Temperamental Tuesday
Regulus is grumpy. This isn't news to anyone who knows him but it is a fact of his life. Today it just seems that his own grumpiness is now affecting him specifically and that simply will not do.
He already had to rush out of the house after over sleeping. He read over the cases well into the night. He wanted to be sure he was aware of any detail that might be important or help Reginald remember anything else from that night. He woke up with his feather stuck to his cheek and a puddle of drool covering one of the crime scene photos.
Regulus felt that this witness would have the most to say. Reginald had gone on dates with three out of the eight victims. He might have noticed someone who was present during each date. Regulus also noted that he was with the first victim, Fabian Prewett, and also the last and only surviving victim, Benjy Fenwick. He coincidentally was also with the only beta victim in the group, Gilderoy Lockhart. Was this just as it seemed, a coincidence? Or was it possible this omega knew something more about the murderer?
He floos into the ministry, he wouldn't be caught dead flushing himself in. Even though connecting his floo to the ministry had been tricky given his home's previous occupants and those previous occupants' political opinions. Because of this his floo has a two use maximum per day. He can floo to work and floo home from work. If he needs to run home and then go back to work he has to run down the street and use the phone booth instead. As he steps out he brushes off his cloak without breaking stride.
His usual hurried pace would be enough to help the leftover floo powder to simply carry behind him as he walked. Unfortunately, today just simply wasn't his day. As he walked he meant to bring his arm up to check the watch on his wrist, only for the floo powder to blow into his eyes. He stopped, sputtering, and tried to find his wand in the folds of his robes. Having been in such a rush he didn't even think to tuck it in his sleeve like he usually did for easy access. Someone knocked into him at that point, spilling all his case files onto the floor.
Pausing, eyes closed, he took a measured breath and grit his teeth as he found his wand. Spelling away the powder from his eyes and the papers back into his arms he stomped over to the elevators.
Today was not his day.
[]
James sat at his desk, feet propped up on the cheap ministry budget wood. He leaned back in his chair, the back of it threatening to give way with a sharp creak, to check the time again. In the Auror room there was a single wall of clocks. Some of them had labels such as “LONDON” “VLADIVOSTOK” or “ABUJA” and ran on the time in that location. Others alongside them didn't have any labels but spun at odd intervals. One clock, unlabeled, James swears only moves a tick for everytime someone looks at it.
The clocks were spelled to never be wrong. But of course they had to be. It was the only explanation to James as to why Regulus wasn't there yet.
Regulus was never late.
James checked once more. Choosing to stand this time instead of tempting the ire of his chair he walked over to the London clock and tapped it twice. Nothing.
Sighing he ran a hand through his hair. James liked to think this was the only ‘tell’ he had to indicate he was stressed. If Regulus were here, on time, he would argue that James was easier to read than a children’s picture book.
Unwilling to proceed without his partner James went down to the cafeteria and got two coffees for himself and Regulus. If he was running late it was probably for a good reason and he would want caffeine.
[]
Regulus breathed a sigh of relief at James’s empty desk as he settled into his own. He sat down just at the eight o’clock charm dinged the “start” of the work day. It was rather pointless since most people came in well before that time anyways.
Allowing him to close his eyes for a second, Regulus took another deep breath to steady himself. He wouldn’t let a bad day interfere with his ability to work this case.
“Hello beautiful!”
Regulus peeled his eyes open, reluctantly, to see James practically skipping towards his desk. He would scold him for the term of endearment but then that wonderful man set down the real beauty in this room.
“Figured you could use this.” James said with a wink before finding his own chair and wheeling it over to Regulus’s desk. Regulus wrapped his hands around the warm mug holding the dark liquid greedily, as if James would take it back at any moment. James tipped his own cup in Regulus’s direction before they both drank.
“Now then,” James said, setting his cup down and clapping his hands together. “Mr. Cattermole should be arriving at nine. That gives us enough time to go over what we know and comprise a list of what we want to know.”
Regulus nods and sips his coffee while simultaneously pulling out the list he started last night of questions he has for Reginald.
