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The Ancient and Noble House of Black was hosting their annual winter fête, and for the first time, all five of the youngest generation of Blacks was attending. At 15 years old, Regulus was finally at the age where he would no longer be sent to bed while the adults drank and danced, and Sirius couldn‘t fake dragonpox again.

The daughters of Cygnus and Druella Black attended every year without fail, charming the elite pureblood society with their wit and beauty. The eldest, Bellatrix, was certainly moving up in the world, having already secured an engagement to Rodolphus Lestrange and sporting a tattoo that she had received for her service to the Dark Lord.

Andromeda, however, was stirring up controversy. There were rumours flying about that she regularly consorted with Muggleborns, despite having graduated the filth-infested school of Hogwarts that very year. Her sisters insisted that these were blatant lies, because the daughters of Black stayed true to their roots.

Narcissa was soon to be engaged, and her parents hoped this to be the day of the proposal of Lucius Malfoy, the sole heir to old Abraxas Malfoy‘s fortune. He was four years her elder, and the prospect of Narcissa—who had recently started seventh Year—marrying a man who could comfortably provide for her and future heirs was simply riveting.

The uninterrupted flow of guests through the doors of the Black Manor gave the descendants of the former Hogwarts Headmaster Phineas Nigellus Black no opportunity to catch up with each other, as they were preoccupied with the entertaining of the powerful names that entered the house.

The Crouch family was no longer invited, given their public standpoint to the rise of the Dark Lord. Regulus, who had previously been on good terms with Barty Crouch Jr., was now instructed to maintain a distance to avoid contamination (although there were rumours that the son did not have the same views as the father).

The Rosiers were invited, as always. Generations of mutual respect had formed a bond that the children held just as well, and Regulus greeted Pandora and Evan Rosier with a faint smile. The twins acknowledged their friend with small nods while their mother approached Bellatrix and started mooning over her diamond engagement ring.

Next came the Lestrange family. As was tradition, Rodolphus spent his final months a bachelor with his family, and he greeted his fiancée by planting a kiss on her delicate hand. His younger brother, Rabastan, approached the youngest Black.

“Bonsoir, Regulus.” He grinned, and Regulus shook his hand.
“I‘ve heard you won the Cup for Slytherin last year.” Rabastan raised an eyebrow, and Regulus nodded.

“It was an easy win. The Gryffindor game was the deciding one, and they are terribly unlucky to have such an inattentive Seeker.”

Sirius snuck a glance at his brother, recalling the agreement they had settled on beforehand: “Nothing either of us says tonight is to be taken personally.”
Well, that didn‘t mean he wasn‘t allowed to comment on anything.

“The Gryffindor Chasers were quite good, though. Especially that James Potter.” He remarked, and Regulus rolled his eyes.
“Potter? What, son of Fleamont Potter? Blood traitors, the lot of them. I don‘t care for his Quidditch abilities, his father probably hired a good flyer to take Polyjuice and play as him.” Rabastan scoffed.

“You‘re right, obviously.” Sirius said. “I might snoop around after winter break.”

“Right, you‘re a Gryffindor, aren‘t you?” Rabastan turned towards Sirius. “And what does that feel like? Being a disappointment?”

“Simply lovely!” Sirius beamed. Rabastan threw him an expression of disgust before leaving to flirt with Narcissa, knowing very well that she was destined to marry Lucius Malfoy.

“You know very well how to act in pureblood society, Siri.” Regulus whispered. “Try not to raise attention to yourself.”

“Oh, but it‘s so fun!” Sirius whispered back before giving the Avery family his most charming smile.

Soon, the hall was full of those members of the sacred twenty-eight pureblood families who remained respectable (not including the Weasleys, Longbottoms, Potters and a handful of others). Walburga Black beckoned her sons to come over, and the three of them joined Orion where he stood in the midst of everyone, glass raised, and head held high.

“It is my honour, as your host, to welcome you to our annual winter fête!” He hooked an arm around his wife as the crowd clapped politely. He had told Regulus and Sirius beforehand that as hosts, they should never clap, only stand gracefully, and receive applause.

The entire night depended on Sirius not making himself a disgrace to the name of Black. His rebellious streak gave his parents grief, but he had promised to be well-behaved tonight and follow the example his younger brother set for him. So, he stood obediently, hands behind his back, lips curved into a small smile, even though he wished to be anywhere else but here.

