toujours pur

lily standing beside snape's bed: why would anyone want to hurt sev?

thefinallily‌:

Lily had forgotten there were cameras around, all pointed at them. She was happily ensconced in their little world of three. “Alright, I trust your judgement, Regulus, and we can let him in on a probationary period. But … stag?” Lily repeated after him, scrunching her face up in amused confusion. “Did you not get a lot of dates in high school?” she asked James teasingly as he threw his arm around her, a parallel to the way she’d found Regulus and James together. Frankly, Lily didn’t believe that at all, not when she was struggling not to be flustered by James’ close proximity. He had a magnetic energy that practically sucked her in - in fact, it had drawn her here across the room and she was now highly aware of the warmth of his arm on her shoulder. Possibly too aware. But she didn’t think she was giving that away, not through anything more than an unquenchable grin. 

It faltered a little as he went on, and Lily’s stomach twisted uncomfortably. She tensed defensively, a habit from many years of having to come to Sev’s rescue. He often gave the wrong impression to people, but it was just because … well, Lily didn’t know why she was always making excuses for him, actually, other than it being simply long habit. “I’m sure he’s just … nervous. Clearly, you wouldn’t know modesty if it hit you on the head,” she regained her composure, shaking her head at James with a smirk of her own. “But some of us are mere mortals.” Pausing as though she was seriously considering Regulus’ question, Lily shrugged. “It’s a little early to call. Benjy’s cute. But I don’t know … I’m not sure he’s secret agent material.” That was probably enough flirting for one group. She was, Lily remembered, supposed to at least look like she was playing the field, even if she was reluctant to leave. 

They interested her. Maybe it was because she thought James was good-looking, maybe it was because she couldn’t quite define their relationship and Lily liked to get things right. It seemed a little strange to her to not be able to imagine life without your best friend’s little brother. Maybe she was biased from the bad relationship she had with Tuney’s friends and vice versa, but it struck her as … unusual. Regulus was also clearly blushing and while it could be because of her, Lily didn’t think she’d had quite that effect on him.  “Yes, I’m beginning to think Sirius might be a bit obtuse,” she mused, almost to herself.  “He might not be the matchmaker he thinks he is.” She just wasn’t sure how James felt. It might be wishful thinking, but it kind of seemed as though he liked her. 

All the same, her heart felt a bond of instant sympathy with Regulus, since he was clearly clueless - and had the bad luck to have fallen for James, who was even more so. Maybe it was Lily who should be a matchmaker, she mused. She had to admit, she liked to meddle. “Anyway, I need to circulate. And you need to get your roommate assignments.” Lily winked, right before she headed off, walking backwards so she could call out to them and leave with the last word, “You never know - you might end up together.”

The absolute adoration in Regulus’ voice as he speaks about his job does very little to negate the swirling feelings of something in James’ gut. He had always been thinly fascinated with his best friend’s younger brother; perhaps it had been the way Regulus had always kept to himself, as far out of the way as he could. James, of course, did enjoy a challenge when it presented itself. But there was something else there, something that he couldn’t quite put his finger on and James was certain that it was going to bother him until he could work it out. “And you have a direct hand, literally at that, in all of these discoveries of our world,” James says in awe, unable to once more stop himself from smiling, “You should be incredibly bloody proud of yourself for that.” 

James rolls his eyes good-naturedly at Regulus’ ribbing, knowing that it was unlikely the other boy would be unaware of the stupid nicknames that his brother and his friends would call one another. What James was certain of, however, was that Regulus would have little idea of what the circumstances of those nicknames were, and that was something James was not about to share. “It’s hard to believe with a face like mine, but yeah, I went stag a lot. Went on dates, o’course, but nothing serious,” James says lightly with not an inch of shame. The truth was that he just didn’t have the best luck when it came to romantic partners, which was the cause of his being here after all. “But to be honest, I just like deer. Got one tattooed on me and everything.”

It felt comfortable to stand there, both arms flopped over the shoulders of his companions and James relishes in the gentle silence for a long moment, waiting for Lily to speak again. James didn’t like the look of the shifty dark-haired man shooting them equally as dark glances, but one look at the uncomfortable expression on Lily’s face told him to step down and James was nothing if not obedient when it came to respecting a woman’s wishes and making her comfortable. “I’m plenty modest. I’m wearing a shirt, aren’t I?” James teases, tossing his head back to chuckle.

One eyebrow lifts up his forehead at Lily’s comment, and James fights the urge to crane his head like a slightly demented giraffe in order to spot exactly who this ‘Benjy’ was in the ground. He had a vague recollection of the person in question from earlier, but James couldn’t pretend that his attention was really on anyone other than his current two companions. 

Beaming at Regulus, James pokes at his side with the tip of one finger before turning to wink lazily at Lily, “Told you. He can’t live without me, no matter how much he pretends to complain,” he says matter-of-factly. That was just how it had been as teenagers: James Potter and Sirius Black were rarely seen apart, and Regulus Black was usually around. It had shifted and changed as they had grown and matured, of course, but James’ feelings regarding his best friend and his best friend’s brother had remained just as strong.

“We’ll miss you while you’re gone, parting is such sweet sorrow, and all,” James declares, reaching to press a kiss to the back of Lily’s hand with a sly wink before he lets her go, turning his attention fully back to Regulus. “We can hope and dream, yeah? It’s been my life goal to have shared a room with both Black sons at least once in my existence.” 

He was absolutely, one-hundred percent flustered at the admiration in James’ voice once he stopped his spiel, and Regulus was sure he looked like a gaping fish as he opened and closed his mouth, clearly caught off-guard. He hated how easily James Potter’s enthusiasm got to him, but he didn’t exactly try to stop it either. “I--I suppose I am, yes. It’s my life’s work, after all. I’m glad you’re impressed.”

Regulus was more than happy to let the conversation flow around him without feeling the need to contribute, so while James and Lily spoke, he simply sat back and watched them. There was an undeniable chemistry between the two of them already, anyone with eyes could see it, and he was happy for that. Truly, Lily seemed like a wonderful person, and James only deserved wonderful people in his life. If he were to date anyone, Regulus was glad Lily seemed to be the one James had his eyes on (never mind the subconscious wish that he was a contender as well). His lips quirked up into a smirk at their banter, and he gave James an incredulous look as he said, “At least you’re wearing a shirt this time. I don’t expect that’ll remain the case, knowing you.”

Benjy’s name was familiar--he believed he was the one who mentioned a dog named Peter Barker--and Regulus shrugged. “Wouldn’t be a good secret agent if you could tell he was one, now could he?” They’d stolen enough of her time, though, and she seemed to realize that as well, drawing their conversation slowly to a close. He shot James a look, said, “Bold of you to assume I’m pretending to complain,” before looking back to Lily and nodding. His small, amused smile fell slightly when he saw she was staring at him in a way that made him feel oddly looked-through, and Regulus shifted from foot to foot before saying, “It was nice to speak with you, Lily. I suppose we’ll speak with you tomorrow.” 

