#james’ love saved regulus there is no denying that

[leemokitkat]

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for having saved me. I was drowning and you threw yourself into the water without hesitation, without a backward look.”

<Jean Cocteau to Jean Marais, 1939>

Regulus Black to James Potter, 1977

[isabel-lillah]

Barty and James being friends and Barty standing up for James

James has been officially dating Regulus for six months now. Barty, together with Evan, found out about this roughly four months ago when they came to their dorm to find James sleeping in Regulus's bed.

Barty was reserved at first. He didn't want to be friends with the obnoxious James 'happy-go-lucky' Potter. However, he quickly learned that disgustingly positive and loud persona was really just that. A persona.

Barty isn't sure why James feels comfortable being himself around him and his friends of all people. Evan believes it's Reg's influence - Barty thinks James just realizes that their Slytherin group (and Pandora) are the last people to judge him for not always being energetic or happy. Despite the popular belief, their friend group communicates feeling like shit really well. They're all aware that people are all kinds of fucked up and that a person's upbringing doesn't determine what issues they have.

That being said, he actually grew to like James. He knows he can always get an honest opinion from him and surprisingly good relationship advice. Because apparently James is more observant than he lets on and he clocked in on Barty's crush on Evan within minutes of meeting both of them.

Not to mention he can be just as unhinged as him if he wants to.

On one memorable occasion, he also let James drag him away from a fight which saved him from a long detention.

A detention like the one he's coming back from right now. It's pretty late, but he's not tired, so he decided to take a longer route than usual while walking back to his dorm. And thank fuck for that, because that's how he finds out that Sirius goddamned Black has been giving James shit for being friends with Barty.

"Sirius, I don't want to fight about this. Not again. I know you don't like him, but he is my friend. I don't force you to be friends with him, so why does it bother you?" echoed through the hall which Barty just stepped on. No one noticed him.

"James, it's Crouch. There's nothing good about him. He's crazy. How did you even become friends with him?"

James honest to Salazar looked so exhausted that Barty worried he would just pass out right then and there.

"You know what a free will is, right?" Barty finally decided to announce himself, partly to help James dodge Sirius's last question. This is not how the relationship should be outed to him.

"Crouch," Sirius greeted.

"Crouch Junior," Barty and James replied automatically. Barty will deny to his last breath that James correcting his last name like that made him happy.

"Listen, Black. I don't care that you don't like me. I'm not your biggest fan either. But for the love of Merlin, stop acting like an asshole to your best friend just because he got some new friends and he won't stand up to you properly because he cares about you. You take pride in being a Gryffindor, right? Then fucking act like it, suck up your pride and have a normal conversation."

Sirius looked pissed and James looked...relieved? The guy seriously needs to learn to stand up to his best friend when he's being an asshole, Barty decided.

And if, after leaving, Barty stopped behind the corner of the corridor to listen to James finally putting Sirius off a bit for saying shit about James's friendship choices, well, nobody needs to know.

[ellecdc]

Hey girl I loved cbbh! You’re so relented. Could you do dating head canons similar to the ones you did for regulus but with James? Have a nice day🫶🏻

Thanks so much dolly! Glad you enjoyed - here's your request!!!

A/N: Still figuring out the best formatting for these - each new text block = a headcanon, bullets are subcategories

Dating James Potter Headcanons

This man is an open book: whatever he is thinking, feeling, doing, is written all over his face

Cannot lie to save his life – therefore he is never the lookout for their pranks 

It also means he can never surprise you because he gets too excited – he’s gone xmas shopping/shopping for your bday? You may as well open it the second he gets home; he’ll buy you another one anyway

Opposites attract is the motto James Potter lives by - this man’s soulmate will either be the black cat to his golden retriever, or the shy/quiet to his loud and outgoing, the introvert to his extrovert etc etc

Does not understand the concept of boundaries/personal space – THIS DOES NOT MEAN HE DOESN’T RESPECT BOUNDARIES – but he will be up in your personal space 24/7, sitting nearly on top of you, following you around, walking in on you changing without batting an eye, try feeding you or taking food right off your plate. I don’t know if it’s the only child thing, but he just does not seem to mind being all up in other people’s business

He’s very understanding if you tell him to back off though – will respect your boundaries (you just have to set them)

I actually don’t think James would be super into showering gifts all of the time, like he will absolutely buy you anything you want, but he’s not the kind of boyfriend to show up with gifts and trinkets or purses or new outfits/clothes/jewelry all of the time – at least not at first 

I think this is because he grew up always just having what he wanted/needed so never thinks of it? It’s only when he’ll go out shopping for a specific reason that he accidentally comes home with 293843209473 unnecessary things that made him think of you or that you’d like or that would look pretty on you etc. etc. 

He is 100000000000000% acts of service dude (at least in my mind)

Need the snow shoveled? Done

Need your oil changed? Done 

Need to run to the store for something? His shoes are on

He definitely had to wear you down (as he is the opposite of you…hopeless romantic + the person who thinks they’re unlovable etc, etc) 

In this day an age of consent and harassment etc, I don’t imagine him being the kind of guy who was like super annoying about it (even though you certainly got annoyed) but he was really polite about it

“Hi Y/N! fancy a trip with me to Hogsmeade this weekend?”

“In your dreams Potter.”

“Got it! Have a nice week.”

And then a few weeks later he’d try again 

I think his 24/7 bubbliness freaked you out a bit – no one could ever possibly be that happy all of the time

He finally wore you down when you realized he could take things seriously

You’d gotten a rather painful letter from home and had secluded yourself into an empty classroom to cry in peace (this damn school is so big yet there’s nowhere to get some privacy!?)

“Y/N?” a timid voice from the doorway called to you

You sighed and tried to wipe the tears from your eyes in vain 

“What do you want, Potter?”

He walked into the room and sat down across from you “Are you okay?”

You scoffed and rolled your eyes as fresh tears escaped you. “I think it’s pretty clear I’m not.”

He offered you a small smile. “Do you want to talk about it?”

You shook your head and looked to the ceiling in an attempt to stop the flow of tears

“Don’t stop crying, not on my account, not if you’re not ready to.”

You looked at him in bewilderment before you realized his face was solemn and sincere

A sob escaped you 

Slowly, James moved from his spot across from you to take a seat beside you and just opened his arms – an invitation 

You considered the fact that there was a chance you would regret it, but you couldn’t deny how inviting his embrace appeared

THIS MAN GIVES THE BEST HUGS I’m sorry there’s no if’s and’s or but’s. even in his platonic relationships – all his friends are like “James is the best hugger and best cuddler”

He never pressed you to talk about what had you so upset that day – just to let you know that you always could talk to him if you needed to 

It’s like you saw him as a real human being for a minute: not a pureblood, not a quidditch player, not a marauder…just James.

