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“Holy shit, it worked!” Evan laughed, pouncing towards his boyfriend, Barty. His own hair was still wet from the storm. Their clothes dripped and drenched the carpet but both of them didn’t care. It was nighttime, no, actually they don’t know what time it is at the moment. The two boys were jumping up and down, firewhiskey—that they nicked—in hand.
“Of course, it would work! Reggie’s on our si—Regulus?” Barty scanned the room, their other friend not of sight. “Regulus?” He asked again.
“Bathroom.” Evan and Barty heard a small voice from the said room, then looked at one another and both of them knew what was going on: he didn’t like his animagus form .
“Reg?” Evan knocked lightly once he was at the door, hearing sniffs from the other side of the door made his brows curl. “Regulus, wanna talk about it?” Evan waited while Barty sat at the edge of his own bed, just metres away from them. The moment Regulus opened the door, his two friends were already by his side.
“Darling,” Evan started but Regulus just shook his head.
“Don’t worry, I’m sure yours still looks okay, Reg.”
“Not helping, Crouch.”
Barty basked in laughter until it was cut short from the sharp jab he received from his boyfriend. Evan led Regulus to his bed, who immediately hugged his knees. Regulus nodded at him, “What’s yours?”
“Coyote.” Evan smiled again. “Thought I’d be something bigger though.”
“Oh no, now I’m second-guessing myself.” Barty plopped down on his bed, arms wide. Afterward, he prompted himself up by leaning on his elbows. “I’m a fucking raven.”
“What?! AHAHAHAHA!” Barty threw two pillows at Evan, both targeting his face. “Okay, stop. What the fuck, stop!”
“That’s nice…” By Regulus’ voice, it seemed that it really hit him that hard. “I’m not saying it,” Regulus answered when he felt the heated stares from the other two.
“Oh come on now—”
“No! I told you it was a stupid idea, we wasted our—”
“It’s a cat, isn’t it?” Regulus stopped at that, Barty smirked while Evan remained silent. A moment later, he snapped his fingers.
“Merlin’s beard, it does make sense! You’re such a cat!”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean? Plus, it’s not a cat!” Regulus tried to protest but he let out a loud yelp when Evan wasn’t there anymore but a tanned coyote. Its eyes closed and its mouth tried to form a smile, letting out a yip in the process.
“Well, look at you.” With adoration, Barty went over the bed, ruffling the coyote’s fur. Regulus eyed them, good thing they always opted to do a locking charm on their dorm—to the point they can do it wandless. And maybe it did shock Regulus how his two friends came around, Evan was no problem though. He had always exclaimed how he sees his attraction to other people. It was Barty that made Regulus interrogate his friends when they finally broke the news to him.
‘This got to be a joke.’
‘Yeah, Evan here actually put some love po—’
‘I’m questioning my taste now’
‘Oi! I’m the best motherfuck—’
‘Okay, okay, stop it! Merlin. Don’t try to shag whenever I’m here okay?’
“Isn’t he beautiful?” Barty’s voice pulled Regulus out of his mind, he was still petting the coyote. Regulus reached over, his fingers rubbing the head. “Well, it’s my time to shine!” Barty cackled, he jumped once then transformed into a raven, just like he said. His feathers, if Regulus saw it correctly, glistened.
He felt a heavier weight and glanced over to see Evan changed back, completely mesmerised. “We won’t be needing owls now.” Evan humoured whilst Barty croaked, flapping his wings, he flew over them and settled near the other end of Regulus’ bed.
“OW! I was joking!” Evan tended his hand which Barty nipped and he changed back, smiling smugly at Regulus.
“I thought I’d be a crow but raven works too.”
Regulus snorted at him, “You do know that a group of ravens is called unkindness, right?” Barty’s eyes beamed while Evan had a hard laugh at that. Eventually, their euphoria died down and Barty glanced at Regulus once more,
“Well?”
“No.”
“Cat then.”
“It isn’t.”
Barty leaned in, even more to the point his deep brown eyes piercing. “Prove it then.” Evan was also waiting, to recap, it was his idea. A drunk one, if he remembered it correctly. One afternoon after watching Regulus’ quidditch practise, they stumbled upon Professor McGonagall in her own cat form and it jogged Evan’s memory, he spoke about it for the next few weeks. And to their own surprise, Evan was great in transfigurations and that was the reason why he kept prodding the idea.