If his stomach sank at the sight of James kissing the back of Lily’s hand, then it practically capsized at the thought of being James Potter’s roommate. Not because he didn’t want to be, of course, because that was the opposite of the truth, but his mind kept going back to the possibility of his parents watching the show (they had an odd fixation on everything Sirius ever did) and seeing the two of them together. He’d spent the last several years of his life hiding his crush on James from his parents, knowing they wouldn’t react well if they knew he fancied him, and all Regulus could see was rooming with James effectively ruining all that hard work and outing him through the sheer power of keen observation.

Not that he’d say any of that out loud. 

Instead, Regulus gave James a tight smile and shook his head, trying to relax himself like he had been a moment before as he said, “You should probably aspire for larger life goals in that case,” and heading toward where the room assignments were posted. He figured James would follow behind him. Regulus pushed past one of the many bachelors and peeked at the list, inhaling sharply and glancing back at James.

“Your life wish has come true,” he said.

Regulus was fucked.

thefinallily‌:

Lily wasn’t really sure what the relationship between them was. She supposed what she’d found out already made sense, on the surface. The little brother and the best friend. Point of connection: Sirius Black (ugh). But, she noticed, neither of them were orbiting around the host in question. It was clearly to each other they were drawn and in fact the brightness of James’ smile had been visible to her even from across the room. The closer she got, the more she could see that while Regulus might not play his emotions quite so loudly, he was no less alight, directing a softer look of happiness towards James that was at once inviting and intriguing. Lily wanted to know them all the more for that look.  

The greeting Regulus threw back on her was a surprise, but not an unpleasant one. She’d thought Regulus too shy or perhaps too well-mannered to tease. She always liked someone to meet her with a show of wits and found a surprising fondness growing as it came from this unexpected quarter.  “Well played, Pollux,” Lily winked at Regulus before answering James’ question in a confiding tone, only betrayed by her wide grin. “They’re super secret codenames we use for each other. This might seem like a television show, but it’s really much more than that. All confidential, secret agents only, of course. You seem a trustworthy specimen, so we might let you in on it, but I’ll defer to Regulus’ judgement on that.” She inclined her head towards the man in question, as if ready to leave it all up to him, eyes dancing. 

She hadn’t needed James or Regulus to mention it, Lily could feel Sev’s eyes blazing a hole into the back of her neck. She winced imperceptibly, imagining an argument to come, but nodded it off. It wasn’t either of their problem, she’d deal with it alone. She always did. “Oh, he’ll certainly survive! Just between us, I don’t think he’s my type or me his!” Lily finished breezily. She wasn’t technically allowed to say he was here spying for her, but Lily didn’t think she’d be able to pretend Severus of all people was a potential Mr Right. “Not to imply you two are, of course! But you’re at least good conversation, I’m prepared to go that far.” Lily was not accustomed to flirting with two people at once, but she supposed she’d better get used to it and it really felt strangely natural.

“Quite a long time. Not sick of each other yet?” she asked, smiling oddly. For a moment, she forgot trying to figure the intriguing history of James and Regulus out and felt a moment of pure envy for whatever friendship they had with each other and Sirius. Petunia and Sev hated each other, and quite frankly, there were days she thought they both hated Lily, too. “Actually, it’s nice to keep people around that long. I respect anyone who can do it. I’m glad I make the preliminary cut,” she said honestly, even if they were saying it just because it was the thing they were supposed to say. All this being a show meant everyone was playing their role, Lily supposed.  Still, she got the impression being the sort of person James or Regulus liked was worth something.

“I’m very capable of doing two things at once,” James teases, thanking whatever deity above that he did not blush easy. If he did, there was no doubt that his cheeks would be utterly flaming if he ever truly contemplated the words that came out of his mouth. Sirius had said that being on this show might be enough to give James some game when it came to women, despite his protests that he already had game, but James had a very big feeling that Sirius would be watching this back later and laughing himself sick as a result. Shaking off the thought, James instead decides that he had far better things to be doing than worrying about what Sirius thought, such as trying to work out why something as small as Regulus genuinely felt as though he might be stacked under it all.

“Don’t care,” James remarks, still grinning. As much as he loved his own job, and really, James loved his job, he still delighted in hearing about the jobs of others, especially when they had as voice to settle over him as he nods in interested, unable to stop the obnoxiously wide smile that much passion about their work as Regulus clearly did. Staying silent, James allows Regulus’ did not seem to want to leave his face. “That sounds like you. Solving puzzles, studying people. Like it’s up to you to work them out. Is it satisfying or like…I bet its really meaningful when you finally crack something, isn’t it?”

Turning his beaming smile toward Lily, James lets his arm slide from Regulus’ shoulders, although he keeps himself pressed firmly to the other boy’s side. He takes a long sip of his drink as he watches the pair interact and something inside his stomach flips at how easily they seem to banter back and forth. This could be good for Regulus, break him out of his shell a little, he thinks, automatically making the connection between Reg and his brother. Sirius, of course, had been much easier to sway; it had not taken much to convince him that he was worthy of whatever love James, his parents and Marlene could throw on him, and James knew it was time to convince Regulus of the same thing.

“I see, I see,” James says with ease, looking over Lily’s shoulder to see if he can spot Sirius at all, before turning his full attention, “I’d be glad to join if you’d let me, but I do already have a super secret codename already. Courtesy of the bastard brother and all,” he remarks, rocking back and forth on his feet. “We had a little sort of gang type thing at school, Sirius and I did. With two of our other mates, and the names just stuck.” 

Unable to stop himself, James flings an arm loosely around Lily’s shoulders, casting a dark glance toward the lurking figure behind them before looking at her meaningfully as if to say she was welcome to throw him off if he made her uncomfortable. “He doesn’t seem it. You look like the type of girl who likes her men to shower regularly and to not stare at her from dark corners,” he says, not that he had any real allusions as to what type of bloke she might like. “Let us woo you first, madame, then we can see who is whose type,” he teases, pleased with just how easy it was to talk to her. Not that he would brag about it, but James’ career choices had often put him in the path of quite a number of remarkably attractive people before, only to leave him disappointed when they weren’t able to see past the fame and fortune and couldn’t string a full conversation together. Lily at least, seemed to be capable of that, in addition to having a really lovely face.

“Nah, could never be sick of him. Can’t imagine life without him actually, even if I don’t see him as often as I’d like,” James says, poking fondly at Regulus as he did so. “And you’ve certainly made the cut. Much like myself, you’re gorgeous, funny and smart, what more could we ask?” he says, sipping at his drink again, before tilting his head curiously, “Actually though, we can always learn a bit more about you, yeah? What are the most important things to know?”

