March- 1974
Wednesday, 27th March, 1974
Regulus is woken up by a giant weight body slamming him into his bed. Startled and screaming, his eyes shoot open to find Barty wiggling on top of him.
"Get up! Get up! Get up!"
Barty stands on his bed, feet on either side of him, and begins to jump. Regulus squirms as he's being bounced to avoid getting stepped on.
"Time to get up! Time to go!"
"Fucking hell, Barty!"
Barty drops to his knees, straddling Regulus's lap. He snatches one of Regulus's pillows and starts beating him in the face with it. "Regulus Day! It's Regulus Day!"
Regulus manages to steal the pillow away from him. He smacks him in the head hard and Barty falls to the ground. He lays there and laughs.
"You're an arsehole, you know that?" Regulus groans, finally getting a moment of peace. He presses his face into the mattress.
"I believe the word you're looking for is 'bestest mate in the whole wide world'."
"Something like that."
Barty launches himself back onto the bed, sitting cross legged at the end of it. He bops around happily as he stares at Regulus. "Come on. Come on, get up. We can't have Regulus Day without Regulus."
Regulus props himself up on his elbow. "And what the hell, may I ask, is Regulus Day?"
"It's your day, silly!" Barty falls on top of him again, wrapping his arms and legs around his body. "It's your birthday, the day you were born. You, my dear friend, are officially thirteen today. How does it feel to be old, Baby Black?"
"Exactly the same as it felt yesterday." He struggles to pry Barty off of him but he doesn't budge. Theodore jumps up onto the bed and adds to the pile, swiping up at Regulus's face.
"See? Teddy agrees with me. You're a new man, Black!"
Regulus eventually gets Barty out of his bed and goes off to get changed. He remains a nuisance, however, all throughout breakfast. He's practically vibrating, and he keeps looking around the Great Hall excitedly. It says a lot that he only takes a bite of toast and ignores everything else to eat.
"Barty, can you calm the fuck down for like two seconds, please?"
"Sorry, I'm sorry," he says, still not looking at him. His smile is a crazed expression. Regulus shakes his head and questions when Barty started loosing his mind or if he had ever been sane in the first place.
Suddenly, a rowdy crowd of cheers starts up out in the hall, growing louder as a stampede of footsteps gets closer.
"Shit! They're coming, they're coming!" Barty is about to combust. He goes rooting around in his bag for something. Regulus's attention is drawn to the impending celebrations.
Through the entrance of the Great Hall, James Potter is being carried in by Remus, Peter, and Sirius. All four scream and shout nonsense as they run to the opposite end of the Gryffindor table. James looks like he's just won a thousand galleons, his yells turning into laughter. Some of the Gryffindor's clap and cheer with them as they run down to their seats. When they arrive they keep going, lifting him high into the air and starting a rhythmic chant of "James! James! James! James!"
"Honestly, could they get any more ridiculous?," Regulus mutters half heartedly as the cheers finally start to die down.
"No. But I can."
Regulus looks over, confused, just as Barty jumps up on the bench. He points his wand up at the ceiling.
"Verdimillious!"
A green ball shoots out of the tip of his wand. It soars up into the air and explodes in a burst of light. It's followed by two more, exploding one after another. The balls keep coming and bursting above them, a wonderful Slytherin themed fireworks show. Every eye in the Great Hall goes to that spot, mouths gaping at the scene before them.
"Barty, what—"
Before he can get another word out, Barty steps up on top of the table. "Scribious Voxum!"
He looks down at Regulus, positively beaming.
"Happy Birthday, Regulus!"
With the next burst of green light, the fireworks change to display the words Barty shouts. Regulus watches on, astonished. He feels his cheeks heat up, a bit embarrassed at all the unexpected attention. Part of him wants to run or maybe disappear all together.
But then Barty holds out a hand for him to take, looking so, so proud of the both of them. And Regulus finds himself smiling uncontrollably.
