You Weren't Supposed To Save Me
Regulus
"You're still coming to visit at some point this summer, aren't you?" Regulus asks as he leans in to hug both Evan and Barty. "I know you'll likely be travelling but-"
"We'll be there," Evan promises.
"Like you could get rid of us that easily," Barty laughs. He squeezes Regulus tight, knocking the wind right out of him.
Pandora, Dorcas and Emma leave their respective Gryffindors and make their way over, joining in on the group hug. They all promise to meet up this summer, no matter what they have going on, they will find time.
Pandora drags Regulus away for a moment whilst Sirius loudly says his goodbyes to Barty. She does this at the end of every year, the first time being before their first summer away from Hogwarts. She had hugged him that day - it hadn't been their first but it had been one of a few. It was the first he initiated between them.
At the time, Pandora was the only one of his friends who he had opened up to about his home-life. How his parents were awful and how he was scared - not of what they could do to him, but what they could do to Sirius. So, she made it a thing to pull him aside at the end of every school year and assure him that everything will be alright.
Regulus doesn't see much point of keeping this tradition alive anymore, considering he is living with the Potter's now. Pandora doesn't seem to pay this any mind though. She pulls him into another hug and he wraps his arms around her in return, breathing in her flowery smell.
He'll miss Pandora, maybe the most.
He always does.
Ever since they met, they've been inseparable. Like siblings. Twins even.
He doesn't know what he would do without her.
Her touch alone is enough to calm him.
Pandora is like a sturdy tree in the middle of a torrential storm; you can trust her not to fall, to help keep you up straight, to shelter you from the surrounding blizzards.
"You should come and visit this summer," she says gently. "Now that you finally have the chance to."
"I will," he promises in a whisper.
When they pull apart, he presses a kiss to her forehead and resists the impulse to roll his eyes when she ruffles his hair.
He watches as each of his friends apparate away with their families, one by one, and then feels as two arms snake around his waist. Someone rest their head on one of his shoulders and he can't resist the smiles that settles on his face.
"Ready to go?" James murmurs in his ear.
Regulus turns to the side to face him and presses their noses together. He hums out a soft sound and closes his eyes. "I'm ready."
"For the best summer ever," James grins.
James and Sirius (both being seventeen now) managed to pass their apparition tests by the end of the year, meaning Effie and Monty allowed them to make their own way back this year. At first, they seemed a bit hesitant about letting them side-along Regulus, but James promised over and over that he and Sirius had already attempted - and succeeded - with side-along apparition.
James takes his hand and Regulus is surprised when Sirius takes his other. The world twists around him, reminding him a bit of when he transforms into his Animagus form. He hasn't told anyone about that. Not yet.
The Potter house forms before them. The red shutters on the windows, the white panelled walls, the matching red door, the white picket-fence. The grass is a rich green and has clearly been trimmed recently. Effie's geraniums line the patio, framing the house in a halo of exquisite colours. The house is big and bright and bold, just like the family inside.
Regulus smiles when James takes his hand again, leading them to the front door.
He is home.
This is his home.
Sirius opens the door without his usual enthusiasm. He's all miserable because Remus' grandmother never likes him staying away during the summer, as she doesn't see him at any other point during the year. So, this means Sirius likely won't see him for two months.
Regulus is quite disappointed at this prospect too.
"We're home!" Sirius announces to the quiet house.
Effie comes shuffling towards the door in an instant, pulling Sirius into a welcoming hug and leaving kisses all over his face. He grins and giggles, instantly cheering up.
Regulus is happy that Sirius has Effie. A proper mum who knows how to make him smile when he is feeling miserable.
Then, she turns to James and Regulus and hesitates.
Regulus understands a moment later and glances down at their conjoined hands. Effie doesn't mention it though, pulling them both into a tight hug. She kisses James on the cheek and then pulls him down further to press one into his hair. Then, she goes to Regulus and kisses him swiftly on the forehead, but that is all.
He is thankful, he doesn't think he would be quite comfortable yet with much more than that.
"Your father is in the village with Peter's father. They've taken an interest to the Muggle post recently and have been basically stalking the poor postman." She rolls her eyes fondly and lets out a small laugh. "Honestly, sometimes I wonder about that man."
"Is there anything to eat?" Sirius asks politely and Effie guides him through to the kitchen.
"Let's take our stuff up," James suggests and Regulus nods in response.
When they are in the corridor, Regulus carries on towards his room, only to have James drag him back by the hand. Regulus turns to see him with a puzzled expression on his face.
"What?"
"Are you not sleeping in with me?" James asks.
"Oh," Regulus smiles, moving in closer. "I didn't know you wanted me to."
"I did- I do. But if you don't want to-" James playfully drops his hand and turns around.
Regulus catches it again within his own grasp, gaining James' attention back. "Of course, I want to." He almost closes the space between them, leaning in even further. "I can't believe we already live together."
"I know. I get to see you every single day," James whispers, drawing closer. "And I get to wake up next to you every morning. We can spend warm days in the garden flying and nights climbing trees in the woods." Regulus sighs happily; it all sounds so perfect, like a dream. He's having a hard time understanding that it's real. This is his life. His perfect life. "At night I get to tell you stories and then in the morning we get to do everything all over again."
Regulus closes the gap and softly kisses James. They kissed a lot on the train but had been interrupted by their friends cheering them on or fake-gagging every single time. It's nice to have no interruptions. To just be here together. To-
"Oh!" They hear someone shriek and both pull apart quickly. James clears his throat and scratches the back of his neck as they both stare down at Mellie. "Mellie apologises, sirs. Mellie did not knows. Uh- Mellie is happy for you."
"Thanks, Mells," James smiles down at her and Regulus watches as her eyes fill with tears.
"Welcome home, Master Jamie and Master Regulus. Mellie has been so excited for your return. Dinner is everyone's very favourites."
"It's very nice to see you, Mellie." Regulus leans down and takes hold of the elf's hand. "I've missed our talks."
