all my elegies eulogize me

December 14th, 1976

•••

The rain pounded heavily onto Regulus’ shoulders, soaking him to the core. In his left hand was his wand, gripped tightly between his slender fingers, casting a continuous disillusionment charm to make him invisible to everyone around him. Though, unsurprisingly, not many people were around. A few muggles, sprinting past him through the rain to seek shelter, . Though, he couldn’t blame them for seeking shelter from the storm. Normally it would be snowing, a thick layer of white fluff blanketing the ground and the treetops. But the universe, almost sensing how dark and desolate Regulus felt, decided that the normally cheery winter weather was not appropriate. 

Regulus stood rigid in front of 12 Grimmauld Place. The thick haze of protective wards surrounding the building distorted his view, rippling like a pebble thrown into a lake. The home, when seen by a witch or wizard, was dark. The bricks, painted dark black, contrasted starkly against the typical red and brown bricks of the homes alongside it. But when viewed by a muggle, it simply looked as if it was a normal home, with a normal family living inside of it. Regulus’ hands were shaking, undeniably so. His fingers, grasping onto his wand as tight as he could, were beginning to quiver and loosen their grip. Before he could talk himself out of it, he snuck away towards the side of the row of homes, and cast a patronus charm.

He breathed. “I’m sorry for running off, James. Please do not come for me, for I have chosen my path so that you all may live yours to the fullest. I love you, James. Tell Sirius I love him too.” He said quietly, sending the patronus off to find James. His hair was sticking to his cheeks, raindrops slipping down the curve of his nose and lips. Blinking away the tears that threatened to spill, he swallowed his nerves and began the walk back to the front of his childhood home, the analogous prison he had spent nearly 16 years boarded up inside of. Regulus closed his eyes for a few moments, breathing in slowly, before striding up the steps of the brick home in front of him.

This is an incredibly stupid idea, Regulus thought to himself. He knew it was foolish to come alone, with no backup and no plan. But to Regulus, having the Marauders come with him seemed like it would cause more drama than needed. The Marauders were reactive, throwing hexes and jinxes around like they were nothing. The Death Eaters were calculated, they had created hexes that the Marauders couldn’t even comprehend. Hell, Regulus couldn’t even comprehend them. They would not hesitate to throw an Unforgivable out, not caring who it hit. Regulus couldn’t bare to let them fight his battle for him.

The front door heaved open as he approached it, entering into the dark corridor of the manor. Regulus slowly stepped inside, wand still held tightly in his hand. It was darker than it normally was; the small candles normally lit along the corridors had been blown out, and the room still smelled of the residual smoke they left in their wake. Someone’s just blown them out , Regulus thought to himself. He dared to venture deeper, hearing muffled conversations lingering out into the halls. He shivered; they, undoubtedly, were Death Eaters. He recalled his mother speaking about how they were to use his home as a meeting space, since people had begun to figure out where they were meeting previously.

He came to a halt in the corridor, suddenly hearing heavy boots following behind him. His breathing stopped, hitching in his throat as he heard a familiar low chuckle behind him. Regulus straightened his back, turning and meeting the pewter eyes he had grown to detest, knuckles white from how tightly he gripped his wand in his hand.

“Ah, Regulus,” Orion spoke, voice echoing off the polished stone floor and rattling Regulus’ head. “How thoughtful of you to join us… prematurely.”

•••

“Right, last time I saw him, he was leaving the library,” Sirius said. “I talked to him for a moment, but he seemed like he wanted to be left alone, so I left it.” He ran his fingers through his long black hair; something he had a habit of doing when he was anxious. James nodded, hands resting on his hips. He spared a glance towards the map, sprawled out on the table. They had gone over it at least a dozen times, getting help from Lily and Marlene to ensure that they hadn’t simply missed him.

