Morning Star

Regulus doesn't know how he feels about James Potter, if he's telling the truth. It's always been so contradictory. The first time he ever saw him, he believed him to be nice. That swiftly shifted when Sirius began to ignore Regulus and left him for James. At that point, Regulus thought of James as being the worst person in the world. He was too confident in school, to the point where he was just arrogant and cocky - a show-off really.

That was his opinion of James Potter. Yes, was.

It had changed again. When James started checking up on Regulus through letters, he thought James was annoying. He hated James for not being who he thought he was. He wasn't arrogant, and he wasn't selfish. He was sweet and selfless; he really cared.

Then, when Regulus moved to the Potter's in the summer and spent all those days out in the woods, clinging to tree branches, and listening to James Potter's stories of muggle wars, his opinion changed once again. He no longer hated James for being a good person because he finally understood. James was a good person because of the environment he grew up in; a home full of love and support, it really was a world of rainbows.

The problem was, Regulus didn't know what it was he actually did feel for James. He still doesn't. He knows he doesn't hate James. He doesn't know whether he likes him or not - that might be pushing it a little. He knows he likes being around James. He knows he thinks James is selfless, kind, funny, still a bit of a show-off, but in an endearing way rather than a cocky way.

Now, James Potter is sitting in front of him. Holding onto his hands. Pressing his forehead to Regulus', and he's waiting. He's waiting for an answer Regulus doesn't even have for himself, let alone for the boy in front of him.

James made some valid points. If Regulus does one day want to get into a relationship with someone, he'll need to understand how to actually do that. Maybe James can't teach him everything, but he could show him how to do the physical stuff. After all, he is James Potter, Quidditch Captain and Prefect. He's probably got loads of experience.

That makes Regulus' stomach twist. Probably because of the graphic images that have just popped in his head. He shakes them away.

The other reason James gave him was convincing. If you ever need someone to kiss, I'm right here.

Ok, so does Regulus want to make out with James Potter specifically? He doesn't know. When he thinks about it, his body does two things. First, his nose scrunches and his lips purse in disgust, but he's quickly betrayed. His skin covers in tensional goose bumps, and his heart races in his chest.

None of that is important though. James said if he ever needed anyone to kiss, he would be there. That means he's offering himself to Regulus, but not because Regulus wants James specifically, but because he might just want to snog someone.

He sort of... does. He's at that stage in his life where his hormones are running wild and sometimes all he can think about is sex. Not always, just sometimes. He would never admit it out loud.

It's not even like James was offering him sex, and that's fine, Regulus would be satisfied with just the snogging. However, James had said they would be allowed to "do things". Maybe that implied sex?

The only other reason he can think of to convince himself this could be a good idea, is that he would get some experience out of it. So, in future relationships he wouldn't have to go through the awkward phases of figuring out what to do and how to actually kiss someone.

That's where the voice in his head tells him it would be a bad idea. No, he wouldn't have to go through the awkward phases with whoever he gets with in the future, but he would have to go through those phases with James. This thought scares Regulus more than it should.

It wouldn't be a good idea for many reasons.

First of all, he lives in James' house, so if anything went wrong or badly to the point where they would have to avoid each other, they won't be able to. Secondly, James is Sirius' best friend. If it did end badly, Regulus might lose Sirius. He knows his brother promised never to abandon him again, but Regulus wonders if that would still apply if Sirius had to choose between him or James. Third, and finally, he's James Potter. That's a conclusive point enough for Regulus.

He knows the obvious answer is to say no. He should say no. His mouth won't let him say the words of denial; a part of him doesn't want to.

"Reggie." James whispers this into Regulus' face. His eyes are closed and his glasses are pressing lightly into the bridge of Regulus' nose. This small, insignificant thing makes his mind up for him.

"I'm not saying no, but I'm also not going to say yes," he hushes back. "I'll think about it."

James swallows, a hint of a smile pulls at the corners of his lips. "That's ok with me." He pulls back just enough for Regulus to breathe. "As long as you will think about it?"

"Yes, James."

"Good."

"We should get back to the party. I need to make sure Barty hasn't gotten himself into any trouble." Regulus pulls himself up from his bed, but James remains, staring up at him.

"Does he tend to do that a lot?"

"Yeah, he can be very dramatic about it too."

"Sounds like Sirius," James chuckles.

For the first time since Regulus has known Barty, he realises that he's actually a lot like Sirius. They both like to be the centre of attention, they're both drama queens, they're the vainest people Regulus has ever met. They both look perfect on the outside, but really they're so superficial. They're haunted by their past traumas (both boys' parents), but laugh to hide the fact that they actually don't really like themselves at all.

It's a bit sad, actually.

Regulus met Barty on his first day at Hogwarts; first, at the Slytherin table, and then again later when they found out they were sharing a dorm. They also share it with Evan Rosier (their friend). A boy called Quintis Cobalt used to live with them too, until he was moved to Durmstrang.

Regulus took a liking to both boys, but specifically Barty. He didn't know why. Barty was obnoxiously loud and would say the most stupid things he could think of. Again, Regulus had never thought about it before now, but Barty is a lot like Sirius. Maybe that's why Regulus became immediately enraptured by him. His brother was ignoring him. Sirius was, at one point, the only other person he had in his life who was his age. So, in a way, he had used Barty as a substitute for Sirius.

