Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

James Potter coughed—no he gasped basically. Looking around he saw he was in a dark room surrounded by small lights. Everything was blurred. Even the hand that reached out. Glasses were pushed on his face, and everything went clear. There was another person in the room. He was knelt in front of him, watching him closely.

“Are you alright?” The person asked. 

He recognized this man. The person in front of him, he’s known forever. At first he thought it was his best friend. Sirius, but as he took the person in, he realized it wasn’t him.

It was Regulus, Sirius’s younger brother. 

“Regulus?” James asks confused.

“Yeah. Are you in any pain?” Regulus tilted his head. 

“No pain. I think. What happened?” James asks. 

“You died James. I brought you back.” Regulus answered.

James was silenced. No just speechless. He tried to take in what Regulus just told him. But his mind couldn’t even process it. James just blinked.

“I died.” He replied.  

Regulus nodded. “Yes.”

”And you brought me back.”

”I did.” Regulus says. 

Regulus understood James. He was trying to wrap his own head around it himself. Regulus didn’t have a clue what else to say. He didn’t want to have him spiral with information that he can be saying. 

“So I’m the only survivor.” James suddenly says. 

Startled Regulus looked up. He simply shook his head.

“Not the only survivor.” He said. 

James looked back to him. He raised his eyebrows as to silently ask him- who else survived? Or well did you bring back.

”I didn’t bring anyone else back. The only other survivor was Harry. Harry survived.” Regulus says softly. 

James’s eyes widened. Harry. His Harry. His child survived the attack. That means, Lily didn’t. His heart ached for her. Harry would have to grow up without a mother. But… he glanced to Regulus. 

He’s here. Regulus was here. Regulus brought him back. He brought him back so James could be the father in Harry’s life. He would be in Regulus’s debt. 

“Thank you.” James said quietly. 

Regulus looked at him. “Whatever for?”

”For bringing me back to my son.” James says. 

Regulus leaned back against his hands. Regulus didn’t know what to say at this point. It’s the least I can do because I love you? No, that’s wrong. He just looked down. He can’t just tell James how he feels now. James just lost his wife. Regulus can’t swing in as a new person into his life just because.

“Reg?” James asks.

He looked up. “Hmm?”

“Are you alright?”

He nodded. “Yeah I’m doing okay. I’ll give you a moment to process.”

Regulus stood up from the ground. Brushing his clothes he turns to leave. James didn’t stop him. He just watched. Regulus understood him. He had to. How is one supposed to react when they come back to life? All he did was sit there in silence trying to process it.

Technically, Regulus only had a few minutes to process that he practically died and came back. He had the locket. That’s all that basically mattered.

𓆩𓆪

“Kreacher.” Regulus called out.

The old house elf popped into the room at the call from his master.

“Yes Master Regulus?” Kreacher asks.

“I need you to hide this away. Nobody can find it. It’s surrounded by dark magic, if it’s found by the wrong hands it can be dangerous.” Regulus says.

The house elf nodded and took the locket. He grimaced at the feel of its magic, but listened to his master’s orders.

“Yes Master Regulus. I will take care of it.”

“Thank you.” Regulus says. 

The house elf left with a pop and Regulus turned away.

“I just hope I make it in time.”

When Regulus arrived at Godric’s Hollow it was already destroyed. “Shit.” He cursed. He ran into the house and there he saw him.

James on the floor, not moving. Not breathing. He was dead. “James!” He breathed, bending down to him.

He was panting, mind racing through hundreds of horrible thoughts at once. But everything stopped at the sound of a babies cries. His head snapped up the stairs.

Harry.

Regulus lifted James, wrapping his arm around him, and hurried up the stairs. Once he made it to Harry’s nursery, he saw the damage. The room was blown to bits. Completely destroyed. It wasn’t even a nursery anymore. Lily was there, lying on the carpet not moving as well. She was gone.

Harry just kept crying. Carefully, Regulus left James on an armchair and walked over to the baby. “Hello Harry.” He says softly.

The baby turned his head to Regulus and hiccuped. A soft smile appeared on his pale face. Harry giggled at him. He babbled just like a normal kid. Regulus went to pick him up when he noticed something. There was a scar on Harry’s face. A lightning bolt.

