Morning Star

Walburga and Orion Black did not care that their son had ran away, nor did they notice their second son spending his days waiting by the fireplace in the library. Just in case. 

Regulus didn't hear anything from Sirius. He wasn't sure if he had made it to the Potter's safely, or if he was alright. For all Regulus knew, he could have died by the time he'd got there.

If it wasn't for James' owl finding him a couple of days later, he would have gone the rest of the Christmas break wondering how Sirius was.

__________

Reggie,

Sirius got here a couple of days ago, as I am sure you already know. He's alright. He is as well as he can be, I suppose. My mum healed him and is keeping him in bed, that's why he hasn't had the chance to send an owl your way.

I'm sorry that I didn't think to send you anything sooner, I forgot. We've all just had so much on our minds, but that isn't an excuse. I'm really sorry, Reggie.

Are you alright? They aren't hurting you too, are they?

If you feel unsafe, lonely, or if you just want to, you can come and stay at my house. My parents said that it would be ok. We all just really want to know if you're alright.

Let me know as soon as you can, please. We are all very worried.

James Potter.

__________

Regulus reread the letter a few more times before finally putting it down. It had come to him whilst he was sitting on the windowsill in Sirius' bedroom, which meant his parents wouldn't catch him if he sent a reply; they had been avoiding anything to do with Sirius ever since that dreadful night.

Sirius was ok. He was safe. That was what mattered.

Not that their parents would have cared. Regulus had watched as his mother burnt Sirius off the family tapestry the previous night. He knew it was only a stupid, old picture, but it made everything feel too real. It made him feel like he had truly lost his brother.

Regulus had been invited to stay at the Potter's - they had never asked him before. He thought about it for a while. Perhaps he would have accepted the invitation when he was younger, but now... No. He had to stay. If he left too, his parents would probably come and find him, meaning they would also find Sirius, and- No. Regulus would not be the person to put his brother in danger.

Even if he wasn't going to say yes, he knew he still had to send back a reply. James seemed adamant on knowing if he was alright. Well, not just James. We all. That meant his parents and probably Remus and Sirius too.

So, he sent back a letter.

Dear James.

No, that sounded far too posh.

Hello James.

Nope, too familiar. They aren't that close.

James.

Yep, that works.

__________

James,

Thank you for addressing me on Sirius' current situation. I am glad to hear he is doing well. I'm not sure if you figured it out yet, but they used the Cruciatus Curse on him. 

I'm fine. They haven't bothered me much. They haven't really spoken at all since Sirius left. What exactly did he tell you?

Also, thank you for the invitation, but I cannot accept it.

Regulus Arcturus Black.

__________

Deciding what he had written sounded acceptable, Regulus tied it to the bird's leg and sent it on its way.

Regulus received a reply the next morning. He had been watching the sunrise from his bedroom window, when the familiar tawny owl came fluttering towards him. It stopped in mid-air, it's wings still flapping up and down. He untied the parchment from its leg and allowed the owl to perch on the edge of his window.

He unravelled the letter and recognised James' handwriting immediately. It was neat, but not in the same way that Regulus' was. It wasn't fancy, it was attractive.

__________

Reggie,

Sirius has only just woken up! He told us everything! How can you say you are "fine" when they used the same curse on you too?! I don't think it would be wise for you to stay there, especially alone.

Of course, it is still up to you, and I will respect your decision (even if it is the wrong one). Please, reconsider my offer.

Sirius is really worried about you.

So am I.

James.

__________

Regulus' instinct to James telling him what he should and should not do was to roll his eyes. He didn't. Instead, he felt a pang in his chest. Someone, even if it was James fucking Potter, cared if he was safe. He cared so much that he was basically ordering Regulus to listen to him, and Regulus almost did. For a moment, he considered it. Then he remembered his parents.

He couldn't do it. He had to protect Sirius.

__________

James,

I cannot accept your invitation. Alright? So, do not ask me again.

Don't waste your breath worrying about me, I am fine.

R.A.B.

__________

I am fine, he thought.

Regulus found that he was laughing to himself - he had never been less fine in his entire life.

He sent the letter soon after. He did not get another reply.

***

The next time Regulus saw his brother was at Hogwarts. He was walking to Astronomy with Pandora, when he noticed a crowd of students blocking the corridor.

"Oh, great!" He exclaimed, throwing his hands up. "Now we'll be late."

"Like that matters," Pandora spoke, her eyes drawn to the centre of the crowd. "Look!"

Regulus had to push past a couple of sixth year Ravenclaws to get a proper view of what Pandora was talking about. His eyes came upon Remus Lupin at once. He was crouched on top of a seventh year Hufflepuff boy with blonde hair. Regulus recognised him from the Quidditch pitch, though he couldn't remember what his name was.