It was refreshing 

You agreed to go to Hogsmeade with him that weekend 

It was a little awkward – you could tell he never really planned to get this far 

You asked him questions about himself, and he seemed to loosen up fairly quickly after that

He was so excited to tell you about his friends, his parents, childhood pets, career aspirations

You’d ask follow-up questions and found yourself laughing at different anecdotes or side stories 

Every time he’d answer one of your questions, he’d flip it back onto you

At first you thought he was making fun of you/being condescending when you’d tell a story because he was so, so, so into it. Like almost cartoonish in the way he dialed into your every word

You soon realized he was actually just so unbelievably interested in anything and everything you had to say and so grateful you were sharing with him

That never changed – he hung onto your every word throughout your entire relationship

He wants to be touching – all of the time 

Walking? Holding hands

Sitting beside each other? Shoulders/thighs/knees/ankles are connected 

Lounging on the couch? You’re on his lap

Studying? You’re sitting in the same chair and his chin is hooked over your shoulder

He’s a loud lover – aka, PDA, everyone who knows either of you knows that you’re together. He’s rarely seen in public without you and if you’re not there he’s probably talking about you

I could actually see James getting quite jealous/territorial 

He’d try so hard to play it cool at a party if you were sitting on the couch and some other guy started hitting on you 

He trusted you! He didn’t have to be standing guard at every given moment 

Everyone knew you were together anyway, it was probably harmless

Ain’t nothing harmless about his hand placement what the fuck???

And suddenly he’s sliding in between you and Slime Ball ™ as he’s now dubbed the arse who dared make a move on his perfect angel thank you very much 

Definitely the type to get into a fight if someone shoved you/bumped into you at a party or club

Especially if they didn’t immediately apologize to his sweet angel baby 

Fuckers 

He’d be talking about yours and his shared future home/life/family from nearly the very beginning of your relationship

He’d actually been imagining it for years before that, but he wasn’t going to admit that out loud

He’d be the kind of guy to have children’s names picked out – he’d get so excited any time you said something like “awe, Aurelia, that’s a sweet name” and he’d write it down somewhere for future use 

James is absolutely the type of boyfriend where you’d never have to wonder exactly how they felt about you – you would know how treasured you are from the moment you wake up to the second you fall asleep

Sometimes, you’d even feel the depth of his love in your dreams 

[lulublack90]

Prompt 24 - Camp

@jegulus-microfic April 24, Word count 583

Previous part First part

Regulus leaned his forehead against the lower bar of the Astronomy Towers railing. It was pretty superfluous as there was some sort of air charm that gently lifted whatever had fallen over the edge of the tower back up. He supposed it was there for the more nervous astronomers. 

His thoughts were still swirling with what had happened earlier. He’d had to escape up here when Evan and Barty banged their way into the dorm, disrupting his spiralling thoughts. 

He banged his head against the bar. 

“Stupid, stupid, stupid. It just had to be him, didn’t it? Like he hasn’t ruined enough of my life, now he has to poke his nose into my love life as well!” It wasn’t that Regulus didn’t find James attractive. He was there was no denying that, but Sirius had picked him over Regulus. The second Sirius had gotten onto that train and been separated from Regulus, James Potter had snapped him up, and they’d been lost to each other. 

His head whipped around when he caught the sound of a stumbled step. There was nothing there. He raised his wand. “Who’s there?” He asked the darkness. Silence. “If you don’t leave now, you will regret it!” He hissed. 

James Potter stepped impossibly out of the shadows. There was nowhere he could have been hidden, but yet he’d been there. “What are you doing here?” He snarled. He wasn’t prepared for this. He hadn’t had time to school his emotions. 

“Same as you probably. Sometimes I come here to think.” James replied, shrugging. 

“More likely you’re waiting on some poor foolish girl to meet you up here for a snog.” He scoffed. James actually laughed at him. He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck, grinning goofily at Regulus.

“Contrary to popular belief, I’ve never snuck up here to kiss people. In fact,” James’s expression changed. His face flushed with embarrassment. “I’ve never kissed anyone before.” Regulus felt his jaw drop. 

“Not anyone?!” Why was he asking?! Pull yourself together, Regulus Arcturus Black! James gave a half-shrug.

“Nope. I was saving myself for someone, but I think I’m going to give up on her. No point waiting for something that’s never going to happen.”

“That almost sounded smart,” Regulus smirked at him. This had to be the most they’d ever spoken to each other. He’d, however, had plenty to say about James behind his back. 

“Gee, thanks.” James chuckled merrily. “Room for one more?” He continued, pointing at the lengthy space beside Regulus. 

“No, there is not.” Regulus scowled and turned away. 

He breathed in sharply through his nose when he heard James’s footsteps growing nearer and caught the movement out of the corner of his eye of him sitting down a few feet away and facing out into the night air. 

“So why have you set up camp here then?” James asked the stars. 

“That is absolutely none of your business.” He took James's lead and spoke out to the starlit sky. 

The wind picked up, rustling James’s hair before it made its way to Regulus, bringing with it that tantalising scent of cedar, summer days and bergamot. He couldn’t help it. He inhaled greedily. Something in James’s eyes flickered, but it was gone so fast Regulus couldn’t make it out. 

James didn’t speak again after that. They sat quietly, staring up at the twinkling stars, silently letting that breeze tease them over and over again until they turned together and their eyes met.  

Do we want another part? Let me know.

Next part

[jmeslovr]

Random jegulus snippet <3

He doesn’t know why he keeps ending up here, why James is always the one there to pick up the pieces, but he’s endlessly grateful for it. Regulus isn’t sure he’d be here if it wasn’t for James. It’s a scary role to play in someone’s life.

Regulus lifts his head from James’ shoulder but doesn’t pull back. Tears still spill down his cheeks, but they’re silent now, and James still wipes them away as they form.

He wants to say something, but he can’t, so he sits in the moment, breathing the same air as James, keeping eye contact. He looks down at his lips, and it hits him just how close they are; it’s possibly the closest they’ve ever been.

“I want to kiss you,” he murmurs quietly, the filter that’s usually present gone.

James freezes beside him, and he’s pretty sure he hears his breathing hitch. “Then kiss me.”

Regulus smiles sadly. “I can’t.”

Pain flickers across James’ face, and Regulus wants to kill himself for causing it. “Why not?”

Regulus can’t breathe. “You know why, James. I can't. Not yet.”

James shakes his head, pulls him in tighter; rests his forehead on Regulus’ like he’s afraid of him running away. James’ arms are tight around his back, holding him in. “You don’t have to keep denying yourself things that will make you happy, Regulus.”

He lets out a shaky breath and closes his eyes. It’s all too much. Not enough. He wants James to consume him. Regulus wants James to sink his nails into his chest and pry it open so he can take his beating heart for his own. Maybe then will Regulus have a meaningful purpose.

Regulus keeps his eyes closed when he responds. Seeing James is too much. “I will take from you, and take, and take, and take until there’s nothing left. Until you resent me for needing too much. For being greedy.”

