaze away from the window. His leg was bouncing like crazy and fussing with his fingers to the point Regulus thought they might break. 

“Are you alright?” The other boy didn’t respond, eyes locked on the dancing trees.

“James?”

“Hmm?”

“I asked if you’re alright”

“Oh, uh yeah I’m good, just never liked storms. Too loud, too much.”

“Oh”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine though” Lie . 

Regulus had always liked storms, they were a reminder that even mother nature needed to scream. The wind and rain, a comfort that Regulus wasn’t alone, even if he was. He never really thought that someone wouldn’t like storms. But here he was, sitting in front of a boy burning his fingers from all the fidgeting. If Regulus didn’t do anything he was sure the skin would peel right off James’ fingers. But what? They were trapped inside a coffee shop with no tv or games. 

Regulus looked around the shop but came up empty, until his eyes wandered to the back corner. Where, hidden beneath the shadows was a rickety piano. Regulus stood and wandered over, leaving the anxious boy behind, to explore. He lifted the cover and immediately sneezed, years of untouched dust now disturbed. Regulus had worked there for the past couple weeks and had never once noticed a piano… weird. 

He hasn’t played in a while since they didn’t have a piano at home, but as soon as he sat on the stool he felt as though he was home. The comforting pressure of the fresh keys beneath his fingers, the 16 years of lessons returning at an instant. There may not have been anything good about that house but Regulus could always lose himself in music. The notes became words and the music a story. Regulus hasn’t told a story in forever. 

He’s never played in front of anyone before - except for his teacher and parents - not Evan, Pandora, Dorcas, or even Barty. But there’s a first time for everything, right? And James needs a distraction. Regulus doesn’t know why he’s doing this, it’s not like he and James are close, they’ve barely met twice and yet there’s something in his bones drawing him to James, whispering to him that he needs this, and maybe Regulus does too. 

The minute he pressed down on the first key Regulus was gone, lost in his own world where the only sound was the wave of harmonies washing over him. He closes his eyes as he moves deeper into the story, the dark tones signifying a sudden danger amidst. 

He can feel James’ weight settle on the bench next to him but he doesn’t dare open his eyes, for the spell would be broken and the story would be left unfinished. Regulus’ hands work their magic moving up and down the ivory keys, occasionally brushing against James’ arm but never slowing their pace. 

As the story comes to an end and Regulus’ hands finally still he hears a small noise come from the boy beside him. Slowly Regulus opens his eyes and turns his head, coming face to face with the taller boy - the piano bench was really only made for one - and realises that James is now sitting with his mouth hanging open, silently gaping at Regulus. Regulus leans away, staring intently at the piano keys as if they hold the universe's greatest mysteries.

“What?” The question was soft, barely more than a whisper, Regulus not ready to face the ruins of his stories as they crumble with the following words. 

“T-that was” awful, horrid, nails on a chalkboard “amazing” It was Regulus’ turn to gape. Growing up it had always been “Try harder” “Again” “Adequate”, never, not once had Regulus been given a “Good Job” “Amazing” “Beautiful”, and here he was sitting in front of a strange boy, albeit handsome but a complete stranger and Regulus is playing piano for him and blushing at his foreign words? Blushing? No no no. Regulus does not blush. James was oblivious to Regulus’ mental spiral and continued his spiralling.

“That was really good, like chocolate chip cookie good. Wait, that's random. I really like chocolate chip cookies. They are the best cookies. But yeah, oh my daisy that was so cool. We have a piano at home but I’ve never bothered to learn, my best mate knows how but he refuses to play. Sometimes I catch him almost looking sad when looking at it. That’s besides the point, I’ve never really heard a piano up close, that was so cool. The most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard. Wait, I want to learn something. Teach me something?” As James finishes his ramble Regulus can feel a small smile form on his face and he mentally curses himself, willing it to go away. Not even a minute after Regulus succeeded it was back, because James has started to pet the keys. 

“What do you want to learn?”

“Anything. Everything.”

“Okay slow down, let's start with Hot Cross Buns”

“That sounds yummy” Regulus swiftly ignores that comment, instead placing his fingers on three keys in front of James.

“These are the only keys you need,” when James didn’t move Regulus reaches over and gently grabs his hand. It’s warm, unlike Regulus’ own. His fingers and palms calloused from years of working. 

Regulus focuses on the keys, snuffing out the candle beginning to burn inside. They go through the motions a few times before James can play on his own, his face lighting up like the sun, his eyes glowing as he repeats the song over and over again. 