After all these years, he'd thought Sirius had replaced him with James. That had never been true. Regulus wasn't replaced, he was just level with James. Really, Regulus was the one who had replaced Sirius.

"Regulus?" James' voice pulls him from his own thoughts, of which he usually finds himself drowning in.

"Sorry. What did you say?"

"Can you introduce me to your friends?" James asks.

Regulus' eyes widen in horror. James - meet his friends? That sounded like an awful idea. Regulus had told his friends about the day James kissed him by the Black Lake. Dorcas had said it sounded like James was making a joke out of him, or taking advantage of him. Regulus, who now understood James Potter properly, knew that was both not possible and not true. 

Still, his friends weren't the biggest fans of James before, and this rocked the boat for them. Dorcas pretty much hates him, Barty is too silly to actually hate anyone and finds all the drama hilarious, Evan doesn't have an opinion (but he does know James from the Quidditch pitch and believes he can be a nice person), and Emma... Well, she hasn't specified her feelings about James. She's the sort of person who won't judge anyone until she knows them.

So, Regulus doesn't think James meeting his friends would be the best idea in the world. He doesn't want James to know that his friends don't really like him, and he can't think of an excuse for why he shouldn't.

"Yeah, sure."

This is going to be painful.

"Great, come on then." James nudges Regulus with his elbow, before making his way towards the door. Regulus follows.

"Have you ever been in the Forbidden Forest?" James asks as they're making their way down the stairs that lead to the common room. Music blasts through Regulus' ears. He is not ready for the chaos.

"No. It's... forbidden."

"So?" James shrugs.

"Why?"

"When you say yes, I'm going to take you in there and we're going to climb a tree and I'm going to tell you a story."

"When I say yes. Don't you mean if?" Regulus arches an eyebrow, looking down at James, who is on a lower step than him.

"I'm confident, remember?"

"Keen is the word I would use," Regulus says. "Keen, obsessive, crazy."

"Enthusiastic, optimistic, sexy."

Regulus can't help but laugh at that. He's got to admit, James is all those things.

"Sure," Regulus moves to climb down past James. He stops on the same step for a moment and says, "Whatever you want to believe," whilst he gently pats James' cheek. Then, he carries on down the stairs to find Barty.

James trails shortly behind him, through the mass crowd. The first person they spot, who they both recognise, is Sirius. He isn't alone. He's not sober either. Both he and Remus are in a corner of the room, clearly drunk off their rockers, and falling all over each other. Literally anyone can see that they like each other.

Sirius has his hands steadied on Remus' upper arms, his head is leaning on the taller boy's shoulder. He's whispering something into his ear, whilst giggling. A lot. Remus doesn't seem to mind though. One of his hands are on Sirius' waist, whilst the other is holding an empty cup. He isn't laughing though. There's a dopey smile on his face, and a dreamy cloudiness to his eyes. His cheeks are flushed, likely from the copious amounts of alcohol he's probably consumed tonight.

James watches his friends for a little while, his eyebrows pulled together. He looks lost. His eyes keep moving between Remus and Sirius. Regulus knows the second James understands what's happening just by the way his forehead creases smooth, his eyebrows relax, and his eyes widen ever so slightly.

He opens his mouth as he blinks a few times and turns to look at Regulus, who has a suggestive smirk on his face.

"What- What is happening? Is everyone gay now?" James whisper-shouts so only Regulus can hear.

"Now? James, half the people here are gay and either don't know it yet or haven't told anyone about it."

"But Sirius and Remus? How? Since when?"

Regulus gives him a sympathetic look. For some reason, he finds James' sudden realisation hilarious. It was so obvious, yet he was still oblivious.

"Well, I didn't notice it until the summer, but I thought about it and I think they've liked each other for a while." Regulus pats James on the shoulder, he just looks so distressed and a little upset.

"I can't believe I didn't know."

"You didn't know about yourself. How were you supposed to know about two whole other people?"

James exhales loudly through his lips.

"Do they know?" He asks, finally pulling his eyes away from the two drunk idiots in front of them.

"No. Sirius is even more oblivious than you are. They could probably kiss right now and he still wouldn't get it."

"What about Remus?"

Regulus frowns, thinking. "I think he might have some sort of idea about the whole thing, especially after Sirius told him about me, but I don't think he quite understands what it is he's feeling."

"How the hell do you know all of this?"

"I'm observant." Regulus shrugs.

James opens his mouth to answer. He doesn't get the chance to. Suddenly, the music stops and a rise of shouting begins. Everyone runs over to the opposite corner of the room to see what's going on. Regulus and James do too.

A boy called Mulciber, someone who has hated Regulus ever since first year (Regulus feels the same way), is in the middle of some sort of rumble with Evan. Barty is watching from the side, cheering Evan on.

Regulus makes his way through the crowd to Barty.

"What the fuck happened?"

Barty's smile widens as he spots Regulus and wraps an arm over his shoulders.

"Regulus!" He slurs. "Where's my shrrr- I want my shrrrimp now! It's- I'm going to be sick. Nope. No, I'm not. It won't happen because I won't let it. Nope." He pretends to zip his lips up, tucking them in.

"Barty!" Regulus shouts over all the voices. "What happened?"

