Chapter 12: Fatherhood
Summary:
Enter the pensive.
Notes:
CW: smut
TW: child loss grief (Atlantis)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Regulus
It was well into December so heating charms had to be constantly placed around the tent. It was a good thing Regulus had confessed to Sirius while they were away that he was pregnant because now there was no denying the fact. A small neat bump had formed, Regulus often thought about the fact he didn't know how far along he was but he was definitely far enough along to be showing even if it was only a little bit. James could hardly keep his hands off Regulus' stomach nor could he stop whispering how sexy he found him in his ear; this just caused Regulus to roll his eyes. He wouldn't say they were having more sex than usual because they had a healthy sex life anyway. James was entranced by Regulus anyway, James was just simply enjoying his husband's pregnancy.
They all sat around the kitchen table while Harry napped. More like Sirius sat in Remus' lap and across the table Regulus sat in James' James rubbing happily at Regulus' stomach while Regulus sorted through the letters that may contain information on Voldemort's family. He found a chunky letter which he decided to open first. He furrowed his brows and connected eyes with Sirius for a moment. Regulus opened the letter carefully and took out which appeared to be memory vials. He handed one to Sirius,
"Bob Ogden, it says who in the name of Merlin's saggy left tesitcal is that?" Sirius asked. Remus gently took Sirius off his lap and got up. "Where are you going?" Sirius snapped.
"It's a memory vial, we need to find out what's inside. I brought our travel pensive babe," Remus said tendlery.
"It has got to contain information on Voldemort's family," Regulus huffed out a laugh, rather excited with how this was progressing. "I should be the one to look at it," Regulus choked out, "I'm the reason we know about the horcruxes,"
"Oh here we go again Mr I am the reason, is back," Sirius rolls his eyes,
"Is it big enough for the both of us?" Regulus deadpanned.
"Yes," Remus and Sirius chorused at the same time.
"Oh babe you are back," SIrius said happily. Remus was carrying a small travel sized pensive that looked like a silver dish you would serve a large portion of soup in. James was busy pressing kisses onto Regulus' cheek only stopping to whisper I love yous into his ear as if they were a prayer. Remus sat the pensive down in front of Regulus. Sirius got up and walked around immediately,
"Right guys pay attention, even to the small things everything is important after all," Remus looked a little stressed.
"You'll be alright, love, yeah?" James cooed as Regulus got up from his lap.
"Yes darling, it is only a pensive," Regulus chuckled. James cupped his face and gave him a small closed mouth kiss.
"I love you Regulus Potter," he breathed,
"Still have to get used to that," Regulus huffed out a breath and smiled. Sirius held the memory and steadied his breathing,
"Here goes nothing," Sirius said, pointing his wand at the bottle and muttering something before the cork came shooting out. Sirius then tipped the silvery liquid into the pensive. Regulus and Sirius then stuck their faces (very much squashed together) into the liquid and suddenly they started falling. Falling, falling, falling, Regulus felt like he'd just gone down the rabbit hole. The darkness engulfed him until he landed on his feet Sirius landing a second later. They were in the eye view of a short plump man wearing thick glasses that reduced his eyes to mole like specks, he was reading something. "This must be our Ogen then," Sirius turned to Regulus,
"Yes well he is the only one in sight so I assume so," Regulus swallowed down some sick, all that falling mixed with a baby in the womb was not good for Regulus.
"He is stressed so strange is he wearing a bathing costume over his trousers," Sirius chuckled,
"Odd man," Regulus mused. Ogden suddenly set off down the lane. They followed immediately but Regulus stopped to glance at what Bob Ogden had been reading; it was a wooden sign, 'little hangleton one mile," they followed him down to a hillside. A valley was laid out in front of them, a little village visible. And a handsome manor house catching his attention. Sirius walked on and Regulus had to speed walk to keep up. They followed Ogden as he disappeared beneath a hedge they followed him to a cobbly road which twisted and turned. Another sloping down hill he was heading for a patch of dark trees. When they finally came to a holt Ogden took out his wand and suddenly there was a building.
