Chapter Text
“I’m telling you it’s not gonna work.”
“No, no, Regulus, trust me. It’s gonna work. It’s literally scientifically proven.” Dorcas shoved a book in his face. “See?”
“I’m well aware of the properties of my condition. And if you truly read that book,” he pushed it back to her, “then you would know my abilities don’t work if the person is already in love.”
“I still think it’s worth a shot.” She sat back in her chair, arms folded across her chest.
“You don’t even like quidditch.” Regulus stared at her for a second. “Ugh, fine. I’ll do it.”
“Yes! Thank you so so much!” She reached forward, grabbing his hands and kissing the back of them. “You’re amazing.”
“I know,” he said, trying to hide his smile. Regulus stood up, walking up the stairs to his dorm. The Slytherin common room was cold and he wasn’t wearing nearly enough layers to keep warm.
When he got to his dorm, he slid on an old jacket of Sirius’ and sat back in his bed, thinking back to the conversation he’d just had with Dorcas. She made a stupid bet with her girlfriend, Marlene, about who would win the Quidditch cup this year. Regulus asked her what the reward was if she won, and Dorcas simply said he wouldn't want to know. His knowledge of Dorcas and Marlene’s relationship and the way she wiggled her eyebrows, confirmed that she was right and he did not want to know.
He loves her enough to help anyways.
Regulus was part veela on his mother’s side. This was the reason she’d come to him for help. Her plan was to get Regulus to join the team and distract their star chaser, James Potter. If he could keep James’ attention on him and not the game, then Gryffindor would keep losing and Dorcas would win her bet. Easy, according to Dorcas.
Except not. James is already in love. With a beautiful redhead named Lily Evans. He has been since his fourth year. Regulus watched it happen, starting in his third year—James’ fourth. He knows it won’t work.
He started noticing James as soon as he learned who he was in second year. James Potter was Sirius’ best friend. Platonic soulmate, some might say. Regulus would. He’s seen them together. They are a perfect match.
Regulus has platonic soulmates of his own. Barty and Dorcas are his best friends and if he had to, he would die for them. He’s close with Pandora and Evan too, just not like Dorcas and Barty. This is unfortunately one of the reasons he said yes to helping with the bet.
Regulus isn’t sure Dorcas even knows the rules of the game. Not that he can say anything, he doesn’t know any of it either.
Guess he’ll have to learn.
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“Can you help me?”
“I mean I guess. I haven’t been on a broom in a couple years though. I definitely can’t turn you into whatever Potter is. He’s on another level.”
Regulus waved his hand, dismissing the comment. “Yeah, yeah, that’s fine. I don’t need to be amazing, just good enough to make the team.”
“Alright,” Evan said, shrugging his shoulders, “That works for me. Can you hand me that paper?” Regulus grabbed the… essay (?) off the end of the bed, closest to where he was sitting, and handed it to the boy. Evan was leaning up against his headboard. Regulus, Barty, and Evan all shared a dorm. They got lucky and didn't have a fourth roommate, leaving a bed empty. If Regulus wasn’t living there, he is sure it would end up invisible, hidden under the plethora of things Barty and Evan—mostly Barty—throw onto it.
“Why are you joining the quidditch team, again?”
“Dorcas asked me. She made a bet with Marlene on who’s team would win the cup this year.”
“Wow. Why would she do that? She doesn’t even like quidditch.”
“That’s what I said. Nevertheless, she made it and now I'm determined to help her. When can we start the lessons?”
“Erm, we can do it tomorrow? After arithmancy?”
Regulus just nodded, before promptly snapping his head to look at the door as Barty came in.
“Where’ve you been?” Evan asked.
“You know, doing things and stuff. Being rebellious and all that.”
Regulus couldn’t see Evan now, as he was in front of the boy, but he could feel the skepticism radiating. He felt his own face fill with doubt, raising an eyebrow.
Barty looked between them. “Ugh, Fine. I was helping Myrtle.”
Regulus turned to look at Evan, who was already looking at him. Their eyes met and the two immediately burst out laughing, tears now falling from their eyes.