It was a joke, at least that’s what Regulus thought but even if they treat it to be like one, they gathered the supplies without question, did the whole procedure with diligence, and thus here they are now. The silence made Regulus uncomfortable and two sets of eyes bore at him, patiently waiting. Regulus felt small, his friends’ forms were cool and adorable all at the same time. And, well, he didn’t expect this would be… that common.
“Merlin’s balls.”
“And I fucking knew it!” Barty yelled and scooped the black cat in front of them, his hands acting as a hook for the cat’s front legs. Regulus, the cat, hissed and attempted to get away but Barty changed how he held the cat—he held him like a fucking baby.
Embarrassing, truly embarrassing.
“Oh my god, Reggie! You look so cute!” Evan bent down a little, held one leg, and lightly pressed the paw, pink toe beans appearing. “Look at the white print, Barty! It looks like a bow tie!”
Regulus, even in his cat mind, was conflicted. But one thing stood out to him; it felt nice, being held like this—safe and comfortable. He felt a hand on his head, scratching away and that made him purr a little. Okay, maybe this isn’t so bad. His tail wagged up and down, slapping lightly against Crouch’s crossed legs.
“This isn’t so bad, Reg. You’re just being dramatic.” Evan laid by his stomach, face near where Regulus is, playing his hand against Regulus who’s having a good time.
“It felt simple though, being an animal.”
“Yeah well, you two better say your thanks because my brilliant—”
“Drunk.” Barty interrupted while Regulus let out a low-meow at his friend.
“I swear you two,” pointing at his friends, Evan huffed. “well, as much as I enjoy becoming something that is considered dangerous even in the wizarding world, I’m going to sleep.” Evan booped Regulus’ wet nose before he rose and immediately went to his bed. “And if you want cuddles, better get your ass up immediately.” Regulus mentally rolled his eyes whilst Barty let out a low whistle.
“Well,” Barty lets Regulus go, his hand still petting him though. “I’ll hit the sack too, now don’t do anything stupid—that’s your go-to whenever you feel insecure.” I do not! But Barty’s brows rose so Regulus knew he wasn’t buying it.
The storm outside had seemed to calm down and good thing that it was a Hogsmeade weekend, they can just sleep in. Barty had joined his boyfriend and it took Regulus a few nudges to change back, he noticed some hairs on his bed and mentally groaned.
“This is why I mildly hate this.” He muttered while getting ready to bed, draping the covers as he pulled himself to sleep.
A few weeks later, they faced a problem, just Regulus actually. The thing is that Regulus had problems changing. Whether it’s from his human form to his animagus form and vice-versa. This was something he and his friends monitored; and his prominent problem was whenever Regulus sleeps in his animagus form, he wakes up in his human form. They had to figure it out themselves, it wasn’t like Regulus messed up his potion, but it was indeed unusual.
And Barty was correct, it was quite simple when they were animals. Not to mention Regulus’ senses get hitched up whenever he’s in his cat form. That also gave him the advantage to stroll around the school grounds unquestioned. No one would be weirded out if they saw a black cat walking on and about the school. Mindlessly, they’ll just think it’s someone’s cat. So today, Regulus went on an adventure.
No one would ever know it’s him anyway, and somehow, his reputation as a cat is slowly growing. It happened one time, about a few days ago, Barty and Regulus got into a fight; as they sent out hexes to each other, Barty took the bigger plate and he had to go to the infirmary. Evan was waiting for his other friend to turn but Regulus wouldn’t bulge.
‘Reggie, don’t ignore me now’
…
‘Regulus,’
…
‘Alright, that’s it. Vomit your pride elsewhere, we’re going’
Evan snatched Regulus up, emitting a noise from him as he wasn’t given any time to change back. So Regulus was terrified as they walked down to the common room. Not many people were there, just the Carrows and Snape. Of course, they asked but Evan just shut them up. He was actually pissed off at his best friends. The only reason they fought is about potions. They began learning about Amortentia and Barty kept egging Regulus on who he thought he will be smelling soon.