“When was that?” Remus asked, scrawling notes on a scroll of parchment. Sirius furrowed his brow, something both him and Regulus did when they were thinking hard about something. James frowned at the thought. “It was right before dinner, I believe. Prongs, Wormy, you both had your backs to the Slytherin table, yeah?” Sirius asked. The two boys nodded. “Right, I couldn’t find him during dinner, so at the very least, he’s been gone since then.”

James nodded. He opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by the wispy blue Raven that flew into the room. “Bloody hell, that’s Regulus’ patronus,” James exclaimed. The Raven began to speak, reciting the message that Regulus had sent earlier. James had to stop himself from crying in relief; hearing his boyfriend’s voice, when he had no idea if he was safe or not, was enough adrenaline to find him with no leads. Once the Raven finished delivering the message, it disappeared in a flash of blue and silver, leaving the boys standing in silence.

Sirius was the first to speak up. “He’s gone to them,” He whispered. “Merlin, he’s gone to them alone.” He exclaimed.

James’ heart sank, anxiety pooling in his stomach. Why would Regulus leave him like that? From Regulus’ message, it seemed as if he was prepared to die fighting this fight. James ran a hand through his hair, pulling his glasses off of his nose to rub his face nervously.

“Why the hell would he do that?” James asked, voice shaking in panic.

Sirius threw his arms in the air, exasperated. “He must think that he can take them himself,” He said. “Regulus can’t fight them on his own. He’s smart, and strong, but they’re stronger. Plus, knowing my family, they’ve already gathered by now so they can discuss how they’re going to make Regulus take the mark,” Sirius said.

“So a Death Eaters meeting?” James asked.

Sirius nodded. “Yeah, Regulus mentioned something to me about them using Grimmauld Place as a new meeting place.”

Remus threw his hands up in the air. “So, what are we waiting for? Let’s crash the party.” Remus said, crumpling the parchment in his hand and moving to grab his wand. 

The four boys, scrambling to get their wands, quickly bolted out of the Gryffindor common room. James clutched the Invisibility Cloak tightly in one hand, his wand held just as tight in the other, as they ran through the halls. “Come on, we can apparate from Hogsmeade,” Remus called, running towards one of the secret passages they had discovered on their quest to fill out the map. 

•••

The room was eerily silent. Before him was a large table; it was made of African Blackwood, his mother had insisted on it when they had moved into the house before Regulus and Sirius were born. At the table sat 14 people, seven seats on each side of the table, filled with Death Eaters and allies alike. At the head of the table, with a look in his eyes that chilled Regulus to the bone, was Lord Voldemort. On either side of Regulus stood his father, Orion, and Antonin Dolohov, each with a tight grip on the smaller boy’s arms. Regulus stood stoic, keeping a neutral face as Voldemort stood from the head of the table. 

“I see…” Voldemort said slowly, walking the length of the table towards Regulus, who was standing on the opposite end. “…that you have chosen to join us, Regulus.” He finished, lips curling into a tight smirk.

Regulus blinked.

“Speak when spoken to, boy,” Orion muttered, gripping Regulus’ arm tighter.

He swallowed hard. “Yes, sir,” Regulus lied, voice unwavering. That was a skill he had learned growing up as a Black; being able to lie through your teeth was required to survive in this family.

A nauseating grin crossed Voldemort’s lips, pale hands reaching out to grasp Regulus’ chin in a festering grip. “Smart decision, young one,” Voldemort spoke, his putrid breath curling into Regulus’ nose. He tried his hardest not to grimace, or lurch away when Voldemort got too close to him. “I suppose you are wiser than your brother.”

“Do not speak of my brother,” Regulus spat, ripping his chin out of Voldemort’s grasp.

The Dark Lord chuckled lowly, lips curling into a stomach-turning grin. “The rage that lives within you, boy…” Voldemort sneered, stepping closer to Regulus. “It is familiar to me. Akin to the fire within a true Slytherin’s soul,” He chuckled slowly, dragging a scraggly fingernail across Regulus’ cheek. He delivered a harsh slap to Regulus’ cheek, making his head whip to the side. Regulus grimaced for a moment.