"Oh! Mulciber tried to punch me because of something I said. Evan saved me." A stupid grin makes it's way across Barty's face.

Regulus rolls his eyes and moves away from Barty's arm. When Barty pouts because of this, Regulus picks up his arm and shoves it over James' shoulders. Barty cackles at this and leans closer into James, who looks a bit frightened. He makes his way into the centre of the circle. His intentions are to get Evan out and away from Mulciber. That is not what happens.

When he's behind Evan, ready to rip him off the other boy, one of Mulciber's friends thinks Regulus is trying to help. So, he jumps into the fight too, punching Regulus square in the jaw, which really fucking hurts. He lifts his hands up to his face, his fingers are painted crimson.

Well, now he's fucking pissed. He lifts his own fist and slams it into the boy's face, leaving a cut on their cheek. Before Regulus gets the chance to throw another punch, someone else does. He watches as Sirius lets out some sort of war cry before sailing down on the boy and pounding the shit out of him. Regulus watches in shock for a moment, before remembering his original plan. 

Dorcas appears beside him, so they both try to get Evan off Mulciber, which they eventually succeed in doing. The only problem is, now they have to get Sirius off the other boy. When they turn around, they see Peter and Remus already trying to do exactly that.

The moment Sirius sees it's Remus who is trying to stop him, he does. He listens. He's always listened to Remus.

Dorcas and Regulus sit Evan down on one of the couches. It was surprising seeing Evan in a fight - he's always been the relaxed one of the group. This just comes to show he would do anything for his friends.

He's still breathing heavily, Regulus can imagine the adrenaline that's probably coursing through him right now.

"Thanks," he breathes.

"No problem," Regulus answers. "Are you ok?"

"Yeah, he didn't really get me-"

"I meant- What did he say that made you so angry?"

"Oh." Evan's chest is still rising and falling quickly. "He was picking on Barty."

"Reg, you're bleeding," James says from beside him. Regulus didn't even know he was there. It's not only him; Sirius, Remus, Peter, and Barty are all waiting behind him too.

"It's nothing, just a little scratch."

"Fuck that guy! No one hurts my baby brother!" Sirius yells, his words are jumbled because of his intoxication. Remus chuckles fondly at him. Barty also laughs, for a little too long, which causes Sirius to start giggling.

Regulus shakes his head, wondering how the fuck he never saw their similarities before now. They even look alike. They're distantly related, so it's not surprising.

"Where's Pandora and Emma?" Regulus asks, realising they're nowhere to be seen.

"Emma is trying to hide from Peter. I think Pandora went to find somewhere a bit more quiet. She's probably in my room," Dorcas explains.

"Ok. Wait- What did Peter do?"

Everyone turns to look at Peter, who just shrugs and says, "Don't look at me. I was trying to woo her and she ran off."

"Woo her? What?" Regulus wonders if all Gryffindors are as strange as this bunch are. Ok, so Remus is fine, but his friends are not.

"Sirius taught me all about it."

"What did I do?" Sirius' head perks up and he starts laughing with Barty all over again. They have their arms over each other's shoulders. Remus does not look happy.

"Taught me how to woo girls."

"Oh, yeah!" Sirius grins at himself. He seems so proud. "First, y- you gotta show them you're avai-" he hiccups "-lable, but that you aren't going to be easy to get, whilst at the same time showing them you're worth it. Then, when they try, you-" he hiccups again "-show them how great you are and they're all yours. Rem- ember to be n- nice."

Everyone stares at him with a mixture of repulse and confusion.

"Sirius Black, ladies and gentlemen," James announces to break the awkward tension.

"W- I don't get it. How the fuck does that work?" Regulus asks incredulously.

"Trust me," James puts his hand on Regulus' shoulder, "it doesn't make any more sense when he's sober."

"Of course, it doesn't." Regulus sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. "I've had enough of tonight, I think I'm just going to go up to bed. Uhh... thanks everyone for coming."

He makes his way over to Barty and Sirius, pulling them away from each other. He's actually afraid of what Remus might've done to Barty if he and Sirius weren't seperated.

"What? No," Barty complains, reaching his arms out for Sirius. "I've found my other half, someone who finally understands me. Let me go back."

"Barty, I haven't even dragged you away yet," Regulus states.

"Still... the distance," he mutters.

Regulus rolls his eyes, as he drags a reluctant Barty away from Sirius.

"Goodbye," Barty calls back to him.

"I'll see you again soon, mon amour!" Sirius shouts to him. "I miss you already!" He's also trying to fight to get back, Regulus watches as both Peter and Remus hold him back.

James follows Regulus to the stairs leading up to the boys dormitories.

"Guess I'll see you tomorrow then," James says, his hands in his pockets. He looks quite adorable in this outfit.

"Yeah."

He leans into Regulus and whispers, "Remember to consider my offer."

Regulus gulps and nods. James takes a step backwards and all Regulus wants to do is wipe the smudge off his glasses, it's been bothering him all night.

"Happy Birthday, Reggie."

"You too. I mean-" Regulus feels as his face flushes, he wants to smack his hand to his face, but he doesn't. "Goodbye, James."

He rushes up the stairs without looking back.

***

Regulus still hasn't come to a decision. It's been a week. He knows he should have by now, and he does feel a little bit guilty about it, but he honestly doesn't know what his answer is. He should say no, but he doesn't want to. He doesn't know why he doesn't want to.