Their journey to the infirmary was quite hectic. Evan had to stop as girls kept asking about the cat in his hands, asking if they could pet him. Regulus thought about escaping but Evan had a strong grip on him. That is also when Regulus knew he liked distinct pets, not everyone pets the same. Or maybe he just didn’t like them at all, but regardless, the confrontation with Barty afterward was alright. He knows that with him, Regulus’ temperament is up the hill.
Now, back to his adventure; it’s now nighttime, Regulus started exercising his changing problems so he had to go near the black lake. Apparently, it’s not consistent because now he woke up still in his cat form. His robes were his own cocoon. It was a full moon and its light illuminated against the lake, shining away. Regulus was about to change back when he heard noises from somewhere.
He knew he was not that far in the forest so he should be safe, plus he’s not in his human form—Regulus was completely anxious. And when he heard a howl, he was scared beyond comparison.
Oh my god, Merlin don’t let me fucking die
Regulus didn’t die. He did see a silhouette though, some antlers. And that alone made Regulus want to go back to his dorm immediately. The moment he felt he was alone, he changed back and hurried his way to his dorm.
“Where have you been?” Evan had his hands on his hip, not even greeting but Regulus’ pale expression made him back up a little. “Bloody hell, did something happen?”
“Huh?” Regulus tried to control his breathing. His back against the door. How can he explain that he saw—assumed, actually—a stag and maybe a wolf as well? Yeah, no. He’s going to scratch that part out.
“Did you get caught?” Barty was behind Evan, trying to buffer the growing angsty atmosphere.
“No, I wasn’t. Almost, tho—”
“Almost?!” Barty looked at his partner, patted his shoulder and prompted Regulus to come near him.
“No one saw?” Regulus nodded. Barty let out a small smile, ruffling his hair even. “Well, that’s good. How was the practise?” Regulus silently thanked him. He always acted as a buffer whenever it’s between Evan and Regulus. At least when it’s serious matters, that is.
Regulus took a deep breath, “Alright, still a cat.” He felt arms wrapped around his torso and then and there, he heard Evan:
“Dumbass.”
After that, Regulus looked at the ceiling for hours. His two other friends cuddling on Evan’s bed, there were hushed voices but Regulus knew it was mostly about what they’ll do after school—they do that all the time. Barty also advised him to be careful if he were to go back to practise, Evan was reluctant about it but still bid him good luck.
The next day, with little to no sleep, Regulus waited for the afternoon. He wanted to go back, partly to train on his pending problem and the other to investigate. He knew he had to let it go—that was the best thing to do but he just couldn't. So after his classes, he took his robes and bid goodbye to his friends. His trip back to the lake was tranquil, the skies were clear and subtle chips from the animals.
The moment he got to his usual spot, under the shade of a tree, he let out a deep breath. The water splash here and there as fishes and frogs jump on and about. Regulus dropped his robes on the grass, keeping his wand in a pocket that Pandora sewed and enchanted it—having unlimited storage.
After changing, Regulus circled his cocoon twice and as he found his position, he closed his eyes. It’s so simple this way, whenever he’s here, Regulus feels another form of bliss. The way the air caresses his fur, like nothing bad is coming for tomorrow—his and his friends’ future. He was about to drown himself in drowsiness until he heard a rustle so he turned to see what it was, trying to calm his nerves. He searched around until he saw a mop of dark brown hair.
Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.
Regulus curled his stance, eyeing James Potter who’s as shocked as he is. The bespectacled boy held out his hands in the air, surrendering. “It’s okay,” James slowly paced towards the cat. “not gonna hurt you or anything.”
Regulus hissed and James rolled his eyes, sitting at least a few metres away from Regulus. “Come on, you don’t own the lake so let me enjoy it too.” Is he really talking to a cat? To me? Really?
“So what are you here for?” He heard James whisper and Regulus eyed him. Stupid, utterly stupid.
James didn’t say anything after that, just sitting quietly next to him, Regulus contemplated on how he can go because it seemed like James won’t be leaving soon. But he had to admit, he liked the silence with him, James Potter wasn’t an eyesore. His sun-kissed skin melted with the light, his unruly hair seemed fluffy so yeah, James was nice to look at—even if that thought made Regulus cringe, it was true.