A frown pulled Regulus’s eyebrows together as he handed the papers to James to review. “Unless Frank didn't give us the full transcripts, it seems they left a lot of things out. The Aurors that questioned Reginald barely asked him any questions. Most of these are one word answers.”
James shrugged as he skimmed the papers, “Maybe he is a man of few words.”
There was a snort from behind them as they stood from their desks. “Oh man, you're not talking to that omega again are you?” Frank asked, he elbowed the beta, Avery, next to him laughing.
Regulus bristled at Frank’s tone but managed to answer evenly, “Yes? Is that a problem?”
“No, no!” Frank said with an amused huff. “Just don't expect too much. Omegas like that are only good for one thing.”
“Yeah,” Frank said as he rested his hand on Avery’s shoulder and lightly slapped his chest with the other. “Sitting on a knot!” They both doubled over in exaggerated amusement and forced laughter.
Regulus took a very deep breath through his nose and strutted past the men laughing at their own ‘joke’. Behind him he heard James snap, “Don't you two have work to do?” His teeth snapping in their direction as he passed.
James was close to snarling as he ripped off his scent blockers and tossed them into the trash before ripping open the new package and trying to stick fresh ones on.
Regulus rolled his eyes and grabbed the pack from his hands.
“I've got it!” James snipped and then seemed to deflate all at once as he held his wrists out to Regulus. “Sorry.” He muttered.
Regulus just clicked his tongue and peeled the backing off the blockers before smoothing them over James’s scent glands. James couldn't help the soft smile that pulled at the corner of his lips. Regulus is quick and efficient but James wishes he would take his time. The soft cool touch of his fingers on his scent glands has a shiver going up and down his spine. He tries not to think about the beta like that. They are partners. Nothing else. Though James has never been one to mix business and pleasure he has the sneaky feeling he would do anything Regulus said.
“Come on, somebody has to work around here.” Regulus says, clearly oblivious to James’s internal meltdown. He shakes himself and holds the door open for Regulus as they greet Reginald Cattermole.
[]
Reginald knew he was ready for marriage. He wanted to move out of his parents house and to be taken care of. That's all. He didn't think it would be that hard to find an alpha that wanted him. He didn't want to work, he just wanted to be a homemaker. Have a pup or three. It shouldn't be this difficult!
He was having a hard time thinking it wasn't his fault that three, yes THREE, different dates ended up dead right after meeting him. He had to be a jinx. If it wasn't for the fact that three other omegas had also been involved with alphas who had also been murdered he would have given up on dating forever.
The first date went… okay. Even if things had been different, like if the alpha had lived you know, Reginald knew he wouldn't have taken him up on a second date. Reginald wasn't shallow but the alpha, Fabian, had been rather handsome and he smelled so good. Like sorbet and freshly washed laundry hanging on the line. Unfortunately that was the only thing he had going for him.
Reginald had felt bad for running late but his mother was fussing over his hair, it was starting to thin like his fathers, and she was trying to “just fluff it up a bit!” in her words. She somehow managed to make him almost completely bald before he managed to swat her hands away and fix it back the way it was before.
Fabian had been waiting by the maître d stand leaning in close and whispering in the ear of the pretty beta standing there. Reginald brushed it off. It's not like this was supposed to be a sure thing, they were just going on their first date.
“Raymond!” Fabian exclaimed and held his arms out for a hug. Reginald awkwardly stepped into his space and tried to give him a quick side hug but Fabian had crushed him against his chest. Wrapping his arms fully around Reginald and pressing his nose against his scent gland. “Mmm, I love your scent.” he murmured against his neck.
Reginald tried to not bristle at being scented without even being asked first. He cleared his throat and gently pushed on the alphas chest to create some space. “Sorry. It’s umm it's Reginald.”
“What?” Fabian gave him a confused look clearly not rattled by Reginald’s response to his rude greeting.
“My name.” Reginald clarified, clearing his throat again and speaking up a bit. “My name is Reginald.”
“Oh? Right yea that's what I said, silly.” Fabian said as he looked over Reginald’s head into the restaurant behind him. Reginald was about to say that the alpha did call him by the wrong name but he cut him off. “Come on, let's go sit at our table.” Fabian grabbed Reginald’s hand and pulled him along behind him to the table.
