Fate

1.39pm

James was swinging in his chair when the door opened, revealing Regulus marching into the classroom, piling the textbooks and studying equipment onto the desk with a loud clatter. “Heavy?” James questioned, raising a comical eyebrow. 

“Just a bit,” Regulus replied, sitting down on the chair next to James, their legs brushing each other. James took a glance at Regulus, seeing if that was on purpose, but his face wouldn’t let anything slip. 

“We’re going to look at this part of the textbook,” James nodded, looking at what Regulus pointed at, “,read pages 119 to 124 then when you’ve finished, I’m going to ask you questions of what you’ve read and you have to answer from memory.” he explained, passing the textbook to James. 

“Sounds like a plan.”

Whilst James was silently reading, taking his time, Regulus was writing out the questions into his notebook. He couldn’t stop himself from taking a quick glimpse at James’ magnificent face, his eyes going back and forth from the reading, his eyebrows set in great concentration and his hair in its usual state of looking unmanaged.  

Apparently, Regulus had been doing more than taking a ‘quick glimpse’ at his crush, because James looked Regulus dead in the eyes, a puzzled look on his face that settled slowly into a smirk. “Admiring the view, are you?” he questioned, raising an eyebrow back at the younger boy. Regulus cleared his throat, getting caught red handed. “Just how do you not get made fun of with that dishevelled hair of yours?” 

“With my good looks, of course,” James replied, like that was the most obvious thing in the world. Regulus rolled his eyes, getting his questions ready in front of him, “No wonder you’re blind.” James took big offence at that from the expression on his features, “Erm, excuse me?! Say that to my admirers, they’ll prove you wrong.”

“Your ego is too big for your head,” Regulus muttered, “Okay, now let's do the questions.” 

“What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?” 

“Draught of Living Death.”

“Correct.”

Regulus moved on to the next question. “What ingredients do you need to make a Polyjuice Potion?” 

“Erm, fluxweed, leeches, and…I’ve forgotten the last one.” James replied.

“Fluxweed, leeches, and Lacewing flies, remember for next time Pot– James.” Regulus corrected. “Who was the writer of Magical Drafts and Potions?”

“Wasn’t it Emeric Switch?” 

“No, he was an author and an expert on Transfiguration. The writer of Magical Drafts and Potions is Arsenius Jigger. Next question, what colour is Veritaserum?”

“Isn’t it blue?” 

“Trick question, it has no colour, it’s clear.”

James drew out a sigh, “Ah, of course it is.”

“You have the worst memory known to a wizard.” Regulus bluntly said, giving a look at James. 

“Shove off, prat. Just cause I don’t stuff myself into books all day, like you.” James defended.

“That’s called studying, I don’t think you’ve ever come across that word, have you? Well it’s very useful for your education, maybe you should do it once in a while.” Regulus retorted, filled to the brim with sarcasm. James gave Regulus a shove on the shoulder playfully. 

“So…talked to Sirius lately?” He asked innocently. 

Regulus flipped like a switch, “Don’t talk to me about my brother.” He said, rather coldly. He started packing up, forcing his things into his bag hurriedly.

“I can tell he misses you.” James clarified, risking to get on Regulus’ bad side, wanting to see if he could get even the smallest bit of information to how Regulus feels about his disowned brother. 

“Did he say that in words?”

“Erm, in his own way.” James stood in front of the door, blocking Regulus’ way out. Regulus huffed and snarled at him. “Move, Potter.” 

“Back to last names now, are we?”

“We will if you don’t move out the bloody way.” He said, the tone in his voice pleading James that he didn’t want to have this conversation about his brother. After a few seconds had passed, James sighed and slowly moved out the way, “Look, I’m sorry, I didn’t know why I did that.” James apologetically said, rubbing the back of his head guiltily. 

“It’s fine, just don’t bring it up again.” Regulus opened the door, about to walk out but he stepped back and half-turned to James, “I’ll see you soon,” with a tight smile. 

James physically brightened up, a beaming smile appearing, “Yeah, I’ll see you.” 

2.57pm

Regulus was walking in the hallway corridors, when he saw the so called ‘Marauders’ and he had to try to walk past them without being noticed. Unfortunately, that didn’t go to plan as he heard his brother whisper something that was only meant for him to hear. “Gonna go back to your Slytherin friends and torture some muggleborns?” 

