December 24, 1976
Regulus had traded his stash of Abraxan hairs for enough Erumpent horn powder to make a year's worth of Wolfsbane potion. He cheerfully bragged about how he was certain he got the better end of the bargain with Mr. Montague, and Remus smiled adoringly at him as he prattled on. They walked hand-in-hand down Diagon Alley, stopping for ice cream even though it was a chilly December day. The owner of the ice cream shop knew Remus and gave them both free cones. They were delicious.
They visited the stationary shop and Remus picked up a nice new quill set for his father's Christmas gift. Regulus decided on a card and some fudge for Kreacher. He still felt bad that he'd forgotten to make something himself for the elf. He bought a book on quidditch strategies for Sirius, and Remus bought some enchanted warming slippers for Hope that promised the perfect amount of foot coziness. It was near supper time by the time they finished their shopping and headed back to Sirius's flat.
They were bombarded by blasting holiday music and the smells of pine and cinnamon when they entered the flat. They goggled at the display of holiday cheer that had taken over the sitting room as they dropped their shopping bags and fell into the sofa, laughing. Sirius had been busy, it seemed. There was an eight-foot tall pine tree decorated with fairy lights and all sorts of baubles, including a shimmering golden snitch as a topper. The rest of the room was strung with tinsel and garland made from popcorn and cranberries, and candles were lit with brightly colored flames.
Sirius told them to make themselves comfortable, and a few minutes later emerged from the kitchen dressed like Father Christmas himself. He was wearing ridiculous red fur-lined robes with jingle bells jangling at the sleeves and from the end of a pointed sleeping cap. He was carrying a full plate of gingerbread snaps and a pitcher of fresh eggnog.
"How was the shopping?" Sirius asked, cheerfully as he deposited the goodies on the coffee table. His smile faltered for a moment when his eyes landed on Remus and Regulus's tightly clasped hands. He raised an eyebrow as his gaze darted from Regulus's beaming face to Remus, who flushed and reached for a biscuit.
"It went great," Remus said around a mouthful of gingerbread. "Thanks. Wow, these are really good!"
Sirius stood awkwardly watching him eat. Regulus leaned toward Remus to whisper in his ear. "We should tell him, right?"
"Er, right. It should probably come from you, Reggie." Remus nodded, face red as he reached for a goblet of eggnog to wash down the gingerbread.
Regulus squeezed his hand. "Right," he smiled up at Sirius. "Remus and I, well, we're together." He held up their joined hands to his lips, kissing Remus's fingers. "He's my boyfriend."
"Ah," Sirius said, then cleared his throat. "For real then? Not just to piss off Mother?"
Regulus huffed, "Yes, Sirius. For real."
"Oh." Sirius watched them for a moment, and then broke into a huge grin, "That's great news! Congratulations, you two! Get over here!" They stood and accepted a jingly hug from Sirius. Regulus laughed as he got a face full of red fur hat, and the tension was broken. They told him all about their adventure in Knockturn Alley. When Remus got to the part about Mulciber, he realized he hadn't even told Regulus about that yet. They had been so preoccupied.
"I'm not surprised that git is working in a shady shop like that," Sirius snorted. "So he's still a bigoted arsebag then, huh?"
"Yeah, then I ran into the bastard who gave me this bite," Remus touched the side of his stomach, where his wolf bite scar was hidden beneath his robes. "I about had a full-on panic attack. Thank goodness for Regulus." He squeezed Regulus's knee. "Always turns up just when I need him to rescue me."
Regulus blushed, "I just thought he was some bum harassing you. If I had known…" His jaw tightened and he had a murderous glint in his eye. "I just wish I had been there sooner."
"You were incredible, Reg." Remus kissed his cheek and squeezed his arm before standing up and announcing that he needed to make a floo call to his parents. Regulus had shown him the library, of course, when they arrived the previous day. So Remus excused himself to use the floo in the library to make his call.
When they were alone, Sirius swatted playfully at Regulus's knee with a knowing smirk on his face. "Well, look at you, Reggie. The hero of the day! Boyfriends… Wow." He shook his head in amazement. "I don't think I've ever seen you this happy. You're truly radiant!" he cackled and mussed Regulus's hair. Regulus pushed him away, but he was chuffed at the attention.
He attempted to fix his hair, running his fingers through it. "Yes, well. I suppose I have you to thank."
Sirius was taken aback, "Me? How's that?"
