#Pandora and Reg are so fascinating to me in this | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

starchaseriseverything · 3 months

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James has just arrived at the address he was given to babysit. According to Google Maps, the house is called Grimmauld place.

A woman answers the door a few minutes after James knocks. She has long, black, unruly hair. She looks frantic. "Hi, hi, sorry. It's a little crazy in here. I'm Bellatrix Black-Lestrange. Nice to meet you."

"James Potter."

"Right, Sirius told me about you." James makes a confused look. "The one who hired you, his name is Sirius."

"Like the star?"

"Yeah. I'm surprised someone knows that."

"I've always been fascinated with the stars. You're named after one, too."

"Yeah, I am. Most of my family is."

Fleamont - James' dad - taught James all about the stars when he was four. He was always fascinated with them since he was born. He thought they looked like the little specks of paint that Euphemia - James' mother - drew.

"Anyway, come inside, it's cold."

As soon as James walked inside, he was hit with a water balloon. "Ted Remus Lupin!" A man with the same long, black hair just more tamed yells. "I'm so sorry. My son is a prankster. Anyway, I'm Sirius Black-Lupin." Sirius looks James over. "Hey, Reg! Can you get a towel!"

Another woman walks up with long, white, and black hair. "What happened, Siri?" She looks over at James. "Oh, hello. I'm Narcissa Black-Malfoy. It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too."

A boy comes up to hug her leg. She smiles. "This is my son, Draco."

"Another star. You really meant it when you said most of your family."

"Yeah." Bellatrix says. "It's crazy and hectic." A man with short black hair walks up with a towel in hand. "Finally, Reg. Took forever."

"Shut up, Bells. At least I can't get pregnant."

"Why is that your insult?"

"Who would want a second kid? Apparently, you."

"Whatever." She takes the towel from the man and hands it to James. "Sorry, that's Regulus Black." The man - Regulus - leaves.

"Reg! Are you coming with us!?" Someone from the other room yells while James drys himself with the towel.

"No!" Regulus answers. "And take B and Ev with you! Their sickening!"

Yet, another woman comes in with a girl and a man trailing behind her. She has - thankfully - tamed, brunette hair. "I'm Andromeda Black-Tonks. This is my husband, Ted Tonks. And my daughter, Nymphadora Tonks."

"Nice to meet you."

"You, too."

Two more men come in. "Rodolphus Lestrange."

"Lucius Malfoy."

"James Potter."

Three men and two women come in. The first woman that has red hair speaks up. "I'm Lily Evans-Rosier."

"The Lily Evans? The one that Marlene keeps talking about?"

"You know her?"

"Know her? She's my best friend."

"Anyway," The dark skinned girl with blonde highlights says, "I'm Pandora Rosier. This is my twin," she gestures to a dark skinned boy, "Evan Rosier."

"And this is my boyfriend, Barty Crouch." Evan gestures to a boy with blonde tips.

"Sup."

"I'm Remus Lupin. Kids! Come here!" Four kids come running in. "Teddy Lupin, Draco Malfoy, Nymphadora Tonks, Harry Rosier, Luna Rosier, and Tom Riddle Jr." Remus gives an apologetic looks. "I'm sorry there's so many, but we need a break."

Bellatrix speaks. "Regulus is upstairs if you need anything. It's.... three so, we'll be back around.... ten?" Everyone nods. "Ten. Is that ok?"

"Yeah. Of course it is. I babysit Aries and Artemis for 2 days and their.... monsters?"

Lily smiles. "Fair enough. Anyway, instructions are on the fridge. If you need any help, feel free to ask anyone, yeah?"

Everyone says goodbye, and now it's James and the kids. "So, have any toys?"

Luna squeals. "I'm gonna like you."

James smiles. "Well, I hope so."

***

"Hey! That's cheating!" Harry yells.

"Nuh uh." Luna says.

"Yes, it is."

"Nuh uh."

James sighs. "Alright, who wants to go to the park?"

"Yeah!" Everyone yells.

***

James has finally riled up the kids at six and is now finally in the house at six-thirty.

Seven rolls around, and the kids have been fed.

Eight rolls around, and it's time for bed.

"I wanna say goodnight to Uncle Reggie." Luna pouts. "I do it every night."

James sighs. "Alright. Go say goodnight."

"Yay!" Luna grabs James' hand and starts running down the hall to what James assumes is Regulus' room. Luna stops in front of a door and knocks. The door opens, and Regulus appears with messy hair, pajama pants, and no shirt.

Fucking hell.

"Uncle Reggie!" Regulus looks down and picks up Luna. "You forgot to come say goodnight."

Regulus smiles. "I did? I'm sorry. I won't do it again." He gives Luna a kiss on the temple and sets her back down. "Alright, bedtime." Regulus leads Luna to her room and tucks her in.

