Morning Star

Regulus is eyeing James' jumper the entire way to the tent, secretly wanting to snatch it and embed himself within it. Maybe he doesn't even have to take it away. Maybe he can bury himself in there right along with James. Just crawl through the bottom and pop his head out the top.

Either way, he really wants that jumper.

"Are you cold?" James asks by some miracle. They're nearly back at the tent, so Regulus doesn't understand why James would ask him this now, when he could literally go get his own clothes in the next five minutes.

Still, he's not going to say no, is he? Not if it means James will lend him that jumper. 

"Yeah," Regulus answers. 

It's the truth. 

The sky has grown dark, the sun having departed hours ago, leaving a cool mist in the air. Regulus is only wearing his shirt, leaving him trembling and shivering for warmth in James' grip.

He watches as James pulls away for a moment - he supresses the whimper he wants to let out, but does not stop the way his bottom lip curls into a pout - and pulls the hoodie over his hair. It sticks up more than usual because of the static from his jumper. Regulus leans forwards to pat it down slightly, smiling at the sight.

"Here you go." James doesn't hand him the jumper, instead signalling for Regulus to hold out his arms so that James can put it on him himself. He does. When his head comes out of the top, James brushes his now-frizzy hair away from his face and then cups it with his palms and presses a simple, close-mouthed kiss to his lips.

It lights up Regulus' insides.

A small burst of the sun is being seeped into his pours, lifting him upwards into the sky along with it. The sun, the biggest star, sitting among them all.

The rest of the night is spent celebrating, similarly to the night before. They all go to James' tent instead of Benji's for once. James offers the spare beds up to anyone who may need to stay for the night. 

Everything quickly becomes hazy to Regulus after a couple of hours. They all sing loudly as they gulp down their drinks; he remembers hanging off people all night, still dressed in James' jumper. In a way it says mine. James is mine. I am his. I am James' 'mine'.

The next morning, he wakes up to the sun shining through the canvas of the tent. He groans, not having remembered making it to bed, nor how he got there. He throws an arm over his eyes in an attempt to block out the sun's blinding rays. 

It works and he finds himself drifting off again, James' body beside him, warming him up. 

Smack.

Regulus grunts and sits bolt upright. 

James has just hit him in the face.

Why would he do that? 

James wouldn't do that.

He blinks open his eyes, which are immediately attacked by the brightness of the room and turns to look down. The first thing he notices is the inky black hair splayed out over the other pillow. The next thing he notices is Sirius' slack face, his mouth open and his tongue protruding out like a dog's (Regulus almost laughs at the thought). Loud snores make their way from the back of his throat.

Regulus wants to hit him right back.

Right. So, James didn't hit him. It was Sirius.

Why is he in bed with Sirius?

He turns to look around the room and is surprised to see Remus and James tangled up on the floor near the room's entryway. 

No bed. No pillows. 

Just the hard ground.

Their backs are going to hurt later.

Sirius lets out another mumbled gurgling noise and then slaps his lips together a few times before opening his mouth, allowing the snores to slip out again. Regulus watches, completely disgusted, as a line of drool makes it's way down his brother's chin.

How could he possibly be related to that ?

He leans down so that his face is a mere inch from Sirius' and then lifts his hand up and slaps Sirius right in the face. He wakes with a start, eyes bursting open, full of panic, as if he is ready to go fight a war. As soon as he sees the face right in front of him, he lets out a shrill scream and tries to push Regulus away.

Regulus leans back before Sirius can hit him and begins laughing at his squirming brother.

"Morning, Sunshine," Regulus smirks.

Sirius finally stops trying to get away, realising it's only his evil little brother, and stares at him blankly. "You're an arsehole."

"Yes."

"You're mean."

"Mhm."

"You're pure evil."

"I can be, yes."

Sirius crosses his arms over his chest, looking the part of a petulant child who has just been told to go to his room.

"Did you know I slept in here with you last night because you wouldn't let go of me," Sirius raises an eyebrow, knowing exactly where to attack Regulus.

"What? No... that's not true- I didn't- shut up." He crosses his arms too.

"Mmm. Yes. Yes, you did. You clung to me all night and then dragged me right into bed with you and hugged me all night long. I believe your exact words were 'I love you, Sirius. You're the best brother ever. Never let me go. You always used to sneak into my bed until I fell asleep. You love me again, so come on!'"

"You're lying," Regulus says stiffly.

"I'm actually not. I understand why you would think that, I didn't believe it either," Sirius shakes his head. "But it's true. Aww, Reg. You love me."

"Shut up, Sirius."

"You love me so much! I'm your big brother. The bestest big brother in the whole wide world!"

"Bestest isn't a word," Regulus grumbles;.

"Tell yourself that," Sirius grins and then begins to laugh loudly.

Regulus pounces for him again and Sirius lets out another headache-inducing scream. It makes Regulus back down slightly, his head throbbing from all the drinking the night before. 

He hears as James and Remus wake suddenly behind them and scramble to get up from the floor. Both of them start saying incoherent things like, "Where? Where?! Who? Who screamed? Who's being murdered? Reg? REGGIE?!"

Regulus laughs at the fact that they both called out for Regulus when he wasn't even the one screaming. It was Sirius.

