incipience
Sheila take a, Sheila take a bow
Boot the grime of this world in the crotch, dear
And don't go home tonight
Come out and find the one that you love
And who loves you
The one that you love and who loves you
James Potter woke up extra early on Thursday, earlier than usual. He had an outfit planned in mind, something cool that would work for meeting Regulus, but both the shirt and the pants for it were at Euphemia. He didn't even bother to eat breakfast, he just chugged down a cup of coffee and sprinted out the door to his childhood home. He knocked so harshly on the door it nearly broke down, luckily his dad opened it just in time.
“James! What are you doing here this early? It's 6:30 in the morning!”
“I need my laundry, have you done it yet?” James ran inside, trying to find his way around the big house.
“Oh dear, I haven't seen you this eager to find something to wear since your first date with Lily! Something similar I assume?” Euphemia said, coming out of the kitchen with the newspaper in her hands.
“Er..no, it's not a date mum. Just going out with friends that's all” James said, still trying to find the laundry room.
“And you expect us to believe that?” Fleamont said, handing James his clothes.
“Oh my God thank you! Okay I've gotta run, see you guys later!” Prongs rushed out the door, with his mum and dad following him out the garden.
“Bye James! Tell us who the lucky girl is sometime over tea okay? Can't wait” Euphemia teased.
James stopped listening to what his parents had to say and rushed back home, carrying a small bag of clothes in his hand. The outfit he planned was fairly simple, the nicest cashmere shirt he owned, it was sort of off-white with a turtleneck, James’ favourite, and a gray (or black?) pair of jeans. Over that he would wear his leather jacket, since it's not too cold and not too warm outside either and he would finish with the nice watch Fleamont gifted him for his 14th birthday. Now, having the outfit planned out James had to figure out what to do with the remaining three hours until he could start getting ready. At first he considered starting to edit the second chapter of Evans book, but he figured it was too early for that. He landed on watching a movie, and he found a pretty cool one a few days ago while scrolling on insta. Given his newfound interest in ballet, James decided he would watch Black Swan . He heard about this movie before, about how it's such a masterpiece, but he never really bothered to watch it because it wasn't directed by Wes Anderson, who is his favourite movie director of all time.
James made himself some tea and sat down in the living room, covered in a blanket, ready to watch the movie. At first he found it rather confusing, not being able to distinguish some of the characters. Soon enough he thought it was pretty similar to Evans book…the environment, everyone's greed and constant desire to be perfect, it all made sense. He was a bit shocked by how the characters had to literally sleep with the director in order to get a certain role, but he assumed it was just to make the movie a bit better. There were a few things he couldn't really grasp but at the same time James Potter wasn't the type of person to watch a movie only once, he believed that the first time was to get used to the atmosphere, the second watch was for understanding the characters and the third was to understand the movie as a whole. What he did like about Black Swan though was the ending, heartbreaking, sort of a cliffhanger and also bittersweet. Just like the last line of the movie, all that James had to say about it was that it was perfect! He understood why it was considered a cinematic masterpiece, it combined the need for perfection with mental illness and beauty perfectly. After he finished doing a bit of research about the cast Prongs decided to text Regulus before starting to get ready.
Are you still up for lunch or should I assume you turned me down?
1PM, that's what I said. I stand by my word. See you there James!!
See you!
That was all James needed to begin getting ready. The restaurant wasn't too far from him, it was somewhere near the Royal Ballet (he figured that's exactly why Regulus picked it) but James still needed a bit of time to walk there.
He took a really short shower, just enough to freshen up a bit, then he got dressed. In his very unbiased opinion, James considered his outfit looked even better on him than he imagined. He ran his hands through his wild hair, which he inherited from his dad , and sprayed on a bit of his favourite cologne, the Replica, By the Fireplace from Maison Margiela. He liked to wear it for every outing, given how little he leaves the house in some days. Just before leaving the house he grabbed his tote bag with his wallet and keys and his phone. He zipped up his jacket, not fully though. Prongs stepped out the door, fully confident in the outfit he had picked out and he began walking towards the brunch place Regulus picked out.
He arrived a bit earlier then he would have liked, James had always been the if i'm not perfectly on time i might as well not go type. He texted Regulus, to let him know he was waiting:
Got here a bit early, the place looks really nice. Secured us a spot by the window! he wrote.
I'm almost there! Don't order yet!!
