Morning Star

James

The next morning, James wakes up hangover free... he wishes he could say the same for Regulus. They make their way down to breakfast and find a long table reserved under the name 'Black'.

Andromeda and her husband - Ted - are already sitting there with a spritely Nymphadora in Andromeda's lap and an ill looking Bellatrix on her other side.

"Good morning," James grins, taking the seat opposite Ted. He greets him back, so does Andromeda and little Nymphadora. Bellatrix just groans and glares daggers at him.

"Stop shouting," she hisses.

"Both of you stop shouting," Regulus snaps.

"I'll go get us something from the buffet," he whispers and leans in to kiss Regulus once on the forehead before heading in the opposite direction.

The buffet has a large variety of different breakfast foods: yoghurts, fruits, cereals, breads, buns, bagels, pastries, jams, eggs, bacon, fresh sausages, beans, mushrooms and tomatoes. James grabs two plates and finds what he is searching for - crumpets. He butters Regulus' and then spreads raspberry jam and sugar on his own. He also grabs a cup of coffee for Regulus.

By the time he returns to the table, Remus, Sirius and Alphard have joined them.

"Alright, Pads?" James greets, putting the plates and mug of coffee gently on the table.

"Shhhhhhh!" Sirius hushes. "Merlin, I hate you. Mr 'I've never had a hangover a day in my life'. Piss off."

James shakes his head and chuckles softly, taking his seat again. Regulus smiles at him gratefully and rests his head on his shoulder, slowly taking sips of his coffee.

They all spend the rest of the morning there, talking and eating, as well as somewhat recovering. Nymphadora finds joy in screaming in her aunt's ears at any opportunity, much to Bellatrix's fury. Sirius and Remus are curled up together in their chairs, both halfway asleep again. Ted and Andromeda are in conversation with Regulus, who appears to be a shade less green now. Alphard seems to be in a jovial mood and keeps switching between talking to James and waking Sirius up whenever he seems to tilt too far to one side.

When the clock strikes twelve only two hours after they arrived at the table, James wakes Sirius and Remus, telling them his parents will be there soon.

"Fleamont's coming? A-and Euphemia?" Alphard's head perks up from behind Regulus.

"Yeah, they should be here any minute."

"Oh," Alphard doesn't say anything else. He swiftly departs from the table and speeds out of the room, out of sight.

"What was that all about?" Andromeda questions, looking slightly worried.

"I don't know," James replies honestly. "He did mention that they all used to be friends in Hogwarts, but they fell out because Alphard had to keep it a secret and my dad couldn't take it anymore."

Andromeda's eyes widen with some kind of realisation that James doesn't understand. She quickly neutralises her face and clears her throat. "That's unfortunate. Your parents are really lovely."

"Why thank you, Andromeda dear," Effie says from behind her.

Both of James' parents have now arrived, standing behind Andromeda and Ted's chairs.

"Nice to see you again, Ted," Monty holds out his hand and the other man takes it with a bright smile. "How's the little one doing?"

"Little one?" Nymphadora puts her hands on her hips, her face that of someone who has just been fatally insulted.

"Oh, not so little anymore, I see!" Monty grins and Bellatrix lets out another groan. "Sorry about that, Bella. I've got some uh..." he pulls something (a few somethings) out of his pocket and starts passing them to those who look clammy. "Hangover potion."

"You angel," Bellatrix snatches it greedily and gulps the whole vile down. "Thank you."

"Thanks, Monty," Sirius sings, suddenly much happier than before. Both Remus and Regulus also consume an entire vile and start to get some more colour in their cheeks immediately.

"No problem. So, how was the we-"

James stares at his father who has just let out a punched breath of air, straight from his gut, and is staring widely at something behind them. They all turn to follow his gaze and land on Alphard, who has returned looking much less sloppy. He's combed his hair since he ran away and - if James isn't imagining it - has cast some spell to make it less grey and more it's usual black.

"Flea," Alphard smiles shyly and then turns to James' mother. "Fifi."

"Hello, Alfie!" Euphemia beams and immediately makes her way around the table to wrap her arms around him.

James watches as Alphard inhales sharply and desperately hugs her back, his eyes shining. He smiles at the view, knowing this is a reunion that has been biding it's time for years - perhaps even decades.

"I've missed you," Effie's voice cracks. "Why didn't you contact us when you ran away? We could have helped you." She pulls back.

"I was... embarrassed," Alphard admits reluctantly. "Besides, you got a redo with me," he smiles over at Sirius. "Thank you for helping him. For being the person he ran to."

"Of course, Sirius is family," she smiles. "And so are you."

Alphard looks deeply into her eyes and then over to Monty, who has still not moved from his shocked stance. He suddenly seems so much smaller, less joyful than his regular self, more melancholy.

Monty shakes his head and clears his throat. He scratches his beard, which James knows he only does when he is very nervous about something. "Long time no see."

"Yeah," Alphard breathes.

Effie looks between them with a knowing smile. She goes over to her husband and whispers something into his ear. When she pulls away, James hears her say quietly, "I know, honey. I trust you. I love you too."

Monty takes in a deep breath and makes his way over to Alphard. Both men leave the room.

James feels like he's missed something.

"Are you boys ready? We can stick around for a little bit but, Remus sweetie, your grandmother is expecting you back in an hour."

"Ok," Remus nods with a polite smile.

Effie sits down in the empty seat where Alphard had been sitting before. Sirius immediately leans into her and she chuckles, throwing an arm around him.