Realization drawled onto Regulus’s face. This baby, Harry Potter, just survived the killing curse.

𓆩𓆪

Regulus sat on the floor, playing with baby Harry. It’s been a few hours since he’s last spoken to James and he’s gotten quite attached to this little boy. The way he smiled and babbled at Regulus, made him feel warm. Like somebody chose him to smiled at. Someone chose him to laugh at. It may be a baby, but it’s better than nobody. 

“Reg.” 

He looked up. James was standing in the doorway, just watching him play with Harry. He felt his ears go warm. 

“James.” Regulus whispered. 

“I see Harry likes you.” He says walking in.

He sat down on the floor across from him. He tickled Harry and listened to his giggles. A soft smile appeared on James’s face. 

“I didn’t think I’d get to see my son grow up.” James says after a moment. 

“Well now you do.” Regulus said. 

“Yeah. Thanks to you.” James smiled at him. 

Regulus felt his heart skip. How he yearned for James to smile him. Now he has, and he just doesn’t know what to say. 

“How have you processed?” He cleared his throat, attempting to not let the heat from his ears grow. 

“Well let’s see. I died. Lily died. I came back, Harry survived. I think I’ve processed well enough.” James answered. 

“I see. Where are you going to stay now that Voldemort will be after you?” Regulus asks. 

“I’m not sure. Where do you think we should go?” James asked. 

Regulus blinked. Huh? Did I hear that right? “We?”

”Yeah. You’re not coming with me?” James asks. 

“Why would you want me to come with you?” Regulus asked him. 

“Why wouldn’t I?” James asks confused. 

Regulus just stared at him. He’s kidding. He has to be. No way he just wants me to come with him. He’s insane. 

“We were never close! All I did was bring you back. Wouldn’t you rather have Sirius come with you instead?” Regulus says  

“Well Sirius isn’t here. You’re here. I love Sirius to death but I want you to come with me. And besides, Harry seems to like you as well.” James says rubbing his neck.

Harry giggled and James cooed at him. “See he adores you.” 

Regulus felt his heart beating extremely loudly. He knew he couldn’t stay. He betrayed The Dark Lord. There’s no way he’d work for him again, even if he wanted to. Going with James was a stretch, he wasn’t sure he could survive being with James and not want something more.
Looking at Harry, he saw himself. James could give Harry the world. Knowing him, he would too. He would go, for Harry. 

“Fine.”

“Okay it’s—wait what?” James asks startled. 

“What?” Regulus asks. 

“You said fine.” James says. 

“And? What about it?” He raised an eyebrow. 

“You never say fine. Like ever.” James says leaning forward. 

Regulus leaned back. “I can say it again.” He says—well more like a question. 

“Nope! I’ll just make a pensive of it and rewatch it.” James smiled. 

Sighing he shook his head at the man in front of him. He looked back to the baby. 

This may not be so bad. 

━━𓆩𓆪━━

James and Regulus were sitting at the dinner table. Harry was sleeping peacefully in the other room. In front of the two, there were papers on the table. They were weighing their options on where to go.

“We can go to France.” Regulus suggested.

James nodded. “I have a summer house over there. It hasn’t been used in a while but we can fix it up to make it ours.” 

Regulus liked the sound of that. “That’s a good idea. Who are we telling?”

”I’m not sure yet. Should we tell Sirius and Remus?” James asks.

”Well right now they think you’re dead. Me too technically. Maybe for the time being, we don’t tell anyone. Let Harry grow up, then we bring him back to start school?” Regulus asked.

”That works. We’ll raise Harry to the best of our abilities.” James says.

”I-I’ll do my best.” Regulus says looking down.

James placed a hand on his shoulder. “You’ll do great. With you and I raising him, he’ll sure as hell be amazing.”

“Never in a thousand years I’d think I’d be co-parenting a baby with you.” Regulus snickered.

”He’ll be a bloody good boy that’s for sure.” James huffed.

“If you say so.” Regulus looked away.

”I’m happy you said yes.” James says softly.

”I am sure I’ll like it too at some point. I still don’t get why you want me.” Regulus says.