He decides to leave Sirius - for now - and instead rolls off the bed to James. 

"Sorry, I was so frightened by the sight of Sirius dribbling-"

"I WAS NOT!" Sirius yells from behind him.

"Would you stop shouting?" Regulus raises his voice and even that hurts him.

"Yeah, Pads. My head hurts," Remus mumbles.

"I- what? I was the one who got attacked the moment I woke up!" Sirius says incredulously. "Stop cradling him like he's an innocent, pure, little baby, James. He is evil."

"I know," James grins as he presses a kiss to Regulus' cheek. 

Regulus winks at his brother, watching as Sirius' face reddens, and then lets James lead him out towards the kitchen.

"That was fun," Regulus yawns. It makes his head pound harder. He winces. "Got any Hangover Potions lying around?"

"Yeah, but there's only two left, so Sirius and Remus will have to fight over it," James responds, passing Regulus a vile. He drinks it all in one gulp.

"I would say just give it to Remus, but Sirius will be in a bitchier mood and I can't be asked to deal with that today," Regulus says. He takes a moment to look at his surroundings; he can see into the open area of the tent where beds are spread out on the floor. 

Emmeline and Benji are near the far left corner, near Sirius and Remus' room, which was where Regulus had apparently spent the night. Marlene is tucked up in a ball on top of the small kitchen table, a pillow tucked in between her legs.

Peter's bed is in the dead middle of the room - he looks to be hugging an empty bottle of alcohol. 

Kingsley is here too - to Regulus' surprise. He's sleeping just outside of Sirius and Remus' room, near where Remus and James were sleeping. At least he was smart enough to sleep on one of the spare beds, unlike some idiots. He looks over at James.

"Where's Barty and Evan?"

"In our bed," James grimaces and Regulus doesn't like that at all. "I don't think we can sleep in there tonight," James raises his eyebrows as his eyes widen.

"Excellent," Regulus mumbles sarcastically. "Stupid, horny teenagers."

"Like you can talk," James smiles, leaning into where Regulus is sitting on the kitchen counter. He stands between Regulus' thighs, bracing his hands on the counter beside Regulus' hips.

"Takes one to know one," Regulus smirks and closes the gap between them.

The kiss doesn't start off soft, it's hard but slow. James' tongue runs warmly along Regulus' bottom lip, so he opens his mouth more, letting James deepen the kiss. Their tongues touch, making him sigh softly. He reaches out to bury his hands into James' hair, remembering how static it had looked last night when he took off his jumper. 

He thinks he's still wearing that jumper.

James reaches up to gently tilt his head back, so Regulus obliges, breaking away from the kiss and arching his neck. James begins spreading warm kisses down his chin and jaw and neck. He makes a pattern of nip-lick-kiss nip-lick-kiss nip-lick-kiss. Regulus' mouth opens in a silent moan at the sensation. His grip in James' hair becomes stronger, he reaches right to the roots, just pulling and-

He can feel James' glasses pushing against his jawline, cold and metal and a bright waving flag that says "I am James Potter, no on else"; Regulus loves it. James Potter is the only person who will ever touch him in this way.

He rocks forward into James' hips, feeling the heat and tension there, basically grinding against James and the counter. Wanting more, wanting to touch and feel and-

"Can you please fuck somewhere else?" Marlene's voice comes from somewhere behind them. Neither of them move though, apparently both choosing to ignore her. She lets out a huff of frustration and mutters something like "fine" before she starts yelling for Sirius.

James does pull away then, leaving Regulus warm and panting and desperate for his touch. For a finish. That felt like a violent and unwelcome pause.

He turns to Marlene, glaring at her so deeply, he hopes it burns her soul. She only smirks at him and then has the audacity to wink.

"Morning, Regulus."

"No," he replies and then storms off to the loo.

***

During their last day at the Cup, they all go to visit Baby Bobby and to see Marlene's parents. James and Roland have a fake ramble about how France won and Brazil lost. It ends with them both laughing and Roland inviting them around the house at some point during the summer. 

James agrees eagerly.

Regulus laughs at Barty's reaction to Bobby. He seems to find Evan holding the baby absolutely adorable, but the moment someone asks if he would like to hold Bobby, he looks terrified.

"Come on, just do it," Evan says and puts the baby in Barty's arms. 

He stares down at the tiny person in his arms and starts crying and mumbling about how he's so small. James cries right along with him, because of course he does. Barty holds Bobby tight and starts rocking him gently back and forth.

"I've never held a baby before," he says through his tears. "He's so cute and so tiny."

"You've said," Evan chuckles, watching Barty with a delicate fondness. "I thought you said you never wanted children, Barty, because babies are scary?"

Barty looks up at him, his eyes red and watery. "Well... he's not scary," he gestures to the baby in his arms. "Maybe... maybe if we have your baby, it won't be so scary either."

"My baby?" Evan blurts out, looking thunderstruck. "Barty, if I'm having a baby with anyone, it would be you."

"Oh," Barty whispers.

"Who else's baby would I have, you daft thing?"

"I don't want- I want to have your baby, not... not a Crouch," Barty mumbles.

"Oh," Evan says, looking utterly confused. Regulus feels confused too. "Well, that's ok. If that's what you want," he murmurs gently and Barty nods. "Ok, then. That's what we'll do."

