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On the ninth of October, James potter asked Regina Black on a date. Two weeks later, they were dating. Sirius knew of course, to James’ surprise, he wasn’t as upset with the fact he was dating his little sister then James had thought, he was going to be.
in fact, Sirius had straight out asked James if he found his little sister attractive, and when James said yes, Sirius wasn’t angry. he was just happy that James was honest with him.
the date was amazing James had taken her out into the woods near the lake, at First, she was a bit leery of going so far into the woods, she clung onto James’ arm as if her life depended on it. She threatened him afterwards. “James potter! if you ever tell anyone I held on to you, I will cut out your eyeballs and shove them so far up your arse you can see mars!”
She also liked to deny “I wasn’t scared!” James found it funny and teased her about it.
At the lake the whole sky filled with little firefly’s, and they went swimming in their underwear under the warm moonlight.
___
1.
James and Regina were sitting in the common room, Sirius was groaning about how disgusting they both were, but they didn’t care. Regina wore a white dress with lace ruffling that complimented her milky skin tone, and she sat right next to James while keeping a safe distance between them. Sirius groaned and walked away, muttering something about “stupid couples.”
James noticed as Regina twirled her bracelets around her wrist. “hey James?”
James looked away from the fire, taking himself out of his thoughts, he looked back at his beautiful girlfriend. He studied her with curiosity and replied, “Yes love?”
James noticed the blush on her face from the nickname and smiled as she asked, “can I ask you something?”
James gave her a faint smile and leaned closer, adjusting his position on the sofa to give his girlfriend his full attention. “Anything” he replied ready to listen intently to her question.
James observed the way she bit her lip, he knew her well enough to know her habits she does when she was nervous. He knew because Sirius did them too. “How would you feel if I didn’t wear the clothes my mom gave me?”
He leaned back Into the sofa, and replied. “I’m not going to tell you what you can and can’t wear, Mere Pyar. Im more interested in what’s under your clothes,” He teased, but then added with sincerity, “But in all honesty, you are your own person. I don’t control you, neither does your mother.”
She playfully hit his arm and laughed, “You prat!” but she smiled nonetheless. “Really? You’d be okay with me not wearing as much skirts?” She asked.
“I like the skirts, don’t get me wrong,” James said, “but I’m more interested in the person, not the fabric.”
It was all fine, and they didn’t bring it up again until Regina came into class a week later wearing trousers. the Professorswere livid asking her where her proper school attire was. James was quick to defend her, saying, “Girls don’t have to wear skirts; we should give them an option to wear skirts or pants. it’s their choice.”
Regina later flushed and told him she didn’t need him fighting her battles, however, he did ask her if the marauders could play a harmless prank on them, and she said yes.
The next day, the Marauders had walked into class wearing the girl uniforms and refused to take them off until the professors agreed to allow the girls to wear trousers.
Point one Marauders
Point zero Professors.
___
2.
James was eating his omelet when a pair of arms wrapped around his neck. “Good morning Jamie,” said Regina as she wrapped her body around and let go to take a seat.
James took note of her appearance. she wore her normal trousers and a button up t-shirt with the first button unbuttoned. The same outfit she had been wearing ever since the conversation. However something seemed different,and James couldn’t figure out what.
“Morning Lover.”
She flushed at the nickname and started filing up her plate with food James turned back to his own plate and started to eat again. He listened as Remus and Sirius argued about who had better fashion sense - Bowie or Elton John.
He continued to give Regina glances, trying to figure out her appearance. “Did you trim your hair?”
She glanced at him surprised. “No? Why do you ask?” She touched dark black curls that laid across her shoulders. She fidgeted with her fork in her other hand, accidentally dropping the food back on the plat.
“Somethings different, I can’t figure out what.” He said, in between bites of omelet. He tried to look at her more discreetly. Observing her button up and trousers that was more or less becoming her favorite outfit, point one James.
Then he noticed it, The flesh-colored strap peeking out of her shirt that was too thick to be a bra. He glanced down to her chest, not noticing any of her usual curves. he attempted not to show a reaction on his face when he realized she was wearing a binder.