"Goodnight, Uncle Reggie. Goodnight, James."

***

James decided to sit down and scroll through TikTok on his phone. Apparently it's been an hour because next thing he knew Regulus was walking down the stairs and he looked at the clock.

9:00

James goes back to his phone for another ten minutes before Regulus comes into the room. He stands right in front of James - which he didn't even realize either - and speaks, "Have you eaten anything?"

James jumps. "A little warning next time would be nice. Also, no."

"You should eat something."

James eyes him. "You're one to talk. You didn't even come down for dinner."

Regulus rolls his eyes. "I don't like eating with the kids. And anyway, I'm heating up food right now."

"Ok, good." He pauses and waits for Regulus to leave. He doesn't. "Is that all you wanted?"

"Mm. No, actually. I think you're cute." He walks away and leaves James flabbergasted.

Unfortunately, Regulus goes back upstairs with his food and doesn't come back down. Not even when James leaves. Luckily, James has sticky notes in his bag. He grabs his bag and excuses himself to use the restroom. He grabs a bright yellow sticky note and a pen and writes, 'I think you're cute, too' and sticks it to Regulus' door - he remembers from when Luna wanted to say goodnight.

***

"Artemis, no! Aries, stop! You little -" James' phone rings.

Sirius Black

"Hello - Aries, Artemis! I'm going to call your mother! Better yet, I'll call your mama!"

"No, no! We'll stop!"

"Thank you, now be quiet."

"Yes, Uncle Jamie."

"Sorry about that. What's the problem?"

"We need someone to babysit again, and Reg won't do it. Plus, they seem to like you." It's been two weeks since he last babysat them - for the first time. "Please." He begs. "If you need any help, Reg is here."

"I'm sorry, Sirius." Sirius told him to call him that. "I'm already babysitting my niece and nephew."

"You can bring 'em! We don't care. As long as you come, please."

James sighs. "Alright, I can take them anywhere I want, anyway."

"Thank you."

"Ar, Art, who wants to go play with other kids?"

"Yay!"

***

"Alright, I'm going to need you to be good, ok?"

"Yes, Uncle Jamie." Aries says.

James knocks on the door, and Pandora opens it with Luna and Harry beside her. "Sorry, their being clingy."

"James!" They both yell.

"Hey!" Artemis yells. "That's our Uncle Jamie!"

Pandora has a panicked look on her face. "Oh god. You already have a babysitting gig? Are you supposed to take them out?" She wispers the last part.

"I'm their Uncle. I can do whatever I want, and Marls won't care. Have you not met them?"

"No, should I have?"

"Not necessarily. Ar, Art, you guys have met Lily, your mama' friend, right?"

"Yeah, she's nice. We call her Aunt Lily." Artemis says.

"This is her wife, Pandora."

"Really?" Aries asks. "She looks pretty. Way prettier than you, Uncle Jamie."

James smiles. "Wow, thanks."

"Well, it is true," Artemis agrees. "Uncle Jamie."

"Fair."

"Anyway, come inside. It's cold out there."

Hmm. James thinks. Less chaos.

Apparently, Pandora knows what he's thinking because she says, "Remus is giving them a talk."

"Hey, Uncle Jamie." Aries says. "How many kids we talkin'?"

"Six and counting."

"Wow! Uncle Jamie, you hit the jackpot."

"I don't wanna." Artemis says. "Uncle Jamie, can we go?"

James squats down to her level. "Come on, you don't have that many friends. You need to make more. Your mama and I had so many friends by your age."

Artemis groans. "But I'm not like Mama."

"I know, you're more like your mom."

A voice comes from the doorway. "Aren't they the same people?" Regulus.

"No, their not. They have two moms."

"Do we have to? Can't you just drop me off with Mom or Mama?"

James sighs. "Marlene is working her hotel, and Dorcas can't have any distractions when she's painting. So, no. I'm sorry, babes."

Artemis sighs. "It's fine."

"Come on, sis. It'll be fun."

"For you, maybe. You're better at making friends."

"You know," James starts, "you remind me of one of my friends."

"Who?"

"Peter. He couldn't make friends very well until I walked up to him. After that, he made friends quite easily."

"Really? You really think I'm just like Uncle Peter?"

James nods. "Absolutely. You just need a little push by your brother. Aries? Help your sister, ok?"

Aries salutes him. "Yes, Uncle Jamie, sir." James rolls his eyes, and Aries laughs. "Of course, Uncle Jamie. I always will."

James gets back up. "Ok, so, here's two of kids. Luna and Harry. Their siblings just like you but their twins."

"You mean just like Aunt Lily talks about her friends who are twins."

James smiles. "You've already met one of them. Pandora is one of them."

They both gasp. "Really!? Two twins in one day!? Best day ever!" Aries yells.

