Chapter Text
Downstairs, the decorations were finally in place. The ribbons are perfectly curled, the banner is stretched taut and even, and all the candles are floating and have been charmed to keep the fire away from anything flammable. That would be a memorable party, Regulus thought, if all the guests had to run away from a raging fire.
Finally, everything looked perfect and ready.
Still, Regulus couldn’t shake the flutter of nervous energy in his chest. He just wants his baby to have a perfect first birthday.
He padded up the stairs, pausing just before the nursery door when he saw that it’s opened a bit.
Inside, he sees James sitting in the rocking chair that Remus made and gifted for them, cradling Harry in his arms.
Regulus pushed the door open softly.
James looked up, his eyes shining, his lashes wet from tears.
Regulus meant to tease him but then he saw Harry.
The baby was babbling softly, fully dressed in the outfit he chose a week before the party. He lets out a small chuckle when he sees that Harry is wearing socks and is surprisingly not peeling it off his feet and throwing it on the ground like it personally offended him.
Harry blinks up at Regulus, his wide eyes and small smile made Regulus’ breath hitch.
“Oh,” he said quietly, moving closer. His hand automatically reached out, adjusting the hem of Harry’s shirt and smoothing down a wrinkle on the sleeve, “You’re so precious, mon bebe .”
Both fathers stared at their son, their baby, this tiny human who had taken over their lives so completely, turned their world upside down and made it better.
“I’m not ready,” Regulus admitted, voice suddenly thick. “For him to not be a baby anymore.”
James leaned his forehead against Regulus’, Harry squished happily between them. “We’ve still got time. But yeah… I wish it would slow down.”
Regulus nodded and sniffled, then pressed a lingering kiss to Harry’s hair. “We should go get ready as well. Everyone will be here soon.”
They took their time getting dressed, savoring the quiet before the inevitable loudness associated with parties. James pulled on a deep crimson sweater paired with black trousers. Regulus chose an elegant emerald green button-up tucked into charcoal slacks. They looked like opposites on a color wheel and yet fit together perfectly, the way they always did.
James stole a few kisses while Regulus fussed with final touches in the mirror. Adjusting his cufflinks and brushing off Nyx’s fur on his husband’s shoulders.
It wasn’t until they were finally ready, Harry once again tucked comfortably in his Papa’s arms, that the sharp chime of the doorbell rang through the house.
Regulus inhaled deeply. “They’re actually on time.”
James grinned and kissed his husband's cheek. “Probably got scared when you threatened to take Harry away from them if they arrive late.”
Regulus simply smirked.
And together they went downstairs to welcome the people who would help make this day extra special for their baby.
James pulled open the door and Sirius Black practically fell inside with the force of his excitement, holding a long gift-wrapped box that he immediately handed to James. “Where’s my favorite Godson? Uncle Paddy has arrived!”
Remus followed behind at a more reasonable pace, carrying a medium sized box wrapped in the same wrapping paper as Sirius’. “He’s your only Godson. Tone it down a bit, will you, Sirius?” he said with fond exasperation, brushing past his husband to greet James with a smile.
Sirius tsked and said, “Semantics, moonymine.”
James chuckled and stepped aside to let them in. “Harry’s with Papa bear in the living room.”
At the sound of familiar voices, Harry peeked his head out from Regulus’ shoulder, curls tousled and cheeks flushed with excitement. When he spotted Sirius, he let out a squeal and wiggled in Regulus’ arms.
“Unc’ Paddy!”
Regulus passed Harry over to his brother, pressing a soft kiss to his temple before letting go.
Harry landed in Sirius’ arms with a delighted giggle, patting his face with both hands.
“Happy birthday, my baby boy!” Sirius cooed, bouncing the little boy slightly. “You look very dashing today. You must take after me, huh? Look at those curls!”
Regulus raised a brow. “You do remember you weren’t the one who birthed him, right?”
Sirius just grinned and shrugged. “Style is clearly genetic, dear brother. And I’m clearly the fabulous uncle with great hair.”
“Delusional,” Regulus muttered fondly.
Before Sirius could retort, Harry suddenly wriggled in his arms, squealing with delight as he caught sight of the quiet figure standing just behind. “Moon! Moon!” he chirped. “Want Unc Moon!”
Sirius froze, eyes wide with mock betrayal. “Excuse me?! I thought I was your favorite uncle?!”
Remus stepped forward with a bemused smile, already holding out his arms. “Babies change their mind every week, love.”
Harry all but launched himself at Remus, arms stretching and demanding to be held.
With a laugh, Remus scooped him up and Harry immediately settled, patting Remus’ chest as he babbled a string of nonsense. Sirius placed a hand over his heart.
“The betrayal, Harold!”
“You’ll live, you drama queen,” Regulus said dryly, while James snorted at the scene in front of him.
The doorbell rang again, and James opened the door to a small crowd gathered on the porch. Marlene and Dorcas were up front, each holding a brightly wrapped present, followed closely by Peter, Pandora, Evan and Barty.