Evan cackled in his spot, folding forward. Regulus fell backwards, landing on the bed. Barty stood there, arms crossed, glaring at the boys.
“Why is this so funny? Someone threw a shoe at her and I felt bad.”
This made the boys laugh even harder.
“No! Stop! You’ll kill me!” Evan said through never-ending laughter.
“Maybe I should.” Barty stated. Finally, the laughter died down. Barty sat down on the bed across from them. “What were you two talking about anyway?”
Evan covered his mouth, clearly holding back even more laughter. “He- he’s gonna join the quidditch team,” he said through giggles, pointing at Regulus.
Barty stared at him, before loudly laughing in his face. “You! You’re gonna join the quidditch team! Oh, god. I think that might be the best joke I’ve heard in my sixteen years of life.”
“Those sixteen years are about to end. You don’t have all the context.”
“Oh, I don't think I need context. This is too good.”
“He’s doing it to distract Potter!” Evan butted in.
“Oh, stop!” Barty said, still laughing. He had fallen onto his back. Regulus was sitting up now, leaning back on his hands.
“Yeah, yeah, alright. I get it, I don’t do sports. Haha, very funny.”
“So funny, mate.” Barty was up on his elbows now.
“Alright, fuck off.” He stood up, pushing Barty down playfully as he walked to his bed.
“Alright, alright. What’s the context?” Barty turned, looking at Regulus.
“Dorcas asked me. She has a bet.”
“On quidditch? Does she even know what a quaffle is?”
“That’s what we said.” Evan stated, sitting back up against the headboard. Regulus nodded.
“Do you even know anything about quidditch?”
“I know the basics, thank you. Evan is gonna teach me the rest. Starting tomorrow.” Regulus began changing into his nightclothes.
“Oh, you’ve gotta let me watch.” He looked at Evan. “Please, I need to see this. Regulus Black on a broom has to be the most hilarious idea to ever exist.”
“I don’t care if he doesn’t.”
“Fine, you can watch but you must keep all comments to yourself until after we’re done.”
“Cross my heart.” He drew an X over his chest, holding up his other hand.
Regulus turned away and got into bed. He could still hear Barty snickering away, presumably at Regulus’ situation.
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The moment arithmancy is done, Evan finds Regulus. As much as Regulus loves Dorcas, he’s been seriously avoiding the thought that he’d actually have to play quidditch. The game was always Sirius’ thing, not Regulus’. Nevertheless, he would learn.
They head to the quidditch pitch after changing and borrowing some brooms from the shed on the grounds. Regulus has, of course, ridden a broom before. He is a wizard after all. Although, that flying was nothing like this.
Quidditch apparently had a completely different way of flying to the usual thing. What was normally relaxing and used for transportation only, was now wild and slightly terrifying. Regulus couldn’t be sure whether he enjoyed it or not.
Regulus slowed to a stop, hovering in the air. Evan flew up next to him. They had just run a few drills Evan remembered from when he played.
“You’ve really only flown to go places? Not for fun?”
“No, why?”
“Well, I mean… you’re quite good, actually. I mean I’m not a professional, but you fly really well, like you’re comfortable on a broom.”
“Really? Thank you.” Regulus replied, still out of breath.
“Yeah, ‘course.” Evan looked around. Barty was sitting in the stands, watching the two. Regulus could see them make eye contact, but it felt different. Charged with a different energy.
A sound broke him from thought. The sound of someone flying through the air. He looked up and around, before he spotted him.
James Potter.
The boy spotted Regulus almost immediately after Regulus spotted him. Flying next to him and Evan, rather joyfully. He had noticed that about him. James was almost always in a good mood. Regulus couldn’t think of a time he had seen James even slightly unhappy. It was kind of irritating.
“Hey, guys. Just to let you know some future prospects for the Gryffindor team will be out in a few to practice. Sorry to kick you off the pitch, it’s just that I reserved the time to help them out,” he said with a sheepish smile. Normally Regulus would assume that smile was malicious, but on James it just seemed so genuine.
“Oh, it’s no problem. We’re about done anyway,” Evan replied.
“Awh, thank you so much. Sorry again, fellas.” His white smile contrasted his dark skin, lighting up his eyes.