Barty beams at him, tears still twinkling in his eyes. He holds Bobby until the time they leave to go back to their own tents, ready to pack for the next morning when they leave.

Regulus hugs them both goodbye and wishes them luck for their results. He knows he'll see them soon. 

That night, he lies on one of the spare beds with James (they really do not want to go anywhere near their bed after Barty and Evan were in there doing Merlin knows what). He thinks about Barty and Evan's conversation - he'd blocked it out after a little while, not wanting to intrude on their personal moment.

Is that really where they are now? Are they already at the age where they start thinking about babies?

Regulus shudders at the thought. He's only sixteen. He still has two years of school left. No, he is not ready for a child. He is, he thinks, ready for James.

It hits him like a train.

He's with James. He loves James. He's ready for James.

He's ready to start his life with him and to hopefully end it with him as well.

He wants to be with James for every day he has.

Will they get married? Will they one day have children? Maybe a pet? A house of their own? Will he get to walk down the aisle to his groom, just like Narcissa had? Will it be James?

Yes.

He knows it will be.

There's no one else he could ever want. James is it for him, he knows that. He's always known that.

They wake up early the next morning, almost as soon as seven. Their portkey leaves at eight-thirty, much to everyone's annoyance. That is far too early, in Regulus' opinion. But well, as long as he doesn't have to spend the whole day in a tent, he supposes it's fine.

Thankfully, they already packed up all of their things the night before and the only thing left to do is to pack up the tent.

Regulus has a nervous tick in his stomach all morning. Today is the day he gets his O.W.Ls results - the first of August. A month until they return to Hogwarts.

He knows he can't have done horribly, he knows he got lucky with how naturally smart he is. But he still has the drive within him to be better than his peers, drilled into him by his parents his whole life. Another thing he learnt from the House of Black that he just cannot seem to shake.

They all help this time with the tent, Remus and James instructing them through it. Sirius looks dreadful, he's drenched in layers of sweat, making his hair stick to his temples and the nape of his neck. Regulus knows he probably doesn't look much better, but he still laughs when Sirius almost starts crying because he just wants to "get this arse crack of a tent down" so he can get home.

On their way out, they see Peter and Kingsley, but that's all. They'd already said goodbye to everyone the night before but these Gryffindors apparently value their manners so they just have to go and say goodbye again.

Remus is the only one out of them all to hug Kingsley, which doesn't surprise Regulus. He was the one who got closest to him and got to know him the best. He expects they'll be good friends when Kinglsey arrives at Hogwarts.

They climb to the edge of the woods just above and behind the tents and find the scarf waiting for them on the roots of a large tree. James counts down again, just as he did the last time, and they all take hold of it. Whooshing through the air and back on home.

Regulus almost tumbles down the hill, only avoiding it thanks to James' swift reflexes. He catches and steadies him. They make the journey back home, not too far as the Potter Manor is on the edge of the village, just like the hill.

"Boys!" Effie greets them with a beaming smile, hugging and kissing them all. "Oh, I bet you're hungry. Have you eaten?"

"Not yet," James replies, slouching down on the couch, looking exhausted. 

"Great, I've made pancakes," Effie announces. This seems to boost some newfound energy into everyone because they all eagerly make their way to the dining room where - just as Effie said - four plates stacked with pancakes stand. They're still warm too.

"I didn't know what you'd like to use to flavour them, so I've laid out a bit of everything." She gestures to the middle of the table where at least a dozen ingredients stand. There's fruits and chocolates, jams and lemon juice, sugar and even peanut butter.

Regulus' stomach grumbles. He's missed Effie's homemade cooking - it's so much better than campfire food or the food they found at the World Cup marquees.

They thank Effie and each tuck into their pancakes. Monty comes in through the back door just as they dig in, having been in the garden when they arrived. He welcomes them all back and then sits down at the table, just as Effie does, and asks them how the game went.

"It was brilliant!" James exclaims through a mouthful of sugary pancakes, making Regulus smile at him lovingly. James has made his pancakes like he would his crumpets - half of them covered in sugar and the other half covered in raspberry jam. "We had Omnioculars too! So we got to watch parts in slow motion after they already happened!"

"James, swallow your food," Effie chastises, but there is no anger in her words, only a mother's fondness.

Regulus would usually find it disgusting that James is talking with his mouth full - and probably would if it was anyone else - but because it is James, he finds it endearing.

Sirius and James speak avidly about it with Monty, Regulus adding his own bits in here and there. Remus doesn't speak about it much, just nodding in agreement or humming at some of the things they say. 

It's when they've finished their breakfast and Mellie is sending away their plates to be cleaned that there is a scratch at the window. Regulus' head snaps up as he stares at the tawny owl perched on the windowsill. He rushes over to the window and lets the bird in, offering it a bit of pancake left over on his plate before Mellie has properly sent it away. 

The bird sticks it's leg out, a thick letter attached to it, allowing Regulus to gently unravel the post from it. He thanks it and it hoots before flying away.

He stares at the envelope as he makes his way back round the table to his seat. Everyone around him has fallen silent. He sits in his seat beside James. He can hear his own heavy breathing.