Regulus snorted at the double-meaning that could be found behind James’ words, missing whatever of the hidden blush that might’ve poked through while he did so. He decided to spare him for once, watching James’ face as genuine interest showed on it, the man far more expressive than most people (besides maybe his brother) that Regulus knew personally. James Potter was an open book, he realized at a young age, but that open book was normally directed toward his little gang of friends from school, not Regulus himself. He wasn’t used to seeing someone so open anywhere near him, having usually seen it from afar instead. It was dizzying. “It is,” he agreed, chewing his bottom lip. “Every time I discover something new, it’s like one more piece of the world slid into place. Who knows what we could discover simply by digging and researching? It’s not nearly appreciated enough as a field, even though we’re all affected by its discoveries every day.”

He snorted when Lily went on about super secret code names, mind immediately going toward aforementioned school gang that had taken their school by storm. “I don’t know, Daisy, he did just say he has a code name already. Though it’s not really that secret when one of your little gang lives in the same home as me, is it?” Regulus smirked, debating on whether or not to reveal the name Prongs to Lily--then he remembered they were on TV, so it was probably best to refrain. “We could probably let him in though. Think I’ll start with Stag, or Caribou.”

Regulus smiled a bit when Lily said they were good conversationalists if nothing else, and he supposed he could thank his upbringing for that, considering how many pointless society events he was made to attend taught him how to navigate any conversation. This one wasn’t forced, though, not like at those parties, which was odd enough to truly consider. “Then who is your type, Lily Evans? You’re on this show with different types of men. I’m sure someone has caught your eye already.” The question felt a little forced, since he suspected that’s what the cameras wanted him to ask, but he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t a little curious.

Could never be sick of him, James said, and Regulus’ face flushed again, this time probably a bit more obvious judging by the heat he felt. He quickly looked down to hide it from view and nodded, taking a breath before responding. “Think I’m stuck with him even if I did grow sick of him,” he said sarcastically, making sure said sarcasm was obvious in the drawl of his voice while he looked down. “And of course you made the cut. Frankly, you’re one of the only interesting people on this damn show at the moment. The bastard brother needs to learn how to pick people better.”

thefinallily‌:

Lily was extroverted more than not, so it wasn’t as if being at a party in general bothered her. It was just when there was one of her and roughly twenty men that she was technically supposed to be dating, the situation was a little more nerve-wracking. Severus had near immediately joined her the second she made it outside, which was understandable, he didn’t exactly like talking to people. She was, however, really only half-listening to him as her eyes scanned the area. 

Most of the contestants were in groups. Some of them might have come to talk to her, Lily guessed, if Severus hadn’t so quickly pulled her over. It looked like some of them were having fun - it’d be nice if they made friends out of the experience, less pressure on her - but there was only one group of two, looking all the more intimate for it by comparison. James and Regulus. Lily could admit her heart had jumped a little at the sight of James and she’d right away felt like going over to them. She’d only been stopped, weighing the decision over now, by that sense of something she felt looking at them. The smallest of space between them, James reaching out to Regulus, really appearing as if they needed nothing else in the world to be content but each other. Lily felt her lips upturning at the sight, and uncertain as to whether she ought to disturb it. 

Then Regulus caught her eye and smiled, and the decision was taken entirely out of her hands, an impulse she was unable to name spurring her on. Lily was excusing herself to Severus and her feet taking her away before he had time to so much as to finish saying, “Lily, wait-”.  She didn’t catch the end of it, approaching James and Regulus.

“Eridanus! And James the Last-Name-Less.” Lily felt her usual high spirits returning to her, as if through their company, she’d regained all confidence. “The two poor sods forced entirely against their will to come and meet me by the dastardly brother of yours. At least you have each other, to commiserate with, no?” she asked, grin firmly in place and eyebrow raised in challenge.

There is something oddly familiar about standing beside Regulus Black, one hand clasped to his shoulder, despite the fact that James can probably count on both hands the number of times he has been completely alone with the other man. Perhaps it was just a residual feeling after having been best friends with Sirius for so long, but James couldn’t pretend that he didn’t like it. Reg was a very interesting bloke and if being on this show did anything, James hoped it meant he could spend more time with him. 

“Nah, I’m here to stop you from running. Can’t go anywhere if I throw myself on you,” James teases lightly, taking a sip of his drink while his other arm flops lazily over Regulus’ shoulders. It was a natural movement for James, who often liked to drape himself dramatically all over his friends; endlessly craving physical affection. It seemed, after all, that Reg was going to be no exception. “She seems great. Really witty, which is appreciated. And gorgeous, obviously,” James muses. He couldn’t discount his interest in Lily just yet, although he remained aware of the exact circumstances in which he had met her. “A dig, hey? You know this means you’ve got to tell me more about your job now. I want to hear everything. What’s the best part?” 

Leaning slightly closer to Reg in order to hear him, James lifts his head at the man’s mention of Lily, unable to stop a crooked grin that spreads across his mouth as she draws nearer. “Eridanus?” he questions with a tilt of his head, his voice soaked in casual amusement. His arm slowly drops from Reg’s shoulders as he swaps his drink from one hand to another, eyes catching on the dark-haired man glaring at them from behind Lily. “Did you just ditch a poor bloke to come speak to us?” he asks, lifting his glass in the man’s direction, “Cold, but I appreciate it. I do like a girl who knows where the real party is at.”

James’ eyes are shining with amusement at the thought, and as he casts another glance over Lily, he’s struck by a reminder of just how pretty he thought she was. Not that he was about to admit such a thing to Sirius, who always seemed to know exactly the type of person James could fall for. “He’s a bastard, but I suppose we love him dearly. And don’t let him hear this, but you seem to be a pretty fantastic person, so I’m not about to complain,” he says, before turning his head toward Regulus. “Yeah, we’ve got each other. I’ve known Sirius since we were eleven, so I’ve probably known Reg just as long. Can’t imagine life without either of them in it.” The difference, of course, being that Sirius was practically a brother to James, whereas he had never had any sort of brotherly feelings toward Regulus.

Quite the opposite, in fact.

“Thought you were supposed to be throwing yourself at Lily, not me,” he quipped, smirk on his face but chest feeling tight as the words left his lips. What was he thinking, saying something so blatant on television? His mind briefly went to the possibility of his parents watching this damn show and hearing Regulus flirting with James for everyone to hear, and he closed his eyes to mentally scold himself. Stupid. It didn’t help that the man was affectionate, overtly so, and how could he be expected to resist leaning slightly into his body with his arm wrapped so securely around his shoulders? James calling Lily gorgeous snapped him out of his mini spiral, though not by much. Lily was beautiful, certainly, but Regulus had a feeling that he and James had two different perspectives on the word and what it entailed.

He couldn’t deny beauty when he saw it, though.