“Yes…you will make a fine Death Eater,” Voldemort muttered, grabbing Regulus’ chin in his fingers again. “Though, I do believe someone will need to sort out that mouth of yours.”

Regulus grunted, trying to pry himself out of the men’s grasp as Voldemort sauntered away. “You cannot force me to take the mark, Voldemort,” Regulus said lowly, glaring at the Dark Lord’s back. “You are on the wrong side of history. You and your crew of inarticulate cretins will see soon enough.” Suddenly, his knees collided with the ground, palms pressed firmly against the polished tile floor of the room.

Voldemort chuckled, shaking his head. “Prepare him for the mark,” He announced. “Ensure that he does not fight more than he already has. He will be on the right side of this war…perhaps he requires proper motivation.” Voldemort said, before exiting the room, a small group of individuals following closely behind him.

•••

Blood dribbled down Regulus’ face, pooling in the corner of his lips. He panted heavily, eyes stinging with tears, blurring and unblurring as they tried desperately to focus on something. His body burned, muscles seizing up, then relaxing again from the Cruciatus curse he had been hit with. Orion’s fingers curled tightly around his hair, yanking his head up to look at him. “Stupid, insolent boy,” He sneered, pushing him back onto the ground. “You will take the mark whether you want to or not. I am sick and tired of my children going behind my back. First your brother leaves,” Orion bellowed, delivering another harsh slap to Regulus’ cheek. He heard the blood streaming out of his nose splatter on the tile, a loud crack coming from his face. “That’s fine, we have a replacement,” Another slap. More blood splatters. “We’ll prepare our obedient son to follow the path Sirius left behind!” Another slap. Regulus plunged to the ground, back colliding with the tile. He groaned, trying to stand up, before his father’s boot collided with his chest and pinned him to the ground.

“But no,” Orion snarled. “I suppose it was foolish of me to believe that he hadn’t infected your brain with his disobedience. No matter, though. You’ll join the right side of this fight, won’t you?” He asked condescendingly, moving his foot and allowing Antonin Dolohov and Corban Yaxley to grab Regulus, pushing the sleeve of his left arm out of the way. Dolohov forced his arm out, grabbing Regulus’ hair and pulling his head back. “Chin up, boy,” He sneered in Regulus’ ear. Regulus gasped in pain, blood spilling into his mouth. “You cannot force innocent people to take the mark,” Regulus sputtered out, trying to pry his arm out of Dolohov’s grasp. “There are innocent children, forced to fight in a war they have no knowledge about. You are raising an army of children.” He groaned. Regulus continued to gasp for air as Voldemort re-entered the room, sneering gleefully as he saw Regulus.

Behind him stood Walburga, Bellatrix, Lucius Malfoy, Barty Crouch Jr., Severus Snape, and Evan Rosier. Regulus watched in disgust as Barty sneered, mouthing “I told you so,” towards him. “Good,” Voldemort said, pulling his wand out of his robes. “I see you have…controlled him. Excellent. Welcome to the right side of history, boy.” Voldemort reached out and grasped Regulus’ wrist tightly, holding his wand out to press the tip to his inner forearm.

“Expelliarmus!” Someone exclaimed, sending Voldemort’s wand flying out of his hand. The whole room turned to see Sirius, James, Remus, and Peter standing in the entryway, wands pointed out at the ready. James and Regulus made eye contact, James’ face hardening and his jaw clenching in anger. Regulus shook his head in a panic, staring at the group. “What are you doing here?” Orion bellowed.

“Get out of here!” Regulus screamed, letting out a loud yelp of pain when Dolohov pulled his hair again.

“Not without you!” Sirius yelled back. “Expulso!” Sirius exclaimed, sending Dolohov flying backwards into a wall. Regulus nearly cried in relief, the tight grip Dolohov had on his hair disappearing. James casted a Petrificus Totalus curse at Yaxley, leaving Regulus completely free. “Accio wand!” Regulus exclaimed, his wand flying into his grasp. The whole room broke out into a fight, hexes and curses flying across the room at their targets. Orion, who had his wand casted out of his hand by James, found Sirius and Regulus fighting back to back in the middle of the crossfire. He grinned, large hand reaching out and grasping one of the heavy armchairs that sat in the room.