Mellie's tears finally fall out of her massive eyes. Her smile is a bit wobbly as she wipes her tears away on the back of her hands. She squeezes onto Regulus' hand with her two small ones. Her ears perk up as she says, "Go and unpack, naughty boys." She winks at them and disapparates.
"She's really missed you, you know," Regulus states as he returns to standing. He watches as James' face falls and guilt takes over every one of his features. "But she understood that you were having a... rough time. I think you should spend some time with her though, like you used to."
"I've really missed her," James frowns. "I used to visit her every morning and fill her in on everything that's been going on in my life recently. I'm going to keep doing that."
"Good," Regulus says as he picks up his bags. "Come on, let's go unpack."
James showers whilst Regulus unpacks his stuff. It's strange putting his things in the drawers James empties for him. It's strange sharing a space with someone else. He knows he can always go back to his own room anytime he wants, but he doesn't think he wants to.
It's strange but in a nice way.
Regulus stares at James' packed trunk for a whole minute whilst chewing on his nails. After another five, he decides to unpack James' too. Cleaning and organising help to relieve his stress, plus it will help out James, who he knows hates packing and unpacking.
Not long after he's finished and resigned to the bed, James comes traipsing out of the bathroom with a towel loosely sitting on his hips and water glistening on his skin. His mess of a hair is flatter than usual because of the water, also making it look darker. Black.
"I love this," James smiles. He walks across the room and leans down, pressing a hard kiss to Regulus' lips before swiftly pulling away, leaving him wanting more.
"Love what?"
"Oh, nothing. Just you. Staring."
Regulus raises an eyebrow and smirks. "Well, I have about six months to make up for." He moves around on the bed so that he is now sitting on the edge with his feet dangling to the floor.
James stands between his thighs and cups his face. "I'll give you six months and then I'll give you millions more."
Regulus smiles and then tugs on the towel, allowing it to drop. He snorts when James blushes and then rises to stand in front of him. "Relax," he whispers, moving slowly closer to his ear, "Your mother is here. We won't be doing anything..."
James pouts, so Regulus adds, "Yet."
***
"-and then Sirius walked dead into a wall," James wheezes.
"It's not my fault... Remus winked at me," Sirius mumbles, playing around with his food.
"Of course not, darling," Effie smiles at him, then she turns to James and laughs quietly. "How did your last term go, Regulus?"
Regulus stares up from his plate, he's just finished eating his potatoes when he answers. "It was quite good, actually. If you don't count the endless study sessions and cramming for my O.W.Ls."
"That's lovely to hear," Effie says sincerely. She turns to look at Monty, a glint in her eye - of what, Regulus cannot make out. Then, she moves over to James. "How about you, James?"
"It was brilliant!" James beams at his mum and Regulus can feel James' hand tighten around his own where they are connected under the table. "The best so far."
Regulus feels a warm smile form on his face and can't help but look over at James who looks as if he has never been happier.
"Good," Effie drags the word out. There's silence for a moment, which Regulus should have seen as a sign for what was to come, really. Effie, as blunt as she can be sometimes, points her fork in the direction of James and Regulus. "Regulus, dear, I think you should give James his hand back. He seems to be struggling with his chicken."
He feels himself stiffen and then his grip on James' hand slackens before going away entirely.
"Effie," Monty tuts playfully.
"What? I don't want James choking on his chicken because he isn't able to cut it up properly." She smiles innocently, but Regulus can see right through it. He's seen this exact face on James before. It's the one he usually saves for McGonagall when she accuses him of performing a prank and he innocently declines the accusations each and every time. Whilst also being guilty each and every time.
James turns to him and without even needing to talk, Regulus knows what he's asking. He nods with a soft smile and brings their hands together once more. James sighs, relieved, and then brings their joined hands onto the table top.
"Umm... mum and dad," James begins. He stares nervously between them and then over to Sirius, who smiles reassuringly and nods at him, encouraging him. "Regulus and I are together... like... uh... boyfriends. In a relationship. Like, together. In love."
Regulus watches as Effie places her cutlery down on the table gently and then crosses her hands under her chin. She holds them in place with a piercing look and then - to Regulus' relief - a smile blooms on her face.
"Thank you for telling us. We've been waiting almost a year for you two to figure it out." Then, she picks up her knife and fork and continues to eat as if nothing has happened.
James looks, shell-shocked, over at his father.
"I'm happy for you both," Monty beams and also carries on eating.
"I'm sorry..." James mumbles and then stares at his parents with incredulity. "A year?"
"It was rather obvious last summer," Effie shrugs. "We thought it best to let you figure it out yourselves."
"How was it obvious last year?" Regulus asks curiously.
"James took you to his special place in the woods," Monty explains. "Not even Sirius has been taken there."
Regulus turns to James, who is now blushing, and stares at him in shock.
"Plus, you always got so flustered around each other," Effie chuckles. "It was quite adorable, really. It became oh so painfully obvious at Christmas as well. I assume you must have known by then?"
"We got together at the end of April," James says weakly.
"That's when you might have officially gotten together, yes. However, I am afraid to tell you two, you were in a relationship long before that." Effie smirks at their gaping faces. "Right, there is something Monty and I need to talk to you all about."
Each of the boys glance up with a mixture of curiosity and weariness. Sirius almost looks afraid. Regulus knows that this is because "there is something we need to talk to you about" usually led to punishments at Grimmauld.
"Monty and I purchased a gift for Regulus as a congratulations on his Quidditch victory." Regulus hadn't forgotten about this but had failed to mention it before now, not wanting to seem rude or greedy. "Now, we figured he would not want to attend alone, so we have also gotten tickets for you two boys-" she gestures to Sirius and James "-and Remus."
Sirius immediately perks up, a bright smile lighting up his face. "We're going to see Remus?" He questions excitedly, now squirming around in his chair, reminding Regulus of a very hyper flobberworm.
"Yes, darling," she smiles.
"Where?" James asks next.
"Monty and I have decided not to come with you, as we do not wish to intrude. Besides, you two are of age now, so I trust you'll be responsible and look after Regulus, though I'm sure he is perfectly capable of taking care of himself." Regulus smiles gratefully at her for adding that, not wanting to be treated like he is a child. Especially next to Sirius of all people.