"Well, if you hadn't run off last Christmas, I don't know if I would have found the courage to follow my own heart, even against our parents' wishes." He fiddled with his mug of eggnog, swirling the dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg that floated on the top of the concoction. "I probably should have left with you then. When you asked me to."
Sirius shook his head. "No, Reg, I don't think you were ready then. Everything that's happened this last year, I think you needed to go through all of it. To learn for yourself what kind of person you want to be."
Regulus chewed his lip. "Maybe you're right."
The doorbell chimed, and they both froze.
"Are you expecting anyone?" Regulus murmured.
Sirius shook his head. "No… I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. It could be carolers. Or a neighbor dropping off a fruitcake or something." He walked to the door and looked out the peephole.
"Holy shit. It's Narcissa." He gave Regulus a questioning look. Regulus shrugged, and Sirius began removing the restrictive charms on the door so that he could let his cousin enter. He opened the door.
Narcissa stood straight with her arms crossed and wearing a stern expression. But her composure threatened to break immediately upon seeing her cousin.
"Cissy! Do what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" Sirius asked.
She looked him up and down and barked a laugh. "Dear Merlin, Sirius. What on earth are you wearing?"
He looked down at his festive holiday garb and grinned. "I'm embracing the joyful and colorful brand of Christmas cheer that was never allowed in that dreadful house. Would you like to come in for some ginger snaps and eggnog, dear cousin?"
She wrinkled her nose and considered him for a moment, and then she stepped across the threshold. Sirius moved to close the door behind her but she reached out and held it open. "I'm sorry about this, Sirius," she whispered. Louder she called out the door, "Aunt Walburga."
Sirius glared at Narcissa and stepped back when his mother appeared in the doorway. She marched in and looked around the foyer with a sneer. Finally, she addressed her son, "Where is he, Sirius?"
"I'm afraid I don't know to whom you are referring," Sirius responded calmly.
She glowered at him, moving in close. "I know you have something to do with your brother's disobedience. You are hiding him here."
"I'm not hiding, Mother." Regulus stepped into view at the end of the foyer, bracing himself for the inevitable fallout.
"You!" Walburga marched up to Regulus. "How dare you lie to your parents, blatantly ignore family tradition, and publicly humiliate all of us. Do you know how many people saw you groping that mudblood freak in broad daylight? Did you honestly think I wouldn't find out?"
Regulus shook with suppressed rage but he kept his voice steady. "He is not a freak, Mother. He's my boyfriend and I love him."
Walburga reacted instantly, raising her hand to slap her son, but jumped back in pain. She grabbed her hand in shock and looked up.
Remus stood behind Regulus, his wand raised. "Do you want to try that again?" He stepped forward, draping an arm over Regulus's shoulder.
Walburga was white with fury. When she lifted her wand to attack, Sirius blurted "Expelliarmus!" and it flew into his waiting hand.
She let out an exasperated growl. "Well, I suppose you've gotten what you wanted, you ungrateful hellions! The Selwyns have called off the betrothal, which is just as well. It appears my nieces stand to inherit everything because I have no sons." She turned and stormed out.
Sirius handed Walburga's wand to Narcissa. "Thanks for stopping by, Cissy."
She smirked, "Of course. Happy Christmas Sirius. Regulus." She nodded to Regulus and shot a glance at Remus, but ignored him, turning to follow her aunt away from the flat.
Remus pressed his forehead to Regulus's temple. "Are you okay, love?" He felt Regulus's irregular breathing but took a moment to realize that he was shaking with silent laughter. Regulus beamed at him, his eyes glistening.
"We did it, Moony. I'm free." He pressed their lips together, and Remus smiled into the kiss.
Remus wiped the tears from Regulus's cheek. "My mam wants to invite you to Christmas dinner. If you'd like."
"Oh!" Regulus gasped, "Your parents want to meet me? Do you think they'll like me?" He swallowed nervously.
Remus laughed, "Reggie, I've been banging on about how brilliant you are for the last year. They already want to adopt you."
"Well, then they must have excellent taste," he quipped. "I would love to join you for Christmas dinner. But…" He looked over at Sirius. "What about Sirius?"
Sirius waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, don't worry about me. I'll go to the Potters' as usual." He walked over and put an arm over Regulus's shoulder. "I have some things to talk to Mr. Potter about. He might be able to help me draw up the paperwork to request guardianship, so you can live with me until you're of age."
"You would do that?" Regulus looked up at his brother in awe.