Once Orion had finished his introductory speech, the chatter resumed. It was then that the brothers found their means to escape, and Regulus sent Andromeda a signalling glance. Andromeda winked at Narcissa, who whispered something into Bellatrix‘s ear.

Five minutes later, the five of them were in the garden, pillows under their bottoms to preserve the expensive suits and dresses, passing a bottle of Firewhisky to each other and observing the fish swimming in the pond.

“They‘re so stupid, aren‘t they?” Bellatrix giggled, submerging a hand full of fish food, and pulling it out holding a squirming blue fish.
“Put the poor thing back, Bella.” Andromeda told her, and the girl threw it into the water with a roll of her eyes.

“It‘ll just come back the moment it sees food.” Bellatrix scowled, grabbing the bottle of Firewhisky.

“Yes, but consider this, Bella.” Regulus spoke up.

“Imagine you live in your secure world, eating what you can, living the only way you know how. Suddenly, a giant from a different dimension holds out a hand containing everything to satisfy your appetite, and you don‘t know how long you can take advantage of this situation. So, you take it, and you are ripped into a different dimension and stolen of breath, only for a moment. You‘re returned to your own world soon, now with the knowledge of what true heaven tastes like, and what hell feels like. Would you, if given the opportunity, chase after that bliss, return to that heaven, if you were aware there was a possibility you could be thrust into hell?”

“I knew there was a reason you were my favourite.” Bellatrix smirked.
“It‘s not that deep, Reg. Fish are dumb.” Sirius scoffed, his pride for his brother secretly surging.

“Fish can‘t process situations as complex as that.” Narcissa added. “But if they were aware of the conscious decisions they were making, they would still choose the food.”

“Why are you so sure of that, Cissa?” Andromeda looked at her sister, lips smugly pursed.

“Alright, this is boring. I want to talk about affairs of the heart.” Bellatrix grinned, wiggling her eyebrows at Narcissa.

“For the last time, Bella, I don‘t care for him! Dad‘s arranging it, I‘m just the bride.” Narcissa grumbled.

“Oh, I‘m not talking about Malfoy. Now that we‘re in private, I‘d love to hear what you three have going on at Hogwarts.” Bellatrix winked at the boys and nudged Narcissa‘s shoulder.

“I‘m soon to be engaged, there‘s nothing that can be going on.” Narcissa muttered, looking out at the pond.
“Lies, all lies.” Bellatrix sang. “I knew I was going to marry Rodolphus when I was in fifth year, that didn‘t stop me from having fun.”

“Well, there‘s quite a lot going on with me.” Sirius remarked. “I‘ve been going through so many girls, I‘ll have to start dating Hufflepuffs soon!”

“I don‘t see what‘s wrong with that, Hufflepuffs are lovely!” Andromeda piped up.
“Why, is there a special Hufflepuff you‘ve found yourself?” Narcissa teased, and Andromeda‘s cheeks reddened.

“There is!” Sirius exclaimed gleefully, digging his fingers into her cheeks.
“Go ahead, Andy, tell us!” Bellatrix urged her.

“His name‘s Ted.” Andromeda confessed, blushing. “We graduated together and we have the same Ministry internship.”
Bellatrix frowned.
“Ted seems quite the ordinary name, is he…is he not pureblood?”

“Oh, come off it, does it still matter?” Narcissa replied swiftly.
“The blood of your children must be pure; it is your duty to our ancestors.” Bellatrix said, her glare rivalling that of her mother and her aunt.

“You said yourself, you had fun during your Hogwarts years. I doubt those were all Purebloods.” Sirius pointed out.
“Yes, but I knew I was never going to produce an heir for any of them! I was always going to marry Rodolphus or some other Pureblood! You‘re an adult now, you should look for fitting husbands, not dirty flings.” Bellatrix insisted.

“Calm down, no doubt Father will find a suitor for me.” Andromeda responded. “I‘d like to enjoy myself while I still can.”

“Well, as long as it‘s not serious.” Bellatrix grumbled.
“Of course it can‘t be serious, I‘m Sirius!” Sirius chimed up, and four tired groans filled the air.

“I would appreciate it if no one said anything about Ted.” Andromeda murmured, and her cousins and sisters nodded. They couldn‘t have agreed at a better time, because soon, they heard a shrill voice calling their names.