"The Quidditch Cup isn't until the twenty-sixth of July," she says and they all immediately shoot up in excitement, but let Effie finish what she is saying before they start asking questions - or in Sirius' case, squealing. "We have spoken to Remus' grandmother and she has given permission for Remus to come and stay here during the week prior to the Cup, as well as to go to the event, and then stay with us for a further week afterwards."
She nods then, seemingly recognising that Sirius is about to explode.
He does.
He bolts up from his chair and runs around the table, almost tripping over a chair, to get to Effie. His arms wrap around her and he squeezes her into a hug, chanting, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." Effie grins into his shoulder.
"Thank you," Regulus then says. "You didn't have to. I really appreciate it."
"Of course, dear," Effie says whilst trying to blow Sirius' hair out of her mouth. "You deserve it. You all do." She giggles when Sirius falls into her lap, still holding on for dear life.
Regulus smiles, suddenly feeling even lighter than he did before.
"Does that mean you're warding the woods off for the moon?" James asks suddenly. "The moon is on the twentieth and... when is Remus getting here?"
"The nineteenth," Monty replies. "Yes, we will be warding the woods off for the moon. We thought it made sense for him to be here on the twentieth, so that Effie can help heal Remus up the next morning. You know his grandmother isn't very good with that sort of thing."
James and Sirius share a quick look then and Regulus is only other person here who understands it. Full moon means Animagus time.
Regulus smiles to himself, knowing this year there will be an animal more than they expected.
There's a sudden crack sound of apparition outside the front door. Effie and Monty share a look and then the latter nods understandingly, getting up and answering the knock that comes shortly after.
Monty returns with Narcissa, Bellatrix and - to everyone's surprise, but mainly Sirius' - Andromeda in tow. They're all beaming, Bellatrix and Andromeda are arm in arm, both with something draped over their free arms.
"Hello, everyone," Narcissa says kindly. "Regulus, I'm glad you're looking better. Thank you for your letter."
"Thank you. Uh- yeah... thanks for inviting me to your wedding."
"Is that little Regulus?" Andromeda squeals. She passes the things she is carrying to Bellatrix, who huffs playfully in response, and then runs over to him. "Can I get a hug?" She asks before touching him.
"Uh..." Regulus turns to Sirius who nods. "Yeah."
He stands up from the table and releases James' hand before turning and allowing his eldest cousin to wrap her arms around him. Regulus immediately sinks into it; Andromeda smells like cookie dough and fresh grass. He's only ever felt a hug like this a couple of times, both with Effie and Lily. This is a mother's hug.
"Oh, I missed you so much," she whispers into his hair. When she pulls away, she holds him at arms length and scans him up and down with her eyes. "You're so beautiful. Thank Merlin you are still shorter than me."
"Hey," Regulus complains, trying to shuffle out of her grip. "I am still growing."
"Sure, you are," Bellatrix laughs and pats him on the shoulder. "We've come bearing gifts."
Regulus turns to look at the things in her arms. They look like long fabric bags and Regulus recognises them immediately. He has gone to enough Pureblood weddings during his life to know that these contain dress robes. He hears Sirius groan from somewhere behind him and doesn't even attempt to hide his snort.
"Don't worry, I didn't let Lucius choose any of the clothing," Narcissa concedes quickly. "They're not even dress robes. Andy took me to this Muggle wedding clothes shop and we got all of the clothes from there."
"I get to wear a Muggle suit?" Sirius perks up and makes his way around the table to join them. He instantly falls into Andromeda's side, who wraps an arm around his shoulders naturally, like they've been doing it for years.
They probably have.
"Yep," Bellatrix says as she chucks one at him. She ignores the way Narcissa hisses at her in response to the way she is treating the (probably expensive) suit.
"Lucius did ask that we keep it green," she warns, "so I chose tea-green."
Sirius unzips the cover and tilts his head to the side whilst squinting his eyes. He makes a humming sort of sound, short and quiet. "It's adequate."
"I'll take that," Narcissa laughs.
"Would you like to sit down?" Effie asks and Regulus jumps. He had forgotten she was even there. For a moment he'd thought... but no. He's not there anymore. He escaped. They all have.
"Oh, thank you, Effie," Andromeda beams. "We apologise for disrupting your dinner."
"Oh, not at all," Effie waves her hand. "In fact, why don't you join us?"
Mellie pops up out of nowhere and with a click of her fingers, three more plates appear on the table, each laden with food. The three Black sisters all smile and thank Effie and Monty before sitting down in front of their respective plates.
"Here you go," Bellatrix passes the remaining suit cover to Regulus. "You can alter it to fit just right with a simple shrinking spell."
"Thank you." He takes it carefully and hangs it over the back of his chair.
"Mum, can I get a Muggle suit?" James asks, bouncing in his chair. Regulus smiles at him fondly.
"Anything you want, love."
"You're coming with Reg, right?" Andromeda questions as she cuts up her chicken.
"Yeah," James smiles proudly and then wraps his arm around Regulus' shoulders.
"Who is it you're bringing again, Siri?" Narcissa speaks.
"Remus Lupin." Sirius responds; he stares back at his suit and then to Narcissa. "I'm still a bridesmaid, aren't I?"
"Of course, Siri," Narcissa replies. "Whatever you want."
He grins.
"Do you think Remus has a suit?" Effie suddenly wonders aloud, making both Sirius and James look at her. "You should write to him, Sirius. If not, we can get him one that will compliment yours."
"He wouldn't except it," Sirius snorts. "But I'll write him anyway tonight. I suppose if you've already purchased it, he won't refuse it, out of manners and all that."
Regulus watches with his eyebrows furrowed as Sirius attempts to cut his chicken, but struggles immensely. Meanwhile, the gravy on his plate starts sailing over the edges, creating a mess on the table.
Yep, they are definitely no longer in the House of Black.