“Happiest birthday to the littlest Potter!” Marlene declared as they all filtered inside with cheerful greetings.
“Now this is a surprise,” Barty said, smirking as he entered, pausing dramatically beneath the birthday banner strung across the archway. “Regulus, your banner’s not symmetrical. I expected more from you.”
Regulus turned slowly to glare at his friend, eyes narrowing. “Say that again and I’ll uninvite you and not give you cake, Bartemius.”
James clapped a hand over Barty’s mouth. “Don’t poke the papa bear,” he warned. “He hasn’t slept properly these past few days and he will maim you.”
Barty made a muffled noise that sounded vaguely like “okay, I’ll stop” as he handed his large gift to James which made Regulus hum in satisfaction.
Harry, still nestled in Remus’ arms, squealed again at the new arrivals. Dorcas came over first, stroking his curls gently and cooing, “Happy birthday, baby star.”
Harry beamed at her, fingers reaching curiously for the neat braids that framed her face. “Pwetty hair,” he mumbled, mesmerized by the texture.
“Oh, look at this little heartthrob,” Pandora teased, stepping beside Dorcas with her sparkly earrings dangling and catching the baby’s attention.
Harry’s eyes went wide. “Shiny!” he said, reaching up to tug one earring gently. Pandora giggled and let the boy investigate her radish earrings while Evan and Peter cooed from the side.
Remus adjusted Harry on his hip as the baby suddenly swiveled around, trying to find something — or someone. His little eyes scanned the room and calmed down once they landed on Regulus. He gave his papa a wide smile and a happy giggle.
“He’s trying to see if you’re still here,” James chuckled beside Regulus. “Clingy boy.”
Regulus’ expression softened, and he gave Harry a tiny wave making the boy giggle once more as he waved back before returning his attention to the adults cooing over him.
The doorbell rang again, cutting through the cooing and babbling noises in the living room.
“I’ll get it,” James said, already heading for the door with a grin.
He opened it to reveal his parents, both dressed neatly and holding wrapped presents. Euphemia’s eyes lit up at the sight of her son, hugging him tightly before pushing him away slightly, peering behind him.
“Where’s my grandbaby?” she asked eagerly, craning her neck once again to look past James into the house.
James put a hand to his chest, feigning deep offense. “Mama, yo soy tu hijo. I'm your only son, remember?”
Euphemia waved him off with a fond yet distracted “Si, si, mi amorcito, hello, hello. Now, where is my nieto precioso?”
James couldn’t even pretend to be annoyed anymore. He laughed and stepped aside, gesturing toward the living room. “He’s in there, being absolutely spoiled by his aunts and uncles.”
As if sensing her arrival, Harry’s voice rang out in excitement from the other room, “Owa, bwela! Owa, bwelo!” (Hola, Abuela! Hola, Abuelo!)
A collective chorus of coos and awed gasps echoed from the living room. Even Barty clutched his chest and whispered, “He’s criminally adorable, I’m stealing him tonight.” To which he earned a smack on the chest from Evan.
“Oh,” Euphemia breathed, her eyes instantly brimming with tears. “Did he… Did he just call me abuelita?”
James beamed. “He did. Both he and Regulus have been practicing.”
Regulus appeared just behind him, cheeks pink and modestly brushing his hands on his trousers. “I wanted Harry to grow up knowing your language. Knowing your culture. It would be great for his development.”
Euphemia let out a small, emotional laugh and immediately pulled Regulus into a hug. “Gracias, mi cielo . This means everything to us.”
Fleamont followed suit, clapping Regulus gently on the back with a warm smile. “Couldn’t have asked for a better papa for our grandson.”
They moved into the dining room, where the table was already set with colorful dishes. Everyone sat together as platters of arroz con gandules, empanadas, pernil, and sweet platanos were passed around. Conversation flowed freely, laughter echoing between bites. Their friends made a point to compliment Regulus on the food, to which he replied with shy nods and mumbled thanks.
After lunch, James casted a spell to dim the lights slightly and carried a grinning Harry into the living room where a cake was already waiting on the table.
“Alright, everyone ready?” Sirius called out, lighting the single candle in the center of the cake.
The room burst into a loud, joyful chorus of “Happy Birthday” with Harry clapping along and squealing at the sight of the fondant dragons.
“Dwagon!” he shouted, pointing a finger toward the sugar creatures. “Dwagons!”
When they finished singing, James leaned down as he and Regulus helped Harry blow out the candle, eyes bright and heart full.
Afterward, they all gathered in the living room, where the coffee table had been pushed aside to make room for the sea of brightly wrapped presents scattered across the rug. Harry sat nestled in Regulus’ lap, wide-eyed and kicking his feet in excitement as all the attention turned to him.
“Alright, who’s going first?” James asked cheerfully, settling beside his husband and son on the floor.
