Enchanted To Meet You

“James?” Sirius was a mere silhouette now as James caught up to him, slapping him on the back as he approached.

“Yeah, it’s me.” 

“I’ve been looking for you for ages, where’ve you been? ” Sirius scanned him with a raised eyebrow, “You’re acting awfully chipper.”

“Aren’t I always?” He smiled as fresh images of Regulus still burned in the back of his mind.

“Alright nevermind, I don’t even want to know, but we need to find Pete. Unless he was with you, he’s nowhere to be found.” He dismissed, waving his hands in the air.

“He’s not back yet?” 

Sirius just shrugged. “I don’t know, I thought you would know. I was talking to Andy.” 

“I bet he’s probably on his way back now.” James assured.

The walk back to the house seemed much longer than he recalled getting out there and it took him and Sirius a few wrong turns to finally find the path again. Without Regulus, the bushes became a maze and the trees seemed a bit darker, and although Sirius also knew his way around (sort of), James couldn’t shake the feeling that he was lost. 

Following Regulus had been so easy, like second nature, he thought while rubbing the side of his neck where Regulus’ lips had been not too long ago. He smiled to himself again, playing it off as Sirius made another snide comment about the fountains or something.

They chatted back and forth about nothing in particular. Mostly just Sirius complaining about how miserable everything was (rightfully so) and James agreeing with him, letting Sirius rant to him the entire way back, ranging from his shit parents to how the decor placements were elitist and mocking. Then coming up with plots and pranks on the wildest ways to piss off his parents. James wasn’t against doing any of them. 

“This stupid party is so fucking pretentious.” Sirius groaned as they neared the door. James had been aiming to go back around to the front where he’d left but Sirius insisted that the backdoor was the safer option. ( “In short, this is the door they use for things they’re ashamed of. So, naturally it’s used quite a bit,” He’d said ). 

When they rejoined the party after some time, they were greeted by Andromeda who waited for them by the archway. The room seemed to be fuller than James remembered and the noises so much louder. 

“Oh, there you two are.” She sighed in relief, “Not planning something, are you? Actually no, I don’t care- don’t tell me. Please, carry on.” 

Sirius laughed heatedly and leaned against James, wrapping an arm to hang over his shoulders. He said something back to Andromeda and laughed again but James didn’t catch what it was. He was rather preoccupied with scanning the crowd for- for-

Barty Crouch Jr. was hunching over an elegantly detailed chaise lounge that grew in the back and curled at one end into a rolled arm. Below him, sitting contently on the lounge, was Pandora and in the lap of her blush pink gown laid Regulus, sprawled out with one leg swung over Evan Rosier. 

He looked disgustingly expensive in the best way possible. His lilac tie was loosened (again) and a thin line of light purple silk hung over his shoulders. He looked surprisingly relaxed and Evan was sipping a glass of- something- on the other end of him, which he downed the last of and had replaced with a fresh one. He swirled it once then offered it to Barty. 

Barty, who took the glass gratefully, had brown hair and light eyes that were not nearly as sharp as Regulus or Sirius’ but striking nonetheless. He was wearing a dark suit jacket that had silver curling details in the cuffs and down the seams. He looked good, James wasn’t blind, he could admit that, even if something about it made James a little green and uneasy. It really shouldn’t have and he knew that, but it still did. 

Evan, fitting the mood of the group, sat low in his seat, an arm draped over the back of the lounge and his legs lazily spread out to take up space. His mouth moved to say something to Barty, completely inaudible to James but they both looked flushed and quite pleased by it.

Barty looked at Evan as he sipped the glass’ rim like this was something they did often and continued to swap words with him that James couldn’t read.

James’ attention unsurprisingly slipped back to Regulus who was half-listening to something Pandora was saying, giving him a nudge with her knee whenever she felt like he wasn't paying attention. He wondered how Regulus could’ve gotten back so quickly but he didn’t question it, Regulus knew the garden well and he and Sirius had a tendency of losing track of time. 

Regulus said something now and it was a curse that James couldn’t be there to hear it. He motioned lazily with his hand to Pandora and she leaned in to hear him, then nodded her head when she came back up. Evan was still entranced by whatever Barty was on about, passing the glass back and forth between them. 

They were an interesting group of friends, not dislike James’ own small group, eye-catching and drawing you in, making you wish you were there with them. Everything about them was tinted with a specific hue of familiarity and secrecy. 

In the midst of watching Regulus speak softly to Pandora and admiring him from afar, he glanced back to Barty who had taken to tucking stray pieces of Pandora’s hair back into her updo, still trading comments with Evan. Before a minute was up, his head lifted and met James’ stare. Fuck. 

James didn’t look away, he just nodded ever so briefly and pressed a thin lipped smile. It was orderly and returned, though something dangerous in Crouch’s eyes glinted when he smiled.

He let his hands fall from Pandora’s hair to prop himself on the back of the lounge behind her. Slowly, he sank himself down and pressed the palm of his hand to his cheek, balancing on his elbow. His other arm melted down the backrest and around Pandora's shoulder, brushing along the cushion until his hand hung just in reach of Regulus. It must’ve been something well in character for him as Pandora didn’t seem to mind at all and more so, neither did Regulus. 