“Reg, watch out!” Remus yelled, and Regulus turned his attention to where the armchair was flying towards him and Sirius. “Reducto!” Regulus yelled, pointing his wand towards the chair. The chair exploded into a million pieces, falling around the two brothers, scratching their faces and settling in their hair. “You alright?” Regulus asked, and Sirius grinned brightly. “Never better, little star. Let’s kick our family’s arse!” Sirius said, high fiving Regulus before turning back to the fight surrounding them.

Somehow during the fight, Regulus had gotten separated from the rest of the Marauders. He was backed into a corner, some of Voldemort’s goons circling him and forcing him further back against the wall. Regulus held his wand out, prepared to stupefy the goons, but was cut short by someone doing it before he could. The men collapsed to the ground, revealing James Potter standing behind them. James immediately ran to Regulus, holding him tightly. “Reg…” He whispered, running his fingers over Regulus’ dirt and blood covered cheeks.

Regulus smiled, eyes welling up with tears. “I’m sorry for leaving,” He mumbled.

“Shut up, you bloody idiot.” James said, capturing Regulus’ lips in a passionate kiss. It seemed as if the loud crashing of spells and curses being shot around them faded into the background, and all the noise around them didn’t matter. It was James and Regulus, together, against the world. After a few moments, they pulled out of the kiss, smiling at each other one final time before turning back to the fight. Flashes of green, red, orange flew around them, hitting Marauders and Death Eaters alike. Out of the corner of his eye, Sirius saw his mother and father sneaking out through the door. His father’s gaze locked onto Sirius, a scowl crossing his lips. Sirius’ face remained stoic, holding his father’s hardened gaze before they scurried out of the room.

After a long, arduous fight, the Death Eaters retreated, fleeing Grimmauld Place with battered egos and dirt covered faces. Sirius and Regulus clung to each other tightly, Sirius scolding his little brother for . Peter had the least amount of damage; he had a busted lip and a couple of bruises. Remus was left with a broken rib, and a few cuts and scratches. James was in the same boat as Remus, but he also had a black eye from where a Death Eater had clocked him when he wasn’t paying attention. Sirius and Regulus were the worst; both of them had a plethora of scratches, broken ribs, and bruises littering their bodies. Sirius had gotten cornered by Walburga during the fight, but Regulus came in to help him fight her. Regulus had a broken nose, dried blood covered his nose and lips. Bruises, scratches, and cuts littered his pale skin, his head pounded and his ribs ached and burned. 

“Regulus Arcturus Black, I love you more than anything in the bloody world, but Merlin if you ever pull some shit like that again, I’ll kill you myself,” Sirius joked, pulling his brother into a tight hug. Well, as tight as they both could manage with a few broken ribs each. Regulus laughed, hugging his brother back tightly. His body hurt, and he had dirt and blood covering his face, but he couldn’t care less. At the very least, he had stopped Voldemort for the time being. He knew Voldemort would come back; it was inevitable. But for now, he had time to spare. Time to heal. Time to prepare. Time he didn’t have before.

The group, coated in a thick layer of dirt and blood, ventured back to Hogwarts, stumbling their way to the hospital wing.

“Goodness, boys, what has happened to you?” Madame Pomfrey exclaimed, standing up from her desk in a panic. “Merlin, alright, sit down on a bed, all of you.” She hurried the boys onto their respective beds, calling for McGonagall to come down and speak to the boys while she tended to their wounds.

When Minerva entered the hospital wing, the five boys could tell that she was immediately taken aback. “Merlin,” She muttered, wrapping her robe tighter around herself. “Why is it always you lot whenever Poppy calls for me!” She said, sending Regulus a small smile. Regulus managed a smile back, grimacing in pain afterwards. “Right, boys, what’s happened this time?” She asked, sitting down at Madame Pomfrey’s desk.