***
James
James watches as Regulus runs straight for Remus the moment Monty opens the door. Remus is there and waiting, arms wide and expectant, ready. They embrace tightly and Remus lifts him a couple of inches in the air as he makes his way through the door.
"Reg, he's supposed to be my boyfriend!" Sirius complains from behind them and then stomps his foot petulantly on the floor.
Regulus is put back on the floor and allows Sirius to dive in right after him. He rolls his eyes, but finds himself being brought into James' arms, so he doesn't complain.
"You're staying the night, aren't you?" Sirius pleads.
"Yes, Pads. I've already told you about fifty times. Your cousin already booked the rooms for us," Remus says, shaking his head fondly.
Sirius leans up to kiss him swiftly before departing from Remus and letting Monty pat him on the shoulder, whilst Effie bundles him up in a motherly hug. James watches as a warm smile makes it's way onto Remus' face; he knows this smile well, he is well acquainted with it. It's the smile forced onto your face when you are greeted with the comfort of home.
"You lot should start getting ready," Monty announces to the room as he glances down at his pocket-watch. "You've got to leave in two hours."
"How are we getting there?" James asks his mum, who has finally released Remus and is now placing herself in her husband's arms.
"Andromeda is going to be here soon to drop off a portkey for you to take. She said she would have come to take you, but she's Narcissa's maid of honour, so she's going to find herself rather busy this morning."
"Come on, babe, we should get ready now. I need to spend at least forty minutes on my hair." Sirius grabs Remus' bag and with his other hand takes Remus' and pulls him through the crowded space and up the stairs.
Effie chuckles and smiles fondly at the empty space where Sirius and Remus had previously occupied. "Go on, boys. Go get ready."
"And James!" Monty calls just as James and Regulus reach the the bottom of the stairs. "Maybe use some Sleekeazy's on your hair..."
James opens his mouth in offense and turns to Regulus who only looks up at his hair before shrugging and letting out a noise of agreement. "It is a wedding, after all."
"Fine," James concludes, "but don't expect me to wear any shit that'll ruin my hair when we get married."
He ignores the half-hearted "language" that his mother scolds, as well as the cute blush that eases it's way to Regulus' cheeks and to his ears.
James runs the bath when he gets upstairs - shallow, of course - and then fetches Regulus from the joined bedroom. Once Regulus is in, James starts undressing himself and figures he may as well join him. To save time and water, of course.
They use drying charms on their hair and James makes sure to use several on Regulus, knowing he hates being covered in any dampness. Then, they get dressed in their respective suits.
Regulus' is plain black, paired with a white button-up and a tea-green tie. It comes with a boutonniere - a fern - that James helps to secure in place.
"I feel ridiculous," he mumbles as he checks himself out in the mirror.
"You look lovely."
"I'm the ring bearer. They only assigned it to me because I'm the youngest cousin."
"They could have gotten Nymphadora to do it," James argues with a smile.
"I think she wanted me to feel included," Regulus sighs. He stares down at himself and blinks a few times before turning around and coming face to face with James.
James watches in amusement as Regulus' mouth falls open at the sight in front of him. In the end, James decided on a forest-green suit, knowing it is Regulus' favourite colour but also that it would compliment the lighter green in Regulus' attire. He's also wearing a white shirt, as he couldn't bring himself to wear black, even if it did happen to look better, he knew it would only dampen his mood. He did, however, decide on a black tie.
"You look..." Regulus breathes and James feels the blood rush to his face. "I can't believe you're my boyfriend."
"Well, believe it, love." James steps forward and takes one of Regulus' hands before spinning him around and catching him in his arms. He's suddenly closer, only a couple of inches away. "I know you hate weddings."
Regulus smiles and then looks down at the ground. James lifts his chin up with his index finger and leans forward to press a kiss to his nose and then his forehead. "I promise you'll enjoy the next one." He pulls back slightly and meets Regulus' deep eyes. "I'll be waiting at the end of that alter for you."
He hears as Regulus' breath falters and he fears he may have said the wrong thing. They have only been together a couple of months, but it's James. He goes big or goes home. Regulus knows this by now.
"I won't keep you waiting too long," Regulus leans forward so that their noses are touching and sighs pleasantly. "I'll find you," he promises in a whisper.
James smiles brightly, his eyes now closed. "I can't wait."
He does end up taming his hair a bit with the help of Regulus. The curls settle partially into something somewhat passable for a formal event like a wedding. It no longer sticks up at the back and James has to stop himself several times from running his hand through it and mussing it up.
When they get downstairs, Sirius takes one look at him and starts laughing so hard, James is sure a blood vessel bursts in his head.
"What the fuck have you done, mate?" He bounds up to James' side and goes to touch his hair, only to have Regulus swat his hand away.
"Don't, you'll ruin it."
"It's already ruined, I don't know what you're on about."
"I think it suits you, James," Remus says. "It is a bit unnerving to see that your hands are firmly by your sides rather than buried halfway in that usual birds nest, but it looks nice."
"Thank you, Moony." James grins. "I think..."
Sirius is dressed in an identical suit to Regulus', finished with a fern in his left breast pocket. Remus is wearing the suit Effie chose out - saying it would be perfect for him. It's a red shirt with a dark brown blazer and matching dress pants. The tie matched with it has been crocheted and is a deep blue colour. He looks a bit like a professor.
He rubs the back of his neck self-consciously, apparently embarrassed by the sudden intention.
"You look brilliant, Moony." James beams at him and goes over to tug his hand away from his neck, afraid he'll scratch through his skin. "Really. It's like... your personality but as a Muggle suit."
"Right?" Sirius grins and Remus pulls him into his side where he slots in perfectly. He rests his head on Remus' chest and says, "He's so handsome."
"Isn't he?" Effie grins.
Remus blushes profusely, much to James and Sirius' amusement.
"Hey, Prongs?" Sirius asks with a smile on his face that immediately scares James - this is his fake smile. "Why are you wearing Slytherin colours? You're supposed to be a Gryffindor."
"Speak for yourself," James points at Sirius' tie. "I'm trying to blend in."