When James finally pauses, fingers resting on the keys, Regulus tears his eyes away from the ivory to look at James only to find his eyes already on him, blue meeting brown. They sit like that for a while, just watching eachother, taking in every detail; like the way James’ glasses are always slightly tilted even though he fixes them every two seconds; or how there’s the slightest hint of green in his eyes, masked by the deep brown; the way his nose curves and his hair is always falling in front of his face. It takes everything in Regulus’ being not to reach out and move it away from those perfect, beautiful, deep, brown eyes that never seem to want to leave Regulus’ face. The candle burns, the flame growing taller, reaching every bone and muscle in Regulus until he is sure he’s going to melt. If Regulus isn’t careful he’s going to get burned.

Again. 

Regulus is the first to break the contact, feeling too hot under James' gaze. Now back in reality, Regulus realises the thunder is gone and the rain is only sprinkling. James follows his gaze coming to the same conclusion, Regulus doesn’t notice the small frown form on James’ face before it is swept away by a sweet smile, one he thinks he might be content drowning in. 

No, no. Stop.

Regulus mentally rolls his eyes before sliding off the bench and making his way back to the sofas. He rinses the cups and plates, plucking two napkins off the counter to wrap the cookies, and grabs his coat and scarf. James is at the door, coat already on and waiting patiently. Neither of them have umbrellas, both taking their chances with the weather. Regulus opens the door and is met with a light breeze. He holds the door for James before retrieving his keys from the depths of his pocket and locks it. 

The silence is back, Regulus not knowing what to say and James standing there with a goofy smile on his face. Regulus breaks the silence once again by turning down the street, mumbling a quick, “Goodbye James” Except it isn’t a goodbye, because James continues by his side. After 10 steps Regulus finally stops, turning to face the curly haired boy.

“What are you doing?” 

“Walking you home” James, unfazed by the question, responds as if it’s the most simple answer in the world. Regulus stares, head tilted, confusion swimming in the ocean that is his eyes.

“You know I don’t actually know you. You could murder me.” 

“You do realise we were just in that coffee shop alone together for like an hour.”

“That doesn’t mean I know you.”

“If I wanted to kill you don’t you think I would’ve done it then, you know, in a secluded building with no one around.” Regulus falters, that’s a good point. Anyway, Regulus could probably take him, he’s fast. 

“Fair point”

They walk the 15 minutes, at first in silence until James starts speaking random facts of knowledge and after one too many times catching Regulus' eyes wandering up to the stars James asks.

“You like the stars?” The question is soft, spoken like a secret.

“Hmm?” Regulus looks away from the stars and back to James, not quite catching the question in his daze.

“You like the stars?”

“Oh, yeah.” Regulus’ eyes once again wander up to the city above, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. 

“Can you tell me about them?” Regulus is caught off guard by the question, but he can’t help but comply, the stars have always been a weak spot for Regulus. He starts out hesitant, not wanting to bore the poor boy. But as he continues there are no protests, no yawns, no fake snores so he keeps going. Explaining all of the constellations and how they got their names. Which ones are his favourite and why. He goes on and on until they arrive at Regulus’ little cottage and he pauses in the middle of his sentence, the corner of his lips tugging down.

“Well, this is my home.” James nods but doesn’t leave.

“You didn’t finish telling me about why Andromeda and Canis Major are your favourites.” A sad smile appears on Regulus’ face as all the memories of his favourite cousin and brother come flooding back, he’s quick enough to push them away that James doesn’t notice but not quick enough to stop the pain settingling in his chest like a wound reopening. 

“Maybe next time” Regulus whispers as he walks through the little garden and up the stairs onto the porch. As he goes to open the door he’s interrupted by a voice calling out behind him.

“Wait!” Regulus turns back to James, hand hovering over the handle. He hasn’t moved from his spot by the little gate, the streetlamp making his dark skin glow and his hair look like it’s made of gold, “You never told me your name.” Regulus doesn’t hide his smile, doesn’t immediately snuff out the flame in his chest, he knows he’ll regret it later, but not right now. 

“Goodnight, James.” He can feel the warmth spread through him as James’ smile grows brighter. He turns the handle and steps through the threshold. Once the door is closed and locked he lets out a long breath, leaning back against the door, letting his eyes flutter close.

“He was pretty” Regulus jumps, not realising he isn’t alone. 

“What?”

“That boy, with the curly hair”

“Oh uh yeah, I guess” Regulus could feel the warmth creep its way onto his face but hoped that Barty didn’t notice, of course luck was not in his favour. 

“You’re blushing”

“No I’m not” Regulus would die before ever admitting he was blushing.

“Yeah you are… Regulus Black do you have a crush?” 

“Shut up, I’m going to bed” Regulus mumbles, leaving the conversation faster than necessary. Resulting in the other boy transforming himself into a witch and starts cackling. Regulus rolls his eyes as he closes the door to his room, Bartys laughs fading behind him. He quickly changes into his warmest pyjamas and curls up in the mound of blankets and pillows that occupies his bed. 

That night Regulus dreams of a curly haired boy with crooked glasses, and the prettiest brown eyes.