•••

December 15th, 1976

The next day, Effie came to pick the boys up herself. Peter was going somewhere in Italy for the Holidays with his mother and father, and Remus was going back home to see his mother and father. Regulus was eternally grateful for the invention of the Skele-gro potion, for if Madame Pomfrey had not given him and Sirius a copious amount of the potion, neither of them would be fit enough to go home. Effie rushed through the floo network, her soft hands immediately finding their way to James’ face, inspecting his injuries. “Mum, I promise I’m okay,” James shushed, causing Effie to scoff. “James Fleamont Potter, I receive an Owl from McGonagall telling me to pick my boys up at the school, and discover that all of them are battered and bruised, and I’m not allowed to worry?” She remarked, pressing a soft kiss to James’ forehead.

Effie then found Sirius, who wrapped her in a careful hug the minute he was able to. She tutted over the bruises on his cheeks, pushing some of his hair out of his eyes. “Goodness, Sirius,” She muttered. “Reckon I’ll look rugged and strong once I’m all healed?” Sirius joked. Effie chuckled at his remark, shaking her head. “Of course, darling,” She said sarcastically, inspecting the cuts on his face. “I’ll forever be grateful for Poppy, she does impeccable work.” She said quietly. Sirius smiled reassuringly at her words.

When her eyes found Regulus, she frowned slightly. “Oh, Regulus,” She said softly, pushing her fingers through his hair. “I know I don’t normally speak like this…but fuck Walburga,” She whispered, just low enough for Regulus to hear. Regulus let out a hearty laugh at that; it was loud, unfiltered, one that mimicked Sirius’ laugh that Walburga had hated so much. Effie pulled Regulus into a hug; it was careful, she held him like he was a porcelain doll, that could slip and shatter into a thousand pieces. Regulus had been touched, held, grabbed like he was made of titanium for so long; like no one cared if he broke. The soft touch shocked him at first, but he came to his senses and hugged her back just as carefully. “I just cannot believe that a mother could let someone manhandle her children like this,” Effie said disapprovingly. “You boys are in better hands now, you hear? And if she tries anything else…well, I suppose I’ll have to set Fleamont on her.” She said, and the group departed through the floo back to the Potter’s.

•••

December 24th, 1976

Christmas at the Potters was always an extravagant affair. Effie and Fleamont had brunch plans with some of Fleamont’s colleagues, then lunch and presents as a family. In the evening, the boys had invited their friends over to exchange gifts between each other. The house, though normally warm and inviting, felt even cozier. Bundles of lights, candles that smelled like pine and cloves, cinnamon sticks in the christmas tree, it was a stark contrast to what Regulus had experienced growing up.

At Grimmauld Place, they didn’t so much as have a tree up. Walburga and Orion would give the boys one present each, so that they had something to talk about after the holidays. But other than that, nothing. With the Potters, there was no shortage of holiday cheer. The tree was stuffed to the brim with ornaments and candy canes, and the bottom was bursting at the seams with presents wrapped in green and gold paper. Effie was always a stickler for how the presents were wrapped, taking the time to use the sharp side of the scissors to curl the ribbons tying the packages together. The dining table was filled with food; Christmas cookies, a roasted ham, small pieces of chocolate, a charcuterie board with meats and cheeses, everything. It was a bit overwhelming.

At around 7pm, their friends started showing up. Mary and Lily were first, with Mary dressed in a burgundy blouse and a pair of high waisted black trousers and Lily dressed in a velvet emerald dress. Remus, Marlene, and Dorcas following shortly afterwards; Remus wore a green and red sweater, but Marlene and Dorcas had shown up wearing the gaudiest Christmas sweaters Regulus had ever seen. Remus took the liberty of charming the Potter’s record player to continuously be playing music. It started with familiar Christmas songs, before quickly devolving into Fleetwood Mac, Queen, and David Bowie. 