Andromeda comes in. "What's all the yelling for?"

"Sorry, they were excited. Aries, Artemis, remember."

"We know. We're sorry."

"See. Good kids when they want to be."

"You're kids?"

"No. I've been single for years now. I think I'm probably gonna stay that way at this rate. Anyway, these are my best friends' kids."

"Uncle Jamie!" Aries yells. "Look, they both have blonde hair - really blonde."

"Yeah."

"You have a sibling?"

"No, none. Marls and Cas just like to let their kids talk freely. So they decide to call all of our friends Aunt and Uncle."

"That's pretty nice, actually."

Artemis walks over to James. "Jamie, bag."

"Magic words."

"Uncle Jamie, could I please have your bag so we can play?"

"Better." He hands her the bag that has all kinds of toys and coloring books he put together the first day he started this business. Aries and Artemis helped, of course. They run off into the other room somewhere.

"You're really good with them." Regulus says.

"I was there the day they were born. Through everything. I was waiting outside with the rest of my friends' kids. But I was still there."

"You'd be a good father someday."

James smiles as soon as Evan and Barty come in. "Who's kids are those?" Evan spots James. "You have kids?"

"No, those are my best friends' kids. You know what, it'd be easier if I said yes. I might start doing that." James peeks his head into the other room. "Hey, Ar, Art," they look up at him, "how 'bout, I just start tell people you're my kids?"

"Wouldn't be much of a lie anyway."

"As long as Mama and Mom are still our moms."

"Deal."

"Why did they say 'it wouldn't be much of a lie'?" Barty asks.

"I was both of their sperm donors, but they came out looking like both Marlene and Dorcas. Hey, Lily' here, right?"

"Yeah, she's in the kitchen."

"Great, I'll be back." James walks in the kitchen and sees Lily cooking. "Hey, Lils."

"James. You remember, don't you?"

"Yeah, sadly. But I got better."

"Not much, I see." James' eyebrows fly up. "I can see the scars on your wrists." Lily sighs. "It's been years, Jamie. Why can't you stop?"

"Because they were my whole life, Lils! You know that. And this whole thing is what made you disregard me from your life."

"You can say it, James. I broke up with you."

"Yeah, yeah, I know." James sighs. "I got better than I was before, though. When Artemis was born, I stopped doing it all over and just on my wrists." James closes his eyes and takes a deep breath in and out. He opens them again. "I'm sorry, Lils. I'm sorry I can't get over my parents' death. But I'm not sorry that we broke up and you found someone better. She's good for you, and I'm happy just seeing you happy."

Lily smiles. "Thank you, Jamie." They hug.

"You know, you could have told me they call you Aunt Lily." They break apart.

"Who?"

"Aries and Artemis. They told me a few minutes ago."

"You got here a few minutes ago - oh - they're here?" James nods. Lily - and James - runs past everyone - who is now where James left only four people - and into the sitting room. "Aries, Artemis!"

"Aunt Lily!" They both yell and rush up to her.

"Aunt Lily?" The other kids murmur.

Lily smiles and pulls apart from them. "Jamie will tell you why they call me that. Alright, you two, I'm going out with my family, and I need you two to watch over your Uncle and these other kids. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes, ma'am!" Lily gets up and walks to the door - James following close behind.

"Um, Lils, you can't leave me with explaining that."

"Sure I can. I'm doing it right now."

"Ok," Bellatrix says, "anyway, the instructions are on the fridge. If you need anything, Reg is upstairs."

"Bye, Jamie, love you."

Love you, too." Pandora makes a confused look while James ushers them out. He smiles at Lily. "You make me explain, I make you explain."

"James." Lily warns. "I'll get you for this."

James just smiles in return. When they were all outside, James says, "Lily and I dated," and closes the door. James could hear yelling coming from the other side as they walked farther down the sidewalk.

James turned around and saw Regulus wide-eyed. "You - you dated Lily?"

"Yes?"

"Uncle Jamie!" Artemis yells. "I wanna call Mama! I want to tell her I made friends!"

James walks into the room. "Sure, come here, Mis." Artemis walks up to James and plops herself down on his lap. James grabs his phone and dials Marlene.

"James? What's wrong? Are they hurt?"

"Their fine, Marls. Mis just wants to tell you something."

James hears a sigh over the phone. "What is it, babes?"

"I made friends!"

"How - you - James, where are you?"

"Babysitting."

"Mama, we saw Aunt Lily."

"James, you can't babysit that many kids."

"I just added two more. Plus, when we're not at home, they behave."

"You know their terrors, James. You can't do that by yourself. I'll be there to help in a little bit."

"No, Marls. You need to stay at the hotel. You have a job to do. So do I. And this is mine. I'll be fine. And if I need any help, I'll call Pete, or Frank, or Alice, or even Mary." James hears Marlene sigh.

