#regulus 001

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James had received the patronus, being in his own flat and without any witness around he had been invited to get to Hog’s Head at 10pm to meet with Dumbledore for the next mission. With the Ministry breathing down their necks, and the Death Eater on their tails it was optimal that they were extra cautious. People rarely used patronuses to communicate and it was rather effective, unless the other person was surrounded by a large group.

He got his cloak, a few galleons on his pocket, his wand, and his invisibility cloak hidden away, just in case he needed to make a swift exit.

Taking a seat and asking for a pint he waited for the person that he was supposed to meet. He thought it would be Albus himself, but the person that entered made him roll his eyes. Of course Regulus would come all dress in black, was it anything non typical pureblood about him?

Nodding in Black’s direction, trying to let him see that he was his appointment, he continued with his drink.

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The tavern was nearly empty, save for a drunk warlock passed out in a corner, the owner behind the bar polishing a filthy goblet, and the last person on earth that Regulus wanted to see: James Potter. His stoic expression immediately turned steely at the sight of the man. He knew this was no coincidence and that Dumbledore had arranged for the both of them to meet. Regulus did not return the nod but made his way directly to the bar. “Scotch, double,” he said tonelessly. Regulus kept his back to Potter, wanting to ignore his presence for as long as he humanly could. The drink arrived all too fast and after he paid, he had no choice but to turn and make his way over to the table in the far corner.

“Potter,” he said by way of greeting. There were no need for theatrics nor shows of politeness: they were both exactly aware of how they felt about each other. Or perhaps they thought so. Regulus’ contempt over the years for the Gryffindor had gone from Quidditch rivalry, to unresolved jealousy and betrayal for stealing Sirius from the Blacks, and now to a deep dislike for James Potter in general.

“Where is he?” Regulus asked, taking a sip from his glass. “Unless I am to meet you.” He didn’t want to waste time, and he suspected James was no less happy to meet him either.

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James knew that Regulus wouldn’t like for them to spend so much time together, it was obvious that Regulus disliked him, and James wasn’t exactly a fan of Regulus, however, he was Sirius’ brother, and that made him family, even family that didn’t like him. James knew how hard it was for Sirius to leave everything behind, so when Regulus came back, James tried his best to not caused extra drama.

“Regulus.” he replied, taking a sip from his drink, shrugging at his next question. Dumbledore didn’t say anything about coming himself, nor what he wanted of them. It was odd that he was asked the both of them, when Regulus clearly didn’t like him, to meet there for a mission. “I figured you would know more, you know being that you are supposed to have more inside information.” he didn’t need to say about what, Regulus joined because of the horcruxes, but the walls had ears, so James was cautious. “I’m sure he’ll clue us in soon.”

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When they were in Hogwarts, it was easy for Regulus to disguise his contempt for James as a Quidditch rivalry. They were both fierce competitors and rather excellent players, after all. Then, when Regulus was fourteen years old, Sirius had up and left, and Quidditch became the last thing he cared about. It didn’t take a genius to know that Sirius had gone to live with the Potters. Regulus’ dislike and annoyance towards James turned overnight into outright hate. The mere sight of James stirred up feelings the 20 year old had long thought he had gotten over, feelings of hurt and abandonment and the realization that he was simply not good enough. That Regulus was a terrible brother, and the man sitting across from him had filled the role he could never live up to.

“The man enjoys his riddles far too much,” Regulus drawled, swirling his glass before taking a measured sip. He really did not want to talk to James anymore than they had to, but sitting there in tense silence would be just as unpleasant. “I recently sent him some– notes,” he said carefully. “Perhaps it is related to that.”

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James didn’t think Regulus was a bad brother, however, he did think that deciding to follow the steps of his cousin wasn’t exactly a nice decision, but he didn’t think a 14 year old could be blamed for what his parents did. Things were hard at the Blacks with Sirius there, not having an older brother might make things even harder. He often thought of their relationship, specially when he saw Sirius’ face when Regulus’ name was brought up.