It's on that seventh day after his suggestion, that James seeks Regulus out.

James has spoken to him a lot in the past week, and not once has he asked about the deal. He's given Regulus the time he asked for, so that he can think of his answer. So, Regulus doesn't suspect anything when James falls into step with him whilst he's on his way to the Great Hall for lunch.

"Do you have an answer for me yet, Reg?"

"Since when do you call me 'Reg'?" He responds.

"You're right. Reggie. My Reggie. My love. Will you say yes to being my special-time companion?"

"Special-time?" Regulus squeaks.

James snorts. "Well, yeah. How about it?"

"I still don't know."

"Ok. I don't want to pressurise you... but do you know when you will know?" 

Regulus wants to be annoyed at him, he really does, but James has a goofy smile on his face that even Regulus isn't immune to.

"I understand the waiting is a bit unfair to you, so how about I have an answer ready for you by Halloween?"

Halloween is in four weeks. That's enough time for Regulus to come up with his decision. A part of him knows he's already made it. He thinks time will help to convince him whether he's made the right one or not.

"Halloween? That's in like," James stops to count on his fingers, "a month."

"Take it or leave it, sweetheart." Regulus continues to walk, this time a little faster, in the direction of the Great Hall. James manages to keep up his pace.

"Say it again."

"What?"

"You know bloody well what!" James' hands scrunch into desperate fists. "Come on. I dare you."

"No. I'm not saying it again."

In all honesty, he hadn't meant to call James sweetheart, it just sort of slipped out. 

"Fine."

They split off to opposite ends of the hall when they arrive, Regulus going over to the Slytherin table, and James to the Gryffindor one.

Regulus sits in his usual seat opposite Pandora, with Barty on one side of him, and Dorcas on the other. Evan and Barty are talking about Quidditch - there's a Slytherin versus Gryffindor match in two and a half weeks. Evan's been training them harder this year than he did last year, which was his first year being captain. Regulus doesn't mind though, he's so good there's not really a lot he has to work on.

Emma and Dorcas are talking about Peter Pettigrew of all people. Emma keeps saying how annoying he is, and how she's going to make him work for it before giving him a proper answer. Just to make him suffer. Regulus hopes he isn't making James suffer by forcing him to wait for an answer. Though Emma is complaining about Peter, she doesn't seem to be that pissed off about the whole ordeal. She actually looks like she secretly enjoys it.

Pandora is smirking at Regulus. Her cheeks have their permanent natural blush they always do, matching nicely with her fair hair and pale skin. Her eyes light up - they always do this when she looks at Regulus - making them look more blue. Other than Barty, Regulus is closest with Pandora. He always has been. She's technically not a Slytherin, she's a Ravenclaw, but she always sits at the Slytherin table. No one has ever asked her not to, so she's never moved.

"I see you came in with James." Pandora keeps her sharp eye contact with Regulus, even when she takes a swig of her apple juice.

"Yes, I did. What about it?"

"You two seem to be getting close." She grins at him, watching as his face reddens.

"No, we're not. He's... fine," Regulus mumbles.

"You know, he's looking over here right now."

Regulus' head swivels round so fast, he swears he has whiplash. It's true, James is looking at him. His face is set with a dreamy smile, whilst his eyes have drifted off to another planet. He's deep in thought. He blushes as soon as he realises Regulus and Pandora are staring back at him.

James wiggles his fingers in a wave and then brings his hand back down to the table and begins to fidget with his cutlery. Regulus waves back, which earns him a quick wink. James looks away after that and Pandora doesn't tell Regulus whether he does or doesn't look again.

***

Regulus and Dorcas have been studying in the common room for almost four hours. Well, Regulus has. Dorcas keeps getting distracted by literally everything she sees. It's getting frustrating, especially because he's in his O.W.L. year at Hogwarts and Dorcas is supposed to be helping him. He cannot fail.

It's almost midnight and the common room is desolate, excluding them. Dorcas has been fidgeting with her rings for the past hour, which was when she officially stopped trying to study. Regulus can tell by the way she hasn't even looked at a book since then.

She's anxious. He doesn't like to see Dorcas anxious - it's sort of scary. She's always so bright and confident and unafraid to be herself. So, when she gets antsy like this, Regulus knows something is really wrong.

"Dorcas, are you alright?" He places his quill down on the desk, giving her his full attention.

"I don't know," she admits.

"Do you want to start with telling me what's going on inside your head?"

"Yeah," she nods, "Ok. You know when you told us you're gay and we still loved you for it? For being different?"

"Yeah...?"

"Well, I've known since I was thirteen that I have a crush on Marlene McKinnon. I didn't know how to tell anyone, but then you told us you were gay and- I don't know. I've wanted to talk to you about it... for a while." Dorcas fidgets more and more with her rings as she speaks. "I don't want anyone to see me differently."

"I could never see you differently. To me you've always been so confident and expressive. I remember wanting to be more like you when we first met. You were really nice to me when I was new to the school and when I lost my brother... twice. Honestly, Dorcas, you've been like a sister to me. You could kill someone and it still wouldn't alter the perfect picture of what you are in my mind. You're Dorcas, and no matter what... or who you do, you'll always be Dorcas."