"Of course! What are big brothers for?" Sirius mussed Regulus's hair. "Now, what are we hanging about in here for? It's Christmas and we have a lot to celebrate!" He waved his wand, restarting the record in the sitting room and they spent the rest of the evening dancing and laughing and consuming large amounts of ginger snaps and eggnog.
The rest of the holiday break flew by like a blissful dream. The Lupins were very kind and welcoming to Regulus, although Lyall had been wary of him at first. Regulus didn't begrudge him his suspicions of a son of Orion Black. He briefly explained that he was estranged from his family and had none of their political influence, nor did he want it. Lyall still seemed uneasy with Regulus's presence, but he accepted that Remus trusted him and treated him respectfully.
Hope Lupin was won over as soon as she saw the smile on Remus's face when Regulus took his hand and kissed his cheek. She was so overjoyed to see her boy in love, she showered them both in affection. Remus had told her that Regulus was a vegetarian, and she had gone out of her way to make plenty of delicious dishes and sides that he could enjoy. Regulus was overwhelmed by the kindness of that gesture and he immediately decided that Hope was the best mum in the world.
He and Remus took turns visiting each other for the rest of the break. They spent some days at the Lupin's cozy cottage in Wales enjoying Hope's cooking and playing board games after invigorating afternoons of sledding in the snowy hills. Other days were spent snuggling in front of the fire at Sirius's flat reading to each other from books discovered in Alphard's collection.
Sirius spent most of his time with the Potters. He even hosted a dinner party, inviting Mr. and Mrs. Potter over to his flat and cooking them a nice meal to show them how grown up he was. Regulus was surprised to see how the Potters treated his brother like he was their own son. It made him feel a twinge of jealousy, but he was glad that Sirius had them.
Returning to Hogwarts was a stark reminder of the reality of Reglus's situation. No longer did the other students in his house show any reverence toward him. The news that he had dishonored his family and was officially disowned quickly spread through the upper echelon of wizarding society. He was greeted by jeers and taunts and threats of violence whenever he entered the common room. Though he could stand up for himself well enough in a fair duel, there wasn't much he could do about stinging hexes to the back while brushing his teeth.
Evan and Dorcas, being his only allies left in Slytherin house, took turns escorting him like bodyguards when he was in the dungeons. Regulus spent as much time as possible in the library or with Remus in the Ravenclaw common room, instead of his own house.
If there was one good thing about being the pariah of Slytherin house, it was that this year they wouldn't be throwing him a birthday party.
"We'll have a party for you here!" Pandora proclaimed when the subject came up while studying in the Ravenclaw common room.
Regulus shook his head, "No, really, I am perfectly fine with not having a birthday party."
Amelia tutted, "But it's your sixteenth birthday, Regulus! You have to celebrate it. We can keep it small, just close friends. Only Ravenclaws, if you like."
"But we have to invite Evan. And Dorcas." Pandora pointed out.
Amelia considered her point, "True, okay only Ravenclaws and a few Slytherins."
"Sirius will want to be there. And probably James Potter, too." Remus added.
Regulus glared at him, "Who's side are you on? I don't need a party."
Remus wrapped an arm around his waist, "Best not to fight it, love. You know it's going to happen whether you want it or not."
Regulus groaned, and Remus snickered and nibbled on his earlobe as the girls continued making plans for the birthday party.
January 10, 1977
Regulus laughed as Remus spun him around. They were dancing to a blues-boogie track by Humphrey Lyttleton. Remus had borrowed it from Alphard's collection. It was one of the albums they had listened to during the holiday break, and he loved that Regulus couldn't resist swinging his hips to the music.
When a slower track came on and Regulus wrapped his arms around Remus's neck, he was out of breath and glistening with sweat, and Remus thought he'd never seen anything so beautiful. He pulled him close, swaying to the music, and kissed Regulus's forehead. "So, are you enjoying your birthday party?" he asked.
Regulus lay his head on Remus's shoulder, sighing contentedly. "No, it's terrible."
Remus chuckled. "Well, I suppose you wouldn't want a nice cool glass of Firewhiskey-spiked pumpkin juice?"
"Hmm. I guess it couldn't hurt."
Regulus sat down on one of the common room couches, watching Evan and Pandora play a game of Exploding Snap, as Remus headed to the punch bowl.
"He looks like he's having fun." Amelia greeted him as she filled up a cup. She handed the ladle to Remus.
"Yeah, thank you for helping me set this up. I think he needed it." They looked over at Regulus, and Remus's smile stuttered. Sirius was standing by the couch chatting with his brother.
"Is something wrong?" Amelia asked, seeing the look on Remus's face.