He played innocently with Regulus’ tie, twirling it and weaving it in between his fingers until Regulus idly brushed his hand away. Like a bug or a pest, James jeered inwardly as he brought himself to that self-assessed conclusion. In that same moment, Barty looked back up across the room to James. His face pulled up into a sly smirk as he blinked dumbly with high eyebrows, though clearly pleased with what he was doing and the reaction he was very successfully getting out of James. 

James felt something bitter pull at his chest. He tried to brush it off, dissuade the green feeling from eroding him entirely but to no use. In fact, it was eating up at him little by little, the compelling urge to rip off each and every one of Barty’s fingers for it. 

Barty glanced down again and James watched him drag his fingers up Regulus’ neck, completely harmless but for some reason that made it worse. He hooked a finger around Regulus’ chin and used his thumb to turn his head towards him, primarily playing with his face at this point, like a restless child. Regulus remained unbothered as he observed the crowd of people in front of him, allowing it. Allowing this to make James’ gut churn and his jaw tighten, even if he had no idea it was happening. Barty’s eyes flitted tauntingly through his eyelashes from across the crowd, as they bore into James’ again, sparkling and suggestive, only lasting a few seconds. 

When Barty turned back, he leaned down to say something to Regulus that got his attention and James almost wanted to audibly shush the crowd so he might hear. Regulus’ face turned upwards under the control of his friend’s hand. He looked tiredly limp with mindless godlike indifference and fucking hell, James couldn’t help to find it all miserably attractive. Regulus’ head leaned back again, finally pulling away from Barty’s grip, letting his neck mould into the arc of Pandora’s leg. He rolled his head from side to side without any real reason until he turned just enough to look at James. 

Chills. Physical real life chills were sent down James’ neck and spine and arms but even then, he couldn’t look away, not now. Not when Regulus looked like that . James genuinely wondered how the entire world didn’t just fall face first at Regulus’ feet.

Like James already couldn’t get enough of him, Barty came to take him away again. He started saying something expressionally and then laughed like he'd just told a joke, falling a bit further forward which earned him a warning shove from Pandora who was seconds away from being crushed, motioning him away with her hands. Regulus readjusted his leg on Evan who was still watching Barty in amusement, then leaned over to shove him as well. He shoved back and Evan drank the rest of his glass without another offer. 

“James, hello? you still with us?” Sirius tapped his shoulder, trying to see where James had been staring at. He’d been trying to call his name for more than a few times, given the slightly irritated look etched in his brows. 

“Yeah, sorry, uh what was it?” James shook his head, returning to his friend.

“Andy was asking when would be a good time to visit her and Ted, if we wanted to.” He recited then carried on, “Which we do, want to, that is.”

“Oh yeah, honestly whenever. Next weekend alright?” He offered, slowly drifting back to find where Regulus and his friends sat.

“Yeah, sounds great.” Andromeda agreed, seemingly unbothered by his lack of attention unlike Sirius, “Will your parents be free then? I want to- actually,” She caught herself and looked from James to Sirius, “Can I actually talk to you and Regulus right now? And James, you're welcome to join as well.”

“Yeah, I’ll go find him.” Sirius nodded and put a hand on James’ shoulder to move past him, disappearing quickly into the crowd without preamble.

Oh Sirius, allow me, He’s just lounging on a seat with his horrid friend’s hand leeched all over his face, looking unnaturally and absolutely divine while at it . James thought and swallowed it down as he did.

“You and Regulus are getting along, then?” Andromeda piped. He’d forgotten she was still there for a moment. 

“Uh yeah.” James answered casually, trying very hard to keep his growing smile in check at the sound of his name, “Alright.”

“Alright.”

“The garden’s beautiful, hm?” She asked, leaning against the nearest pillar and folding her arms on top of one another and playing with the side details of her dress. 

James glanced up at her in shock, most likely overthinking this and trying to figure out where she was going with it. 

“I haven’t been out there in years but I imagine it’s still a sight?” She inquired, “I used to love the garden, it always smelled sweet from the roses and the air was fresh, hmm, and it does serve as a pretty good place to escape or get away, don’t you think? Nice and private.”

James didn’t respond but he nodded along in agreement, scanning the sea of people, hoping from head to head just for something to do. 

“Regulus loved the garden too, if I recall.” Andromeda stated, slowly and drawn out.

“Does he?” James looked at her, interested to know exactly what Regulus loves. 

“Mhm.” Her eyes searched his for a moment. Whether she found what she was looking for or not was beyond him.

“Here we are Andy, the Black family’s pride and joy.” Sirius came up behind James with Regulus in tow, under his arm. “I’m pride and he’s joy, obviously.” 

Regulus was not two feet away from James and yet for some reason, he still couldn’t accept that he was really standing here in front of him, again.

“Andy.” He greeted low and hugged his cousin, “Sorry I didn’t get a chance to see you properly before.”

“Don’t worry about it Reg, really.” She chuckled and held onto him lovingly, though looking directly at James while she spoke, “You were busy, I’m sure.”

Regulus pulled away from her and turned to the side, “James.”

“Hi.” James breathed, feeling warmth return to his face that he hadn’t noticed he was missing. James. How he loved the way Regulus said his name, hints of his french accent stringing together the letters. Regulus looked at him for a bit longer and then broke away and James felt so much further away from him when he did, like Regulus had pulled himself away and set a defining distance between them despite standing right in front of each other. Given in comparison, the last time they were together, he was kissing all the air out from James’ lungs but still.