Lupin was beating the crap out of him. There were no teachers around, which meant there was no one to stop it.

Sirius was watching, squished against the wall, looking shocked.

Suddenly, James came pushing through the crowd. His eyes widened when he took in what was happening, and he immediately jumped in to grab Lupin. James pulled him up off the other guy, Lupin was still thrashing, trying to attack the Hufflepuff more.

Regulus was surprised, he'd always thought Remus was the sensible one of the group.

Sirius was still against the wall, looking horror-struck. Regulus decided to ask him what the hell just happened.

"I- That guy, he said something about me- about our family. He knew that I was disowned, and he was saying such horrible things, and then Moony he-" Sirius was frantic, gesturing around the place with his arms. "Oh, he's going to get into so much trouble! It's going to be all my fault! He-"

"Sirius." Regulus spoke in a calm voice, as if he were talking to a child. "It's not your fault. I don't know exactly what happened here, but I can tell you that it was not your fault, alright? You were standing against the wall looking just as shocked as the rest of us."

Sirius nodded his head a few times, before looking up to stare over Regulus' shoulder. Regulus turned around to see James and Lupin, both panting. Lupin was very red in the face; his knuckles were covered in blood. He glanced over at Sirius, who then ran away. Lupin followed him, yelling, "Sirius! Wait!" after him.

The crowd had mostly disappeared by now, meaning only James, Regulus and Pandora were left.

"You alright, Reg?" James asked, still panting slightly. His cheeks were flushed, and his glasses sat askew on his nose. Regulus felt the sudden urge to reach out straighten them but decided against it at the last minute.

"Fine." He answered.

"You always say that." James chuckled a little. Why was he always laughing?

"And I mostly mean it."

"Mostly?" James questioned.

Regulus just rolled his eyes and took Pandora's hand in his, walking away.

***

Regulus hadn't seen Sirius that often ever since that fight back in winter. Now, it was summer, and he hadn't spoken to Sirius for almost a month. He wouldn't normally let it bother him. He'd think that Sirius was too busy to send an owl or ask to meet somewhere, but Regulus knew this not to be true.

James had been sending Regulus letters every week. Six to be precise. He wasn't sure why James was wasting parchment on him, it's not like they were friends.

The letters mostly consisted of what James and Sirius were up to, mixed with James continuously asking Regulus if he could come and visit too.

To which Regulus would always reply with I can't.

Barty wrote to him a couple of times, asking how his summer was and whether he had done the summer potions homework yet. He sent a note back, along with a copy of the potion answers. Barty isn't the most reliable person when it comes to letters, meaning Regulus would probably have to wait weeks for a thank you.

Pandora had sent him a something during the middle of the summer break too. She was in France with Dorcas and Dorcas' family. It was a postcard with a beautiful vineyard painted on the front, the sun rising in the background. He smiled at it, liking how Pandora knew him so well. Sunrise was his favourite time of any day. Regulus would get up every single morning, and has ever since he was seven, just to watch the beginning of the new day.

Evan hadn't sent him anything, but he didn't expect much anyway. Evan was camping with his mother in the mountains of Norway, so he wouldn't have access to an owl anytime soon.

Emma had sent him a letter a couple of nights ago, explaining that she wouldn't be able to receive any post from anyone for the next couple of weeks because she was grounded. Her parents were very strict people (not as strict as Regulus', but still), and would lock her in her bedroom for days at a time. They would slip food through a cat flap installed into the bottom of her door.

So, the only person he had to talk to was James.

At first, it annoyed him.

How had he gotten to the point in his life where James bloody Potter was the only person left to talk to? 

But after a little while, he didn't mind it much. James was always entertaining, he seemed to understand Regulus' situation and how bored he must be alone in "that old, clammy house", as he had put it.

Regulus found himself eagerly waiting for the next time he would get an update from James. It was the only thing he had to look forward to these days. 

Kreacher kept him company on the days he didn't receive anything. He and Kreacher would spend mornings in the kitchen; Kreacher doing the housework, whilst Regulus depicted James' most recent letter to him. Then, in the afternoons, they would sit in the drawing room playing chess or Kreacher would clean whilst Regulus read. They would do this until the sun went down. He enjoyed spending his days talking to Kreacher. He hadn't done it since before he went to Hogwarts.

For once, Regulus realised that Kreacher actually had opinions and he was quite humorous. Sometimes, Regulus would tell Kreacher to do an impression of people in their family. He would have to stop Kreacher from punishing himself after ("I cannot speak of my masters in such a distasteful manner."), but once he did that, Kreacher would laugh with him.