One of James’ hands moves to cup his cheek, and that’s when Regulus opens his eyes. He wants James to pull him in and never let him go. “It’s all yours, Reg. Please just— let me love you.”

Regulus is crying again, and he’s afraid that he’ll start hyperventilating if he opens his mouth. There is something clawing at his throat, desperate to get out. It sinks its claws into his flesh, uncaring at the pain it causes, and climbs. It gets stuck somewhere along with the words he leaves unspoken. Regulus is sure that his guilt takes the form of it.

Regulus wants nothing more to give in. To start this with James. To stop tiptoeing around each other, ignoring the feelings they have. But he knows he’ll ruin it if he does now.

He thinks he and James could be a perfect fit. James has a savior complex and Regulus craves too much. Regulus probably needs to be saved. James probably can’t go a day without trying to fix him.

The truth is, Regulus has a carnal need for James so deep inside of him it’s intrinsic, and he doesn’t know what to do with it. If he lets it out now it’ll kill them both.

So they’ll wait. Regulus will keep healing, and James will keep waiting. Just a little longer. Just until Regulus learns how to pick himself back up, until he doesn’t need James to do it for him.

Eventually Regulus speaks again, his voice raw. “You know I can’t now. Will you wait for me? Just— it won’t be long, but I need to get better. Please wait for me.”

James doesn’t say anything for a moment, but he finally nods his head yes as he wipes the remaining tears off of Regulus’ cheek, just like he knew he would. James always says yes to him, especially when he knows he needs him to, so why would this be any different?

[kishfish]

microfic - Jegulus + wolfstar /past lives/

Gryffindor common room. Warm rich comforting red flecked with soft gold. The dying fire casting light into the room and managing to continue spreading warmth. The week before the castle would be empty except for a few strays staying over the Christmas break.

The afterparty was over, even the after afterparty was over. The last dregs of people drained from the room. Shouting votes of thanks to their gracious hosts. The music continued soft through the speaker hooked up to James’ beat up iPod shuffle. Remus and Sirius curled in on eachother on the loveseat. Sirius's head resting where Remus' clavicle pokes out to meet his chest. Remus breathes him in, residual smoke from the blunt they'd shared earlier mixed with the tenderness that is Sirius Black in the early hours. For all Sirius's loudness Remus enjoys these moments of stillness. Sirius sighs further into him and makes a noise of content.

James finds himself on the floor, head leaning against the bit of loveseat that is not taken up by Remus' lanky shape. He is slow in his movements not to disturb Regulus who's head is in his lap, eyes closed, eyelashes fanned out on pink dusted cheeks, residual effects of the firewhiskey's he thought could match Peter in drinking. With the rise and fall of Regulus' chest James runs a hand through the boy's jet black hair wondering how he got so lucky.

By now the common room is all but empty except for them.

Past lives couldn't ever hold me down Lost love is sweeter when it's finally found I've got the strangest feeling This isn't our first time around

It takes a few moments for them to recognise the song through the haze of the lingering post alcohol effects, only slightly controlling their movements now. James and Regulus lift their heads. Regulus now propping himself up with one hand to catch the knowing grin spread across James' face.

Past lives couldn't ever come between us Some time the dreamers finally wake up Don't wake me I'm not dreaming Don't wake me I'm not dreaming

It happens in unison, much like any other ideas shared by Siruis and James, the 'one-brain'. Sirius is jumping from Remus' arms leaving the sandy-haired boy looking like a he's just lost something precious. Regulus is being pulled to his feet by James and pushed into a now pouting Remus' lap from which he slides out of and onto the couch in a split second. Gay awakening scenes involving Remus tutoring an extra charms lesson with a slightly loose tie and flash of midriff as he stretched to write on the chalkboard flit across his mind. A blush spreads across his cheeks.

All my past lives They've got nothing on me Golden eagle, you're the one and only flying high Through the cities in the sky

The thoughts are pushed from his mind from his brain as his brother turns the volume up at least loud enough for the Ravenclaws in their tower to be woken from their sleep. Regulus throws him a look to which he turns it down a notch but the damage is done.

I'll take you way back Countless centuries Don't you remember? That you were meant to be my Queen of Hearts Meant to be my love

James and Sirius are now standing in the centre of the room back-to-back holding imaginary microphones as they belt out the lyrics. Leaving both Remus and Regulus in initial shock. The boys on the couch turn to eachother and share a look of amusement.

Through all of my lives I never thought I'd wait so long for you The timing is right The stars are aligned

James and Sirius belt out the words directed at the boys who have their hearts. Backs touching as they shimmy forward singing loudly, shaking with laughter. The room is filled with a warmth that even Regulus and Remus cannot deny.

So save that heart for me

James looking at Regulus who rolls his eyes.

Cause girl you know that you're my destiny Swear to the moon, the stars

Sirius pointing to Remus on the word ‘moon’ and then gesturing to himself and Regulus, who is trying and failing to hide a smile, when he yells out the word ‘stars’. Remus joining Regulus in an eye-roll.

The sons, and the daughters Our love is deeper than the oceans of water

The singing boys now only a foot away from the couch as they shake their shoulders to the beat of the song, going from back-to-back to facing each other on every alternate line of the chorus.

Hey, I need you now I've waited oh so long yeah Baby love, I need you now I've waited oh so long

Endearment unable to stay off Regulus' face as James is looking at him singing the words surprisingly in key. Sirius holding the imaginary microphone out to Remus waiting expectantly for the boy to sing the next lines into.

Passing seasons Empty bottles of wine

Remus resists for as long as he can but breaks on the last two lines of the verse as they hit home. He would truly be lost without Sirius.

My ancient kingdom came crashing down without you Baby child, I'm lost without your love

Regulus is once again being pulled to his feet by James. This time however he is being enveloped in a one armed hug. James's other hand curled tightly around his imaginary microphone.

Diamond sparrow, my moonlight majesty You know I need you, come flying back to me

James turns into Regulus holding the microphone between them. Getting out a quiet "Hi Reg" without missing a word of the song. Regulus' breath catching as the older boy smiles down at him through the words. Brown eyes meeting grey with adoration.

Through all of my lives I never thought I'd wait so long for you The timing is right The stars are aligned

Remus is now being yanked to his feet and pulled into Sirius, who holds all of his weight as the taller boy adjusts, always aware of Remus' hip pain. This does not stop Sirius from swaying their bodies once Remus is steady on his own feet. Over exaggerated dance moves and pure joy.

So save that heart for me Cause girl you know that you're my destiny

James has let go of the imaginary microphone to hold onto Regulus hips, fingers slipping under the younger boys shirt. Regulus inhales sharply as warm fingers search his lower back. A victory laugh escape James' lips.