Fabian pulled out the chair for Reginald to sit in and that made him smile. Maybe the alpha was just as nervous as he was!
Fabian shifted his chair closer to Reginalds before sitting down. He immediately grabbed Reginalds hand and pulled it closer to him.
“Glad you could make it, darling. I can't tell you how excited I was for tonight.”
Reginald smiled, “Yea I was …”
“As you know I work for the Prophet, as a photographer, and a job like that really has some perks you know. Like getting us a seat at this place! And get this! My brother,” He pointed over towards the bar where his twin was sitting with an older couple and a sullen looking omega. “He also came to this place the same night! It's fate. It's gotta be, you know?”
“Wow that is really…”
“Godric, I am starving!” Fabian declared finally letting go of Reginald's hand. He snatched up both menus before Reginald even had a chance to look at them. Fabian perused the menu in silence until the waiter came over and asked if they were ready to order.
Reginald was about to ask for a few more minutes so he could look over the menu too but, once again, Fabian had cut him off mid sentence. “We would both like your ‘Barramundi with beurre blanc, squid ink, fennel salad, and fried capers’ thanks much.”
The rest of the night went about that same. Fabian talked.
And talked.
And talked.
Just when Reginald thought he couldn’t possibly talk anymore he seemed to find some obscure subject to give his opinion on. He told Reginald about his love of photography and how he got a job at the Prophet right out of school. How he ‘worked his fingers to the bone to get that perfect shot’ and overcame so much adversity since his brother also worked at the Prophet.
“You can't imagine how difficult it was being mistaken for my brother all. the. time! We would wear different colored shirts to work and I’d still find myself saying ‘No I am Fabian, you know with the green shirt! Gideon is in the red shirt!’” Fabian slapped the table as he laughed at this memory.
Reginald nodded and smiled politely as he tried to pick at his - fish? Maybe? He wasn’t too sure. He hadn't had the chance to tell Fabian that he was a vegetarian. He hadn’t had the chance to tell Fabian anything about himself. It was at this point he had decided he didn't want to see the alpha again but he would finish out the date so he wouldn't seem rude. He picked at the fennel salad and pushed pieces of fish around his plate as subtly as he could.
Fabian had a real talent for asking Reginald a question and then immediately afterwards answering the question for Reginald.
Such as, “So tell me Reggie, Do you want kids?” And then before Reginald could open his mouth to answer Fabian would continue, “What am I saying? Of course you do! Omegas can't wait to have a house full of pups! Do you have any siblings? My mom had nine of us. Nine! Can you believe it! I only want 5 or 6 myself.” Reginald tried to interject and give some sort of answer for himself but Fabian just kept talking. Reginald felt like he hadn't said a single word since meeting Fabian and yet Fabian had already told him everything about himself, what he thought of Reginald, and how soon they could plan a wedding.
Reginald felt like he could have slipped away and Fabian wouldn't have even noticed. Maybe he would notice if there wasn't another body there for him to soundboard off of but it didn't seem to matter who that body belonged to.
As they were leaving Fabian did hold the door open for him only for Reginald to catch him clearly staring at his ass. Fabian then asked if Reginald wanted to come back to his place but Reginald declined, he had to get up early in the morning.
“Right,” Fabian said. Eyebrows lifting in a way that said he clearly thought it was just an excuse. “Well I’ll see you later Reggie!” He went in for another hug but his brother was making his way out of the dining room. Reginald was able to duck away from the hug and started to walk towards the disapparation point. Fabian didn't even seem to notice while he waited for his brother to say goodbye to his own date in the vestibule. Then they started talking loudly about going to get a drink together.
James held his hand up momentarily, “Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt you Reginald, but what did he say specifically to his brother?”
Regulus watched as Reginald practically glowed with how pink his blush was. The scent of pleased omega was subtle but noticeable in the usually scent free room. “No please, I feel like I’ve just been talking and talking here.”
James smiled, something soft and warm that always put people at ease. Regulus kept a mask of indifference over his own face. “No this is about you, Reginald, we want to hear everything you have to say.”