“Well, little guy, see you tomorrow.” James, before, standing up, petted Regulus’ head for a while. Wait, no, don’t go…wait what? Regulus eyed the other boy as he walked away. The warmth of his hand still lingered on his head, and then and there, as Regulus changed back and he felt his cheeks grow hot.
Regulus can’t admit it, not even to Evan or Barty. No, he won’t hear the next day if they knew that Regulus looked forward to meeting James Potter at the lake, him being a cat, of course. And true to his word, James came back. Now, he offered a small piece of biscuit, but Regulus smelled peanut butter so he whipped his head back immediately.
“Merlin, you’re a picky eater, aren’t you?” James munched on the biscuit, his other hand holding a piece of string and well and somehow, Regulus can’t resist that—something out of instinct as a cat it seems. Regulus reluctantly played with him and James always came back, on the dot. Either with new things for Regulus to play with or trying to make him eat something. It even got to the point that James has to do some homework there.
“How come no one gets you?” James was laying on his stomach, his arms propelling his upper torso above the ground. He was playing with a flower while Regulus rolled back the snitch back to James. “There’s a robe so someone at school owns you, right?” Regulus casually sat in front of him, his front paws crossed. He felt a finger on his head and Regulus involuntarily leaned his head onto the hand more, purring lightly.
And just like that, it became a routine. And Regulus swore to himself that no one will ever know at this point. Looking forward to meeting him was a bit of a secret and liking pets by James Potter himself is like digging up his own grave. Even Evan and Barty started asking why he kept coming back to the lake when he had resolved his problem.
‘Are you going on a date?’
‘What?’
‘You kept coming back to the lake?’
‘Yeah, got a lady? Or a guy? I don’t know’
‘N–no one! Gods!’
‘Well, be—’
‘Be careful, yes, Evan I will’
He would never get to the light of day if his friends were to know—that’s for sure, but Regulus can’t. He tried to understand it himself, but Pandora offered the answer. He tried to lie about it, no one can know about the animagus part but nothing can come past Pandora, she’ll always know. And maybe Regulus already knew the answer, he can’t admit it to himself.
‘You like him’
‘I do not’
‘Well, apparently your cat form says otherwise’
‘Pandora! Lower your voice!’
‘Come up with a reason why you kept coming back?’
‘Er…uhm…’
‘See? And maybe liking his presence would do you good—your other form already knows that’
Regulus tried to pry away from the prior conversation. Hoping that once he got there, he could forget about his problems but when he got to the lake, his own senses kept on bugging him. That something is wrong.
Arriving in his usual spot, Regulus shook his shoulders. His nerves were all over the place but those died down a little when he turned. In the midst of all things, he liked changing, how his vision lowered towards the ground but was clearer. He thanked his other form for this, his mind was going to explode from what’s happening. With his family, his brother, they weren't that bad—Regulus understood.
Why Sirius left and how he can’t—not yet, at least. And their awkward glances gave Regulus hope, if anything he can’t bear not talking to his older brother, regardless of what his family says, Regulus looked up to Sirius and he thinks that would never change.
—
“Speak up, Potter.” Sirius had his wand up to his friend. Remus and Peter are behind him, all together and eager to know where their friend has been up to for weeks. He kept disappearing in the afternoon and came back all giddy about it. They wouldn’t question it if James, himself, gave a hint but he didn’t. And that alone bugged Sirius to no end.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Prongs, have we told you you’re a terrible liar, don’t look down if you don’t want to get caught.” Sirius smacked Remus, if anything, he doesn’t want his own best friend to be like Remus or Peter—those two are buff in keeping secrets, but especially Remus. And the last thing he wants is James lying purposefully right in front of his face.
“Uhm…”
“Uhm?”
“Well…”
“Well, what?”
“Christ, you lot, don’t pressure me.” James huffed and sat on his own bed. The other three were on Remus’ bed, which was right across James’. “...I got a pet cat.”
Remus squinted his eyes, Peter cocked his head sidewards and Sirius let out a noise. “A cat? You have a pet cat?” He asked, slowly rising from the bed.
“It’s not mine!” James protested. “I was just curious—”
“So you cheated on me with a fucking cat?” Sirius has his arms on his hips now and Remus facepalmed at that, even James was confused.