Swear to the moon, the stars The sons, and the daughters Our love is deeper than the oceans of water Save that heart for me And girl I'll give you everything you need Here's to our past lives

As the boys move around the room Sirius catches Regulus' eye on the line.

Our mothers and fathers

And gives him a middle finger intended for their parents causing a laugh to burst from his younger brother as he thinks about their parents being absolutely appalled by the current situation.

Our love is deeper than the oceans of water

James now slowing their movements till they're just rocking on the spot. Reg looks up resting his chin on the older boys chest. James still whispering the words.

Hey I need you now I've waited oh so long yeah Baby love, I need you now I've waited oh so long Hey I need you now I've waited oh so long yeah Baby love, I need you now I've waited oh so long

Remus resting his head on top of Sirius' as the shorter boy slows and wraps both his arms around his waist.

So save that heart for me Cause girl you know that you're my destiny

Sirius looks up to catch Remus' look of longing He leans forward slightly catching Remus's lips in a kiss. Still managing to mumble the words softly onto his lips.

Swear to the moon, the stars The sons, and the daughters

Our love is deeper than the oceans of water Save that heart for me And girl I'll give you everything you need Here's to our past lives Our mothers and fathers Our love is deeper than the oceans of water Hey I need you now I've waited oh so long

As the song comes to an end both pairs are interrupted by many disgruntled students shuffling back into the room to complain about that "goddamn noise and of course it is Potter and Black". James giving Regulus a small smile and Remus trying to calm the growing crowd while Sirius chooses to die on the hill that is "the music needed to be that loud or Remus would no longer love him"

[3-cats-in-a-coat]

Songs in the album To Bring You My Love by PJ Harvey as random characters that they remind me of:

To Bring You My Love (the song): Lily Evans Potter, Regulus Black, Sirius Black (in PoA), Lady Gotham, Talia al Ghul, Bucky Barnes, Steve Rogers, Jason Todd, baby!stalker!Tim Drake and (regretfully because contrary to how much she shows up in this list, I don’t actually think she’s in any way innocent but I unfortunately can’t deny the amount of vibes) Bellatrix Black Lestrange.

Meet Ze Monsta: Regulus Black, Lily Evans, Bellatrix Lestrange, Lady Gotham, and (only in CoS) Ginny Weasley.

Working For The Man: Bellatrix Lestrange, Barty Crouch jr (I still hate him for what he did to Neville and his parents), Lady Gotham, Bucky Barnes, Lily Evans (it’s more like she’s dating ‘The Man’ but), Talia al Ghul (she’s trying to stop though), Bruce Wayne as Batman (‘The Man’ is actually Lady Gotham but who cares), and lastly Jason Todd as Red Hood (he is ‘The Man’).

C’mon Billy: Talia al Ghul (to Bruce, the son is Damian), Lily Evans and James Potter (to Regulus, the son is Harry, Jegulily), Tonks (to Remus, the son is Teddy, I don’t ship them but I love Teddy), Remus Lupin (wishing Sirius was alive so he could meet Teddy), and Lady Gotham (giving Bruce Wayne yet another child).

Teclo: Jason Todd, Roy Harper, Tim Drake, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Lily Evans, James Potter, Regulus Black, Bucky Barnes, and Steve Rogers.

Long Snake Moan: Lily Evans, Remus Lupin (usually just before his time of the month), Marlene McKinnon, and Bellatrix Lestrange.

Down By The Water: (trans?) Regulus Black (obviously), Walburga Black (after Regulus died, I still hate her for what she did to her children), Sirius Black (if he saved Regulus), Lily Evans, Bruce Wayne, Jason Todd, Talia al Ghul (when she dunked Jason in The Pit), Lady Gotham, and Bucky Barnes.

I Think I’m a Mother: Lily Evans, Walburga Black, Bellatrix Lestrange, Lady Gotham, and Talia al Ghul.

Send His Love To Me: Lily Evans, Regulus Black, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Jason Todd, and Bucky Barnes.

The Dancer: Bruce Wayne, Lily Evans, Regulus Black, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Steve Rogers, and Bucky Barnes.

[lunar-serpentinite]

Hariharan Nalin Potter

Heir of House Potter

Faceclaim: Anirudh Pisharody

Hariharan Nalin Potter, commonly known as Harry and famously as the Boy-Who-Lived, is the eldest child and only son of the Potter family's Head couple Lily and James Potter and their husband Regulus Potter. He is the older brother by four years to a younger sister named Madhuri Potter, as well as the godson of Sirius Black and Sharanya Patil.

More information below the cut

What's in a Name?

Hariharan ஹரிஹரன்

— from the the fused Sattvika characterisation of Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara)

Hari – the one who takes away (sins)

Hara – Remover of sins

Nalin நளின்

— means close, abundance, pride; also a synonym for lotus

Follows the Evans tradition of naming their children after flowers

Also calls back to James’ middle name (Mooriyan, pride)

Picked by Regulus. In ancient Egypt, lotuses represent rebirth and the Sun and by god did he feel his life beginning anew the moment he laid eyes on baby Harry

The Snake With No Self-Preservation Instincts

When Harry entered Hogwarts at the age of 11, the Sorting Hat was torn between Gryffindor and Slytherin for him. Maybe even Ravenclaw if the Hat was feeling particularly experimental. In the end, the Hat put him in Slytherin, much to the delight of his baba Regulus.

Slytherin won the Hat over by just a small margin. In this universe, Harry was raised not with scorn nor contempt but with an overabundance of love and support. Many of the influential adults in his life inspired him to be as driven and goal-oriented as they are. Additionally, the inclusion of a third, Slytherin-to-the-core parent also influenced Harry's own personal choice in Houses.

Slytherins are also defined by their tendency to stick close to family traditions. Harry was raised completely immersed in his South Indian heritage of Tamil and Telugu and he's very proud of it. Thus he is completely dedicated to preserving and following the cultural and familial traditions he was raised with.

Finally, he has a brilliant and clever mind as well as a knack for leadership (regardless of how much he denies that himself). Growing in a house of love and positivity allowed Harry to fully lean into his gifts instead of focusing on survival. In this universe, Harry was allowed to shine and shine he did.

As per the hierarchy of Slytherin, Harry is naturally the most influential half-blood as the Boy-Who-lived and is considered by his half-blood and Muggleborn yearmates as their leader the same way the Purebloods consider Draco Malfoy theirs.

"You're a bloody Slytherin, why do you lack self-preservation?" "Maybe if you dig your pointy nose into my business some more, you'd find it."

One thing that does set Harry aside from his Slytherin cohorts is his apparent "lack of self-preservation". Sense of self-preservation is a signature Slytherin trait that is far outweighed by Harry's natural "saving people thing" that is apparently in every Potter's genes.

Harry simply doesn't hesitate to lend a hand whenever he sees that he could. He helps even when it is detrimental to himself, which gives him a sort of reputation as one of the more eccentric Slytherins of his year. This resulted in him gaining a close social circle that is composed of several non-Slytherins which is an unusual sight within the House that Keeps to Themselves.

