Chapter Text
The next day after James birthday was incredibly tough for him, and not just because he woke up on the floor in Regulus's dormitory. He couldn't help but contemplate how sore his back was going to be after sleeping on such a hard surface. However, that's now what was important right now. Sleeping on the floor was a small sacrifice for what he was witnessing. He looks really cute when he's asleep, James thought, his gaze fixed on Regulus.
Regulus, black-haired boy with the most beautiful, captivating grey eyes James had ever seen. The memories of their time together yesterday filled his mind, overpowering any other thoughts. How could they not? They had shared a kiss in one of the most romantic places within Hogwarts, and the sad circumstances that led to it were not important now. A gigantic smile stretched across his face and it only grew larger when those sleepy yet enchanting eyes looked at him.
“Good Morning, Potter. Why are you awake so early?” The object of his admiration asked.
“Potter? Call me James, Reggie.“ James replied, stretching his arms. “I don't know why I'm awake… I kind of couldn't sleep well last night, I guess.”
Regulus sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, looking down at him. “I told you it wasn't a problem for you to sleep beside me in bed.”
“Oh! It's not that… I mean, that floor wasn't the most comfortable, but that's not what's bothering me. I was just thinking, and you know…” James quickly clarified. “It's these feelings… I don't even know how to put them into words. I was genuinely hurt, and that's why...”
“I understand. I would be upset at my friends too.” Regulus interrupted, his voice filled with empathy.
James looked at him shocked and swiftly stood up. “No, I'm not upset or angry. They probably had more important things to worry about, you know?” He explained. “Something important must have come up, and it's only natural that they forgot.”
“Something more significant than their best friend's birthday? Really? At the very least, they could have wished you a happy birthday.” Reggie countered, staring at James as if he were missing something obvious. “Would you have forgotten their birthdays? You know you are allowed to feel bitter about it?”
James just nodded in agreement and settled onto the bed beside Regulus. Of course I feel bitter… But I don't want to, I should be happy like always. He thought and wanted to say something, but he didn't. But way? He felt a lingering sense of guilt for not being happy, for not radiating positivity like he was expected to. That was the remorse he always felt when he showed any negative emotion. People had always seen him as the sun, the one who would uplift others in difficult times. Perhaps he felt responsible for his friends' feelings, and he didn't want to burden them with his own heartache. He believed that his negative emotions were contagious.
“What are you thinking about, James?” Regulus asked, but the boy beside him remained silent and simply rested his head on Regulus's shoulder. “You not talking, that's new… But it's okay. I prefer when it's quiet.”
James smiled softly at Regulus's words and closed his eyes. Spending some quiet time with someone, without the pressure to be the source of constant cheer, was more comforting than he had initially thought. However, it could not last forever. They sat like that for the next half an hour, but after that they reluctantly realized that they needed to get ready for their classes. They said their goodbyes outside the Slytherin common room, and James gave Regulus one more quick hug before parting ways.
So, that was a great start to the day , Prongs thought to himself. After Regulus disappeared from his field of vision, he made a decision. After yesterday's emotional rollercoaster, going to classes would be pointless. He deserved a break, a present to himself. With determination in his steps, he headed towards his dormitory, knowing that it would likely be empty for at least the next hour. The first thing James wanted to do was take a shower. His mother had always said that a clean body helped to clear one's mind, and he believed in the power of that simple act. That doesn't unfortunately mean that it worked now. Shower only served as a reminder of his friends. He had always been there for them. When Sirius needed to talk about his parents, he was his shoulder to cry on. After every full moon he was there for Remus and he was great at making sure that his secret was safe. Peter, his childhood friend, had countless memories of James being by his side. That's why he couldn't comprehend why they had forgotten, what they made him fell that way. James wasn't even sure if he's feeling that just because of his birthday, His conflicted emotions extended beyond that. Lately he had been feeling sadder than usual, he was worried about the future. It was becoming increasingly difficult to focus on his studies, and his grades had started to suffer as a result. He felt like a mess , but he kept pushing forward, not letting anyone in. Finally, when he emerged from the shower and got dressed, he couldn't help but feel that the shower had been a bad idea after all.
