James would have to admit, not to Sirius unless he wanted to be hexed into the next century, but meal times were the best time of the day.
Not exactly because of the lack of an actual lesson, but because Sirius was too distracted by whatever Remus did that he had ample time to stare across the hall to the Slytherin table. Where he could watch one black laugh and talk with his house mates without being disrupted by a very upset Sirius (Sirius got upset over most things that involved his brother).
Regulus glanced up for a moment and locked eyes with James before James could think to look away, and sent him a half-smirk as if he knew exactly what James was doing.
James could feel heat rising in his cheeks, and glanced sideways, pretending to be interested in whatever Remus and Sirius were arguing about this time.
A curious glance upwards told James that Regulus's eyes were still on him, and, Merlin, that smirk was still there. James cleared his throat and looked away again, promising not to look at the Slytherin table again that night.
Even by mistake.
Merlin, James just hoped Sirius didn't find out.
Written for the September Back to School Challenge: (location) The Great Hall