"How do you know my uncle?" Sirius asks.

"Oh, that's a very long story, darling." Effie kisses the top of his head and pulls him in closer. "A story for another time."

When James' father returns, he has damp eyes and flushed cheeks. Alphard, he notices, looks less hunched than before. James only now realises how tense he has always appeared to be, perpetually. Monty grabs one of the other man's hands and squeezes it tightly. They share a small smile and then Monty lets go, returning to his wife's side.

"I hope to see you again, Alfie," Effie says and pulls the man into another hug. He melts into it just like everybody else does.

"I'll contact you," he promises.

Sirius bounds over and hugs his uncle next, getting lifted off the floor and spun in the air. "See you soon, my Sirius."

"See you soon, uncle Alphard." He grins up at the man with full and unfaltering adoration. "Can I call you Alfie now?"

"No," Alphard laughs. A nostalgic smile grows on his face and he looks over at Effie and Monty when he speaks. "Only they can."

They say their goodbyes, Nymphadora almost doesn't let Remus go. She only allows her mother to rip her away from him once Remus promises to visit her. James is sure it is all worth it just to see the grin that appears on her face.

Once they return home, Remus goes straight upstairs to fetch his bag and then says goodbye to everyone again. Regulus hugs him for a while and they have a whispered conversation, much to Sirius' annoyance. Sirius grips onto him next and doesn't let go for a full five minutes, but Remus doesn't seem to mind, holding on just as tightly.

He waves to Effie and Monty and thanks them for letting him stay there a couple of nights before. He has to assure Sirius that he will see him in six days for the moon and then the Quidditch World Cup.

Then, he's gone.

"Now that we're home and all of the goodbye's are out of the way, Regulus." She turns to the shortest boy, who stares back at her with confusion. "Mellie has brought you a visitor."

"A visitor?" Regulus frowns. "From Mellie? Who?"

"Mellie!" Effie calls and in a moment there is the sound of not one, but two apparitions.

"Oh my- Kreacher!" Regulus smiles widely and falls to the floor, wrapping his arms around the second house-elf. He looks worn down by old age, with bristly hairs hanging from his wrinkled chin, and a greasy tea towel encasing his body. "I've missed you so much. How are you? Are you ok? What have they done to you?"

He doesn't let go of the beady-eyed house-elf once.

James is smiling at the sight; there have been so many reunions today, it's lovely. He looks up at Sirius only to find him scowling at the scene.

"Sirius?" James nudges his best friend.

"What's he doing here?" Sirius asks rudely.

"I is bringing Kreacher to visit Master Regulus. He is saying he is missing Kreacher, I is wanting him to be happy, sir." Mellie says with her hands on her hips, a scraggly eyebrow raised, her glare going in Sirius' direction.

"He's a blood supremacist."

"No, he isn't." Regulus says firmly as he pulls away from Kreacher; the small elf has tear tracks down his wrinkled cheeks. James smiles at him kindly and is relieved when he gets a smile back. "That is only because our parents order him to say those things and he cannot disobey them. He was my best friend, Sirius. During your first year at Hogwarts and after you..."

"Left?" Sirius whispers.

Regulus nods. "He helped me get out."

Sirius' gaze moves from the floor, shock evident in the raise of his eyebrows and the way his mouth has opened slightly. He looks at the elf as if he is seeing him for the first time and kneels in front of him.

"Master Sirius, sir."

"You really helped get him out?" His voice comes out sounding strangled. James can only see the back of Sirius' head, but he knows he is holding back tears.

"Yes, sir. Mistress hurt Regulus-" (James takes note of the fact that when addressing Regulus' name, he doesn't say 'master' all of the time) "-but Regulus took holds of her hand, sir. He is saying not to touch him or Master Sirius ever again, sir. I is helping him escape to the fireplace and sending his belongings."

Both Black brothers are sitting in front of Kreacher, Regulus with his attention on Sirius, and Sirius watching the elf.

"I can't believe you would do that..." Sirius says quietly.

"I will always look after, Regulus, sir. I is promising when he is first coming home from the Mungos as a baby." Kreacher nervously plays with his twig-like fingers.

To everyone's surprise - but mostly Regulus' - Sirius lunges forward and pulls Kreacher into a soft hug. The elf's measly eyes widen to double. He hesitates and then his thin-lined mouth wobbles into a smile and he holds Sirius back.

"I is supposed to be promising the same to you, sir," Kreacher cries softly. "But you is being such a stubborn child and I is having to watch you get punished. I is not being able to stop it, Master Sirius. I is having to stop caring for you because Kreacher could not watch it anymore."

"Thank you," Sirius strains. He pulls back, but keeps his hands in Kreacher's aged ones. "Thank you, Kreacher."

"How long can you stay?" Regulus asks. James notices as he discreetly wipes a tear from the corner of his eye, whilst he smiles wobbly between his brother and friend.

"An hour."

"Oh," Regulus frowns and then stands up and walks over to James. "Well then, better to get the introductions out of the way now."

Kreacher's attention moves over to James.

"The Potter boy?" He asks Sirius, who nods in response.

"This is James," Regulus smiles adoringly up at him. "He is my boyfriend."

Kreacher side-eyes Sirius and then looks up at James before finally staring at their joined hands. "Is Master Sirius with his scarred boy?"

There is silence for a moment.

Effie, Monty and Sirius burst out laughing.

"I- yes," Regulus responds.

"Does that mean there will be babies soon?" Kreacher looks over at Mellie with hope in his eyes. Mellie slaps her palm to her stretched forehead and shakes it in exasperation.