That didn’t mean he particularly liked Regulus, they were Quidditch rivals, and he was a proper prick, but he could understand his point of view.

“Care to share some enlightenment? Or are you just leaving it at “notes”?” He didn’t have to spell it, just what it was concerning, an update, a lead to another death eater, something other than more riddles, he had enough at the moment. _________________________

Of course, he had never outright blurted to James Potter how very much he despised him, because that was not in Regulus’ modus operandi. Instead, he passive aggressively snorted at his arrogance, refuted his opinions on Quidditch, and was nothing but stiffly distant. This made his opinion of James quite clear to anyone with eyes and ears.

“Not really,” he answered dryly, taking another sip. He sighed. “But if you must.” Regulus set the glass down and leaned in slightly closer, dropping his voice. “I came across a passage in Macabre Monsters and Beasts. It spoke of the properties of Basilisk venom and its abilities in destroying cursed items.” He pursed his lips before shaking his head once. “Of course, I don’t know how much use it will be, given there are no full grown Basilisks lying around.”

He leaned back in his seat, reaching for his glass. It was then he caught sight of a discarded and stained Quidditch Weekly lying at the end of the table. James’ name flashed under the title of an article. He let out a snort of disbelief, before mumbling out loud, “There is no way Scotland is taking the European Cup this year.”

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James didn’t need Regulus to tell him how he really felt, it was obvious just by the few interactions they had. He wanted to try and patch things up, to make things easier for Sirius, but Regulus never wanted that and James got tired of pushing.

“Of course.” he scoffed and finished his drink, Abefort turning quickly to refill it. Regulus would prefer to deal with a Troll than be sitting next to James. At the next sentence James’ curiosity perked up, “A Basilisk?” he asked and his head started plotting, he knew that the last know one had been seen a while ago but he knew the location. “If you believe the rumours are true, then Hogwarts would be a good place to start looking for one.” he pointed, knowing it was nearly impossible to get it, but at least it was something worth exploring, more now that the headmaster was on their side.

James was plotting on how to find Basilisk’s venom, when Regulus made a comment about his article. “Who do you believe will win, Britain or Germany?” they were the obvious choices, but he stood by his statement.

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It was something about James Potter’s insufferable optimism and friendly nature that only served to irritate Regulus even more. Despite the well earned mistrust James might have towards him, Regulus had been annoyingly surprised at James Potter’s pleasant behavior. He was actually attempting to reconcile a companionship, which had never really existed, whereas Regulus was perfectly content to never speak to the other man again. James had even invited Regulus over to Sunday roast dinners at his home, with his wife and child. Regulus had point blank refused his offer, thinking he’d rather spend the evening in the Dark Lord’s Horcrux cave than have to sit through that.

Of course, deep beneath the walls of self-preservation and genuine dislike of James, Regulus knew what bothered him so much about the former Gryffindor. James was everything that Sirius needed in a brother: loyal, adventurous, supportive, always there. James was everything as a brother that Regulus was not.

“Hogwarts?” Regulus drawled before he caught on. “You don’t mean the tale of Salazar Slytherin’s alleged Basilisk?” He let out a snort of disbelief, shaking his head. “Don’t tell me you believe that nonsense. That was a myth they told the little first years to scare them. Every Slytherin knows that.” At the other man’s question, he quirked an eyebrow. “France, obviously. They have the best Seeker of the season.”

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James tried to be positive because there was so much shitty things around him, and part of him also wanted to some of his mistakes from when he used to hex first and ask questions later. It wasn’t ideal but it was the best he could to in that horrible situation, hopefully his cheerful demeanour brighten his loved ones’ days. His invitation to Regulus was genuine, Sirius always wanted to repair that bridge, and Regulus might have some redeeming qualities, but James was struggling to see them.

“Yes, exactly that, I don’t think it would be put in Hogwarts A History if it was just a child story. There is so many places at Hogwarts that are hidden that you would think twice about thinking that is just a story.” he admitted taking a new drink from his glass. “There is Gryffindor’s sword, and there has been confirmation of other rooms around the castle, it’s not that far fetched.” he shrugged.