Evan began to fly down to the ground. Regulus followed close behind, but not before locking eyes with James and looking him up and down, forcing a small smirk to hit his lips. Because what kind of friend would he be if he didn’t help her get a head start?
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“Did I see that correctly?” Barty practically shouted, running down the stairs of the pitch.
“See what?” Regulus asked.
“You smirked at James Potter.”
“What?” Evan snapped his head to Regulus.
“What?” Regulus asked, faking confusion. “I didn’t do anything.”
“You are such a liar, mate. I saw you.” Barty stated.
“It was for the bet.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Yes, Bartemius. Quite sure.”
“Hey! Watch it.”
“Can I go change now?” Regulus asked, sarcastically.
“Fine.” Barty rolled his eyes. “I’ll see you both at dinner.”
Evan and Regulus walked away, into the castle. The Slytherin dungeons were halfway across the school, which meant withstanding stares from almost everyone in the halls. That was one of the downsides of being part veela. Everyone stares all the time. If he wasn’t aware of his ancestry, it would definitely make him insecure. It’s incredibly hard to distinguish when people are whispering good or bad things about you, Regulus has learned.
Another thing he’s learned is that his abilities don’t seem to work on Barty or Evan. Regulus had had a slight crush on Barty in his second year and he attempted to use his wiles. They didn’t work and he couldn’t figure out why. Usually his powers only don’t work if the person is already in love. But who were Evan and Barty in love with?
They finally reached the dorm, showering and changing quickly before heading down to dinner. They walked in and immediately found their seats. Evan sat next to Barty, while Regulus sat across from them, facing away from the wall.
They didn’t talk much after the food appeared. Barty asked when tryouts were and Regulus told him—two weeks. The three kept eating and chatting until Dorcas and Pandora came to join them. Pandora was a Ravenclaw, but she often sat with the four for dinner. Many of the others from her house disliked her and made it known. Or at least they did, until Regulus cursed them during their fourth year. Most people ignored her after that, but ‘at least they aren’t calling me names anymore,’ Pandora had said. She also told them that the reason she was disliked was because she would often ramble about a new myth or idea she had learned about.
Regulus never understood that. Sure, he didn’t always want to hear about his friend’s new interest, but he would simply tell her that and she would tell him another time. Pandora appreciated it when people were blunt. Maybe that was why the two got along so well.
Pandora was telling the group about one of those interests when the doors to the great hall opened. Out of breath, James Potter walked in. He rushed to his seat next to Lily and kissed her before sitting down. Regulus felt his hand tighten around his fork. But why?
His thoughts were interrupted by a small voice:
“Excuse me?”
Regulus turned his head to see two first years had come up to him. “Can I help you?”
Both kids blushed immediately. “Erm, we just- we wanted to give you these chocolates.” One held out the candy, looking away. The other kept their eyes on Regulus the entire time.
“Thank you, but I don’t like sweets,” he stated.
The kid holding the chocolate immediately brought the chocolate closer to them. “Oh, alright. Sorry,” he said, both of them still blushing.
“It’s fine.”
The two kids ran off, whispering fervently between them.
“Wow,” Barty muttered. “The curse of being a veela. Why didn’t you take the chocolates?”
“Like I said, I don’t like sweets.”
“Well yeah, but you could have given them to me. You know, your best friend. But whatever, it's fine. I’m not sour about it at all.” Barty threw his hands up, his voice was playful and unserious.
Regulus picked up a roll and tossed it at the boy, who quickly dodged it, letting it tumble to the floor.
“Wow, littering now, are we?” Barty tutted, shaking his head.
“Shove off.”
“You love me, really.”
Regulus rolled his eyes.
“Who do you keep staring at?” Pandora asked.
“What do you mean?”
“You hadn’t taken your eyes away from the other side of the hall until those first years showed up.” She turned her head, looking around the hall. Regulus saw her eyes lock on the Gryffindor table and he felt his face immediately flush with, what he can only assume, was a color similar to a tomato. She turned back to him. “Ah, I see. It’s your brother, isn’t it?” Wow. Thank the lord his brother is in that god-forsaken house. “Are you alright?” She asked. “Your face is incredibly red. Are you hot? Do you need anything?”