"Alright, but if anything happens, you call me no one else until I say so, got it?"

"Yeah, Marls, sure. I love you."

"I love you, too. I love you, Artemis, Aries!" She yells the last bit so her son can hear her.

"I love you, too, Mama!" They both yell. James hangs up.

"Artemis, go play."

"Ok." She gets off of James' lap and runs up to her brother and their new found friends.

"Are you going to tell me?"

"Tell you what?"

"You and Lily."

"Why would I? We're not friends."

Regulus raises an eyebrow. "The sticky note you left says otherwise."

James avoids Regulus' gaze. "I have no idea what you're talking about." James hears footsteps coming closer, and Regulus comes into view.

He leans down and tilts James' head upwards. "Are you sure?" He wispers.

James nods.

Regulus grip tightens. "And you're so sure that if I show you proof, you will still deny it?"

James' eyes wonder down to Regulus' lips for 2 seconds, and then go back to his eyes. He nods again.

Regulus' hand disappears from James' chin. "Well, then, come on." Regulus holds out his hand, and James takes it.

Regulus leads James up the stairs before James speaks, "I shouldn't leave the kids."

"They'll be fine." Regulus leads James to the end of the first hall - which he didn't realize last time - where Regulus' room is.

There are three halls - as far as James knows. One for the girls, one for the boys, and the third one for the parents (and Regulus).

"Your house is a little bigger than mine."

"A little? I'm assuming - comparing to yours - it's a mansion."

"My mum always liked to build more and more rooms, so yeah, a little bigger." Regulus opens his door to his bedroom, and James is in awe.

James sees pictures of the Black', Regulus and his friends, and a picture of six people he doesn't recognize, standing with the Black'. James walks up to the photo and takes a quick once over.

The two beside Sirius and Regulus are their parents. The two beside Andromeda, Bellatrix, and Narcissa are their parents. And the last two standing beside Pandora and Evan are their parents.

"These are your parents? You look just like them."

"No, we don't."

"What are their names?" Regulus eyes him. "Just curious."

"If I tell you, will you let it be?"

"Yes."

"Pandora and Evan' parents are Adele Jacob - Rosier and Axel Rosier. Andromeda, Bellatrix, and Narcissa' parents are Cygnus Black and Druella Rosier - Black. And Sirius and I' are Walburga Irma - Black and Orion Black."

James' eyes go wide. Walburga Irma, as in Mum' ex- girlfriend!?"

"What?"

"Euphemia Braithewaite."

"What about her?"

"She's my mum."

"Really? My mum - a cold, heartless, bitch - dated your mum - the sweetest person alive?"

"How did you know she was so nice?"

"With how you turned out, both your parents had to be nice."

"Fair."

Regulus goes to his nightstand and pulls out a bright yellow sticky note - the one he left. "You kept it?"

"Yeah. I did."

***

"Kids, time for bed."

"But Uncle Jamie."

"No, none of that, Aries. Come up here on the couch, both of you." They do, and they immediately fall asleep.

"The rest of you, time for bed."

The final one for the night is Luna. And she always has to go to Regulus. They knock on the door, he opens it, and picks up Luna. "Hey, ma filleule."

James almost passes out from the use of French.

He doesn't know why, but French coming from Regulus' mouth, is heaven. And he's heard people speak French before but coming from Regulus, that's something he can't stand.

"Goodnight, Luns." Regulus puts Luna back on the ground.

"Come on, hermosa chica." She takes James' hand and leads them to her room. He tucks Luna in and she falls asleep almost immediately.

"You're good with kids."

James jumps. "Jesus, Regulus. You scared me."

"You can't speak Spanish and not expect anything to happen."

"Oh, you mean this? Eres tan hermoso y guapo. Quizás no pueda quitarte las manos de encima por mucho tiempo."

Regulus groans. "No, stop."

"Vale, está bien, Regulus. Adiós."

***

The door opens, and everyone comes in. "Thank you so much for watching the kids." Bellatrix says. "Even though you were already watching some. It means so much to us. Thank you."

"It was no big deal. All of them are not as much work as these two alone." James looks down in his lap where Aries and Artemis are laying. "Aries, Artemis, come on. Get up."

They run to the other side of the room to grab James' bag and run back to James while James grabs his phone.

Cas

Bringing the kids home. See you soon.

Thanks, Jamie. I love you.

I love you, too.

"Alright, Cas should have your food ready by the time we get home." James walks to the door, looks up at the stairs where Regulus is watching him, and yells out, "Fairwell, Black's and Rosier's. Goodnight!" And he walks out with Aries and Artemis only looking back once at Regulus' window where he's watching James walk down the sidewalk and to his car.

***

"Thank you, Uncle Jamie!" They both say. "We love you!"