At the end of the hour he had given himself to ensure he wouldn't run into anyone, James left the dormitory and set out to find Regulus. He wasn't entirely sure why he felt the need to see him at this moment, but it was a nice feeling, finally being someone in need. Of course, he couldn't deny the small crush he had on Regulus, though he preferred to think of it as just that—a small crush , nothing more.
“Potter, you almost walked into me. What are you doing here?” Asked the boy he was just thinking about, his voice filled with curiosity.
“Reggie! I was just looking for you.” James exclaimed, his face brightening at the sight of him. “I told you to call me James, remember?”
Regulus slightly nodded his head. “How could I forget? I just assumed that rule only applied in private, since we're not really friends.”
That stung James deeply, but it was the truth, they weren't really friends, and he couldn't deny it. He wasn't entirely sure what their relationship was. Yesterday they shared a kiss, but they hadn't talked about it yet. Before that, Regulus was simply the younger brother of Sirius, someone James happened to have a crush on.
“You can always call me by my name, Reg.” He finally said, his voice filled with hope. “I wanted to ask you something. Would you maybe want to quietly leave the school and go somewhere?”
Regulus smiled slightly at the suggestion. “Are you asking me on a date? It seems Gryffindors are indeed brave. However, I have different plans for you.”
“Different plans for me? What do you mean?.” James asked, now really intrigued. “Should I be scared?”
Regulus's eyes gleamed mischievously. “You should be, so just wait here for us. It was supposed to happen after classes, but I see that you're going to be impatient today.” With that, he turned and left James, heading off somewhere else.
To say that Prongs was confused would be an understatement, he wanted to know what does he mean. Wait here for us? What us? It was the only thing in his head now. James couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation. He had no idea what Regulus had planned. At least he can be sure that he's not going to talk to his friends, Reg doesn't talk to Sirius after all.
So, James waited in the designated spot as instructed by Regulus. He stood alone in the corridor, the minutes ticking by, until it seemed like an hour had passed. He began to wonder if Regulus had forgotten about him, but just as that thought crossed his mind, Regulus returned with company. As James noticed their presence, he felt someone cling onto his arm.
“Potter! It's nice to see you!” Exclaimed Barty, putting almost his entire weight onto him.
At the same time, Evan approached, laughing. “You're going to break him, you idiot.” He remarked and playfully patted James on the other shoulder. “How are you? Heard you were having a rough time.”
“Leave him alone, both of you.” Regulus quickly intervened. “We need to get going before someone notices us.”
“Yes, sir.” Responded both Barty and Evan in unison, though they couldn't help but snicker a little.
With that, Regulus began walking, and the two boys standing beside James grabbed him under the arms, guiding him along. Initially stunned, James quickly regained his composure.
“W-wait! Reggie, what's going on? Where are you taking me, guys?” He asked, feeling perplexed but allowing himself to be led.
Barty erupted in laughter beside him. “Did you hear that, Evan? He let him call him Reggie. You always threaten us for doing that. Is he a weakness of yours?”
Regulus's frown returned instantly. “You know very well that I could kill you, right?” he retorted, his gaze sharpening. But just as quickly as his expression changed, he softened as he looked at James. "It's a surprise, James. You'll see. Don't worry too much."
James's wide smile remained intact as he decided to simply embrace the surprise and let go of his worries. With his wild imagination running, he couldn't narrow down the possibilities of what the surprise could be. All he knew was that he would be happy and grateful no matter what it is. The only thing that made him worried was that they were now before Slytherin common room, there was a big possibility that he will draw a lot of unwanted attention to himself here. He had left Regulus's dormitory that morning wearing yesterday's clothes, so it was likely that people had already started talking. What if the rumours reach Sirius? The thought immediately made him anxious. Sirius was fiercely protective of his younger brother, even if their relationship was strained.
“Why are you so pale, Potter? Slytherins aren't going to eat you, you know." Evan chimed in, teasingly.
"Are you sure about that, Evan?" Barty interjected with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I think someone might give it a try."
Regulus sighted at their banter and turned to face them. “James, can you close your eyes?'ll let you know when to open them.” The black-haired boy said with a hint of excitement.