"Reggie?" James asks, resting a calming hand on the small of his back.

"My results," he answers James' silent question. "I-" Regulus looks up at Sirius, his desperation surely showing in his eyes. If anyone understands the panic inside him right now, it's Sirius. He also had to live with the unfathomable expectations their parents set for them. Sure, he tried his best to disobey them and to not meet these expectations, but Regulus knows it's something his brother still struggles with. Like a reaction. Like an instinct. A reflex. Something ingrained into them from a young age.

"Want to go upstairs?" Sirius asks quietly and Regulus nods. "Alone?" 

Another nod.

Sirius doesn't hesitate in getting up and moving around the table to take Regulus' hand gently. He gets up from his seat and stares back down at the letter as if he is afraid of it. 

"Are you ok?" James asks before he is completely gone.

"He's fine," Sirius responds for him. "I promise, James, don't worry. It's just- well, you know. You saw me last year after getting my results."

Regulus isn't sure, but he thinks James nods.

Sirius takes him upstairs all the way to his bedroom, not James and Regulus'. Sirius'. 

They sit down on the edge of the bed and it is only now that they are not moving that Regulus notices how rapidly his hands are shaking. Sirius reaches out to steady him and then carefully takes the letter away from him.

"It's ok, Reg," he says in a soothing whisper. "It's ok, I promise. My expectations of you are that you'll pass because you have always been a smart little shit. The brightest. You're amazing."

The words hit Regulus harder than he expected and really? He feels ridiculous for reacting as dramatically for this. He does. But it's a part of him he cannot change. A part of him that clings onto the fear of being a disappointment and of what comes after.

"Want me to open it?" Sirius speaks.

"I want to do it." His voice sounds so small and barely there; croaky. It sounds croaky.

"Ok, Reg. Go ahead!" Sirius smiles reassuringly at him and holds out the letter. Regulus reaches up with trembling hands, less so than before, but still not steady.

He takes in a deep breath and doesn't release it until he has pulled the letter from the envelope. Sirius takes the envelope from his, placing it on the bed behind them and then softly rests his chin on Regulus' shoulder.

The touch is comforting, it grounds him, helping him catch his breath and keep a sane state of mind. He reads the top of the letter quickly and then moves right down to the results.

Ordinary Wizarding Level Results

Pass Grades:

Outstanding (O)

Exceeds Expectations (E)

Acceptable (A)

Fail Grades:

Poor (P)

Dreadful (D)

Troll (T)

Regulus Arcturus Black - Exam Results:

Ancient Runes - O

History of Magic - O

Charms - O

Divination - E

Transfiguration - O

Potions - O

Astronomy - O

Defence Against the Dark Arts - O

Arithmancy - O

Herbology - O

Muggle Studies - O

Regulus lets out a stuttered breath and then grins at Sirius, pure elation passing through his body. He's a little disappointed at the 'E' in Divination, but he also doesn't give a shit about that class and is dropping it next year, so he tries not to think too hard about it.

"See? Like I said, you're a little genius," Sirius smiles. "How the fuck did you manage to get an E in Divination? I got a D..."

Regulus shrugs. "You just have to ramble about the most bizarre crap you can come up with and they usually just believe it."

"So you're telling me you dossed your way into getting an almost perfect grade?" Sirius rears back; Regulus doesn't understand the way he's looking at him. 

"Yes...?"

Sirius brings his hands up to his mouth as his eyebrows drop and his eyes squint. "Oh, baby brother, I've never been so proud!"

Regulus giggles as Sirius starts attacking him with a hug.

"Ok, Sirius!" He giggles, squirming away. "Ok. Ok. Stop it. We should go back downstairs!"

"Fine, but let me just-" He wraps his arms around Regulus, pushing his brother's head under his chin and then squeezes him tight. "I am so proud of you, Regulus. So so proud."

Regulus gulps and tries his best to subdue his tears.

He rolls his eyes as he pulls back and mutters a "yeah yeah" before getting up. They go back downstairs. Everyone is sat in the living room now, Remus and James sat closely together on one of the couches, whilst Effie and Monty share one of the armchairs by the fireplace.

As soon as they enter the room, James is on his feet, making his way right for Regulus. He cups his face, concern burning boldly in his eyes, almost reflecting against his glasses. 

"Are you ok?"

Regulus' lips slowly curl up at the edges, which is all James needs to pick him up off the floor and twirl him around. 

"You passed everything, didn't you?" He grins as he puts Regulus back down on the solid ground.

"Look," Regulus passes him the letter and watches as James beams.

"My boyfriend is the smartest!" James yells to the room, waving the letter around like a flag. "He did better than Remus!"

"WHAT?" Remus scrambles out of his seat and looks at Regulus for confirmation - he nods. Remus snatches the letter from James and then starts scanning it, his eyes moving frantically across the page. "It's... true," he admits, sounding put out.

"It's fine, Moony," Sirius reassures him. "You don't always have to be the best at everything."

"You got higher than me in Potions and Divination."

"Sorry," Regulus smiles apologetically.

"Don't be sorry, you sod," Remus chuckles and then pulls Regulus into a firm hug. "I'm proud of you. Am I pissed?" He whispers so only the boys can here. "Yes, but I don't mind since it was you."