He takes Barty's hand and joins him on top of the table.
"Yeah, Reg! Happy Birthday!"
The next two fireworks explode a few seconds apart, once again spelling out what he says. The Slytherins start up their own round of cheers and Regulus soaks it in. He ends up looking over at the Gryffindor tables and sees James surrounded by the rest of the marauders, a mischievous smirk playing at his lips.
Barty raises their hands triumphantly as the fireworks keep popping overhead.
——————
Regulus keeps a cheery attitude all throughout his classes. A few of the Slytherins wish him a happy birthday and he thanks them graciously. Barty, of course, uses each greeting as an excuse to loose his mind all over again, whooping and hollering with delight. He's starting to understand why Sirius and his friends make such a big deal of their birthdays.
Regulus is walking down to quidditch practice with Barty when he's thrown a curveball. Someone runs up from behind and throws an arm around his shoulders, pulling him close and nearly tackling him to the ground.
"There he is! Been looking all over for you, mate!" James ruffles his hair vigorously, ignoring the way he immediately starts fighting to free himself. "Thought you could skip out on another birthday, did you?"
"Piss off, Potter!," Regulus shouts. He manages to throw James off of him as his lungs surge to take in more air. He straightens up as he takes a defensive step away, smoothing his hair back into place.
James isn't deterred in the slightest. He stands proud, clapping his hands together in a very official, business-like manner.
"So here's the plan," he starts. "Tonight, once the prefects finish their rounds, you are going to head on up to Gryffindor Tower. We've got everything worked out already: music, snacks, the whole nine. All that's missing is our man of the hour."
Regulus is silent for a minute, staring at the boys ridiculously massive grin. He starts to shake his head, then scoffs.
James draws his brows, confused. "What? What is it, what's so funny?"
"Nice try, Potter. Barty, let's go." They start to walk away. James calls after him but he refuses to even look back. After a second he reappears at Regulus's side. He spins around to face him, walking backwards to hold the conversation.
"Right. I know what you're thinking—"
"Do you now?," Regulus remarks.
"Yes! Right now, you're thinking 'Saint Potter, always trying to play the hero! What a true Gryffindor!'"
Regulus shakes his head again and Barty let's out an incredibly sarcastic laugh.
"But!," James objects, pointing two fingers at him. "That's not what's going on here."
"I beg to differ," Barty says for him.
"Then beg," James responds quickly before going back to Regulus. "I just think you'd have a lot of fun, is all. I mean, not to brag, but us Gryffindor's throw a wicked party. And plus, your brother is going to be there, and I know you two have been having some pretty awful Christmas's lately, but-"
Merlin, does this boy ever stop talking? Regulus tries to quicken his pace, waving every possible flag that says he does not want to speak to James. Despite Regulus never looking at him once, he somehow doesn't get the memo. He talks the entire rest of the way to the quidditch pitch, and even then he doesn't give up.
The rest of the team is already waiting for him. James and Barty stop following and for a second Regulus thinks he'll finally lose him when James kicks it up a notch.
"Accio broom," he declares as he waves his wand. Regulus is so caught off guard by this that he doesn't respond until James's broom comes soaring through the air. He whips back around, fuming, and stomps up to him.
"Non! James Potter, don't you even think about following me up there!"
"Ah! He speaks!" James looks far too pleased with himself. "With an accent, apparently?"
"What is the matter with you?" Regulus gets right in his face, trying his best to be intimidating despite the height difference. "Can't you tell when someone isn't interested? Or are you that thick?"
"Well, that's not exactly the word I would use—"
"Why on earth would I ever wish to be associated with your kind?"
He's not exactly sure if he means the muggleborns or the other Gryffindor's in general. Either way, they were no good. He glares at him, channeling every ounce of hatred and distaste he possesses into it. James is still; it's the quietest he's been since he approached Regulus. Something seems to have him hypnotized where he stands. He blinks, and sure enough his mouth pulls up into a stupidly large smile.