Sirius' laughter dies, whilst Regulus and James' starts.

"Babies?" Sirius squeaks.

"Not just yet, Kreachie," Mellie chuckles.

"Kreachie?" Regulus tilts his head to the side in confusion.

"No, Regulus. Only Mel-Mel can call me that." Kreacher fits him with a stern stare and Regulus shuts his mouth, nodding in agreement.

"Mel-Mel?" James whispers to him and feels the vibrations of Regulus' silent laughter against his arm.

"We'll leave you to it," Effie says, clapping her hands together resolutely. "Come on, Monty."

"I'll go too. This is a family moment," James smiles down at Regulus.

"What? No, stay." He pulls onto James' hand as he tries to follow his parents. "I want him to know you."

"He will," James promises. "Another day. Today is about catching up and I shouldn't be here for that. I'm sure we'll see him again. It's alright, I'll see you in an hour." He presses a kiss to Regulus' forehead, his nose, and then his mouth.

"Fine," Regulus mumbles, his lips reluctantly curling at the edges.

"I love you," James sings.

"Je'taime," Regulus says.

An hour later, James is lying belly-down on his bed with the tapestry Reggie got him for Christmas laid out in front of him. Every now and then he'll tap his wand on a star and read the name and then the story. He'll smile at the warm memories, revelling in the fact that even when he and Regulus barely knew each other, they were close enough to create memories he would forever cherish.

Regulus opens the door, a smile on his face that stretches for his eyes. James grins back; he loves it when Regulus is happy, it's the best thing ever.

"How did it go?" James asks as he scoots across the bed to allow room for Regulus to join him. He moves the tapestry to the side before sending it off with his wand, back to it's place on his wall.

"Really good." Regulus falls onto the bed, lying on his back and looking up at James. "He said he might be able to visit again during the Christmas holidays, or maybe even in the Hogwarts kitchens in the next couple of months. So long as no other house-elf snitches."

"That's great," James leans down and pecks him on the lips. "Did you have fun?"

"Yeah." Regulus' smile falters for a moment. "James, we need to talk about what happened at Hogwarts."

James quickly sits up and crosses his legs, Regulus copies him, sitting opposite. He takes in a deep breath and starts pulling at his fingernails.

"I thought we already did."

"We did," Regulus nods, agreeing with him gently. Carefully. James feels fragile, he doesn't want people to think he's fragile. He wants them to think he is solid, sturdy. A person they can go to. He is fine. "I just want you to know that you can come to me whenever you need to."

"Ok."

"James."

"Mmm."

"Look at me, sweetheart."

James lets out the breath he had still been holding and meets Regulus' eyes. This was a stupid suggestion really, those eyes are so distracting.

"There's one thing I want you to promise me," Regulus whispers. He crawls closer and holds James' face in his palms.

Delicate.

Fragile.

Brittle.

"Anything, Reggie."

"Take your medication." His eyes never leave James', lingering with a strong surge of desperation and love. "Please. I know you think you don't need it, but you do, and that is ok. It really is. It doesn't mean there is something wrong with you, just that you're human."

"There can't be something wrong. There is no reason for there to be," James mumbles.

"No one is perfect," Regulus speaks quieter than a whisper, "but if someone were to be, the closest to it would be you."

"Debatable," James laughs faintly. "You are perfect."

"James..."

"No, love. To me, you are perfect."

Regulus' smile wobbles, so James pushes forwards and presses their foreheads together. He kisses the other boy's nose and whispers, "I promise," making Regulus let out a sigh of relief.

It's all worth it.

Admitting there could be something wrong with him.

That there is something wrong with him.

Knowing it.

It's all worth it knowing that the acceptance of his own flaws and issues makes Regulus shine brighter.

***

Remus arrives back a week later, looking a little worse for wear in James' not so humble opinion. He doesn't voice this though, not wanting to be rude. Peter, however, who is visiting today and tomorrow, doesn't seem to take James' not so subtle hint of elbowing him harshly and does in fact voice his opinion.

"Moons, you look dreadful."

James drops his face into his hands and feels as Regulus gently pats his back.

"Blasphemy!" Sirius shouts, pointing an accusing finger Peter's way. "He looks as beautiful and rugged as ever."

"Cheers," Remus says, his voice full of amusement. "Pete, that may be a little something to do with the moon tomorrow night. Possibly."

"I know," Peter puts his hands up in surrender. "I just thought you should know... we have face masks."

Remus sends a traumatised look Regulus' way.

"It's true, I'm afraid," Regulus confirms. "I saved you the chocolate one."

"We're having a spa night!" Sirius grins. "It is the perfect way to make you feel a bit better."

"Thank you, cariad," Remus smiles. His Welsh accent is always thickest when he speaks the language. He rarely does though, since he is barely in Wales anymore. "I suppose I'll participate then, but only if I get to see Regulus in a face mask."

James watches as the smile on Regulus' face vanishes and turns into a scowl. "Fine."

"Perfect!" James beams and wraps an arm around Regulus's shoulders. "I have a spare! It's strawberry scented."

"Excellent," Regulus mutters. James doesn't miss the sarcasm.

Fifteen minutes later finds them huddled on James and Regulus' bed; Peter and James have honey and ginger facemasks on, Sirius' is made of some green Muggle plant that James doesn't know the name of, whilst Remus' face is slathered in a thick layer of chocolate scented goo, and Regulus... Well, every time James looks at his boyfriend, he has to withhold laughter.

