The Plan
3rd September 1977, The Hogwarts Express
The Hogwarts Express was bustling as always, loud and joyous. Compartment after compartment filled with old friends reuniting after a full summer apart, and new students, feeling out of their depth as they meet new people, or search for theirs that they already know. One compartment in particular, was filled with just such friends, in the same compartment that they had shared since their first year. Regulus had sat in their once, on his first train ride. It was his brother's request, of course, but- no. Now was not the time to think of such things. That was then and this is now.
As he approached the door, voices became discernible. There was the familiar laughter of none other than Sirius Black, amidst the incessant screeching of some girls. There was one more sound he recognised, a grating voice that made his ears want to bleed, annoying to the point it was almost unbearable. God that voice. James Potter.
As the compartment door slid open, the joyous bubbly air was soon replaced with a tense atmosphere, filled with worry and confusion. Though, what else could he have expected, as a Slytherin, in the marauders compartment?
On the left side, nearest the window, sat Lily Evans wearing muggle clothes, with Mary leaning on her shoulder. Peter was nearest the door, with Marlene between the two, head in her lap and legs in his. On the opposite side, Remus sat opposite Lily, reading a book, while James was opposite Peter. He sat with one leg on the chair, seemingly having been thoroughly invested in some Quidditch magazine before the intrusion. Between them, sprawled out as if he had no other care in the world was who he was searching for, Sirius.
Sirius looked up from where his head lay, in Remus' lap. They made eye contact, blue to blue.
"Brother"
"Reggie? What are you-"
"Give us the compartment"
James shot up, blocking Regulus' view of anything except him. How self-absorbed. James is the last thing he wants to look at.
"Are you stupid Potter? Get out of my way. I need to speak with him"
"We aren't going to just leave you two alone!"
"Do it."
James head whipped around to face Sirius, who was now sitting up, with a face more serious than the others had ever seen, dark and almost vacant. Slowly, the other abandoned the carriage, dispersing into the surrounding compartments, until only James remained.
"Don't do anything stupid" he muttered to his best friend, and then left.
Finally, just the two brothers.
"You've always been dramatic haven't you? Sit down then."
Regulus sighed and sat opposite, without breaking eye contact. "It's bullshit"
Sirius' eyes widened in confusion for a couple seconds, before he realised what it could be. Hope bubbled in his heart. Maybe. Just maybe.
"Everything we have ever been taught. Everything we learned. It is complete and utter Bullshit. Uncle Alphard? He was burned off the tapestry for being gay Sirius. He did not 'betray' the fucking family. He was banished because he is queer." He paused and sighed, the stress and strain evident on his face. He had obviously thought about this for quite a while. "They can't risk losing both heirs so I have decided, fuck them. I am going to live my life how I so please until I leave Hogwarts, to make sure that they will learn. I refuse to be married off. They- they can't marry me off just because I'm queer Sirius. I- they're our parents. I thought maybe it would-....but it's not. I refuse to do as they wish until they call off the betrothal." He took a deep breath then made eye contact with his brother, more determined than ever "I want them to suffer. They need to hurt how they- how they hurt us."
There was a tense silence for a while, pure ambition etched on Regulus' face, as Sirius stared at the ground, clearly taking it in, and processing. After a minute he looked up to meet his gaze, with a mischievous smile "Give 'em hell huh? So I'm guessing you want to be friends with me to piss them off?"
He nodded. "Best thing I can think of. I tolerate you, and pretend we get along, they accept that I refuse to get married to some woman that I have utterly no interest in"
Sirius chuckled and moved to sit next to his brother, an arm wrapping around his shoulder "Ah sweet brother of mine. They're going to give me hell for this as well you know. So here's the deal. You're gonna become part of the gang and you're going to like it. If I'm gonna deal with howlers from Mr and Mrs hellspawn, then I at least get to know you're suffering too. But hey, who knows? You might love my friends"
He rolled his eyes, annoyed. "Not likely but fine. This stays between us. Agreed?"