Sirius, ever the showman, had come down the stairs after everyone had arrived dressed in a Santa Clause costume, much to Remus and Regulus’ dismay. Remus was wearing an emerald green sweater and a pair of black trousers, and James was wearing a bright red sweater and a pair of jeans. The group crowded around the dining table, thanking Effie profusely for her kindness and absolutely devouring their food and desserts. After dinner, they crowded in the living room to chat while they let their stomachs settle.

Regulus was getting his nails painted by Lily; she had brought some glittery pink varnish in her purse, and Regulus could’ve sworn she had brought it for the sole purpose of painting his nails. He was deeply invested in a conversation with her, Mary, and Remus about a book that all three of them had read. Next to him was James, who was sipping a glass of pumpkin juice and joking with Sirius, Dorcas, and Marlene.

“Truly, I believe that Oscar Wilde is an incredible author,” Remus remarked, running his fingers through Mary’s hair before he began braiding it. Regulus felt James wrap his arm around him, running his fingers through Regulus’ dark curls as he talked with the others.

Regulus nodded in agreement, watching as Lily painted his nails. “He really is,” Regulus said. Lily nodded as well, gliding the brush across Regulus’ nails. “The Portrait of Dorian Gray is a masterpiece.” Lily agreed, brow furrowing in concentration as she painted.

“The Portrait of who ?” Sirius asked, making the group laugh.

“Dorian Gray, it’s a muggle book by author Oscar Wilde.” Mary responded. “It’s about a man whose friend is infatuated with his beauty, and decides to paint him. Dorian becomes obsessed with the hedonistic lifestyle of the Aristocrats he surrounds himself with,” She continued. Remus nodded along, brow furrowing as he fumbled with her hair.

Sirius nodded, taking a sip of his pumpkin juice.

“All done!” Lily exclaimed, dunking the brush back into the bottle and screwing the bottle shut. “Now we match.” She said definitively, holding her hand out next to Regulus’. Her nails, long and manicured, were covered in the same glittery polish Regulus had on. He laughed softly at the contradiction of their hands; hers adorned with thin and delicate gold rings, encrusted with small crystals, and his adorned with chunky, silver rings on almost every finger. Yet, the same gaudy pink polish adorning their fingernails. Regulus always had a soft spot for Lily; she helped him study for potions exams since she excelled in it, and in return, he would help her study for transfiguration exams. Regulus smiled warmly at Lily, who had began blowing softly onto his nails in an attempt to make them dry faster. “Thanks, Lils,” He said, and she smiled brightly back. “Of course, Reg.” She responded

Dorcas perked up from Marlene’s side. “Right, who’s ready for presents?” She exclaimed. The group stood up, congregating in a circle on the floor of the living room to exchange presents.

James sat down on Regulus’ left, with Sirius on his right. “Want to exchange presents when everyone leaves?” James asked, voice hushed in Regulus’ ear. Regulus nodded, pressing a kiss onto James’ cheek.

“Get a room, lovebirds!” Marlene teased, making the boys flush deep red.

They all decided that they would pass out all of the presents before they would open. Dorcas went first, handing out small boxes wrapped in glossy red wrapping paper, then Marlene and Mary, who surprisingly had gotten gifts for Regulus. Regulus’ eyes went wider and wider with every package he was handed, a small pile of gifts accumulating in front of him. After everyone’s presents had been handed out, the group began tearing into them with excitement.

Dorcas gifted Regulus a new set of broom polish, which he was very thankful for. Marlene bought him another Shakespeare book; this one being A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Mary gifted him a small notebook and a set of muggle pens, joking that ‘journalling would be good for him’, which made him laugh loudly. Lily gifted him a set of nail varnishes in green, black, red, and gold glitter. He rolled his eyes at her when she mentioned he could paint his nails the Gryffindor colors.