"I love you, too!" James yells back from the car.

Just as James was about to leave, Marlene' car pulls up, and she gets out. "James Fleamont Potter! Quit cutting yourself!"

"What?" James asks, surprised as Marlene leans in the window.

"Lily called me. She said she saw your cuts."

"That little -"

"No, don't blame her. This is all you. I thought you said you got better when Artemis was born?"

"I did, sort of. I mean, I started only doing it in one place."

"Your wrists." Marlene closes her eyes and takes a deep breath - a little habit Marlene picked up from James, which he picked up from Effie. "James, you can't keep doing this to yourself. It's been five years since Mis was born. Ten since Effie and Monty died. You need to stop. It's not healthy."

James sighs. "I can't, Marls. You know how I feel."

"I do, James. I really do. But you can't keep beating yourself up about it. It wasn't your fault."

"If I was there! If I was there, I could have gotten them out in time. Instead I decided to ignore them over a stupid fucking fight." James starts to tear up. "The last thing I ever said to them was, 'I hate you. I wish you would die.' That's the very last thing, Marls. How could I 'get over it'? It's my fault. If I was there, they wouldn't have gone after me."

"It was the drunk driver, James. It wasn't you. I promise." Marlene opens James' door. "Come on. Stay with us tonight. Please? I'll make sure no one bothers you."

James scoffs. "But you."

Marlene smiles. "That's only because you're my best friend, and I care about you." James sighs and gets out of the car with his wallet, phone and keys. Marlene locks it and leads them inside. "The world would be a dark place without you, Jamie. You're our sun, and everyone knows it. Even Aries and Artemis. They'd miss you too much."

***

Jamie, Frank, and I want to go out. Do you think you could watch Neville?

Think I can? I'm a god! (At babysitting, of course) Yes, yes, I will.

Number

Hey, James. I got this number off of Sirius' phone.

Hey, Regulus.

How did you know?

😒

Right, nvm. Anyway, I wanted to ask if you wanted to hang out?

Hang out, really? After everything?

Ok, I'm sorry. I'm not really good at asking people out.

So, you want to go on a date?

Yes.

Great! When?

Now?

I can't. Babysitting.

Who?

One of my friends' kid, Neville Longbottom. Alice has been my friend since school years, so I'd do almost anything for her.

Almost?

The rest I'd do for Marlene.

Fair. Um. What if I come with you? To the babysitting gig, that is.

I mean, if you want. Where do you want to meet?

Come pick me up at my house?

Yeah, I'll be there in 10.

"Hey, Marls. I got a gig."

"Who?"

"Alice and Frank."

"Frank...."

"Longbottom. You know, the dude that Al married?"

"Oh! Franky! Yeah, got it."

"Hey, who's watching the kids if we all have work?"

"You. It'll be only three kids this time. You'll be fine."

"Yeah, about that. Someone is.... tagging along."

"Tagging?" Marlene gasps. "You mean like a date? Like someone who wants to help you work, kinda date?"

"I guess."

"Who?"

"Not telling. At least, not yet, ok?"

Marlene sighs. "Fine. Meany." She mumbles the last bit under her breath, but James still heard her and smacked her up the top of her head.

***

James pulls up to the front of Regulus' house and pulls out his phone.

Regulus

I'm here.

Come inside real quick.

I can't. I have Aries and Artemis. Sorry.

It's ok.

I get it if you don't want to come.

No, I do. I'll be out in a minute.

"Ok, you two have to be on your best behavior. Play with Neville, I don't care. Just don't be brats. Ok?"

"Yes, Uncle Jamie. We promise."

"Good."

James sees Regulus open the door and walk down the sidewalk. "Hey." Regulus says when he opens the car door.

James digs around in his bag and pulls out two figets. "Ar, Mis, here's you figets."

"Yay!" Aries yells. "Thank you, Uncle Jamie."

"Can we go see Aunt Alice now?"

"Yes."

James turns the car back on and starts driving to Alice' house. She's only ten minutes away from the Black'.

"Uncle Jamie, can we play music?" Artemis asks.

"Yeah, here." He grabs his phone and reaches behind his seat where Artemis is. She takes it.

Their favorite artist is Sarah Maddack, and that's exactly what starts playing - the Coffee Shop Bop.

I hoped into a coffee shop

And then my jaw dropped in shock when

I saw a girl who had cool pants

They made me want to dance

"What kind of music is this?" Regulus asks.

"It's their favorite artist." James answers. "Sarah Maddack."

"Still doesn't answer my question."

"It's the only answer I got."

By the time they get to Alice' house, that Playlist has run through at least three times. James knocks on his friends door with Aries and Artemis in front of him and Regulus beside him. Frank answers. "Hey, James. Alice is upstairs with Neville."