"Thanks, Rem."

"Our letters came after you guys left," James says, passing Sirius an envelope. "I haven't opened mine yet."

"It doesn't really matter anyway," Sirius waves his hand absentmindedly. "It's only end of year exams, it's not like it's our N.E.W.Ts."

Regulus and Remus both gape at him as if he has just set them on fire.

"...what?"

"Oh, Merlin..."

The three of them turn around to see James staring down at his letter, something else in his other hand. His eyes are wide around his glasses as he reads the letter. When he looks up at them, he grins widely. 

"Someone else beat Moony at something." He holds up a red and gold, very shiny, Head Boy badge.

"James!" Regulus smiles and wraps him up in a hug.

"Oh, you're Head Boy!" Effie claps her hands together. "I'm so proud of you all!"

"Just like his dad," Monty says with a wink.

Regulus turns to look at Remus. He doesn't look upset or disappointed, he looks proud of his friend. Regulus smiles at him and pulls him and then Sirius into the hug. Effie and Monty join them after, making it a family hug.

***

Effie had suggested that they invite all their friends over so they can celebrate together. She had looked at Regulus' results and given him the most loving look he has ever received from a mother. It made something warm bubble up in his chest. She stuck it on the fridge right after. 

Every time someone enters the kitchen and she's in there, she'll point it out and boast, "My Regulus' results, those are! Isn't he smart! Isn't he brilliant!"

Regulus hates it but he also really loves it.

They're having a "slumber party" as Sirius has decided to name it. All of Regulus' friends and all of James, Sirius and Remus' friends are coming over to stay for the night. A party. 

Effie and Monty hinted that they'll stay in their room all night and that if they don't specifically see or hear anything, they won't be scolded for it. James and Sirius take this as the hint that they are allowed alcohol, so Sirius goes out to the shop in the village with Remus to go purchase some.

Peter shows up earlier than everyone else, helping Effie and James in the kitchen to make up some food for people to eat, on top of the snacks that Sirius and Remus have gone to get at the shops. 

The next to show up is Marlene, who apparates just outside the front door. Regulus is on cleaning duty, making sure the communal areas of the house are presentable enough to guests. He has the help of Mellie, who is using her magic to redo everything Regulus is already doing right after he's done it. He understands this means he might as well not waste his time, but he wants to help in some way.

"Reggie!" 

"No," Regulus says sternly. Marlene just chuckles, her head falling backwards and her eyes scrunching shut. She claps him on the chest in greeting and then walks through the door, calling out for "Jamie-boy".

Regulus cringes and shuts the door.

The floo sounds just as he makes it back to the living room. Marlene is nowhere to be seen. 

"Reg! Reg!" Regulus turns around at the sound of Barty's voice. Surely enough, he finds Barty, who is followed shortly by Evan, making their way out of the fireplace. "Did you pass everything? I bet I beat you!"

"I got Outstanding in everything, except Divination where I got Exceeds Expectations."

"Same, except I only got a Pass in History of Magic," Evan sighs.

"I got Outstanding... in everything !" Barty announces, making Regulus' jaw drop. 

He and Barty always compete in exams, it's the way their friendship has always worked, both having always been the two smartest students in their year. Regulus really thought he had Barty with his Divination mark... never mind.

"It's true..." Evan nods, looking tired. "He won't shut up about it either.

"Aren't you proud of me, Rosy?" Barty deflates, appearing to be genuinely upset.

Evan's face drops and then morphs into a sweet smile. "Of course, I am, Barty. You did brilliantly."

"Best in the year!"

"Best in the year," Evan nods. He kisses Barty on the cheek and pats Regulus gently on the shoulder before disappearing into the kitchen. Regulus imagines that is where Marlene has got off to.

Barty opens his mouth to say something just as another crack of apparition comes from outside. They both go to greet the new arrival - which ends up being Mary.

"Hello, Regulus! Barty," she smiles brightly at them. "Anyone else here yet?"

"Marlene, Evan and Peter," Regulus lists off.

"Er- and me," Barty huffs, sounding offended.

"I think she can see that, mate," Regulus rolls his eyes. He turns back to Mary, allowing her to come in the house and shutting the door behind her. "Everyone is in the kitchen, I think. You can go pretty much anywhere, just not-"

"Effie and Monty's room. Yep, I know. Thanks, Reg." Mary ruffles his hair - to Regulus' horror and Barty's amusement - and then wanders off.

When they go back to the living room, James and all of the arrived guests are there. James is laying out an assortment of different foods on the coffee table. He's bent over, wearing jeans that make Regulus squirm where he's standing, especially in the position James is in right now - and an apron. 

"Barty!" James grins when he spots them. "It's been too long."

"I know, right." Barty shakes his head and tuts, a fake frown on his face. "A whole twenty-four hours... not even that."

"Too long," James nods solemnly, then he perks up and claps his hands together. "When everyone else gets here, I'm giving everyone a Potter house tour!" 

"Me and Mary don't have to, do we?" Marlene whines. She's draped over Mary's lap where she is sitting on the couch; Mary runs her hand through the other girls slick, blonde hair. "We've already been here a million times."

"Yes, you do have to." James finalises this by putting his hands on his hips, looking the part of a particularly stern father.