"Odd place for a house, there's no light, nor a view of the valley. Look how mossy the walls are too. It's completely overgrown. Rathers are fucking visable in some places and the nettles are insane. No one lives here right?" Sirius turned his nose up,
"I'm not sure. I am not someone who is in a position to judge I live in a flat you provide for me,"
"Yeah but I provided you with a decent flat because I love you," Sirius said softly. "I'll always take care of you Reg," Sirius assured him. Regulus hadn't been able to look for a job the last few years he was utterly traumatised by what had happened to Atlantis not to mention what he had to go through under Voldemort's ranks, special mention to the abuse he endured by the hands of his parents. He had published a few poetry books but they didn't accumulate that much money so really Sirius provided for him. He wasn't sure he was going to look for a job after this now that he was going to be a full time papa with his own baby on the way and his wonderful step-son Harry. He did think he would try to pursue his writing further though. That would be nice. He used to keep journals, usually though he just wrote about James. Always James, his James. James kept some about him too which he loved reading over and
laughing at the times they had together. Ogden moved towards the house and when they got to the front door Regulus gasped.
"The snake is dead!" Regulus cried out, there was a dead snake nailed to the door.
"Shhh, shhh," Sirius cooed, wrapping his arms around his brother, "Hey, you are okay," he whispered, kissing Regulus' forehead, "I got you," Sirius whispered. He held him for a moment and then let him go and wiped away his tear. Suddenly a man in rags jumped out of a tree Ogden, Sirius and Regulus all stepped back.
"You're not welcome," the man wheezed. His hair was so thick and matted with dirt that Regulus could not be sure of it's true colour. He was missing several teeth too and his eyes were small and dark. He looked frightening. Regulus wasn't surprised that Ogden backed up even more,
"Good morning, I am from the ministry of magic," Bob Ogden said timidly.
"You're not welcome," the other man repeated.
"I'm sorry, I don't understand you," Ogden squeaked,
"Is he an idiot, or what? The other man is making himself quite clear," Regulus scoffed. The man had a wand in one hand and the knife in the other,
"What? You can understand him," Sirius mouth fell open,
"Er yeah? Can you not, can Ogden not?"
"No, it sounds like he's making strange hissing noises." Sirius told him. Then the coin dropped for Regulus. He was speaking in parseltongue. A talent Regulus kept mostly private. For everyone said it was associated with evil. Suddenly an old man came running out of the house knocking Ogden over,
"Ministry is it?" the old man said. He found out the family was called the gaunt family as they argued. Eventually he said something along the lines of he should have made himself known because they will protect themselves against busybodies, muggles and filth,
"That old man would love to have tea with our dear told mum," Sirius turned his nose up at the gaunt family. Regulus stayed silent.
"Get in the house don't argue," the old man (Mr Gaunt) said to his son (the man with the wand and the knife," he went into the house.
"It is your son I am here to see Mr Gaunt,"
"Are you pureblood?" Mr Gaunt snapped.
"That's neither here nor there," Ogden replied heatly. Both Sirius and Regulus felt their respect for Ogden rise. Gaunt though he screwed his face up.
"I am here following a serious breach of wizarding law," Ogden said eventually and Mr Gaunt finally let them all in. though he had no idea Sirius and Regulus were there.the house was filthy inside. There was a snake on the floor,
"You be good to me or I'll nail you to the wall," the man from before sang. Regulus shuddered. After a shuffling noise both Regulus and Sirius realised there was someone else in the room, a girl. Her raggedy grey dress was the exact colour of the stone wall behind her. She was beside the stove. Her hair was lank and dull and her pale face was very plain. She did look cleaner than the two men but Regulus had never seen a more defeated looking person and that was saying something because he had in fact looked in the mirror before.
"That's my daughter Merope," Mr Gaunt told Ogden who greeted her she did not answer but turned to the pots.
"Well it seems your son performed magic in front of a muggle late last night," Ogden stated and Merope dropped one of the pots.
"PICK IT UP," Mr Gaunt bellowed and when she reached down he shouted what was her want for and to stop acting like a filthy muggle.
"Mr Gaunt please," said in a horrified voice. Merope had already gathered the pot she pointed her wand at it but all it did was cause the pot to shoot across the room and hit the wall and crack in true,
"Mend it you pointless lump,"
"The way he treats her, this is just like looking at our family if they were poor," Sirius was clearly triggered by the way Merope was being treated so Regulus started to rub his shoulder. Ogden repaired the pot for Merope.