A nod, then a smile "Glad to have you back Reggie"
"Regulus"
"Reggie"
"Suffer to the end of the word you impotent fool"
He laughed, and soon the others returned, noticeably wary that Regulus Black now sat on the right hand side, nearest the door, full absorbed in a book, with a face which displayed no hint of what just took place. Everyone returned to their previous seat, except for one, who simply stared down at the younger Slytherin.
"You're in my seat"
"Observant aren't you?" Sarcasm and annoyance dripped in his voice.
"Could you move? Please?"
"Sit on the floor."
"I-" Though grumbling, he did just that, directly in front of Regulus, before picking his magazine back up.
After a few minutes the air cleared considerably, and the others began laughing and smiling again, seemingly ignoring his presence there. Good, he thought. Maybe this won't be so bad. He can spend time with his friends when he wants, and to annoy his parents, read while Sirius' friends act as utter idiots together. Perfect. He had absolutely no desire to interact with them in the slightest.
"Hey you play Quidditch too right? Aren't you a seeker?"
"don't speak to me"
"oh come onnn. I gave you my seat, the least you could do is have a conversation with me. I thought you liked Quidditch baby Black!"
"your voice is a nuisance, I only want to read in peace. If you wish to be such an idiot, do it with my imbecile of a brother."
His voice is nothing but a hindrance, a grating squabble. The last thing that Regulus wished to hear. But really? Honestly? It was annoying because it purely wasn't. Everything other than that, really. It was smooth, soft yet deep. Comforting. It was infuriating really, the way his body reacted inside without his consent. He did not wish to feel this. The weirdly comforting flutter in his stomach, the way the corners of his mouth threatened to twitch into a smile with his words. He refused. Regulus refused to feel things such as this. Yet, he just kept talking. He couldn't complain really, he didn't mind the sound. As long as he did not have to feign interest in his words, and could simply listen to the voice in the background as he enjoyed the noise in the background. It was comforting really, he didn't mind it. Though, he would rather jump in the great lake than say that outloud. Especially to James.
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3rd September 1977, After the Welcome Feast
Regulus was glad to be around his real friends again, Evan and Barty were very much a sight for sore eyes. After spending near the entire train ride surrounded by Sirius, James and the others, he was happy that he was with people that didn't annoy him.....as much.
"Come on come on it's true! I swear it! Every single one of them"
"No one likes you that much Barty"
"It's nothing to do with liking me, it's liking my cock"
Regulus rolled his eyes "Not everyone wants to climb into bed with you Crouch"
He smirked and laughed a bit "Nah, some climb into broom cupboards"
Evan made a sound as if he was going to throw up, then sighed "Do you think with nothing but your cock?"
Barty looked as though he was thinking for a second then laughed and shook his head "Nah. What? You jealous Rosier?"
"Never in a million years"
The three began laughing as they made the turn to head for the Dungeons, planning to meet up with Dorcas and Pandora in the common room, then suddenly something appeared before them.
"What the-?! Oh. It's you Potter. What the fuck do you want?"
The bespectacled boy beamed back, more happy than anyone should be. Ever.
"Sirius wants lil ol' Reggie to come to the tower for a while"
"No."
Barty and Evan turned to each other, then turned back with a smile before pushing Regulus forward, causing him to collide with James' chest. Fuck. It's firm.
"Have him home at a reasonable hour!" they beamed before sauntering off
"I hate you both."
"You love us!" Barty shouted back before disappearing down the corridor.
James then smiled down at Regulus, who hadn't moved back after the collision.
"Comfy? Come on then, let's go"
Regulus wished for nothing more than the ground to swallow him whole. He didn't even want to move. Not at all because he enjoyed being this close to James' chest. His strong and very muscular chest. Or that he could smell his body wash which filled his nostrils in the best way. Or that James actually stopped him from falling and now had both his hands holding onto Regulus' wrists. His very strong hands that have such a strong grip from all his time playing Quidditch. He wonders if maybe his thighs would be like. They would probably have to be strong too. The things they could...NO. Regulus leaped back and stared daggers at James. Bloody hell. What the hell is happening too him.