Remus had handed him a small box wrapped in brown parchment, tied together with a small piece of twine. He opened it, revealing a silver necklace with four charms dangling from the chain; a rat, a dog, a crescent moon, and a stag head. “So you’ll always have us with you!” Remus said happily. Regulus could have burst into tears right then and there, reaching across Sirius to hug Remus. “Thank you, it’s incredible,” He said, smiling brightly as he took the necklace out of the container and put it around his neck.

Sirius handed Regulus a small box, wrapped neatly in green paper. Regulus pulled the paper off and opened the box, revealing a silver band ring with the Canis Major constellation stamped into it. “I have the matching ring, with the Leo constellation in it.” Sirius said. Regulus smiled, pulling Sirius into a short hug. “Love you, petite étoile,” Sirius said. “Love you too, Siri.” Regulus responded.

After an hour of opening presents, the group had moved to the backyard, lighting a fire and sitting on the large benches Fleamont had conjured up for them. Thick, soft blankets were wrapped around each person, huddling together for warmth as they sat joking and laughing, tears pricking at the corners of their eyes and stomachs cramping. Soon, the embers died out, and the group filed their way back inside the house. Hands full of packages from friends, everyone left, Remus staying behind for breakfast the next morning. Almost immediately after everyone had left, Remus and Sirius had retired to the bedroom, leaving Regulus and James to head towards the guest bedroom Regulus had been staying in.

“Right,” James said, opening the closet door. Regulus closed the door behind him, locking it. “I knew Remus and Sirius would be hijacking our room, so I hid my present to you in here.” James said, pulling out a box wrapped in red wrapping paper and a bright green ribbon. Regulus laughed, reaching under his bed and retrieving a box wrapped in blue paper, a silver bow adorning the top. The boys sat on Regulus’ bed, handing each other their gifts.

James carefully handled the box, tearing the wrapping paper off and taking the lid off. Inside, he found a small notebook, bound in brown leather, with a small clasp keeping the front covers together. “It’s charmed,” Regulus clarified, seeing the confused look on James’ face. “So only you and I can see what’s written in it. I have a matching one.” He said, pulling open the drawer on his nightstand and pulling out a similar notebook. “When you write in it, it shows up on my page, and vice versa.” Regulus smiled. James grinned brightly, setting it next to him on the bed.

“Reg, it’s perfect,” He said softly, pressing a soft kiss to Regulus’ lips. “I love it. Thank you,” He said softly. “Right, now open mine,” He said excitedly, making Regulus laugh.

Regulus grabbed the box. “To My Lion Heart,” was scrawled on the top right corner, which made Regulus laugh under his breath. He tore off the wrapping paper and opened the box, revealing a fluffy red sweater, and a delicate silver necklace with the letter J hanging from the chain. “The sweater has a permanent warming charm on it,” James said. “And…I just want everyone to know you’re mine.” He said, voice quiet. Regulus looked up at James, moving the box to the side and kissing him fiercely.

“James Potter, you are perfect,” Regulus said, a bright grin on his lips.

James flushed deep red, caressing Regulus’ cheek with his hand. “So are you, mon amour.”

Regulus laughed, shaking his head before pulling the necklace out of the box and clasping it around his neck. It glinted in the moonlight, shining back at James. “When…when you sent your patronus to us,” James said, looking down at his hands. “You said you loved me. Did you mean it?” He asked hesitantly.

A few moments passed before Regulus said anything. “I did. I still do.”

More silence. “I love you, James.” Regulus said.

James looked up at Regulus, staring deeply into his eyes. Regulus, though always closed off to others, was an open book to James. He could tell whatever the younger boy was thinking, no matter what. His silver eyes were filled with love, adoration. It made James’ head spin.

“I love you too, Regulus.” James said back, before kissing Regulus softly.

The war was far from over; they were both aware of that. But for a few moments, they relished the respite they were gifted, embracing the silence between them. They would fight, side by side, with the other Marauders. But for now, they would rest. They would heal. And they would love each other until the final star of the universe died out.