“Leave me alone, you imbecile.” Regulus hissed, trying to get away from his brother.

For some reason, Sirius had the urge to bring up their parents. “I mean, it’s no big surprise you turned out this way, crawling back to that bitch’s every last word.” he sneered, grabbing the attention of his friend’s behind him. 

“Don’t call her that.” Regulus warned, screwing his face up in distaste from the curse word his brother had used. Sirius drew out a scoff, with James lurking behind him, not wanting to get in the middle of the Black brothers. “You know, Reggie, why couldn’t you come with us that night? Everything would’ve been so much better, but now it’s in pieces. I miss how it used to be.” He demanded, wanting the answer to why his brother had stayed with those cruel inhuman people. 

Regulus didn’t know what to say, certainly not the truth. That would make him out to be a coward, not wanting anyone’s help, and someone had to stay behind. If he had gone with them that night leaving no heir for their Mother and Father, Walburga would’ve been despicable, hunting down Regulus, and she would probably kill him herself, or leave him in the cellar, itching onto life by a string. He would not disappoint his parents, like his brother. He would never ask for help, even if he was in desperate need of it. And it’s not like he would even be able to. He’s stuck in the Black family household, and the business with the Dark Lord as well. Regulus had a deep fear of time, of time moving too quickly, and the future. Because who knows when it’s his turn to pleasure the family in joining them, and work for the Dark Lord. 

“You left me! You abandoned me, leaving me with them.” Regulus couldn’t believe the amount of emotion he was showing, he couldn’t control it in the presence of his brother though. 

“Just give the innocent act up, Regulus, I’m sure you’re gonna get that filthy Dark Mark and become a future death eater for your blood supremacists of parents.” Sirius spat out, scowling at his brother. 

Regulus stared into his eyes, face agape, disbelief showing on his face. He couldn’t accept this was his brother saying all of this. “Let’s just go Sirius, come on.” James pleaded, trying to drag his friend away. Sirius wouldn’t budge, in the middle of a death stare with the younger Slytherin, not wanting to be the one who breaks it. 

After a good couple of seconds, Regulus’ fingers reach to the bridge of his nose, massaging it deeply, a deep sigh falling from his lips. He looked at Sirius, who looked like he greatly regretted saying those hurtful words. “Wait, Reggie, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say that. I’m sor–”

“You’re all lost, if you ask me, you’re lost. Everybody talks to me like I’m the one, you know, I should change,”, signalling with his hands. “Why should I change? I’ve never even got to find out who I am and you want me to change? That’s crazy!”

Everyone in the school corridors had stopped what they were doing, their eyes automatically peeled onto the two brothers, mostly Regulus. James and Sirius had a guilty look in their eyes, staring at the younger boy’s rambling, swallowing deeply. 

“You tell me I’m bad before I even get to be anything. What the hell is that? Original sin or something? Regulus finished, astonished with himself. 

Sirius took a step forward, trying to get close to his brother, but James took a hold of Sirius with his robes, apologising to Regulus through his eyes, and Regulus nodded back at him, like a thank you. Somehow, Sirius managed to get his brother’s wrist. “Reggie, look, can’t we fix this? I-I’m sor–”

Regulus ripped off the link with Sirius’ hand. “Get your filthy hands off of me. And don’t call me that.” He glared, disgust filling his every word, feeling the tears glistening in his eyes. Everyone watched as he strode out of the corridor, his eyes tattooed to the floor. He thought if he looked anyone in the eyes, the wetness in his eyes would start gliding down uncontrollably and the embarrassment would be enough alone to throw himself off the astronomy tower. 

James was stupefied with what the younger brother had come out with. He thought about Regulus’ words: ‘you tell me I’m bad before I even get to be anything’, it’s true. Before James’ friendship with the brother, Sirius and James (mostly Sirius) used to target his brother, taunting him with the evilness of Slytherin House, and the severity of Grimmauld Place. James suddenly had the urge to go after Regulus, but the bell signalled it was time for lessons. 

6.04pm

“What are you looking at?” Sirius asks

Making James snap his eyes away from the end of the Slytherin table. “Doesn’t snivellous have especially greasy hair today?” He replies with a forced grin.