James gives the bag to Aries, and they both run inside. He smiles. "Sorry, you know how they are."

"I do." He looks over to Regulus. "Who's this?"

"Regulus Black."

"Nice to meet you."

"You, too."

Frank steps aside and gestures for them to come in. James can hear Aries and Artemis in the other room. Alice comes down the stairs with Neville on her hip. She's wearing a long black dress with sequins. It has one strap on the right side and a leg slit. "Al, I think I could date you."

Frank raises his eyebrows. Alice rolls her eyes. "You probably would if you weren't gay."

"True. I mean, when I saw Frank, I just knew." She rolls her eyes again.

"Take your nephew."

"Gladly." Alice hands Neville over to James.

"Uncle Jamie! You're here!"

"Yeah, so are Aries and Artemis." Neville gasps while James puts him down, and he runs to the other room. "So, Al, I didn't have time to take a shower this morning with Cas and Marls."

"You'll do it either way."

"Sure as hell I will."

Alice sighs. "Fine."

"I love you, Al."

"I love you, too, Jamie. Goodbye."

"Adiós, mi amor!" James yells before Alice shuts the door. James laughs. He walks to the other room, Regulus trailing behind him. "Alright, I'm going to take a shower. Reg, are you good for a few minutes?"

James looks at Regulus, and he's blushing. He didn't even realize he called him Reg. James smirks. "Reg? Reggie?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'll be fine."

James walks over to Artemis. "You think you could all stay in here for ten minutes? Regulus and I have something to do." She nods. "Thank you, babes."

James walks over and grabs Regulus' hand, dragging him up the stairs. "James, they can't be unattended."

"They'll be fine." He walks into Alice and Frank' room and into the bathroom. When the door is shut and locked, he pins Regulus to the door. "Did you like that? Reg."

He blushes again. "Stop that."

"I don't think I will." He kisses Regulus' cheek, then the other one, then is chin, then finally his lips. He kisses back.

Regulus pushes James back to the toilet - luckily, Alice always insists on closing it - breaking the kiss in the process. He straddles him and starts kissing James again.

James breaks the kiss. "Reg, I need to take a shower."

Regulus groans. "No."

"Yes. Come on, Reg. Please?"

He groans again. "Fine." He gets up, kisses James again, then leaves.

***

Alice stumbles in the door with Frank behind her. "Jesus, Al." James says. "What did you two do?"

"Bar."

James walks over to his friend and helps her get up the stairs. He lays her down on her bed and tucks her in. She falls asleep as soon as her head hits the pillow.

He goes back downstairs to see Frank and Regulus talking while Aries, Artemis, and Neville are playing. "Nev, bedtime."

"But, Uncle Jamie."

"No, it's bedtime."

"Fine." James walks over to the three and picks Neville up and does the same he did for Alice except Neville wanted a bedtime story - Goodnight Moon. Neville is passed out before James even finishes the book.

He goes back downstairs, and Aries and Artemis are asleep on Regulus. Aries on one side with his head on Regulus' leg and Artemis on the other side with her head on Regulus' other leg.

Frank must have gone upstairs at some point because he's nowhere in sight.

James smiles. "You look cute like that." Regulus looks up.

"Really? Do you think I'd be a good dad?"

James hums. "Yeah, I do." James walks over to them and picks up Artemis. She stirs a little but goes right back to sleep. He does the same thing with Aries, and he also goes back to sleep. "Are you ready?"

"Yeah."

"Can you grab my bag." James looks around. He spots it at the corner of the room. "It's over there." He nudges his head in that direction.

"Sure."

Thankfully, Aries or Artemis don't wake up when James puts them in their car seats. Neither do they wake up when he gets them back out of the car seats and into their beds.

"Ah, fuck. I forgot Marlene and Dorcas aren't going to be home for a few hours. Do you think you could stay for a little while?"

"Yeah, sure. What do you have in mind?"

"We could watch a movie or something."

Regulus humms. "That sounds nice."

So, they did, in fact, watch movies, eat some snacks, and maybe some other little things - that couldn't go far because of Artemis and Aries - until Marlene and Dorcas came home.

James hears the door open, signaling that Marlene and Dorcas are home. "Hey, Jamie!" Marlene yells. How'd your so-called date go!?"

"It's going pretty well." James hears footsteps, and Marlene comes into view.

She smiles. "Babe! Jamie brought a boy!"

James hears more footsteps, and Dorcas comes into view. "He did what?"

James gets up with Regulus behind him. "Kids are in bed. We'll be going now."

"No," Marlene says, "you can't do that."

"Yes, I can. I'm going back to my apartment and you can't do anything about it."

Marlene smiles and twists her foot a little. "Ow! Jamie, I twisted my ankle."

"Your wife is right there. Right, Cas?"