Dorcas' eyes visibly tear up. Regulus isn't used to being sweet, he never is, not even with his friends.

That's a lie. He's sweet with Pandora. Everyone's sweet with Pandora.

He just knew exactly what Dorcas needed to hear and it was the truth. The truth is that is the way Regulus sees Dorcas, he's just never told her before.

"Reg," she whines. Dorcas takes hold of his hand and squeezes it lovingly. "I love you too."

"I technically didn't-"

"I know," Dorcas cuts in before he can finish his sentence. "I know you haven't been able to say those words for a while, but I also know that you do feel it. I've known you for so long now, I can recognise when you're saying it without actually saying it."

Regulus gives her a small smile. He admires Dorcas so much; he wishes he could say it because if he could, he would say it to her.

"I'm proud of your courage," he says. "I know it's hard. Don't feel forced to tell anyone yet just because you told me. Only do it when you're ready."

"Thanks, Regulus." Dorcas squeezes his hand once more before pulling away and stretching her arms out in the air. She yawns. "I think I should probably head up now."

"Yeah, me too." He packs his books and quills up, leaving them in a pile on the table. He can come back for them tomorrow. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah, and thank you again, Regulus."

"Anytime."

***

Regulus expects the next time he sees James to be during the upcoming Quidditch match. Instead, it's a couple of days before.

It's dinner time, which means the entire school is in the Great Hall, including all of the teachers. Regulus is listening to Emma natter on about Peter again, who is apparently still pestering her. He thinks he might have to talk to James about that - Peter needs to stop.

"We were wrong."

Regulus jumps, not expecting to hear James so close to him. But he is. He's sitting next to Regulus. How the hell did he get there without making a noise? Why the hell is he here?

"What do you mean? What were we wrong about?"

James grabs Regulus' head and turns it to the direction of the Gryffindor table. It takes him a moment to understand what James is talking about, but when he does it's hard not to notice it.

Mary Macdonald is currently sitting on Sirius' laps, whilst he makes out with her neck for an alarming amount of time. His hands are wrapped around her waist, whilst hers are in his hair. Remus looks like he's about to put his hands in Mary's hair and yank her off Sirius' lap.

"Oh, dear."

James laughs at that, but quickly stops and removes his hands from Regulus' face.

"It's bad, isn't it? They only got together this morning and they're already publicly displaying their affections in the most-" James pulls a face of repulse "-disgusting way."

"Yes, it is bad, but it's also not."

James turns to stare at Regulus with a face that says What the fuck are you on about?

"It's good because this means Sirius has finally realised what he wants," Regulus explains, hoping James will understand.

"Yeah, Mary! I thought we said he was... flying on the other side of the Quidditch pitch." James raises his eyebrows. He has the worst analogies...

"He is, and he's finally figured it out. You know Sirius, whenever something important happens, he goes into panic mode and acts out. He's obviously panicking and doesn't know what to do, so he did the first thing he could think of to cover up the truth."

Regulus waits for James to catch on.

"Started snogging all his friends?" James suggests.

"No, you imbecile!" Regulus hits James on the side of the head. "He got himself a girlfriend. No one would suspect him for being gay if he has one, not that anyone noticed he could be gay. He's just paranoid."

"I think I understand. What about poor Remus?"

"There's still hope. He just needs to show Sirius he feels the same way and, if they're lucky, Sirius will be brave enough to say he likes him back." Regulus shrugs like it's the most simple thing in the world.

"Sirius wouldn't believe it in a million years."

"Why not?"

James looks away from Regulus as if he's hiding the answer. "He did something really bad last year that got Remus in a lot of trouble. It was stupid and dangerous and he shouldn't have done it. Remus hated him for months because of it. They finally made up the day you came to my house, that's why they had gone on a walk alone."

"Oh. What did Sirius do?"

"I'm sorry but I can't tell you. It's not my secret to tell."

Regulus just nods in response. He understands. He would hate it if someone found out his secret and then started sharing it with everyone. But Regulus isn't just everyone, he's Sirius' brother.

"So, are you excited for the game on Friday?" James immediately perks up as soon as the words leave his mouth.

"I'm looking forward to winning," Regulus responds as he fills his mouth with chicken. He delicately places it in his mouth and then wipes the corners of his lips with a folded napkin.

James snorts beside him. "You're a little princess, Reggie." He stands up and ruffles Regulus' hair, before walking back to the Gryffindor table.

"What? No, I'm not!" He calls after James, but he's already gone.

It doesn't end there. On the morning of the match, James and Sirius come over to the Slytherin table, dressed head-to-toe in Quidditch gear. They both bow around him, as James says, "Good morning, your majesty. How is our little princess doing on this fine day?" 

They both then proceed to slump into the two empty seats on either side of Regulus, since the only other person with him at the moment is Evan. They had gotten up early to practice a little more before the match. Now Evan is laughing at him, along with James and Sirius.

"I will end you," he seethes.

"Sure you will," James says in a sweet voice. Under the table, where no one can see, James puts his hand on Regulus' thigh. It transports him back to the night of his birthday. When they were alone in his room. James had kissed him. He'd touched him in this exact way.