Although he was not looking at that git at all. Instead he was watching Regulus eat raspberries like it was the most boring act ever, it was really peaking James’ interest. Putting the fruit lazily into his mouth, with a fork. Who eats fruit with a fork? Regulus. Mesmerising to say the least. 

Sirius laughs and crashes down his plate and begins to eat his breakfast like he’s not eaten in years, Remus not far behind him, sitting opposite them with his respectable and eat demeanour, which makes Sirius stop eating like an animal and uses his knife and fork. 

James laughs and begins to eat his own, looking slyly to the Slytherin table every so often to see Regulus staring into space, he’s probably picturing murder scenarios but he looks ever so perfect as he does it. Wait, what did I just say? Perfect? James pushes that thought out of his mind, and he stares at Regulus, but when does he not? James quickly glances away , but the expression on the younger Black’s face registers in his mind, he does a double take. Regulus looks tired. Although, “exhausted” is likely the better adjective. A mere “tired” is too tame. Is he always like this when he thinks nobody is looking? Or maybe it might’ve been what had occurred earlier on with his brother. James doesn’t know, but he sure as hell wants to find out, no matter how long it will take him. 

James has known Regulus for a while, and he occasionally has spoken to him in fleeting interactions before their new friendship- most of them were forced in rare conditions like accidental washroom run-ins or when Sirius has run into Regulus, or sharing detentions with each other. More often than not, Regulus is either in one of the sections of the library, holed up at an empty desk in a far corner isolated from everyone else with his nose shoved in a monstrously-long novel. Regulus doesn’t talk much, mostly just when spoken to. 

“Hey Evans!” James shouts when he catches a glimpse of her red hair. 

Remus groans, “James, leave her alone.”

Lily turns and raises an impossibly perfect brow, James grins and winks before she swishes her hair and walks in the opposite direction. 

Regulus hates dealing with feelings head-on. He’d rather squander any intense emotions until they inevitably die out or become weak enough to live with. Sometimes, he doesn’t even know what he’s feeling before he kills it. This is one of those moments. Does Regulus truly hate his brother, or is that he should hate him? Either way, he tells himself he despises him and goes about his evening. 

Dinner is tense, but only Regulus makes it so. Evan and Barty are still recounting their drunken shenanigans from the night before in their dorm room, (seriously, who just gets drunk on a school night? Evan and Barty do), or joking around about their least favourite teachers, and Regulus doesn’t even try to pretend he’s listening. He stares at his food and tries to eat at least a few raspberries. 

When he makes his way back to his dorm room, the incident that took place a few hours ago had been spoken about throughout the entire school, which could be a reason why everyone is looking at Regulus more than usual. 

Regulus is more than relieved when Barty stops by their room to announce that he’s going to hang out in the common room with Evan. And when Barty asks him to join, Regulus declines as politely as he can– meaning he was blunt in his response. With Barty gone and out of the way for a while, Regulus lets all the tension in his shoulders drop. Isolation is the only place he can be comfortable, where he can feel safe, even if it comes at the expense of loneliness. 

He manages to get a good few hours of studying in before he’s rudely interrupted. Regulus is pacing around in a circle as he goes over his Transfiguration notecards, as he always does, when Barty barges in, asking if he wants to go to a party tonight (seeing as it’s Friday) in the Ravenclaw common room. Regulus says he would think about it, but Barty takes that as a no, as Regulus never goes to where big groups of teenagers are, with intoxicated drinks, acting out in the most mischievous ways, where Regulus would hate to be. 

9.12pm

There were blooming disco lights reaching every corner of the Ravenclaw common room, bottles of firewhiskey and butterbeer and lots more of intoxicated drinks plotted in every table with teenagers shouting and dancing to the beat of the deafening music. James was sitting in the corner of the room, eyes only for Lily Evans. His sight follows her as Mary spins her around, coaxing a laugh out of Lily. Her red hair keeps catching the light, like fire. And when the light hits her a certain way, a different way, he can make out the freckles on her face. 

It could be the alcohol, but James starts to doubt everything, “Do you think I should just give up?”

“Give up?” Sirius spitters out in pure shock, “You’ve dedicated almost four years to getting the girl. No point in stopping now.”

“Isn’t there, though?” James sighs, aware of how pathetic it sounded, “Now that I’m thinking about it, four years is a long time. A very, very long time. What if I’m just annoying her?”