"Mmmm, sure. I think Reg is getting inside your head."
James looks over at Regulus and raises an eyebrow, getting a nod in return before pulling him into a side-hug. "I can't see anything wrong with that, Padfoot." He kisses Regulus' hair and can't help but smile at the gagging noises both Remus and Sirius begin to make.
"We have to get a picture!" Monty says, ordering them towards the fireplace in the living room and getting them to pose in front of it. "What order should you stand in?"
"James and Remus on the ends and Sirius and Regulus in the middle. Boys on the outside, wrap your arms around your boys and Sirius and Regulus link arms," Effie orders without hesitation. They follow her instructions, once she is satisfied, she pulls out two cameras. James notices the one she doesn't give to Monty, but the one she keeps for herself, is Regulus' polaroid.
They allow the grownups to take enough pictures to please them.
"Alright, Andromeda already dropped the portkey off," Monty speaks once he's finally lowered the camera.
"What? When?" Sirius questions, sounding disappointed. James knows how much he loves Andromeda; there had been a time where she was the only person in his old family that he talked to.
"Around the time you and Remus threw up a silencing charm and James and Regulus were in the bath," Effie says simply, still staring down at the polaroid in her hand, currently developing.
James feels Regulus stiffen and his own cheeks heat up. He turns to Sirius and Remus who stare at each other with horror slapped onto their faces.
"I think it's time for us to go," James announces and is met with mumbled agreement from the three other boys.
"We'll see you all tomorrow around lunchtime, I assume." Effie leans forward and presses kisses into each of their cheeks, giving extra to Sirius who giggles in response. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"
"So, basically the limits are endless," Monty chuckles.
"Right..." James rubs his eyes, making his glasses sit askew on his face. "Goodbye, love you both."
"Love you!" Monty shouts as Effie says, "Have a good time!"
Just before they take the portkey, Regulus stops his movements and reaches up to straighten his glasses. James smiles at him and kisses his cheek.
"You'll be ok," James promises.
"So will you," Regulus returns. "Did you take your medication?"
"Yep," he beams, proud at how happy this seems to make Regulus. Some of the tenseness in his shoulders lessen at this single word of confirmation.
All four boys take hold of the Muggle kettle portkey and feel as the world twists around them. James feels a tug at his navel and gets the impression someone has somehow put him in a tube of toothpaste and is attempting to squeeze him out of it. The only reassurance he has is Regulus' hand in his free one.
They arrive in front of a manor-sized building. Narcissa had insisted they not be married in Malfoy manor, apparently wanting to break as many Pureblood traditions as she could get away with. The wedding is taking place at Gregorovitch Hall in Hereford.
A small, balding man with a large, sweaty forehead that reflects against the sun in a blinding way greets them at the gates. He hands them a pamphlet and gives them directions on where to go. Remus leads the way, being the most sensible of the group. Luckily, it doesn't take them long to find Bellatrix.
"Oh, thank Salazar you're here, Sirius!" She jumps forward and folds him into a hug. Sirius' eyes widen in surprise but after a moment he hugs her back.
"Er- hey, Bella." He pats her back, unsure. "What's up?"
"Narcissa is fine, everything's fine. I'm fucking not!" She shouts as she pulls away from him. An elderly man tuts at her as he walks past. She throws up a middle finger in response and then rolls her eyes. "All of this stress! You don't understand. The dress has to be perfect and her hair and makeup- but don't even get started on the flower arrangement, nor the groomsmen, the groom himself, the aisle, the lights, the cameramen, the charmed instruments and- oh! Her bloody shoes! She won't stop-" Bellatrix cuts herself off and forms her hand into a mouth shape before snapping it up and down viciously, mimicking her sister's nattering.
Sirius flinches out of the way and cautiously reaches up to lower her hand. "Alright, Bells. Calm down, yeah? It's fine. I can take over. I'm here now." His posture straightens, showing off his obvious pride. "Fill-in bridesmaid."
"I need a cigarette," she says and then thanks Sirius before turning to Regulus. "Oh, Reg, you look amazing! Sorry, but I really do need that smoke-"
"Mind if I join you?" Remus asks, raising an eyebrow. "I have a pack or two."
"Moony!" Sirius scolds.
"Oh, you're a gem!" Bellatrix cries and takes hold of Remus' arm, leading him out of the building.
"Seems all the Black's have an affinity to the charm of Remus Lupin," James chuckles.
"Yes, it seems," Sirius frowns. He shakes his head and puts on a smile. "Right. Where is the bride-to-be? Her favourite cousin has arrived!"
"Excuse you," Regulus says, placing a hand on Sirius' chest and pushing him back slightly. "I think you'll find that's me." James watches as the both start speed-walking through the corridor and calling out Narcissa's name.
Finding himself suddenly alone, he decides to explore the building. Guests are spread out in different rooms, apparently doing the same thing in the spare time they have before the ceremony begins.
He ends up in a peculiar room filled with strange magical objects, all of which he feels he should not touch. The room looks a bit like a hoarder's house. There's a circle in the centre of the ceiling made of glass and James thinks about how he and Regulus could watch the stars form through it.
"Oh, I'm sorry," someone says from behind him.
James turns to see a middle-aged man with greying hair, though his hair is still mostly black (Black family black, James realises). He's dressed in a blue suit with a yellow tie and is holding a small, crystal glass. It's empty. He has the same eyes as Sirius - bluish-grey - and a small forming beard. His eyes crinkle when he smiles at James, telling him this man smiles a lot, which surprises him. Most Black's do not smile.
"No, no. It's fine," James assures him. "I was just having a little look around." He holds out his hand and introduces himself.
"Of course, I'd recognise that hair anywhere," the man laughs and James raises an eyebrow at him. "Me and your father were... very well acquainted in school, let's say."
"Oh, it's nice to meet you- Sorry, I didn't catch your name."
"Alphard Black."
"Oh! That makes sense!" He realises he has just yelled in the man's face and quickly apologises. "Sorry. Sirius just talks about you a lot, is all."
