Written for:
Hogwarts - Anatomy Physiology Task 4
QLFC
Round 1
Keeper prompt: Write about something good that can't last.
Title: Can I be close to you?
Team: Caerphilly Catapults
Position: Keeper/Captain
Word count: 1390
Betas: Queenie and Lily
Trigger warnings: Character death
Canon divergence - the Black Brothers still remained brothers, even with everything that happened.
Prepare to be sad
"You know, Reggie, I'll always be there for you. No matter what anyone says or does!" Sirius says childishly and he stomps his foot, just to make his point clear as he looks at their parents, folding his arms across his chest, standing up straight.
It's Regulus' sixth birthday and their parents made the mistake of trying to get Sirius to join in playing with other children rather than stay with his brother for the whole evening. Another failed attempt, on their behalf; they should know better.
Nothing has separated them, and according to them, nothing ever will.
"I know, Siri. And I'll be there for you too. I promise!"
He grinned to himself at the memory. A couple of years later, they promised each other that they'd write everyday and that Sirius would come home and visit. But he was sorted into Gryffindor and that held them back just a little, their parents being one of those setbacks. But Regulus didn't let that break the bond they had as brothers. Yes, he was hurt at first, but then he realised, what if that's what the Black's needed? To break the cycle of being proud Slytherin's and the stories he's heard of since he was three.
A part of him always wondered if he should have been put in Gryffindor too. But at the sorting he had asked for Slytherin and that's what he got, not allowing him to say anything else.
It still wasn't enough to separate them, though. He was introduced to Sirius's friends – even before he was sorted.
He remembered it like it was yesterday.
"I want you to meet them, Reggie. They're not replacing you, I promise. They're probably tired of hearing me talk about you. Remus is the clever and caring one; he's more reserved too. Someone I think you'll get on with better. Then there's Pete, also quiet, but chatty when he's comfortable. He's more daring. And then, there's James. He's an idiot, but has a big heart and is very loyal. Don't tell him I said so, but he's also extremely smart, too."
It's a lot to take in, all at once, but he listens to each detail. It sounds like Sirius likes each of them equally and it's good to hear about his friends, but he wants to make sure they are good enough for his brother.
As they arrive at the ice cream parlour, he spots the group straight away. He knows which one is Peter; he's eating a jam doughnut, sitting a little slouched on the chair, cross-legged, in dark red chinos and a grey knitted jumper, keeping to himself, away from Remus. Remus is engrossed in a conversation, waving his hands around as he talks, posture straight as he rolls up his cardigan sleeves. Then he looks to Remus's right, where a boy is laughing and running a hand through his scruffy hair. He is wearing light brown trousers and a Quidditch team t-shirt, Chudley Cannons, apparently, and Regulus stares with a soft smile.
He makes up his mind immediately.
"Guys," Sirius clears his throat, and they all look, pausing what they are doing. "This is my brother, Regulus. The only time we've been separated was when I had to go to Hogwarts, but we're still really close and it would mean a lot if we were in the same friendship group, together, for next year–"
"Sirius, mate, it's okay. Of course he's part of the group!" James says, with a welcoming grin, as he pulls a chair out for him. "Come on, Regulus, sit next to me and you can help me convince Remus here that pranking the Head of Hufflepuff wouldn't be a bad idea."
Regulus laughs as he joins them, he makes sure to look at the others to get an okay from them and Remus and Peter nod. Peter gives him the other doughnut with a grin and a wink. He knows from Sirius that Peter never shares his food so this in itself makes him grin wider.
He feels like he can trust all of them and he is right at home.
"I'm going to have to agree with Remus on this one, James; everyone knows not to mess with Hufflepuffs."
He didn't realise a tear had fallen down his cheek until he could taste it on his lips. He swallowed a dry lump in his throat.
He thought about the time he and James got caught in detention together, when their friendship changed for the better.
He puts his legs up onto the desk while James sits next to him, scribbling lines on the piece of parchment. They got caught by a Ravenclaw prefect – so the detention is being held by one of the unlucky seventh year prefects who is basically ignoring everyone while cramming in some studying for her N.E.W.T's. It means they can do what they want. Sort of.
An origami bird flies over to his desk and lands on the palm of his hand.
He doesn't look at James as he opens the note. It says: 'Bet you we could escape to the kitchens and back before she notices we're gone.'
Regulus nods and they carefully leave the room – it's only them and one other person, who is fast asleep, so they manage to sneak out without any trouble.
He hears James giggle as they start to jog in the direction of the kitchens and he smiles softly. It's his favourite sound. As they reach the painting, James stands closer to him and tugs on his sleeve.
"Reg?"
His heart is beating heavily and he tries not to blush at the way his friend is looking at him. He doesn't want to get his hopes up about his crush, as it's Lily that James likes.
"Yes?" he asks, stepping a tad closer than usual.
"I nearly asked Lily to go on a date with me in Hogsmeade, but I backed out at the last minute. I realised who I really liked so I asked your brother if it was okay if I took you instead."
It feels like he's melting.
"What gave you the idea I'd say yes?" Regulus asks once he remembers how to talk.
"I just hoped. Will you go on a date with me?"
"Yes, you idiot," he says affectionately. "Of course. Took your time."
At the start of his sixth year, he knew what needed to be done. He had created a plan and he needed to fulfil it, no matter the cost. So when Sirius told him he was leaving for the Potters' and he wanted him to come with him, he said no.
He wanted to say yes. He really did.
He just couldn't bring himself to. He explained to him why and told him everything.
"Swear to me, you won't tell anyone. This needs to work, Siri."
"I promise, Reggie. But what about James —"
"It was good while it lasted," he says, heart clenching, as he wipes away a few tears.
There he is, James Potter, jogging over to greet his boyfriend. Regulus's heart skips a beat at the sight of him, but he can't smile. He knows James better than he knows himself, so he tries to hold back his tears as he joins him on the bench, giving him a soft kiss on the lips.
"Hey, love. You wanted to meet me? How was your summer holiday?"
He doesn't say anything.
He slowly rolls up his sleeve instead.
He watches as his boyfriend's face grows confused, shocked and then hardens once he stares into his eyes.
"I can't, Reg. You– after everything… I just can't. I'm sorry."
James gives him one last kiss, before he gets up and leaves just as quickly as he arrived.
Regulus lets his tears fall, he doesn't know how long he stays there, but it's long enough for his brother to come to find him and take him inside.
"He was too good for me, Siri," he says, sobbing into Sirius's embrace.
"No he wasn't, Reggie."
The memories were what kept him alive for as long as possible as he was taken by the Inferi. He thought about all the good times he had that just couldn't last, and as the water took over, he smiled. He could dream about them forever.