Dorcas doesn't show up long after that, flooing in. Shortly followed by Lily and Pandora - who show up together - also through the fireplace.

"Brilliant! Everyone is here! Tour time!" James beams at the room, practically bouncing on his feet.

"What about Sirius and Remus?" Lily asks.

"They'll be back soon," James waves a distracted hand in the air, not really listening. "Come on!"

The tour somehow takes almost an hour and the only people who enjoy it are Evan, Barty, Dorcas and Pandora because they have never been here before. Remus and Sirius return home halfway through the tour and - to Regulus' relief - keep making excuses to take the people that don't want to be a part of the house tour away to do "jobs" assigned by Effie.

Regulus knows it's a lie, but he doesn't care.

Anything to escape this.

James appears none the wiser, continuing on as the number of people following him begin to dwindle down to four.

Meanwhile, Regulus helps lay out the snacks Remus and Sirius bought at the shop on the coffee table beside the other food. Mary, Marlene and Lily catch up with Effie, as well as Monty once he finally returns from his evening walk in the gardens.

The night moves on quickly after Effie and Monty retire to their own space, a silencing charm securely around their bedroom. The drinks are brought out immediately - it appears everyone decided to contribute in that area. 

Regulus decides to let himself drink as much as he wants. He did it. He passed his exams and now he can finally relax. He deserves this.

He cringes when James pulls out more Muggle face masks, one for everyone, and passes him the pink marshmallow one again. Not wanting to make James upset, he takes it reluctantly. Everyone laughs when Evan has neon-green goo spread across his skin and when Barty uses a headband to keep his hair held back, whilst he applies his berry-scented mask.

As soon as the masks are washed away, Regulus grabs a large bottle of amber-coloured liquid (he thinks it's Bourbon) and guzzles down a mouthful. He flinches as it burns the base of his throat, but doesn't mind too much, knowing he won't feel it in an hour.

"We should do karaoke!" James suggests, speaking loudly to the room. 

"Yeah!" Barty grins, whilst Evan groans. 

"I'm too drunk to go upstairs and get my records," Sirius slurs. He wobbles a bit as he walks over to James, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. James immediately leans into him.

"I think mum has some records," James replies, dragging Sirius to the corner of the living room to where there is a cabinet of (what Regulus assumes are) records. 

"You have got to be kidding me!" Sirius cries, throwing his head back dramatically and letting out a howling noise.

"What?" Regulus asks, stumbling over to the two boys.

James pulls out a record, still in it's case, and holds it up to the room. Unlike Sirius, he is grinning mischievously - at first, Regulus is unsure who he is looking at. Then, he hears Remus groan from where he is suddenly behind Regulus, making him jump a bit.

"We've only got ABBA to work with people!" James calls to the room. Mary makes a noise of excitement, whilst everyone else doesn't seem to mind either way. "Sorry, Moony."

Regulus has heard of ABBA, remembering some of the songs that would play during Slytherin common room parties, and even some at the Gryffindor's parties. He doesn't think the music is bad per-say, it's good party music, but he wouldn't say it's his personal favourite.

James sets it up on the record player and then hooks something into it that Regulus has only seen once or twice before. A Muggle invention - it looks a bit like a fat wand, with a metal, cross-hatched sort of ball on the top that you can sing into and it makes your voice louder.

"Who wants to go first?" James holds out the two Muggle singing devices he has successfully set up. Barty and Sirius are the first to grab them; everyone waits whilst they whisper to each other about what song they're going to choose.

"Ok, we're ready!" Sirius announces and then clears his throat and holds his singing device to his mouth. He points his wand at the music... a guitar sounds through the room, followed by a mix of other instruments that blend together in the air.

Sirius starts singing first, Barty slowly joins in until they are singing together. Despite himself, Regulus laughs when they start acting out what they are singing, eyes wide and arms moving to and fro dramatically. They dance around each other, interacting with their audience every now and then.

"There's not a soul out there," Sirius sings.

"No one to hear my prayer!" Barty continues.

Then, they both turn to their boyfriends, who stare at them with wide eyes, from fear or desire, Regulus doesn't know. 

"Gimme, gimme, gimme a man after midnight

Won't somebody help me chase the shadows away?

Gimme, gimme, gimme a man after midnight

Take me through the darkness to the break of the day!"

When the song finishes, they both bow dramatically and then hug, slapping each other on the back.

"Me and Lily next!" Pandora smiles, pulling a hesitant Lily up from her seat. Regulus smirks at her on the way and Lily pretends to glare at him. It's not very effective when it's paired with her beaming smile.

Pandora and Lily sing 'Lay All Your Love On Me'. Next to go are Mary and Peter who sing 'Money, Money, Money' and after them it's Marlene and Dorcas singing 'S.O.S'. Remus is dragged to the front of the room by Lily - Regulus wheezes at the look of terror on his face and then laughs even harder when Remus sings every single word of 'Mamma Mia' correctly, even though he claims to hate the band.

After their song is over, James, Sirius and Peter jump over to Remus, forcing him to remain in place. They all gather around the singing devices and are soon joined by Marlene too, as they sing their rendition of 'Super Trouper'. 