“Obviously,” he echoed, eyebrows raising when James showed genuine interest yet again in his job. That would never not be a surprise to him. “Hearing everything might get boring,” he warned, stalling as he thought. What was the best thing? “... the discovery, I’d say. I go on digs, yeah, but I’m more into the cultural anthropology side of it. Learning about new and old civilizations, figuring out how they ticked and why? It’s like a big puzzle left for the world to solve, with the pieces hidden and needing to be dug for. Sometimes hidden too well, really.”

Then Lily was on her way over, and Regulus grinned when she called him Eridanus of all things. He had a feeling this was going to be a trend, and surprised himself but not particularly minding the thought of it. “How many stars are you going to call me now, Marigold?” he asked with a teasing tone, tossing the nickname trend right back her way. Two could play at that game, after all. The smile turned smug when he saw who Lily had left behind in favor of them, recognizing him as one of the men who had gotten on his nerves before they were all sent to meet the bachelorette. From what he recalled, the man was a piece of work. Regulus didn’t blame her for finding an out as soon as possible.

“I think he’ll survive,” he drawled, ignoring the sense of loss as James dropped his arm from his shoulders and missing the warmth from it all the while. This was getting ridiculous. Regulus focused on what James said and snorted. “Speak for yourself, James. I’m alright with stopping the description at the word bastard for my darling brother.” He glanced up and chewed on his lip, looking between James and Lily. The two had an obvious connection, and Regulus wasn’t going to get in the way of that. “He’s been around as long as I can remember. At least there’s two sane people in this damn place.” He gave Lily a small smile to indicate she was one of those two. “Everyone else... well, I’m holding out on my judgment.” 

And in the end I will seek you Out amongst the stars.

The space dust  of me will whisper, “I love you”

To the infinity of the universe.

thefinallily‌:

Lily watched Regulus leave with a fonder smile than she’d have thought possible for a first encounter. Particularly a first encounter on a dating show . She had not missed the blush when he’d spoken of James, or the sudden happiness that had appeared on his face, a far cry from his formerly kind, but reserved expression. It was one of many things she had found interesting about Regulus. 

The first two meetings had gone strangely quickly. It was a much longer process afterwards, encountering the rest of her contestants. The only one who had really stood out was a sweetly charming man named Benjy - who Lily had mostly liked because he’d brought along his dog, Peter Barker.* Of course, Severus hadn’t been bad, either, but that was different. He was just here to be her spy. (To report back on the enemy, Lily thought, amused.) 

So there was no one to overshadow James, in other words. Or even to come across as altogether interesting as Regulus. She hadn’t said quite as much in the interview she’d given about her initial thoughts on each of the men, preferring to be a little more guarded. But Lily had thought as much. That wasn’t a surprise. She’d always been quick to make up her mind. 

They’d only given her a few minutes after that to compose herself well enough to return to the party. Lily tried not to look back mournfully at Marlene as she steeled herself enough to leave the house. 

By the time James’ microphone has been adjusted and his face powdered, the cocktail party seems to be in full swing. Not all of the other men have arrived yet, still parading themselves outside, but there are several other figures standing around, drinks in hand. James moves toward the bar, taking the proffered glass and trying to hide his smirk at how easily they had gotten his usual order. Clearly, Sirius and Marlene had made sure the bartenders were very well informed.

Drink in hand, James moves to where the other men were gathered, introducing himself with ease. Several offer him glances of recognition, and one dark-haired man simply glares, but James continues to smile regardless. He knew how to make himself look good for the media, even when he wasn’t really feeling it.

And, more than anything, he didn’t want to give away anything too early. Not the fact he thought Lily was incredibly attractive, and that he was impressed by her intelligence and quick wit. He wasn’t about to give Sirius the satisfaction of knowing he might have been bloody right in signing James up for this show.

Spotting a familiar figure entering the room, James cannot help the wide grin that spreads across his cheeks and the warm, happy flip of his stomach at the sight. Bounding over, with far more enthusiasm than was possibly necessary, he claps a hand joyously to Regulus’ shoulder. “So you survived then?” he asks brightly,  “No urge to run away?” 

See, it’s not so bad, Sirius had said once Regulus had gotten off the stage, and it had taken everything within him to keep from hitting his brother there and then. There were cameras everywhere, after all, and he knew how to act in front of a camera even if Sirius did not. He’d just flashed his cheeky grin and taken Regulus’ silence as him being right, not that Regulus felt like correcting him at the moment. When they were away from the cameras and prying eyes he would have a few choice words with his brother, but for now he could be civil.

And really, Lily hadn’t been that bad. She was nice enough and witty to boot, and Regulus found himself intrigued by her if nothing else. He might become friends with her if he gave her the chance, but he was still certain that he would be out of the game within the first round or two. On the off-chance he wasn’t, though... well, there was no harm in having some friends, was there? 

Bold words for a social recluse, he thought bitterly as he nursed his drink, face feeling cakey from the powder they’d insisted on putting on before he went to the cocktail party. The other men seemed alright enough (save for the one who kept sneering at everyone), but Regulus didn’t make it this far in life by being the social butterfly Sirius was, and even then he knew half the extroverted-ness his brother exhibited was purely for show. Blacks didn’t do well with prying eyes, no matter how Sirius tried to insist otherwise. 

He was about to call it quits and sneak off when he saw a flurry of motion, and suddenly James Potter was standing in front of him, grin wide and hand warm against his arm. Regulus ignored the flip of his stomach as he chuckled at what James said and shook his head. “Wouldn’t say I won’t run away just yet,” he admitted. “Lily’s nice, but this still isn’t exactly where I’d rather be. Think I’d rather be at a dig right now, actually.” He glanced around the crowd and paused when he saw Lily leaving the house, looking for all the world like she’d rather not. I can relate. Regulus waited until he caught her eye before giving her a smile and a small nod, then leaned to James and said, “Well there’s your bird. Keep making a good impression, Potter.”

Her smile was of a far deeper source now than common politeness, “Now I’m curious. There’s nothing I like better than an investigation. Is it … Eridanus? Delphinius? Draco?” Lily asked brightly, trying to recall star names.  “Lily’s better than Petunia, at least. That’s my sister,” she added in a more netural tone, by way of explanation, before remembering Petunia’s directive that she was not to mention any of the Dursley family in any way that could be construed as negative. (Not going to mention Vernon at all, then.) 

Lily fell into a more comfortable pose, shoulders relaxing, amused by Regulus’ annoyed look towards his brother, the way it changed his features from something unreadable and formal to distinctly endearing. Although it seemed fond more than anything else, she felt free to laugh at Sirius too. “Hmmn, I wouldn’t want to insult your brother on our first meeting. But so far, let’s say I find you the preferable version.” Lily had by this point put something else together as well. “You must know James as well, then.” It wasn’t exactly a question but she was curious. Maybe it was wanting to know more about James. Strange though, that the first two men she met here should be connected. It seemed like a sign, though she didn’t know of what. Lily reminded herself instead, that as a scientist she didn’t believe in signs. Not unless they came along with some form of evidence. 