James decided to not bring it up now, in fear he would make her uncomfortable in front of all their friends. He turned back to her with a smile and said “It doesn’t matter, darling.I don’t care what you do to your body because to me you will always be beautiful.”
She smiled at him with this innocent sort of smile. who knew she could rip your ass in two when she was angry? “Thank you,” she replied.
They continued eating, and Regina even participated in the argument that Sirius and Remus were having. she agreed that Bowies fashion was more wizardly so therefore his was better, while Elton John had some characteristics of a wizard, but bowie could actually be a wizard himself.
James didn’t think about the Binder again until that night, after dinner. He grabbed her waist and pulled her inside the closet. he smiled at her and the next thing he knew, they were kissing. The kiss started off soft but quickly grew more tense, Regina’s back hit the wall, and a light gasp escaped her lips. James knew how to be completely intense and passionate while also being careful and gentle.
His hands roamed her body until they reached her button-Up. He started unbuttoning it slowly, feeling her shiver under his warm fingertips. She clenched at his shoulders, and her head fell back hitting the wall behind her.
James stopped short, Hand freezing on the button below her chest. He looked her in the eye, the earlier resolution coming back to him. “You’re wearing a binder,” He stated, because it wasn’t a question.
She had froze when James said that. “I am,” She agreed after the silence got to unbearable.
James bit his lip, his hand running over the fabric. “Why?” He asked curiosity piqued.
Her hands gravitated back to fiddling with her bracelets then her ringers. “You try walking around school with boobs, James it hurts my back. Binders help.” It was a terrible Excuse they both knew it but James nodded. “Okay.”
She didn’t reply continuing to fiddle with her bracelets, James took her hands into his, holding them tightly. It got her attention to look up at him. “Okay,” He repeated. He pulled her closer and set her hands back around his own tanned stomach.
“Okay.” She echoed back to him as she pulled him down again, crushing their lips into another passionate kiss.
___
3.
James was on his midnight prefect patrol when he noticed Regina, her dark silhouette sitting in the snow. her cheeks and nose were flushed from the cold. he slowly made his way over to her. “hey there.”
She looked up at him as if just noticing him, she smiled at him. “oh, hey there.” Her voice deeper than normal.
He sat down beside her, shivering as the white snow hit his bum. “why are you sitting out here in the cold?” His eyes scanned her features.
She shrugged, probably trying to act nonchalant. the cold was causing her breath to cloud between them. “Just needed some fresh air.” She said in a raspy voice. She gave him a small smile.
He noticed the way that her voice was deeper from the cold, but a nagging feeling told him it was something more. he pushed the thought away and replied, “You’re gonna catch a cold.”
She smiled and tucked a stand of hair behind her ear. “Well I have you to keep me warm, don’t I?”
James laughed and wrapped his arms around her neck, pulling her closer. “damn right you do.” He shivered as her warm body pressed against his. “I’m freezing my tits off.”
She chuckled and wrapped her arms around his waist, laying her head on his chest. “You’re just a baby.” She teased still
speaking in the same deep voice. She turned her head into her neck nuzzling her nose against his at-tams apple. James could feel himself warming up as she laid over top of him. “Yet you’re the one who’s out in the cold.”
She huffed a laugh, face still buried in his neck. She lifted herself so she could peer up at him from an angle. “I’m a Black, I think I can handle a little cold.”
He laughed and pulled her face closer, his lips lightly brush against hers. “just because your daughter of Orion and Walburga Black doesn’t mean you’re invincible against the cold.” he placed a gentle kiss to her lips. “Now should we go inside before my balls freeze and so all of our hope of children go out the window?”
She playfully hit his shoulder as she leaned back. “Your balls are perfectly safe and warm,” she teased as she stood up, brushing snow off her Bum. she put a hand out towards him.
He took her outstretched hand and pulled himself up. “At least one part of me is safe and warm,” He mocked sarcastically. He didn’t let go of her hand instead lacing them together as they started walking towards the entrance to Howarts.
