#all alone

“You’re very lucky, Mr. Black.” Madam Pomfrey tells him, adjusting the sling on Regulus’ arm. “This could have been much, much worse, were it not for Mr. Potter.”

Regulus glances to the hospital bed next to him and sees James’ smug smile.

“Right.” Regulus grumbles to Madam Pomfrey.  

“Alright, you boys get some rest.” She says, closing the curtain around their beds.

Regulus starts to settle down on his bed, but James doesn’t move. Regulus glances over again and now he has an expectant look on his face, like he’s waiting for Regulus to say something.  

“I suppose you expect me to be thankful now.” Regulus mumbles.

“I mean, a simple thanks wouldn’t hurt.” James shrugs.

“I’m not thanking you, Potter. You were a fucking idiot.” Regulus scoffs. “I was the only one that should’ve been hurt, but you had to be a hero and try to save me and now we’re both hurt.”

“Oh, yes. I broke my ankle, and you have a broken arm, how terrible.” James says sarcastically. “You almost had a broken fucking skull, Reg. Better two minor injuries than one life-threatening one—"

“It wouldn’t have been life threatening.” Regulus interrupts.

“Reg, you were unconscious, plummeting head first to the ground and Hooch wasn’t close enough.” James tells him. “You would’ve crashed, and it would’ve… it would’ve been bad, Reg.” James finishes softly, holding eye contact with Regulus.

After a moment, James sighs and shifts to finally starts settling down on his bed, moving one leg more carefully than the other.     

“How’s your ankle feel?” Regulus asks quietly after a minute of awkward silence.

“Kind of numb and tingly at the same time.” James shrugs. “I can’t put weight on it, so I’m stuck here for at least a day to give the skele-gro time to work. How’s your arm feel?” He asks.

“Feels alright. It’s in a sling for a day or two, so not bad. Could’ve been worse, I guess.” Regulus shrugs  

“Hmmm…” James hums. “Yes. It could’ve been much, much worse.” He mimics what Madam Pomfrey said earlier.   

Regulus sighs dramatically and huffs. “Fine. Thanks… I guess.” He mumbles under his breath.