“Children! Come, the guests are waiting!” Walburga called them, and Sirius hid the Firewhisky in the bushes with a scowl. The five reentered the hall and were instantly torn apart by distant family members who wanted to know every aspect of their lives.

Regulus was led away by his great-aunt Lycoris, and he assumed that the only reason he was her favourite was because he bore the names of both of her deceased brothers, Regulus and Arcturus the third. Funnily enough, their father was the second Sirius Black, so the Sirius who was birthed by Walburga Black (née Black) was the third in the family, and Regulus was the second Regulus and fourth Arcturus.

It could give anyone a headache, and Regulus (the second) tended to avoid looking at the family tapestry, because all those interwoven lines made him sick to his stomach. Instead, he listened to great-aunt Lycoris ramble on and let himself be called Arcturus (who he apparently resembled).

In the corner of his eye, he saw Pandora approaching him, and quickly excused himself. The two ducked behind the curtain for a hug (if anyone saw them being that intimate, they would be married in the morning) and headed over to the buffet, appearing to make casual small talk.

“Ev’s being unbearable, you have to save me.” Pandora complained, throwing a piece of expensive, foul cheese into her mouth.
“You only have to share a floor for the holidays, I live with him.” Regulus told her, wrinkling his nose.

“Yes, but he won’t stop talking about Barty this, Barty that. He was so heartbroken when he heard Barty wasn’t going to be here today.” Pandora rolled her eyes. “School starts in a week; he can’t even wait that long.”

“I understand your struggles, but I’d like to remind you that I’m the one who has to witness them nearly murder each other every day and then fall asleep all over each other.” Regulus pointed out.
“Merlin.” Pandora shook her head in disbelief. “When do you think they’ll realise their feelings for each other?”

“They’ll get married on a dare and see that it was true love on their deathbeds.” Regulus guessed, and Pandora giggled.
“Anyway, has Cas been writing you as much as she’s been writing me?” Pandora asked.

“Probably not. She has to keep her letters formal because my mother’s so paranoid and goes through all my possessions. I’ve picked up on some subtext, since when is she in a Muggle band?” Regulus replied.

“Since McKinnon introduced her to David Bowie.” Pandora whispered conspiratorially, and Regulus withheld a snicker. Then two hands poked into his waist, and he spun around, defences up. He lowered them when he recognised a blond menace grinning at him and gave Evan a soft smack.

“Missed me, have you?” He smirked.
“I miss my existence two seconds ago, when I had been untouched by your agitating self.” Regulus replied coolly.
“Charming as ever, Black.” Evan winked at him, grabbing a glass of champagne.

“Salazar have mercy, he‘s drinking again.” Pandora sighed, taking two more glasses, and giving one to Regulus. The two clinked glasses, and by the time the liquid had reached their mouths, Evan had already finished his.

No one batted an eye at the alcoholic children, the Blacks in particular began teaching their sons the difference between cheap bottles and fine wine the moment they turned 12. Firewhiskey was considered cheap and uncivilised, but the children preferred that over expensive champagne.

“Gather round, friends!” Orion called out, already mildly intoxicated. “My son has prepared a small performance for you!”
Regulus sighed, avoiding the teasing looks on his friends‘ faces and the enthusiastic whooping that came from Sirius and headed over to the grand piano in the corner of the room.

“I composed this myself.” He announced, placing his nimble fingers on the keys. Then he began playing and was whisked away from the cage of marble. In his mind, he was in the Hogwarts library, studying with Remus and Lily while Sirius sat next to him, playfully ruffling his hair, and chatting with James.

And Regulus could feel James looking at him. James, who was only nodding along to what Sirius was telling him, gazing at his best friend‘s brother with a wonder that Regulus didn‘t think he deserved. James, whispering sweet nothings as they gazed up at the stars, James, who passed him notes when they brushed past each other in the hallway, James, kissing him desperately in a closet.

Regulus had written him his own lullaby. It contained lyrics, as well, but Regulus was wise enough to withhold them, knowing better than to profess his love for a blood traitor amid the elite pureblood society. Still, he sang them silently, wondering if his words would ever be heard.