"What? No. Why?"
She narrowed her eyes. "You tense up whenever Sirius's name comes up. Even though Regulus seems so happy to have made peace with him. They look like they're getting along well."
"Yeah." Remus forced a smile. "I'm really happy for them."
Amelia leaned in and whispered, "You don't still have feelings for him, do you? Sirius, I mean?"
He stuttered, "Wha– there was never anything between me and Sirius. I'm fine. I love Regulus! And Sirius is his brother, and they're on good terms now and that's fantastic. Everything is fine."
"Oh boy," she gave him a pitying look.
Remus sighed. "Okay, if I tell you something can you promise not to say a word to anyone?"
She looked alarmed, but couldn't hide her curiosity for what was obviously juicy gossip. "Of course! I promise. Remus, what is it?"
He took her arm and maneuvered them away from the punch bowl over to a more secluded corner of the room. "I kissed him. Sirius," he said in a frantic whisper.
Amelia gasped and covered her mouth, eyes wide in shock.
"It was before Regulus and I were together, you know, officially. So it's not like I cheated on him or anything. And it didn't mean anything!"
"How long before?" Amelia asked.
"Er…" Remus looked at his feet. "The night before. At Sirius's flat, after Regulus fell asleep. We were a bit stoned and drunk on wine and he smelled so good… I lost control of myself and I kissed him. But that's all it was, one kiss." He whined and looked up at her with pleading eyes. He needed her to tell him that it was no big deal and he certainly didn't need to tell Regulus about it. But that isn't what she said.
"You need to tell him."
Remus deflated, "What? Really? But wouldn't it just hurt him? I mean, it won't happen again, so isn't it better if he doesn't know?"
She shook her head, "Remus, it's obviously bothering you. You need to tell him or it's just going to fester and grow and eventually explode. Secrets are not good for a relationship."
Sirius caught his eye as he approached with Regulus's drink. He was instantly on alert like he knew just by looking at Remus what he was planning to do.
Regulus was oblivious, accepting the drink thankfully and quickly taking a large gulp before happily returning his attention to whatever story Evan was telling.
Sirius tapped Remus on the arm, "Remus, can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Oh, um." He looked at Regulus, and seeing he was having a good enough time without him, he reluctantly agreed. "Yeah, okay."
He pulled him just a few meters away. The music was loud enough that they wouldn't be overheard at that distance. "Please tell me you aren't thinking about doing what I think you're thinking about doing."
"Sirius, I have to tell him–" Remus started.
Sirius interrupted him, "You absolutely do not have to tell him."
Remus shook his head. "Look, you don't have anything to worry about. I'll tell him it was all me. I'm the one who kissed you. You didn't do anything wrong, so he won't have any reason to be angry with you."
Sirius ran a hand through his hair, "Do you honestly think any of that will matter? He'll undoubtedly blame me. But that's not what I'm worried about. Look at him, Remus. Look at how happy he is. Why would you want to ruin that?"
Remus chewed on his lip. "But Amelia says secrets are bad for a relationship. I don't want to risk waiting and making it worse. Maybe if I tell him now, he'll understand and we can just put it behind us."
Sirius gave him his biggest puppy-dog eyes, pleading with him, "Please, it's his birthday. Don't you want him to enjoy his birthday?"
Remus let out a huff of air. He was actually relieved that Sirius didn't think it was a good idea to tell Regulus. What he didn't know wasn't hurting him, after all. "Yeah, okay. You're right. Maybe not now. I do want him to be happy."
Sirius grinned and slapped him on the back. "That's a good man, Lupin. It's for the best, trust me." He let out a relieved breath. "Whoo, alright, let's get some real music on here, yeah?" He headed to the record player and started thumbing through the albums. Remus watched him and absentmindedly sipped his drink. He should have added another shot of Firewhiskey to it.
He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up into the smiling face of his boyfriend.
"Hey," Regulus said, "what were you thinking about?"
"Mmm, nothing. Just you," Remus said and pressed his lips to Regulus's. He licked Regulus's bottom lip, which tasted of pumpkin juice, eliciting a whimper.
"Is your dorm empty?" Regulus rasped as he kissed a trail along Remus's jaw and neck, sucking at his pulse point, which he knew always drove Remus mad.
Remus stifled a moan. "Uh, yeah, should be." He looked around the room silently counting his roommates. "There's a charm I can use on the door to keep them out for a while. It'll give us some privacy."
Regulus pulled back and looked up at him with a devilish grin. "What are we waiting for, then?" He pulled Remus, willingly, down the hall to his dorm room.
