7. Halloween
September 7th, 1977
6:00 PM
Regulus ended up going to his Potions class that day with James, the older boy had kept an eye on regulus all afternoon, and even skipped his Divination class to be with him in his free hour. But when it came to dinner it would have looked really bad if James had accompanied him at the Slytherin table and even worse if he forced Regulus to come and dine with him and his friends.
“Don’t do anything stupid,” James whispered as they walked into the hall together.
Regulus rolled his eyes, “I think you should be more worried about my brother,” he nodded towards the Gryffindor table where Sirius and Lupin were sitting gawking at James and Regulus. “Good luck explaining why you’re friends with the ‘enemy’”
“You’re not the enemy,” James looked down at him.
“Good luck anyhow,” Regulus shrugged and set off towards his table and his friends. He decided to stop and check in on Cissy before dealing with the other matter. “Hey.”
“Het Reg,” Cissy smiled gently, patting the empty spot on the bench next to her. “Want to join us?”
“Oh no thanks,” he glanced over at Evan and Barty who were happily chatting together a few groups down. “I just wanted to check and make sure that everything was alright?”
“It's all okay, nothings come in the post. Even if it had there's nothing anybody can do whilst I’m still at school.”
“True,” Regulus sighed. “Have a nice evening then.”
“Love you, Reggie!” She teased as he walked away to his friends.
“Hey, Reg!” Barty waved him over. And he sat down across from him and Evan. “Glad you’re feeling better! Ev said you weren't feeling well.”
Regulus scoffed, “Did he?”
“Yeah?” He glanced between Regulus and Evan. The other boy was scowling at his plate, pushing his potatoes around with his fork.
“Funny because I thought he’d have been too busy cursing people in the halls.”
“Oh for fucks sake,” Evan grumbled. “So you did run into Potter then?”
“Yeah. I did, and I thought I gave him a concussion for dropping a book o his head. But no it turns out he was ambushed and cursed.”
“I’m sorry wait I’m not following,” Barty interrupted, glancing warily at Evan. “Ev, did you attack James? And Regulus why the hell did you drop a book on his head?”
“Yes he did, and it wasn’t on purpose,” Regulus said quickly before Evan could twist the story to make him seem like the bad guy. “He also thinks that I should forget about Sirius altogether and start acting like a proper heir for my family.”
“I didn’t say that,” Evan growled.
“Yes, you did. You also said if you were in my situation and it had been Bea who was kicked out you’d ‘suck up your pride’ and do your best to be the best representative for your family. You’d trade your relationship with your Sister for what I have now.”
“Oh sorry, my bad for wanting to amount to something in my life! If you don’t take this chance to be the very best you can be then you’ll be a disappointment to everyone around you.”
“Maybe I’d rather be a disappointment than a coward,” Regulus spat, getting up from his seat. His eyes flicked t the Gryffindor table where James was sitting with his back to them, but Sirius and Remus saw him stand up and must’ve said something because James’ head flew around and locked eyes with Regulus. He didn’t linger on the older boy but turned and stormed from the hall.
“Oh for fucks sake,” Barty groaned. “Nice going, Evan.” He glared and followed Regulus from the hall.
…
October 29th, 1977
The feud between Regulus and Evan lasted for weeks on end, Barty was always trying to get them to talk and make up but whenever they tried it always ended with more fighting. Barty hadn’t really forgiven Evan either, and Regulus could tell it was breaking his heart slowly. He’d tried a few times to get them to talk to each other but Barty was horrified by his best friend's uncalled-for violence and overall cruelty towards Regulus.
Evan had gotten around to hanging out with Severus and his gang of bafoons much to both Barty and Regulus’ dismay. Snape had been picking on the two younger boys more than usual, trying to corner Regulus on a few occasions to try and ask about his family and the dark lord. One time Evan had told him to stop, most likely trying to make a stride in getting Regulus to forgive him. But the next time Evan did nothing to stop him, he’d been hit with a few curses before James and Sirius came along and scared them off. That encounter had been a week ago and when Barty found out he and Evan had a screaming match in their dorm, and since then they’d been avoiding one another fully.
It was finally the weekend of Halloween, which meant a weekend of no homework and lots and lots of booze. Regulus thought his mother would have a heart attack if she knew about the things he and his friends got up to most years, which perhaps is the reason that Regulus had never erased his memory of the events, leaving them readily available for her if she chose to pick his mind.
This year, however, because of the fighting and such he had no plans with his friends. Barty said he was going to stay in all weekend and try to drink his sorrows away. Evan had vaguely mentioned something about him and his friends doing something small and that they weren’t invited. But Regulus had absolutely nothing, he didn’t want to stay with Barty because honestly spending Halloween throwing himself a pity party with drinks sounded very depressing. Obviously tagging along with Evan was out of the picture, not that Regulus wanted any part of their little club anyways. He thought about going up to his little tower, but then remembered some of the things that happened up there at night and decided against it.
He was picking at his breakfast and thinking to himself when the post came, he saw his family owl swoop down and drop off a few letters and the paper in front of his plate before going off. He was beginning to open something with his mother’s distinct signature on it before another owl came down, this one he did not recognize. He decided to save the letters from his mother for later and picked up the scarlet envelope, he broke open the silver seal and pulled out a delicate parchment with a messy cursive scrawl.