Alphard just chuckles, throwing his head back a bit.
"I've been waiting years to meet you, James," Alphard pats his shoulder. "Before it was because you were Sirius' best friend and he would never stop talking about you in his letters. Also, you helped him when he most needed you, during a time I couldn't." He looks disconcerted for a moment but quickly regains his posture and friendly smile. "But now, I suppose I should be thanking you for getting Regulus out too. It's nice to meet the boy who has taken his heart."
"Regulus saved himself," James mumbles.
"He may have been the one to take the steps, but you were the one who made him feel safe enough to stand still again."
"I'll always protect him," he promises. "How did you know about us? Did Sirius tell you?"
"Regulus writes a lot," Alphard explains. "I believe he first mentioned you... last summer. It might have been just after your return to Hogwarts. Blimey, I don't remember."
"Last summer?" James smiles to himself.
"That's right. For a moment I was sure his and Sirius' letters must have gotten mixed up," Alphard laughs again. "He filled almost a whole letter about you. That's when I knew. Of course, it was confirmed when my sister," he says the word 'sister' with an insurmountable amount of disgust, "Walburga, came over and blamed me for 'tainting her son's brains with my unnatural fetishes'. Well, I assure you there is nothing unnatural about me other than my name and it is not a fetish but a very pleasant life choice."
James finds himself laughing. Regulus wrote about him before they even started the deal. He knew that Regulus sort of liked him from the moment they met, but it's different getting confirmation from someone on the outside.
"I wholeheartedly agree with that."
When it comes time to regroup with the others downstairs, James goes side by side with Alphard. He enjoys listening to amusing stories of his father back when they were teenagers. Apparently, he and James' parents had all been close friends, but had to keep their friendship with Alphard silent because his family wouldn't have approved. He'd always regretted that, saying he and James' father had gotten into an argument about it once which had resulted in the end of their friendship.
He finds Remus waiting in the entrance to the main hall where the ceremony will proceed. They get the introductions out of the way quite quickly - Alphard already knowing who Remus is, again because of Sirius' letters.
They find their seats in the third row back and are surprised when Alphard decides to stick with them.
"We can laugh at Sirius' miserable face because he has to wear green!" Alphard grins slyly, reminding James so much of Sirius.
"I like you," Remus chuckles between them.
People start pouring into the room and sitting in their selected seats. James watches as many Pureblood families enter but is surprised when he gets no sight of Walburga or Orion Black. He does notice, however, a man that has Walburga's pointed face and Alphard's defined cheekbones. Probably Narcissa's dad.
Beside him stands a regal woman with long dark hair held up in a braided bun and a pointed nose, her lips painted a deep crimson. She deeply resembles her two eldest daughters, but less so her youngest.
"Who are they?" James finds himself asking and discreetly points in their direction.
"Cygnus and Druella Black," Alphard nods. "Cygnus is my brother," he scowls, "and Druella is his wife, Narcissa and the girls' mother. She used to be a Rosier, of course. Pureblood, naturally."
"Rosier? As in Evan Rosier?" Remus asks before James is given the chance to.
"I believe that is the name of her nephew, yes. Do you know him?"
"He's one of Reg's best friends," James answers. "Does that make them cousins?"
"In a way," Alphard tilts his head to the side, supposedly thinking. "Though if we counted that as being related, I'd have to call everyone in this building family."
"Everyone?" James gasps.
"Well, except you, Lupin. Not until you marry my Sirius, of course."
"Marry?" Remus squeaks and James stifles his laughter at his friend's fearful expression.
"So, are you and I related?" James leans forward again to face Alphard.
"Very distantly. All Pureblood families are interrelated in some way," Alphard explains. "If I remember correctly, your great grandmother's brother, Charlus Potter, married Dorea Black. She would be the great aunt of Regulus and Sirius."
"Oh, shit..." James breathes and leans back in his chair, suddenly feeling rather warm. "That means that I..."
"You're technically related to Regulus... but only very distantly. We all came from two original people, didn't we? What's the difference?" At the pale sight of James' now clammy face, Alphard adds, "You're like great great great cousins. The Black's married in every Pureblood family, blame us."
"No, no. It's fine." James pulls himself up, straightening both his robes and his posture before clearing his throat. "It doesn't count."
"Nope," Alphard grins. "Oh! I think it's about to begin."
Everyone turns around as the music begins, each watching in anticipation at the open arch at the back end of the aisle. The first to walk through is Regulus.
James' breath catches as he sets his eyes upon him. His hair is tousled back primly, making him look younger than he is, but also managing to sharpen his features (such as his jawline, James notices with rapt attention). He looks more like a Black now than James has ever seen, save for the first time they met.
His suit is straight and unblemished of creases, the touch of green in his tie and boutonniere helping to convince James he is not a statue. In his hands is a tea-green, velvet cushion bearing two silver rings. His face is set with a shy smile, even though his footsteps are more confident. James guesses this is to show his wretched family that he doesn't give a shit about their opinions.
Then, James moves to his eyes. Those insufferable dark pools of all that James cannot fight against. The windows to the soul so deeply connected and intertwined with his own. They set upon him for a moment and Regulus' shy smile turns into a smirk, making him resemble Sirius more in the moment. James winks at him and smiles at the not-so-subtle blush that creeps up on his boyfriend's face.
Behind him are three more men and (thanks to Alphard's commentary of the ceremony) he finds out they are Antonin Dolohov, Augustus Rookwood, and Gregory Goyle. They are dressed in the same suits as Sirius and Regulus; James assumes these are Lucius' groomsmen.
Lucius comes next.
James remembers him from school - he was never horrible or anything, just a bit boring. His platinum blonde hair falls gracefully down his back, not a single strand out of place. His clothes are identical to his groomsmen, except for the boutonniere on his tux. Instead of a fern, there is a white peony.
The next through the arch are the bridesmaids. Sirius comes in first, hand in hand with a three year old Nymphadora, whose dress is the same silvery green as Sirius' tie. Nymphadora sprinkles white petals over the aisle, grinning madly at her elder cousin.