"Your eyes really are magic, you know."
Regulus feels his whole face go red, and given the way James laughs, it's incredibly obvious.
He scrunches his nose, angry that he let James get the better of him again. He turns back and marches off to his teammates, blood pounding hard in his ears. He doesn't hear a word of Emma's debriefing, and he's kicking off the ground before the whistle even touches her lips.
Practice goes terribly. What's usually an escape for him ends up being the most excruciating hour and a half he's ever experienced. No matter what drills or exercises they run, his mind goes back to James. Stupid James Potter and his stupid birthday and his stupid muggle loving friends and his stupid, stupid, stupid face.
Once they're done for the day, Emma calls everyone over to give her final notes. Regulus grimaces at the few comments that are totally vague and definitely not directed at him in any way. She dismisses them and Regulus heads straight for the stands.
He's not sure what he's expecting to find there, but James Potter intently listening to a very animated Barty talk definitely isn't it.
"Oh, you've finished!," James says brightly when he spots Regulus closing in on them. "Barty and I were just—"
"Yeah, I don't give a shit. Barty, what the fuck?"
Credit to him, Barty actually sounds a bit guilty when he fesses up. "I know, I'm sorry. He just wouldn't stop talking, and then he complimented me on the fireworks and I just..."
Regulus wonders how hard it would be to chalk Barty's death up to a freak accident.
"Right, well. So lovely of you to cheer me on, Potter, but we'll be on our way now." He makes a grab for Barty but James steps in front of him, holding his hands out in a bargaining gesture.
"Okay, okay wait. Just...listen to me for one second. Please."
Regulus breathes heavily through his nose. He stands in silence for a bit before throwing up a hand, urging James on.
"Come to the party tonight." When Regulus rolls his eyes he speeds through the rest of his speech. "Only for a bit. Thirty minutes, and then if you still hate it...I won't bother you again."
"I find that incredibly hard to believe."
James bobbles his head. "Yeah, me too."
He sighs again, crossing his arms. James shrugs questioningly, hanging on the edge of his seat. Regulus looks past him to Barty who stands with his hands stuffed into his pockets, still feeling a bit sorry for conspiring with the enemy. Barty puffs out his bottom lip, blue eyes big and pleading, trying his best to flip the situation and make Regulus feel like the bad guy.
Groaning, Regulus goes back to James and narrows his eyes.
"I'm bringing him."
———————
"This is stupid. Merlin, this is so fucking stupid. Why did you get me to agree to this?"
"Shut up and walk, will you?"
Regulus grumbles to himself as they continue down the corridor. Everything about this screams trouble— sneaking out at night, being out of bounds, attending a party that definitely hasn't been approved by Dumbledore. If he receives his first ever detention because of this he'll curse James till he's blue in the face.
"It's this one, I think," Barty whispers. He lifts his wand light up to the portrait, revealing a very pale, fat woman in a frilly pink dress. She snores aggressively in her sleep.
"Merlin, Barty, this is ridiculous. Let's just go back."
"Are you kidding? You said you'd come, we're standing right here. Reg, it's your birthday party."
"It's his birthday party. They're taking the piss, I'm telling you. Do you really want to be embarrassed in front of all of Gryffindor?"
Barty gives him a pointed look, but Regulus stands his ground. Eventually the other boy gives in.
"Fine. We'll go back."
"Thank you," Regulus breathes, already turning around.
Barty goes back to the portrait. "Fortitudo."
"You mother—"
The Fat Lady stirs as her portrait swings open. Immediately, light and sound break through the opening into the hall. Barty steps right in like he belongs there and Regulus grudgingly follows.
The Gryffindor common room is actually more similar to Slytherin's than he would've thought— minus the glass ceiling that looks up into the lake. There's a large fireplace, though he imagines that may be true for all four common rooms. Most of the furniture is about the same, only in red or made of a less sophisticated looking material. The floor is completely covered with maroon carpeting. There are rafters built into the ceiling, more for decoration than function.