"Lets just go before I change my mind Potter"
"James" He corrected before beginning to lead Regulus up to Gryffindor tower, only removing one hand from his wrist. Fucking hell.
Holy thoughts. Holy thoughts. Normal, straight holy thoughts. Merlin's sake. Maybe the deal with Sirius wouldn't be so terrible. James isn't such a complete eyesore. He's much better silent. Plus...those hands. Those fucking hands. The...everything. What in the name of Salazar is happening to him. He doesn't usually think stuff like this.
Soon enough the two of them made it to the tower, and after James gave the fat lady the password so she would let them in and they entered the common room, someone was rushing towards him and he suddenly fell backwards onto James. Could life get ANY worse. When his eyes adjusted to the lighting he realised exactly who was on top on him. His idiot brother.
"I will give you five seconds to get off of me before I rip you limb from limb"
"I'm your brother! You wouldn't do that!"
"would you like to test me."
"...I'll get up now" He did, and then offered a hand and pulled Regulus up, then James after that. "was I abducted by your dim-witted friend just to be assaulted by you?"
"actually I wanted to spend time with my dear little brother. Also what would piss off our parents more than knowing their sweet little snake was hanging out with the lions. That's bound to get some reaction"
Regulus considered it for a second then nodded and sighed "suppose I'm stuck here then. I'm going to play chess" He walked over to the board, crossed his arms and stared at the two seconds years playing. "scram." He sat on the black side of the board then looked towards Sirius and James "okay so who am I going to destroy?"
The pair looked and motioned between the two then James sighed and sat down opposite Regulus. "Sirius has told me before how ruthless you are" he made the cutest face he could muster "go easy on me?" Regulus scoffed "not a chance."
Sirius, as dramatic as ever, flopped down on the sofa and looked at James "you have no chance. I was once almost sent to St fucking Mungo's cause of him. Don't ever try to beat me"
Regulus rolled his eyes and brushed Sirius off "that was your own fault, and I was nine" He turned and made eye contact with James, a burning passion and challenge in his eyes "don't you dare try and go easy on me. Don't. You. Dare."
James gulped and nodded. "Yes. Okay. Yep yup definitely got it."
As the two played, the rest of Sirius' group began to settle in around them and began chatting. He began honestly thinking that this wasn't actually that bad. Well until he beat James. Twice. Yet the daft sod kept wanting to verse him again. They got to their sixth game until Sirius made them call it quits, since Regulus had began drifting off.
"I'm gonna leave him to you. Use your cloak to get him back to his dorm okay?" James nodded before standing up and going over to Regulus.
"Hey.. Reggie? Reg? Regulus? Come on... it's time to go back to your dorm" Regulus grumbled and swatted James away while yawning. He knew this was hardly becoming of the Black heir but honestly he was way too goddamn tired to deal with getting down the moving stairs and all the way to the dungeons. At first, he didn't even notice himself falling into James as he fell into sleep. "later..." He mumbled before completely falling asleep.
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4th September 1977
Regulus wasn't entirely sure what time it was when he woke up, it wasn't exactly light yet but it wasn't dark. It took him a couple minutes for his eyes and brain to adjust and then he realised. Fuck. Shit. Fucking holy shit. Why was everything red? Oh. Oh. He fell asleep in Gryffindor common room. He sat up and then realised something much... much worse. There, beside him, looking more perfect than anyone has any fucking right too while asleep, mouth hanging half open and glasses fallen down his face, was James Potter. Had he stayed there? With Regulus? All night? Fuck. No. No he could NOT do this. He stood up, made sure he had everything, put his tie on, then hurried out of the portrait hole.