"Lucky the man from the ministry is here to save you. Perhaps he will take you off my hands. Perhaps he doesn't mind dirty squibs," Mr Gaunt spat.
"I would love to knock him the fuck out," Sirius snarled.
"I know," Regulus cooed. Merope did not even look at anyone nor thank Ogden she picked the pot and scurred away she looked like she wanted to disappear.
"Mr Gaunt, as I said the reason for my visit,"
"SO WHAT? I HEARD YOU THE FIRST TIME. So what if my son gave a dirty muggle what was coming to him, what about it then."
"Your son has broken wizarding law," Ogden said sternly and Mr Gaunt repeated it in a sing-song voice.
"So what he taught a filthy muggle a lesson." Mr Gaunt said. "That's not illegal now is it?"
"I don't know how much more I can listen to this," Sirius sighed
"Yes it is, I have summons to the ministry for a hearing for your son,"
"Who do you think you are to summon him?"
"Head of magical law enforcement,"
"You think we're just scum who will come running when the ministry tells them too? Do you know who you're talking to, you filthy little mudblood?"
"I am aware I am talking to Mr Gaunt,"
"That's right," Mr Gaunt started flashing a black stone ring on his finger. Regulus' eyes zoomed in on it. He was waving it about, "See this? Centuries it's been our family and it's been all the way back where pureblood all the way," suddenly he was dragging Merope by the locket, the locket they recognised as the one he and Sirius destroyed. He was shouting, "Slytherin's locket, we are his last living descendants,"
"Sirius we need to find that fucking ring," Regulus grabbed Sirius.
"Fucking hell," Sirius breathed out. As Ogden talked about what Mr Gaunts son had done to the muggle.
"That girl, Merope, she's Voldemort's mother I am sure!" Regulus cried out.
"Fuck, that's Voldy's mum," Sirius looked back over at her. Ogden was talking about Mr Gaunts son would have attend a hearing. Suddenly they heard voices and horses Gaunt froze listening, his son hissed while Merope raised her head her face stockly white,
"My god what an eyesore, can you do something about it Tom" some girl said,
"It's not ours everything else belongs to us but not the cottage that belongs to an old tramp," the son rose but his father warned him to sit,
"Tom, I might be wrong but has somebody nailed a snake to that door,"
"Don't look at it cecilia darling,"
"Darling, he called her so he wouldn't have you anyway," the son said to Merope who now what so white Regulus thought she might faint. The father questioned him, "She likes looking at that muggle, always in the garden when he passes. Peering through the hedges and last night hanging out at the window waiting for him to ride home,"
"Hanging out at the window looking at a muggle," All three of Gaunts seemed to have forgotten Ogden
"Is it true? My pureblood daughter hanging after a filthy muggle?" she was shaking her head as her father shouted. Then the son admitted it was him he'd got with the magic the boy she liked, Voldemort's father perhaps? Tom? Tom Riddle? "You disgusting squib you filthy little blood traitor," Gaunt started choking his daughter. At the same time Ogden, Sirius and Regulus shouted,
"No!" but of course only Ogden could be heard by Gaunt who ignored him so Ogden shot his wand at him and sent Gaunt flying across the room. The son ran at Ogden with his knife and Ogden ran away Meropes screams filling the cottage.
"We better go too," Regulus pulled Sirius after Ogden. Ogden collided into the horse riding by the very handsome dark haired man. Both he and the pretty girl riding beside him laughed at Ogden; he got up and ran away. Regulus pulled Sirius out of the memory and tugged. Soaring through the darkness until the landed in the tent of the kitchen. Sirius grabbed for Remus and started sobbing, it was too much for him what he witnessed because of the way he grew up. James pulled Regulus into a hug.
"Baby what happened?" he questioned concerned pressing kisses onto Regulus' hair.