Regulus' strawberry scented facemask turned out to be a clay one, meaning he currently looks like he has been painted with melted pink marshmallow dollops. His hair is being held back with a lilac coloured headband that extends the size of his forehead. It's funnier when you mix that with his deadened expression and moody eyes. 

"Cookie, my sweet?" James holds up a chocolate chip cookie to the space just in front of Regulus' mouth. He looks at James and then rolls his eyes before slowly opening his mouth and allowing James to feed him.

"Aww, can little Reggie-Reg not feed himself?" Sirius says in a mocked baby voice.

"I will castrate you," Regulus threatens calmly. This only causes Sirius to burst into hysterical laughter and, really, James can't blame him. Regulus is covered in what is basically marshmallow goo, with a mouth full of cookie, and crumbs blowing out of his mouth with each syllable.

"I think it is officially late enough now," Remus winks, reaching down the side of the bed to pull something out of his bag. Sirius cheers and hugs onto his boyfriend tightly as he reveals a large bottle of Ogden's Old Firewhisky.

"Yes, Lupin!"

"Thank Merlin for you, Rem." Regulus moves over to the other side of the bed to sit down next to Remus.

"Er... Reg, I think you should move," Remus whispers, eyes wide and focused.

"Why?"

"Because if you don't, I fear your boyfriend will castrate me."

Regulus turns to look at James, whose eyes are wide. He knows he probably looks murderous right now, but Regulus has just purposefully moved away from him. How else is he expected to react?

"Just shift the circle," Regulus suggests with a shrug. "Peter and James, swap places."

Peter moves, letting James regain his spot next to Regulus.

"Let's drink!" Sirius hoots, snatching the bottle from Remus and taking a large sip.

"We should go to the gardens," James proposes, scourgifying his face. It feels smoother already.

Everyone else follows him, scourgifying each other's faces, and then they head off down to the gardens. Remus grabs the chocolate cookies to take with them, saying they might get hungry. James already knows there will be no 'they' to who ends up eating every single one of those cookies.

They spend the night chasing each other through the labyrinth of rose bushes that is the Potter Manor gardens. Drinking and laughing, tackling each other in the grass, enjoying the summer night-time breeze that lingers on their faces longer than it would during the day. They end up lying on the grass in a row (Peter on one end, James on the other, with the rest of them somewhere in the middle), staring up at all of the stars in the sky.

At the moment, they seem to be swishing and sliding across the blank canvas of the sky. Midnight blue mixing with whites and yellows and oranges, creating a sea of colour and light, rather than just balls of gas that are burning millions of lightyears away.

They pass the bottle between them, starting at Peter and making it's way along the line, all the way to James before passing it back down again.

"Are there any stars called Emma?" Peter ponders aloud.

Everyone, except for Regulus, groans in response. This past year has been packed full of Emma Vanity related questions.

"There isn't," Regulus answers his question. "However, her middle name is Carina, named after the second brightest star in the sky, Alpha Carinae."

Peter "oh's" in response right as Sirius goes on a tangent about how he is named after the brightest star in the sky.

"Where is it?" Peter asks.

"In the Southern hemisphere," Regulus points and Peter follows his finger, "just under and to the right of Sirius. You're lucky, it's most visible at this point of the year, during the summer."

"She's beautiful," Peter sighs happily.

James turns to look away from the sky and notices that Regulus is already watching him. He snuggles closer to him, feeling the effects of the alcohol strongly in his bones. Regulus copies him, both of them lying on their sides, foreheads and noses leant together, breathing in each other.

The last thing James hears is Peter and Remus talking about how Peter's parents are taking him to the Quidditch World Cup, so he will be there too. James smiles, knowing that now that trip will be perfect. His best friends will be there. His Regulus will be there.

They all fall asleep there, taking advantage of the summer heat and the fact that Effie and Monty won't mind what they do, as long as they are safe.

The next night goes similarly. Remus is taken to the forest by Monty, who has already placed wards around the woods that will both repel Muggles and not allow the wolf to escape. Once his parents are asleep, James and Sirius meet in the corridor (Regulus is already asleep; James had waited for his light snores, finding them adorable), and they sneak out of one of the upstairs bathroom's window.

They meet Peter near the side-gate of the garden, since he only lives down in the village. Immediately, they each morph into their Animagus forms and sprint off through the gardens towards the forest.

It's going to be another night sleeping out beneath the stars. The only thing James wishes is for Regulus to be here with them.

***

Regulus

Regulus opens his eyes as soon as James sneaks out of the room. He had to fake sleep, knowing James wouldn't leave if he thought he was awake.

He waits a few minutes until he crawls out of bed himself. He spells the bedroom door locked once he leaves and then creeps down the corridor to the bathroom that faces the back of the house, knowing that climbing out of the window and down the drainpipe would be the most efficient way to go.

It is easier than he expects, he soon finds himself in the gardens, so he transforms into his Animagus form and scurries through the underbrush and rose bushes. He makes it to the edge of the forest and takes a deep breath, putting one paw forward before taking off at a fast walk.

The moon hangs heavy and full above him; he almost wishes he were in his human form so he could throw a certain finger up at the sky.

His senses are always better when he's in his animal form, always more coherent and eligible than when he is a human.

He sticks his nose in the air and inhales deeply, immediately finding James' scent. It's the one he knows best. He follows it deep into the trees, deeper than James has ever taken him before.

