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Regulus was suspicious the moment James told him to “wear something nice and meet me at the greenhouses at four.”
“James. What are you planning.”
“Nothing!” James said, far too brightly. “Absolutely nothing. No surprises. Definitely not.”
Regulus narrowed his eyes. “It’s February. It’s freezing.”
“And? Lovely weather for February, don’t you think?”
James was a terrible liar. Despite himself, Regulus loved him for it.
When the time came and Regulus arrived, James was already waiting in front of greenhouse three with a big wicker basket in one hand, a tartan blanket in the other. He seemed to have put some effort into his appearance at least, wearing a flannel shirt worn open over a red jumper, and dark jeans that paired nicely with them.
However, his hair still looked as windswept and messy as it always did, still managing to look oddly perfect at the same time. Or maybe it was just because James always looked perfect to Regulus.
“Took you long enough,” James teased, then immediately pulled Regulus in for a kiss. “Happy anniversary, Reg.”
Regulus went a little pink, the colour noticeable on his pale cheeks. “You remembered.”
“Course I remembered! One year since I annoyed you so much you snogged me in the library, then hexed me right after and sent me to the hospital wing.”
“I didn’t hex you that hard.”
“You gave me boils, Reg.”
Regulus huffed, though he couldn’t help but smile just a little bit. “Shut up and lead the way already.”
James shifted the tartan blanket under his arm, and then held out his now-free hand for Regulus to take before leading him down to the Black Lake. It was quiet for a Saturday and also the early time, though it was cold so Regulus supposed it made sense. The couple walked for a little while, past the willows, a popular spot where many students liked to hang around, to a little cove that was mostly hidden by reeds.
James let go of Regulus’ hand to lay down the blanket with a flick of his wand, the basket following in quick succession. Sandwiches, strawberry tarts, two bottles of butterbeer chilled with an Ice Charm, and a small, wrapped package with a ribbon, all flew out of the basket and landed neatly on the blanket.
Regulus seemed frozen on the spot, unsure how to react. “James...”
“Surprise!” James dropped down on the blanket and instantly began fidgeting, trying and failing to hide his excitement. “I know it’s not fancy, but it’s private, which I know you’ll appreciate.”
Regulus sat down next to his boyfriend carefully, smoothing his robes to maintain some semblance of composure. “You remembered I hate crowds.”
“I remember everything about you,” James said like it was obvious, affectionately bumping their shoulders together. “Like that you eat the corners of brownies first. And that you hum when you’re reading, without even realising you’re doing it. And that you’ve never had an anniversary before.”
Regulus looked down at his hands, fiddling with the rings on his fingers. “I’ve never exactly... been in a *real* relationship. Before.”
“I know.” James reached over and took his hand. “So I’m making your first one, and hopefully your only one, the best ever. One year down, eighty more to go!”
Regulus snorted. “Subtle. And very optimistic.”
James grinned, undeterred, and pushed the wrapped package into the younger boy’s lap. “Now, open your present.”
Inside was a leather-bound notebook. Plain black and inconspicuous, but when Regulus opened it the first page said:
For all the poetry I know you write, but you always deny is about me
- J :)
Regulus stared at it, lips slightly parted as he traced the leather with a reverent finger. “It’s... perfect.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” Regulus leaned over and kissed him. Slow and sure, tasting vaguely of strawberry tart. “Thank you.”
They ate. They talked. James told Regulus all about his day, about the dumb prank he and the other Marauders had planned for Snape, while Regulus listened with a fond smile.
At some point, as the sky grew darker and the air grew even more chilly than before, James laid back on the blanket and pulled Regulus down with him.
“One year,” James murmured, looking up at the sky. “Can’t believe it.”
“Me neither,” Regulus said quietly, tucking himself against James’ side. “It’s nice. Being with you, I mean.”
James squeezed his hand, a soft smile gracing his lips that made Regulus roll his eyes. “You’re pretty great yourself, Reg.”
The lake was calm, and the setting sun reflecting off the water was beautiful. Somewhere far off, students were talking and shrieking, but here it was just the pair of them and butterbeer and enough love to last them a lifetime.
When they had finished the food and were ready to leave, James packed everything up with a spell and Regulus pocketed the notebook.
“Same time next year?” James asked half-jokingly as they walked back up to the castle.
Regulus slipped his cold hand into James’ warm one, letting himself feel vulnerable for once. He knew that with James, he could be real and safe. “I could never forget.”