“Now,” Sirius interrupted for the second time that night (not that he knew he had the first time), noticeably eyeing Andromeda’s untouched glass, “What do you have to tell us?” 

Sirius was officially cut off hours ago and he was as close to being sober as he could get right now, not that he was that wasted yet to begin with but still, sobriety on Sirius was a good thing, even if he disagreed. 

“Let's talk in the corridor, yeah?” She motioned and in the same movement, Sirius was already making his way there, dragging his brother with him, “James, you coming?”

“It’s alright,” He waved her to go on, “He’ll tell me after, anyway.” Andromeda chuckled lightly and had to agree. There was nothing Sirius Black and James Potter kept from each other. 

Well.

Except, now.

Except one thing.

One very key and important thing. James tried not to linger on it and watched Andromeda dip out into the hallway with her cousins.

A few moments later, James was almost toppled over by Sirius who threw his arms around him and exclaimed, “Prongs! Prongs! She’s pregnant!”. If the party wasn’t drowning him out, James was sure he would’ve lost his hearing. Maybe Regulus had been right about them being able to do that. Close behind him, Regulus followed, arms folded behind his back and watching James and his brother with a small smile, a faint raise of his eyebrow at the name Sirius had called him and a look that said, I told you so . 

“Wait really?” James’ eyes widened as Sirius peeled from him, looking to Regulus and then Andromeda who appeared beside him. “Are you really?”

“Yes!” She beamed. James’ mum had once mentioned something about pregnant people glowing but it never made sense until now. 

“Oh, that’s amazing!” He went forward to wrap her into a long hug. 

From what Sirius and Andromeda had both informed James, she’d never really wanted kids growing up, something about continuing the cycle? James didn’t fully understand it but Sirius understood it very very well, personally almost. She and Sirius had talked long hours about it before (among many other things), sometimes James was there and he listened and sometimes it was just late night phone calls seeping into early mornings to one another. Either way, whatever changed or whatever happened, all James knew was that now, Andromeda and Ted were having a kid and it was beyond brilliant.

“Ted and I talked about it for a long time and well, we’re going to do this and we’re going to do it right.” She said with a downwards smile, reaching an arm around Regulus and leaning out to squeeze Sirius by the hand. Andromeda and Ted would make beautiful parents, James knew that without a doubt. Hell, they were basically parents to them first, taking care of them all the way through school and always ready to pick them up or answer the phone at odd hours of the night, taking on the inclusion of James and Peter wholeheartedly.

Sirius wiped away a tear that wasn’t there and then exclaimed something suddenly in broken french. “What are you doing drinking! For fucks sake, Andy” He reached over Regulus to steal away Andromeda’s still full, completely untouched and ridiculously high-stemmed glass. 

She swatted him lightly on the arm, “I wasn’t! It’s for show, tu petite merde.” 

In turn, James swiftly took the glass from Sirius’ hand and placed it on a passing carrier tray with impeccable timing, watching it get lost in a round formation of identicals. 

Before any of them could say any more (or Sirius could protest), there was a loud audible slamming of doors from the entrance hall which made everyone’s heads and focus shoot to the source of the noise. James made a note of how both Sirius and Regulus’ head snapped up instantly and almost invisibly adjusted themselves accordingly. The music hadn’t been turned down and the lights remained the same but the commotion and a familiar voice grew closer with each echoing footstep.

“Sir, stop where you are!” Kreacher called out but was quieted as soon as they entered line of sight under the archway. 

Peter Pettigrew stumbled proudly through with an exhilarated grin that could’ve split his face in half. He caught sight of James and Sirius and waved with an extended arm, blatantly ignoring the disturbance he’d just caused. 

Sirius’ face matched Peters, eyes bright and thrilled to have witnessed what a commotion Peter had made with a smile just as wide. “There he is!” Sirius threw both his hands in the air. James imagined he was inches away from literally jumping up and down. Peter, in fact, did start jumping up and down as he pushed past people to meet them. Everyone had gone back to their own business now but degrading glances still followed as Peter was wrapped up into a hug by Sirius. 

“Petey boy! You. are. a. legend.” He exclaimed, patting his friend on the shoulders.

“Where’ve you been?” Peter looked at them all blanky, still catching his breath, “I looked everywhere.”

“You mean the car park and around Kreatcher? We’ve been stuck in here all night, mate, where were you!” Sirius laughed.

“James, what happened to you? You look, different.” Peter ignored Sirius, stepping back to look at James quizzidly.

“I do?” James asked cautiously, trying not to glance at Regulus. Was it obvious? How could he know? Did everyone know? Did Sirius know? No, he concluded on that last note and not sure how to feel about it, he’d know if Sirius knew. 

“Yeah..” He cocked his head, giving a similar look to the one Andromeda had given him earlier, attempting to figure out whatever he was looking for.

“Nothing happened to him, Pete,” Sirius dismissed and waved him back, “where were you?”

“I was back at the house, had to get something and-” 

“But you don’t have anything with you?”

“Oh..” He looked down at himself where Sirius was already scanning questionably, “Don’t I? Hm must’ve forgotten it.”