Candles sit attached to the walls and hover in the air, lighting every inch of the room. Just below the noise of conversation is a strong hum of music. The room is much, much warmer than their own common room has ever been. Overall, it's a wonderfully fun atmosphere.
"This is a very, very bad idea," Regulus hisses.
"Yes, you've said that already."
The first few students start to notice the boys in clashing colors. They pause their conversations, garnering their friends attention so they can all gawk at what they're seeing. The room dies down a bit and Regulus's cheeks turn pink.
"And we're leaving, yeah?" He grabs Barty and starts to turn around.
"Regulus!"
Merlin. They need to stop meeting like this.
James steps through the crowd, giggly and smiling. He plants a hand in Regulus's shoulder, shaking him lightly. "I knew you'd show up. Don't worry, you haven't missed anything. Come here for just a second."
He pulls Regulus farther into the room. They stop next to one of the couch's and James stands up on it.
"Everyone! Everyone, your attention, please!"
The rest of the conversation fades, the only sound coming from whatever's playing the music. All eyes are on James, except for the ones that are still stuck on Regulus and Barty of course.
"I have a very special announcement to make!" He uses his hands a lot when he talks, waving around a bottle half full with some yellowy-orange liquid.
"This here is Regulus Black, younger brother of the incredibly talented and incredibly dense Sirius."
"Oi, wanker!"
Laughter bubbles up and Regulus spots the source of the voice. On the wall by the stairs is Sirius himself, grinning up at James. Remus and Peter are at his side, whispering to themselves about something unimportant.
Sirius flicks his gaze down to his brother. He softens, nodding his approval.
"As I was saying, Regulus and I happen to have this one thing in common. As some of you may know from this mornings excitement—"
"You're welcome!"
"Yes, thank you, Barty." More laughter. "Today is also Regulus's birthday, believe it or not. And so if you'd all be so kind, I think it's time we show him a proper Gryffindor celebration. Pete! Hit me!"
"On it." Peter scampers into the crowd and out of view.
James jumps down from the couch, waving Regulus over to his side. Regulus stutters closer and they stand together in the center of the crowd.
"You ready?," James whispers.
"For what, exactly?"
The candles dim. Remus and Sirius move up from the wall, taking seats on the couch opposite them. Everything is quiet for just a second, then Peter speaks up again and everyone starts to join him.
"Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you!"
The crowd parts and Peter emerges, carrying a thick rectangular cake with two sets of candles sticking out of it: one pair making the number thirteen and the other fourteen.
"Happy Birthday James and Regulus! Happy Birthday to you!"
Peter sets the cake on the coffee table in front of them, backing up to sit with Remus and Sirius on the other couch.
Regulus looks at the three boys, each one giving him a warm and genuine smile. He feels a wave of emotions wash over him, overwhelming and exhilarating all at once. He can picture that first day on the train so vividly; his brothers friends welcoming him into their lives. Something about that moment is so real and pure it makes him wish that things were different. That he could be friends with them and forget about the fights with Sirius and dealing with his mother and everything bad in his life. He wishes none of it mattered.
"Count of three, yeah?"
Regulus faces James, is met with a look of pure and unfiltered joy. The candle light casts a warm glow over his dark skin. Or maybe that's just James's natural aura.
Regulus nods.
"One...two..."
They both lean toward their respective candles. Regulus pauses just long enough to seal his wish. In an instant, they extinguish their flames together, causing an uproar of clapping and cheers.
————————
Regulus has to admit that James was right: Gryffindor's throw a good party. They're lively in a way Regulus didn't think was possible— Slytherin would have to step up their game.
After the cake situation, the other marauders had forced Sirius over to Regulus for them to talk. The boys stood close by to eavesdrop on what was said, which Regulus honestly should've expected.
The first few seconds of silence are hell, both brothers looking anywhere but each other. Sirius clears his throat, stepping up to the plate.