Love– what a broad term. James loves a lot of things. He loves his parents, his friends, he loves Quidditch, the colour red, and birthdays, and holidays, and many more things that he couldn’t begin to list. But despite having a lot of love to give, James can’t say he’s ever been in love.

He knows he loves Lily in some meaningful way. He didn’t chase after her all these years for nothing, but in love? Head-over-heels, take a bullet for them, would rather die than live without you, sort of love? That’s a lot harder to figure out. Maybe if someone actually tried to kill Lily, he’d know. But there would be no near-death experience to find his true emotions for Lily Evans, so he would have to figure it out along the way. 

9:58pm

Regulus was sitting next to the window, a cigarette dangling between his fingers, debating with himself whether to go to the Ravenclaw party. Maybe it could help take his mind off the wandering thoughts that usually torment his mind. It might be better than staring at the ceiling in the dark, trembling from the aftershocks of the nightmares that usually plagues his sleep. He inhaled the smoke and welcomed the burning sensation down his throat, and exhaled, taking it back out with a pleasurable sigh. He liked the feeling of the cigarettes in his hand, he liked the feeling of the nicotine scorching his oesophagus, the feeling of doing something indecent– all his life he’s had the wrath of acting the perfect brother, the perfect Black heir after his brother left, the perfect son, student, he could name about a hundred more he’s had the displeasure of being ‘perfect’ for. Regulus wouldn’t ever say this out loud, but he was so sick of it, he was exhausted of everything, he could at least have this release of stress once in a while, nobody bothering him, just him in silence, releasing all the tension and exhaustion from everything that’s been placed on his shoulders. 

Regulus has never realised how magnificent and beautiful Hogwarts is. The stars above, he could name each and every one of them if he wanted, the night sky looming captivatingly over the striking towers, especially the astronomy tower, giving the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry an enchanting look overall. He felt safe here, away from his parents, in the daunting house of Grimmauld Place– at least if harm did approach him here, he could attempt to protect himself with his wand. If he tried to defend himself from his mother, he’d get the worst punishments of them all. He knew, he had the scars scattered over his body to prove it.

He lit the cigarette on fire with his wand, watching as it all dissipated to leaving only ashes as evidence from his past-misbehaving antics that Walburga would probably lose all her senses if she knew what he was up to with these sorts of substances. He tiredly scrubbed his face and decided to get dressed for the party, no matter how late he’d show up to it. 

He looked himself in the mirror and smoothed down his outfit, self-consciousness overriding his confidence, as if he had any to begin with. Regulus chose to wear a dark green turtleneck sweater with black dress trousers attached to a belt, selecting a pair of black shoes to finish his outfit with. He looked himself dead in the eyes in front of the daunting mirror, anxiety digging a new hole into his head, hoping nothing extremely unfortunate would occur to him. Regulus forced his legs to walk out of his dormitory, only a few stray Slytherins in the common room which were mostly people below the third year as they were too young to be going to parties with intoxicated witches and wizards with (probably) indecorous games taking place. 

10.07pm

James was lazily swallowing down huge amounts of firewhiskey at an alarmingly quick pace. Remus and Sirius collectively gave James a worrying look. “Prongs, mate, you might want to slow down. Me and Moony aren’t even tipsy yet, and here you are getting wasted.” Sirius cautioned, trying to take the drink away from James but he didn’t give up the drink. James’ eyes were deadlocked onto the scene playing out in front of his eyes. He pointed a finger at the incident. 

“Oh.” Remus sighed out, at a loss of words. Lily Evans was snogging a random seventh year, by the looks of it. Her tongue plunged into the other boy’s mouth. Sirius rubbed James’ shoulder affectionately, “You’ll get a chance soon, Prongs, just wait.”

“There’s no point in trying, she’s ‘bviously not ‘nterested.” James said, his words jumbling up from the alcohol. “Come on, Prongs, who wouldn’t want you?” Sirius said, desperately trying to lighten up his best mate. 

A disheartened sigh escaped James. “Not her.” 

Remus shared a look with Sirius, nodding to the upstairs. Sirius nodded towards James to Remus as if to say: What are we gonna do with Prongs? We can’t leave him here

Remus bobbed his head to the group of Gryffindors and Hufflepuths. Sirius agreed

The former Black heir started to pick up his drunken mess of a best friend with Remus helping. “Come on, mate, look, do you wanna be with your other friends?” James was too drunk to understand what was happening. “Mmmh.” slurring his words. Remus pointed to where James was getting directed to. “Are you going to be okay without us, Prongs?” Remus asked. 