“Wait, where’s my car?” James inserted, suddenly very aware that he’d leant him the keys. It actually wasn’t his car, it was his dad’s old car but it might as well be. Either way, if it was lost or broken it wouldn’t serve well for any of them.

“Hold onto your panties alright, it's just outside.” Peter assured and tossed James the keys. 

“Pete, you just missed the greatest news ever- Andy’s pregnant!” Sirius blurted, nudging Andromeda as he fell back on the wall next to her. 

“What!” Peter gasped, looking to Andromeda, “Shit, that’s just amazing!” 

“Isn’t it!” Sirius added.

“Cheers.” She chuckled lightly.

“And, you’re Sirius’ uh, brother?” Peter asked, having missed most of the party before introductions, making his way down the line to Regulus. 

“That I am.” He nodded and his eyes flitted over to James, holding his gaze like some cruel reminder, “Regulus Black.”

James had a thousand silent things he wanted to say to Regulus, none of which were translated to him but they were there. It’s just that Regulus was so good at pretending, it was almost scary. Like James was just Sirius’ friend. Which he was, he supposed, but his mind fought for more because he wasn’t just Sirius’ friend. He wanted Regulus to think more of him, he wanted to be more. And hadn’t he been more in the garden? Hadn’t they been more? But now Regulus was freezing on him and maybe it was just an act to keep things professional (is that even the right word to use in a situation like this??) but it still made James’ chest twinge. 

James already knew now that just knowing him for tonight wasn't going to be enough. It couldn’t be enough, not even close. He felt like the world spun round and all that mattered now was Regulus Black. 

It was bold and probably reckless to think so strongly so soon but time always failed to catch up with the ways of James’ mind. He’d been told countless times that he does things wholeheartedly, that he doesn’t hesitate and he throws himself into things and it’s true, James Potter wore his heart on his sleeve.

But what if Regulus didn't want it?

Regulus looked away quickly as he settled back against Andromeda, and Sirius’ voice prevented his mind from wandering further. Maybe James was just reading too much into this.

“Fuck, I’m going to an uncle” He pushed his hair from out of his face to behind his ear.

“Actually, won’t you still be cousins? Like once removed or something?” Peter looked from Andromeda to the brothers beside her, “I dunno, twice maybe?”

Sirius thought about it for a second and exchanged looks with Regulus and Andromeda who were fondly watching Sirius’ confusion. “Never mind, no just don't tell me.” He shook as the group started to laugh. 

James liked seeing them like this. 

Sirius laughing and feeling right at home despite the room being full of people who would eat him alive, if given another chance. Clinging to Andromeda and his brother like a lifeline, but one that he chose. Much like he chose James and James chose him at only eleven years old. Andromeda was about to be a parent (for real this time) and she was happier than James had ever known her to be. And Regulus, who’s smile made James’ heart do flips as he watched, causing all the worried thoughts to vanish when he saw face. Or at least most of them. They looked happy right now and from a far, no one would be able to tell how rare this was. 

“Okay, but now I have better news than a baby” Peter brought their attention back suddenly, “No offence, Andy.”

“None taken,” She shook her head and her shiny dangling earrings bumped into the sides of her face, “Please, do continue.”

“Yes, do tell Wormtail?” Sirius bugged, completely hooked to whatever Peter was about to say. From the other side of him, Regulus’ lips tucked inward and raised a discrete eyebrow at James, no doubt mocking the odd nickname. 

The three of them had first come up with the names during their younger years at school and then, it was honestly quite a big deal.

Sirius was padfoot because one night after a visit, and much to Sirius’ embarrassment, Andromeda had let slip that he walked strictly on the tips of his feet when he was little, which soon turned into the pads of his toes. There were more than a few names they came up with to poke fun at him for it but eventually it came down to the name padfoot and it stuck. 

Peter was wormtail and it’d started when they all arrived one year and started settling into their dorm when a rat came scurrying out of Peter’s trunk. Turns out he had a strange fascination with rats and found them adorable. He’d brought his pet to school and there was no choice but to keep him in the dorm that year (until one of the professors found out and forbade the pet to return the following term), which gave Sirius and James plenty of time to play with jokes and names. Sirius had made a comment that Peter’s sunburnt nose matched the pink of the rat’s tail and since rats’ tails look like worms (a quote from Sirius), Peter was then knighted, wormtail. 

James was prongs but his name came from a different few origins, one was his mother constantly telling him that his messy hair stood up like deer antlers to get him to comb it out (which he never did), which Sirius quickly picked up and carried it on. The other was when they were about thirteen, in the midst of a (somewhat) harmless prank and they’d been so red-handedly caught out of bed after hours. Flashlight to the face and everything and someone made a comment about James looking like a shocked deer in headlights and neither Sirius or Peter seemed to let it go. Prongs just sort of developed and stuck, after many attempts of calling him deer and stag seemingly failed.  

“I just got word of a party, it’s for some girl’s birthday or something, doesn’t matter. I just know her friend, Emmeline Vance, she went to school with us.” He explained excitedly but James couldn’t recall the name, “Just that I have the address.”

Sirius’ face lit up, “Peter Pettigrew, our saviour. About time we got out of here,” as he turned to James and shook him by the shoulder. 