It feels strange coming here without James. Without him leading the way. Though, he supposes, James is technically showing him where to go through his trailing scent. Regulus is following him even now. Even if he does smell more animal-like than before.

Eventually, he catches a glimpse of two canines wrestling each other into the ground. He becomes frightful for a moment, scared that the wolf might be harming Sirius, but the stag- James doesn't seem to find it a problem, sat watching from the side-lines. A little rat is sitting in between his antlers - Regulus would laugh if he could, knowing that the rat is Peter.

His paws carry him over to the stag, as soon as he sets his eyes upon Regulus, he tilts his head.

Regulus approaches slowly, just in case this happens to be an actual wild animal and not his boyfriend. You can never be too careful. The stag lowers his head and buries his nose in Regulus' fur, breathing in his scent. He makes a strange huffing sound, but doesn't seem angry, just... confused.

When Regulus turns back to look at the dog and wolf, he notices for the first time that they have stopped wrestling and are now both looking at the small black cat that has joined them.

It's ironic that Regulus ended up being a cat and Sirius a dog, as if they were supposed to be natural enemies. Or, maybe, it means Sirius will spend his life chasing him, never letting Regulus out of his sight.

The wolf starts forward apprehensively, being carefully studied under the watchful eye of the dog. Each of the surrounding animals watch, in fact. Regulus doesn't let himself be afraid; he has faced much worse than a werewolf before.

Number one: his mother.

Moony - Regulus remembers Remus calling the wolf - walks right up to him and, just as the stag had, buries his nose into Regulus' dark fur. Then, he pulls back and leans forward again, opening his mouth and wrapping it around Regulus' neck, but not biting.

He doesn't panic. He's read about this. Submission. Showing who is the boss.

Regulus doesn't flinch and the wolf seems to appreciate this. He preens when Moony pulls back once again, only to lick his entire face.

He is pack now.

Moony's tail wags, he bounds over to the stag and the rat, jumping up and down with excitement. Both animals entertain the wolf, jumping with him.

Regulus turns to the dog - his brother - who is staring at him with a tilted head. His tail is not wagging, but his ears have risen as if he has been alarmed by something. He goes over to Regulus and sniffs, only to look more confused. He sniffs again and then stares at Regulus for a long time; he stares right back.

Sirius the dog seems to give up after a while, shaking his head as if relieving a thought. His tail begins to wag and he jumps forward, licking the top of Regulus' head.

For the entire night (when they aren't sprinting through the trees), Sirius the dog stands with Regulus the cat beneath him. Guarding him with his legs, as if afraid he will come to harm. It warms his heart, knowing that even without knowing it is his little brother, Sirius will always be the one there to protect him.

The next morning, he wakes snuggled up between many fur-covered bodies, cumulated in sweat. He lifts his head, noting how recognisably smaller he feels, and peers at his surroundings. He's squished between Sirius the dog and James the stag; Peter the rat is lying next to his head, soft rat sleeping noises leaving his snubbed nose; on the other side of Sirius lies a very human and very naked Remus Lupin. He has an arm around the dog, the rest of his body hidden where it is pressed up against Sirius' furry back.

Regulus stands and hops away from the pile. He stretches each of his legs out, watching as his claws separate expansively and then come back together again, and lets out a squeaky yawn. Before he leaves, he decides at the last minute to wake up Remus, knowing from the stories he has heard about the mornings after a full that it is easier the earlier he wakes up.

He walks around stag James, when he gets to where Remus is lying, he starts licking his face. It only takes a minute or two for Remus' face to scrunch up and then for his eyes to open quickly. He stares at the cat in confusion.

"Cat?" Remus mumbles. "Who are you?"

Regulus tilts his head to the side and then meows quietly. He steps forward and licks the tip of Remus' nose once more and then takes two steps back.

Remus stares at him in bewilderment for a long time and then... His eyes widen comically and he spares a quick glance at his friends, probably checking they are asleep, before whispering suddenly, "Reg?"

Regulus blinks at him and then turns around, running at full-speed back to the house. He doesn't stop, not once. He transforms back into himself when he reaches the house; it's still so early, probably only four or five in the morning, which means not even Mellie will be up yet. He climbs the drainpipe and crawls through the window, trying to be as quiet as possible. Then, he makes it back to his and James' shared bedroom, unlocking the door.

He scourgifies any mud or leaves or parts of the forest from himself and then climbs back into bed.

It's been a long night. The moment his head hits the pillow, he's out.

***

He wakes up much like he did the first time to a sweaty body on top of his own. This time though, it is human James. He turns to the clock on the side table and sees it is almost ten in the morning.

Extricating himself from James' damp limbs, he runs himself a shallow bath, humming the song 'Just the Way You Are' by Billy Joel. It always helps him whenever he bathes alone. Afterwards, he gets dressed for the day and dries his hair with a drying charm. He isn't technically of age, but it isn't like anyone from the Ministry is going to show up on the doorstep and snap his wand for drying his hair. Especially since the house is full of overage Wizards and a Witch.

He goes down to breakfast and finds Effie and Monty already at the table, both reading. Effie has a book in one hand and a teacup in the other, with round glasses framing her eyes. Her hair is up in two fuzzy french-plaits. She smiles at Regulus and greets him good morning as he takes his place at the table.

Monty glances up from his newspaper and smiles, "Seems it'll be France versus Brazil in the finals next week."

"Really? I told Sirius that, he thought it would be France and Ireland." He butters his crumpets and pours himself a steaming cup of coffee.