“Of course I am, ‘m a big boy.” 

Sirius boomed out a big laugh, slapping his back. “Course you are. Moony and I will be back in no time.” 

Remus and Sirius left James on the side of the wall, walking slyly upstairs with their hands touching, pink flushes appearing on their faces as they trudged up the stairs into one of the spare empty rooms. “Are you sure about this, Padfoot?” Remus whispered in the dark, the moonlight rays catching on his face. Sirius thought what an exquisite boy this was in front of him. “As sure as I’ll ever be.”

Remus started to lean forward, he stopped an inch from Sirius’ face, feeling the short breaths coming from both of them with anticipation building up, staring at the other boy’s lips. Suddenly, Sirius’ hands drag through Remus’ soft curly hair and vigorously pushes his head to his own, their lips gracefully smashing together at last. Remus pushes his hands through Sirius’ long locks, stopping the kiss– “I’m sorry, are you sure you–” Sirius answers by kissing Remus so desperately that his whole body curves into Remus. They both stumble in the direction of a mattress, feeling sorry for whoever’s bed they have landed on. Their minds drift off of their drunken mess of a friend– the two boy’s fill the night with pleasurable feelings, passionate emotions for one another…

10:28pm

James tries to search for some water, desperately wanting to sober up in case he makes some rash decisions under the influence of alcohol. Apparently, he found himself tripping over the leg of a chair, stumbling over into a group of gossiping girls, finding Dorcas and Marlene amongst them. “Ohhh, there you are Marleyyy. Oh wow, is that Dorcas I see? Oh sorry, I didn’t mean to fall ’nto you guyss. Girls.” He blabbered, correcting his gender terms, holding himself up on the wobbly table.

“Jamesy, you feeling okay?” Marlene said, latching the back of her hand against his forehead. She gave a sceptical brow towards Dorcas, excusing them both from the group they were with. The two girls grabbed each of James’ arms, directing him to one of the sofas. “Heyy, where are ya taking meee?” he shouted, words slurring from his delirious state, 

“Honey, are you feeling okay?” Marlene affectionately asked, conjuring him a glass of water. James chugged down the fresh water urgently, accidentally slamming the glass on the tabletop. 

“Uhm, where do I start?” He thoughtfully said, as if in his own mind, rubbing his hand on his chin as if it was the hardest question someone had ever asked him. “Guys, if I tell you s'mething really bad, promise you won’t tell anyone.” James whispered to the two girls. 

Dorcas and Marlene gave a collective look to each other, then Dorcas leaned down into his ear. “We promise.” Marlene gave James a pleasant smile, encouraging him to say whatever he had that was plaguing his mind. 

“‘Kay. So, I dunno know what- or how to explain it. He looked thoroughly stressed, brows furrowing. “It’s okay, James. Take your time.” Dorcas said.

“Um, I’ve made a new friend– not telling you who– and, erm, I keep getting these really weird thoughts about him.” James explained, looking at the girls’ faces to see if there was any judgement laced in their expression. But all he could make out was the faces of people who loved him no matter what. And that was the best feeling in the world. 

“What kind of feelings, James?” Marlene asked, clarifying if what she thought was true. James shook his head, his hands grabbing the ends of his hair, trying to get his thoughts in order. “Like- I would look at him, and, I don’t know, I would get these thoughts I haven’t ever had before about a boy.”

“James, look.” Dorcas replied. James followed their line of sight, the two girl’s hands linked together, definitely not platonically by the looks they’re giving each other. James audibly gasped, relief filling his bones, beaming at his friends from ear to ear. “It’s perfectly okay to feel this way, nothing about you is abnormal, you’re not broken or whatever you think about yourself.” Marlene promised, her hand endearingly stroking the boy’s cheek. “Thank- thank you, really. I love you guys so much.” He said, adoration shining through his face. 

“You know, James, you can always talk to us, whenever you like.” Dorcas smiled.

“Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind. I think I’ve sobered up enough to walk on my own now. Thank you for all your help, really.” James repeated. The couple waved James off and he wandered across the common room, avoiding empty bottles lying scattered over the floor. He apologised deeply to whoever had to clean up this mess. James settled on leaning on one of the brick walls of the Ravenclaw common room slowly consuming his cup of water, feeling the intoxicated-ness leisurely leave his body when in his peripheral vision he spotted a Slytherin with the face he’d recognise in an instant hurriedly leave the party. James had only seen him for a second but he was absolutely sure it was Regulus Black. He downed his drink and plotted it onto the side and he got out his Marauders’ Map from his trouser pocket to spot where the younger Slytherin had gone. Once he discovered Regulus on the map, he wasted no time in chasing after him. 

He sneaked out of the Ravenclaw common room, lighting his wand up, following Regulus’ name along the pitch black corridors with paintings moaning at the brightness of his wand. After a swift walk to Regulus’ whereabouts, he found himself outside of an abandoned classroom on the third floor; James could hear the most impressive sounds of a piano echoing from outside the room. Curiosity got the better of him, he tiptoed as quietly as he could into the classroom, he peeked his head seeing the beautiful younger boy sitting at the piano, with his fingers skating back and forth creating majestic music. The Gryffindor was awe-struck with what his ears were blessed to hear. James took another step, opening the creaking door more, hoping to see a better view of the curly-haired boy sitting at the instrument. However, that failed when a loud crash alarms Regulus, automatically pointing his wand at the intruder. 

“I’m sorry, sorry, it’s just me!” James shouted-whispered, holding his hands up as surrender. Regulus exhaled, putting his wand away. “You could announce yourself next time instead of scaring me shitless, James.” James strolled to where Regulus was sitting on the stool that was long enough for two people, “Can I sit?” Regulus nodded. 

James settled on the seat next to Regulus taking a glance at him, the moonlight shining on the younger boy’s features. James never knew how beautiful he was, it was unbelievable. James was star-struck. He finally let these thoughts come freely, no longer blocking them out and hiding them into the deepest depths of his mind. “So, I saw you walking out of the Ravenclaw party. Didn’t think you came to those sorts of things.” James murmured. 

“I don’t, usually. Just thought I should turn up and see what it’s like, but it didn’t really catch my interest,” the other boy replied, “by any chance, did Sirius talk about my- about what happened earlier, in the hallways?” he asked. 

“Um, no, actually. Which is weird, cause he usually rambles about everything.” 

“Oh, well. Sorry about that outburst.” Regulus said, his voice going as quiet as a whisper.

“It’s fine, you had to let it out somewhen.” James softly smiled at the younger boy, their eyes catching each other; Regulus let his eyes wander off of James’ captivating hazel eyes onto the piano tiles. 

“I heard you play from outside, the sounds you made were breath-taking.” Maybe that was the slight drunkenness talking, but as they do say, drunk words are sober thoughts. 

“Really?” Regulus breathed out. 

James eagerly nodded. “Will you play me something?” He asked.

“Like what?”

“Anything.”

Regulus starts off the music-piece with mellow, featherily chimes which then gradually transitions into a booming, piercing melody vibrating the floorboards which leaves James awe-struck with what the brilliant boy beside him could conjure up with his fingers. James never bores of hearing the elegant music. When Regulus finishes the song, James’ ears were itching to hear more and more of what the Slytherin could play on the piano.

“Erm, how was that?” Regulus fidgets with his fingers, self-consciousness (his worst enemy) overflowing his every thought.

“Wow, Reg. I– I have no words. That was beautiful.” James praised, still astonished. 

“Thanks.” Regulus flusters at the nickname that James uses for him. 

“I never knew you could play the piano.”

“There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me.” 

“I’d like to find out.” James whispers. Regulus quickly takes a glimpse at James, but when he does, James is already staring back at him. “I– I guess I should go back to my common room, it– it’s getting late.” Regulus stammers, standing up from the stool. 

“Well, I suppose.” James agrees, not wanting Regulus to go just yet, but he won’t stop him. 

Regulus stops right at the door with his hand on the wood when he turns around to face the older boy, “Goodnight James, this was nice.” He gives a polite smile that’s only for James to see. 

“Goodnight, Reg, sleep well.” Regulus gives a little nod and disappears into the dark corridors. James sighs to himself, feeling pleased with the events that had just occurred, giving himself a warily walk back to the Gryffindor common room, a small smile playing from his lips.