Regulus doesn't move, his whole body stiffens. He can feel his heart going ballistic in his chest. When he looks at James he has a hidden smile on his face, just for Regulus. He feels himself blush, so he stares down at his plate, unable to actually eat anything because his hands are shaking so violently.

"We probably will, Regulus is an amazing seeker," Evan speaks.

"That is true, but it doesn't always come down to how good the seeker is," James says. "A lot of it is down to the chasers."

"Boasting about ourselves, are we?" Regulus questions.

"Yes, us Gryffindors are a boastful bunch, my princess."

"Ok, stop it with that." Regulus sends him a glare, it only makes James' smile grow. "Do you want me to like you? Or do you want me to disagree with some of the things you say?" He widens his eyes and James instantly gets the message.

"Sorry, won't do it again."

"Good." Now, he's the one who's smiling.

"About that though?" James whispers. "Got an answer for me yet?"

"Nope. Halloween, remember?"

"Ok..." James pulls his hand away, he and Sirius go back to their own table. The anticipation for the game grows. Regulus is ready.

Emma, Dorcas, and Pandora show up half an hour later, each dressed in Slytherin colours. There's less than an hour to go before the game starts, so they spend the rest of the morning talking about it whilst they eat their breakfast. 

Emma is the new commentator for the year. She was chosen because she's quite a calm person, so the teachers don't think she'll get too out of control and say anything she shouldn't. What they don't know is that Emma is a massive fan of Quidditch, and she gets very enthusiastic when she's watching a game. So enthusiastic, in fact, she ends up shouting swear words at all the players.

They're all very excited to hear Emma's supposedly "calm" commentary because- it isn't going to be calm in the slightest.

When it is time for the game, Evan and Regulus leave before anyone else does, so they can get down to the pitch without having to fight through hundreds of students. The rest of the team follows shortly behind them - Regulus isn't very close with the people in their Quidditch team, but at least it's made up of people he can tolerate.

They meet in the centre of the pitch with Madam Hooch and the Gryffindor team. He looks over at James, who is conversing quietly with his team. James glances up and catches Regulus, giving him a bright smile. Regulus looks away.

The crowds start piling in, filling the stands. Regulus has never been nervous before a game and he doubts he ever will be. He's definitely not nervous today.

Madam Hooch tells the players to get themselves into their starting positions. She places the box that contains the Quaffle, the Bludgers and the Snitch in the exact centre of the pitch, below the players. Regulus hovers in the air, he's opposite the Gryffindor seeker, Phoebe Dawson. From where he is, he can see James and Evan meet on the ground and shake hands, as they do before every game.

Both boys mount their brooms, whilst Madam Hooch announces the rules and terms of the game. She releases both Bludgers, as well as the Snitch, which Regulus tries to keep his eye on. He hears Emma's voice ring through the place, "The Bludgers are up, followed by the Golden Snitch! That Snitch is worth one-hundred and fifty points!"

Madam Hooch chucks the Quaffle into the air and Emma shouts, "Let the game begin!"

Regulus is off immediately, he soars high into the air for a better view and allows himself to hover as he keeps an observant eye out for the Snitch. His attention is caught by the sight of James, who already has the Quaffle, and is on his way to the posts- He scores.

"For fuck's sake!" Emma's voice booms through the air. "I- I mean, yes. Alright, sorry Professor. Ten points to Gryffindor!"

Regulus notices Phoebe Dawson prowling around the perimeter of the pitch. He decides his method for this game is going to be to stay back until he knows Dawson has spotted the Snitch, then he's going to swoop in and catch it before she can. He is faster and better after all.

"It's an interesting game this year! Black versus Black! Friends versus friend! Oooh, it's going to be a good one!"

"Miss Vanity! More professional, if you please!" Mcgonagall yells through the speaker.

"Yes, fine." Regulus chuckles at how Emma probably seems so unlike herself to everyone else, whilst he is used to it by now. "Oh! Is that- Yes, I think Phoebe Dawson has caught sight of the Snitch! Regulus, get the fuck over there right- Sorry, Professor!"

Regulus finds Dawson, her eyes set on an isolated corner of the pitch. He spots a flicker of gold and begins to zoom through the air, only to watch as the Snitch visibly vanishes again.

"James Potter scores again, that's- Wait! How is that already ninety points?" Emma shouts. "Come on, Slytherin! Get your bloody game on!"

Regulus turns to see a very prideful James Potter, he's grinning out at the crowds. Last year, Regulus would have found that so annoying, but now he finds it kind of funny. James is stupid and ridiculous.

"YES! Go, Evan! WHOOOO!" Emma screams again. "Slytherin and Gryffindor are forty to ninety!"

Regulus can assume Evan just scored. Suddenly, a Bludger comes right for Regulus, he manages to dodge it by spinning upside down.

"Damn, I forgot how good you are on a broom!" Sirius appears next to him, Beater's bat in hand. His hair is wind-swept, probably much like Regulus' is right now.

"Suppose it runs in the family," he shrugs.

"Yeah- Oh, got to go!" Then he flies back across the pitch, slamming a Bludger that was about to hit James out of sight.

"Fu- I mean, James Potter scores again! Gryffindor leads, leaving the score one hundred to forty!" Emma tuts into the microphone. "Step up your game, Rosier!"

Gryffindor are already at one-hundred points. If they get one-hundred and ninety by the time Regulus catches the Snitch, they'll draw. He changes his tactics and begins to stalk around the edges of the pitch. 