”Reg. I like you alright. You’re bloody amazing. I would choose you to come with me in a heart beat if you were one of my options.” James says.

Regulus tried to ignore the butterflies in his stomach. He couldn’t fight off the blush on his face.

”Me over Sirius?” He asks quietly.

”Hell yeah.”

“But Sirius is your best friend. You took him in when our parents disowned him.” Remus says.

”I wanted you to come too.” James says softly.

Regulus lifted his head. “I had to stay. Mother and father would’ve lost it.” 

“Would they lose it if you left the country with me?” James asks, a smile growing on his face.

”Probably.” Regulus muttered.

”You’re still coming?” James asks.

”Yes I’m coming. You won’t last a day in France raising Harry.” Regulus says, a smirk coming on.

“You’re right. I won’t. That’s why I have you.” James says.

Regulus wasn’t sure if it was the light but he could’ve sworn James had a blush on his face.

━━𓆩𓆪━━

Regulus stared at the Black Family Tapestry, where the name of his brother was burned out. Would his name be burned away too if he does this? It would. It should. He betrayed his family by betraying Voldemort. But there’s one thing that should stay clear. He would definitely do it again to bring him back. To make sure Harry doesn’t grow up an orphan. To make sure that no one is alone.

”Hey Reggie? You ready to go?” James asks walking into the room.

regulus hummed in response but he didn’t move. James frowned. Walking closer, he asked “What’s wrong?”

”Nothing.” He deflected. “Just looking at the wonderful family tree.”

“Reggie…” James trailed off.

”James. It’s alright. My family is cracked up and insane. I’m surprised we lasted this long.” Regulus says.

”you’re not cracked up.” James huffed.

”I guess. I suppose Sirius is alright. And Cissa too.” Regulus said.

”You and Sirius might be my favorites.” James smiled.

”Really?”

”Yeah. The best ones. Bellatrix was well…”

Regulus chuckled. “She’s alright. Just a big supporter of Voldemort. She’s gotten crazier over time.”

”Crazy is an understatement.” James said.

”I guess.” Regulus murmured.

”Now are you ready?” James asks.

Regulus took one last look at the tapestry. Yeah he’s ready to go physically, but mentally maybe not. He can’t stay here. He knew that. But leaving isn’t any easier either. Mustering all of whatever Gryffindor courage he has, he made a decision.

”Yeah. Let’s go.” 

━━𓆩𓆪━━

“Reg.” James says walking into the kitchen.

The way James sounded when he called for him put Regulus on high alert. He was making waffles in the kitchen for breakfast, Harry’s favorite.

“What’s going on?” Regulus asks, putting the spatula down.

James was holding the prophet. Shakily, he moved his hands to show Regulus.

SIRIUS BLACK SENTENCED TO AZKABAN

Regulus felt sick to his stomach. He couldn’t even read the rest of the article. “What does it say?”

“It says that Sirius is going to Azkaban because he’s a death eater and he betrayed Lily and I by telling Voldemort where we were. They’re calling him the secret keeper.” James says.

“But I thought he..” regulus trailed off, can’t finding the words.

“He wasn’t the secret keeper.” James stated.

Regulus’s head snapped up. “No?”

“Peter was.” James said.

“But Peter-“ Regulus froze.

“What about Peter?” James asks.

“Peter Pettigrew is a death eater. I saw him at meetings.” Regulus says, finally understanding.

“What?!” James asks.

“Sirius didn’t betray you and Lily. Peter did.” Regulus says looking at James.

“But why?” James said dropping his head in his hands.

“Because he’s a coward.” Regulus spat.

Regulus was livid. How didn’t he know this? And now his brother was in Azkaban for something he didn’t even do.

“He’s innocent.” Regulus breathed.

“I know he is.” James says placing a hand on his shoulder.

“I should be there! Fighting for him!” Regulus exclaimed, shaking.

“Reggie! There’s nothing we can do right now! To the world, I should be dead. And you betrayed them. They’d kill us on sight!” James said.

That seemed to calm him down right now.

“They’d be after Harry.” James said.

Regulus has become quite close with Harry over the time he’d been there in France. He remembers what he said to James after the first week.

“Regulus, Harry would want you to stay here with us.” James says.