Lily put her hand back to her side, still regarding him with interest. “Oh, certainly, though I don’t put the highest value on impressions either. I do like to give second chances.” Regulus wasn’t what she had been expecting. In his own way, he was as honest as James had seemed. Either Lily wasn’t as good as uncovering flattery and attempts at ingratiation as she’d expected herself to be, or she could actually like Regulus. “That said, I don’t think you’ll need one.”

Regulus laughed as Lily began listing stars that could possibly be his middle name, shaking his head at each one of them. “No, though those are all names my family either has or will use. They like a star theme, if you couldn’t tell.” He smirked when she said her sister’s name and continued, “Guess your family has a theme too. Must be more common than I’d thought.”

“Oh no, feel free to insult my brother. Maybe it’ll knock down that ego of his.” Regulus smiled when he saw Lily visibly relax, and for perhaps the first time since stepping onto the stage he thought that maybe this would go smoother than he’d thought. “Well I’m glad I’m preferable of the two of us, lest we need to add the host as a competitor instead.” He could see Marlene’s form snickering in the distance, and he became more relaxed the more he talked with Lily. You must know James well, then, she said, and if the tips of Regulus’ ears turned a bit pink, it could easily be blamed on the lights shining down on the both of them. “Yes, I know James. We more or less grew up together, or at least around one another. No one wants to be around the kid brother, after all.” 

She seemed a bit more forgiving than Regulus could be, but maybe that wasn’t a bad thing. He knew he could be stubborn and hold a grudge--it was nearly a requirement for being part of the Black family. If anything, he could probably get some insight from her over the next however many days or weeks he was on the show. She seemed like someone he’d like being friends with for certain. “Good to hear it. I suppose I should move on and let everyone else speak with you, but it was very nice to meet you.” He nodded his head slightly and walked off the stage, letting out a relieved breath. 

That went better than he’d thought, but Regulus was glad to be off camera for the moment.

She stopped whispering with Marlene as another contestant walked towards her. It was an odd feeling this, so manufactured. It had been easy to forget while laughing with James, but it was hardly a natural situation, even for Lily who was good with people. It was easier if she tried to think of it as focusing on one person at a time. 

This one had hair darker than James, though once more Lily got the feeling of vague familiarity. His features were similar to … she wasn’t sure. “That’s me,” Lily responded, his smile automatically drawing out her own in return, though at this stage it was for politeness’ sake more than anything else. “Regulus. That’s different. A little more imaginative than Lily.” 

It wasn’t everyday you had a Regulus. Or heard anything like Regulus, although … Lily looked at his dark hair and eyes once more suspiciously. “Brother? Please don’t tell me …” Her eyes tracked back down the pathway to where Sirius (that was a star, wasn’t it?) was waiting, just out of sight. “Was it that difficult to find men willing to meet me?” she asked through a snort, shaking her head in amusement. “Any other friends or relatives of your brother waiting out there?” 

She shook his hand in return, that and the way he phrased his apology sparked Lily’s curiosity at once. “I’m more interested in you than a gift,” Lily said frankly. It applied as a general rule to everyone she was going to meet, personality mattered far more than anything else (though it was also true that Lily had always liked sunflowers, quite a bit). But there was something appealing about Regulus, even if he seemed a bit standoffish, less outwardly and immediately likeable as James was.“Don’t worry about it.” Truthfully, she was oddly charmed by Regulus’ formality, wondering if he was always like that or if it was nerves. Thankfully, he seemed nothing like his brother - who seemed to be the perfect match for Marlene, but Lily found a little … grating. 

He’d definitely heard that one before, but unlike some others he had a feeling that Lily genuinely didn’t use ‘different’ in a degrading sort of way. Regulus was proud of his name, even if he normally went by his nickname, so to have someone appreciate it was nice--not to mention how much easier it would make getting along with her for however long he would be there. “If you think that’s different, you’d be thrilled with my middle name,” he joked. “Though I wouldn’t say your name is unimaginative. It’s a lovely name.”

The moment Lily put two and two together, Regulus let his exasperation with his brother be shown, following her gaze toward the general direction of his brother. “You’re right, though whether that’s unfortunate or not depends on your opinion of him.” He turned his eyes back to Lily and chuckled at her amusement. “No others that I’m aware of, but I wouldn’t pit it too much against him--Sirius is known for his meddling, if nothing else.” 

She had a firm grip, one that Regulus could appreciate, and his curiosity was sparked as well. He’d seen a few episodes of shows like this in the past, episodes where the bachelor or bachelorette was unimpressed with the lack of gift brought to them by the contestants and swayed by that first impression as such. Regulus had always acted on the belief that personality and how one presented themselves was more important than material items (not that his parents agreed), so it was nice to see that Lily seemed to agree. “Well we seem to agree on something,” he said. “Impressions matter more than things, and so far you’ve made a good impression. I can only hope I’ve done the same for you.”

She was beginning to feel as if she might actually enjoy this yet. Of course, it was far too early to be thinking anything more than that, anything more than that James was fun. She liked him. And it seemed as if he liked her - Lily could usually tell when someone did and his eyes were appreciative as much as they were warm. No, this wasn’t a bad start at all.

Lily told herself that she was not blushing as James very sincerely offered up the sunflower pin and an explanation of just why he’d picked it out. That was the thing, she could take the hair and the smile and all of that, but he came across as so very honest. That was what might really undo her yet, Lily thought. “Oh. Thank you.” Lily reached out to take the gift - she sounded more than a little flustered. If she couldn’t handle this, how was she going to handle the whole thing? But … he also very clearly respected his mother, a plain but deep affection present in his voice when he talked about her. How was that fair?

Quickly, Lily added, “You do make a rather good first impression, James. But I’m the one supposed to be giving out the flowers, no?” she smiled, quirking her eyebrows and thinking it might be better to put an end to this before she lost her head entirely. (Petunia would never let her forget it if she snogged someone in the very first episode). Still … an end to it for now. “Don’t lose my number, alright?” she joked, then berated herself for sounding like a besotted idiot as James bid her farewell and made his way to where she assumed the other contestants were waiting.  

Her heart was going a little too fast, Lily took a deep breath. She still had the rest of them to get through but … her mouth fell back into a smile, thinking of James. “Liked that one, did you?” Marlene’s voice came through her ear. The producer sounded amused, “I told you I had your back.” Lily, still smiling, whispered back, “Oh, shut up. What else have you got for me?”

Regulus watched on the monitor while James went out to flatter their bachelorette, feeling a bit sick the closer it got to his turn to go out and introduce himself. He was a private person, had chosen a career where he could dig up and examine artifacts in relative peace without worrying about being surrounded by people. Sirius knew this, and yet he’d signed him up for the dating show anyway, the prick. Why did his brother think he would want his love life (or lack thereof) broadcasted for all of Britain to see? It was embarrassing, and what was more embarrassing was that he realized he had nothing to give to Lily. He didn’t want to be here, but he wanted to be polite, yet he had nothing on hand. 