Your seas are one with my starry tears
Your stability calms my fears
Love‘s hindrance is my fate
You are my pride, my heart, and my mistake
Your laugh is an echo of happy days
If we reach a fork, will we walk separate ways?
Proximity aligns our hearts
At ease, not alone, you‘re not far
In your absence I‘m only
Ungrateful, uneasy, and unkind to myself
And that‘s neither who I want to be
Nor who I ever want to become
And I know that I‘ll always see
You as my eternal sun

As he played, not a word was spoken.
That was a false statement, the hall was filled with chatter regardless. But his friends, his brother and his cousins all watched him in silence, and Sirius shone with pride. Walburga went around the room, commanding the crowd‘s attention to turn to her son, the very one she raised into a magnificent wizard.

Upon standing up, he was greeted with applause, and he took a bow. Walburga went over to him and wrapped an arm around his shoulder, a satisfied smile on her lips. He wanted to squirm away from her touch, but that would have had repercussions, so he just smiled and nodded, letting her lead him to the Bulstrodes, who complimented him on his musical skills.

“You‘re getting older, aren‘t you, Reggie?” The lively wife said, and Regulus clenched his fist, because only a handful of people were allowed to use that nickname. Then again, he had forgotten her name, so perhaps they were equal.
“Isn‘t it time you make plans for the future?” She smiled, and he swallowed his grimace to flash her his pearly whites.

“We have plenty of ideas for Regulus.” Walburga said lovingly, her long fingernails sinking into her son‘s shoulder to prompt him to say something.
“I‘m taking Divination, Ancient Runes and Magical Creatures as my electives. I plan to take Alchemy and Ancient Studies next year.” Regulus told her.

“Oh, wonderful. And what do you want to do, once you find a special girl and settle down?” She asked. Translation: Will you support us in our pureblood quest to take over the world after we force you to marry a relative and impregnate her?

“I‘m fascinated by the inner workings of the Ministry. Perhaps I‘ll try for an internship, I might meet some interesting people.” Regulus replied, watching her expression become pleased as she translated that into: I will be a spy for the Death Eaters and uncover secrets of the government.

“I just wonder when your other boy will settle down and marry.” The husband, Mr Bulstrode, told Walburga. “I‘ve heard he‘s quite a handful.”
“Oh, nonsense.” Walburga scoffed. “My boys are well-raised. Sirius behaves just as charmingly in private.”

Regulus almost raised an eyebrow at his mother‘s blatant lies. He glanced over to his brother, who had been cornered by his uncle, Cygnus. He was nodding along to every word the man was saying, taking graceful sips of his champagne. Cygnus waved two other distant relatives over, and Sirius said something that had them all laughing. He presented himself well, that much was true.

When Walburga‘s grip on her son‘s shoulder loosened, Regulus took the opportunity to excuse himself. He headed towards Sirius, needing to be in the vicinity of a person who wouldn‘t murder him for his homosexuality (although his brother might just murder him for being in love with his best friend).

Suddenly, his arm was grabbed by manicured black nails, and he was pulled behind a curtain to come face to face with his least stable cousin.
“What is it, Bella?” He hissed, and the woman smirked.

“I was just curious. Cissa has boring Malfoy, Andy has her brief affair, and Sirius isn‘t keeping count of all his girls. What about you?” She batted her eyelashes, and Regulus groaned.

“There‘s nothing going on in my love life.” Regulus told her.
“Aha! So you do have a love life!” Bellatrix exclaimed.
“No, no I don‘t.” Regulus insisted.

“No, please, tell me. What‘s his name?” Bellatrix asked, and Regulus‘ eyes grew wide.
“What, you thought I didn‘t know?” She cackled. “You‘re not the only one to have found satisfaction in unconventional ways.”

“It‘s not…satisfaction, I wouldn‘t describe it-”
“So there is a boy!” Bellatrix threw her hands up in glee.
“Merde.” Regulus cursed. “Yes, there is a boy.”

“It‘s practical, isn‘t it? No chance of getting pregnant.” Bellatrix grinned, and her cousin shrugged. “So? What‘s his name?”

Regulus sighed. “I‘m only telling you because I don‘t want you putting Veritaserum in my drink. And don‘t you dare tell a single soul, especially not Sirius.”

“My lips are sealed.” Bellatrix grinned. “What‘s his name?”

“James.”

Bellatrix‘s face soured.
“James Potter?”

“Why is it a problem all of a sudden?” The defensiveness in Regulus spiked up.