James answered a few more texts while waiting for Regulus, who arrived at exactly 1PM. As he walked through the door his dark curls framed his face beautifully, he was wearing a pair of black docs and some baggy black jeans (apparently he and James were matching today) with a white silky button-up that covered his chest really nicely. He had a few necklaces and rings, all silver (James made sure to remember that). Regulus looked around, searching for Prongs, only to smile and run towards the table he was sitting at.
“Hey there!” Regulus said a bit shyly “Sorry I'm late!”
“Late? No look, you're perfectly on time! I was too early.” James said, showing him his watch. “C'mon take a seat we have plenty to talk about!”
“Do we? I haven't thought of anything. I'm just happy to get out of the studio for something other than drinks” Regulus said with a cocky smile, waiting to see what James wanted to ask.
“Lets order first. I didn't eat breakfast and I'm starving! I want fries, all I can think about is potatoes right now.” James said, reading the menu.
“Oh um, I won't eat. I'll just get some iced tea or something, I've been craving one!” Regulus said, fidgeting with one of his rings.
“Well it's my treat to suit yourself! James said, pointing to his wallet to make sure Regulus got the idea. “So! How have you been? I have so many questions!! God I'm so glad we get to talk again you have no idea! Don't get me wrong I love Sirius but I just really missed hanging out with you!” James said, trying to sound as sincere as possible.
“Well y'know, ballet has its ups and downs–I'm good overall though! You can ask me something more specific I won't mind!”Regulus said, still fidgeting with his ring.
“Well for starters, is green still your favourite color? Do you still like Arctic Monkeys and The Smiths? What is your favourite barre exercise, cause I really like Rond de Jambe!! Oh and what's your favourite food and drink!” James asked, not knowing where all of these questions were coming from.
“Well yes I still love green and The Smiths, Arctic Monkeys too but I like The Smiths better, oh and I've been listening to a lot of Mitski lately! You might not know her though she's really not your style. My favourite part of barre is definitely Fondu and my favourite drink is lychee flavoured tea, not sure about food though.” he answered, taking a bit of time to think. “What about you? You were so all over the place when you were little I hardly remember what you like!” Regulus asked.
“Well I love The Beach Boys and Abba, my favourite colour is red, it has always been the best, my favourite food is definitely the muffins I make and my favourite drink is Pepsi!” James answered without even taking a breath.
“Oh my god you haven't changed one bit! What about your favourite animal? I'm sure you know I really like snakes but I recently discovered snow leopards and I love them so much! They are smart and strategic but also incredibly adorable!” Regulus said.”
“Hm…tough one! I like golden retrievers I suppose, oh and ostriches, they're very funny!” James stopped to giggle at the thought “I know I said this already but im really glad we get to be friends again Regulus! I really missed you!” Prongs said, thinking about how they used to spend time together all the time.
“Yeah me too, to be honest James I always wished we could be more-”
“Hello lads, may I take your order?” A man interrupted.
“HI! I'd like a portion of your loaded fries and a lemonade with ginger please!” James said, turning to Regulus to see what he will get.
“Yeah um, lychee iced tea for me, thanks!” Regulus suddenly seemed a bit sad, James couldn't quite figure out why.
“Would you like lemon with that?”
“No, I'm okay.” he said.
It was quiet for a moment, just a small insignificant moment for many, but James felt how upset Regulus was. He wanted to ask but decided to avoid the subject, just in case it was something delicate.
“So…how come you stuck with ballet? I thought Walburga was completely against it.” James asked, slowly trying to debunk what happened in the Black Family the night Sirius ended up on his porch.
“Ah so my brother didn't tell you? I suppose it's best if you ask him then. I might tell you but I can't yet. I'm surprised he let you continue the lessons, that's if of course you told him.”
“Oh, yes I did tell him. He wasn't exactly thrilled but our rulebook for the dares said it had to continue, and to be honest I'm glad. I really like ballet.” James wanted to tell Regulus everything, to make sure he would avoid any sort of misunderstandings that could happen in the future.
“Look, I'm technically not supposed to tell you this but sometime during June the Royal Ballet will have me pick out a few people from the class for an audition. The company needs a bit more dancers and if any of you actually show interest I'm supposed to let you audition for the ensemble. You won't be paid for it like we are, obviously, but you will get to dance. I want to help you catch the directors eye, maybe get a slightly good role in the show. What do you say?” Regulus whispered from across the table, leaning in.
James needed a few moments to process what was happening. If he worked hard he could actually dance on stage. Meaning he is not too old to try. He could feel the happiness bubble inside him with every word Regulus spoke. He was determined to try more than ever.