Regulus is sure if it wasn't for the scent blockers Reginald’s scent would be overpowering at this point. The omegas blush was spreading down his neck and his hand kept subconsciously going to his hair in an attempt to fix it.
“Okay, yea, umm he said ‘you want to go get a beer?’ and then Gideon said, well I’m quoting here so excuse his french ‘fuck yea.’ and then they both headed the same way I was going. I didn't hear anything else they said though because I disapparated by then.”
Regulus looks over the quicknotes between James and him to double check something before asking. “Reginald, did you notice anyone paying close attention to you and Fabian during the night?”
Reginald folds his hands together and pulls them into his lap humming thoughtfully. “No. I didn’t really get a chance to look around too much. Fabian said he liked when an omega was confident enough to make eye contact with an alpha. So I kept making eye contact with him as much as I could. Not that it did anything to make him more interested in me in the first place.” Reginald said with a huff.
“And what about the twin brother? Gideon? Did you notice anyone watching him and his date that night? Maybe as you were all leaving?”
“Not really. I noticed them when Fabian pointed them out but otherwise I was just trying to pay attention to Fabian. It’s not like he is boring, I just feel like a date should be about both of the people on it, not just one of them.”
James nods next to him, “You’re right, Reginald. It is unfortunate how your night turned out.” Regulus really couldn’t fault Potter for how good he was with people. He always knew what to say. It's why they worked so well together. James was the personality and Regulus was the brains. “Would you be comfortable continuing? We would like to talk to you about the other two alphas you met with as well? Or we can take a break if you need?”
Reginald confirmed that he was fine and able to continue with the questions. James insisted on stepping out of the room for a moment and came back with a couple bottles of water for everyone which had the omega absolutely beaming at the attentive alpha.
Regulus would never have that. He knew it. James may flirt with him but he did that with everyone. They were only close because of work and Sirius. They were friends. James deserved a nice sweet little omega as a mate. He wouldn't pick Regulus. Regulus wouldn't pick Regulus.
[]
The next date seemed to go a little better for Reginald. He met Gilderoy Lockhart through a dating agency he had signed up for a few month prior.
James took the quill mid note and wrote in the margins ‘how did all omegas meet their alphas?’ before letting it go to pick back up where it was before.
“What was the name of the agency?” Regulus asked, in case the other two omegas may have used the same one. Even if they didn't meet their dates via the agency the alphas might all be members of the agency.
Reginald shifted uncomfortably for a moment before muttering, “I signed up with Knottr and OKEros.”
“And which one did Gilderoy match with you through?”
“OKEros, we had a 76% compatibility but it turns out that he had lied… well pretty much about everything on his profile.” Reginald said a little bitterly.
Reginald hadn't known about the murders at the time he agreed to go on a date with Gilderoy. He was kind of excited to be going back to the same restaurant. He had heard how good the food was there and wanted to actually have something he could eat this time.
He got there early, he avoided his mother entirely on his way out so she couldn't make him late again.
Gilderoy was right on time. He came in and everyone was looking at him. It kind of felt like meeting a celebrity for the first time. Turns out it was exactly like that. Gilderoy had just recently published “Year with the Yeti” and it was the fourth book in his collection. Gilderoy Lockhart was becoming a household name that so many in the wixen community knew. The adventures he had documented and wrote about had advanced research for magical creatures tenfold.
“I should have known something was off when I first met him. You know the whole,” Reginald shifted in his seat uncomfortably. He uncrossed one arm from his torso and circled it in the air for a moment, “not being an alpha thing.”
“Why do you say that, Mr. Cattermole?” Regulus asked cautiously. From the corner of his vision he could see James’s confused expression flicker across his face.
“Well you might not know as a beta,” he said to Regulus before his eyes fell back to James again, “but when an alpha scents an omega they don't actually just go up and sniff at us. They really brush their nose against the glands to get the smell on them.” Reginald explains. The blush that had taken over all of Reginald’s face and most of his neck had finally calmed down sometime while talking about the second date. Now, talking about scenting made it reappear with a harsher red hue.