Regulus' favourite was Kreacher's interpretation of Sirius. Kreacher seemed to give this one more enthusiasm, perhaps because Sirius was not his master anymore, so he didn't see it as him misbehaving.

"But mother, I want to see James! Remus is there too! They're probably doing exciting things without me! Me!" Kreacher pretended to swoon, causing a laugh to erupt from Regulus' chest. "I miss them! Especially Moony. I miss him, mother. I would rather be staring into his eyes right now, rather than these damp-ass walls!"

Damn, Regulus though, Sirius has got it bad.

He can't make fun of Sirius about it... he has it bad too. Regulus came to the realisation a couple of months ago when he and his friends were having a water fight out near the Black Lake. It was just before the summer holidays; the sun was blazing in the sky. Barty was the one who had suggested it.

They all got soaked within the first five minutes. Regulus found that the sight of Barty and Evan wet, the way their white shirts had become see-through and hung against their skin, was more appealing to him that Dorcas, Pandora, and Emma (who were also wet). In fact, he didn't find that he was attracted to the girls at all.

He didn't fancy his friends, that would be weird. However, he did think they were- his type.

Regulus Black was gay.

Who the fuck cares?

No one, because no one knows.

"Ok, Kreacher," Regulus hummed, thinking. "How about mother?"

"Kreacher shouldn't," the elf said, but he was giggling. He wanted to.

"Do it, and do not punish yourself after!"

"Yes, master Regulus." He clapped his hands and rubbed them together, as if warming them up. "You don't understand, Orion! You did not see what I saw! He dreams about the boy all the time! It's sickening! Why else do you think I was going to use the killing curse on him?! He's one of them, Orion!"

Regulus sat in silence. Kreacher had sounded exactly like his mother.

When had Kreacher heard this?

Who had his mother been talking about?

Surely, she wasn't talking about the day in the library...

Is that what would've happened if Regulus hadn't intervened? Would Sirius have been killed?

"When did you hear this, Kreacher?" Regulus' voice was cold, it wobbled slightly.

"Last week. Mistress talks about it often. Kreacher overhears things all the time." Kreacher stared up at Regulus with his massive, black eyes. "Is master Regulus alright? Shall I get my mistress?"

"N-" Regulus began. Then he had a thought. "Actually, yes. Find father too."

This isn't a good idea, this isn't a good idea, this is not a good idea!

His mind was screaming at him, he ignored it.

A couple of minutes later, both Walburga and Orion Black entered the room. Walburga was dressed in her Victorian style dress - black of course. It covered every inch of her skin, all the way from her toes to the bottom of her chin. Orion was in an old, black suit, with a copper-coloured waistcoat. They both looked ready for a party. A party set a century ago, but a party, nonetheless.

Kreacher stumbled in after them, rubbing the back of his head. Walburga had probably struck him for interrupting her.

"Regulus, what is the meaning of this?" She asked, her voice stern and controlling.

Orion sat down in the leather armchair on the right side of the room, whilst Walburga set herself down on the couch in the centre. Regulus remained standing, this way he felt like he had the higher ground.

Both his parents were facing him, and by extension, the wall behind him which bore the family tapestry. Regulus hadn't so much as glanced its way since he'd watched his mother burn Sirius from it.

Regulus breathed harshly from his nose, tilting his chin to make him appear more powerful - a tip he had learnt from his father.

"I overheard you talking about Sirius," he began, not removing his eyes from his mothers. Regulus had his father's eyes: black and sharp. Sirius was always the one who had their mother's eyes - blue. "Is it true? Were you going to kill him?"

"He disgraced our family. He was a filthy bloodtraitor, a menacing little-" Orion seethed, Regulus interrupted him.

"I don't believe I was asking you, father." Regulus grit his teeth.

"How dare you speak to me that way! How dare-!"

"Oh, I dare! I-"

"STOP!" Walburga shrieked, her outburst silencing the Black men. "It's true. I was going to kill him. It would have been so easy if you hadn't gotten in the way." Her voice was not loud, nor was it fast. It was slow, menacing; Regulus found this more frightening. This meant she could pounce at any moment.

"He's your son," Regulus whispered.

The back of his throat began to burn. He wouldn't let himself cry. No, it would only make things worse.

"He is no son of ours!" Orion snapped, his eyes blazing with disgust.

"How do I know that you won't try to kill me too? I'm your son. I'm your son just as much as Sirius is." His father's jaw clenched, so he reluctantly added, "Was."