"Mmm. I don't know, Jamie. I don't think I can carry her."

James sighs. "You two are assholes and you're lucky I love you." Marlene climbs on James' back. "Cas, don't do anything."

"Definitely won't."

"Don't!" James yells as he starts walking. When he gets to the stairs, he drops Marlene on her feet. "Alright, be a nice little, Marlene, and tell me what you're up to."

"No, I don't think I will."

"Marls."

"Dorcas is having a little chat."

"Marlene Elizabeth McKinnon! You are a little cunt!" James walks back to where he left Regulus and Dorcas. They're not there.

"Dorcas Eileen Meadows!"

"James Fleamont Potter!" Dorcas' sarcastic voice comes from the kitchen. James storms in there with Marlene right behind. Regulus nowhere in sight.

James points at Dorcas. "Your a fucking cunt just like your wife. I hope your kids don't turn out like either of you."

"Who else would they turn out like, dipshit?"

"Oh, I don't know, Marls. Maybe their sperm donor, me."

"Why would they turn out like you?"

"Because I'm always here!"

"Because you don't know how to take care of yourself! Cas, have you seen his wrists lately? Lily told me."

"Lily has no fucking say! She left me when things got too hard!"

"James, that was ten years ago. When Effie and Monty died."

"They were my parents, Marls! How could I be normal?"

"It's been ten years!"

"And it feels like ten seconds! Marls, they were my whole life."

"I know that, Jamie. They were my parents, too."

"You had parents! And they were mine."

"Jamie, you can't keep doing this to yourself."

"Why the fuck not!? I don't belong here!"

"Yes, you do! Your our sunshine, Jamie. We'd all be in darkness if something happened to you."

Dorcas cuts in. "Aries and Artemis would never be happy again."

James closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "Yeah, yeah, you're right." He opens his eyes again.

Dorcas clears her throat. "Uh, Jamie. Behind you."

"What?" He turns around and spots Regulus. "Fuck." Regulus looks at him with pity in his eyes. James sighs. "You heard the whole thing." He nods. "I'll- um - take you home now." He turns back around, and Marlene tosses him his phone, keys, and wallet. "Thanks, Marls. I won't be back tonight."

"Going back to your apartment?"

"Yeah. I love you both."

Marlene looks at him. "Jamie,"

"I'll be fine. Ok?" She nods. "I love you."

"We love you, too."

James and Regulus make it to his car. The whole time, neither of them spoke. James starts the car and starts driving. James usually puts on music when he's driving, but this doesn't feel like the right time.

About five minutes into the drive, Regulus speaks. "James,"

"Can we not? I've already been through this a million times. I get it. You never want to see me again. This is exactly why I don't date."

"I - wait, you think I don't want to date you?"

"That's how these things usually go. Isn't that where this is going?"

"No, of course I want to date you. Why would this lead me away?"

"That's what happens every time."

"Well, not this time. I promise." James parks the car of the side of the road. "What are you doing?"

James turns to him. "Why? Why are you staying?"

"Because someone shouldn't leave when things get hard. Especially when it's something like that."

James' breath hitched. "You mean it? You're staying?" Regulus nods. "Can I kiss you." He nods again and James leans in.

At some point - after the make-out session - James drives to the Blacks.

"Thanks. For staying - I mean."

"I don't know why anyone wouldn't. You're too beautiful and kind to pass up." James smiles and leans in for another kiss. Regulus opens the car door and gets out. "I'll text you?" James nods.

When James gets home, he erases his 30-day mark of not having any suicidal thoughts and puts down zero.

James started that when his parents died because he always had them a lot. The farthest he's ever got was two months. Marlene always thought it was stupid until she realized he always wrote down how many days. Then, she was always around to check the board - even though she thought she had made a good excuse, James still knew.

Marls

'How you doin'?'

'He didn't leave.'

'Really?'

'Yeah. I think I might finally have found my true love.'

'I'm glad, Jamie. You really needed one.'

'Wow. Thanks.'

'You're welcome.'

James rolls his eyes.

'I'm going to bed now. I love you.'

'I love you, too.'

If James was thinking about Regulus all night, no one needed to know that, only him.

***

It's been a month since Regulus and James started dating and a month since he last babysat the Blacks. James is pretty sure Regulus hasn't told anyone because no one has gave him the shovel talk. Marlene, Dorcas, Alice, Mary, Peter and even Frank gave Regulus the shovel talk, but no one has him yet.

James has learned a bunch of things about Regulus. Like, his favorite flower, - Acrtic Willows - color, - green - food - a chocolate soufflé - and many more.

Regulus has been around a lot in the past month, and Artemis, Aries, and Neville like him a lot. One time, they even asked if they could call him Uncle Regulus. Of course, James said no. That would be too much pressure. But if Regulus stays longer, then they most likely will.