Keeping Regulus happy became Remus's main goal in life over the next few weeks. Whenever he started to feel the weight of his secret growing in his gut and threatening to burst like a Bubotuber pustule and cover him in the noxious stink of shame and regret, he would pull Regulus into an empty classroom or a broom cupboard and snog him senseless. He would drink in his moans of pleasure and sweet words of love and adoration, and remind himself that he was doing the right thing. After all, Regulus deserved to be happy!
Aside from the snogging, working on the Wolfsbane potion was another good distraction from his worries. They spent long hours going over the details of the potion and reviewing Pinga's notes from her experiments in Canada. Some of the North American ingredients that she used required European alternatives, but they felt confident in their research that it would work. The plan was to collect the moon water during the March full moon, and add the Erumpant horn powder to simmer for two weeks, adding the aconite and Abraxan hair component (for which Regulus was meticulously working out the correct formula) right before administering it. He would need to take the potion every day for a week before the April full moon. The anticipation was making them all on edge, but eager to see their hard work pay off.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, Remus wanted to do something special for Regulus. Something different. Something exciting. Something unexpected.
He would never have been able to pull it off on his own. Thankfully, Remus's complete failure to avoid making friends at Hogwarts paid off in that quite a few people were willing to help him plan a romantic surprise for his boyfriend.
James, Sirius, and Peter, who had spent their first few years at Hogwarts marauding and causing havoc, had an impressive knowledge of the castle and its grounds. They were instrumental in finding the perfect spot, as well as setting it up as Remus requested.
Lily Evans found the plan terribly romantic, and offered to cover for Remus on the night of the 14th, not only getting him out of Prefect duty but also clearing the way for them to sneak out undetected.
James Potter also offered to loan Remus his pristine invisibility cloak, which was a family heirloom. Remus sputtered incoherently at this gesture. He had never seen such a fascinating magical artifact.
Evan would be essential in providing an alibi for Regulus and making sure he got to their meeting point.
Everything was going to work out perfectly.
February 14, 1977
"You really should dress warmer than that. Don't you have a wooly hat? Gloves?" Evan was looking Regulus over with a critical eye.
Regulus smirked, "Do you really think more layers are what I want to wear when I meet my boyfriend on Valentine's Day?"
"Haha. You're hilarious. Also, that's adorable. But yes, trust me Reg. You want layers." Evan said, pulling a woolly hat onto Regulus's head. Regulus winced as his perfectly coiffed curls were squashed under the hat.
"Ugh, alright. So it's an outdoor activity, I take it?"
"Wow, you're a quick one!" Evan laughed. He looked at his watch. "Eight-fifty. The hallways should be cleared for us now. Let's move."
They set out into the abandoned corridor and headed up the stairs from the dungeons. Regulus's heart was pounding, and not just from the adrenaline of sneaking out after curfew. He knew that Remus was planning something special for him, and had a feeling that this night was going to be a huge milestone in their relationship. All the snogging had been great, but Regulus was 16 and completely smitten and tonight he wanted to make love to his boyfriend.
An outdoor activity in the middle of the winter, and all of the clothing layers that such an activity required, might put a damper on his plans. But he was happy to go with the flow and see what Remus had planned. It was sure to be brilliant.
After two more flights of stairs and a walk down a corridor, Regulus started to get impatient and hot in his winter cloak. "Where are we going, anyway?" he asked Evan, who was peeking sneakily around the next bend in the corridor.
"Almost there, Reg. Ah ha!" Regulus followed him around the corner and found Remus and Lily Evans waiting for him.
Remus smiled coyly and greeted Regulus by taking his hand and kissing the back of it. Regulus snickered. "Okay well, I'd better be off, seeing as nothing is going on in this corridor. Mr. Rosier, shall I escort you back to your common room. It is past curfew, you know." She winked at Remus, and Evan gave Regulus two thumbs up before taking Lily's arm and heading back the way he had come.
"Okay, well I'm baffled if that was the goal. What are we doing here?" Regulus asked.
"Ah, right this way, my love." Remus pulled aside a tapestry on the wall behind them, revealing a hidden passage.
"Where does it go?" he asked, taking Remus's hand and following him into the tunnel.
"You'll see."
The tunnel wound downward and opened up to what appeared to be a utility shed on the ground floor, somewhere in a back corner of the castle.
"Okay, now is the time to put on your hat and gloves. And this." Remus pulled a long thin shimmery fabric from his pocket.