Sirius would say to give her his ‘winning personality’. Even in his head, Regulus was ready to murder his brother. 

At least he’d dressed nice, Regulus thought as James walked off stage and he was cued to begin walking. He supposed his parents did one thing right, if nothing else: his sense of style was always on point, if not convenient for his line of work. He also knew how to put on a persona for the public thanks to Black Industries, so once the first camera was on him Regulus put on his press smile and finally got a good look at Lily.

She was, frankly, beautiful. Regulus had long since realized he wasn’t sexually attracted to people (romance was another story entirely), but he could still admit that she was attractive. He caught the tail end of her smile from meeting James--a very nice smile--and his own press smile softened into something a little more genuine. You’ve got this, Reg. Get in and get out. He finally stopped in front of Lily and held out his hand. “You must be Lily. I’m Regulus.” He exhaled a bit shakily. “I wish I could say I brought you something, but my dearest brother didn’t tell me that was something I should do. You have my apologies.”

Shrugging his shoulders, James can’t help the soft smile that spreads across his face. Sirius might be a menace, lord knew that he could be, but he still remained one of the most important human beings in James’ life regardless. “He’s still my best mate though. Even if he does drive me up the wall,” he says fondly. Tilting his head to the side as Regulus speaks, James spots the brief look of surprise on the other boy’s face, before it is hidden almost as quickly as it happened. “I dunno why people wouldn’t be interested,” he muses, “That’s some pretty fascinating shit. What’s the most significant thing you’ve uncovered?” 

Ignoring the way Regulus’ face lights up with a blush, refusing to acknowledge the small shift in his stomach at the sight of the reddening flush, James shoots the other boy a crooked smile, his attention soon caught by the approach of Sirius instead. “At this point in time, you’re my favourite of you both,” James whispers from the corner of his mouth, his eyes shining, “Plus, you’re cooler than you think, little Black.”

Rolling his eyes good-naturedly at Sirius, James reaches across to punch his friend gently on the shoulder. “I’ll help him hide the body,” he remarks. He would forgive Sirius eventually, but right at this moment? Not so much. “You know we’re both capable of finding our own dates, right?” he remarks, ignoring Sirius’ scoff, “Don’t need you, or a show doing it for us?”

Regulus hadn’t thought that James would actually continue to ask about the work he did or what he’d found, that surprise making him completely forget about Sirius for a moment. More often than not, when he spoke about his work his friends would get annoyed and motion for him to just be done with whatever he was saying, or talk over him about something else they found much more interesting than ancient artifacts. It was occurring to Regulus that maybe, just maybe, they weren’t great friends after all. It took him a moment to think about all he’d found, and his lips quirked up a bit. “Either the locket I just mentioned or the sword of Godric Gryffindor. It was in surprisingly great condition, too, like wherever it had been dug up had preserved it in almost pristine condition.”

He wasn’t sure how to take being a favorite of James Potter’s, but that in addition to you’re cooler than you think, little Black rekindled his old, hopeless crush that he’d had on James during their childhood, one that he’d squash down until it was nothing more than a has-been and he could move on with his life. He wanted to respond, wanted to thank him or say that James was cool too or something, but deep-instilled panic took over and Regulus quickly looked away, trying to ignore the discomfort that grew inside of him. He’d be going home soon, and then he wouldn’t have to worry about any of that. It would be fine.

Luckily, despite being an ass Sirius was a great distraction, and he followed quietly as his brother began leading them toward where Regulus assumed their bachelorette was waiting. Sirius rolled his eyes and turned to walk backward; Regulus hoped he would trip and fall on his ass. “Oh I’m sure, but this is another way to get you both in the dating game. C’mon, it’ll be fun, and there’ll be no need to murder me when all is said and done. Pinky-swear.” Sirius held his hand out to stop the two. “Alright, I’m going to join Lily out there. James, you come out first, then Reg, and then so on and so forth until she’s met all of you.” He winked at them. “May the best man win.”

Sirius ran out to the stage, to Lily, and Regulus stared for a moment before sighing. “This is going to be a train wreck, if only because it’s Sirius.”

Glad that he at least knew someone here, and wasn’t about to have to play nice with the greasy-looking mess who kept glaring at him from afar, James shoots Regulus another bright grin. The other boy looked good, as only one with the Black family genes could. James had yet to meet any families that were as ridiculously good-looking as the Blacks were, and Regulus was no exception. He was different to his brother, although they were similar, and James couldn’t help but think that perhaps it was Regulus who got the better deal of the two. 

“I mean, that’s fair enough,” James says with a shrug, delighted by the inklings of a smile on Regulus’ face, “I lived with the bloke pre-Marlene, and I threatened to kill him on a semi-daily basis. He’s the reason I lived on cold-showers, and not in a pervy way, the bastard.” Watching in fascination as Regulus lights up at the mention of his work, James can’t help but wonder if this was the longest he had ever heard the other man speak, let alone with such enthusiasm. “No, no, I do want to hear about it. It sounds phenomenal,” he says, waving a hand loosely, “You don’t want to hear about me. I play with balls for a living…shit…you know what I mean.” 

James knew that Sirius didn’t mean any harm in signing him up for this show, that he just wanted his best friend to be as deliriously happy as Sirius himself was, although that hadn’t stopped James from ribbing him for days once the truth had been revealed. Nodding along, James smiles once more, leaning a little more heavily against the wall, “That makes sense, it’s not for everyone, especially this kind of situation,” he says, unsure if he himself really wanted to be here for the long-run either. Marriage was something he wanted, sure, but like this? “Least you’ll get a fun party story to tell. And you and I can hang out some more.”

He smirked when James recalled his time living with his brother, easily able to imagine why and how Sirius got his best friend to the point of death threats. Sirius wasn’t for the faint of heart, that was sure. “That certainly sounds like him,” he said. His smirk fell and his face contorted into surprise when James said he found his work interesting, and he quickly schooled it so it had a more neutral, casual expression instead. He shoved his hands deep into his pockets and shrugged. “Well, you’d be the first outside of those in my field already.” 

Play with balls for a living. Regulus’ face went red, and he shuttered himself a bit more because he did not need to think about James Potter in that regard. That was a messy path, one that he couldn’t afford to let himself go down. “I know what you mean,” he said, turning his head back toward where he’d seen Sirius as James continued to talk. His brother was walking toward them, and he frowned, reminded of why he’d been angry when he’d gotten there in the first place. “I doubt you’d want to hang out with your best friend’s brother,” he said off-handedly, glancing back at James once before Sirius was in front of them, a wide grin on his face.

“Fellas! Glad to see you could make it.” 

“I’m going to fucking kill you, I hope you know that.”

Sirius didn’t let that phase him. “So you’ve said many times over our lives, brother dearest. I hope you’re both ready, because you’re going to meet our bachelorette in a few minutes. Look sharp lads.”