The Snitch is literally nowhere and Gryffindor's points keep rising.

One-hundred and ten.

One-hundred and twenty.

One-hundred and thirty.

And forty.

And fifty.

And sixty.

Regulus only begins to panic when Gryffindor do actually end up getting one-hundred and ninety points, whilst Slytherin still only have forty. Emma's yelling at Evan and Regulus through the microphone, Mcgonagall's yelling at Emma for yelling at them. The sight of James scoring, once again, means that Slytherin needs to get their points up, or they're going to lose.

"Dawson has sight of the Snitch again, she's going for it... she's- OH! YES! Regulus Black gets there first! One-hundred and fifty points to Slytherin!" Emma is too busy celebrating to realise that they didn't actually win, but Regulus knew the score could not be three-hundred and fifty to forty, so he made it two-hundred to one-hundred and ninety.

"Wait! Oh for Merlin's sake! We didn't even fucking win. This game is shit- I- Sorry! Gryffindor wins!"

The sound of Madam Hooch's whistle marks the end of the game. James flies over to Regulus and holds his hand out. "Good game, yeah? You were- amazing," he says with an awe that radiates through his voice.

"Uhh, yeah." Regulus takes his hand and shakes it. "Good game."

He doesn't let go. Neither does James. They just sort of watch each other in silence, whilst the world bustles around them. For a moment, Regulus forgets their still suspended in the air. He always feels a little bit like he's flying when he's around James. Sitting beside him high in the air like this reminds him of summer. The tree climbing.

Regulus clears his throat. "You were good too. Well, not good. Great- actually."

"James!" Marlene McKinnon come flying over on her broom, making James pull away from Regulus. She raises an eyebrow, her eyes moving between the two of them. "Come on. It's time to go."

"Yep, coming." He turns to Regulus. "See you later, Reggie."

"Are you coming to the party?" Marlene asks.

"Me? What party?"

"James didn't invite you?" She smirks at James and he looks annoyed... for some reason.

"You can come, if you want. We're having a party tonight. Just- be warned. Sirius will probably start screaming Bowie lyrics in your face when he gets too drunk," James laughs.

"Ok. Can I bring people?"

"Yeah! Bring whoever you want," James grins. "If you bring Barty, Sirius will probably kiss you."

"I don't want that," Regulus says, shaking his head. "I'll bring him anyway."

"Ok, great! See you later!"

***

Why did Regulus agree to go? He must hate himself. He does. He shouldn't have said yes, but then saying no would have been rude.

"Are you sure they'll want Emma there after her- favouritism as the commentator?" Evan asks as he throws on a jumper.

"Yeah, James said I could invite anyone."

Barty and Evan share a look and Regulus knows instantly what they're insinuating.

"What?" He demands.

"Nothing," Barty shrugs, still grinning. "Just seems like James really likes you."

"Oh, leave it alone, will you? It was one time. One kiss. It was... stupid." Regulus is currently standing in front of the mirror, buttoning up a black shirt. It's the same one he wore on his birthday. He's speaking to the reflection of Barty behind him.

"One kiss," Barty mocks. He and Evan both start laughing.

Regulus swivels round, his eyes wide. "What do you mean by that?" This only makes them start laughing harder. He wants to hit them. He just might.

"Ok, story time!" Barty claps his hands together like a teenage girl getting excited over a boyband. "Young Regulus Black turned sixteen almost a month ago. It was a chilly night, unlike the previous. There was to be a party, and Regulus, like the tragic little sod he is, invited James Potter. A boy who he had kissed, only once. That was to change. On the eve of the party, both James and Regulus went on a journey alone. When both came back down to the party, their lips were big and red, and their clothes a little ruffled. Tell me, my fair Regulus Black, why would two young boys appear in such a state?"

"Why the fuck do you sound like an old man?" Is Regulus' response.

"It's my story-telling voice," Barty groans. "Don't change the subject."

"We know you kissed him again," Evan adds. "You don't have to admit it to us because it's none of our business and James probably doesn't want anyone to know yet, but we are aware. Do you understand what I mean? If Barty fucking Crouch noticed, I'm sure anyone could. So, be careful."

Regulus just nods.

"Come on, we were supposed to meet the girls five minutes ago," Evan says.

They meet up with Emma and Dorcas in the common room. Since Pandora isn't a Slytherin and she would be going out of her way to go down to the dungeons only to go back up to the Gryffindor common room, they're just going to meet her outside instead.

When they arrive, they see Pandora speaking to a girl with red hair, who Regulus recognises as being a friend of Sirius'. Lily? He thinks.

They are deep in conversation when Regulus, Dorcas, Emma, Evan, and Barty approach them. Lily lets them in with the password.

"You coming, Pandora?" Emma asks.

"Uhh..." She looks at Lily and then back at her friends. "No, I think I'm going to stay here."

Regulus takes in everything before him: Remus is in control of the music (he's sitting next to the record player), Sirius is sitting on a couch near a fireplace with Mary, James, and Marlene. The moment Barty sees Sirius, he calls out his name. Sirius' head snaps in the direction of Barty, he smiles and makes his way over.

"Barty!" He calls. "Let's get you really drunk!"

"Let's!" Barty agrees. "You have shrimps, right?"