Regulus gaped, "Is that an invisibility cloak?"
"Yes, it is. We have to pass through the grounds to get where we're going, and I don't want to risk being caught out of bounds." Remus lifted the cloak over their heads.
They huddled together awkwardly under the cloak, and Regulus let Remus lead them across the snow-covered grounds toward the cover of the forest. He began to feel nerves fluttering in his stomach. He had never done something so reckless before! Sneaking out of the castle late at night, using a hidden passage and cloak of invisibility, it was all so risky! He felt like he was a different person when he was with Remus. Someone daring and adventurous. He bit his lip to hold in the excitement that bubbled up his chest from the thrill of it all.
When they entered the forest, Remus pulled the invisibility cloak off of them, shoved it back into his pocket, and lit his wand. "Almost there, love," he said, taking Regulus's gloved hand in his once again.
It was only about five more minutes of walking before Regulus saw where they were headed. Fairy lights twinkled and danced over a sparkling iced-over pond. There was an old traveling trunk next to the pond, which Remus opened to reveal two sets of ice skates and two mugs of hot cocoa charmed to keep them warm in the case. Regulus laughed happily taking a sip of the cocoa. It was perfect!
"It's beautiful, Moony." He said, looking out at the twinkling lights.
Remus was already seated and pulling on the skates. "I hope you like skating. Sirius said you used to enjoy it when you were a kid. And he helped me get the skates in your size."
"I haven't skated in years. I'm afraid I won't be very steady on my feet." Regulus said, suddenly nervous.
"Don't worry. I'm happy to hold onto you the entire time." Remus took both of Regulus's hands, stepping back onto the ice, and pulling him along. He was a natural on the ice, gliding smoothly along, holding on to Regulus's waist. The cold air on their faces was invigorating and soon Regulus gained enough confidence to spread his wings a bit. He let go of Remus and picked up speed, gliding smoothly across the pond.
Remus had another surprise in store. He skated back over to the trunk and pulled out an old record player. He was through a handful of records when he waved Regulus over.
Regulus finished his lap around the pond, sliding to a stop next to Remus.
"Hey, Reg, have you ever heard of disco?" Remus asked, laughter in his voice as he slid a record out of its sleeve.
Regulus wrinkled his nose. "I don't think so. What is it?"
Remus gave him a shit-eating grin, "Oh, you're going to love this!" He set the record on the player, and Regulus picked up the cover to read it.
"KC and the Sunshine Band? Well, that sounds cheerful."
As the music started, he was proven right. It was definitely a groovy beat! Remus pulled him along and skated backward, facing Regulus. He let go of his hands and started dancing to the music as he skated, doing a funny move pointing a finger up in the air and then down at the ground and wiggling his hips.
That's the way - uh huh uh huh - I like it
Uh huh uh huh
That's the way - uh huh uh huh - I like it
Uh huh uh huh
Ooo-OOO–Ooooo-Ooo-oo
Regulus laughed and tried to mirror Remus's moves as they skated around the pond. At one point, Remus motioned for him to watch and he moved to the center of the pond and put on a little show of a dance shimmying down into a crouch while he skated in a tight circle, keeping up with the up and down arm movement, and ended in a tight spin. Regulus cheered and whooped. His cheeks were already sore from how much he was smiling.
As the song ended, Remus glided back to him and pulled him close. Regulus put his hand on Remus's neck, pulling his face down to meet him in a sloppy kiss. Remus laughed into his mouth but didn't break away as he tried to maneuver them back toward the record player.
"Hang on, love, there's another song I want to find," Remus said, pecking a kiss to the tip of Regulus's cold nose.
"Okay, I'm just gonna do another lap. Need to keep moving, it's freezing out here!" Regulus started to skate around the pond, pumping his arms to gain speed and bring up his heart rate. At the end of the pond, he noticed that it extended past the area that was lit. If he could go to the edge of the pond, he could really build up some speed to come up behind Remus and surprise him. He glanced back to see that Remus was still reading record covers. He sneakily moved into the shadowed end of the pond to get into position.
Once he was there, he noticed the problem with his plan. The area was overgrown with reeds, which might have weakened the ice, and at the first cracking sound, Regulus went still. He was afraid that any movement would have him falling through the thin ice.
"Um, Moony!" he called out, but the music was now blaring from the player, and Remus was looking around, confused as to where his boyfriend had disappeared to. Al Green's voice echoed across the pond.
I, I'm so in love with you
Whatever you want to do
Is alright with me.