“Yes, yes. I’m quite fine.” He cleared his throat. “Yes, I was staring at my brother.” He went back to picking at his food.
“Are you sure about that, mate?” Barty asked.
Regulus nodded his head, humming a sound of confirmation through gritted teeth. He looked back over at the table, this time actually taking the time to find his brother. He sat next to James, on the opposite side of Lily. The two were practically on top of each other. If he didn’t know any better, he’d think Sirius was the object of James’ desires, not Lily.
Not that he was thinking of James’s desires.
Actually, were James and Sirius feeding each other? What the hell? “Merlin, he’s such an idiot.”
“Who? your brother?” Barty turned to watch the spectacle. “Oh, yea. I see what you mean. What are they doing?”
“Lord knows.”
That made the others laugh under their breaths. Barty turned slightly, facing Evan now. “I bet you 2 galleons that they’ve kissed before.”
“I’m not taking that bet!”
“Why not!?”
“ ‘Cause they obviously have! You’d win that bet as soon as we confirmed it.”
Barty laughed. “Yea, you’re right. There’s no way they haven’t. Shit, I’d kiss them.” That earned him a slap from both Regulus and Evan. “Ow! What the fuck?”
“Do not ever say you’d kiss my brother in front of me ever again. I do not want to hear that.”
“Alright, damn. What’s your excuse?” He asked Evan.
“Solidarity.” He shrugged.
“This friend group is so unfair. Four against one, at all times. You guys should start a Barty hate-club. I’m sure it’d be a big hit.”
“Oh, shut the fuck up.” Evan pushed him into Pandora, who quickly pushed him back.
“See! Everyone hates me.” He held a hand to his forehead in a damsel-like way.
“Merlin, you’re just like my brother sometimes.”
Barty gasped, bringing a hand to his chest. “How could you! Why would you say that!?”
Regulus began to stand, shrugging on his way up. “It’s a mystery.”
“Where are you going?” Dorcas shouted after him.
“Library.” He replied, not quite yelling, but just above his usual speaking level. He would rather drown than resort to yelling as a form of communication. He walked out the great hall, beginning his journey to the library. He really did need to study. He had a test coming up in defense against the dark arts, and he is nothing if not academically prepared.
Regulus walked in and sat down at a table hidden between the shelves. This table was his favorite because of that fact. He preferred not to be bothered when he studied and it protected him from the many stares he endured all day long. He opened his books and began to work, when he was rudely interrupted:
“Baby brother!”
Regulus sighed and looked at the boy. “Sirius.”
“How’ve you been, oh brother dearest?”
“Fine.”
“Wow, I can feel the love radiating.”
“I’m sure.”
“What’re you doing in here, Reggie?” He pulled out a chair, spinning it around before sitting and resting his arms along the back.
“What does one normally do in a library? Actually, don’t answer that. I doubt you’d know.”
Sirius gasped, bringing a hand to his chest. “You wound me, baby brother. I’ll have you know, I care very deeply about my education and value knowledge in its entirety.”
“Spell knowledge.”
“K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E.” He stuck his tongue out at his brother.
“Wow, very mature.”
“You’re just mad I know how to spell basic words.” He shoved his hand into Regulus’ hair and ruffled it.
Regulus slapped his hand away. “Could you not? What are you even doing here? I had my doubts you could read until a minute ago. Even now, I’m not fully convinced.”
“If you really must know, I have to study for N.E.W.T’s and James asked that I get a book for him.”
Regulus’ stomach flipped at the mention of the name. “You really expect me to believe you’re studying-“ he checked the clock he knew was on the wall behind him, “at 7 o’clock at night? Yeah, nice try. What’re you really doing?”
“I’m studying! It’s true! Remus and James forced me too. They’re right across the room. You can check if you’d like.”
“I don’t care enough for that. Why not Pettigrew?”
“Peter will study on his own without being told. Remus and James know that I won’t, unfortunately.”
“It’s embarrassing that you have to be told to study.”
“I could pass any class without studying just fine. My friends worry too much.”