“Sirius, no.” James stood beside his friend. “What the fuck, that’s what you’re worried about?”
“Well, sorry!” Sirius looked over at the two and when he saw their faces, he crossed his arms. “What?”
Remus sighed but smiled still. “Jealous prat.”
“I am not!”
“Yeah, sure.”
Peter, who’s been trying to fix his tie—he kept failing—Sirius let out a scowl and strode towards him and fixed it for him. “Can we meet the cat too, Prongs?” Peter asked once Sirius was finished.
“Er…I don’t know? The small lad wasn’t really a fan of me at first.”
Remus stood up as well, not bothering to wear his robes. He uncuffed his sleeves and rolled them a bit, just above his wrist. “Does anyone own that cat?”
“I don’t know. The robes there aren’t the uniform, so no information about the house either.”
Regardless, the four of them went out to see the cat. Sirius was still sour about it, but mostly for joke entertainment. He kept on scaring Peter, telling him not to change in front of the cat. “Christ, don’t scare him, Padfoot.” Remus snatched Sirius away from the poor boy by pulling his ear.
“You’re no fun, Moony.”
“Yeah, well, tell that to my dick.” Sirius coughed while Peter laughed.
“Oi! What did I tell you guys about your endeavors?! Keep it to yourselves!” James practically hissed as he led the group to the lake, he raised his hand to stop them when he saw a familiar black fur sitting near the lake.
“Okay,” James tuned to his friends, “he’s jumpy so let me get to him first, yeah?”
But the moment James neared the cat, it turned and began hissing the moment he glanced over the other three. Peter made Remus his shield, standing behind him. “Uh, James, you sure that won’t bite us?”
James finally calmed down the cat, carrying it like a small child. He started whispering, booping his nose a few times. “Sorry, they found out our secret.” The cat slowly blinked at him, so he offered a smile. He looked up to his friends, “Of course, Pete! Just need to let him get used to you.”
Remus was the first one to get close, he was particularly fond of cats too, but he doesn’t let Sirius know that. “How are you sure that's ‘him’?” Remus asked curiously. James looked over the cat’s lower part but it let out a noise and started wiggling on his arms.
“Okay, okay!” James lets go of the cat and put it down, he saw Remus looking intently on it but brushed it off.
“Well, that’s definitely someone’s cat, alright.” Sirius crouched down, bending his knees and tried to pet the cat but it jumped away from him. “What the fuck?”
Peter was the last one to walk towards the group, still feeling anxious but relented when James offered him a string and the cat played with him almost immediately. “He’s not bad at all.”
“So this is your big secret?”
“It’s not a big secret to begin with, Pads, you’re making it one though.”
Sirius smacked James but regardless the two laughed. Remus kept looking back at the cat, there’s something about it that made him tingly. Something familiar yet foreign but of course, he didn’t speak up about it. Plus, what harm can this cat do?
The next few days, James came back with his friends, he doesn’t really understand why they kept on going with him. But for his own sake, he didn’t say anything. That he liked his time with the cat, even if the cat can’t speak nor answer him, James felt comfortable talking to the little guy. And maybe that’s why he’s slightly pissed, he can no longer do that. No more precious time with the black cat.
Another thing that surprised James is Sirius. He kept trying to coax the cat to like him. He even asked Lily and Marlene once because they’re familiar with cats.
‘May I ask what’s this for?’
‘Just answer the question, McKinnon’
‘Not with that attitude, you fucker’
‘Okay, settle down. Just be patient, Sirius’
‘But I’m not patient, Lils’
‘Sucks to be you, then’
Right now, Sirius is reaching out his hand, just near the cat but it just sneezed and backed away. Today was a good day to dip and go for a dive, just a bit, so the two boys had their trousers rolled up the water just about their calves. Peter was near the edge of the lake, putting on a drying charm if ever the two pranksters come at him. And Remus had his nose deep on some muggle book Lily got him into.
The cat walked up to Remus and James must admit it’s a nice sight to see. Remus, despite his frame and his never-changing bitter expression, looks adorable with the cat. And James would just laugh thinking about how this soft-mannered boy became what others call a beast once a month.