'Cause you make me feel so brand new
I want to spend my life with you.
Finally, Remus turned and locked eyes with Regulus.
"I think it's going to crack!" Regulus called out and Remus was already headed toward him, but taking it slow, carefully examining the ice beneath him.
"Okay, Reg, can you carefully move toward me?" Remus held out his hand.
Regulus nodded. He slid his feet a couple of steps. Nothing happened. Okay, good. This was fine. He relaxed and took another step.
Ooh, loving you forever
Is what I need
Let me be the one you come running to
I'll never be untrue.
CRACK!
It happened all at once, the ground fell out beneath him and he was immersed in ice water. He frantically pulled himself to the surface and saw Remus on his stomach sliding toward him, arm outstretched. He reached out and the tips of their gloves touched.
Something was clawing at his legs, it pulled him back in. Regulus panicked and kicked, his mouth filled with water and he huffed out air to stop the water from spilling into his lungs. It was so cold. The last thing he saw was Remus's frightened face through the shimmery water and a flash of light, a spell erupting from Remus's wand.
Regulus regained consciousness with Remus over him muttering warming and drying spells. They were under a tree, and he was laying on the snow-covered ground. He couldn't stop shivering, even with the warming spells.
"Reg? Oh, thank Merlin you're awake. Can you hear me, Reg?" Remus's shaky voice.
Regulus nodded. "Yes. M'so cold, Moony."
"I know, I've got you. Can you walk? If I help support you?"
"Think so." Remus helped pull him to standing. His skates had already been removed and replaced with his normal shoes. Remus pulled his arm over his shoulder and they started back toward the castle.
When they got to the end of the forest cover, Remus pulled out the invisibility cloak and hunched down to keep them covered as they walked. Regulus had started to regain feeling in his limbs. They were tingly, but they were warming up. Still, a chill remained in his bones. He was looking forward to the shelter of the castle walls.
"I'm so sorry, Remus. I ruined our date," he said, sniffling.
"No, baby, it was my fault. I should have checked for thin ice. There was a grindylow patch over there." His voice cracked, "They pulled you under. Reg, I'm so sorry!"
When they were almost to the tapestry at the end of the tunnel, Remus whispered, "The Prefect bath is on this floor. Maybe a hot bath? To get you warmed up?" He rubbed Regulus's still-chilled fingers between his palms. Regulus felt a swooping sensation in his stomach at the idea. A bath. That meant removing their clothes. All of their clothes. He swallowed.
"Yeah. A hot bath sounds nice," he breathed out. Remus mistook the tremor in his voice for shivering and pulled him close, rubbing his arm.
They put on the cloak again before stepping out from behind the tapestry. As quietly as possible, they tiptoed down the corridor to the Prefect bathroom.
When they entered the room, Regulus was hit with lavender-scented steamy air. They certainly hadn't been the only couple to visit the bath that Valentine's evening. But now the room was abandoned, and Remus started fiddling with the taps, hot foamy water filling up the swimming pool sized tub.
"Go ahead, love. Do you want me to go fetch some tea?" Remus asked.
Regulus frowned, looking up at Remus with his big blue eyes. "Aren't you going to join me?" He pulled him close, wrapping an arm around his waist. "You were out in that cold for a long time, too."
"Oh!" Remus gasped. "Um, yeah. If you're sure?" Regulus could hear his own heart hammering in his chest.
"I'm sure."
Remus pressed his lips to Regulus's forehead. "Okay. You go first though." He turned to look away as Regulus undressed and slipped into the hot bath until he was covered to his shoulders in foam. A few seconds later, Remus slipped in beside him.
"Aaaah." They both relaxed in the warm water.
Regulus could feel the presence of the other boy next to him like a magnetic pull. He slowly slid his hand toward Remus's, reaching with his pinky until they touched and a thrill shot through him. Remus wasn't as shy, taking the hesitant touch as his cue, he entwined their fingers and caressed Regulus's palm with his thumb.
"You really scared me out there. I thought I'd lost you for a minute," Remus said softly, tilting his head to look at Regulus with an expression of longing, his amber eyes drinking in Regulus's features.
Regulus moved closer so that their naked arms and thighs were pressed against each other. His heart threatened to explode in his chest. "It was an intense experience, but I didn't actually fear for my life. I knew you were there, and you would be able to help me." He let out a nervous breathy laugh. "I've never broken so many rules before. Merlin, it was exhilarating, Moony! Being out there on the ice with the lights and the music. Seeing you do that dance. What was it called again? The disco?"