“I’ll walk you back to the Slytherin dorms My love.”
He felt her clumsily bumping into him. “Such a gentleman,” She mocked still talking in the Deep Voice. He couldn’t help but notice her unusual tone.
He smiled up at her, and replied. “only for you my love.”
James quickly changed the subject, unstable to ignore the nagging feeling that she was trying to tell him something he should know. “I cant help but notice the voice.”
He searched her face for any signs of panic but she kept it stoic “ah, I’ve been getting over with a cold.” She replied nonchalantly.
“A cold huh?” He repeated his voice laced with doubt, A nagging feeling that she was lying.
He reached out his hand and ran itover her forehead. “Your not running a fever, did you go see madam Pomfrey?” He asked, trying to call her out but also worried.
She shook her head, their intertwined hands swinging his. “Nah, it’s not that serious.” She said trying to dismiss his concern.
He rolled his eyes at her nonchalant responses and replied, “You’re a tough girl, right? You can tough it out on your own?” He replied sarcastically. “Have you at least gotten a sleeping drought?”
Her face darkened as she responde, tone sharp. “what, can’t stomach the thought of a girl not needing your help?” She resorted. “Sorry to burst your bubble, Potter, but I’m a big girl. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. And a sleeping drought? Please. I’m not a child; I don’t need a crutch to help me sleep. But maybe you should take some, since you’re so eager to get into my business.”
James’ anger flared at her words, heart racing. “Oh, I’m sorry I’m caring of your well-being! I just think your being foolish for not going to see Madam Pomfrey if your so damn sick.” He Glared his frustration evident in his features. “But I don’t think you are!”
Regina face darkened and she replied with a defensive tone. “what do you mean I’m not?” Her grey eyes narrowed, ready to defend herself.
He crossed his arms over his chest. “I mean I’m calling you out on your Bullshit Regina, You’re not sick.”
Regina’s eyes widen In panic, mixed with Anger. “You have no idea what I feel and don’t feel!” She scoffed and began walking away. Her steps swift and determined.
“Where are you going!” James called after her. To which she just flipped him the bird, without looking back.
After a week had passed they both silently agreed to drop the subject, and everything returned back to normal.
___
4.
It was in the gryffindor common room late at night; the marauders had just gotten done throwing Sirius his eighteenth birthday party.
Nobody was around except James and Regina. She was laying in his arms as they watched the fire ticked by, they were both pretty tipsy, so the moment of peace and quiet after loud music and dancing was pretty nice.
James was pretty much stuck in the common room all night because of Remus and Sirius hogging the dorm. He couldn’t be to mad since it was Sirius’ birthday, and if it was his own birthday, he would claim the dorm to shag his girlfriend as well.
And Peter was with his hufflepuff girlfriend so it was only the two.
“James?” Regina slurred her words, her voice deep and raspy from the alcohol she had drank.
His arms wrap tighter around her, the room was slightly spinning and honestly he was probably greened out, by that deep anxiety and paranoia he was feeling. who knew smoking and drinking don’t mix?
“Yes love?” He whispered the entire room was quiet, except for the sound of the crackling fire infront of them. He leaned his cheek against her dark head full of wavy curls.
She rolled over, resting her back against James rather than her side she continued to look at the fire. James knew she would probably still be drinking if he hadn’t cut her off. The only light being the fire it was completely dark besides the fire.
“Could you start calling me Reg?” She asked, slurred and laced with a nervous energy.
He moved his head to look down at her, a little surprised at her request. He smiled and ran his fingers through her hair. “Reg huh? That’s a new one,” He echoed. The sound of the name felt good on his tongue. and he wasn’t going to deny her the satisfaction of being called the nickname. “Of course I can Reg.”
He leaned down and placed a kiss to her forehead. he couldn’t help but feel a little bit curious. “Why the change though?”
She laughed the sound slightly raspy she shook her head against his chest. “No reason.” She shrugged. “Just wanted to try it.”
He raised an eyebrow that nagging feeling in his stomach back. He shifted his body, ignoring the pang of anxiety coursing through him. he mentally noted to never smoke while drinking “And trying it?”