“Yes! Absolutely! Oh my I wouldn't miss this opportunity for nothing in the world! You tell me what I need to do and I'll do it!”
“Okay, let me tell you what I have been thinking of. At the start of autumn the company will be doing Don Quixote, it's a pretty famous ballet and it has a lot of characters and scenes. I looked for some characters that you could audition for that wouldn't have too much time on the stage, to maybe let the director consider it. There's a scene at some point with a sort of gipsy dance, I can't really describe it to you. Well, there's this sort of Gypsy Chief and the variation is pretty suited for you, he turns a lot, jumps every once in a while and the music is quick and energetic. It's also not too long, only two minutes. Look, let me find it on my phone,” he said while opening up youtube." This is the version from the Paris Opera, it's the only one I have recorded right now.” Regulus handed James the phone and they sat in silence while he watched the variation. It was pretty incredible how a human could jump that high, while also embodying a character. James was thrilled with the idea and the variation itself was super fun! There would be others dancing around him, so he wouldn't be completely alone, and it had the elements Regulus said he was best at.
“Oh my God I love it! Sure, absolutely I'd love to try! But like, why me? Why didn't you pick anyone else and why is the Royal Ballet letting us audition? I'm sure there are countless dancers out there who are way better than us.” James said, smiling.
“Well, not many people come to see ballet regularly nowadays, but the shows still have to remain spectacular. For them to do that the company needs a lot of people, sadly a lot of people means a lot of money, which they don't have. Since they can't pay actual dancers, who will be demanding it, they're letting you try. I think it's a pretty good opportunity. Also I picked you because well, everyone else in the class besides maybe Alice isn't good at all, you have some sort of natural talent for everything I suppose. Not only that but I can see that you're trying, James. It'll also be a great opportunity for us to spend a bit of time together.” he paused for a second, thinking about what to say next. “Okay now listen, there's no other way for you to be able to get picked for this role unless you start practicing more, I was thinking, if it's okay with you of course, you could join me two hours before class, to really practice. I get a few hours of studio time everyday and sometimes I just end up sitting around because I'm too tired from other rehearsals. I could use that time teaching you.” Regulus said.
“Yes! Yes of course! I'm always so bored I have nothing to do, this is perfect!” the average person would be able to sense how happy James is from miles away. “So, do we start on Friday? Do I meet you in that room you showed me? I can't wait!”
“Yes, yes we can start Friday. Also, is it okay if we set up one more day? Monday maybe? Depends when you're free.”
“Yes! Monday is great! I'm so excited!” James was listening to every word Regulus said, making sure to remember every little detail.
“Okay then, on Fridays, except this one, we will be working on the variation itself. On Mondays and Wednesday I'll be teaching you necessary terminology and moves.”
They finished discussing the important stuff just on time for the food to arrive. James began eating, and he could feel Regulus eyeing him. Just then something clicked inside Prongs’ head. Regulus was not letting himself eat to lose weight. He could feel it, that sort of miserable mood everyone is in when they're hungry. Regulus was feeling that right now. James intentionally ate less than he would have, hoping that Regulus would finish, or at least try, some of his fries. He didn't know much about eating disorders or how to act around those who had them, James just hoped what he was doing was right and not triggering for Regulus.
“Gee I'm full, here you should have some, they were really good!” James said, pushing the plate towards Regulus.
“Oh I really shouldn't, my teacher will be pissed if I put on any more weight.”
“Pfft right like anyone will notice. A few grams of fries won't make you gain weight, especially with how active you are. For all its worth, I think they will give you just enough energy to dance as well as you can!” James really hoped he was saying the right thing.
“I mean, I would be lying if I said I'm not hungry…fine, I'll try some. I only have rehearsal on my own today so no one will notice.”
“That's more like it!” James smiled, still worried. “Don't force yourself just because I asked, though, do what you feel is right.” he added.
“I'm okay, thanks for thinking about me though.” Regulus smiled, looking down at the food, sort of embarrassed to be eating in front of James.
“Ugh I love this tea, it's my guilty pleasure.” Regulus said while finishing the big glass of lychee ice tea that he ordered.
“Get another one, might as well enjoy yourself fully today.” James encouraged him.
“Hmm no, if I drink it too often it won't be as good!” Regulus tried to assure James that everything was okay.
After chatting about nonsense for a bit longer James paid, and they left. For a little while they got to walk together, until they had to split up for Regulus to go back to the theatre. James noticed he was trembling.