"We would never kill you, Regulus." Walburga stared up into her younger son's eyes. "You've never given us reason to believe you're a traitor or... your brother."

This was the first time Walburga had referred to Sirius as being his "brother" ever since he'd left. 

"What if I am? What if I'm exactly like Sirius?" His voice sounded calm and collected, when on the inside, he was but a child; alone and shaking, in need of his older brother.

"Nonsense! You don't even know what your brother did! How could you be," Orion stopped to grimace, "like him."

"Sirius chose to participate in relationships that are beyond objectionable, Regulus." Walburga now had a grimace plastered to her face that resembled her husband's. They were related after all. "He-" 

"He liked men. I know." Regulus spoke. "How can you sit there and say he has an objectionable taste when it comes to a romantic relationship when you married your cousin?"

"Enough!" Orion cut in, his voice rising again.

"No! You were going to kill my brother just because his preferences were not up to your standards! You are disgusting!" Regulus' voice boomed through the room, and for the first time in his life, his mother looked disappointed in him.

"Why do you care so much for him? He abandoned you." Walburga knew that would get to him. He knows she did that on purpose, he can tell by the way her posture has straightened and how her right eyebrow has arched. She's challenging him.

"I care, mother, because he is my family. I care because he has loved me more deeply than you have ever loved the both of us combined! I care because I am fucking gay too!"

It all went so quickly after that. The way Walburga's face dropped; the way his Orion's eyes went cloudy. He could tell they were wondering where they went wrong, having raised two sons, both who ended up being gay.

He thought his mother would reach for her wand and curse him, maybe even kill him. Some punishment must be coming, but no. Neither of his parents moved.

Regulus turned around, held up his wand and pointed it at the family tapestry. Next to the scorch mark labelled Sirius, he found his own name.

"Incendio," he mumbled.

A spark through from his wand and landed on his face on the tapestry. He watched it as it burnt, identical to his brother's. So, what if he had used magic outside of Hogwarts? It's not like his life could get much worse.

Now, his mother was ready. He guessed she didn't have her wand with her because instead of cursing him or hexing him, she grabbed his neck and dug her claws into the skin. He flinched, barely feeling it. She had done so much to him by this point, he didn't care about the little things anymore.

His father is trying to fix the tapestry, but it's too late. Where once Regulus Arcturus Black was sewn was now a black splotch and some frayed fabric.

Walburga was now attempting to drag Regulus out the room. So, he gathered all the strength he had (mentally and physically) and grabbed her tiny wrist. He yanked her hand away and through his teeth said, "You will never touch me or Sirius again."

His voice came out low and dangerous, he sounded like his mother.

Her eyes widened, she even seemed a little frightened. Regulus dropped her hand and continued to march out of the room.

"Kreacher, come!" He ordered.

The ancient house elf appeared beside him, trying to keep up to his pace.

"Send all my stuff to the Potter's. Now. If either of them tries to stop you, come too."

He had just reached the door to the library. The room where Sirius had been abused, had escaped, all those months ago.

Filling his hand with floo powder, Regulus steps into the fireplace, ducking a little to fit. He says goodbye to Kreacher, who begins to sob because of his departure, and throws the powder to the ground.

"The Potter's."

***

When he arrives at the Potter's, his lungs are filled with ash, causing him to cough quite loudly. The Potter's living room comes into view, along with a relaxed looking James who is sitting on one of the two couches, with one leg crossed over the knee of his other, and a book in his hand.

"Hey, dad," he says, not glancing away from his book once.

Regulus clears his throat and steps onto the carpet of the new room. He's never been to the Potter's before. It's nice. Homey. Unlike that medieval dungeon he lives in. The carpet is a faded dark red, the walls are white and covered with many pictures. The couches aren't leather like back at Grimmauld Place. These are a tan sort of colour and look as if they are made of fabric.

James' eyes look up, but he doesn't move his head, meaning he's now staring at Regulus through the top of his glasses.

This makes Regulus suddenly nervous, his mouth goes dry, and he scratches the back of his head.

"Reggie?" James questions, now standing. He makes his way over to where Regulus is standing, placing his book down on the couch first. "What are you doing here? I thought you said you couldn't come. Multiple times."

James chuckles.

"Is it alright? I'm sorry, I didn't know where else to go. I can leave-"

"No! Stay," James grabs Regulus' wrists. "Of course, it is alright. You're welcome anytime, as I said in my letters."

"Multiple times," Regulus mumbles. His lips twitch.

"Right. Are you- Did they hurt you? Should I get my mum?"

"No, don't bother her. I'm fine." Regulus realises James is still holding onto his wrists. His pulse speeds up, so he pulls them away.