Escaping from Death's Clutches

Harry's main claim to fame is his apparent survival from being hit by the Killing Curse at point blank when he was four years old. The incident was widely publicized by Voldemort himself who had kidnapped Harry as a child after years of failed attempts to pierce through the powerful wards of Nagaraja Hall. Voldemort had wanted to publicly execute Harry as punishment for his parents who had thrice defied him.

This backfired on the Dark Lord as not only did Harry survive his Killing Curse but the knockback from the protective Magics weakened Voldemort enough for a furious Lily Potter to land the killing blow on him, ending the First Wizarding War. Because of this, Harry and Lily share the title Lord Voldemort's Vanquisher, a title that both despise.

Harry sports a seemingly permanent lichtenberg scar above his left eye. According to all the Healers that have examined him, it may very well be the first and only known occurrence of a curse scar borne from being hit and surviving the Killing Curse. The scar runs deeper than it looks and has rendered Harry half-blind in his left eye.

He has little to no clear memories of the incident owing to how traumatic it was but the trauma has left its own imprints in him, namely his scar, partial blindness, and a certain discomfort whenever someone points a wand at him without any warning.

Collected Miscellany

Little bits of extra information/headcanons for him. This section will be updated from time to time.

As per the tradition of Nandhini's descendants, Harry is bonded to a boa constrictor and a Basilisk

Harry has Lily’s temper, James’ compassion, and Regulus’ pride

He has been said to be a promising talent in flying, combat magic, and transfiguration. He claims to have an “easier time” at performing wandless magic. He was also personally tutored by his grandmother Euphemia in the art of pearl-based magic.

Excels in the Seeker position but does pretty okay in other positions.

Produced a corporeal Patronus at age 13. His Patronus is an Indian sambar stag which is the same as his appa James

While he’s absolutely brilliant in the kitchen, he unfortunately didn’t inherit Lily’s talent at Potions.

This is because he was taught how to cook before he was taught how to brew. Potions requires precision and accuracy but he’s used to measuring ingredients “by heart, soul, vibes and the voice of his ancestor whispering in his ears”.

He’s surprisingly good at anything related to snakes, be it brewing antivenom potions or working with venom or any snake-sourced parts

Aside from English, Harry is fluent in Tamil and Telugu, and conversational in Sanskrit, Middle Tamil, and Classical Sanskrit. Regulus is teaching him and Madhuri Masri (Egyptian Arabic) and Demotic (a very, very late descendant of Ancient Egyptian).

Childhood friends with Ron Weasley since they were babies through the friendship of Lily and Molly

He is also friends with the rest of the Weasley siblings by extension

Also friends with the other children of the Magical Indian diaspora families, notably his godsiblings the Patil twins Padma and Parvati

Met Hermione Granger at King’s Cross Station where his mother befriended her mother, Monica Granger. Hermione then became Lily's protege and Hermione would spend a portion of her holidays at Nagaraja Hall

Met Draco Malfoy as a baby during the wedding of his parents to Regulus Black and made him cry

Particularly fond of Luna Lovegood who he met at a young age as she was the daughter of Pandora Lovegood, who was friends with Lily

Buddies with Neville Longbottom who is the son of Alice Longbottom, who is also friends with Lily

Paired with Blaise Zabini in Potions so they are within the acquaintances to casual friends range

Spent his childhood going back and forth between the Potter’s Nagaraja Hall and the House of Serpents

More information on the Descendants of Nandhini / the Potters Back to the family directory of this AU

Please feel 100% free to drop some comments in the reblogs, replies, my askbox etc. ! 🥰🫶

[itsjaywalkers]

saturday/sunday snippet

it's actually monday for me already but . whatever, it's the thought that counts. also i had a shitty day so just let me have this

thank you for the tag my loves @sommerregenjuniluft @xjustakay @static-radio-ao3 @veryinnovative <3

have a silly snippy of the next making ghosts update:

“Are you gonna deny it?” Regulus questions with a raised eyebrow, looking at him through the rim of his mug.  “I mean—” “Because you should save your breath. I’ve seen how you look at me.” James gulps, the warmth under his skin becoming almost unbearable.  “I wasn’t aware that I was looking—that I was doing it,” he murmurs, but it doesn’t sound convincing, his voice too high-pitched, his words almost slurred together.  “You’re so obvious about it,” Regulus mocks him, shaking his head a little. “It’s kinda cute.”

no pressure tags: @grimjobs @quillkiller @carniferous @regscupid @lucy-andreas

[morningshush]

Sirius Black would absolutely have a love-hate relationship with ABBA — they are literally singing about his life:

The album ABBA was released April 21, 1976, when Sirius was in his fourth year and he

1) finally kissed Remus:

So I made up my mind

It must come to an end

Look at me now, will I ever learn?

I don’t know how

But I suddenly lose control

There’s a fire within my soul

Just one look and I can hear a bell ring

One more look and I forget everything, whoa

Mamma mia, here I go again

My my, how can I resist you?

(Mamma Mia)

2) told Severus to go to the Whomping Willow during a full moon…

Where are those happy days

They seem so hard to find

I tried to reach for you, but you have closed your mind

Whatever happened to our love? I wish I understood

It used to be so nice, it used to be so good…

So, when you’re near me, darling, can’t you hear me

S.O.S.

The love you gave me, nothing else can save me, S.O.S.

[…]

You seem so far away though you are standing near

You made me feel alive, but something died I fear

(S.O.S.)

3) realised the he loved Remus and told him:

Love me or leave me, make your choice but believe me

I love you

I do, I do, I do, I do, I do

I can’t conceal it, don’t you see, can’t you feel it?

[…]

So come on, now let’s try it

I love you, can’t deny it

'Cause it's true

(I do, I do, I do, I do, I do)

The album Arrival was released October 11, 1976, when Sirius was in his sixth year.

First of all, he’s the dancing queen:

Night is young and the music’s high

With a bit of rock music, everything is fine

(Dancing Queen)

Secondly, he’s run away from home and Regulus joined the Death Eaters:

I’ve seen it on your face

Tells me more than any worn-out old phrase

So now we’ll go separate ways

Never again we two

Never again, nothing I can do…

Like an image passing by

My love, my life

In the mirror of your eyes

My love, my life

I can see it all so clearly

Answer me sincerely

Was it a dream, a lie?

[…]

But I know I don’t possess you

So go away, God bless you

You are still my love and my life

Still my one and only

(My Love, My Life)

The Album was released December 12, 1977.

About Sirius and Remus:

I was an impossible case

No one ever could reach me

[…]

I'm a bashful child beginning to grow

And you make me talk

And you make me feel

And you make me show

What I'm trying to conceal

If I trust in you

Would you let me down?

Would you laugh at me

If I said I care for you?