“I should have known he wasn't an alpha because when he scented me he actually took a whiff of me before commenting on how ‘good’ I smelt.” Reginald seemed to retreat in on himself at that moment. His arms wrapped around himself even tighter and he stared intently at a water stain on the table in front of him. “You know he didn't have a scent either. Usually alphas have a faint scent. Even if they use blockers.” The disbelief was evident in the omegas tone.
James and Regulus exchanged a look before James reached across the table and rested a hand on the table between them and the distressed omega. “Hey Reginald? How about we take a break? There is a lovely cafe just across from the ministry building. Why don't you take some time for yourself and go grab a bite to eat?”
Regulus tried not to interject that they should finish the interview first but he figured Reginald was starting to get a little tired of talking. Reginald sniffed harshly and swiped at his nose with his sleeve. “Yea I ‘spose.” He mumbled. James took out his wallet. He insisted the omega take his time before pressing a few galleons into the omega hand and holding the door open for him to exit.
Regulus took his time collecting their notes and sending them and the quick notes quill off with a flick of his wand. He didn't turn to look at the alpha but he kept him in his peripheral. James sighed and leaned back against the door.
“You are too soft.” Regulus muttered after a beat. He pressed his palms flat against the table and leaned in far enough he felt the delicious stretch of his wrists and forearms. James let out a huff of breath and stuffed his hands into his pockets as he stepped closer to Regulus. He didn't touch him or lean against his body but Regulus could feel him. That hazel gaze felt like a physical caress against his nerves. He could feel the warmth James’s body radiated. He felt each breath James let go brush against the short curls at the nap of his neck.
“I thought you liked how sweet I am?” James said with a light tease in his tone. Regulus couldn't bite back the scoff before he turned towards the taller man. Regulus barley had to tip his chin up before their eyes met. It was dangerous being this close to one another.
Regulus didn't think anyone would look in on the interrogation. It's not like they were questioning anyone they would need witnesses for or was high profile enough to get anyones attention. Still, he worried someone would happen to glance in as they walked by.
James may be able to see past the Black family legacy. He had made friends with Sirius first in school and later Regulus too after school. But many in the auror department didn't trust Regulus because of who his parents are. Not only that but a pureblood alpha male like Potter had expectations, maybe not from his loving parents, but from society. Regulus was just a beta, the spare to his brother the heir, and a male as well.
James’s eyes flicked back and forth between Regulus’s. It was like he was trying to read Regulus’s mind through his eyes. James leaned in slightly closer and with a sharp intake of breath Regulus took a step back. He didn't have much room and crashed into the table directly behind him. James’s hand shot out and gripped his elbow to help stabilize him before he took a measured step back away from Regulus.
“Sorry, Reg,” James spoke softly. Regulus felt a rush of panic and excitement all at the same time. James' nose twitched and he took a step back. The omega scent lingering in the room was lowering his inhibitions.
“I wanna…” James began but Regulus cut him off.
“I am going to grab another coffee? You want one?” He spun around and gathered up the paperwork from the table. He would drop them off at his desk and go to the canteen at the end of the hall.
James shoved his hands back into his pockets and turned to the door before he answered, “Naw. I better not. Don't want to be too jittery for the rest of the day.” He forced an easy chuckle before pulling the door open and slipping out before Regulus could answer.
Regulus chewed his lower lip and then forced himself to straighten up. He fixed the pile of papers once again and set his face before leaving after James.
[]
Coming back to the room Reginald looked and smelt much better. He kept ‘sneaking’ glances at James as he settled in. The blush that had been nonexistent when he came back was slowly creeping back up his neck. James, of course, seemed none the wiser as he watched Regulus set up their quicknotes quill and parchment notes from earlier.
“Alright, Mr. Cattermole, if you could please continue with your account of your evening with Mr. Lockhart.” Regulus said primly as he leaned back in his chair.
Reginald looked a little confused for a moment before James interjected, “You can just pick up where you left off,” He double checked the notes in front of him, “You both met at the restaurant and then what happened?”
Recognition lit in Reginalds eyes and Regulus wanted to huff but thankfully refrained and took a sip of his coffee to hide his reaction.