“Regulus, do you think you could get away?” Sirius turned on his brother who had taken up to chatting quietly with Andromeda. “Andy, how’d you get here?”

“Ted dropped me off, it was on his way.”

“Brilliant, would you need a lift back if we leave?”

“Sure, if you can spare the space.”

“Of course we can and if anything, we’ll throw Pete in the boot.” James laughed because there had been times where they’d actually resorted to such things, Peter had gone willingly of course. In fact, he usually bragged about it, sticking his tongue out at Sirius the entire time.  “Reg, what about you?”

James watched some wordless transaction go on between the two of them, trading a glance, signalling something that they both understood, “I don’t know.” He shrugged.

“Est-ce que maman t'a toujours sous couvre-feu?” 

“Especially tonight,” Regulus responded blandly and Andromeda’s hand squeezed his shoulder lovingly, “Newly declared heir and all that shit.” and he looked away.

“Right.” Sirius glanced at James briefly, a crack in his own previous excitement.

James watched Regulus as he scanned the crowd thoughtlessly, like something had hollowed him out and he had gone someplace else again. A part of him wanted to reach out to him and- and do what? James didn’t really know. All he wanted was for them to be laughing again without the inevitable worry.

“If you’ll actually excuse me, I should probably get back to Pandora.” Regulus’ voice pulled James back, watching him slip from under Andromeda’s arm and the way he pressed his lips into a thin line when Sirius murmured something to him. 

“Let me know if something changes, we can always come get you.” Regulus nodded once before sinking back into the crowd of people and it was like nothing had changed. James watched him leave as Sirius and Peter started talking again, Andromeda laughing at a face Peter had just made. 

James tried to follow Regulus for as long as he could and instinctively searched for him when he couldn’t, like some reflex that was no longer under his control. After a while later he saw him near his friends again. Laying out on the lounge while Evan and Barty chatted behind them, wrapped up in a world of their own. James saw Pandora whisper something to Regulus, propping herself up by her elbow on the lounge arm. Regulus responded vaguely and shook his head, relaxing himself back into her lap.

“So, are we going then?” Sirius asked, looking to and from his friends for some sort of confirmation, “Please, say we are.”

“You don’t have to ask me twice.” James brought himself back to the conversation and smiled widely, etching a similar one on his friends’ faces.

“Fuck yes.” Peter raised his hands over his head and he and Sirius started jumping towards each other like little kids. Eventually they roped James into it and then Andromeda.

“Prongs, keys!” Peter stuck his hand up and out in front of him, already walking towards the door to pull the car around. James tossed it in the air and Peter caught it. “But I’m driving!” He called after him.

“I haven't drank anything yet, I’m driving.” Peter retorted. That wasn’t all fair because James really hadn’t had anything to drink either but he didn’t protest.

Suddenly James and Sirius snapped their heads to glance at each other before both letting out a loud, “front seat!”

“I should um,” Andromeda’s giggling faded into a solemn tone as she looked across the room. Sirius followed her stare and then did James.

Two women stood at the other end, looking oddly similar to Andromeda yet strikingly different. One had wildly curly dark hair that draped over her shoulders and piled at the top of her head and another with bright blonde hair that was cut just past her shoulders and tied into a slicked back streak of white down her neck. A thin black ribbon tied in a bow around it with insane perfection. They both shared the same sharp features that Sirius and Regulus shared and the same poise and elegance. They walked over to greet an older woman who had just come in and who they seemed to know well, the first bending down to kiss the top of her hand.

“Wait, who are they?” James looked at Andromeda who’s face had lost some of its colour, not that her expression let any difference of it show.

“My sisters.” She replied, feigning a smile that James knew the looks of well enough. 

Andromeda’s sisters were talking politely with the older woman, who James now assumed was their mother, as the older of the two looked around the room with visible distaste.

“Good to know Bella hasn’t changed a bit.” Sirius raised his eyebrows and let them fall sardonically. 

“Bella?” James wondered.

“Oh, I forgot you’re still new,” Andromeda chucked warmly and squeezed his arm like he was a child, “Bellatrix and Narcissa, both younger than me but Cissa’s the youngest. And that horrible hag they're both doting on now is my mother, Druella.” She gestured with her chin. 

“Oh.” He glanced back at her sisters. The one who he figured was Narcissa, stepped away from her mother to lean against Bellatrix and proceeded to whisper something in her ear. Immediately, she followed an invisible line of sight and set dead on Andromeda. She looked her up and down like she was calculating something yet her face remained thoughtless. Bellatrix smiled coldly and waved her long ungloved fingers to and from beside her face.

“Yeah, well,” Andromeda gritted, smiling back the same way, “I was planning on avoiding them for the whole night but I might as well.”

“You sure?” Sirius asked questioningly, following with an exaggerated shudder, “You don’t have to, gods knows I wouldn’t have.” 

“I’ll be fine. They’re my sisters, it’ll be fine.” She took a breath in and out, hands fiddling with the dress material near her stomach. “I want to see Cissa. Just go on, I’ll meet you both outside.” 

“Alright then.” Sirius spun back to lean against the pillar Andromeda had been occupying, “Just you and me Prongs, let’s get the fuck out of here, yeah?” 

He only heard part of what Sirius was on about because like some magnetic pull, James inevitably found himself looking for Regulus again. 

