The white light engulfed James, completely taking over. It made his head spin and, when he landed, his knees buckled in the unexpected weight of himself.
He looked around. There wasn't many people in sight, a few dotted around but they were all too far away from him for him to really make out who they were. It was a little unsettling, if he was being completely honest. And there was a sort of hole in the floor, not far away, but it didn't really seem like a hole. It was more an area like on Earth, where there's a patch missing grass but there's still mud.
He was going to walk over until he heard his name being called. He recognised that voice.
He looked up to see Regulus approaching him. This couldn't be real, Regulus was dead. Where even was this?
"James. James, why are you here? You shouldn't be here."
"Where is here? What are you on about for merlins sake."
"You're dead, James. This is like the afterlife or something."
Oh. He was dead. He was dead.
"But Harry. Is he- Is he okay?"
"Come with me."
Regulus walked off and he followed. They were going towards that weird hole. The afterlife is really fuckimg strange, that's all that James can think. He knows he's supposed to be upset or whatever at his death but he isn't. For some reason he can't think straight or at all. As long as everyone is safe, he doesn't care. Remus has Sirius. Harry has Lily. Mary has Peter. And visa versa. They'd all be fine.
Regulus hadn't aged past 18 at all. He looked a little bit happier than he was but it was still clear that he wasn't really happy. His hair was clearly still very much looked after and his eyes still held a storm behind them. His clothes were muggle though and they looked way more comfortable than whatever he used to wear.
He looked over the hole and saw them all at a cottage in Cornwall. They were safe. Peter was in Azkaban though. Oh. Right. That's why.
At least there was no harm. Itd be difficult for them but they were all alive and all safe. They could all be there for eachother at least.
"They're fine." James said, relieved.
"Course."
"Regulus, can I hug you?"
"Please do."
He enveloped Regulus in a bone crushing hug, holding him close and letting Regulus rest his head on inbetween his neck and shoulder. It had been far too long without this and merlin had James missed it.
"Reg?" He said, muffled by his shoulder.
"Yea?"
"I've really, really missed you yknow."
He felt Regulus smile. "I've really, really missed you too, James."
He pulled a way, just enough to see his love. Regulus was smiling and so was James. It hurt how much he was. He knew he should probably be sad, but he was so happy to see Regulus.
"Oi, Potter! Why the fuck are you here?"
He turned his head to see Marlene running up to him, Dorcas in tow. Oh god, James was so glad to see them two.
He let go of Regulus and turned, opening his arms out as the blonde ran up and enveloped him in a hug.
"I can't bloody believe your here! I mean, I'm sad you died of course but I've missed you." Marlene said still hugging him tightly.
"I've missed you too, Marls. And you, Cas."
She let go of him as Dorcas hugged him too. He could see Marlene crying lightly, but still smiling, looking at the scene infront of her.
As Dorcas stepped back, Marlene entwined their hands together, smiling at her girlfriend. It was amazing to see the both of them so happy together infront of him again.
"So Prongs, why are you here?" Dorcas said with a sad smile on her face.
"Peter. Ratted us out. Hope he won't be coming here too."
"He won't. It's actually really complicated, I'm not gonna lie, but you won't." Regulus said from his side.
"Thanks, Reg."
Marlene looked between the two before a lightbulb seemed to go off in her head.
"You two are?" She said, gesturing between the two.
"I don't know. Are we?"
"That depends on you, Potter."
"It also depends on you."
"I mean yes? Is that okay?"
James felt his face light up. It had hurt all those years without Regulus. It had really, really hurt. And he had missed him every day. Not a moment went by without him missing him.
"Of course it's okay."
Regulus grinned at him.
"Well I dont want to interrupt this lovely moment, but I need to show you Godric and Salazar." Marlene said, already walking off with Dorcas behind her.
"Godric and Salazar are here?!? I have to see! Come on, Reg." James said, entwining him and Regulus' hands together and dragging hin off.