Apricity

James woke up in a state of panic, being pulled so aggressively out of his sleep. His parents were supposed to be gone, until at least the afternoon, which only scared him further.

There had been a couple hard knocks on his front door, which was conveniently located right below his room. He had always dreaded this fact. But then again, it was nice being the first to be notified of guests. The only problem was, he was certainly not expecting any, as it was around midnight.

James climbed out of his bed, grabbing a robe to shield from the suddenly incredibly cold house. He tiptoed down the stairs, wand in hand, preparing for the absolute worst. 

To his surprise, he was met with none other than his very best friend Sirius Black.

“Merlin Pads get in here” James rushed him inside, since it was pouring rain outside, and Sirius was completely soaked.

James was more confused than he had ever been. He would of course never dare to complain about his best friend showing up, but seeing the state he was in, James wasn't exactly thrilled.

Sirius was shaking, and James knew that now wasn't the time to ask too many questions “Cmon lets get you some dry clothes first” 

Once Sirius was somewhat dry, and sitting in the living room, James finally dared to speak “What happened mate?” James asked, trying his best to hide the pity in his voice.

“Well I'm assuming you remember how much I was dreading to go home in the first place. And I had been absolutely right to. The second Reg and I sat foot in Grimmauld Place, i knew i was fucked. They sat us down, explaining our duties as Blacks, and exactly how much they were expected from us” 

James always noticed the expression on his face when he spoke of his parents, it was a look of horror, paired with an intense amount of shame.

“They tried to make me take the mark James, his mark…” Sirius said, making James swallow hard “Did you- uhm did they-” James tried.

“Fuck no. thats the whole reason i ran away. No amount of family money or whatever they wanted to bribe me with, could ever make me participate in their cultist behaviour. But i'm sorry for just showing up, i really wasnt thinking and-” 

“Pads shut up, you know very well that you have always been welcome here. I'm sure my mum is gonna be thrilled” James smiled, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. 

“Thank you”

At school, Sirius was probably the most annoying outgoing person you could find, beside James of course. But whenever things got real, like they definitely were now, he seemed so small, suppressed even. James hated seeing him like that, more than anything in the world, which is why he would never hesitate to let him stay for eternity if that was what he needed.

“What about-” Sirius instantly went pale with guilt “I tried. He refused to come with me. God I just wish he could see them for what they really are, you know? And now he's all alone in that big house” Sirius explained.

“Alone?” James practically shot up “Yea, my parents were furious when we both refused to get it. They packed a couple bags, telling us that if we werent there when they got back, ready to lose our attitudes we would be disowned. Of course they have already threatened me with that countless of times, but Merlin Reggie looked so scared, that's why he didn't come with me” 

Sirius had barely finished speaking, before James had gotten up to put on his shoes “prongs..” Sirius sighed “No. you should know by now that there's no point in trying to stop me” James grabbed his coat, as well as his wand “Just don't get too disappointed when he refuses to budge”

—---------

James nearly fell over his own feet, once he had apparated into Grimmauld place. 

When James had returned from his fifth year at Hogwarts, with the talk of the war becoming worse, apparating had been the first thing his father had taught him to do.

He had landed by the front door, and had immediately raised his wand, since Sirius had warned him about Kreacher, their house elf.

He made his way through the thin house, and to his surprise, somehow ending up exactly where he needed to be.

Regulus was on a couch in the living room, legs pulled up under him, and wand in hand. James´ heart broke, knowing that he had probably been sitting in that exact position since Sirius left.

The floorboards creaked beneath his foot, as he had taken a step forward, making Regulus´ head snap up.

“What are you-” Regulus looked scared, but slightly murderous at the same time “I come in peace” James had lifted his hands above his head, seeing as Kreacher had stepped in front of Regulus.

“Does master Regulus know this intruder?” he asked, sending a deadly glare towards James.

“Unfortunately yes, so no murdering him yet i'm afraid” Regulus sat up straight, but never lowered his wand.

This was normal behaviour from him, but it still made James uneasy. Ever since Sirius and James had become best friends in their first year, James knew Regulus loathed him.

He needed someone to blame, someone to hate for the crumbling relationship between him and Sirius. James had been perfectly fine being that person. Being the one he could put his anger towards, so that it didn't mess too much with his feelings towards Sirius. Having Regulus basically ignore him for four years, wasn't exactly helping him in this situation. 

“Why are you here?” Regulus asked “Come with me, I promise I can help you get out of this”

“No”

“Regulus please. I think you know me well enough to know that there was no way I could ever just let you stay here, without even trying to talk you out of it” James said, taking a step closer, since the distance between them felt sort of ridiculous.

“I do know that. Doesn't mean I'm just gonna go with you” He folded his arms.

“Of course I knew that, stubborn as always. But then I am sure that you also know, that Sirius is going to be an absolute mess, not knowing if you are safe or not. The amount of guilt he is already feeling, for not being able to convince you” James explained.

“I'm supposed to feel sorry for him?” 

“I didn't say that. But I also know that deep down you know that you won't be able to function without him either. Because he is not coming back here, not ever” James knew he wasn't playing fair, but he also would do anything to give Sirius his little brother back.

“You know how much of a wanker you are right? How is this even supposed to work? I can't just walk out of here” Regulus said, and James tried not to smile, knowing he had already won him over. 

“Oh trust me i know. And I have it all figured out already actually. My parents already made a deal with Dumbledore in regards to Sirius, so it shouldn't be hard to get him to help you as well. I can already promise you that they won't be able to just come and take you away, you would be safe” As James spoke, he watched Regulus soften slightly.

He let out a deep sigh “Do I at least get to pack a bag?” 

“Of course, pack some for Sirius too, you know he never thinks that far” James chuckled, making Regulus almost smile.

“Alright then” Regulus got up from his seat, and James instantly noticed the dark purple bruise, covering his left forearm. He decided not to comment on it, in fear of him changing his mind. 

As Regulus returned to him, looking incredibly defenceless, James knew that he had been right to not take no for an answer.

He stuck out his arm for Regulus to hold, in order to apparate. Regulus sighed slightly annoyed, but took a firm hold of his arm, and they were finally out.

—----------

 His parents were home. His mother was already smothering Sirius in blankets and shoving a cup of tea in his hands.

“You got him to come along? Oh that is brilliant my love. Regulus dear, would you also like a cup of tea?” Euphemia smiled warmly at him.

James watched the look of confusion on Regulus´ face, then he looked down to where he was still holding onto James, instantly letting go and clearing his throat.

“Well, I am making another pot anyway. Please come in and have a seat” She made her way into the kitchen, as James and Regulus joined Sirius and Fleamont in the dining room. 

James felt as though he was able to breathe properly again. His best friend was safe, in the hands of his own parents. As well as Regulus, who through Sirius, now also meant a great deal to James.