"We saw Voldemort's mum and the next horcrux I know what we are looking for," Regulus said, "His grandad was abusive to his mum, Sirius is just a little upset," Regulus said carefully. James hugged him as tight as he could without feeling like he'd hurt the baby,
"Love," James breathed. "Are you okay?" he asked but Regulus pulled apart and dug out the letter which stated. Ministry representatives came to the house a week after that occurred. And the son was convicted, the son was sent to 3 years in azkaban but Marvolo Riddle was only sentenced to 3 months. Though after he came home his daughter had gone off with a muggle and he didn't last long enough to see his son released. The muggle Merope married left her while she was pregnant. He never troubled to discover what had become of his son.
"Yeah I am pretty sure we saw Voldemort's father as well," Regulus choked out,
"You really think that man would have gone for her?" Sirius asked through sobs.
"Love potion," Regulus choked out.
"You are saying Voldemort was conceived on a love potion?" James gasped.
"Yes, I am pretty sure," Regulus said.
"How could he have left her if he was under love potion though?" Remus inquired.
"Unless, now this is a guess. Unless she was so in love with him she decided to stop tricking him with the potion and wanted to see if she could actually get him to stay, which she of course couldn't," Regulus stated.
"But conceived under a love potion, Reg would that have effects on the baby?" James asked.
"I believe so, yeah," Regulus admitted. Harry began to cry he had woke up alone in his room Regulus immediately said he would go get him. Regulus walked in the room excitedly to get his son who stopped crying the moment he noticed Regulus in the room who was smiling at him widely. Harry returned the smile and started babbling the word 'papa' over and over again. "How is my handsome boy?" Regulus cooed and Harry laughed lifting his arms above himself babbling a mix between 'papa' and 'up' Regulus lifted him and gave him a kiss. "I love you so much, my special boy. You are my favourite" Regulus tickled him lightly, "I don't think your daddy will mind too much but let's not tell Sirius," he brought Harry out and James was already mashing a banana for him. He smiled widely at both Harry and Regulus.
"So what are we doing, the horcrux? Sirius told us about this ring?" Remus asked.
"We must go to that shack, Sirius and I seen in the memory," Regulus told them while placing Harry in his highchair and planting a kiss on the scar on his forehead.
"Where is it?"
"Little hangleton. We leave tomorrow. We are going to have to search the place," Regulus told them all. "I mean really search,"
"Right tomorrow then," Sirius stated. Pulling Lupin away for some alone time. James gave the mashed banana which was in a bowl to Regulus along with Harry's spoon and Regulus began feeding him,
"It suits you know," James whispered, kissing the back of Regulus' neck and wrapping his arms around his waist as Regulus fed their son.
"What does?" Regulus hummed making faces while feeding Harry while Harry laughed.
"Fatherhood," James kissed his cheek from behind. Regulus grinned widely 'Fatherhood'
James
—--SMUT—--
James' eyes fluttered open. He stared at his husband who was sleeping peacefully in his bed. James smiled while looking at him. He thanked all the Gods and anyone above that my listening for bringing Regulus to him. He truly did love his husband with all his heart and moments like this really made James' heart swell with love. James leaned over and gave Regulus a gentle kiss on the lips. Regulus hums approvingly and leans into the kiss. James smiled against Regulus' lips as he deepened the kiss. Regulus was moaning gently. Blinking his eyes and lips to wake himself up as James ran his hands through Regulus' hair. Regulus gave out a little moan and smiled into the kiss.
"Can I touch you?" James muttered softly and Regulus just responded with nodding eagerly. James met Regulus' mouth again as he ran his hands over Regulus' already nake body. Regulus arched his back at James' touch and James smirked as he made his way down to Regulus' jaw and peppered kisses all along it. Regulus had his eyes closed as James took in the image before him. James leaned back over Regulus' throat, making sure to avoid Regulus' belly and continued to kiss at his throat.
"Spread your legs," James moaned and Regulus obliged, opening his legs wide for James. James' hand went straight for Regulus' clit. Regulus vibrates slightly at James' touch and James smiles, he really did love nothing more than making Regulus feel good. Regulus took out his wand and muttered a silencing charm through his moans as James inserted a finger inside him. Regulus moaned loudly, clawing at James' shoulder. James had gotten into a pretty good rhythm on Regulus' clit. Regulus was squirming under his touch. James felt Regulus juices running down his fingers as he moved them in and out. James was hard, it was almost painful.
"Aww fuck James," Regulus moaned loudly.