As he made it to the main floor of the castle he saw some people filing in for breakfast and decided that he might as well just go into the main hall and find either Evan or Barty. He could always drown his weird feelings of his sleeping situation with pumpkin juice and sausages. As he made his way towards their usual spot he saw a smug look on Evan's face, and Barty looked thoroughly amused. He grumbled and sat opposite the two
"What broke your faces? What happened?"
Barty laughed and smirked at him "had a nice night huh?"
Regulus rolled his eyes "no."
"Not a good shag huh? I thought Potter would've been good in bed"
He spat out his pumpkin juice and coughed "what?! I didn't shag Potter!"
Evan laughed and nodded "mhm that's why he just walked in wearing a Slytherin tie and you have a Gryffindor one one"
They all look towards the doors and Regulus kicked himself internally. Not only was Evan right but also James kind of looked good. God he must have only just woken up and he looks like that? The world truly has favourites and it's him. He stood up, more awake and determined than he was before "give me a minute"
He walked over to the Gryffindor table and stood behind James with his arms crossed, a blank, threatening look on his face which caused the other around him to shut up. James turned around to face him and his eyes widened in shock. Good. What the fuck was he thinking last night?
Regulus grabbed James' -his- tie and yanked it, causing the two to become very close, lips almost touching.
"you have something of mine" he said slowly, before undoing the tie himself, smirking down at James, not moving away. He took the Gryffindor one off himself, put it on James and tied it, before straightening up and putting his own Slytherin tie on. The whole time, James' face was just becoming redder and redder. Happy, he nodded and walked back to his friends, leaving James stunned. Good. That's what he gets for cuddling Regulus all night.
The rest of breakfast was mostly uneventful, he glared at Barty and Evan as soon as he got back to the table so they knew better than to say anything, even when Dorcas and Pandora joined them. After a while it dawned on on Regulus that he had nothing for class because of what happened with Potter last night, so he began exiting the great hall, heading for the dungeons when he walked directly into someone.
"oh fuck. Watch out you-"
"We have to stop meeting like this dear"
James seemed utterly amused, damn. Regulus preferred when he was awkward and silent and blushing. It made Regulus feel less weak, but now he felt so goddamn weirdly vulnerable. What was this? This was so annoying. How come he could pull James in by his tie with a straight face, but couldn't look at him after being called 'dear'. You know what? No. He was not going to be the embarrassed one. If Potter wanted to joke then he would push it. James should be the blushing one with feelings, not Regulus. Plus he would undoubtedly tell Sirius and that will be funny later.
Regulus grabbed hold of James' tie and took a big step back, pushing his back against the wall and forcing James to be practically pinning him the wall. He was shocked. Good.
"It's nice to see you wearing your own tie. Potter" he purposely enunciated each syllable in the word and he was glad he did. Potter began blushing and couldn't reply, just kept staring down at Regulus' lips.
Oh? Now he was moving closer. Did he really think it would be that easy? Ha.
Regulus leaned in too, until their lips were brushing then suddenly ducked and let James kiss the wall. He jumped back, stunned and stared at Regulus is both disbelief and disappointment.
"needy are you Potter? Honestly, did you really think I was that easy?"
He whined. Fucking whined. God, could he get anymore- just. Fuck.
"Can I please kiss you Regulus?"
What was that man thinking? What was he thinking? Oh. Fuck it. He rolled his eyes, grabbed onto the other's tie for the third time and kissed him. It was.... indescribable. Something in the back of his mind melted a little and he felt good. No. He couldn't melt. He wouldn't allow himself but, but maybe he could use this. Yes. It would be perfect. His parents had went mad when Sirius became friends with James, and hated that he was gay. What more could he do to piss them off than combine the two? He didn't have to fucking date James or anything, just let people get the impression that they were more than friends.
Play the game or the game plays you, as he's always said.
Little did he know, that he was only playing himself. Well, it would be fun either way.