“Well, because it‘s James bloody Potter, Reg! He comes from a family of blood traitors, loyal to Dumbledore, and if you breathe a word to your beloved about us working for the Dark Lord, he‘ll tell his old papa and it‘ll disrupt all our planning!”

“Bella, it doesn‘t matter, he-”

“Yes it fucking matters!” She hissed. “Andy fancies a Muggleborn, Cissa‘s being suspiciously secretive, Sirius is a nightmare on his own, but you…you‘re getting it up with someone who could risk us the whole war!”

“Keep your voice down, please.” Regulus begged her.
“Oh, don‘t be such a worry-wart, I cast a muffling charm.” Bellatrix grumbled. “But I am quite tempted to tell Father.”

“No, it‘s not…it‘s not real, I‘m just having fun, like you.” Regulus told her in his desperation, hating the words that left his mouth.
“What do you tell him of home?” Bellatrix asked him, scowling.
“Nothing, we don‘t talk about anything of the sort.” Regulus insisted.

“So, it‘s just benefits, then?” She raised an eyebrow, and he nodded (like a liar).
“You need to tread carefully. Honestly, you should get rid of him and if it must be a boy, then do it with Rosier. At least that doesn‘t endanger our work.” Bellatrix frowned and disappeared to the other side of the curtain.

Once Regulus heard her chatting up some relatives, he sighed, opened the window, and sank to the floor, body warping and shifting until he was a little black cat. Said cat then jumped out of the open window, his paws padding against the damp grass as he breathed in the cool evening air.

The feline ran down to the pond, recognising three figures sitting on pillows. A trio not usually found roaming Hogwarts together, but they held a mutual respect and understanding. The cat approached Pandora, who was sitting between Sirius and Evan, hugging her knees.

“Hey, Nightshade.” She cooed, lowering her knees so he could climb up on her lap.
“What‘s up, mate?” Evan grinned, scratching the spot behind the cat‘s ear.
“Is that your cat?” Sirius asked Pandora, staring at his own brother.

“Well, I wouldn‘t say that. He comes with me to Hogwarts, but he‘s free to roam, really. He‘s always up to something.” She replied, petting the purring cat.

“Yeah, I‘ve seen him around.” Sirius remarked, gaze fixed on the cat.

He was almost certain it was the same one that occasionally visited him and his friends in the Shrieking Shack, fearless in the face of a werewolf. Unbeknownst to him, the cat he was looking at actually had a lunar calendar to keep track of Remus‘ time of the month, wanting to be there for his friend.
Also unbeknownst to him, that cat was dating his best friend.

Sirius unscrewed a new bottle of Firewhisky and took a sip before offering it to Pandora, who graciously accepted. She then poured a little into Nightshade‘s mouth, much to Sirius‘ horror.

“Oh, don‘t worry. He can handle his alcohol.” Evan assured him with a grin, taking a swig himself.
“I still don‘t think cats should drink.” Sirius replied nervously, Nightshade‘s round eyes glaring holes into his skull.

Suddenly, a voice called out from behind them, and Sirius hastily hid the bottle.
“Getting drunk all by yourselves?”

A sigh of relief, and Sirius held up the Firewhisky for Bellatrix as she sat down next to him, followed by her sisters.
“Cute cat.” Narcissa remarked, giving her cousin a pat on the head.

“His name‘s Nightshade.” Pandora told her.
“Dad‘s allergic to cats.” Sirius said. “Apparently there‘s a cat in the neighbourhood climbing through windows and leaving hairs behind because he keeps sneezing whenever he comes into my room, or Reggie‘s.”

Evan grinned, raising a knowing eyebrow at the cat in his sister‘s lap.
“I quite like cats.” Andromeda said. “This one is really calm, how did you manage that?” She glanced at Pandora, who shrugged.

“He just has a very peaceful nature.” She responded, scratching his neck.
“Reminds me of Reg.” Narcissa murmured. “Where is he, anyway?”

“Last I saw him he was hiding behind a curtain.” Bellatrix snickered.
“Bella, did you poke your nose in his love life?” Andromeda sighed in disappointment.

“No, he told me willingly. And it was quite interesting.” Bellatrix smirked, and Nightshade stiffened. Pandora felt the cat‘s rigid stature and comforted him with some ear scratches.
“Let‘s keep his private life private, shall we?” She smiled sweetly.