Dearest Regulus,
We would be honored to be graced with your presence on this beautiful night. Party starts at 10 tonight, I’ll meet you outside and get you in.
Yours,
J.P
P.S. - meet me out up in the off-limits tower after breakfast, I’ve got a proposal for you.
Regulus snickered after he read the whole thing and Barty looked up from his toast.
“Whos that from?”
“A friend,” regulus replied mysteriously, glancing over Barty’s shoulder to try and catch a glimpse of James.
“Give me that!” Barty laughed, snatching the parchment from Regulus.
“Hey give it!” regulus scolded, trying to grab it back. Evan sent a glare from down the table a few places.
“Holy shit! I was right!” He laughed triumphantly.
“No, you most certainly were not,” Regulus insisted. “We never had anything happen. We’re just sorta friends.”
“Who’s just a ‘sorta friend’?” Evan appeared over his shoulder.
“None of your business,” Regulus said very matter-of-factly. He took the letter back from Barty, who’d set it down and was now pretending to be busy eating his eggs. “Incendio.”
The letter crinkled and burned before being reduced to a pile of ash.
“Fine then,” he turned his nose up and turned away. “You should check your mail by the way. Heard you’d be getting something important from your mother.”
Regulus chewed his lip and returned to his food, annoyed beyond belief.
“Are you going to read it?” Barty asked after a minute of them staring at the letter and picking at their food.
“Nope,” he replied. “Well, at least not now. I’ve got places to be.”
…
“James?” Regulus ascended the last few stairs to the tower, finding it empty.
“Nope.”
Regulus jumped at the unexpected voice, “Who?”
A tall shadow came out from a nook in the wall and Regulus scrambled to grab his wand from his bag, accustomed to the attacks from the older Slytherins.
“Hello Regulus,” as the shadow came into the morning light Regulus let out a breath and straightened, tucking his wand back into his pocket.
“Lupin,” he nodded. “What do you want I’m meant to be meeting someone up here.”
“Yeah James said so,” the older boy said. “But he thought maybe you wouldn’t want to hear it from him. He’s with Sirius right now.”
“What's wrong with my brother?” Regulus asked, taking a step closer to Remus.
“Didn’t you get the letter this morning?” Regulus raised an eyebrow. Regulus thought back to breakfast and what Evan had said about reading the letter from his mother. He dug it out from his bag and ripped it open, Remus moved closer and read it over his shoulder.
Regulus,
After much consideration, we have decided that it is necessary for you to return home for the Winter Holiday, we’ve extended an invitation to your brother as well. It is well past the time for you to properly join the family as our heir. Your brother’s presence is necessary, and I will tell you now it will not be ideal for either of you to decide to pull a disappearing act. Your father and I will be waiting for you both at the station on December sixteenth, do try to be prompt. We’ve informed your brother that he will only be required to stay until December 20th, however it is expected that you will remain at home for the duration of the Holiday.
W.B
“Fuck,” Regulus couldn’t focus his eyes. “Fuck!”
“Woah calm down Regulus,” Lupin put his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “What does this even mean? Sirius wouldn’t explain.”
“It means that my family is officially disowning Sirius. And it means that I’m quite literally going to die over the break, I’ll come back of course but that’s the unimportant part. Typically it happens with you’re born but in the case of the eldest boy being disowned… fuck.”
“He doesn’t want you to go back,” Remus said after a minute. “He wants you to go and live with him at the Potters.”
“He’s being stupid,” Regulus scoffed. “If my mother loses both of her precious heirs then all hell will break loose.”
“Dumbledore would protect you, and so would the ministry,” Remus insisted.
“I wouldn’t matter, we’re underage and she is our mother.”
“Just talk to him okay?”
“I’ll try,” Regulus agreed. “Is the invitation for tonight still valid?”
“Oh yeah sure! I didn’t know James invited you,” Remus scratched his head. “But yes, Sirius wants to get drunk more than anything right now.”
“Great, I’ll be there tonight then.”
…
Regulus was late, really late. It was 11:15 by the time he got to the Gryffindor Tower. He had a bloody nose and felt like shit but the last thing he wanted to do was sit around and do nothing on Halloween. Much to his surprise, James was slumped up against the wall, still waiting.
“Oi, Potter!” he smiled, the prickling sensation crawling up his neck again.
“Reg! Oh, thank god Sirius is being an annoying prick!” He jumped up. He had on a pair of loose jeans and a loose red and gold striped button-down, which was mostly open, his hair was as messy as ever, and his stupid round glasses were glinting in the candlelight. “Is that blood?!”
“Oh shit yeah,” Regulus snapped out of his trance.
“What happened?” James met him halfway between where he’d been standing and the entrance of the Common room.
“Got angry at Evan and hit him once,” Regulus shrugged. “He hit back.”
“That prick,” James growled.