[…]

Your smile, and the sound of your voice

And the way you see through me

Got a feeling, you give me no choice

But it means a lot to me

(The Name of the Game)

Also I have no idea if there were karaoke-bars in England in 1977, but in my head the marauders go to a karaoke-bar and they encourage Lily to go up on stage and do a song, which she is reluctant to but then caves in and starts singing Thank You For The Music with the loveliest voice and most enticing eyes and James m e l t s

Voulez-vous was released April 23, 1979, the year Regulus dies.

Remus to Sirius:

How I hate to see you like this

There is no way you can deny it

I can see that you're oh, so sad, so quiet

[…]

You were always sure of yourself

Now I see you’ve broken a feather

(Chiquitita)

Super Trouper was released November 3, 1980.

About Sirius and Remus:

Touch my soul, you know how

Andante, andante

Go slowly with me now

I'm your music, I’m your song

Play me time and time again and make me strong

Make me sing, make me sound

Andante, andante

Tread lightly on my ground

Andante, andante

Oh, please don’t let me down

(Andante, Andante)

In the summer of 1981, Sirius got sick of the war and decided to take Remus with him for a weekend in Paris:

The summer air was soft and warm

The feeling right, the Paris night

Did its best to please us

And strolling down the Élysées

We had a drink in each café

And you, you talked of politics, philosophy and I smiled like Mona Lisa

We had our chance

It was a fine and true romance

[…]

I can still recall our last summer

I still see it all

Walks along the Seine, laughing in the rain

Our last summer

Memories that remain…

We made our way along the river

And we sat down in the grass

By the Eiffel tower

I was so happy we had met

[…]

We took the chance

Like we were dancing our last dance

I can still recall our last summer

I still see it all

In the tourist jam, round the Notre Dame

Our last summer

Walking hand in hand

Paris restaurants

Our last summer

Morning croissants

Living for the day

Worries far away…

(Our Last Summer)

They toasted to many more summers like those, but it really was their last…

The Visitors was released November 30, 1981. A month earlier, Lily and James were murdered, Peter disappeared and Sirius was imprisoned.

Sirius in Azkaban:

One of us is crying, one of us is lying

In her lonely bed

Staring at the ceiling

Wishing she was somewhere else instead

One of us is shaking with a heart that’s breaking

One of us is lonely, one of us is only

Waiting for a call

Sorry for herself, feeling stupid, feeling small

Wishing she had never left at all

(One of Us)

Remus:

Do I really see what’s in her mind?

Each time I think I’m close to knowing

She keeps on growing

Slipping through my fingers all the time

Sleep in our eyes, her and me at the breakfast table

Barely awake, I let precious time go by

Then when she’s gone, there's that odd melancholy feeling

And a sense of guilt I can’t deny

What happened to the wonderful adventures

The places I had planned for us to go?

Slipping through my fingers all the time

Well, some of that we did, but most we didn’t

And why, I just don’t know

(Slipping Through My Fingers)

Bonus:

Knowing Me, Knowing You is Remus walking through Grimmauld Place after Sirius’s death:

No more carefree laughter

Silence ever after

Walking through an empty house

Tears in my eyes

Here is where the story ends, this is goodbye

[xixiao-yankai]

Unpopular opinion time. HP ships that I can't stand.

Draco x Harry

Draco is obsessed with Harry because he is an entitled little twit who is jealous of Harry's popularity outshining him. Harry only saved Draco's life because that was the righteous thing to do. Heck, Harry even offered Voldemort one final chance at remorse. Do we hear Draco say thanks to Harry even once? And yes, I also think the Scorpius x Albus ship is basically another LOL attempt at shipping "Drarry".

Draco x Hermione

Is it only because Draco's and Hermione's movie actors were good-looking? Draco had pathetic emotional intelligence. No wisdom. No compassion. And still doesn't forget to call Hermione a Mudblood even on the Astronomy Tower. How much do people have to hate Hermione to think that she deserves a laughing stock of a character such as Malfoy?

Harry x Hermione

Their personalities are both too fiery. Both are headstrong and opinionated and if they were to live together in marriage, they'd blow the roof off the house.

Remus x Sirius

Sirius saying that he was bored and wished it was the full moon, and sending Snape down the tunnel when Remus was transformed... don't exactly scream "I love Remus more than anyone". It's just that with James gone, Sirius and Remus only had each other left. Doesn't mean anything beyond friendship. Highlighted by how Remus embraced Sirius "like a brother" in the Shrieking Shack.

Snape x Lily

Every meeting with Lily in Snape's memories ended badly. I really cannot fathom how Lily managed to put up with a dementor like Snape for seven years. I respect Snape, don't get me wrong, but respect is not mutually exclusive with dislike. Snape saw Lily as the only light in his cold, dark existence, but Lily is a person. Not an object for Snape to draw warmth from. I don't deny that Snape loved Lily, but that love is not love that Lily would appreciate. And the thing that disgusts me the most is how Snape grieved Lily's death as if it were his loss, and not hers.

Snape x Harry

Snape never cared about Harry. NEVER. What do you think he would have done to Harry if Harry were not Lily's son and only James's son? Wouldn't be surprised if he treated Harry like he treated Wormtail. Or like how Marvolo and Morfin treated Merope. And even if Harry didn't hate Snape anymore, he probably still intensely disliked him for all the bullying he endured.

Snape x Narcissa

Please! Why would anyone ruin their characters like this? The scene at Spinner's End shows the true extent of Snape's intelligence and capability as a double agent, and shows how Narcissa was willing to kneel down in front of a half-blood to beg for her son's safety. Nothing. Else. Don't. Extrapolate.

James x Regulus

What? Where did this even come from? If anything, Regulus probably hated James for stealing Sirius away from him and his family. And James despised pure-blood supremacy and the Dark Arts, and would likely only be cordial to Regulus, if they crossed paths, out of respect for Sirius. On a side note, now I'm wondering... if Sirius had to choose between saving James's or Regulus's life, how would he have chosen?

I guess Sirius would have sacrificed himself to save both his brothers, of course.

EDIT: removed "pro" tags and added "anti-" tags. Thanks to everyone who either politely or rudely pointed out a new Tumblr's mistake!

[no-names-work]

What if Sirius never died; but went back to Azkaban? *oh and spoilers of who dies*

“The war is over.” He insisted, staring at the familiar face across from him.

“The war never ended.” The face sighed.

Sirius watched Barty for a minute more before speaking again, “Voldemort. He’s dead. It’s over.”

“Voldemort?” Barty opened an eye, “The Dark Lord was never the evil at hand.”

Sirius scoffed. How in the hell was Voldemort not the evil? He was the worst wizard to exist.

“Then who is?” He asked in disbelief.

“Dumbledore.” Barty said, in a way that said he’d made this argument before. A permanent smirk sketched onto his face.

“Dumbledore?” Sirius scoffed, “he saved me, he saved Harry. Dumbledore is good. And he-he’s dead.”