“Oh, I can do that.” Bellatrix grinned. “I just thought you‘d like to know he deeply enjoys the company of a special somebody.”

Sirius froze, staring at his cousin (who was also related to him in other forms).
“Reggie is having sex?”

“Well, that‘s what I understood from what he said.” Bellatrix replied innocently, watching Sirius speed-run the five stages of grief, his mind in a state of anguish.

“Tell me right fucking now. Tell me who it is.” Sirius growled in the face of Bellatrix‘s devilish grin.

“Oh no, I can‘t possibly.” Bellatrix sang. “I promised!”
“Don‘t give me that. You‘re such a gossip, you don‘t care about honour. I respect Reg‘s privacy but I need a name, so I know who to beat up after the holidays.” Sirius clenched his fist.

“But what if Reggie‘s lover was a good friend of yours? If he was in good hands, would you still beat up that person?” Bellatrix was toeing the line, and Regulus was ready to pounce on her. It was a struggle to keep his claws retracted so he wouldn‘t tear a hole in Pandora‘s thigh.

“I…Reg is just a kid, he shouldn‘t be having sex or snogging or even holding anyone‘s hand!” Sirius exclaimed, and Nightshade would have taken the time to appreciate Sirius‘ pesky protectiveness if he wasn‘t busy trying to stop himself from clawing Bella‘s eyes out.

“You still aren‘t getting a name. I promised.” Bellatrix smiled, standing up and heading back inside.
“Shit.” Sirius glared at the Rosier twins. “Did you guys know about this?”

“Well, there is someone…” Evan mumbled, but Nightshade‘s hiss stopped him.
“We don‘t know who it is, either.” Pandora told him, petting the cat. Sirius groaned, and to refrain from hurting either of them, picked up a rock and chucked it as far as he could. It flew completely over the pond, landing in some overgrown grass on the other side. He then left the group, rushing to scour the house for his brother.

“This night just became far more interesting.” Narcissa remarked.
“Mum‘s probably looking for us.” Andromeda told her. “We should go and entertain.”

Narcissa grimaced, but she let Andromeda pull her up from the ground and the two of them went back inside, leaving the three friends. Moments later, Regulus sat next to them as a human, head in his hands.
“I never should have told Bella.” He moaned.

“She forced it out of you, though, didn‘t she?” Pandora asked and he nodded.
“I could have just avoided drinking anything for the rest of the evening. If she can‘t spike anything, she‘ll learn nothing, and Sirius would never know. I‘m so fucked.” Regulus groaned.

“But did you and Potter really?” Evan asked with a smirk.
“Did we what?” Regulus asked, distracted by Sirius passing by a window, still searching frantically.

“Fuck?” Evan asked, and Regulus‘ eyes shot daggers at him.

“No, we haven‘t, not that it‘s any of your business.” Regulus replied with a scathing glance.
“It really isn‘t any of our business.” Pandora agreed. “But is he taking care of you?”

“Yes, of course, he‘s lovely.” Regulus sighed, ripping out blades of grass in his frustration.
“That‘s all that matters. And Sirius will come around, he trusts James. I don‘t want to agree with Bellatrix, but he‘ll see you‘re in good hands and it won‘t be a problem.” Pandora told him, fixing his curls.

“Children, come inside!”

The three of them turned to see Mrs Rosier beckoning them in, and Regulus hid the Firewhisky before following Evan and Pandora back inside.
“I‘ll have to face him eventually.” He said, and the other two wished him luck as they noticed a bad-tempered Sirius heading their way.

“Who are you fucking?” He demanded, and Regulus rolled his eyes.
“Nobody.” The younger Black told him, but Sirius wouldn‘t accept that as an answer.

“Bellatrix told me there was somebody. She wouldn‘t tell me who, and I need to know, Reg.” Sirius insisted.
“Listen, I‘m not fucking anyone. Yes, I‘m seeing someone, and I‘m quite content to do so. I can take care of myself, I promise I won‘t get hurt. Let it go.” Regulus said, but Sirius wasn‘t satisfied.

“It is my duty as your older brother to give all your suitors a good warning. They mess with you, they mess with me, and I will not let it go.” Sirius scowled, crossing his arms.

“We agreed to be discreet, we both value our privacy and we‘d need to discuss it before I could tell you.” Regulus explained, knowing very well that he wouldn‘t tell his brother even if James was willing.