“But James, I’m a death eater. I was part of an organization that killed his mother!” Regulus shouted.

“But you brought back his father. Me! You said you’d do anything for Harry!” James says.

Regulus faltered. “I know.” He said softly.

“But is leaving the right thing to do?” James asks walking towards him.

“It would be safer.”

“Would you be happy?” James asks.

Regulus shook his head. “I wouldn’t..”

“Then stay.”

“But-“

“Stay here with Harry. With me. With us.” James says grabbing his hand.

It was impossible to say no to James whenever he looked at him like that.

“Fine.” Regulus said looking down.

“I’ll stay.”

“Everything will be fine. As long as we’re here, we’re safe.” James says reassuringly.

“We’ll be okay.” Regulus said softly.

“Yes.”

━━𓆩𓆪━━

“You’ve turned completely into a father.” James chuckled.

Regulus had Harry on his hip, bouncing him while he cried. “James shut up. I’m trying to get him to stop crying.”

It’s been almost a year since they’ve left England and moved to France. It’s been amazing. For James, who’s never been, has been enjoying this. Regulus is so used to being here, he knows most of this place like the back of his hand. Besides the house of course.

They were out of the house, under glamours shopping for Harry. Because one of their new favorite things was shopping for Harry, spoiling him every other day. They didn’t have to worry about money since they were both loaded.

”I still don’t understand why Harry is in Slytherin colors.”

“Because he looks rather striking in Green. Don’t you Harry?” Regulus says after Harry stopped crying. 

Harry hiccuped and giggled. “See he seems to like green.”

“But I don’t think he’ll be a Slytherin.” James grumbled. 

“Why because you think he’ll be a Gryffindor?” Regulus asks turning to James. 

“Quite.” James smirked. 

“Oh really? Jamie, red isn’t his color. You know that! Maybe blue is alright but he doesn’t seem to be a Ravenclaw unless he got Lily’s brain.” Regulus says thoughtfully. 

“Hey! I’m smart!” James huffed. 

“Your potions grades said otherwise.” Regulus raised an eyebrow. 

“You’re just good at potions!” James says. 

“I know I am. With me raising him he’d better be at least decent at them.” Regulus nodded. 

“I think he’ll be good at defense like his father.” James smiled at Harry.

”Maybe just in quidditch. Hopefully he’ll be good. With us raising him, if he sucks that’ll be an embarrassment.” Regulus says. 

He passed Harry to James to grab Harry another green jumper. 

“Never thought I’d be coparenting with you Reggie.” James laughed. 

“That’s my line you git.” Regulus says. 

“Too bad I’m stealing it!” James smiled. 

Regulus rolled his eyes absentmindedly. James always wondered if rolling eyes was a Slytherin thing. Because it was most definitely not a pureblood thing. He didn’t roll his eyes. Neither did Frank or Alice. So he decided that yes,

Rolling your eyes was most definitely a Slytherin trait. 

Chapter Text

Regulus stared at the prophet with a shaking hand. His gaze was hard like he was ready to tear it apart. He was angry. Livid in fact. The heading of the prophet screaming at him.

SIRIUS BLACK SENTENCED TO AZKABAN

He had to do something. He knew he had to. But what can he do? The entire wizarding world thinks he’s dead. Not to mention, he can’t just go waltzing down Azkaban going to free his brother like it’s nothing. He had James, and Harry—who was just a baby with him in this house.

Belle âme was a wonderful home. James owned it, but he never came around in using it. Whenever Regulus asked him about being in France, James would just huff and give excuses. Once when Regulus taunted him about not knowing French he just said “I know Italian. Not French.”

Some nights Regulus just wants to run into the Ministry and take Sirius out himself. But he knows he can’t. The entire world thinks he’s dead. Coming back just to get his brother would be chaos. Harry was asleep, tucked away in his crib. James should be in his room—to Regulus’s knowledge.  The house is quiet.

Squeakkkk…

Regulus’s head snapped up from the prophet to see a stag, stopping its movement and turning its head to Regulus. He blinked.

“James?” He asks.

The stag snoots.

“James what are you doing?” Regulus asks.

James—well Prongs looks to the door. Then gestures to the prophet. Realization dawned on Regulus.