"You're so beautiful," James moaned back as he kissed Regulus hungerily. Regulus was soaking, his body reacting happily to James' touch. James gently moved Regulus on to all fours, Regulus was breathing heavily and gripping at the bed clothes, James didn't stop using his hand on Regulus as he turned him. James slid himself inside Regulus and it felt like heaven. James let out a loud groan as he thrusted in and out of Regulus, "Your so perfect, look at you just taking it so well," James moaned as Regulus let out his own loud groan, "You can take all of me, my perfect man," James said as he became to speed up. Regulus knuckles were white from gripping the bed clothes.
"Aww James you're so big," Regulus moaned.
"And look at you taking it all, allowing me inside," James grunted as he entangled his hand in Regulus' hair and gave it a gentle tug.
"Fuck me James," Regulus breathed.
"I'd do anything you want me to," James replied.
"Harder," Regulus breathed again, his breathing laboured as he placed his face into the bed. James could feel himself building as he picked up speed. Thrusting hard into Regulus. Regulus clawed at the bed, screaming loudly in pleasure. James felt like he was floating, feeling the warmth of Regulus.
"I want to feel you come just for me," James breathed loudly, thrusting faster, "Just for me… you're so good," James continued and he could feel he was right on the edge. Regulus' legs were begging to tense against James. Regulus arched his back again as he allowed himself to come, loudly, thank Merlin for silencing charms. James followed violently after Regulus, feeling himself fill Regulus up. James collapsed on the bed breathing heavily. Regulus lay beside him and James pulled him close, giving him a kiss on the forehead, "You're perfect… Thank you," James said through a heavy breath. Regulus' body vibrated with pleasure as he gave out a gentle laugh.
—--SMUT ENDED —--
Once Regulus' breathing had returned to normal he quickly jumped up. James leaned on his forearm in concern as Regulus raced out of the room.
"Regulus, are you ok?" James called after him but received no answer. James jumped up from the bed and pulled on his bottoms quickly as he followed his husband. James arrived at Regulus' side as Regulus tried to leave the tent, covering his mouth as he tried to wave James away. Suddenly Regulus spewed vomit on to the floor, before putting his head out the door and continuing to vomit, "Regulus oh Merlin!" James shouted, worried about Regulus.
"I'll be fine in a minute James just let me-" Regulus was cut off as he threw up again out the door. Remus and Sirius appeared at James' side looking at each other worried.
"It must be morning sickness right?" Sirius asked as he took his wand from his pocket. James just nodded.
"It has to be, I mean we haven't eatening anything that would make us sick right?" James answered and Remus nodded. Regulus pulled away from James and disappeared outside the door. Sirius did a spell quickly to make the vomit disappear and followed his brother out, "Should I go out after him?" James asked Remus. Remus shook his head.
"He has Sirius let him just get settled and Sirius would bring him back, I think it would mean a lot to Sirius if he could be here Regulus right now," Remus answered and James pulled back the tent door as he looked out, he seen Sirius rubbing his brothers back who was continuing to be sick. James wanted to run put and take all the sickness away for Regulus but he knew he would be able to. James swallowed and nodded at Remus.
"We should sort breakfast. Regulus will be hungry when he comes back," James replied and Remus nodded making his way to the kitchen area.
"Get Harry ready, yeah?" Remus called back to James who nodded and went into Harry's room. Harry was babbling happily in his cot when James came into his room.
"Hey my little man," James smiled as he lifted Harry from his cot. Harry gave out a little laugh of excitement as James lifted him.
"Papa , papa," Harry said loudly.
"Papa will be here soon, he's just a little busy right now," James cooed at Harry as he lay him down to change him. Harry gave out a disappointed noise.
"Papa!" Harry demanded again and James smiled as he continued to change him. James got Harry cleaned and into clean clothes before taking him back out the kitchen. He strapped him into his highchair and handed him a little cup of milk as he turned to Remus.
"What are you making?" James asked and Remus pointed at the toaster.
"Tea and toast, it's simple and easy and doesn't have any strong flavours that might upset Regulus' stomach," Remus replied and James nodded, taking the butter from the fridge and a knife from the drawer. James waited for the toast to pop for everyone, buttering each piece, before placing the Jam on the table along with Remus who was sitting the cups of tea out for everyone.