Regulus’ eyes narrowed. He most certainly did not want to meet whoever this woman was, and he knew Sirius knew that, but his brother kept that wide grin on his face and he knew he couldn’t worm his way out of this easily. For now, he was stuck. “Fine, whatever.”

In all truth, James had not seen Regulus in what could honestly have been years. It wasn’t as if Sirius stayed at home long after they graduated secondary school, nor did they ever really hang out at the Black house anyway, preferring to terrorise James’ family home instead. And then James had been scouted and seemed to spend all his time either on the football field, in training, or frantically trying to catch up with his closest friends, which did not seem to include the boy in front of him.

Deciding that he might as well change that, James leans casually against the wall beside them, slightly surprised that Regulus would choose to hide himself away, but then also not surprised at all. Growing up with someone as eccentric and outgoing as Sirius must be exhausting. James had a similar personality to his best friend, and even he sometimes left a get-together with Sirius feeling remarkably drained. “How’ve you been? Aside from plotting your brother’s death?” James asks, snorting at the sight of Sirius being doted upon.

“He did. He told me he’d booked me a like a documentary, one that would follow what footballers did in their downtime. I’m off while my bung knee heals, and he decided that apparently rather than resting, I need to be finding a wife.” James says with a roll of his eyes and a crooked smile, “What, you not planning to go head to head with old greasy over there? Win a girl’s heart?”

His eyes widened slightly when James, rather than saying good chat see you later, decided to lean against the wall near him instead of leaving, but he wasn’t exactly going to tell the man to go away. If he could handle Sirius on a daily basis for most of their lives, he could hold a conversation with James Potter. Regulus snorted at his quip and shook his head, looking over to James and pointedly ignoring his brother. He wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of interaction anytime soon.

“I’m always plotting my brother’s death,” he joked, the corner of his mouth twitching up. “Whether he knows it or not.” He chewed his lip and shrugged. “I’ve been alright, I guess? I’ve been focusing on my archaeological findings for the most part--I’m almost positive the amulet I found was Salazar Slytherin’s. I just need to figure out how to open it, and maybe there’ll be something in there to confirm my suspicions, like a portrait or something related to him personally.” Regulus paused in his rambling and let out an awkward laugh, rubbing his neck. “Sorry, you don’t want to hear about that. What are you doing?”

Now that was a new low for Sirius. Lying to his best friend about being part of a documentary to get him onto a dating show? Annoyance shot through him, both on James’ behalf and his own, but the eye roll and smile told him that it wasn’t the worst thing in the world, so he glanced over at Snape instead and snorted. “No, definitely not. I’m... not exactly in want for a wife,” he said carefully, feeling a bit uncomfortable. No, he wasn’t going to get into that with James no matter how friendly his smile was. “I’m just fine as I am.”

James was fairly sure he was going to kill Sirius.

When he had agreed to let Sirius and Marlene set him up on a date, he had figured that it would be a regular old dinner with a mildly interesting girl: James would pay, he wouldn’t share his dessert, and he might kiss her when he dropped her home. 

He did not think it would be a bloody reality show, let alone the one Sirius was hosting.

James knew his friend worried, that he wanted James to settle down like he had, to find ‘the one’ or, at least in Sirius’ words, “to please just get laid already”. What Sirius refused to acknowledge, however, was that James was perfectly happy as he was. He had his job, which was simultaneously his favourite sport in the world, he had his parents, his friends, his cat. He didn’t need to add anything else to that. If there was a girl, or even guy, out there for him, James was sure he’d have met them already. He didn’t need a reality show to do so.

Smiling warmly at the other contestants, unable to bring himself to be rude, no matter how uncomfortable he was himself, James starts a little at a familiar face. If it wasn’t good old Regulus Black, looking awfully grown-up. Sidling up beside the hunched figure, James bumps him lightly with his shoulder,

“Long time, no see,” he says cheerfully, “If it isn’t my new favourite member of your family.”

Regulus hadn’t expected James to actually come over to him. It wasn’t like they had talked much before now, only in passing over the years considering he was Sirius’ best friend. Still, Regulus couldn’t say that he opposed the company, and it made him look less awkward than simply standing off to the side by himself. That wasn’t exactly the first impression he wanted to make on anyone, even if he did plan on getting himself voted off in the first round or two.

He snorted at James’ quip and nodded, glancing to the sea of crew members getting ready to start filming. In the midst of it all was his darling brother, a make-up artist powdering his nose, and he huffed his annoyance. “Long time indeed,” he said, eyes flickering back to James. He looked better up close, though Regulus wouldn’t admit to subtly checking out James Potter of all people out loud. He could only imagine what his parents would say, let alone how Sirius would react. 

Minor, irrelevant details.

“Did he force you onto this show too?” he asked, catching Sirius’ eye in the distance and wrinkling his nose when he grinned. He wouldn’t be smiling by the time Regulus was done with him. “Apparently him being in a relationship means everyone has to be. With luck I won’t be here long.”

Regulus was going to kill his brother.

He wasn’t sure what he’d done to make Sirius think he needed to be on a game show, but whatever it was certainly wasn’t bad enough to merit a dating game show. He was perfectly happy staying at home and studying the artifacts that he’d found at various dig sites, romance far from being his top priority, but Sirius had decided that Regulus was lonely and needed to find someone. Specifically, he needed to find someone in the view of the public eye, as both he and Marlene--as host and producer respectfully--had another season of The Bachelorette to film. Sirius had already volunteered a few of his friends, but he had to go and volunteer Regulus as a contestant as well.

He was most certainly going to kill his brother.

The goal, in that case, was to be so unappealing that he’d most certainly be the first to go. He was set on that plan as he made his way toward the crowd of other contestants, keeping himself separated from the others by a few feet. He recognized a few of them: Caradoc Dearborn, Severus Snape (now that was a surprise), and James Potter. He hadn’t seen James in a few years, not since he and Sirius had both lived at home, but he looked good. Fit. Regulus stared for maybe a second too long before looking away, mentally scolding himself. He wasn’t going to be here long. He couldn’t start getting attached already.

He was going to murder Sirius.

‘ reg! ‘ she greeted with a yell as she had entered her apartment- it was not a big apartment whatsoever, it had one room, a small living room and a even smaller kitchen. but, it was hers and it felt better than anything in those moments when she would get home to her place. better days were when reg was there and she would always yell to greet him - no matter if he was there or not because most of the times she didn’t know. but, he was practically living there at that point. and she won’t tell him that she wishes he was there on the days when he wasn’t because he would probably be uncomfortable per se.

it was something that had led them together long ago, she doesn’t know what. it just happened and for a while now- they’ve been basically inseperable since and it was the best friendship she’s ever had. not that she would call that out loud to him because he seems to think this is not a friendship, but he does come at her place whenever. hell, he’s had a key to her place for months now. the only man that she’d give a key to her apartment it looks like.