Remus chuckled, "Yeah, it's all the rage in muggle clubs." He pulled their entwined hands from the water and kissed Regulus's knuckles, one by one. "I'm so glad you liked it, Reggie. I had a really nice time, too. With you." His lips moved to Regulus's wrist and stopped just over his pulse, licking and sucking at the soft skin. "You're so beautiful, Reggie. The way your cheeks and nose get pink in the cold. I loved dancing for you. I loved hearing you laugh," he murmured between kisses, working his way up Regulus's forearm. "I love making you smile." Regulus shuddered.
He couldn't hold back any longer. He pulled Remus into a kiss and poured into it everything he had felt that night. The thrill of sneaking out of bounds, the pure joy of skating and dancing on the ice, and all of the lustful thoughts that their dancing had aroused. Even the shock of the cold water, and the relief of finding Remus tending to him, keeping him dry and warm. It made him feel more valued and cared for than he ever had in his life.
"Moony," he moaned as Remus pressed sweet kisses into his neck. "I … I want you, so much." Remus hummed in response, his hand carding into Regulus's hair. "You can touch me. If you want." Regulus said, his voice quaking with nerves and pent-up desire.
Remus pulled back just slightly. He looked into his eyes intently. "Reg?"
"I'm ready Moony, I want to… to be intimate with you. If… if that's okay." He blushed at the prudish phrase, but Remus didn't laugh, his eyes only filled with concern. He was hesitant. Maybe he thought Regulus was too young to make such a decision. Or too inexperienced?
"You mean, sex?" Remus asked, cautiously. Regulus nodded, relieved that he had gotten his point across.
"Reg... Are you sure, love? I mean, of course, I want you, too. But we don't have to do anything you aren't ready for. We can stop at any time. Okay?"
"I'm sure. I've never trusted anyone as completely as I do you. I'm ready." He didn't waste any time, moving to straddle Remus right there in the bath. He kissed him, their bare chests slippery against each other in the foamy water. He moaned into Remus's mouth, delighted that this was finally happening. But Remus's body went rigid, and he was pulling away from the kiss.
Regulus sat up. "Moony?" he asked, suddenly self-conscious. "Did I do something wrong?"
Remus cleared his throat, and sat up straight, yanking a hand through his hair. "Reggie, there's something I have to tell you. Before we go any further. I think you deserve to know the truth."
Regulus slid off of Remus's lap and stood. He tried to hide his embarrassment from acting so lascivious. "Okay. What is it?"
Remus let out a sound that was a mix of a groan and a sigh. "Alright, er…" he sucked in a breath and said in a rush. "I kissed Sirius."
Regulus felt the blood leave his face. He stood stock still as the words echoed through the lavender-scented air.
Sirius. Of course.
How could he be such an idiot? Of course, Remus was still in love with Sirius. The cleverer, handsomer, more charming Black brother. His hands clenched into fists as anger flooded his system. He didn't even notice himself saying it until he heard it in the air, the name, "Sirius" hissed with such venom that Remus flinched.
"Please, don't blame him, Reggie. I was the one who initiated it, but it didn't mean anything…" Remus was saying, but Regulus barely heard the words.
"When?" he huffed out the question through a tight jaw.
Remus looked up at him, desperation in his eyes as he confessed. "It was the first night in London. After you fell asleep, and we had drunk all that wine and we were smoking, and it just happened. But I swear Reggie it was just one kiss, that's all."
"The first night in London. The day before Christmas Eve." He remembered how happy he had been that night and he felt like such a fool. "So, you kissed my brother, and the next day you asked me to be your boyfriend. And didn't think to tell me about it, until now?"
Regulus needed to get out of there. Away from Remus and his pitiful eyes and the icy shame he felt when he looked at him. He climbed out of the tub and grabbed his wand. He used a quick drying spell, pulling on his robes as Remus fumbled around wrapping himself in a towel and blubbering apologies.
"Just stop!" Regulus shouted and Remus went still, dripping onto the tile and looking like a sad drowned rat. "Merlin, I can't believe I trusted him. I trusted you!" He gagged on the last words.
Remus reached out for his arm, but Regulus jerked back. "Just… stay away from me." He stormed out the door, not even caring that it was hours past curfew as he let his feet take him down to the dungeons, his mind spiraling with pain and regret.
When he got to his room he cast a silencing charm on his bed curtains and screamed into his pillow.
Sirius. He'd ruined the only good thing in Regulus's life. Sirius always ruined everything. He would never forgive his brother this time.