He found him, of course, exactly where he’d left him, laying out and talking to Pandora. He was no longer laid in her lap but melted against her shoulder, looking absolutely breathtaking in a way that Regulus didn’t even need to try at. He was explaining something to her and though she already seemed to be listening quite intently, his hand kept rolling on his wrist trying to emphasise his point. People passed in front of them, cutting into James’ line of sight and during a break of stillness, he noticed Evan Rosier join in on their conversation from close by, siding with whatever Pandora had just said. And with Evan, came Barty.

“Hell yeah.” James agreed, still keeping an eye on Regulus. “Go check on Peter and I’ll meet you there, I just have something I want to check on.”

“Uh, alright.” Sirius hesitated momentarily, swatting James’ arm with the back of his hand as they both parted ways. Before long, James was walking, one foot in front of the other, across the room.

“Hi.” 

Four sets of eyes found their way to James as he stood there in front of Regulus and his friends.

“James.” Regulus peered up questioningly, not in any hurry to leave his place on Pandora’s shoulder. His jacket was left open and his tie was slung loosely around his shoulder like it was before.

“I just wanted to see if you were going to the party that Peter was on about earlier,” He rubbed the back of his neck, realising that this was probably a weak start, “again, I suppose.”

“I already told Sirius, I don’t know yet.” 

“And your friends, as well.” James added, feeling a bit awkward for not mentioning that sooner.

“Oh fun,” Pandora smiled, resting her head on top of Regulus’ now.

“A party, hmm?” Barty titled his head, propping an arm up around Evan’s shoulders.

“Yeah.” James looked Barty in the eye warily. Barty seemed to be inspired by it and smiled cooly at him, lifting his eyebrows an inch just to poke fun, “You alright there, Potter?”

“Perfectly.” He replied, images of Barty’s hand on Regulus’ face still flitting in the back of his mind. 

“I bet.” He paused like this was a game and he was rather enjoying it, “Have you seen the garden yet, James, it's beautiful, isn't it?” 

“Yes, I know. I was just there.” James said. 

“Oh right, of course.” 

“The fountains and the flowers," He listed, "and the stars as well, they're all lovely this time of night. I don’t know if you know this but I know them quite well,” Barty went on, holding his gaze just for the fun of it, save a quick glance down to Regulus. “one might say, intimately.” 

James’ jaw tightened at his words which Barty took careful note of and pressed him to go on. The others just looked between themselves, sharing a, here we go again, look. Evan’s expression was fairly similar to James’ by now, as he looked away from the conversation, looking irritated and searching for anything else. 

“Barty.” Regulus scolded, “knock it off.”

“Are you sure you’re alright there, Potter?” Barty continued with the same flow, repeating his earlier question. “You seem a bit, I don’t know, worked up.”

“Barty.” Regulus warned again, firmly. And that was that. 

Something clicked and whatever energy Barty had created in the space between the five of them was instantly pulled away like it never happened. 

“So, what’s this about a party?” Evan cleared his throat, bringing his attention back and leaning forward with his forearms on the back of the lounge, shrugging off Barty’s arm. 

“Um right, my friend has the address and it’s not far, some girl’s birthday party,” He informed, “Don’t know the girl but I think Pete- my friend- knows some people. They want to get more people there I think, so you’re all welcome.”

“Cheers.” Evan nodded, then let his hand tap against Regulus’ arm, “What’re you facing?” He asked like it was supposed to make sense. Apparently it did because Regulus responded easily.

“Tonight? A hundred. May as well skin me alive right now.” He shrugged, “you?”

“Hmm,” His face pulled a little up towards his eyes in thought, “maybe a nine. Nine and a half, at best.”

James stood there and looked at Pandora for an answer, she smiled like she understood it but didn’t relieve James of any confusion. 

“So, you’ll think about it?”

“We’ll think about it.” Pandora confirmed light heartedly, all the while James could feel Regulus watching him. Purely observing. 

“Brilliant.” James grinned and ran a hand through his hair. There was no hope in trying to save it now. 

He stood there still for another minute, feeling the awkward tension of overstaying one’s welcome settling in. Barty’s cool smirk still taunted at the corners of his lips, playing a part of innocence that made James’ skin prick. Pandora had cleared her throat softly and begun playing with the lace details of her gloves while Evan’s hand started rhythmically tapping Barty’s, which had been thrown over him again and hung just within his reach. Regulus remained perfectly unbothered, leaning back with his chin tilted down towards his chest, like no one else was there but James. Honestly, James thought he might not even notice if he wasn’t. 

“Can I talk to you?”

“You can.” Regulus slowly rolled his head off and on Pandora’s shoulder, with no intention to move.

“It’s actually about-” James searched for a way to speak, catching Barty sending a teasing stare a few times in between, “Can I actually talk to you over here.” He finally gestured.

“Allez lui parler.” Pandora nudged as she hissed something to him

“Non. Je ne peux pas.” He murmured back, without looking down.

“Oh allez imbécile, de quoi tu parles?” She bent her neck down to look at him in a half-hearted eye roll.

“English, you two.” Barty over pronounced as he snapped his fingers between them, “English.” 

“Maybe, we just don’t want you two nosing in on what we’re saying.” She caught his hand and threw it back up to him.