Sirius and Regulus appeared back inside the tent. Regulus was holding his stomach and James quickly made his way to his side. Harry was sitting happily in his high chair eating his toast.
"Papa!" Harry called and Regulus gave him a gentle smile as he reached out to pet his face before taking his seat at the table.
"You guys didn't have to do this," Regulus smiled and lifted his cup.
"You need to eat babe," James smiled and Regulus scoffed.
"I know that James," Regulus replied, taking a sip of his tea.
"Once you get a bit of food in you Reggie you feel a lot better," Sirius replied and lifted a bit of toast, shoving it into his mouth.
"Are you pregnant or am I?" Regulus laughed.
"It's because we are so close…" Sirius laughed, "I'm getting the by-product of your cravings," He continued and the four of them laughed.
"We should really think about our next move," Remus interjected and lifted a piece of toast.
"I know but we are hardly even up yet Moony could we wait maybe?" Sirius replied.
"We don't have that privilege I'm afraid," Lupin replied and Regulus laughed.
"Lupin is right, we really need to make a plan for this next Horcrux," Regulus replied.
"Fine you bag of laughs," Sirius said as he rolled his eyes, "So what's the plan?" Sirius asked.
"A man of many ideas, you are Sirius," James laughed.
"We have to get to Little Hangleton,' Remus said and Regulus nodded.
We won't be able to apparate there with Harry, well we can but I would prefer that we didn't apparate too often with him" Regulus said quickly.
"That's a good point, So muggle transport is probably our best bet," Remus replied, "We want to try and get all these things destroyed as quickly as possible so we don't have to worry about them, so it's better to do this as soon as we know what we are looking for," He continued and Harry began to giggle to himself. Regulus lifted Harry from his highchair and held him close.
"Remus is right, if we know where we are going and what we are looking for there is no point wasting time," Regulus answered as Harry reached up to place with his hair, "Good morning you," Regulus cooed and James smiled at them.
"Then the train it is," Sirius announced and stood up, "After breakfast we'll make a move and take down another on of those stupid life lines," Sirius smiled and disappeared into his room with another piece of toast.
After breakfast everyone quickly got showered and changed before they made their way to the train station. James purchased the tickets as Sirius, Remus and Regulus sat outside with Harry.
It didn't take long for the train to appear and the five of them boarded it. Finding a compartment and settling in for the journey. James felt like it was going back to Hogwarts, everyone on the train together, he smiled round at his friends and his husband.
"This feels like we never left," James said happily and laughed.
"What do you mean?" Lupin asked as he looked up from his book.
"It's like going back to Hogwarts right?" James smiled and Regulus shook his head.
"James we have more pressing matters to be worrying about," Regulus replied and checked Harry who was staring out the window.
"Come on lets just make this fun, I know we have a serious thing we gotta do but let's make it fun yeah?" James smiled and Regulus laughed.
"James is right, let's make this fun at the very least," Sirius laughed and jumped up in his chair, "So to begin our fun adventure I will perform for you," He continued and Regulus laughed.
"You really don't have to do that," Regulus replied and Sirius shook his head.
"No honestly it's my gift to you." Sirius smirked and James chuckled to himself as Sirius began breaking out into 'lets dance' by David Bowie. Harry was clapping excitedly as Sirius began dancing round the compartment. James joined in loudly and they could see people walking past outside looking in, but they didn't care. Sirius sang like his lungs were about to give out and Harry clapped and tried to hum the song along with him, but was not able to get the turn right even though Sirius had ingrained David Bowie into him.
Regulus was bouncing Harry on his knee as James took it upon himself to begin the song Rebel Rebel. Sirius grabbed him by the shoulder and stared into his face as they sang the words loudly. Remus was laughing as he tried to focus on his book as the train drove silently across the track. James could see Regulus muttering and dancing slightly with Harry as Sirius and him sang the song.
"I have to go to the bathroom so song break!" Sirius announced, "And I'm gonna see if there is some type of beer cart on this bus," Sirius smirked and Remus shook his head at him.
"Sirius no, this isn't the time," Remus said sternly and Sirius waved his hand at him.