"Are you sure?" James asks, bending towards Regulus.

Regulus cannot breathe. James' head is next to his, he seems to be deep in thought.

"You have marks on your neck. Are those-" he grabs Regulus' head, pulling it forward so he can get a better view. "Oh, Merlin. Are those nail marks? Did your mother do that to you?"

"Yeah," Regulus pulls away from James. Shrugging, he says, "She's done worse."

"Sirius should be back in an hour. He and Remus went for a walk in the woods."

"Didn't feel like it?" Regulus asks, trying to make casual conversation.

"Nah. Thought they should spend some time... alone." James' eyebrows shoot up, his eyes widening. "My mum's at work and dad's just down in the village. Thought you were him."

"So, it's just... me and you then?"

"Yep." James pats him on the shoulder and leads him over to the couch. "Sit. Would you like a snack? Maybe a warm beverage?" He alters his accent to sound posher in a dramatic sort of way. Regulus almost laughs.

"You're so strange," he answers, shaking his head. "I'm ok, thank you."

"Alright, then." James claps his hands together and sits beside Regulus.

There's an awkward silence between them. It hangs heavy in the air, like a hammer hanging from a tiny little thread. One wrong move and it was come crashing down.

Just as Regulus was about to say something, the front door opens. Sirius and Lupin walk in, both with cheery smiles on their faces.

Nothing happened with Remus then, Regulus thought. If it did, Sirius would definitely look more panicked.

"Reg?" Sirius' eyes came upon Regulus and James, both still sitting on the sofa. "Are you ok? What happened? Did they hurt you?"

"I'm fine." Regulus said, just loud enough for everyone to hear. "I just..." His eyes met with Sirius'.

"Would you like to talk alone?" Sirius asked, seeming to understand.

Regulus nodded and they both left to go upstairs. They entered a room with Quidditch posters stuck to every wall, along with Gryffindor banners and a few pictures of "The Marauders".

There were clothes everywhere, littering the floor, and it smelled faintly like a wet dog.

"What is that smell?" Regulus asked, his nostrils flaring in distaste.

"Oh, sorry." Sirius chuckled, cracking open a window. "Right, what happened? Did they hurt you?"

"Not really." Regulus moved his collar to the side to present the nail marks on his neck to Sirius.

"Not too bad then," he answered. "Had worse."

"Yeah."

"So, what happened?" Sirius stared at him stubbornly. "Come on, you know you can tell me anything."

"Can I though? I haven't seen you properly since-" He stopped, remembering the pain that radiated through his bones. "Since Christmas. Even before that, you've barely spoken to me since I was eleven!"

"I'm sorry, Reg." Sirius' eyes prick with tears. "I didn't mean to abandon you - when you were eleven and... at Christmas. I regret it every day. I can't sleep half of the time, and when I do, all I see is her torturing you."

Regulus knew his brother was telling the truth. He could tell. It was the way his eyes drooped and widened ever so slightly, his pupils shrunk, and he looked as if he had never been more frightened.

"It's ok, Sirius." He put a hand on his brother's shoulder. "I'm not forgiving you for ignoring me for years. But I don't blame you for escaping them. They would have killed you."

Sirius just nods, wiping at his eyes

"I promise, I am going to make it up to you every day until I'm a hundred and fifty!"

Regulus chuckled quietly. "Only if you live that long, I might kill you first."

"So, what happened?"

"I..." Regulus started. It only now occurred to him that he was about to come out to another person. Someone who isn't his parents. Someone who won't hate him for it or threaten his life because of it.

"It's ok. Come here." Sirius signalled for him to sit on his bed, sitting down beside him. "Breathe, Reg, ok? Remember to breathe."

Regulus nodded his head a few times quickly, suddenly realising the rapid increase of his heartbeat.

"Yeah," he whispered. "Sirius, would you love me if I was different?"

Sirius blinked at him, a disbelieving frown covering his mouth.

"Of course, you dimwit. I'd rather you be different than everyone else, rather than boring."

"Right." Regulus inhaled a deep breath, before closing his eyes and whispering, "I'm gay."

A heavy silence followed. Neither of them broke it for a while. Regulus' words hung in the air, waiting to be cut down.

"So, you like blokes?" Sirius asked after a couple of minutes.

"Guess so," Regulus shrugged.

"Ok. What else? What did they do?"

Regulus opened his eyes and looked at his brother, his eyebrows bending down.

"What? Is that all? Are you not going to say anything about how gross I am and how I shouldn't deserve to live anymore?"

"What?! Reg, no! Of course, not. I would never say that! Is that what they said to you?"