She hummed and looked up at him with her gray eyes. “what do you mean?”
“What do you feel after trying it?” He asked leaning down to press a kiss to her head again.
She shrugged shifting closer to him, if that was even possible. Her eyes were slightly glossy and her cheeks flushed. “It feels right.”
It only made his curiosity grow. His fingers twirls one of her curls around his finger he leans back further into the couch lost in thought.
She turned back to look at him in the eye, she frowned. “You’re not going to be able to remember this conversation.”
He chuckled as he continued to play with her curls, “don’t worry I’m not that drunk.” He assured her to which she just frowned.
“You may not be drunk baby, but you’re totally greened out, how are you even forming coherent thoughts?”
He smiled sheepishly, realizing that she was on to him, he shrugged, “maybe I’m not as coherent as you think I am.” He burped which was a bad idea because he gagged.
“I’ll remember this conversation I promise Reggie just don’t ever let me drink and get high at the same time again.”
She laughed at him, “your turning into a pothead, you hippie.”
He shook his head, chin against her head. His hand leaves her hair to wrap back around her waist. “Nah, i probably wouldn’t ever smoke if it wasn’t for Sirius and Remus, they’re the real pot heads.”
She nodded her head in agreement, “they are my brother is a real rock star he thinks, doing everything mother tells him not to do.”
He smirked at her, “you’re not the most goody two shoes you’d like to think you are, you are dating me, and your mother hates me, plus, I’ve seen you smoke more than once with them.”
“I’m not as innocent as you think.” She Confirms as she smiled and buried her nose into his chest “there’s a lot you don’t know.” She whispered.
James hums hands going into her hair again. “Why don’t you tell me?” He asks to which she shakes her head.
“Not yet.”
He nods and pulls her face out to look at him. Hands on each cheek “Not yet.” He repeats, “When you’re ready.” He Says, kissing both of her cheeks.
___
5.
James was on the train, Christmas break had just ended, he sat with Remus and Sirius, Remus was talking about how he was going to move out of his fathers place this summer, and Sirius was talking about how terrible it was that Reggie talked him into coming to Christmas.
“James, just wait until you see what Reg did Your going to shit yourself.”
James couldn’t help the feeling of excitement, “oh god what did she do this time?”
Sirius just shook his head with a mysterious smile. “Just you wait.
“Oh come on.” James complained, “don’t leave me in suspense.”
As if she had heard they’re conversation she walked inside their train cubby, at first glance James didn’t know what Sirius meant but then he saw it, she had cut a big chunk out of her curls, her once long curls now a mess of the top of her head.
Remus was the first to speak. “You cut your hair!”
She shot him an irritated look as she sat beside James, James gapped like a fish out of water. “You chopped all your hair off!” He said in disbelief.
She nodded as she ran her hands through it, “I did,” she confirmed. “What do you think?”
James bit his lip, he didn’t hate it, he just wasn’t use to it, it looked like something Marlene would get. That nagging feeling was back… I’m not sure what to think.” James admitted honestly. “Not that you’re not beautiful with whatever you do to your body, but I’m just not use to it.”
Reggie smiled and grabbed his arm gripping onto it, leaning her head on his shoulder, “I know I’m beautiful, you don’t have to tell me that. But I’m glad you told me how you feel. She grabbed his hand and ran it through her own curls. “I guess you’re just going to have to get used to it. Might even like it better than my long hair who knows.” She shrugged.
His fingers run through her hair lovingly, he couldn’t lie it was weird feeling short curls rather then her long ones “guess so.” He agreed “it’s going to take a while for me to get used to it but I will eventually.”
She suddenly let go, probably realizing that her brother was right there, she kicked his outstretched leg playfully, “this dumbass is the one who cut it.”
Sirius raised his hands in defense, “hey don’t blame this on me! You asked me too.” He leaned his head on Remus’ shoulder sticking out tongue to his little sister.
“Has anyone seen Pete?” Remus asked suddenly wondering where their missing friend was.
“What want him to see Reg’s new look?” Sirius remarked.