"Brazil's Chasers are excellent," Monty says around him own cup of coffee. "They're carrying the team."

"But France has a really great Seeker," Regulus adds.

"Guess we'll have to see, won't we?"

"Naturally, because France was the first team to enter the finals, the Cup will take place in France next week, instead of Ireland as it had this previous week," Effie smiles. "I've heard multiple times from a very much pining-at-the-time James that you are fluent in French."

"Oui," Regulus answers shyly.

"Si seulement j'avais amené James à le ramasser à un jeune âge. Je parle aussi, tu sais," Effie exclaims smoothly.

Regulus stares at her with a mixture of shock and awe. There is nothing Euphemia Potter cannot do, he is certain of this.

"I think it's funny he doesn't understand what Sirius and I are talking about," Regulus laughs. "Plus, he always seems to go light-headed whenever it happens."

"C'est le langage de l'amour," Effie winks.

Regulus blushes and then turns his head at the sound of someone yawning from the doorway. Sirius and Remus stumble in, both looking considerably more tired than Effie and Monty, but much like Regulus.

"Good morning, darling," Effie beams at Sirius and presses a kiss into his waiting cheek. He takes his seat next to Remus after. "Good morning, sweetie," she says to Remus. "How are those cuts coming along?"

"All healed, thank you, Effie," Remus smiles sleepily at the woman. Then, he turns at sets a hard stare on Regulus. "Good morning, Reg."

Regulus feels very on the spot right now. He tries to look unaffected and smiles, "Good morning, Rem. How did the moon go?"

"Oh, you know," he shrugs. "How you would expect it to go. Fine. Normal."

Regulus blinks and smiles wider, trying to come across as convincing, but knowing that if Remus thinks he knows something, he is usually right and has a tendency to obsess over things. "That's good to hear."

James comes downstairs finally a little while after Sirius and Remus. He hugs his parents and pats Remus and Sirius on the shoulders. When he gets over to his seat beside Regulus, he grins and leans down for a kiss.

Regulus obliges obviously.

James doesn't fully pull away after, instead moving to press a kiss into Regulus' hair. He listens as he hears James inhale, breathing him in, and he smiles.

"Sleep well?" James asks.

"Fine," Regulus nods. He leans in then and whispers, "Not so good without you though."

James smiles at him and something seems... off. He looks happy, he's acting happy, but it's not James Potter happy. "I'm sure you managed fine," he waves a hand in the air and that is that.

During breakfast, a few O.W.Ls tap at the window, each holding out letters for Regulus. He recognises each bird immediately as belonging to each of his friends.

"You're popular," Monty chuckles from behind his newspaper.

"That's our Reg," Sirius laughs, "popular jock with the popular jock boyfriend. What a pair."

The first letter is from Emma who explains that she will not be able to visit over the summer because her parents are acting stricter than usual after hearing about her relationship with Peter. He sympathises for her and hopes she's not being treated too badly like she has been in the past.

The next is from Dorcas, she has already visited Marlene and is hoping to see Evan and Barty in the next couple of days. She mentions something about going to Pandora's in a couple of weeks, saying that Pandora has invited him as well.

He finds Pandora's letter next. It's mostly filled with what she has been doing so far: a little bit of travelling with her father, visiting Lily and meeting her sister (who apparently seemed a bit stuck-up, but overall wasn't too bad), and corresponding with the rest of their friends through letters. She writes about Regulus and his "teenage family" - to which he assumes she means James, Sirius, Remus and by extension Peter - visiting her on the fifth of August. Apparently, Dorcas and the Gryffindor girls will be there too, along with Barty and Evan. Emma is the only one who can't make it.

Their O.W.L results arrive on the first of August, which is the same day they will be coming home from the Quidditch World Cup.

Regulus' final letter is from Evan and has a second enclosed letter from Barty. Both speak about how they have been travelling with Evan's mum in Peru up until yesterday. They describe all of the different colour birds they saw and how the jungle was endless, reminding them a bit of a tropical version of the Dark Forest back at Hogwarts. Apparently, Barty ate some bugs one night and Evan refused to kiss him until his mouth had been thoroughly cleaned (a scourgify charm did not count) and they had spent most nights camping in hammocks.

They speak about how Dorcas should be coming round in the next couple of days. Then, at the very end of Barty's letter, he starts rambling in writing about how cool and coincidental it is that "you and your posse" are going to the Quidditch World Cup, because he and Evan are also going. Courtesy of Evan's brilliant mother. They also aren't going with parents either.

"Oh, yes!" Regulus grins. He folds the letters up carefully, not wanting to rip or crease any of them, and places them in a pile to one side.

"What?" Sirius asks. "For the love of Merlin, what? I can't take the suspense!"

"Sirius, you asked him what two seconds ago. Give the man a chance," Remus says, shaking his head.

"Evan and Barty are going to the Cup."

"Barty is going?" Sirius sits up straighter in his chair. "Yes!"

"So is Marls, according to her letter," James smiles, gesturing to the letter in his own hand. This announcement is followed by cheers from the Gryffindors at the table.

After breakfast, Sirius and James take their brooms out to the mini pitch, both excited about the upcoming trip. Regulus decides to spend his morning in the library; he makes himself comfortable in a velvet-coloured armchair, bringing his knees to his chest and sitting in a ball. He gets halfway through the first chapter before Remus finds him.

"Rem."

"Reg."

Regulus glances over at the older boy, noticing the bandages peak through the cuff of his sleeve. He has prominent dark bags under his eyes, as well as sickly looking skin. Honestly, he looks like he could do with an extra couple hours of sleep.