“Rude.” Evan laughed and stuck out his tongue at her, a look which she shot right back. 

James watched the exchange and Regulus finally peeled himself from the couch like it was the hardest thing to part with, greeting James with tightened lips and gesturing for them to take a few steps away from his friends. The three of which had started conversation again while Evan had quickly brought himself from under Barty’s arm to steal Regulus’ place on the lounge, throwing his lower legs gently up onto Pandora’s lap.

“James,” 

“Yeah.” The name rolling out of Regulus' mouth immediately drawing his attention.

“You wanted to talk?”

“Yeah, sorry I just wanted to talk to you, really.” James breathed, not sure what he was apologising for. All he knew was that they were surrounded by people and they all seemed to fade away into white noise when talking to Regulus, it didn’t really matter what it was about.

James caught a concealed grin tempting the corners of Regulus’ mouth and the same warm feeling seeped back into his chest, exploding gently against the walls of his ribcage.

“I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” James continued, feeling his cheeks pull to mirror Regulus. “That we were okay.”

“Were you worried that I wasn't?” Regulus’ demeanour softened.

“I don’t know, I just that I-” He ran a hand along the inside of his shirt collar, fiddling with the seam when they were interrupted, again.

Sirius threw an arm around James as his body caught up with him, looking between his friend and his brother. “James, you ready? Peter has Andy and the car outside and he wouldn’t quit pestering me to get you”

Regulus’ face twitched into a you-better-do-what-he-says sort of look before James apologised half-heartedly and agreed to leave, eyes lingering on Regulus as if it could will the boy to come with him. It wasn’t seconds later and not a step had been taken when the three of them were interrupted again, but this time by someone else.

Sirius’ arm flinched around James’ neck and both boys fell quietly and scarily into a shared movement. Straightened back and clenched jaw, glazed eyes and unreadable expressions etched onto both of them. Sirius came out of it first and weighing lightly against James’ side, instincts of younger version of himself fighting against him. 

All softness in Regulus had been hidden away as Walburga came to collect her son.

“Maman.” He greeted orderly.

She ignored him and although James was a bit taller than her, she still managed to look down her nose at them in distaste. She inspected him up and down and said nothing for a good minute as Sirius cleared his throat. 

“How are you enjoying things, Mr. Potter?” She asked coldly in an attempt for pleasantries.

“Wonderfully, thank you.” 

He’d never actually spoken to Sirius’ mother before or even seen her this close in person but it was true, she was nothing less than terrifying. Not outright scary or exactly horrifying to look at but a pristine type of manner that felt secretive and calm, like nothing that evil could ever come from her. A type of terrifying that could fool the world and marvel it so they don’t ask questions when she’s caught with blood on her hands. Walburga possessed many of the features that she shared in her sons and her eyes, that were so similar to them, dipped in cold crisp blue, saw thoughtlessly through him like she could invade his thoughts, plotting into the nothingness like the boys in front of her were invisible. Like they were nothing.

She made a grunted noise at James, skipping over Sirius without any hesitation to make her way back to her youngest son. Sirius’ arm twitched once again and it made James ache to know why. He watched her tighten Regulus’ tie and straighten out his coat as she huffed disappointment through gritted teeth, smiling apathetically without her eyes. “Regulus, I think it’s best you come with me now.”

“Don’t worry, we were just leaving.” Sirius spoke up, looking directly at her now with a mockingly bland smile. Like a mirror flipped on itself and James could see parts of his friend again, hiding behind it.

“Good. Then do so.” Walburga’s head snapped up, her voice shrill but kept just loud enough for him to hear it, staring into Sirius’ eyes like he wasn’t there at all. "Leave."

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Sirius chuckled coldly, nudging James in a gesture that it was more than time to leave. “Reg,” He glanced at his brother, who shared a brief knowing look, “You know how to reach me.”

Walburga scoffed and tucked her hand into the other, holding them at her waist, waiting impatiently for them to leave.

James was the first to turn away, pulling Sirius along with him, who murmured a numerous of curses and fuck you’s under his breath as they walked through the crowd. Definite threats of arson were made, among other things. 

The music was still lively and the chatter had grown louder. Many guests were happily tipsy and gushing backhanded compliments to one another, being pushed and towed with the room’s current. While passing Kreatcher out the door (who Sirius flipped off in a rant out of frustration), Sirius mused that even the devil wouldn’t take Walburga even if they paid him. James laughed when Sirius did and he did, a lot. 

James couldn't help shake the feeling that a part of himself broke off and stayed in that house as he tore Sirius away from it, leaving Regulus inside. He knew this was better and that right now, he just needed to get Sirius out of there but it still pained him that there was absolutely nothing either he or Sirius could do about.

Regulus was going to be alright, he repeated to himself the entire way out, he was going to be fine. He had his friends and he had Sirius and hell, he'd been doing it for seventeen years now, Regulus was going to be alright.

Before either of them knew it, they were in the car. James in the front seat, Peter at the wheel, and Sirius and Andromeda in the backseat. Sirius budged his way into the middle and leaned against the insides of both front seats as Sirius continued swearing off the entire Black family name, everyone in car agreeing with him. Andromeda reassured him and had her own additions as she retold her encounter with her mother and sisters. 