“He didn’t save Reg,” Barty said. His tone smooth. Calm, confident. Sirius wanted to punch the confidence out of him, “He manipulated Harry. You think I didn’t watch? I watched him. He kept Harry in that house-

“No.” Sirius snarled, “no. No, he saved Harry. James- James he died by Voldemort’s hand. Not Dumbledore’s.”

“Voldemort was scared of Dumbledore. Dumbledore-Albus- could’ve ended the entire thing. But he didn’t. He didn’t he kept the war going for entertainment-“

“No.”

“Did you know Reg went to him? Asking for help? Dumbledore said no-“

“No. He must’ve had a reason.” Sirius spoke. Regulus wanted out? He thought- oh he thought.

“Yeah a reason,” Barty scoffed with all bitterness in his voice, “because Regulus could save himself? It was stupid. Albus was his only safety. And he was denied.”

“No.” Sirius repeated. The word being chanted in his head.

“Think about that Sirius.” Said Barty, but Sirius opened his eyes and it wasn’t Barty. It was someone he didn’t know.

“What-how?” He stuttered staring at the boy.

“We’re not letting you see Reg. He deserves more than you.”

“Who are you?” Sirius asked, feeling, looking, sounding small.

“Evan. Rosier.” He sighed, “now cut the small talk. You killed your brother.”

You killed your brother. You killed your brother. You killed your brother. You killed your brother. You killed your brother. You killed your brother You killed your brother You killed your brother You killed your brother You killed your brother You killed your brother You killed your brother You killed your brother You killed your brother You killed-

“No. No I didn’t,” he whispered, “I never killed- I would never- Reggie.”

“Do you know why he risked his life that day?” Evan questioned.

Sirius froze. No. He didn’t, “to defeat Voldemort?” He guessed. That was what everyone had said.

“To make you proud,” Evan corrected, “he wanted his brother to love him again.”

“I never stopped-“

“Loving him?” Evan interrupted, “you stopped talking to him. He’d send you gifts and you ignored them. Even threw them away.”

“No,” Sirius cried. Tears dripping ever so slowly. Like acid burning his skin off, “no. No. No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No.” he chanted as the crying got harder.

“Bye bye Sirius.” Evan offered before Sirius was alone.

He was alone.

In a cold cage.

He was alone.

With tears dripping onto the floor.

He was alone

The war was over?

But he was alone?

The war could never be over.

Not when he was still alone.

Not when he was still fighting the war.

[thebibutterflyao3]

Day 13 - Prompt: Beauty @pandalilymicrofics

February Daily Series - 788 words

<<<Previous Part OR Start Here

Pandora wasn’t particularly interested in rejoining the group, but she reluctantly followed Lily back through the festival crowd. She also hadn’t realised how far she’d walked away from the food trucks. In her frustrated state, she’d power-walked to the opposite end of the path to where it forked. It wouldn’t have taken her long to get lost in this maze.

“How long will you be in town?” Lily asked.

“Just a few days. I needed to escape my family for a bit.”

“I can relate. You mentioned a brother, right?”

Pandora nodded, then grinned. “Evan. He was pretty annoyed with me for leaving him at home. I can’t say that I feel that bad about it though.”

“Are you close?” Lily slowed her pace as they worked their way past a group of giggling children. They were watching a dramatic retelling of a fairy tale that Pandora didn’t recognise.

“Yes, but mostly because Evan refuses to leave me be.”

Lily laughed and shook her head. “That sounds about right. I have a sister, but she’s exhausting to be around.”

“Older or younger?”

“Older. Her name is Petunia.”

Pandora arched an eyebrow. “Do your parents have a thing for flowers?”

“Mm-hmm, my mum is a florist. She has a shop in town,” Lily said, waving dismissively. “What about you? Sirius mentioned that Regulus lives in London, so is that where you’re from too?”

“Yes. Reg and I live together, actually. We share a flat near Leicester Garden.”

Lily stopped mid-stride and grabbed Pandora’s arm. “Leicester sounds familiar. Oh! Is that the one with a William Shakespeare statue?”

“That’s the one! I dragged Regulus to the Christmas Market in the square before we left. It’s beautiful,” Pandora said, thrilled that Lily was as charmed by the place as she was. “We share with our friend Dorcas from uni.”

“I’m going to move to London someday.”

Pandora’s heart pounded in her chest as she listened to Lily explain her grand plan to save up for a flat and hire on with a florist or garden until she could find work in her field. A sound plan, except her dream job was a little niche for London. There wasn’t a great need for horticulturists in the city.

“I know it’s a long-shot, but I figured that if I could hire on somewhere plant-adjacent, that would be a start. Don’t you think?” Lily said.

“It could work.”

Pandora didn’t want to dash her hopes, especially if it meant that there was a chance for this to go somewhere a little further than this holiday. She hadn’t really expected more from it than a bit of fun, but now that she’d met Lily, that changed. If Lily moved to London, they could date properly.

“Remus thinks I’m ridiculous for wanting to live in London, but I think it’s exciting.”

“Have you ever been?”

Lily linked her fingers together and nodded. “Once when I was younger. I loved the energy of SoHo.”

Pandora was on the cusp of an idea when Regulus burst through the crowd and rushed to her side. He glanced between them, then cleared his throat.

“James said there’s a party at the end. Are you staying?”

“Yes, are you?”

Regulus nodded as a slow grin slid over his face. “James wants to dance. Who am I to deny him a good time?”

“James dances?” Lily asked. “Why didn’t he join in at the club?”

James appeared behind Regulus and hugged him from behind. “Because Regulus won’t dance with me. He doesn’t want everyone staring at him. I tried to tell him that they wouldn’t be, but he doesn’t believe me.”

“If Sirius is dancing? You don’t have to worry about anything. That man is mesmerising to watch and even better to dance with,” Lily said, shimmying her shoulders.

Pandora lost track of the conversation for a moment while she admired the woman in front of her. Lily’s little shimmy was adorable, but the bouncing afterwards…merde.

“You’re drooling, Panda,” Regulus whispered.

She wiped at her chin, then glared at him. “I was not.”

“Well, you were definitely staring.”

“How can I not? Look at her! I’m only human, Reg.”

James chuckled as he rested his chin on Regulus’s head. “You’re both terrible at whispering. I think she heard you.”

Pandora looked up to find Lily’s cheeks flushed a lovely shade of pink. A mortified laugh bubbled in her chest, but came out in an awkward giggle. Regulus lost it, shaking with silent laughter as he hid his face in his hands.

That was it. It was all over. Once Regulus started laughing, Pandora couldn’t fight it anymore. Soon, they were all lost to the absurdity of the moment and cackled like hyenas.

Next Part>>>

[star-struck-withantlers]

Why is Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi so Regulus after James left regulus cause he got the dark mark coded. Like...