"We need to talk," Remus says, sitting in the chair opposite Regulus' own.

"Oh," Regulus mutters seriously, "this sounds important. Are you... breaking up with me, Rem?" He laughs and for the first time, Remus doesn't laugh back.

"I'm not joking around, Reg." Remus sighs and runs a hand through his wavy hair; it's more golden at the moment, dyed by the sunshine. "I know you're the cat."

Regulus doesn't react. He doesn't even blink. "..cat?"

"Don't fake ignorance," the other boy raises an eyebrow at him, "that'll only feed you into the stereotype that all pretty boys are dumb. My senses are extraordinary around a moon; the cat smelled just like you. Please, don't lie."

Regulus watches Remus for a moment, contemplating whether or not he should just admit it. He doubts he would tell Sirius. Besides, if what he is saying is true, he already knows.

"Fine," Regulus turns in his chair so that his feet are now firmly on the floor. He leans back and crosses his arms. "I'm the cat. What of it?"

"How? When did you do this? Why did you do this?" Remus blurts all in one go.

"The normal way. Just before school ended. I wanted to be there on full moons," Regulus lists each thing off with a tap on his fingers. "Before you go on a rant about how I shouldn't have done this for your sake and how I shouldn't have risked anything happening to me, don't. You'll only insult me if you seriously thought I would do it wrong. I did it because I wanted to. If Sirius is an Animagus, I want to be one too. So..."

"What if I hurt you?"

Regulus shrugs. "I'd taught myself all of the primary and major healing spells by the time I was twelve."

"Why-" Remus cuts himself off, apparently guessing why and knowing not to continue that conversation. "Does anyone else know?"

"I haven't told anyone... I think Pandora knows."

"That girl knows everything, so I'm not at all surprised," Remus says, finally relaxing into his own chair.

"I'm sorry I didn't warn you about joining for the moon. I just didn't want Sirius to say I couldn't come. I thought if I go once and nothing bad happens then I can tell him and he'll have no reason to say I can't come for the next moon."

"You know he already suspects it's you," Remus muses.

"I think James does too."

"How was it? Last night, I mean." Remus looks down at his hands and Regulus can tell he has been desperate to ask this question for a while.

"It was... fun," he settles on. "I wasn't sure what to expect but it wasn't bad at all. We mostly spent the night running around. You and Sirius wrestled quite a lot and Sirius kept guarding me from you." He shakes his head.

"Even when he doesn't know you are you, he still wants to keep you safe." Remus smiles to himself.

"Apparently so." Regulus sits forward slightly, unfolding his arms. "Do you remember what it's like to be the wolf?"

A frown line forms in between Remus' eyebrows and his lips pinch together. "Sometimes I dream of things the wolf saw, but they're only ever flashes. I can barely remember them when I wake up the next morning."

"Does it ever frighten you?"

He can't imagine remembering something from someplace that is not your own body nor mind, that is not seen out of your own eyes, but still lingers within your subconscious because in the end... you are the shell and it is the beast lurking inside, waiting to be set free.

"Not anymore," Remus smiles weakly. "It used to when I was little. I would have nightmares... now they're just fuzzy dreams. Mostly running around in a forest with Moony's pack, feeling exuberant and happy."

Regulus doesn't know what to say to that, so he decides not to say anything. Instead, he gives Remus a small smile and picks up his book.

***

"You're certain? If you've forgotten something, there's nothing much you can do about it, unless you transfigure a twig or something."

"Monty, I'm sure he's remembered all the essentials."

"See, dad? Mum is sure I've remembered all the essentials."

"You've got the tent, your toothbrushes, clothes, your wands, your underwear-"

"Yes!" James whines, making Regulus laugh and take pity on him. He reaches forward and pokes James' cheek, right where his dimple is. Just as he'd planned, it is enough to distract James from his father.

"We'll see you in a few days, darling," Effie is saying to Sirius. She sprinkles about a dozen kisses all over his face and head, making Sirius glow. Then, she moves onto Remus. "Are you sure you're feeling better, sweetheart? No more headaches?"

"All gone," Remus smiles.

"That's my boy," Effie grins and pulls Remus - who might as well be as tall as a lamppost - down into a tight hug.

"We have to go," James murmurs to his mum, "or we'll miss the portkey."

"Oh, yes, of course!" Effie extracts herself from Remus and leans forward, pulling Regulus and James into a shared hug. "I love you, boys. Have the best time." She kisses James on his forehead and then his nose, similar to what James tends to do to Regulus. Then, she kisses Regulus firmly on the forehead and pulls away.

They exchange their final goodbyes and head off out the door to the hill at the very edge of the village, where lies a single abandoned scarf.

The portkey.

James takes hold of Regulus' hand as they make their way up the hill and Regulus can't help but admire him. His cheeks are red from the summer heat and glow nicely on his tanned brown skin. There are freckles on his nose that are more visible now than they ever have been before. He's wearing a plain white t-shirt and Muggle, denim-jean shorts and has a lumpy backpack on. There's a thin layer of sweat forming on his temples and therefore moistening his sideburns a bit, making his glasses slip down his nose faster than they usually would.

He keeps turning to beam at Regulus every now and then, clearly pleased.

Remus and Sirius run past them, racing each other to the top, only to stop halfway there and crash into each other. Remus bends down and Sirius jumps onto his back, before Remus takes off at a run again. Sirius howls with joy and Regulus can't help but smile at the sound.