“You’re going to try and break Sirius out?” He shouted—then winced at the thought of Harry waking up.

Prongs nodded happily. Regulus shook his head quickly.

“No! Absolutely not! We’d be screwed if we do that.”

Then Prongs changed to James. “We?” He asks with a smirk.

“Yes James. We as we are in this together.” Regulus says raising an eyebrow.

“So that means you’re coming with me to break him out.” A bright smile appeared on his face.

Regulus sighed. “You do know breaking out of Azkaban is basically impossible.”

James looked up—seemingly trying to look thoughtful. “Obviously. We got this.”

Rolling his eyes, Regulus stood up. “Let me check on Harry. Then we’ll figure this out.”

Pushing a finger through his hair, he stalked up the stairs and into Harry’s nursery.  To the naked eye, his room looks totally normal, but to Regulus, there were runes everywhere. Little symbols of magic surrounding the room, protecting the child inside.

He walked over to Harry’s crib and knelt against the end. Little Harry was asleep, snuggling into a small dragon plush. A soft smile appeared on Regulus’s face.

“You’ve completely become a father Reg.”

His smile faltered. This child, he could be so much. He could mean so much to Regulus. He already does, but what if Harry doesn’t feel the same? What if Harry doesn’t want Regulus around when he’s older?

Shaking his head slightly he stood up. Closing it softly, he looks away from the room. That’s a question for the future. It’ll be answered in the future. Doesn’t mean Regulus can’t worry about it now.

Heading downstairs, he slipped on his infamous mask and he met with James whom was leaning against the counter. James looked up when he saw him.  He frowned when he saw Regulus’s face.

“What’s wrong?” He asks.

“What if it doesn’t work.” Regulus asks.

“It will. I know it has too.” James says.

Regulus just stared at him. James was so confident that this would work, but Regulus was a bit worried. If it worked, Sirius would be home, but if it didn’t, they’d be screwed. Who knows what could happen.

Regulus looked down, then back up to James. He nodded slightly. James knew he didn’t have to say anything at all. Regulus just said yes. James knew what he wanted. Together they knew the risks this outing.

“We can’t leave Harry alone.” Regulus finally said.

James looked to him. “So what are we going to do? Bring him with us?”

“Absolutely not.”

James sighed. “Who should we ask for?”

“I know just the woman.” Regulus says, moving for a parchment.

“Who?” James asks again.

“Pandora.”

James just stared blankly. He never knew Pandora that well. She was quite close to Regulus and all he knew that she’s a little—strange if you will.

“You think this is a good idea?” James asks.

Regulus nodded. “Pandora is pregnant with her daughter at the moment so she’s the perfect candidate for this. I trust her.”

“Alright then.” James nodded. “Send your letter to Pandora.”

Regulus kept writing his letter to Pandora and prepared to send it. Exhaling a breath, the letter was sent. All they had to do was wait.

⦆━⦅

Pandora sat on the sofa, reading a book on the unique creatures of the magical world when a letter came flying in. A young girl came hurrying into the room and rushed towards Pandora. Her hair changed from a dark brown to a light blonde.

“Pandy what’s that?” The girl asks.

“I’m not sure.” Pandora says, looking to the letter.

“Do you think you can call your mother for me Dora?” She asks her.

The little girl nodded. Rising from the sofa, she called for her mother.

“Andy, I’m not sure what this is but the seal looks familiar doesn’t it?” Pandora says to the woman.

“The Black seal. I know Narcissa doesn’t use this seal anymore and Bellatrix would not send a letter to you.” Andromeda says gazing at the letter.

Pandora’s eyes widened. “Regulus.” She whispered.

Andromeda shook her head quickly. “Impossible, he’s dead.”

Pandora tore open the letter, mind determined to prove that this is from her close friend.

“Pandora,

 

This letter must be confusing as the entire world believes that I am dead. I however am not, and I need your help. James Potter is not dead as well, and we are together with Harry. We have a little adventure that needs to be done with haste but we cannot leave Harry alone in the house.

 

So what I am asking is for you to watch him for the time being while we are out. You are the only one I can trust. We are staying at the Potter Summer Home in Paris.