At this point, Regulus has stayed over at James' at lot. He even stayed for a week once. But every time, he's always went back to his family. But every time, he always comes back to James.

With Regulus around, James' board has 30 days suicidal thoughts free. Surprisingly, Regulus never asked about the board. And even Marlene has accepted that Regulus is much better for James.

When his thoughts get too much, he still cuts his wrists, but lately, it's been a lot better.

"Hey, Reg." Regulus humms in response. "Have you told your family about us?"

"No. I didn't think you'd want to deal with that." They're laying in James' bed cuddling.

"I'll be fine. I promise. Just tell 'em."

"Ok. Well, we can tell 'em later today. Oh, yeah, Siri wants me to babysit. Can you?"

"Sure, Reg."

"Thank you, baby." He leans up and kisses James. "You're the best."

***

"Before you guys go, James and I have something to tell you."

"You're dating." Pandora states.

"How -"

"I know everything, James. But I didn't tell anyone. Besides, Lily."

"Yeah, and I already knew. It was obvious, Jamie."

Sirius makes a surprised face. "I didn't! That's my baby brother!"

"Ok, and?" Bellatrix says. "That's our baby cousin."

Barty purses his lips. "He's just my best friend."

***

James found the perfect place for Regulus' surprise. It's a greenery with a bunch of Regulus' favorite plants and trees.

"Regulus Arcturus Black, the first time I set eyes on you was the most spectacular thing I ever witnessed. You might have been mean to me at first, but I must have grown on you because, well, we're in this spot right now. So, Reg, Reggie, the love of my life, will you forever be with me for eternity? Make me the happiest man alive and make me your husband?"

Regulus smiles. "Yes, James, of course I will."

***

Regulus and James have found the most beautiful place to raise their family. James' childhood home that he never sold. And good timing, too. Aries, Artemis, and Neville started calling Regulus Uncle. And the same thing with James. Luna, Harry, Tom, Nymphadora, Teddy, and Draco started calling James Uncle, too.

***

"So, who's getting married?" A woman asks.

"We are." James says. "Me and my fiancé."

"You two?"

What? Never had a gay couple?"

"No, sorry. Tuxedos or dresses?"

"Tuxedos."

***

"Dorcas, my other beloved. Will you be my bridesmaid?"

"Yes, James."

"No scream?"

"I'm not like Marls but just for you." She screams.

"Alice, my wife, will you be my bridesmaid?"

She smiles. "Of course I will, Jamie."

"Mary, my life, will you be my bridesmaid?"

She jumps up and down while screaming. "Yes, yes, yes!"

"Frank, my husband, will you be my groomsman?"

"Yes, James."

"Peter, my love, will you be my groomsman?"

"Yes, James. Why wouldn't I be?"

"And, finally, my beloved, Marlene, will you be my maid of honor?"

She screams. "Yes! I knew you loved me!"

***

"Barty, will you be my groomsman?"

He smiles. "Do you really love me that much?"

Regulus rolls his eyes. "Yes or no?"

"Yes."

"Evan, will you be my groomsman?"

"Of course I will, Reg."

"Pandora, my beloved, will you be my bridesmaid?"

"Yes, Reg. Of course I will."

"She gets my beloved?"

"Shut up."

"Andromeda, Bellatrix, Narcissa, my dear cousins, will you be my bridesmaids?"

"Yes, Reg."

"You like me."

"Of course, Reg."

"Remus, the husband of my brother, will you be my groomsman?"

"I guess." He says sarcastically. He laughs. "Yes, I will."

"Finally, my dear brother, will you be my maid of honor?"

Sirius' mouth falls open. "You want me to be your maid of honor? I knew you liked me. Yes, Reggie."

"That boy really made you a sap."

***

Bellatrix gave birth to twins, Aliana and Mattheo, and had four more kids after. Two belonging to her husband, Cara and Mandy. One belonging to a man named Charles, Lorenzo. And one more belonging to Tom Riddle Sr., Delphini, and her siblings, Tom, Aliana, and Mattheo.

Regulus and James had three kids, Lillian, Leo, and Rose. Remus and Sirius had more kids, Hermione and Violet. Dorcas and Marlene had another kid, Jack. Narcissa and Lucius had another kid, Lila. Andromeda and Ted had another kid, Nina. Evan and Barty married and had a few kids, Lucas and Nicholas - which they said they'd never have any. Pandora and Lily had one more kid, Eclipse. Alice and Frank had twins, Juliana and Nicky. Peter married a woman named Elizabeth and had no kids. Mary married a woman named Emmeline and had one kid, Penelope.

And all them kids, made for a great family reunion and stories in a few years.

#ao3 #ao3 fanfic #ao3 writer #archive of my own #fanfic #jegulus #james potter #regulus black #starchaser #marauders era

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