James shrugged “probably off with his girlfriend.”
“He still dating that hufflepuff?” Reg asked to which everyone groaned “they’re insufferable!
Reggie laughed “as if you all aren’t?”
James laughed “it’s different, our insufferable is way better then the insufferable that Peter and his girlfriend are.”
“They call each other “Princess” and “king.” Remus shuddered, “the definition of insufferable.”
James groaned “oh Merlin,” he turned to Reggie, if we ever do that I’m killing myself.”
Reggie nodded “if we ever do that I’ll give you the gun.”
James could hear Sirius and Remus laugh at their joke. “Please, i think either me or moony would be dead before we called each other insufferable things like “princess“ Or “king”
They all laughed and quieted down after that. James every once in a while running his hands through Reggie’s hair, trying to get use to the feel of her now short curls, she looked up at him with a smile to which he just returned.
___
+1
It was on October ninth a year after they started dating that Regulus Black stumbled onto James doorstep, it was raining and they were both dripping, he had his bags packed and James could tell he had been crying.
“I told my mum to go fuck herself.”
James just stood there shocked before taking action and wearing his arms around him. Pulling him inside, he dried himself with his wand but James handed him a Blanket anyway. “What happened love?”
He took a seat beside him.
Regulus Tightened the blanket around himself shivering, “we got into a fight, a big one…” he looked at James with watery eyes, “found my journal.” His eyes filled with fresh tears his body trembling.
James felt his heart ache “your Journal?” He asked curiously, “what was in it?” He wrapped a gentle comforting arm around his shoulders, Sirius was currently at Remus’ place getting ready for graduation, and his parents weren’t home, it was just them.
He felt Regulus shake his head against his chest. James’ shirt was soaked in tears. “I don’t want to tell you.”
James kissed his forehead mumbling “why?” Against his skin
“I don’t want you to stop loving me.”
James tightened his arms “impossible” gentle fingers tangled in his short hair that James had just gotten used to. “You can trust me Reg, you can open up to me.”
They were silent for a long moment, “I want to help you Reggie, please.”
He didnt reply for what felt like hours, the room silent except for the rain hitting the roof of the house outside. Finally “I don’t feel like Regina anymore.”
James fell silent and even if he didn’t want to he froze, he had been expecting this but it was still a shock. “You don’t want to be Regina anymore?”
Regulus nodded against his chest, he still didn’t look at James “doesn’t feel like me, has never felt like me..”
He pulled away to look at James in the eye. “I need to change or I feel I might do something bad.” James knew what he meant, he might kill himself..
The weight of what Regulus was feeling hang in the room, “Then we’ll change it,” he said firmly, determined. “Whatever it takes. You don’t have to bare this alone.”
“You really mean that?” Regulus asked to which James cupped his face in his hands, “so what? I had a very hot girlfriend, now I have a very hot boyfriend, nothing has changed.”
“You’re unbelievable.” Regulus said jokingly hitting his shoulder playfully, “how are you so accepting? Most boys would run at the sight of me.”
“Hmmm,” James hummed running a finger against his bottom lip. “Maybe I’m not like those other boys?” He pulled him closer so their foreheads were touching, “do you want me to call you something other then Reg? Or Reggie?”
Regulus rubbed his nose against James’ “I was always so angry that Sirius and all of my cousins got cool names about astronomy, while I was stuck with the name, Regina.”
James hummed “so?”
“So, I quite like the Star Regulus.” Regulus admitted avoiding eye contact, he had never talked about this to someone before.”
“Tell me about it.”
Regulus shifted uncomfortably but he didn’t lean his forehead away from James’ “Regulus is the brightest star in the Leo constellation,” he explained. “It’s a giant blue star extremely powerful I’ve always felt connected to it as if it was apart of me, as if I had been named after it in a different life,”
“Regulus.” James repeated feeling the way Regulus shivered at the name the name felt nice on his tongue the way it rolled right off. “It’s beautiful.”
James tucked a loose strand of hair behind his ear “then Regulus you shall be
my bright beautiful star.”