 

You are already added to the wards and when you finish this letter, please burn it. Nobody can know. I’m trusting you my friend.

 

Your friend,

 

Regulus”

Pandora just stared at the letter.

He’s alive, Regulus is alive, her mind cried.

“Pandora?” Andromeda asked her.

Regarding Regulus’s wishes, she stood up. “I have to go.” She said.

“I’ll be back, however I cannot say where I’m going.” Pandora says.

“Is it Regulus?” Andromeda asks.

She shook her head, “I wouldn’t know. There wasn’t a sending name on the letter. Somebody must’ve found a seal from the House of Black.”

Andromeda’s shoulders dropped. “I see. Please be careful.”

“I always am.” And she was off.

Pandora apparated to the front gates of Belle Âme and felt the breeze from the fall weather. She walked up to the front porch and rang the doorbell. A house elf opened the door.

“Hello! I is Liri—Pandy! I is happy to see you!” The little house elf says.

Pandora smiled at the elf. “Hello Liri. It’s so great to see you as well. Is regulus here?” She asks.

The elf nodded and let Pandora inside. Liri led Pandora to the kitchen where James and Regulus were. She smiled brightly at her friend, who smiled back. He hugged her tightly but not too lightly to harm her bump.

“Hello Pandora. How are you?” He asked her.

She placed a hand on her stomach. “I’m doing alright. Better now seeing you alive and well.”

Regulus nodded. “Yes well, never a break with myself and this one.” He says gesturing to James, who scoffed.

“I’m a delight.” He defended.

“Hello James. I see Regulus’s work in necromancy is well.” Pandora smiled.

Regulus stiffened. James looked to him, wide eyed.

“Necromancy?”

“How did you—never mind. Yes James. Necromancy.” Regulus says looking down.

“We are talking about this later.” James muttered.

“Well then. Is Harry asleep?” Pandora asks.

Regulus nodded. “Sleeping in his crib.”

“I see. Well then. Get to whatever you need to do you two. I’ll watch the child.” Pandora waved.

Sighing, regulus thanked Pandora. The two men prepared to leave.

“Goodbye! And good luck!” Pandora says.

“Thanks.” James says back.

It’s time for the heist of the night.

⦅━⦆

Regulus kept his hood up as the two apparated into Azkaban. James was quiet. Too quiet. Regulus tried to ignore him but over time it was bothering him. James being quiet was uncomfortable.

The two snuck behind a guard, James knocking him out, allowing Regulus to get the keys. He turned to James, nodding before they kept going.

And James was still being quiet.

“James.” Regulus says trying to get his attention.

He just hummed. Regulus narrowed his eyes at the man.

“There. His cell.” James finally said, pointing to man lying on the floor.

Oh Sirius, Regulus frowned.

The two hurried to the cell door. Regulus quickly and quietly hurried to unlock the cell. He cursed every time a key wouldn’t unlock it. James kept glancing at the door, to see if anyone was coming.

Sirius finally looked from the ceiling at the sounds of the gate. He saw two figures in cloaks, but couldn’t see their faces. He raised an eyebrow. This wasn’t the dementors. Who are they?

“Hurry Regulus.” James whispered.

Sirius’s eyes widened at the voice and name. Great, he thought. I’ve been here too long. My mind is going crazy.

“Oh now you talk to me!” Regulus hissed.

No! It’s them! It has to be!, His mind screamed. The door finally opened and James came in. He bent down to Sirius, sticking out a hand.

“Hey Padfoot.” He smiled warmly.

Sirius felt tears in his eyes. He sat up abruptly and hugged James tightly. He sobbed, holding onto James like he was his lifeline. Regulus stood by the door, watching this scene unfold.

“We have to go before we get caught.” Regulus says.

“Reggie?” Sirius asks.

Regulus’s shoulders dropped. “Hello Siri. You look ghastly.”

“Very witty.” Sirius says, a light chuckle in his voice.

“Again we have to get going—“

“Who’s there!” A voice cut through.

Regulus froze. His eyes wide.

He rushed to James and Sirius and grabbed them. They had to go. Right now. Apparating in Azkaban was nearly impossible, but he had to try. He clenched his eyes shut and felt his magic warp around them.