Deny
@jeggyverses-jegulus-microfic word count: 747
The tension was palpable on platform 9 Âľ. Maybe a hundred Hogwarts students and their parents gathered around to watch, gaping, as Regulus and Walburga stood tensely, wands outstretched towards each other. Behind Regulus, James was grasping Sirius’ arm- holding him back from lunging forward, but his eyes were trained on Regulus.Â
Sleeves rolled up, hair down, eyes fiery; Regulus was shaking, with fury or anxiety, probably both. This wasn’t planned, or at least, James didn’t think it was planned. Walburga hadn’t seen her sons to and from the platform since their first departure, and only that had been for appearances. Regulus had told James of his hesitation to return home for Christmas after the hell that had been summer without Sirius home, but it had been a hushed conversation at the time. Venting, really, no solid plan to back it up yet. Then they had gotten off the train and a cruel, lurid voice had frozen both Sirius and Regulus in their tracks. Walburga had come alone, it seemed purposefully to mock Sirius in front of the Hogwarts crowd. Things had gotten out of hand so quickly- she had drawn a wand and James was ready to do the same but then Regulus, of all people, was stepping in front of him, wand out.
“Regulus!” Walburga said sharply, “Stop embarrassing yourself. Get to the carriage.”
“No.” Regulus’ hand was shaky but his voice was clear. He was done taking orders.
“What did you say to me? You insolent child!”
“Yes, mother!” He cried, “Your child! In case you forgot. I haven’t heard from you or father for months, and now you come here just to mock Sirius.” The pain was evident in his voice and James winced. Regulus spoke often about living in Sirius’ shadow; how it simultaneously protected and trivialized him. He spared a look to Sirius whose jaw hung open, shocked and terrified at Regulus’ outburst.Â
“I am protecting the family name.” Walburga sniffed, ignoring the hurt on her child’s face, “Now be a good second son and go wait in the carriage, while I deal with this traitor.” James tightened his grip on Sirius’ arm, pushing him further behind him while Remus stepped forward to shield him as well, but Regulus didn’t waver.
“Well then you’ll have to deal with me too.” Regulus said, the shake gone from his hand as he took a step forward, wand still out stretched. James could see it in his posture; he had made his decision, and he wasn’t backing down. Walburga arched an eyebrow and glared at him.
“You would deny me an heir?” She sneered, and James felt Sirius start to shake in his grip. Regulus remained calm.
“You denied me a mother.” He retorted, and Walburga’s face contorted in anger. She raised her wand, about to strike, and James pushed forward to stand in front of Regulus or push him out of harm’s way but before he could a blurry figure jumped from the crowd and tackled Walburga Black to the ground. Barty Crouch lay heaving, red with anger, on top of her, pinning her arms to her back. She howled for a moment, struggling in his grip, until Evan Rosier cast a quick body locking charm and leaned down to pick up her wand and pull Barty off of her.Â
Suddenly there were several cracks as aurors, finally, apparated into the platform. James saw both Crouch and Rosier glance at Regulus, who nodded shakily at them, before they melted off into the crowd. While the three aurors rushed to Walburga, James rushed to Regulus, leaving Sirius in the safe hands of Moony.Â
Despite the crowd, James threw his arms around Regulus, pulling him into a tight hug. Regulus stood limply in his arms, shaking a little, and when James pulled back he was pale.Â
“That was terrifying.” He muttered, and James just had to grin. He kissed his forehead and hugged him again, this time Regulus wrapping his arms around him in return.
“I know,” He muttered into Regulus’ hair, “I know it was, but I am so bloody proud of you.” Pulling back again he kept his hands on Regulus’ arms, holding him close and peppering kisses around his face and into his hair. Regulus smiled into the affection, and finally put a hand up to James’ face, stilling his assault. Sheepishly, he smiled.
“I may take you up on the offer to stay for the summer hols after all then, Potter.”