Sirius glances over at them and gives them a wink. James laughs at the stilted sound in Remus' throat, as does Alphard. He pats Remus on the back.
Bellatrix follows with a tea-green coloured dress on, similar to Nymphadora's, though more mature and fit to accentuate her curves and bust. It folds neatly at her chest, joining two stringy bands that wrap around her shoulders. Her usually manic hair has been groomed slightly; curls trickle down one shoulder, held up by an emerald hair comb.
Finally, Narcissa walks in, arm in arm with her oldest sister, Andromeda. Andromeda's dress is identical to Bellatrix's. Narcissa's, however, is long and ivory white. It's silk with a layer of tea-green lace that grows like wild vines up her torso and chest and then downwards and fading off towards the bottom. Her blonde hair is half up, half down and made into ringlets, other than her usual straight locks. In her free hand is a bouquet of both ferns and white peonies. She's wearing an emerald locket and matching earrings.
James remembers the main cause of the panic this morning - the shoes - and glances down to find the most stunning pair of white cone heels. Where they attach around the top of her ankles is designed as flowers that are made with lace, just like her dress.
He turns to watch Lucius' reaction and grins at what he did not expect to see. His opinion of the man immediately morphs into that of pride and delight.
Lucius is staring at his wife with stars in his eyes and the brightest toothed-smile that he has ever seen. His cheeks are painted pink and he looks as if he cannot believe that what he is looking at really, truly exists.
It reminds him a bit of the feeling he gets whenever Regulus is mentioned.
Love and adoration.
He turns and watches Regulus during the entire ceremony. It's very beautiful. They exchange loving words and promise to cherish each other equally and wholeheartedly. By the end, Lucius pulls his new bride into a loving embrace before pulling her into a kiss, just showing how much he cares for her.
Once it's over, the guests begin adjourning out to the ballroom where the reception is to be held. James and Remus stick with Alphard, who finds Ted Tonks on the way there. Everyone cheers as the newly-weds enter and the music begins.
As soon as he can, James whisks Regulus away in an effort to get him to dance.
"Actually," Regulus says, pulling away reluctantly (if the look on his face is anything to go by). "I already promised Nymohadora..."
"Oh, that's ok. Save me your second dance?"
"Umm... save me your second dance and I'll save you my first. She wants to dance with 'Reg's pretty boyfriend'."
James' eyes widen as he lets out a laugh. "Where is the little princess then?"
She emerges from behind Regulus' legs and grins up at James. As she does so, her hair changes dark brown (the exact shade of James' hair) and her eyes match his very own.
"Hello, love." He kneels down so they are face to face and holds out his hand. "Would you care to join me for my first dance? I've been saving it special just for you."
"Special for me?" She gasps and James catches onto the cute lisp she has.
"Who else?"
"Yes! Yes- umm, please! Mummy says to say please! And thank you!" She adds as she takes James' hand.
"You can dance on my feet!" He suggests.
"Ok!"
James lifts her and places her on top of his feet and then takes her small hands in his own. They dance around, making chaos, and James spins her a few times in the air, which makes her let out loud giggles.
When he picks her up again and starts dancing them around the dance-floor, she whispers in his ear. "I really wanted to dance with Sirius' boyfriend too. Don't tell Sirius, but I want to also marry him."
James glances over at Remus and lets out a snort. He's dancing closely with Sirius, their foreheads touching and arms wrapped around each other. They dance slow even though it's a fast song. It's something intimate and even though there is a room full of people, he knows that in this moment there is only them. The room could set alight and neither would notice.
"I'm afraid he is spoken for, princess." James leans in and tickles her tummy with his finger, making her laugh again. "But you can dance with him later if you'd like."
"Promise?"
"I promise," James smiles.
When he finds Regulus again, he takes his hand and pulls him onto the dance-floor. They laugh at Nymphadora who is currently talking raptly to Remus as he spins them around. Their laughter only increases when Nymphadora apparently takes a chance and leans in to kiss Remus on the end of his nose. His eyes widen but he just laughs it off and spins her around again.
"I saw that," James calls to her, as they dance their way over to the pair.
"I saw my chance and I took it," she shrugs. James chuckles at the way Remus' face falls into horror. Nymphadora wraps her arms around Remus' neck and rests her head on his chest, she lets out a long yawn. "He smells like chocolate and outdoors."
"I think it's time for your nap, little lady," Regulus breaks off from James and takes her from Remus' grasp. "Come on, let's get you to mummy. Yes, you can dance with him again later- and James! I promise."
"Want to go to the open bar and get wasted with Sirius and Alphard?" Remus questions.
"Definitely."
Regulus finds them ten minutes later and shakes his head at the sight of them. Sirius is already far gone, half sitting on Remus' lap and half leaning over Alphard's. When he sits and joins the group, James gets him a drink. They spend the rest of the night getting blindingly drunk.
"Come on, Prongsy!" Sirius yells at some point during the night. "Let's show these Pureblood arses how it's done!"
"You know you're a Pureblood, don't you, Pads?" James giggles into his eighth (or is it ninth?) empty glass.
"Shh, no. Shh... Purebloods are all inbreeds. Don't say that in front of Reg's precious virginal ears." He covers the side's of Regulus' head with his hands, only for Regulus to hit him away.
"I'm not virginal and I already knew," Regulus groans. "Toujours Pur and all that nonsense."
"I know! James did you in your little deal." Sirius wiggle his finger in Regulus' face.
"Let's dance!" James says, trying to change the subject.
"Yes!"
James doesn't remember what happens next. One moment he is talking about inbreeding with Regulus and Sirius and the next he is sitting in a circle with all the ladies of the wedding - Narcissa, Andromeda, Bellatrix, Alice Longbottom (to James' surprise), someone called Sybill, and another woman called Laurel. They're playing some question game - James isn't fully paying attention due to the amount of alcohol he has already consumed and is still consuming.
"When you have kids, what will their names be?" Laurel asks.
