First Patrol
James saw on the map that Regulus was coming with Barty and Evan. He didn’t know why but it wasn’t a problem if he didn’t want to be alone. When they got here Barty and Evan asked Regulus if he was okay before leaving him. Barty winked at James which made him laugh.
“Hello Regulus, how are you doing?”
“Fine thanks.” Regulus was harsh which James assumed meant he wasn’t fine. He knew Regulus didn’t like to be pushed so James didn’t investigate more even though he wanted to know why Regulus left the dinner early.
“Okay. I’m fine too. I know you didn’t ask but I just wanted you to know. It feels so strange to think this is my last year in this school. I never thought this day would ever come.”
“You can’t be sure that it is your last year at Hogwart”
“What do you mean by that? It’s my 7th year which means it’s my last.”
“It doesn’t. You could become a teacher and spend the rest of your life in the castle. You are good with kids that’s why you became Head Boy. You are also a great student according to your results so you could teach the subject you want.”
“That’s one of the greatest ideas for my future I have ever heard. I never really thought about what I would do after school. You are a genius Regulus.”
“I know”
“And what are you going to do when you finish school?”
“I don’t really know. I always thought I was going to be married to the person my parents choose and will raise the kids I’ll have. But that was never what I wanted for myself. I'd like to open a cafe that would be a bookshop at the same time. The books would be written by wizards but also by muggles because their writing is incredible.”
“That seems like the perfect thing for you Regulus. I think I will come to your bookshop really often.”
“It’s strange we didn’t see any students sneaking out on the first night.”
“Maybe they know which way we are going and are just really good at avoiding us. Or they are just respecting curfew for the first night.”
“I really doubt that James.” Regulus said almost like a laugh. They both froze in place when the last word left the younger boy’s mouth. They looked at each other and James said.
“You called me James.”
“No I didn't. I never would.” Regulus said, trying to run away but he got stopped by James catching his arm.
“Yes you did. I like it when you say it. You should call me James more often.” Regulus was lowering his head to hide the pink that was growing on his cheeks.
“I think it’s time for me to go back to my dorm.”
“I’ll come with you.” James didn’t know why but Regulus seemed relieved by what James had just said.
So together they went down to the Slytherin dorm. They didn’t really talk during their walk back. James just said random facts about the castle and his life. When they arrived in front of the wall (that was also the entryway of the common room) they were met by the new DADA teacher. James sensed that Regulus was trembling next to him. So he put his hand in Regulus’ for him to hold. Regulus took the hand like it was something they usually did. James rubbed circles on the back of Regulus' hand to make him feel better. He also moved closer to James like he was scared of what the man could do to him.
“What are you doing in the donjon this late professor? The professor wing is not in this part of the castle and they aren’t allowed near the students common room except for the head of house. And correct me if I'm wrong but professor Slughorn is the Head of the slytherin house not you. So let me ask you what you are doing here.” The man had been looking at Regulus the entire time and didn’t even look in James’ way. James didn’t trust this teacher and seeing Regulus’ reaction James' first instinct must be right for once. Regulus was shaking against James’ body but his gaze was locked in the teacher’s one. James was doing everything he could to hold Regulus for him not to fall.
“You are quite correct, young man. I think I got lost. It’s been a long time since I have been a student myself and I just wanted to visit the castle once again and I forgot the teachers weren’t allowed near the students' part of the castle. Excuse me, I will go back to my room.” The professor brushed past them, colliding his and Regulus’ shoulders together. Regulus flinched at the touch.
When the teacher had gotten out of the corridor, Regulus literally broke down into James’ arm. James had never seen Regulus cry. But this was a lot worse than crying. They get down to the ground. He didn’t know the younger boy could get in this state but he knew how to handle a panic attack. So he continued on holding Regulus’ hands.
“Hey Regulus, breathe. He is gone. It’s just me and you. You are going to breathe with me okay.” Regulus nodded. “Okay in and out like that in and out, in and out, in and out.” The younger boy started getting back to himself. “That's great Regulus, continue on breathing. You really did scare me there Reggie. Do you want to talk about what got you in that state?” Regulus shook his head in response. “Okay, I was expecting this answer. But if you want someone to talk about it other than your best friends or your brother you should know that I would be here to listen to you and comfort you. If you are not telling me now, will you promise to tell me when you are ready.”
“I promise James. But you also have to promise not to tell a soul what happened tonight.”
“Pinky promise?” said James holding his pinky up.
“Pinky promise.” said Regulus linking his finger with James. He got up and said the password “Aspiration” he looked back at James and let out a small “Goodnight Jamie” to which James responded with a loving “Goodnight Reggie”