"So...you're thirteen, then."
Regulus nods. He doesn't know what to say so he doesn't say anything at all. Sirius takes a breath, motioning towards Regulus in a partially grand gesture.
"Happy birthday."
"Thank you."
The tension is thick enough to cut through. Sirius's head bobbles, trying to get comfortable in the situation. "At least Bella isn't here. She'd probably give you thirteen hexes, then pretend she lost count halfway so she could start over."
Regulus's mouth does a funny sort of twist, somehow a smile and a frown at the same time. He fights against it until he breaks, properly smiling and leading Sirius to do the same.
It's not really an apology. Not the proper kind, anyways; the kind you can only have with the person who shares the same blood as you. And maybe it's just a plaster and maybe it doesn't actually fix anything but they can pretend and they can push it away until they're too weak to try.
Once that was out of the way, things became quite enjoyable. Regulus introduces Barty to the marauders properly and they immediately decide they're going to force him into the role of a double agent for pranks against Slytherin. This of course brought on a discussion of past pranks and the hilarious long lasting effects they caused. Barty is incredibly entertained.
Most of the students in attendance were fourth year and below. Though Regulus couldn't see Lily anywhere, he did run into Marlene Mckinnon at one point. The two had a riveting conversation about upcoming quidditch games and professional teams and hours spent practicing while at home. She made a big show of predicting that Gryffindor would beat out Slytherin for the quidditch cup this year but Regulus told her she would have to pry the snitch from his cold dead hands.
He finds himself smiling and laughing a lot the whole night, sometimes for no reason at all. Everyone here seems to feed off of each other's energy, challenging each other and adding fuel to the fire.
When people finally start retreating to their dorms and the party dwindles down, James and Sirius wind up on opposite ends of the couch, squishing Barty and Regulus even closer together in the middle.
"Well, lads?," James asks, wiggling in close to Regulus. "What do we think?"
"I think you're just as annoying as ever," Regulus responds. Both boys laugh at that. "As much fun as this has been, we've got to get back to our own common room now."
James, Sirius, and Barty all whine in protest. Regulus ignores them, forcing his way up from his seat. He takes Barty's hands to yank him up but he resists.
"Just ten more minutes, Reg. You can't leave your own party."
"It's well past our birthday now."
"It's the thought that counts!"
Regulus rolls his eyes. He tugs harder and Barty relents, pouting severely.
"We'll walk you down, then!" James is still hyped up to an insane degree.
Regulus pretends to be annoyed. "Chivalrous as ever, Potter. I think we can manage ourselves, thank you."
He pushes Barty towards the portrait hole, waving goodbye to Peter and Remus on their way out. Stepping out into the hall, Barty continues murmuring his discontent to deaf ears.
"Wait, Regulus!"
Regulus turns around. James stands just outside the common room, preventing the Fat Lady from swinging closed completely. His smile is still irreplaceable, only now Regulus thinks he sees something else behind it as well. He has some of that hypnotized aura surrounding him again.
"I just wanted to say thank you. For coming, I mean. I hope you had a good time."
Regulus still thinks James is a prat. He always will, really— it's just in James's nature to act it and it's in Regulus's nature to see it. He's arrogant, and a pest, and he can't keep his hands out of his hair for more than ten seconds. On top of that he's everything Walburga warned him about. Regulus would be stupid to fall out of line now, wasting the past year of denouncement for a few parties and an onslaught of detentions.
But then, maybe there was more to it that he hadn't considered before. Maybe there was more to James he hadn't considered.
Regulus gives him a small smile. "Happy birthday, Potter."
"Happy birthday, Reg," James whispers back. He nods to Barty and disappears back into his common room, the portrait closing after him.
Regulus and Barty sneak back to the dungeons with silent giggles. Theodore greets them excitedly in the dorm, and they tiptoe around the room as they get ready for bed. Barty gives Regulus one last hug before saying goodnight, and Regulus slips under the covers for a well deserved rest.