Narcissa is always the one to answer, so James guesses the game is about her. It would make sense since she is the bride. "For a boy, Draco. It means Dragon, which is mine and Lucius' patronuses. We want a girl name that means Dragon as well, so we came up with Kaida. It's Japanese."
"So pretty," James pouts and all of the women laugh at him. He has no idea why.
"In fact, don't tell my parents, but we may have a little one on the way already." She strokes her stomach and James smiles dopily.
"So cute," he mumbles, followed by another round of giggles.
"How many children would you like to have?" Andromeda questions next.
"Just two, I think. Hopefully one of each, though I'm sure I'll be happy with any combination."
James fades away again and the next thing he remembers is trying to hold up a giggling Regulus, who is just as drunk as he is. Andromeda is leading them to the hotel down the road, but they keep getting distracted trying to undress one another. She huffs in annoyance and mutters something about thinking Sirius would be the worst she would have to deal with tonight, but being greatly mistaken.
Andromeda checks them into one of the rooms that were already booked out for the expected wedding party. She mentions something about Remus and Sirius being in the room next to theirs or under theirs - might even be above, James doesn't know. He isn't listening, too lost in Regulus.
He does thank her before she leaves. As soon as the door shuts, Regulus pounces on him. James holds onto his hips and pulls him closer. Regulus jumps and James catches him, looping his legs around his waist. He walks them towards the bed and slowly lowers Regulus onto it and then climbs over him.
Regulus' tongue brushes against his bottom lip, so James opens his mouth, letting him slip it in. Regulus moans at the contact. James starts pulling off his clothes, not being nearly as careful as he probably should be.
"Do you want to-"
"Yes, James. Right fucking now. Yes, I'm sure. Yes, I swear. I promise. I won't regret it, just fucking get over here or you will regret it."
And really, James doesn't need to be told twice, does he?
It's quick and less sweet than usual. James blames it on the alcohol and Regulus' eager desire. They've never done it like this before, usually enjoying having the other underneath their fingertips, indulging in the taste of them and the sensation of being this intimate with each other.
Instead, they waste no time, getting right to the point.
Regulus isn't gentle with him, so James isn't gentle back. He always thought he would hate anything that wasn't sweet and loving, as that was what he most enjoyed.
He had been very wrong.
Though this may not feel as loving as usual, he definitely enjoys the speed and carelessness of it, as well as the noises that keep breaking free from somewhere very deep inside of Regulus.
After a couple of times, Regulus seems fully satisfied and they lie there panting and breathless, tangled around each other.
James is staring at the ceiling, almost sober now, thinking over the parts of the night he can remember.
"Oh, shit. Did I ever dance with Nymphadora again?"
"Yes, don't worry. You were a bit... gone by then, so I helped you both a bit. It was a group dance."
James sighs with relief and falls back into the pillow, letting Regulus burrow his face into his chest.
"Do you want kids?"
James' eyes open in surprise. He'd thought, when the time eventually came, he would be the one to ask Regulus this question.
"Yes," he says without hesitation. "Do you?"
"I never did," Regulus admits. "Not with what children in my family are expected of. Plus, I was gay and the thought of sleeping with a woman made my stomach curl, even before I knew what that really meant." He tilts his head to look up at James. "But I would want kids with you, James. I would love to have kids with you, actually."
James leans down and kisses both of his cheeks where they have turned red.
"I would love to have kids with you too, Reggie."
"What would we name them?" Regulus questions, staring up with wide eyes and reminding James of the first time they met. He looked so innocent back then, as does he now.
"I think Harry for a boy," James smirks. "Squid Harry deserves the honour of his name being passed on through the family after everything he's done for both of us."
"I agree," Regulus smiles sweetly.
"What about if we have a girl?"
Regulus hums, deep in thought for a moment. "How about Mia?"
"Why Mia?" James smiles.
"Short for Euphemia, but with less confusion," he shrugs.
"I love it," James laughs softly. "So would my mother."
"So, if we one day decide to have children, they'll be..."
"Harry and Mia-"
"Potter."
"Not Potter-Black?" He raises his eyebrow in question.
"Absolutely not. I want the Black name to disappear. It'll be up to Sirius whether he would like to keep it or not, but I doubt he would disagree with my claim."
"Ok then, Harry and Mia Potter."
"Thank you," Regulus whispers.
"For what?"
"You weren't supposed to save me..." Regulus says and James tenses. He hates those words. He knows they aren't true. He was. He was supposed to save Regulus but he didn't; Regulus saved himself.
"I'm sorry that I didn't."
"What?" Regulus looks up with confusion. "James, no. You weren't supposed to save me, but you did. It wasn't your job to. I never thought you would, and then... you did. Without knowing it, you saved me from that horrible house."
"Reggie, you saved yourself..." James feels as a tear breaks free from his eye.
"That just isn't true, sweetheart," Regulus says gently and wipes away his tear. James meets his eyes and finds them full of honesty and trust. "You were the first person to care about me after Sirius and you never stopped. I never knew why you always asked how I was or why you cared. I've never told anyone this but... my mind would go to dark places after Sirius left. After he ran to you."
James feels guilt stab at his chest once again.
"But then I would remember that he wasn't abandoning me for you, he left because he had to. He wouldn't switch me out for you. You wouldn't take him from me either. I remembered that you took him in because you cared about him and... you cared about me too. So, I had this recurring thought in the back of my head that if I ever needed to, I could run to you and you would save me like you did Sirius." Regulus takes a deep breath. "I may have done the running James, but you were the thing in my mind that grounded me. You were like this little voice in my head that assured me I had a place to be safe, somewhere in this world. So, thank you for saving me, James Potter."
James leans down and kisses him as more tears begin to flow. The kiss tastes salty but Regulus doesn't seem to mind.
"I'm so sorry I didn't come for you sooner," he whispers when they break apart. "We could have found each other years ago."
"Don't you understand? I've always been yours. We just had some obstacles in the way, but they're gone now."
"And I am never letting anything take you away ever," James promises.
Regulus closes his eyes and smiles, his eyebrows knit together, making his forehead slightly wrinkled. "I love you."
"I love you."