"Come on Remus, one drink won't hurt us and of course a coke for the father to be," Sirius smiled at Regulus, who laughed lightly, as Sirius disappeared out the door.
"He would find a drink in the desert," Remus laughed.
"There really is no talking to him… it's that right Harry," Regulus smiled at Harry on his knee, "Your stinky ugly Sirius," Regulus laughed and Harry giggled.
"Hey I think that would hurt Sirius' feelings," James laughed.
"It will annoy him even more if I can have Harry say it," Regulus replied with a glint in his eye. James smiled at him as Regulus began trying to get Harry to repeat his words, "Sirius Smells," Regulus said gently, " Sirius Smells," Regulus laughed and Harry gave a little laugh.
"Papa," Harry replied and James' heart beat happily in his chest as he put his arm round Regulus, pulling him and Harry close.
"He's not going to say it is he," Regulus laughed.
"I don't think so… maybe with a bit more training he will," James joked. The door slammed open and a cart appeared inside. Sirius slammed the door quickly and turned to face his friends.
"Ask and you shall receive," Sirius smiled as he opened a beer.
"What?" Regulus asked quickly.
"I took it," Sirius smirked.
"Sirius is this a joke?" Lupin asked, closing his book and sitting up straight.
"No I am not, the lady was in the bathroom so I just took it," Sirius smiled. Regulus looked at him horrified and Sirius rolled his eyes.
"Sirius, that's a crime!" James said angrily.
"Oh my god you guys are no fun… I didn't actually steal" he trailed off and handed Remus and James a beer, "I brought it all," Sirius continued and James eyed him suspiciously.
"Sirius…" James threatened.
"I promise!" Sirius replied as he took his seat and took a drink.
"Sirius, are you lying?" Regulus asked and Sirius rolled his eyes again.
"No I'm not … I couldn't choose what everyone would want so I just brought it all," Sirius replied and handed Regulus a cola. Regulus took the drink and opened it, continuing to stare at Sirius. Remus had gotten up and left the compartment and had returned a few minutes later confirming that Sirius had in fact purchased the whole kart.
"Ye of little faith," Sirius muttered as he continued his drink. The rest of the ride they had all had a couple of drinks, but not enough to get themselves drunk. They arrived in Little Hangleton, late into the evening. Harry was becoming fussy, giving out little whimpers and squirming in James' arms as they made their way towards the house. James tried to soothe Harry, shaking his gently as they entered the house.
The house was dark and cold. Harry was pulling at James' glasses and reaching for Regulus.
"Papa, papa," Harry was crying and James bounced him gently.
"Remus and Sirius you take down stairs and well take up stairs," Regulus muttered and they all nodded, "Lumous," Regulus continued and the light appeared at the end of his wand. Harry stared at it and smiled. Sirius, Remus and James followed Regulus' example and the four of them took off in different directions.
James followed Regulus up the wooden stairs before going off into a separate room. He was searching every corner of the rooms he was in, pulling away dressing tables and lifting chairs and throwing them out of his way. Harry was babbling and grabbed at James as he continued to search the room. James could hear furniture being moved out the way in the level below him, he didn't know who was in which room, but he could hear anyone searching. James sighed and made his way into another room, Regulus had moved to the master bedroom. James honestly didn't think they were going to find this ring that they were looking for.
"I've fucking had it, it's not here," Sirius said suddenly from behind James. James snapped up from looking under the bed and turned to look at his friend. Sirius' face was angry as he looked at James, "We have turned over everything down there and haven't found anything, we must have the wrong information," He continued as Remus appeared at his side.
"Sirius, you need to be patient while we look," Remus said, trying to soothe him.
"No look even Harry has had enough," Sirius snapped as he kicked a table.
"Sirius, relax!" Remus replied.
"Where is Regulus?" Sirius asked and James listened for movement in the other room, "We have the whole house torn apart and have nothing to show for it… this has been a waste," Sirius huffed. James opened his mouth to speak when he was cut off.
"SIRIUS!" Regulus shouted and Sirius looked at James and Remus, "JAMES! LUPIN!" Regulus continued and the three men suddenly took off to find him. James was worried Regulus had hurt himself, but as they walked into the room, they just looked at Regulus and he had his wand pointed towards the floor. James walked over slowly and looked from Regulus to the loose floorboard below him.