“What?! Moony, what’s your secret?” Sirius yelled then splashed water towards his boyfriend, who reflected it immediately. He looked up, his eyes stale and unreadable. His hand gently pets the cat who’s on his lap.
“None, must be a natural charm, Padfoot.” He exclaimed and returned to his book, now he narrates the book to the cat—he was eyeing the pages while leaning on Remus’ big hand.
“I fucking swear to Merlin’s balls, Prongs, your cat has favoritism,” Sirius muttered to James whilst typing his hair up.
“Don’t be like that.” James tried to defend the cat, it’s no one’s fault why the cat disliked Sirius to some degree. But to him, the poor little guy was just unsure, so it’ll definitely take time. Maybe Sirius was pressing too much on it since even the cat liked Peter. Especially when he brings his chess set.
“He hates the most good-looking guy at Hogwarts!” By now, Sirius was pointing at the cat. His two friends stopped what they were doing and the low meow from the cat made Sirius even more frantic. “See? Look here, mister.” Sirius bent down, pointing at the cat still. “You’re lucky I’m not a dog right now, or else I’ll fucking cha—”
“Alright, back up!” James poked his friend with his wand, shooing him away from Remus. The black cat stares at Sirius before coming back to Remus’ arms.
Eventually, it was exams week. And James has the most brilliant idea. Bringing the cat inside their dorms. It wasn’t that hard, to begin with if only the cat in his arms didn't claw him to death. “Okay, ow. Ow! Stop it please.” But of course, it made no difference. The cat made a noise, a loud and drawn-out meowing. And James held the cat near his face, his fingers at the cat’s face and its legs sat on the junction of his pointer fingers and thumbs.
“I promise I’ll bring you back.” He booped his nose to the cat’s nose after that. “Promise.” The cat eyed him and these are those moments where James felt like the cat is something else. A beautiful cat to begin with and he did think that there’s so much more underneath.
The cat jumped from his arms and went straight to the windowsill. The marauders tried to coax the cat but it just stared at them from its position. Remus let it go first as he wanted to beat Sirius at anything, mostly Transfiguration. Peter came into their dorm a little while; his wand up and propelled a large tray of sweets and food from the kitchen.
Parchment paper was everywhere, even James can’t be bothered. The three boys were on the pavement except for one, Sirius was laying on Remus’ bed. Using his arms as his leverage, he never really cared for his marks. He knew that he'd do well. And around these times, he was scowling.
“You lot study too much.”
“Yeah, sure. Pads.”
“Good thing your eyes are still working.”
“What was that, Sirius?”
Yeah, definitely wasn’t Sirius’ favourite time. The cat from the window suddenly moved, nearing the boys and Sirius made his move. The cat whipped its head towards him before he even loomed over the animal. Sirius raised his arms, “No funny business! Just bored that my friends won’t stop being swots!”
“Study then.” Sirius croaked a sigh then looked at the cat again.
“See?” Gesturing towards his friends, the cat followed. Sirius leaned on Remus’ bed, then he grinned. “Hey, wanna play?” Sirius didn’t even wait for the cat and then and there he transformed into Padfoot.
The cat sneered, curling into a stance and showing its teeth. Padfoot circled a few times, plopped down and showed its belly.
Friend, see?
The cat backed up a little and reluctantly pawed the dog’s belly. With a contented bark, the two black animals smell each other before they start running around the room. From jumping on the bed, bumping on the wall, the two tried not to make chaos but Padfoot knocked one glass of pumpkin juice and nearly ruined James’ paper.
“Oi! Run away from the workplace, please!” He didn’t even bother to look at the two who caused the scene and off they went.
It went on for hours, even Peter was amazed to see the two bond over running around and chasing one another. Commenting that apparently, Sirius only needed to be a dog to be near the cat. Remus eyes the two figures that jumped on Sirius’ bed. He had his suspicions but he needs more insight into that—but not entirely his priority right now.
Hours later, Peter lays on the pavement. “Break. Let’s take a fucking break, yeah?” He looked over his friends and Remus sighed before closing his book. Peter muttered, “Finally.”
“Tomorrow, yeah?” James asked and when the two nodded he glanced over Sirius’ bed. After they finished cleaning up their papers and stuff, it was around dinner time already. And James took it upon himself to wake up Sirius.