“It's fine, he needed to be knocked down a few pegs anyways,” of course he didn’t tell the whole truth to James. It was supposed to be a fun night. He’d gotten Evan to admit that he was writing letters to his mother telling her about everything Regulus was doing. Barty had to hold Regulus back from nearly killing him, Regulus didn't see a point in caring about his future or life anymore.
“Alright then…” James glanced at him with a worried glaze in his eyes. “Let's go in and get you all cleaned up then we can have some fun?”
Regulus nodded, James opened the portrait hole and Regulus’ head was filled with music. The room was packed, mostly Gryffindors but there were a few members from other houses scattered around. There was a huge banner across the room that read; HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIRIUS.
“Didn’t know this was for his birthday too,” regulus mused as he gazed around. James was leading him toward the back of the room.
“Yeah it's almost like your mother knew,” James groaned. “He was so excited too, now he’s being all moody and depressed. Won’t talk to anyone but Moony.”
“Moony?”
“Remus,” James clarified, taking him up the stairs to a big oak door. “Let me just make sure no one is in there okay?” Regulus nodded and James poked his head inside, there were no disturbing screams or yelling so Regulus assumed no one was hooking up in there. “Alright all clear.”
Regulus followed James inside, the room was small. Four poster beds were arranged in a circle, with Red and Gold curtains around each. The room was messy but it felt homey, trunks were open with cloaths, and belongings were strewn about the room.
“Sorry about the mess,” James laughed embarrassed. “Don’t think any of us were ready on time.”
“It's alright,” Regulus said quietly. “I think it's cozy.”
“It's much better than your dorm,” James laughed. “It was freezing in there.”
“I like the cold!” Regulus laughed, “Barty does too!”
“Alright alright if you say so,” James threw his hands up with a smirk plastered on his face. “Come on let's get your nose cleaned up.”
Regulus went into the bathroom with him as James made a damp towel and put a bit of cream on it. He dabbed it gently, wiping away the liquid, “There.”
“Thanks,” Regulus said, and they smiled at one another. “Let's go downstairs, I really need a drink.”
“After what Remus told me about the whole letter situation I think you need more than just one drink.”
“Haha very funny,” Regulus teased as they left the dorm. “But you’re correct. I do need more than one drink.”
“I’m quite sure we can make that happen,” James smirked.
…
The night was amazing, regulus had never felt so free, he was scared to have fun at first. Sticking close to James whenever possible, then once Sirius saw him his older brother made sure he was having a good time. By 1 AM Sirius was making him dance around to David Bowie and he was actually enjoying himself thoroughly. By 2 AM it was only him, James, Sirius, and Remus, left in the common room, Starman was playing softly on the record player, and Remus was braiding Sirius’ hair and smoking. James was lying upside down in an armchair, he was very very high, and Regulus was laying on the floor with his head next to James.
“I’m glad you came Reg,” Sirius whispered, his voice hoarse from yelling and laughing all night.
“I am too,” he sighed. “I don’t know what's going to happen after Christmas, so I guess I thought I should just try and do as much as I can.”
“Don’t think like that,” Sirius sat up straighter. “You don’t even have to go back! Just come to James’ house, they know people who can protect you.”
“Sirius you know that's unrealistic,” Regulus smiled lightly. “It's easier to accept it than to fight it.”
“I hate being realistic,” he huffed. Laying his head back into Remus’ lap, he thought he was being all discreet with the affection and the little kisses but Regulus could’ve seen them a mile away. He was surprised that they were dating but didn’t say anything.
“Fuck being realistic,” James sat up and wrapped his arms around Sirius. “Let's just live in our own little world for a while. Be happy.”
“I like that,” Remus yawned.
“Lightweight,” Sirius teased.
“I could outdrink you all night,” Remus poked him. “I’m just sleepy.”
“Go up if you’re tired,” Sirius said gently, lifting his head up.
“Nah, Pete’s up there with some girl,” James reminded them. “Let's just camp out down here tonight.”
“Alrighty,” Sirius smirked and grabbed a blanket, jumping up on the couch next to Remus. “I call dips.”
“Alright,” James shrugged. “Reg and I can take the other one.”
Regulus’ eyes widened, he and James? Oh hell no. “I should probably head back, Barty and Evan will wonder.”
“Let them,” James pulled him back down as he tried to get up. “It's just one night.”
“Absolutely no dating my baby brother,” Sirius mumbled from where he lay with his face buried in Remus’ collarbone.
“Wouldn’t dream of it!” James reassured him, grabbing a pile of covers and pillows from the basket in the corner. “You said you wanted to live a little right?”
Regulus nodded.
“Then stay,” James said softly. “It’ll be fun.”
Regulus thought for a moment as James settled into his spot on the couch, making a space for Regulus to settle into. It was one night. What harm could one night do?
He got up and crawled into the pile of blankets next to James’ body. It was cozy, and he felt safe. James’ breathing was steady, and Regulus could tell when he’d fallen asleep, his breaths were very slow and rhythmic as his body pressed up against his with each inhale. Sirius was snoring softly from across the room, and Regulus closed his eyes. The soft glow of fairy lights provided a very warm environment, and the last thing Regulus could remember before he fell asleep was laying his head in the crook of James’ neck and listening to his heartbeat as he drifted off.