Regulus stared at his brother, willing not to say too much. That's not exactly what they had said. They'd mentioned the attempted murder of Sirius because he liked guys. Regulus wasn't even sure that was true, though ever since he overheard this, he had begun to notice things. Sirius was different around Remus, Regulus couldn't explain it, he just was.

"Something like that," he responded.

"Well, I would never- you know I would never!"

"I know, Sirius." He smiled at his older brother, admiringly. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For being the first person I've told who hasn't thought I was disgusting because of my dating preferences."

Sirius put his hand on Regulus' shoulder and squeezed.

"I'm never going to abandon you again, Reg. I really won't."

"I know."

***

The summer ends up going brilliantly; much better than Regulus had ever planned on it being.

Mr and Mrs Potter immediately welcomed him with open arms, allowing him to spend the remainder of the summer there, and even said he could come and stay at Christmas too. He was given his own room, complete with a massive bed and his very own bookshelf. Back at Grimmauld Place, he wasn't allowed his own bookshelf. Every book had to stay within the library.

Regulus seemed to be the only person who was not completely oblivious to the fact (yes, fact) that Remus and Sirius fancied each other. Sometimes he would catch Euphemia watching the two of them, her eyes squinting in a curious way. Maybe she had her suspicions too.

James didn't have the faintest clue, which Regulus was not surprised by. James Potter was just as stupid when it came to these kinds of things as Sirius was.

James.

The mention of his name is usually where Regulus stops his thoughts.

He had always believed that James would be this horrible, vain person who stole big brothers. James was anything but. Regulus could see why Sirius thought so highly of him. James really was one of the sweetest people in the world.

On the first night of Regulus' stay at the Potter's, James had knocked on the door and stuck his head through the crack, wishing Regulus a goodnight with "sweet dreams". It bothered Regulus a little at first, especially because (even though he would knock first) James wouldn't wait for Regulus to allow him entry. He would just come in anyway.

After a couple weeks of this, Regulus had become used to it. He even might have started to get ready for bed right before James did, just so he would be in bed when James popped his head round the door.

He would lie awake, waiting to see that wonky smile; it was always so genuine.

Then, in the morning, James would always choose to sit next to Regulus at the breakfast table, instead of Sirius. Maybe it was because they had some secret rule where Sirius and Remus always sat next to each other; Regulus chose to ignore this idea.

He'd spend most of his days either playing chess with Remus (a strong competitor, but one Regulus could still so easily beat), reading in the gardens of the Potter residence, whispering with Sirius in his bedroom, or going for walks in the woods with James.

Regulus had spent years disliking James, though for the life of him he couldn't think of why. His favourite part of each day would be when James would seek him out (whether he was in the gardens or in his bedroom) and would say the simple words that held everything: "Come on."

He knew what they meant by now, and without hesitation, he would stop what he was doing and would follow James. They always ended up in the woods. James wouldn't force him to talk about what happened - he was surprised, but grateful of that.

Only Sirius knew of his secret.

They'd walk for a little while before James would strike up a conversation - usually concerning Quidditch - and before Regulus knew it, hours had flown by. Then, they would try to find the biggest tree of the forest (of course, it was only guess work), and they would climb it.

Regulus had never climbed a tree before. James taught him. It was fairly straightforward.

Once they reached the highest branches they possibly could, James would take Regulus' shoulders, turning him to face a specific direction. He would point something out: a lake, an old muggle, stone structure that had something to do with a war of some kind. 

James would tell him a story about the things he pointed out. Regulus' favourites were the ones about the war. It was funny because Regulus knew that James had no idea what he was talking about, that he was making it all up just to entertain Regulus. He still liked it. The stories would always sound so ridiculous and would end with a wizard stepping in before someone got their leg blown off and they would say something like, "Not on my watch!" before blasting the opposing side across the battlefield.

His absolute favourite day was a couple of nights before the summer ended. James had collected him for their daily walk, he chose a much later time today. By the time they'd reached the top of a tree, the sun was setting.

James took Regulus' shoulders in his hands and swivelled him towards the West. The sun was slowly being consumed by a beautiful darkness.

"Tell me a story," Regulus whispered.

James' face was right behind him, his breath blowing on Regulus' ear.

"I could try, but I think the sun is doing it well by herself. Don't you?" He whispered back.

Regulus watched as the sun gave up a good fight, spreading pinks, reds, and yellows at the darkness. Instead, knowing she would be defeated, the sun gave up and prepared to give up to the black sheet. The moon thought this too easy of her and came up with a compromise. The darkness met the light, forming a purple visage. Just as the sun hid behind the moon, the stars came out. Regulus shone brightly; it was the perfect time of year, the end of summer.