“You should probably head back before they come looking for you.”
“Nah, I’m trying to delay this as long as possible. I’ll just hang out here for a while.”
“Except I actually have studying that I would like to do, so if you could get lost that would be of immense help to me.”
“That truly sucks, baby brother. I seem to value my own procrastination over your need to gain unnecessary knowledge.”
“It’s not unnecessary.”
“Sure it is. I’m sure you already know all of this anyway.” He grabbed the book from under Regulus’ hands. “Defense against the dark arts? Please, we’ve been defending ourselves against the dark arts since we were three and four. This is nothing new.”
Regulus had to hold back a laugh at that. He ripped the book from his brother’s hands. “It’s a different kind of defense and you know it.”
“Is it though?” He raised his eyebrows, before turning around to face footsteps coming up behind him. James entered the space between the shelves.
“There you are, Pads.” He looked over to Regulus. “Oh, hey, Reg.”
Regulus rolled his eyes. “Hello, James.”
The boy broke out in a wide grin, presumably from Regulus’ use of his first name, rather than his last. Although, when was he not smiling?
“What’re you reading?”
“Defense against the dark arts textbook.”
He ran a hand through his already messy hair. “Oh, okay. If you need any help, I’ve always done really well in that course. I’d be glad to tutor you if needed.”
Before Regulus could answer, Sirius did it for him, “Nah, he’s got it, Prongs. Reggie’s always been the smartest.” He stood up and walked to the smiling boy. “Goodbye, baby brother.”
“Goodbye, Sirius.”
Finally, Regulus could study in peace.
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When Regulus finally left the library, it was late at night. Unfortunately, he didn’t think to check the time before he left. As he slumped to the dungeons, he felt eternally grateful he wasn’t a Ravenclaw with all those stairs up to the tower. The walk down to the dungeons wasn’t exactly short, but at least it was down.
Regulus turned a corner, when he heard footsteps following behind him. He stopped, listening for them. The sounds ceased just seconds after Regulus had. He began to walk again, before stopping just a few feet from his next turn. Once again, the sounds stopped. Regulus rounded the corner and hid behind it, waiting for the mystery person to follow. Slowly, the footsteps grew louder and louder. Regulus felt his heart beat faster and faster, his grip on his wand growing tighter. As soon as a figure could be made out in the dark, Regulus pounced, shoving the person against the wall. Regulus’ wand was immediately beneath his stalker’s chin, his other arm across the person’s chest. He was shocked to see a familiar face.
James Potter.
Of fucking course.
“What the hell do you want?” The new knowledge of the man in front of him did nothing to ease his anxiety. “Why’re you following me?” When James didn’t answer, Regulus shoved his wand harshly into the boy’s neck.
“Relax, please.” He held up his hands. “Sirius knew you would stay late and asked that I check up on you once you left. The Gryffindor dorms are down that hall. I was gonna keep going that way after you turned, I swear.”
“Why’d you stop walking when I did? It’s pretty fucking creepy when your footsteps have an echo you know isn’t caused by the walls.”
“Trust me, I felt just as creepy being behind you as it felt for you. It felt even creepier to walk closer to you. I was just trying to keep it as least creepy as possible. I had zero creep intentions, I promise,” he rambled.
“Merlin, someone should turn those sentences into a drinking game. Drink every time James Potter says ‘creep.’ Someone could be fucked up in seconds.” He backed off of James, putting his wand back in place, never once taking his eyes away from the boy in front of him.
James began to laugh. Why? Who knows. What Regulus said wasn’t that funny. Maybe he was laughing at him.
What a prick.
“Do me a favor and go away.”
“Awh, already? I thought we were finally warming up to one another.”
“Yeah, that’s not happening.”
“Why not?”
“ ‘Cause you’re a prick.” Well, honesty is the best policy.
“Why do you say that?” His hands were enthusiastic as he spoke.
“Why are you keeping me here, asking your idiotic questions?”
“Well, I’ve only been your brother’s best friend for 7 years. I feel like it’s only right that I get to know his baby brother.”
“Do not call me that.” He crossed his arms. “It’s bad enough with one person calling me it. I don’t need a second.”