‘ did you eat?’ she asked as she went straight to the kitchen to disposes of the bags she had gotten earlier that day. dorcas did not feel as exhuasted as she felt every day, so in a way she knew tonight would be a more relaxing night. in comparision to the other nights where she’d fall asleep while they’d be eating and regulus would laugh at her. ‘ i thought we could make some pizza!’

@blackleonis​

How had he gotten here?

Regulus couldn’t quite add the timeline up in his mind, but it was there: seeing Dorcas for the first time after they’d both graduated, interactions with one another becoming increasingly common the more they ran into one another. Soon he was invited to hers for dinner and stayed for hours after talking about meaningless things, or listening as Dorcas went on about her day, or vice versa when a day was particularly draining. Then he was given a key, and he realized he spent more time at this small, unimpressive flat than his own ancestral home, and was surprised that he didn’t mind at all. He felt more at home here than at Grimmauld Place, its oppressive walls making him feel claustrophobic when he could simply just... be at Dorcas’.

It was strange and new and Regulus wasn’t sure if he liked it entirely, but he still let himself into her flat hours before she got home and ate her food so it must have been a good thing--right? 

He looked up when Dorcas opened the door and called his name as usual, his body sprawled on her sofa and shoes kicked off at the end of it. It wasn’t the most comfortable thing in the world, but the day had been draining and it was nice to just lie down for a few hours no matter the comfort of the surface he’d plopped himself onto. He had a hard time keeping up with her energy sometimes, but Dorcas seemed to have enough for them both even when she was tired, so Regulus just shrugged in response to her question and closed his eyes. 

“No, I haven’t eaten yet,” he said in case she didn’t see him. She was motherly for someone who couldn’t keep her own plants alive, but he decided to roll with it. “Make, or order? One requires more energy than the other.”

Given the way their last interaction had ended, Andromeda makes sure to keep her guard up as high as she can, turning to face Regulus. She could not allow herself to get over-emotional regarding her cousin, her former cousin, unsure if she could take any more rejection from the family. It had been hard enough the first time, let alone repeating it over and over again.

Every time she thought she had nothing left to lose, she was reminded. 

It was supposed to have been a clean break, abet a little jagged.

It was anything but clean.

It was harder, however, to keep her emotions in check. Once again, just like last time, Andromeda was overcome with the urge to embrace Regulus, to take him into her arms and hold him, to sit him down and ask him to tell her everything he was feeling, everything he was thinking, just as he had when he was small.

Sneaking off to hide amongst the guest-rooms of both their houses, Sirius and Narcissa in tow, Bellatrix leading the way, imaginary games playing off their tongues had been the highlight amongst the patch of darkness that was Andromeda’s childhood. And in a split-second decision, no matter the weeks of thinking that had led to it, she had lost it all.

Her eyes narrowing at the sight of Regulus’ fists and his dark frown, Andromeda cannot help but notice how much he resembles his father, and also hers, that same disappointed and angry look being the last expression she had ever seen from Cygnus.

The derisive laugh bursts from her before she can stop it and Andromeda shakes her head. It seemed as though the weeks of badly dealing with her emotions, as well as confrontations she never wanted to have, were getting the best of her after all. Add in everything with Benjy, and she felt as though she were mere moments from some form of unbecoming breakdown.

“My husband has taught me far more things about being an actual human being than I ever would have learnt being a puppet of the dark arts,” she says finally. The words are harsh, but she has long grown sick of allowing everyone to walk all over her, even if it is Regulus.

A puppet of the Dark Arts.

Was that what he had become?

Dark magic had surrounded him ever since he was a young child, artifacts and spells decorating the corridors of Grimmauld Place in such a way that couldn’t have been safe for children to be near. It was all he had known, even if Mother hadn’t deigned teaching him any of those spells and curses worth her time, and he’d found himself drawn to the artifacts that were stored away in boxes in the attic or hung on the wall to get at any unfortunate passersby. It was what Regulus knew, even after he’d gone to Hogwarts and saw that his family’s views weren’t the norm. He took comfort in the dark arts, even if he was bad at it, and had submitted himself wholeheartedly to Bellatrix’s training back when he had failed his first mission as a Death Eater.

But did that make him a puppet? To find comfort in what he’d always known?

Andromeda’s words hurt more than he had expected, and hit that every-lingering doubt in his mind hard enough to dislodge it at least partially. Enough to make him think what am I doing? but not enough to get past his pride. He was a Black, proudly so, and he couldn’t let his family down. Being disowned might very well kill his parents, and he couldn’t begin to imagine what Bellatrix or Narcissa would think. Narcissa might understand, but Bellatrix... he’d likely face his death at the end of her wand personally.

And here Andromeda was, unknowingly testing him in the middle of Diagon Alley.

Her laughter was strained, perhaps a bit manic, and Regulus fought the instinct to take her hand and go talk like they did as children. He couldn’t afford to do that, not when people were staring and he had a reputation to uphold--even if he wasn’t doing a very good job of upholding it in the first place. “He taught you how to be human? That’s rich. You’re nothing more than a blood traitor who followed her infatuation far enough and can’t admit that you’d made a mistake. Just admit you were wrong, Andromeda, and move on.” 

Maybe if she did, he could move on too.

Coming to a halt in front of Regulus, James shoots him an easy smile. The alcohol that still runs through his veins has softened any harsh edges he might normally show toward Regulus, but James is mildly interested in how he will feel about this when he sobers up. According to Sirius, his baby brother (by only a few months) was practically public enemy number one, but all James could see, through his drunken haze, was possibly another variation of Sirius, one with a little less gall, a little less bravado.

Shaking the thought from his head, James nods firmly in Regulus’ direction, dropping his voice to a whisper. “This is top secret Potter family information,” he says warningly, catching the other boy’s eye, “Don’t tell anyone, or I will have to silence you somehow.” Pulling the cloak from it’s hiding space, James drapes it over his shoulders carefully, knowing that he was instantly invisible.

Regulus was wary of the way James smiled at him, despite the easy nature of it, and took half a step back to give himself some personal space. Just because they were going to break into a building with one another to uncover an obvious conspiracy didn’t mean he wanted Potter in his space. He had no idea what to expect in the coming hours, not having paid too much attention to James, Sirius, Remus, or Peter during Hogwarts save for when they demanded his attention with their ridiculous antics or, on occasion, fights between brothers. 

That being said, it both made sense and totally blew his mind when James not only threatened to silence him, but then was fully invisible from the neck down. There was a reason he and his friends had gotten away with so many antics during school, and being invisible would definitely be one way to help. However, Regulus was drunk, and James becoming nothing more than a floating head sent him reeling. He knew, logically, that they had to be quiet or risk being caught, but his mouth didn’t seem to catch that and said loudly, “What the fuck? Where did your fucking body go?”