"Wow," Regulus breathed.

"Reggie?"

"Yeah?"

"You're named after a star, aren't you?" James asked. Regulus nodded. "Is it out tonight?"

"Yep, this is the perfect time of year for it." He pointed towards the star, squinting his eyes for better efficiency. James leaned in closer, their cheeks pressed together, he squinted too.

Regulus felt his face warm up. His throat was once again dry.

He could feel every inch of James' cheek against his. The cold frame of his glasses pressed gently into Regulus' head, almost causing him to shiver. James was breathing slowly, carefully. It made Regulus feel calm because he knew James did too.

"I see it," James whispered.

He gulped, coming back to reality.

"It's beautiful."

"Yeah," James turned to face him. Their noses were so close. So close, Regulus could feel James' breath on his cheeks. "It is." He had a smile on his face as bright as the stars, just as he always did.

"We should go now."

"Alright," James frowned. "I just love it up here. With you. It's always so relaxing when we come up here every day, it gives me the chance to clear my head."

"It's fine."

James pretended to be offended. "Fine. How dare you? I am a very interesting person; I'll have you know."

Regulus hummed. "Sure, you are."

"Says you. You're Mister Mysterious Macho Man."

"Macho? Believe me, I am anything but macho!" Regulus laughed out loud; it had been so long since he'd let himself laugh. Properly laugh - back hunched over, hands around his stomach, eyes tearing up.

"Ok, fine. Not macho. But you are very mysterious, Reggie."

"Sorry we're not all James Quidditch Captain Potter who everyone at Hogwarts knows. Perfect Potter. Ha! That's what you are."

"I am not perfect," James giggled. He always does that, giggles.

"And I'm not Sirius' third cousin."

James' head shot up; his eyes widened behind his glasses.

"What?!"

"Oh, shit. Has he not told you? Well, now you know. It's not like it's a secret, our family is proud of that sort of thing." Now Regulus really did shiver.

"Just when I thought your parents couldn't get any worse." James clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. "Come on, let's go before it gets too dark and cold."

Once they were back on the ground, Regulus felt the sharpness of the wind strike him. Kreacher still hadn't had the chance to send his stuff yet, meaning he'd been wearing Sirius' clothes, which was not very dignifying.

He tried to cover it, so that James wouldn't notice, but he couldn't. His body betrayed him, writhing into a shiver, and his teeth chattered.

"Cold?" James asked.

"No, I just thought this would make some great music," Regulus retorts, pointing at the sound his teeth are making.

"No wonder you're so cold, all you've had to wear ever since you arrived are Sirius' leather jackets! Once we get back, you can borrow one of my jumpers. It will be big on you, which means you'll probably be warmer because of it anyway."

"Thanks," Regulus answered. He couldn't stop the smile sneaking up on his face.

***

Luckily, Regulus' things arrived the day before they were to return to Hogwarts, which meant Effie and Monty (as he now addressed Mr and Mrs Potter) wouldn't have to waste their money on buying things for him he already had.

Once they arrived on platform 9 3/4, he immediately spotted Pandora, Barty and Evan. They waited for him as he said goodbye to Effie (she kissed him on the cheek - he didn't mind it) and then to Monty, who gave him a side-hug.

Sirius hugged him and whispered "It'll be ok" in his ear, to which he nodded and hugged him back.

Then, unexpectedly, James pulled him into a hug too. He smelled of fresh cookies - Euphemia had made some for the boys this morning - and rosemary. After a second, Regulus wrapped his arms around James' torso and allowed it to happen. He could feel one of James' hands playing with his hair, it felt like a firework going off in his mind.

James' cheek was resting on Regulus' head. Before he pulled away, he left a tiny kiss in Regulus' hair. Then, he smiled once more, before boarding the train.

Regulus made his way over to his friends - Emma and Dorcas had arrived now too.

"What?" He questioned. They were all staring at him with a mixture of shock and confusion.

At once, they all opened their mouths to say something.

"Hold on!" He yelled over them all. "Let's talk about this on the train, so we don't miss it."

A few minutes later, they were on the train. Regulus promised them all one answer each, that was it.

Barty went first.

"Why were you not at your house? I sent letters and you never replied."

"My parents kicked me out for good, it's a bit of a relief actually. I guess I live at the Potter's now." He wanted to pull a face at this but found that he couldn't. He really couldn't. If Regulus was being honest, he loved living there. It finally made sense why James Potter was the way he was, always happy and confident.

"Did you patch things up with Sirius, then?" Pandora asks next.

"Yeah." At this, Regulus does smile.

"Why the hell did James Potter hug you? I thought you hated him," Evan said.