James nodded and obediently closed his eyes, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervous energy coursing through him. He was carefully led into the room and, after a while, seated on a couch of some sort. His heart raced with uncertainty and excitement, every fibre of his being on edge. However, he was scared to give himself hope. Could it be possible that Regulus and his friends had planned something special for his birthday? Were they trying to make up for the disappointment he had felt the day before? The nervousness intensified within him, surpassing the levels he had felt earlier. That's why when Reggie told him to open his eyes, he did so immediately.
As soon as he looked around, tears welled up in James's eyes. It was exactly what he had wanted to happen yesterday. A large "happy birthday" sign hung on the wall, and a table displayed a stack of cupcakes with a candle on the top. It was evident that the celebration had been put together at short notice, but James loved every part of it.
“Happy birthday, James!” the small group of people around him said in unison.
Regulus stepped closer, extending his hand to help James stand up. “We know it's late, that your birthday was yesterday, but you deserve at least a small party.” he said, his voice filled with sincerity. As James got up, Regulus embraced him in a warm hug.
Overwhelmed by the gesture and the genuine love he felt, James couldn't help but smile through his tears. At that moment, he realized that even though things hadn't gone as planned on his actual birthday, this surprise celebration made up for it in the most meaningful way. He immediately hugged the black-haired boy back with all his might.
“Thank you, Reggie” he said, his voice filled with gratitude. He then turned his gaze to the rest of the group. "And thank you to all of you! Did Regulus force you all to do this?"
Pandora shook her head, her eyes filled with warmth. "Regulus just asked for our help, and he never does that, so we knew it was important."
Barty at that chimed in, his tone teasing. "We just wanted to help Reggie with a surprise for his sweet boyfriend," he said, a playful smirk on his face.
Regulus muttered under his breath, his cheeks slightly flushed. "Barty, enough talking. James, you need to make your birthday wish. Don't keep us waiting.”
James took a moment to compose himself, while Dorcas took the only cupcake with a candle and came closer to him. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, gathering his thoughts and making his silent wish. When he opened them again, he blew out the candle.
“What was your wish?” Evan asked, looking interested.
James smiled even more and looked at Regulus. “Someone will know later, but now it's a secret now.”
"Evan, he's going to steal our Reggie. Do something," Barty playfully whined. "Or I will."
Laughter filled the air as they continued to celebrate James's birthday in high spirits. There was lively music, delicious food that no one dared to question the origin of, thanks to Barty's mischievousness. They all celebrated James birthday like it was supposed to be, letting loose and enjoying each other's company for hours on end. It was all fun and games, just like you would expect a birthday to be. They enjoyed themselves for at least a couple of hours.
Yet, despite the laughter and happiness that surrounded him, James couldn't shake the lingering feeling that something was missing. He wished for the presence of his other friends, the ones who had unintentionally forgotten his special day. A sense of guilt washed over him as he realized that he hadn't reached out to them. He was now spoiling his own mood. Why do I always have to complicate things? He thought to himself, feeling frustrated with his shifting mood. He couldn't understand why his emotions could change so easily. Nothing was making sense again.
“James? Is everything alright?” Regulus's voice broke through his thoughts, and James turned to look at him.” Are you in need of a break? We can go somewhere quiet if you want.” His concern was evident in his eyes as he gently took James's hand in his own.
“It's okay Reggie. Sometimes I just overthink things, you know?.” James replied, giving him a small smile. “Sometimes I'm just sad even when I shouldn't, I guess.”
The younger boy let out a sigh at that, and rolled his eyes. “So you're a liar? Are you okay or sad? You can't be both.”
James chuckled at Regulus's teasing remark. “Then I guess I'm always sad.” he joked. “I just wished for my friends to be here.”
“I understand. Do you want to talk to them now?” Regulus asked, but at the same time in his head planned their future conversation on the fact that his sadness is no reason to joke.
James thought about it for a while, considering Regulus's offer, and finally answered. “I do want to talk to them, but maybe not right now. I want to spend more time with you first.” He said, his gaze lingering on Reggie. “I also suspect they are going to find me soon, but it's just the feeling.”
Regulus nodded, his expression filled with reassurance.