“Do you want my jacket? I live like three streets away. I'll get there quickly, the ballet is a bit far, don't want you to freeze on your way there.” he said with genuine sincerity.
“Oh no dont worry about it,i'll be okay.” Regulus tried to seem unbothered by how cold it was outside but it wasn't really working. The button up he had on was really thin.
“Here” James said, handing him his leather jacket. “My shirt is pretty thick. I'll be okay, go off now. See you tomorrow!”
Regulus looked pretty stunned by what just happened, so he just murmured a response and ran off quickly, putting on James’ jacket.
Prongs walked home at a steady pace, being surprisingly warm given his outfit. He walked up the stairs to his apartment, feeling very good. The idea of him performing on stage one day made him want to train even harder now. He went inside, ignoring the random messages he kept getting assuming it was his clients responding and he laid out a yoga mat to stretch. While sitting in the splits for a while (sitting was an overestimate) his phone kept buzzing more and more, he assumed it was his friends spamming on the group chat so he had to see what's up. He opened up the group only to find a picture of Remus holding his hand up, grinning, with some beach in the background. Oh and he had a ring! A ring! It was captioned: guess who just proposed to me!
James was even happier now! Sirius and Remus had been a thing since their second year of highschool, they had a sort of special chemical bond between them that no one else ever had. And now they are getting married! He continued to read the rest of the texts:
Oh my God where are you guys? Lily was the first to respond
Well- I passed this really hard literature exam and mentioned how I really needed a break. Sirius said it was a good idea and asked where I wanted to go. I joked around with Italy but he actually took me seriously! We just left like that, I think it was pretty impulsive on his side! Remus texted.
Showing everyone how great I am Moony? Well you guys i'm sorry for not having all of you here (especially you James I know you're mad) but I just thought it would be the perfect moment and I had the rings for quite some time! Sirius also sent a picture of his hand with the ring on, making sure to brag about it as much as possible. It was silver, with a nice white gemstone on it. Not too tacky but not too plain either. It suited them as a couple perfectly.
So…when are you guys coming back? We need to celebrate as a group, take you out drinking or something I don't know. We haven't been out to the club in a while anyway! Marlene wrote, typical.
Soon! Three days give or take! We also want to be there with you, believe me!
Will one of you wear white at the wedding and the other black or will you both wear the usual suit? I need to know! Dorcas asked.
Hm, not sure. We might not do all of that fancy crap. Remus responded.
Now it was James’ turn to write something:
So like…when is the ceremony? Who else knows? Congratulations? Please come back already. I have so much to say and ask and do and I'm so overwhelmed I would have never expected this!
James only told the truth. He was so incredibly happy for them and it wasn't something he could express over text, so he did what any other respectable best-friend would do and sent Sirius a text in private:
Can I call you? Now or later whenever you're free? It's weird to congratulate you over text.
Instead of responding Sirius just ended up facetiming James, who answered the call grinning from ear to ear.
“Hi Prongs! Look at how pretty my ring is, see? I'm going to rub this in everyone's faces until they mentally can't stand me anymore! I'm so excited!” Remus said, his face getting all close to the camera holding the ring up to it.
“Okay James let's hear it, what do you have to tell us hm? Not objecting to our sudden marriage are you now?” Sirius asked.
“Okay first, do I get to be your best man? Second, where do you plan on doing the ceremony, third, what extremely weird wedding gift do you want because I have a very long list forming in my head and it keeps on getting longer and it won't stop until I buy something!” He spoke quickly, words spilling out of him because of how excited he was.
“Um of course you'll be my best man?!?! And the rest will be decided later, anyway I've got to go now Remus promised me something and I just can't miss out on it!” Sirius said, giving James a wink to make him understand what he really meant.
“Oh my god you act like he doesn't know what you mean! We're having sex James!! I'm not afraid to say it like Sirius is for some reason” Remus said, giggling at the camera and sticking his tongue out playfully.
“Okay okay, I'll let you have your fun! Call me when you're on your way back!”
He hung up the call and laid out on the floor to really think about everything that was happening.
Sirius and Remus are currently shagging, soon to be married.. He and Regulus are starting to talk again and there's a chance that James will be able to actually perform at the Royal Ballet in September. Time was moving slowly but also extremely fast at the same time, James felt as if he was back in his first years of highschool, when everyone was happy and the best version of themselves.
It felt like they all got to start over, to begin their lives again, from scratch.