"What is it? Did you find it?" James asked slowly as Sirius reached out to take Harry. James handed him over and crouched down as he moved the floorboard. Regulus gets down beside him and reaches into the floor, pulling out a small golden box. The four of them were silent as Regulus opened the lid. You could have heard a pin drop in the room, as Regulus lifted out the ring and held it up examining it. James' breath held in his throat, this was what they came for and finally they had found it.
"Reggie you found it!" Sirius says loudly. James feels a smile plastered across his face. Regulus stood up and James followed, looking towards his two friends and letting out a cheer as he took Harry back.
"We got it! Another one!" James said excitedly. Harry gives out a little noise of excitement as he listens to the men around him, "three down already!" James continues. Regulus however hasn't spoken, he is just staring at the ring. Remus moved forwards slightly as
He holds out his hand.
"Can I see it?" Remus asks and Regulus' eyes snap to look at him.
"Yeah… sure…"Regulus trailed off and handed the ring to Remus, who turned it over in his hand.
"This has the mark of the deathly Hallows," the colour drains from Remus' face, "I think this is the resurrection stone," He said softly and Regulus snapped the ring back. Remus looked at him confused, as Regulus held the ring up and moved it towards his hand to put it on, "REGULUS NO!" Remus shouts loudly. Sirius moves to make his way quickly to his brother, but before he gets the chance James feels his heart jump to his throat. James jumps forward, with Harry in one arm and reaches out to grab the ring. Regulus pulls his hand away, but James has him by the arm.
"Regulus let it go!" James said sternly but Regulus just grunted at him as he struggled to place the ring on his finger.
"LEAVE IT ALONE, GIVE IT TO ME!" Regulus screamed loudly.
"Regulus STOP!" Sirius shouted, but Regulus wasn't listening as he continued to wrestle with James over the ring. James didn't want Harry to get hurt, but his mind was going a mile a minute as he struggled with his husband to take the ring from him. Harry had begun to cry loudly and James felt like the room was spinning.
"REGULUS WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOU PUT IT ON!" Remus shouted and it was almost as if someone had lit a fire under Sirius. Sirius was in between James and Regulus, struggling with the both of them as he reached out and pulled the ring away from the both of them.
"Regulus enough!" Sirius says gently.
"GIVE IT BACK SIRIUS I WANT TO SEE HIM! I WANT TO SEE ATLANTIS MY BABY!" Regulus screamed. James heard it echo in his ears. The scream and pain from Regulus was the hallowing thing James had ever heard. Regulus dropped to the floor, sobbing loudly. James wanted to help him, he wanted to take all the pain away and give Regulus their son back. James dropped to his knees beside Regulus and pulled him close, muttering softly into his ear as Regulus pushed at him violently.
"It doesn't work the way you think Regulus," Remus said softly as Sirius, kneeled down beside his brother and pulled him close.
"I know the tale of the three brothers!" Regulus snapped in a teary voice, "I know it won't bring him back…But maybe I could just… see him," Regulus screamed and began sobbing heavily. James felt his heart stop, the most harrowing noise James had ever heard in his life. James wanted to take all the pain from Regulus. He would give anything to make the love of his life no heart. James could feel the tears flowing down his face as he held Harry out and Remus took him from him, then without another word James pulled Regulus away from Sirius and held him as hard as he could. Feeling his body vibrate with sadness against James. This was a scene that James never wanted to see and one he was never going to forget.
"Let's destroy it yeah along with the diadem" James sobbing with Regulus, Regulus pulled at James' shirt hard, "Let's destroy it and we'll get the stone out of the ring and you can turn it thrice in hand just like the story okay Jaan?" James cried as he held Regulus. James could hear sniffling from Sirius from beside him. Remus had gotten Harry to calm down. Regulus nodded into James' shoulder as James helped him stand back up. Sirius appeared at their sides and held Regulus along with James. James felt the tear run down his cheek. He never did get to see his son in person after all. Only ever in the pictures Regulus took of him, so small so beautiful.
Notes:
Harry was securely held while James was trying to get the ring off Regulus he was protecting Harry while trying to also protect his husband but he is only one person and no Harry was not hurt in the process.