“Sirius? Wake up! It’s dinner t—oh my Merlin.”
“Jamie?” Remus called over but saw his friend standing still, hand clutching the end of Sirius’ bed curtain. “What is it, Jame—oh shit.”
“You two alright?” Peter was already at the door but chose to prioritise his two friends who were completely astounded, eyes mimicking an owl. “Okay, what’s going on?” He patted over and was on the same spell; just like James and Remus and eyed the bed.
There they bore their eyes at Sirius, who’s now in his human form but the eye of surprise was his brother, Regulus Black. He was also there, on his side, his hand clutching Sirius’ arm. The two were asleep, perfectly unaware of what was going on. Their breaths calm and their heads almost touching.
“Uhm,” James’ voice broke the silence. “just so you know, I didn’t know that was Regulus.” James glimpsed over his friends. From the looks of it, Remus knew something.
“I had my suspicions.” He answered before James could even question him.
Peter snapped his fingers, “Wait, does that mean he’s an animagus too?”
“Well shit.” Remus pinched his nose bridge before glancing back at the brothers. “He must’ve heard you guys too.”
The three boys eyed the bed again, from the silence, their minds were doing their best in solving the problem at hand. Remus clapped, like a signal, and both James and Peter knew no better than to listen.
“You two go downstairs and get some food. I’ll wait for them to wake up.” James gazed back and forth, slowly feeling guilty but Peter bumped his shoulder while Remus flicked his glasses back to their place. “Don’t frown.”
“Yeah, not your fault Prongs. Besides, I think this will do them good.” Peter offered a smile and James softened, nodding his head and went with Peter downstairs.
Now, Remus might act like he has his shit together but no, not all the time. He eyed the bed once more, questions flooding his mind. He heard stirring and that is when he prepared for the worse.
“Moony, why are you so small…What the actual fuck? MOONY!” Sirius screeched and some sounds of the covers rustling made the other boy wake up.
“What…? Shit.”
“Shit, that’s all you have to say?! How did you even—”
“Sirius,” Remus called over, patting the bed to get his attention. Regulus distanced himself and hugged his legs while Sirius was kneeling, a pillow in his arms and totally oblivious of Remus.
“Moony! He—I—Him! Wait,” Sirius eyed his brother and like a pin drop, his eyes went wild. “You’re an animagus! What the fuck, Regulus?!” Sirius smacked Regulus who almost fell off, Remus braced his fall and helped him steady himself.
“What do you mean, “what the fuck, Regulus?” You’re an animagus too!” Regulus yelled back, grabbed a pillow and swooped it to his brother’s face.
“That’s different! And not the bloody face! Christ!”
“Different my ass, spill it!”
“How did you even become an animagus?”
“I don’t know, by fucking following the instructions? Gods, why are you a dog? You’re so stupid!” Regulus swung the pillow once more and it hit Sirius’ cheek.
“Hey! Take that back!” Sirius tackled his brother down the bed. “At least I’m not a fucking cat!”
“Cats were worshipped, you moron! Unlike dogs that get infested with fleas immediately!”
Then and there, Remus speculated a match, a fucking pillow match. The bed creaked as both boys were moving back and forth to each other, their hands grasping their own pillow. The door opened and Remus peeked his head, James and Peter returned. The noises completely confuse them without a doubt. The tall boy groaned and ushered the two boys to his own bed. Grabbed his own plate and started eating without a word.
James and Peter eyed each other, both perplexed yet didn't want to intrude on what was going on in Sirius’ bed either so they followed Remus’ lead. Without any sound, the three boys agreed to just wait for the brothers to finish their match.
James thought about what Peter said, maybe it was a good thing—not exactly what he expected but it would be nice to see his friend reconcile with his own brother. If anything, James wanted them to just talk and not lose more time being apart from one another. Partly because James was an only child and from their own group, Sirius was the only one with a sibling. His own mother was sorry that she couldn’t give him a sibling and James understood that early on, but one thing’s for sure: he didn’t want Sirius to regret this and lose his brother altogether just because their parents failed them.
And, perhaps, it was also because of his growing affection towards Regulus. But he wouldn’t say that, wouldn’t admit it—that thought will never see the light of tomorrow. James mentally swore to himself.