"I'm going under and this time I fear there's no one to save me"

Cause James used to save him!! From himself!!!

"This all or nothing really got a way of driving me crazy"

Put all his trust in James or have nothing of James at all (putting all his trust in him is allowing him to get him out)

"I guess I kinda liked the way you numbed all the pain"

Loving James pushed down the self hatred and James made him happy so it wasn't as painful

"And you're not here to get me through it all"

Cause he left so Regulus has to go thru the abuse and Voldemort himself

"I let my guard down"

He began to truly trust and love James on for his heart to be broken

"I'm going under and this time I fear there's no one to turn to"

He doesn't have anyone left cause his only friends that he didn't betray are also death eaters

"I guess I kinda liked the way you helped me escape"

Escape his family and the expectations

"And I tend to close my eyes when it hurts sometimes I fall into your arms I'll be safe in your sound 'til I come back around"

James is one of the only few people he has ever felt comfortable with. James is a comfort for him that can calm him down and remind him he's worthy of love.

"I was getting kinda used to being someone you loved"

He finally allowed himself to accept James's love and begin to reciprocate it then it was taken from him.

No one can deny this and I will take no criticism on this topic

[rblackdeco]

Cursed - starchaser (pt. 2)

— pairings: regulus black x james potter

— a/n: hi! another piece of angst that absolutely destroyed my heart and i can't suffer alone, this one is especially dedicated to bru and mags who honestly might hate me when they finish reading (part one can be found here and enjoy the reading <3)

— summary: the last visit Regulus pay to James (from James' pov)

When James woke up with the letter in his bedside table, he felt like his own heart had given up on him. He would have recognized Regulus calligraphy anywhere, the pitch black ink on the envelope that was addressed to him. He doesn't even know when it appeared.

Then he thinks. When Regulus disappeared, he probably apparated to his room to leave the envelope there. He thinks, if things were different, Regulus would've delivered it right to his hands, catch a last glance of him. He thinks, if things were different, maybe he could've convinced Reggie to not do it.

When he reads it, it's even worse. It's his legs, his heart, his lungs, his brain. He feels about to collapse, his breath heavy and he could feel the room spinning around him. It was his fault. He knew deep down, even though Regulus words denied it, he knew. Regulus thought there was no salvation to him, no hope. "I go out to the sea to find my death, James. To myself and not you. I am not dying for you or because of what you did, and please don't think so. Please don't be sad."

But James was very sad. Regulus words sting his heart. To the sea. The sea that Regulus always had adored from a fair distance, the same sea he searched in great urge.

He began to question if it was possible to beg for a life to a thing this big, and still hold hope to be heard.

A single life. A single life that moments before was at his door. A single life he had let go. James' soul couldn't even begin to express the sorrow that came with losing that single life.

Right now, only one thing comes to James' mind. It's a perverse thing, really, but it's all he knows now. Regulus is gone and James feel the grief like it's crawling on his skin like something that comes home after a long time, like something that found its way home. A snake, a lion lost from its pride, long stripped from both senses of the word. Then James knows, all grief is one, and his parents, and his friends, all one, all the same grief that now lingers at the door. James wishes he couldn't let it in. He wishes he could tell it to go away or that it meant nothing, he wishes he could say that and be true. But he can't, so he doesn't say anything at all.

And here's the tragedy: knowing that your love can't be saved, knowing that your love is doomed to an end but loving it anyway, the "if i could be saved, it'd be by you", the "sometimes love is not enough. but it mattered." James wishes he could hold into this one thing, into the thought that although he couldn't save Regulus Black, although he was lost forever and a small part of him believed it to be his fault, his love made a difference.

What no one tells about the Icarus myth is that Apollo cried when he saw his love falling into the sea.

James Potter does too.

[mydarlingdearestdead]

⚠️ TW: suicidal intention/attempt ⚠️

Sirius had been convinced it was the right thing to do. Standing by the rail on the astronomy tower he was convinced. He remembered laughing with James as they threw pieces of parchment to the wind, Sirius had said it was a wonder they didn't have a charm up to prevent this. Suddenly, he was glad, well as glad as he could be, for it.

The rail wasn't high, it barely reached Sirius' waist. It probably wouldn't have even gotten past Remus' knees. Ah, Remus.

Sirius didn't blame Remus, even if others inevitably would. Telling Snape how to find him, the tree's secrets... honestly, Sirius didn't know whether he truly regretted what he did. The implications it had on Remus, yes, but if anyone deserved to be clawed to death by a werewolf it was certainly Severus Snape. Lily would hex him for thinking that. She wasn't speaking to him anyway, so that didn't matter.

In fact, no one had spoken to Sirius in the weeks since the incident, as they had taken to calling it behind his back. James ignored his notes and smiles in class, Peter turned away, looking pained, when he attempted to start a conversation and Remus... Remus was the worst: He didn't get angry, or sad, or anything really. He had taken to spending more time with the Slytherins. With Regulus, specifically.

Logically, Sirius knew he should be angry or, in the least, upset with Remus for his newfound friendship with Sirius' baby brother, but, frankly, Sirius didn't think he'd earned the right to feel anything in relation to Remus other than regret and embarrassment.

He had no doubt Remus had told Regulus all about what he'd done, perhaps managing to make Reggie hate him even more fiercely than before. The boys seemed to have bonded over something; Sirius assumed it was their mutual hatred for the discarded Black family heir.

Even after this- the total freezout, making good with Regulus etc- Sirius couldn't deny it: He was irrevocably, helplessly and horrifyingly in love with Remus Lupin. And Remus despited every move he made, every strand of his hair, every word that left his lips- Remus Lupin didn't want anything to do with Sirius Black.

And so, Sirius Orion Black carried himself up to the astronomy tower at two in the morning. He watched his star flicker in the vast darkness, and sighed when he couldn't make out Regulus'. He'd, maybe unconsciously, wished to see his brother one last time and was unable. Sirius Orion Black perched haphazardly on the railing and pondered wheather he could actually do it. Wheather he had the guts.

Sirius Orion Black inched closer to the edge with every passing moment.

That was, until a pair of arms snaked around his waist and tugged him backward, almost right over the steel railing.

Remus? , He thought desperatly. Sirius chided himself to snap out of it; this was not a fairy tale and his prince wasn't going to save him from his fate. Not that he considered Remus his prince- or even a prince in first place, nevermind Sirius' prince- or... Sirius is making everything worse for himself, isn't he?

Sirius fought meekly, kicking out and slamming his fists into the strangers collarbone like a toddler. They merely grunted noncommittally and pulled him over the railing clumsily, allowing him to flail.

A moment later Sirius found himself back-down on the cobblestones. The other boy, for it was a boy, loomed over him, scowling fiercely.

Sirius met his eyes. Or, rather, he met his own eyes.

Regulus.

(EDIT: I rewrote this and posted another version because this version was written past midnight in some sort of haze)