Sirius swooped in first, placing a long, slim package in front of Harry with a dramatic flourish. “Godfather and uncle first, of course,” he declared proudly.
Harry grabbed at the wrapping with excitement while Regulus narrowed his eyes.
“This better be not what I think it is,” Regulus said warningly, already sensing trouble. He helped unwrap it and froze.
It was a kid-sized broom, the kind meant to hover just above the ground but still zip around at worrying speeds. It made all the distress alarms in Regulus’ head go off.
“Sirius!” Regulus gasped out, voice clipped. “This is dangerous! You do know that Harry is only one year old?!”
Sirius held up his hands. “It only hovers a little! It’s got safety charms and everything!”
Regulus’ glare intensified. “I reiterate, he is ONE!”
From beside Sirius, Remus snorted, “I told you he wouldn’t approve.”
The room was suddenly filled with snickers and chuckles directed at Sirius forlorn expression.
Defeated, Sirius pouted and muttered, “Fine, fine. He can use it in a couple of years instead.”
Harry, oblivious to the tension and gleefully ripping at the paper, was now distracted by the square present Remus placed on his lap.
“This one is from me, prongslet,” Remus said softly, helping Harry unwrap the neatly tied bow.
Inside was a set of illustrated children’s books that Harry immediately grabbed as he let out an excited babble.
“Moon!” Harry squealed, holding the books. “Bed now?”
The entire room broke into laughter. Of course Harry would associate book reading to his bed time. The child adored being read stories by his Uncle Moony.
“Not yet, Harry,” Remus chuckled, leaning over to ruffle his curls. “But I’ll read them to you tonight before I leave, promise.”
Next came Effie’s present. She passed it over with a tender smile and sat on the edge of the sofa as James helped his baby open the box. Inside was a pristine, lovingly preserved baby blanket. Soft, worn maroon thing that James recognized instantly.
His breath hitched.
“I can’t believe you kept this, mama,” he whispered, blinking fast.
“You loved it more than anything,” Effie said, eyes misty. “Now, it’s Harry’s time to love it.”
Harry pulled the soft blanket to his chest with a delighted noise, immediately rubbing his face into it. Regulus gently wrapped it around him, smoothing it over his shoulders.
James wiped at his eyes, leaning into Regulus’ side. “Thanks, mama.”
Then Monty stepped forward with a neatly tied bundle and handed it to Harry with a smile. Inside were four stuffed animals. A mouse, a stag, a wolf, and a black dog.
Harry squealed and grabbed the stag, holding it against his chest. “Pwongsie!” he announced his decided name proudly.
The Marauders all stilled, touched at the present that wasn’t even for them.
James let out a watery laugh. “That’s right, baby. It’s Prongs!”
Sirius sniffled. “This is amazing, Monty.”
Peter’s gift was a stack of custom-made onesies in various patterns: tiny brooms, snitches and quaffles, chess pieces, and chocolate frogs. “You can never have too many clothes,” Peter said with a shrug. “With the way he keeps growing, he’ll grow out of this in a month.”
Pandora followed, handing over a small velvet pouch. Inside was a dainty silver bracelet with shimmering beads, each engraved with a protective rune. “For luck, safety, and sweet dreams,” she said, fastening it gently on Harry’s chubby wrist.
Dorcas and Marlene handed over their present which contained colorful, wooden educational toys because they know that Regulus values education and development more than anything.
Then came Barty who shoved his and Evan's gift dramatically onto the floor. “Behold! The greatest gift a baby could possibly want!”
It was a miniature potion kit. Clearly meant for children, with faux materials and tools to make safe mixtures that sparkled and fizzed in fun colors. It even came with mock ingredients.
Harry blinked at it, curious but not quite sure what to make of it.
Regulus, however, immediately reached for the manual. “It came with self-stirring cauldrons?”
“Yes,” Barty answered smugly.
“Merlin,” James said with a laugh. “Harry doesn’t even seem interested. By the looks of it, I think I’ll find my husband playing with it instead of our baby.”
“This is fascinating,” Regulus murmured as he steadily flipped through the pages of the manual.
As the room buzzed with laughter and chatter, Regulus rose to his feet with Harry still in his arms, cheeks flushed from all the excitement.
“Thank you all,” he said sincerely. “For the gifts. For being here. For loving our baby and making his first birthday special.”
That earned a round of mock salutes and playful cheers from their friends. One by one, everyone took turns hugging Harry, playing with his new toys, and sneaking in kisses that made him squeal with delight.
Harry bounced between arms, proudly showing off his new blanket and clutching 'Pwongsie' in his arms, dragging it along with him wherever he went.
James slid an arm around his husband’s waist, drawing him close as they watched their son beam in the middle of the room. “You did so great today,” James murmured, voice full of awe. “I love you so much, estrellita.”
Regulus leaned his head against James’ shoulder, eyes soft. “I love you too, mon soleil.”
They stood together in quiet joy, watching as their friends and family made their baby boy giggle, hearts full at the sound of his happiness.