"I never hated him. We got... closer over the summer. If I'm being generous, I may even consider him an acquaintance."

"Acquaintance? He was hugging you like you were dying!"

"You've had your question. Dorcas?" Regulus moved on.

"He kissed you on your head," she stated.

"That's not a question."

"I'm getting there." Dorcas replied. "So, he kissed you on your head. We all saw it, I'm sure you remember it. Did he kiss you a lot this summer?"

Regulus felt his face heat up. His friends didn't know about his little predicament yet. Was predicament the right word? Situation.

"What? N- no. Why would he? That was the first time. The only time. It was only a friendly kiss on the head."

"Uh-huh," Dorcas grinned to herself.

"Emma?" Regulus turned to the final person.

"Why did your parents kick you out?"

Oh, this was going to be a long train ride...

***

His friends were very supportive when he told him why he ran away. None of them were surprised to hear he was gay. Well, none of them except for Barty, who's always clueless to everything that goes on around him.

Thankfully, they didn't ask any further questions, which he was grateful for.

They spent the train ride as usual: Pandora falling asleep on Regulus' shoulder, whilst Dorcas and Emma played exploding snaps. Barty and Evan were significantly quieter than usual - huddled up in a corner of the compartment, their heads close together, conversing in silent whispers.

Regulus made a note in his mind to ask them about it later.

An hour before they were due to arrive at Hogwarts, Sirius entered the compartment. Each of his friends stared at Sirius, some with dislike, and some with a new kindness they had never had for Sirius. Regulus guessed this was because he'd told them how helpful Sirius had been over the summer.

"Hello, everyone. Reg, could I speak to you for a minute?"

Regulus nodded. He gently moved Pandora's head onto Emma's shoulder instead, trying his best not to wake her. He didn't. Then, he followed Sirius.

They walked down the aisle of the train, earning a few stares from random students. Regulus had the feeling everyone at their school knew about his little runaway story by now. Once they found an empty part of the train, they went inside.

"Reg, I just wanted to know... who else have you talked about your new realisations?" Sirius asked, his hands settling under his chin to hold his head up.

"You mean the fact that I'm gay?" Regulus raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah."

"I've just told my friends. They didn't know before."

"Oh, ok. Good. Were they alright about it, or...?" Sirius moved his hands from under his chin, now fiddling with the bottom of his tie. Regulus did that too. He'd never noticed Sirius doing it before.

"Yeah, they all said they already knew. Well, not Barty. He's a bit stupid when it comes to these things."

Sirius chuckles. "Sounds like Peter."

Regulus laughs too. He doesn't think Sirius has the authority to say someone else is oblivious to the gayness of a room. He's one of the most oblivious people in the world.

"So, do you think you're going to be public about it?"

"I'm not going to give some grand announcement about it or anything, but I'm not hiding it either." Regulus smirks. "I'm not the dramatic kind. Unlike you, brother."

Sirius gasps in mock-offence. "How dare you!"

"Oh, no. I don't know what I was thinking. You're a very serious person, Sirius."

"That's my joke."

Regulus lets out a small laugh in his throat.

"If you want to... you can, you know, tell your friends about me. If that's what you're asking?"

"Oh, I wasn't-" Sirius began before stopping and shyly replying, "Ok. Thanks."

"No problem. I should probably get back, we'll be arriving soon, and Pandora will be upset if we don't walk through the doors together." Regulus rolls his eyes, smiling. "It's sort of a tradition for us."

"I remember. First year, you were holding her hand. I thought you'd already found yourself a little girlfriend. Oh, how wrong I was."

"Yeah," Regulus sighs. "How wrong you were."

***

"Oh, for fuck's sake, mate!" Evan yells from behind his bed hangings. "Do you have to do this every year? Go back to bed!"

"Yes, I do have to do this every year. No, I will not go back to bed," Regulus responds.

"Regulus! This is ridiculous!" Barty shouts, his head peeking out from behind the curtains around his bed. "It's half five in the morning!"

Now Regulus knows they're seriously pissed; Barty called his Regulus.

"Ok, ok. Sorry." He holds his hands up in surrender, walking across the dormitory to the door. "I'm going now. Sleep tight you two!"

Regulus has woken up before sunrise for as long as he can remember. He loves watching that golden orb grow larger in the sky, bringing on a new day. He's always been a morning person; the air is just fresher earlier in the day. Maybe it's because there are less people on the grounds, filling it with smoke and body heat.

Making a quick stop at the Great Hall to grab some toast, he exits the main entrance to the castle and continues down to his favourite spot: the tree beside the Black Lake.