Regulus smiles as he watches James completely unravel, becoming care-free as he sings his heart out. He and Sirius have an arm wrapped around each other and are swaying. Peter, Marlene and Remus are dancing around like hyper children.

Their act is followed by cheering and whooping from everybody watching. As soon as James is next to him again, Regulus folds himself into James' space and presses a lingering kiss on his lips.

"Enjoy the show then? Is this my equivalent of you throwing roses at the stage?" James beams down at him.

"Yep," Regulus says, popping the 'p'.

When he takes his focus away from James, he almost collapses with laughter. All the girls have gotten up to sing 'Voulez-Vous', and Evan (who looks drunk off his rocker) is making his way over there with them. So, Evan sings into a singing device with Lily and Dorcas, whilst Pandora, Marlene, and Mary use the other one.

Barty cheers for him the whole time, looking painfully besotted with the boy before him. To Regulus' surprise, Evan is relatively good at singing. He'd even go as far as to say he is as good as Sirius, who has always been a great singer. Not as good as Regulus, of course, but he doesn't like to share that information around-

"Regulus can sing! He's amazing!" Sirius yells, pointing a long finger down at Regulus, who is still safely in James' arms. He wants to stay there. 

Everyone turns to look at him with expectant eyes, they start chanting his name as he tries to bury himself deeper into James. 

"Come on, little Reg. We can sing together!" Sirius grabs his hands and yanks him up... Regulus already knows this is his unfortunate fate and there is nothing he can do about it. So, he follows somewhat willingly and chooses a song out with Sirius. 

"Honey, honey, how he thrills me, aha, honey, honey

Honey, honey, nearly kills me, aha, honey, honey!" 

Sirius sings the first two lines and then nudges Regulus, who shyly stares out at everyone and then opens his mouth to sing. He clamps his eyes shut and holds up the singing device to his mouth...

"I'd heard about you before

I wanted to know some more

And now I know what they mean, he's a love machine

Oh, you make me dizzy..."

When he opens his eyes, his gaze is drawn straight to James. James who looks as if he's just been bathing in a Love Potion. James who is staring at him with such love and desire in his eyes, a small, surprised smile etched into his face, and flushed cheeks. 

It gives him a bit more confidence, knowing that James likes it. Because nothing can be bad if James Potter likes it. 

Sirius sings the first two lines of each verse, whilst Regulus continues with the rest. He realises he doesn't mind this much, the song is steady, yet catchy. He kind of... likes it.

"The way that you kiss goodnight

The way that you hold me tight

I feel like I wanna sing when you do your thing."

As he sings the last few lines of the song, he looks at James and no one else. He sings them for him, knowing that he will never mean them for anyone else. Only the most loving boy in front of him. Only the sun. His sun.

"I heard about you before

I wanted to know some more

Now I'm about to see what you mean to me..."

There's clapping and whooping, Barty looks like he's about to cry. Marlene races forward and then stops suddenly, opening her arms slightly as a question. When Regulus nods, she doesn't waste any time in chucking herself forward and squeezing him.

"I'm so proud! That was amazing- AMAZING! YOU CAN ACTUALLY SING!" Marlene yells and shakes his shoulders a bit once she's pulled herself out of the hug.

"Er... thanks," he mumbles bashfully.

James is next to him in a second and Regulus nods, already knowing what is coming. They both push forward at the same time. Maybe it's Regulus' drunken mind or the adrenaline, but he completely forgets that they are in a room full of other people. So, he presses himself into James and pulls on the hair at the nape of his neck, forcing their bodies to be closer. He only stops when Sirius clears his throat, raising an eyebrow at them both.

"Brilliant! Now that disgusting display is over-" Sirius grabs James' hand "-me and Prongs are going to sing a song now."

They sing 'Dancing Queen' and make a big show of dancing around the room, dancing with the audience and spinning around. 

"You are the dancing queen

Young and sweet
Only seventeen..."

They blow kisses to everyone once they're done and wipe away pretend tears, thanking everyone for coming tonight. 

"There is one more song on the record," Sirius announces. "Any takers?"

"Me," Remus puts his hand up and Regulus reels back in horror when he adds, "and Reg."

"No-"

"Come on, it's the last song," Remus pouts. He blinks a few times, eyelashes long and puppy-dog like. "Please, Reg?"

Regulus groans and lets out a small drunken cry. "Fine. What's the song?"

It ends up being 'Waterloo', which is luckily one of the songs Regulus does know.

"Waterloo, I was defeated, you won the war.." Regulus sings, letting Remus sing the next line.

"Waterloo, promise to love you forevermore."

"Waterloo, couldn't escape if I wanted to," Regulus frowns a bit as he sings, feeling anxious.

"Waterloo, knowing my fate is to be with you," Remus grins and nudges him, trying to get him into the song. He dances around like an idiot and grabs Regulus' hands swinging them about and twirling them around as they sing.

He's laughing by the time the chorus comes back around. This time they sing it in the opposite order.

"Waterloo, I was defeated, you won the war," Remus acts out getting stabbed and Regulus giggles.

"Waterloo, promise to love you forevermore," he nods and Remus winks at him.

"Waterloo, couldn't escape if I wanted to,

Waterloo, knowing my fate is to be with you."