Peter just yelled ‘fuck them’ every time the moment called for it which Sirius appreciated every time. James was deemed driver for the rest of the night by Peter, who listed off all the reasons why he should be able to get pissed. James argued lightly for a short while but eventually gave in. Honestly, he didn’t really mind.

Andromeda and Sirius argued over music until Peter got tired of their bickering and James took over and played something off the radio. It was Mott The Hopple’s All The Young Dudes and as soon as it started playing, no one had any complaints. James turned up the dial and let the raw music wash over the car.

Television man is crazy

Peter started to sing along, beating the pads of his thumbs against the steering wheel to the tune.

Saying we’re juvenile delinquent wrecks

Sirius followed, expressing dramatically into the song, turning James around to sing to him. 

Oh, man, I need TV when I got T-Rex.

Oh, brother, you’ve guessed, I’m a dude, dad

Sirius’ clutched his chest with one hand and held steady on James’ arm with the other. James put his fist in front of his mouth, mimicking a microphone, singingly wildly into it. Andromeda laughed heartily and clapped along. Everyone suddenly in a much better mood.

All the young dudes! 

James turned fully in his seat to face Sirius, tipping their heads back as they belted the lyrics. Peter followed them and shouted out Hey Dudes! which made Andromeda whoop in cheering them on.

It went on like that for the rest of the song, Peter taking the accent solos upon himself when deemed fit.

Carry the news (Where are you?)

Boogaloo dudes (Stand up, come on!)

Carry the news

All the young dudes (I want to hear you!)

Carry the news (I want to see you!)

Boogaloo dudes (And I want to talk to you! All of you!)

Carry the news!

Eventually, they reached Andromeda’s house. It was small and painted a soft yellow with a light brown trim and shutters and white accents which were now muted by the dark. There was a yellow-ish light left on in the kitchen window and cream curtains creating a quaint silhouette. Ted was no doubt still awake waiting on Andromeda. There was a spot of sleeping tulips underneath the sill which, from what James could remember, hadn’t been there the last time they’d visited. Everything about the house was sleepy and comforting. 

James turned down the music as the car pulled up slowly to the pavement, twisting back in his seat as they all said their goodbyes. 

She gave them each a hug, which Peter was hesitant about at first as he was convinced it might hurt the baby to reach around the headrest, but Andromeda brushed him off and folded her arms around the seat to reach him, as she did with James as well. She then whispered something to Sirius, with their foreheads pressed gently together, and reassured him things were going to be alright. That he would be okay. That Regulus would be okay, that it wasn’t his fault. Andromeda very often reminded Sirius of this but now that sentiment calmed James as well. 

Sirius always had a hard time with letting things and people go, so even the smallest goodbyes were hard on him, especially with people he cared about, like Andromeda. She gave him a warm hug and didn’t let go until he convinced her that he would be alright, practically pushing her off of him. They laughed and Peter and James laughed too. Andromeda pressed a kiss to the top of his hair (something she always did), and said one final goodbye. 

It was short and sweet and everyone waved at her as she walked to the door, until Ted came outside and embraced her in a loving hug, sending far waves and hellos to everyone still in the car. 

James loved Ted Tonks. So did Sirius and Peter, it was hard not to. They all kept waving until the pair went inside and shut the door and even then, Ted had immediately run to the window to wave again. It wasn’t until Peter finally drove away that it really stopped. 

“I miss them already.” James pouted.

“Me too.” Peter agreed.

“Me the most.” Sirius confirmed, his voice a little strained in the back of his throat. 

At almost the same time, James and Peter twisted their arms to the backseat, reaching for Sirius’ hands. Without saying anything, he took them gladly as Peter continued to drive and James turned up the dial.

It was only another song or two in that they were all singing and dramatically swaying the car side to side in excitement again. And it was only another few songs after that had James’ mind running inevitably back towards Regulus, or at least the thought of him. 

He wanted to see him again. How his eyes lit up and how his neck rolled on his shoulders lazily. He wanted to steal him away with him. More so, he just wanted to get him out of that house and away from whatever evil lurked within. He wanted to hear him speak again. He wanted to hear him laugh at his funny nickname and be reminded of how his smile felt against his. 

His hand rubbed the side of his neck that still tingled from the ghost of Regulus’ lips, as James tried to call back the memory of him. He pictured his eyes and his lilac tie undone against his chest. The image of what Regulus in spring looked like. He replayed their conversation, listing off all of Regulus’ answers to himself so that he wouldn’t forget them. Not that he could even if he tried.

He leaned his forehead into the glass pane of the window that was chilled from the midnight air, thinking of all the words he held back as he was leaving too soon. All the things he still needed to tell him, all the things he stilled wanted to hear. In the distance, James could hear the voices of Sirius and Peter singing along to the song. They weren’t singing the right words and they were horribly off key but they didn’t care. 

James eventually rejoined them, though the thoughts of Regulus existed still in the back of his mind. The longing feeling to know everything about Regulus Black persisted along with the rush of already knowing so much. 

Regulus, Regulus, Regulus, Regulus, his thoughts echoed his name again and again and James got the feeling that it would stay that way for a long time, until he could see him again. But for now, he supposed, he would just have to settle for another party full of more people and a shit ton of alcohol that he wasn’t even allowed to have. 

And Peter, Sirius, and James did just that.