They start walking away, Evan goes over to Remus, who is glaring at both Mary and Barty, both of which are hanging all over Sirius. Emma goes off mumbling something about Peter, leaving Dorcas and Regulus alone.

"Look who it is," he points over at Marlene. "You should go and say hi."

"I don't want to."

"You don't have to flirt with her or anything, just talk to her- Oh, she's looking over here."

Dorcas turns her head cautiously. Marlene is staring at her; a blush covers her face as soon as Dorcas stares back.

"Fine, I'll go, but only if you come with me." She smirks, raising an eyebrow. James is over there and she knows it.

"Fuck you."

"Come on!" Dorcas grabs his hand and drags him over to the place where James and Marlene are.

"Reggie!" James stands up as soon as he notices him. "You came."

Marlene giggles into her hand, James shoots her a look.

"Hi, Marlene," Dorcas says. Marlene stops giggling at once and hiccups a little into her hand. "Hello, Dorcas."

"Dorcas, would you like my seat?" James asks politely. He smiles at Marlene, whose eyes widen slightly.

"Only if you're offering," she answers.

"Absolutely," James grins. He stands next to Regulus as Dorcas sits beside Marlene, who is staring daggers at James right now.

"Reg, do you want to go see Remus? He looks a bit..."

"Depressed?" Regulus finishes.

"Yeah."

They make their way over to Remus, who is currently talking to Evan about Defence Against the Dark Arts. At least he isn't focusing too much on Sirius anymore. In fact, Sirius is now the one jealously glaring over at Remus and Evan.

"Hello, Evan. That was a good game!" James claps him on the back.

"Yeah, it was alright."

"Who are you playing next?"

"Ravenclaw," Evan answers.

"Oh," James waves his hand, "You'll beat them easily."

"Yeah, especially with Reg," Evan agrees.

"Regulus, the star."

"I'm flattered," Regulus says flatly. He hates attention. 

"I wish you were a Gryffindor, I would've loved to have you on my team."

Regulus had wanted to be in Gryffindor. Still to this day, he remembers arguing with that stupid hat about it, only for it to put him in Slytherin. In the end it was the right choice, now he has his friends.

"Too bad, Potter, he's mine." Evan puts his arm over Regulus' shoulders and ruffles his hair. James' jaw clenches for only a second before relaxing again. Regulus knows Evan just did that on purpose. 

"Fine, you can have him. I'm going to go and claim Barty." He smiles before jumping away. Regulus watches as James proceeds to sit down on the floor in front of Barty, Sirius, and Mary. He gestures towards Evan and Regulus a few times. When he stops talking, he stares avidly at Barty, who just looks over to them and throws up his middle finger with a little smile on his face.

James smiles at them triumphantly. Evan may have Regulus, but now he has Barty. Not that Regulus cares. 

In this moment, he makes a decision.

James' hair refuses to stay flat on his head as he messes it up, his glasses are askew, and he's got this stupid grin on his face that clearly says, "I win." Regulus can't help himself. He marches over to James.

"Get up and come with me," he orders.

"Why?" James giggles.

"I need to talk to you about something."

"What about?" Sirius slurs.

"None of your business."

"Pull me up then." James raises both arms and wiggles his fingers. Regulus rolls his eyes but helps him up anyway. "Where are we going?"

"Is there a lock on your dorm?" Regulus whispers. He watches as James' face flushes a deep shade of red, it makes him laugh. "Not for that. Get a grip, James."

"Oh, yeah- Ok."

"Does it?" Regulus asks again.

"What? Yeah! Yeah, it does."

"Come on then." He tilts his head in the direction of the stairs, asking James to go first.

Once they're up the stairs, James opens the door and allows Regulus to enter first. As soon as he turns around, Regulus is on him. He can't help himself. He eases his fingers into James' hair and leans in to meet his lips with his own.

James kisses him back without a second thought, wrapping his arms around Regulus' waist. Regulus walks backwards as James pushes him in the direction of his bed. When he feels the bedframe come into contact with the back of his legs, he drops. James goes with him.

"I'm going to take this as your answer then?" James says, he moves down to kiss Regulus' neck, and- oh, it feels really good.

Yes, I'm saying yes, his mind screams. 

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

He groans in response, not able to speak whilst James is doing what he is. What is he doing? It's amazing. He's trailing kisses along Regulus' collar bone, using both teeth and tongue. Regulus  moves his hands to James' upper arms, feeling as the muscles there flex under the material of his top.

Regulus lets out another noise, this time it's high-pitched. James pulls back.

Don't stop.

"I need to hear you say it, Reg."

"James-"

"Please," he asks.

"Fine, yes. We can make the deal."

Apparently, that's all James needs to hear because as soon as he does, he leans down again and starts leaving small pecks all over Regulus' face. He finishes by kissing him on the lips once more. Then he gets up and fluffs his hair with his hands, only making it messier. 

"Stop calling me Reg," he says. Regulus sits up and tries to recompose himself after- that.

"Ok. How about Reggie?"

"Reggie's... fine." It's more than fine, he loves it when James calls him Reggie. He's the only person who does.

"Ok, Reggie."

"James, if we're going to do this we need some rules. Some terms and conditions."

"Alright?" James gives him a sceptical look. "What do you mean?"