Remus pulls him into a dive as the song comes to an end, almost dropping him in his drunken haze, but Regulus doesn't mind. He's never been happier.

"See, Moony!" James calls to Remus. "ABBA isn't that bad!"

Remus rolls his eyes playfully and then admits in a mumble, "It's alright."

"Guys, I brought something," Pandora says to no one in particular. Everyone turns to look at her, so she adds, "Lily and I made some Veritaserum and thought we could use it to play a game."

"Oh no..." Sirius whispers, making Regulus laugh again. He isn't sure why, he just feels like laughing.

"So, Veritaserum or dare anybody?" Lily smirks.

"Yes!" Barty agrees. "Everyone has to play. This is a party! As the smartest person in this room-" (Remus, Sirius, Regulus and Lily all scoff) "-I say that it would be smartest of you all to play."

They all grudgingly agree and set themselves out in a circle.

"Don't worry. I'll only pour a concentrated amount, enough to ask you one question without you lying and then it fades off," Lily promises to the group.

They spin a bottle in the middle of the circle to choose who goes first. It lands on Pandora, who smiles at the people around her. 

"Veritaserum or dare, Pan?" Evan asks her.

"Dare," she answers simply.

"I dare you, Pan, to wear a frying pan on your head for the rest of the game," Barty says. Regulus thinks it's a pretty easy dare, especially because it's Pandora who literally wears forks for earrings, but thinks it's probably only that easy because it's the first round. Things will get more intense during the night.

Pandora wanders through to the kitchen after declining James' offer to fetch it for her. When she returns, she has a small frying pan sitting on top of her white hair. She sits back in her place and reaches forward to spin the bottle.

It lands on Barty.

"Veritaserum or dare, Bartemius?" Pandora sings.

"Veritaserum," Barty smirks.

Everyone starts whispering as soon as he answers, wiping away his confidence and replacing it with fear.

"Oh, shit..."

"Here you go," Lily passes him a shot glass with five millimetres of Veritaserum in it. "Down the hatch."

Barty grimaces and then downs it. He smacks his lips together and hums. "Tasteless."

"Who was your first proper crush?" Mary asks before anyone else can.

Barty blushes and looks down at the ground. The name passes his lips before he can stop it, "Regulus."

Regulus' jaw drops, not expecting that at all. James, who is sitting between Regulus and Barty snorts and whispers, "Understandable."

"What?" Regulus questions, staring adamantly at Barty. 

"He liked you from the beginning of second year to the end of third year, then realised you weren't gay- or he didn't think you were. Then he started liking me at some point in fourth year," Evan says, filling everyone in.

"Actually," Barty says, finally lifting his head from where he had buried it in his hands, "I liked Regulus at the end of first year to some point in third year and I liked Evan in third year too. That's why I stopped liking Regulus... because I liked Evan more."

His face is cherry-red by the time he has finished talking. Everyone turns to Regulus.

"Oh... Umm, I'm sorry, Barty. I had no idea."

"It's fine," Barty assures him with a sincere smile. "I'm glad things worked out the way they did." He grabs Evan's hand with a shy smile and then reaches forward with his other hand to spin the bottle. "Who's next?"

They keep playing for a while, the bottle finally lands on Marlene after refusing to stop on her for some reason.

"Veritaserum," she declares confidently.

Once she has downed it all, Pandora asks, "Why didn't you say yes to Dorcas the first time she asked you out?"

Regulus leans forward. Admittedly, he has been curious about this as well and just assumed it was because Marlene had been afraid.

The Veritaserum answers for her. "I had been in love with Mary since I was twelve and was still getting over her."

Dorcas takes Marlene's hand, which tells Regulus she already knew this. Mary smiles apologetically at Marlene, who waves a hand in the air back, as if to say "pfft". None of the girls, apart from Pandora (who asked the question) react, which makes Regulus think they all already knew.

"There's a lot of crushes on friends in here," James laughs. "First Barty, then Marlene, then Evan and Barty, then Remus and Sirius."

"You and Regulus too," Sirius says. "You were friends first."

James and Regulus look at each other and it is Regulus who decides to answer. "That's what we thought too. I don't think we were ever just friends, not really."

"No..." James shrugs. "Oh well, we tried and failed. This is better though." He puts an arm around Regulus and pulls him in, leaving a gentle kiss in his hair.

The next person it lands on is James, who chooses Veritaserum over dare. Peter is the one to ask him a question.

"Do you think you and Regulus will ever get married?"

"Yes," James answers instantly. "Only if he wants to. We'll get married, maybe live in another country like France or Brazil or Italy, have a kid or two... No matter what we're doing, I just always want him to be there."

Regulus' heart feels like a Bludger set loose in his chest. That was a very specific answer, which leads him to believe James thinks about a future where they are together a lot. If he's being honest, Regulus does too.

Of course, he wants to marry James. If he could, he would marry James again every day for the rest of his life. If that's what the other boy wanted. He wants to live with him in a big house, but not a manor, just big enough for a large family. A happy family. Not like the one he grew up in. They would have children... one, two... twenty, he doesn't mind. Whatever James wants, he wants too.

As long as James is by his side, he will always be happy with his life.

"That sounds perfect," he whispers.

James smiles diffidently and holds him closer.