“You know, you’re much stronger than I expected.” James rubbed a hand across his chest, ruffling his white button-down.
“Than you expected? Is this you flirting, Potter?” Regulus smirked, looking the boy up and down.
“What? Oh, no, no.” He laughed. Merlin, could he stop laughing? “No, I’m much, much worse. Serenades, big gestures, extravagant confessions, I go all out. You definitely won’t have to question if I like you. Besides, I’m completely gone for Lily.”
Regulus winced. “Sounds like hell.”
The boy smiled. “Can be. Sometimes I’m way too much, but at least I know it. If I think I'm making someone uncomfortable, I back off pretty much immediately.”
“Good to know you’re not a complete idiot.”
James shrugged. “It’s the bare minimum. I’d have to be incredibly thick to not understand that.”
Regulus just nodded.
“You looked really good out on the pitch today. Your flying, I mean,” he said quickly, pushing his glasses farther up his nose.
“Thank you.”
“Are you trying out for the Slytherin team?”
Regulus nodded again.
“Well, maybe we’ll finally have some competition this year. It gets boring, winning every game so easily.”
Regulus rolled his eyes. “Right, I’m sure.”
The two boys stood in silence for a second. Not an uncomfortable one, to Regulus’ surprise. He looked over to James, who looked completely at ease, staring out the window. He followed his gaze to see the moon. It was in its waning gibbous phase tonight, and Regulus found himself instinctively looking for Sirius’ star. He wouldn’t find it, of course. It was the middle of September, meaning his brother’s star would be on the opposite side of the sky. Still, he looked anyway.
When he looked back at the boy next to him, he was staring at Regulus, eyes wide. If he didn’t already know about Lily, he would think his veela powers might actually be working. James’ eyes quickly met his, before looking away.
“I should get going.” He rubbed a hand up and down the back of his neck. “Pads’ll be worrying about me if I’m not back soon.”
“My roommates are probably dead to the world by now.”
“I really hope you mean that in sleep terms.”
Regulus shrugged. “Maybe.”
James huffed a laugh. “Alright, I’ll see you around, Reg.”
“It’s Regulus. Good night, James.” He turned and walked away, slower than he usually would have. Don’t go thinking there’s any other reason why he might want to delay his departure. James simply had a comforting presence.
Regulus stepped into his dorm quietly, careful not to wake his sleeping roommates. As soon as his bag hit the floor, the room illuminated. Barty sat on his bed, legs crossed in front him, holding the light.
“Where have you been? Me and Evan were worried sick.”
Evan grumbled an agreement from his face-down position on his bed, obviously half-asleep.
“Yes, looks like it.” He walked to his trunk and grabbed his pajamas. Silk, and pristine. He changed in silence, Barty staring at him the entire time.
“Well?”
“Well what?”
“Where were you?” His arms were crossed over his chest as he leant against the headboard behind him.
“The library? You know, the room filled to the brim with books about different subjects? I think you’ve been in there once or twice to look for me and Evan.”
“Haha, very funny. I know what a library is.”
“Really? I’m shocked,” he said sarcastically, settling into bed.
“Yes. I was curious why it took you until one in the morning to finally come back to the dorm.”
“I have a test in defense against the dark arts tomorrow. In fact, I believe you have the very same one. Why weren’t you studying?”
Barty burst out laughing, causing Evan to roll over, covering his ears. “That’s a good joke, mate. Me? Study? Ha! That’s too good. You’re hilarious. It’s like you don’t even know who you’re talking to. I don’t need to study.”
Regulus raised an eyebrow. “You’re going to pass this test without cheating?” He doubted.
“What? No. Again, do you even know me? Of course I’m gonna cheat.”
“I’m not sure how, because I won’t be helping you,” he said, sliding under the covers.
Barty sat up straight. “What!? Why not?”
He shrugged. “I don’t want to.”
“But- but what happened to camaraderie between peers? Has that concept been lost on you, my dear friend Regulus?”
“Apparently so.”
“You’re evil. An evil, evil man.” He turned away, pulling the covers over his shoulders.
“Good night, Barty.”
“Night, Reg.”