They're going to be gone for quite a while (from the twenty-sixth to the first of August), which means he is going to be spending a lot of intimate time with James, Remus and Sirius. They have a single tent between them: it has two bedrooms, a full kitchen and living room, a toilet, and a spare back room that has a couple of fold-out beds.

"The portkey should be ready in 5...4...3..." James counts down as he glances at his watch and Regulus is grateful for this. He likes being prepared for the tugging sensation, it's not very pleasant.

They all grab onto the scarf and listen to James' countdown; it finishes just before the portkey activates, emitting a harsh glow before dragging them away from their current coordinates and taking them to new ones.

Regulus' ears fill with an array of different sounds, ranging from excited shouts to blasting music and colourful fireworks zooming around in the sky, chasing after people. Tents invade the land, stretching as far as Regulus' eyes can see. It's not Regulus' regular setting - ebullient and booming and painted with stubborn colours.

Wizards from all around the world hurry around them. Regulus picks up at least eight different languages used as they make their way down the middle path of the tents, attempting to find their own booked plot. James has pulled out a pamphlet, which has a map enclosed. He keeps twisting it around and then tilting his head before looking up and around with squinted eyes and then glancing back down at the map again.

Eventually, with the help of each of them, they manage to locate their space. On the way, they bumped into Marlene and her parents, as well as Benji Fenwick and Emmeline Vance from Regulus' year, and the Prewett twins who had graduated from Hogwarts a couple of years ago. James had entered a conversation with them about the Gryffindor Quidditch team at Hogwarts, updating them on how he was doing as Captain. Both had praised him, most definitely inflating his ego more than necessary.

"Anyone know how to put up a tent?" James asks, hands on his hips as he steps back from the laid out tent body and just stares down at it. He wipes his forearm over his sweaty forehead.

"You don't know how to put up a tent?" Sirius groans. "Well, Reg and I don't either, obviously. Do you think Walburga and Orion took us on family holidays to the woods? No, you utter twat."

"Well, what are we going to do?" James complains, throwing his arms up in the air childishly.

"I've been camping... once," Remus says quietly. The three other boys turn to face him at the same time. "I don't really remember much, except that it's a two person job."

"I'll help," James offers, raising a hand in the air. "Since it's my tent, after all."

"Alright," Remus nods in agreement.

"Me and Reg will just go and have a look around then, see if we can find any food for later. Maybe see if we can find Evan and Barty?" Sirius whispers the last part to Regulus.

"Ok," James and Remus mumble but they don't really seem to be listening, both already absorbed in the tent-building instructions.

"Come on, Reg." Sirius chucks an arm over his shoulders and leads them both away from their boyfriends.

It doesn't take them long to find Evan and Barty, as their tent ends up being on the same row as theirs, only a few down. Sirius jumps at the sight of Barty and both boys fling themselves at each other. They quickly become engrossed in a fast-paced conversation, so Regulus makes his way over to Evan.

"Excited for Saturday?" Regulus asks, although he already knows the answer.

Evan is the Captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team for a reason: he loves Quidditch. As much as James likes Quidditch.

"Yes!" He grins and passes Regulus a chilled butterbeer, which he swiftly thanks him for. "It's a bit difficult to get food around here," Evan explains, leading them over to the small kitchen table they already have set up in their tent. "All of the staff speaks in French."

"Ce ne sera pas un problème pour moi alors."

Regulus chuckles at the way Evan's eyes widen at his response.

"The fuck- I always forget you can do that, Reg. It's... freaky, but beautiful."

"Merci," Regulus raises his butterbeer bottle and brings it to his lips, enjoying the way the coldness of the drink relaxes his body.

After an hour or so, they all decide to go and check on James and Remus, hoping neither of them have succumbed to the blinding heat. They arrive to a fully formed tent, which Regulus sees as a good sign.

Regulus enters first and immediately trips over something, followed by Sirius and Barty. Luckily for him, Evan manages to steady himself before he joins the pile of bodies on the floor.

"Fuck- ouch-"

"Hey! Get off-"

"What are you-"

"Who's there?"

"Barty?"

"James?"

"Rem?"

"Reg?"

"Sirius?" Sirius asks and everyone slowly turns to look at him.

"And Evan," Evan waves from the crack in the front of the tent.

"What were you doing on the floor, Moony? Prongs?" Sirius says as he stands up and begins brushing himself off. "Take my hand, Moons," he extends a hand to Remus.

"We were just having a lie down," Remus argues, taking Sirius' hand. His sudden looming height is intimidating.

"Right where we were going to walk in?" Regulus raises an eyebrow at his friend.

"I'll admit, it wasn't my best moment," Remus mumbles.

"We're knackered. It took a full hour to hoist this bitch up, even with magic!" James groans and drops backwards onto the floor again.

Regulus rolls his eyes and walks so that he is hovering over James. He holds out both of his hands, which James lazily holds onto and pulls him up off the floor.

"There we go," he says.

James smiles dopily at him and leans in to whisper. "Want to have a nap for a couple of hours? The beds are already set up." He pulls back, raising a questioning eyebrow.

Regulus gulps.

"Hey, so me and James are going to go have a lie down. Rest. You know, because it's hot and he's tired and it's- hot. Yeah... goodbye." He grabs James' hand and and pulls his wand out of his pocket with his other hand.

He listens as Barty and Remus both say, "Smooth", Evan laughs, and Sirius starts fake-gagging.

Regulus throws up a silencing charm.