Gilderoy greeted Reginald and then proceeded to flash his ‘award winning smile’. “You know,” Gilderoy said as he pulled out his own chair before sitting, “Witch Weekley just announced that I am the winner of the ‘Most Charming Smile’ award last week. You probably saw me on the cover. I am something of a celebrity.” He gestured to the chair across from him for Reginald to take, like he couldn't have figured that out on his own. Reginald held his tongue though, he could pull his own chair out! That wasn't a problem. It was just nice when an alpha did it for him. Sue him, he liked to be treated like a princess from time to time.
“Oh, no I must have missed that issue. I don't subscribe to Witch Weekly.” Reginald stumbled over his words. The alpha across from his wrinkled his nose.
“You don't? Well you should! I am sure you will be seeing more of me there.” Gilderoy said as he looked around the restaurant like he was searching for someone.
Reginald was feeling brave so he reached across the table and touched the back of the alphas hand, pulling his attention back to him. “Or I could just see more of you in person.” He was aiming for coy but didn't know if he was coming across that way. Flirting had never been his strong suit.
Gilderoy gave a practiced chuckle and flicked his napkin dramatically out to the side before laying it down across his lap with a flourish. “Ha, ah ha, yes yes of course. I should be quite frank with you up front, my dear. With my rising popularity dating me will be a little different than what you are used to.”
“Oh? Umm what do you mean?” Reginald felt dread down his spine.
“Well you see, there will be times that I need to wine and dine some of wizarding society's finest. And those dates will appear in the press. I need someone who knows that no matter what the press says I am their mate.” Gilderoy took Reginalds hand at this and gave it a soft squeeze. “If I like you then you would have to be comfortable with me being gone for long periods of time. Possibly being pictured with other omegas around the world. I want someone I can come home to. Someone who isn't going to hound me like the reporters do. Or all my adoring fans. Do you think you are the omega for me?” The tone Gilderoy was using made Reginalds stomach flip.
He had a way of speaking that made Reginald want to agree with everything he said. He found himself nodding in agreement with Gilderoy even if he wasn't too sure he wanted that as well.
“Excellent!” Gilderoy hit the table top for emphasis. The rest of the evening went relatively normal.
Reginald was pleased that they were able to have a regular back and forth conversation, unlike his previous date. While Gilderoy did talk about himself a lot he did let Reginald answer from time to time and even asked Reginald questions about himself.
They talked about his upcoming trip, he was going to be doing research for his next book, “Holidays with Hags”.
“Did he say where he was going during this research?” Regulus interjected.
“Now that you mention it, no, he didn't.” Reginald said with a thoughtful look. He pursed his lips and tapped the bottom one with a finger. Regulus checked that the QuickNotes picked up that tidbit of information to look into later and gestured for Reginald to continue.
They ended up leaving the restaurant together and Gilderoy walked him to the disapparation point. When Reginald asked if he had any more plans for the night Gilderoy said he had a meeting with a constituent soon and would like to see him again another time.
“Did he tell you the ‘constituents’ name?” James asked.
“No, he didn't. And come to think of it I am not sure what a constituent even is.” Reginald said with a shrug that brought both of his shoulders up quickly.
James opened his mouth to explain but Regulus put a hand on his arm to stop him. “Reginald, was there anything you noticed during your walk from the restaurant? Did anyone follow you out after you left?” Regulus asked.
Reginald just shook his head. “Nope. Just us at the time.”
Regulus lifted an eyebrow in surprise, “You didn't see anyone as you were leaving?”
James gave him a confused look, “Reg, he just said…”
“I know!” Regulus snapped a little harshly under his breath. “I am just making sure. It seems off that he didn't see anyone else leaving at the same time as them.” Regulus stressed but seemed to drop the subject.
Reginald’s eyes flicked back and forth between James and Regulus for a moment before he left it at that.
“Alright Reginald. Thank you. If you think you can continue we would like to hear about your final date. Do you think you could tell us everything you know about Benji Fenwick?” James asked gently, bringing the omegas attention back to him.
“Who?” Reginald asked.
James and Regulus exchanged a look.