“Reggie, you‘re being mean.” Sirius pouted.
“No, I‘m being respectful.” He replied.

“Fine, don‘t tell me.” Sirius grumbled.

“Gladly.”

Regulus smiled and turned away, heading over to where Narcissa was making polite conversation with Pandora and Evan‘s parents. The Rosiers seemed the least uncomfortable company among the crowd, at least they didn‘t ask intrusive questions (although, like all others, they enthusiastically spread their Death Eater agenda).

He arrived at the perfect time, just when the Rosiers headed over to talk to the Averys. He greeted Narcissa with a nod, trying to remain inconspicuous so no guests would notice them standing alone and approach them.

“I hear you have someone back at Hogwarts.” She commented.
“Yes, Bellatrix seems unable to keep her damn mouth shut.” He replied.
“Gryffindor?” His cousin asked, and he nodded.
“Me too.” She told him.

“I‘m sorry to hear that.” He murmured, glancing at the Malfoys.
“Let‘s hope he doesn‘t pop the question.” Narcissa frowned at her future fiancé.

“I don‘t think he‘s particularly interested in you, but that won‘t make a difference. Our family has its ways. Hopefully, the next generation will have a choice.” Regulus responded, and she hummed in agreement.

“They want me to have a son, obviously.” Narcissa grimaced. “If I had to make a baby Malfoy, I think I‘d call him Draco.”

“Latin? That‘s lovely.” Regulus said. “I wouldn‘t want a child with a name that sounds like it belongs to this family. Nothing posh, nothing inspired by the night sky. A mundane name, something Muggles wouldn‘t find unusual.”

“What, like Cornelius?” Narcissa asked.
“No, far more ordinary.” He replied. “Emilia, Daniel, Charlotte, Harry… Something among those lines.”

“That does add a certain distance to this hellhole.” She remarked. “Names such as William and Michael.”
“Anna, James, Diana.” Regulus continued, and she grinned.
“Lisa, Felix, Alice, Robert.” She added.

“Alice. There‘s an Alice in Sirius‘ year. I was studying with Remus and Lily once and she gave us all muffins because the house elves had gifted her too many. Alice Fortescue, I believe.” Regulus noted, and Narcissa became quiet.

“Well, there‘s also a James in Sirius‘ year. James Potter, that loud boy who Polyjuiced himself into Dumbledore on April first last semester. Sirius is friends with him, isn‘t he?” She replied, and Regulus‘ silence was deafening. Their prolonged eye contact led to mutual understanding: they were just two homosexuals hopelessly in love with Gryffindors.

“Not a word to anyone?” He suggested.
“Our secret.” She smiled, and they shook on it.

On the other side of the room, Sirius and Andromeda had found themselves an unoccupied corner to talk.

“Bellatrix can‘t let it go. I think she‘s the only one that Mum and Dad got through to.” Andromeda murmured.

“The eldest carries the weight of the family.” Sirius mused.
“Oh, stop acting like an intellectual.” Andromeda scoffed, rolling her eyes at his grin.
“Tell me more about Ted.” Sirius prompted her.

“Sirius, I‘m in love.” Andromeda sighed. “But if I tell my parents, I lose everything. It‘s not about the money, I have a job, and so does he. I‘ll lose my sisters, I‘ll lose you and Reg. I don‘t want to leave you here.”

“We‘ll be fine. We‘ll all be out of here before you know it.” Sirius comforted her. “Tell your parents, make them regret ever having you. Be with Ted.”

“Maybe tomorrow. I don‘t want to make a scene in front of everybody.” She sighed.
“Well, I’m all for you ruining the evening, to be honest.” Sirius grinned, and as Andromeda dug her elbow in his ribs, he heard her chuckle.

“And you? What are you doing to disappoint your parents, other than being a Gryffindor?” She asked.

“Let’s see…my best friend is a blood traitor, I refuse to be paired up with an honourable girl I am almost definitely related to, there’s not a single pureblood in my friend group apart from the blood traitors James and Frank, the list goes on.” He flashed Andromeda his best-selling smile as she silently applauded.

“Are you ok? Physically?” Her eyes searched his face for bruises, but she knew from experience that there were plenty of charms for concealing marks.
“Regulus has ordered me to behave myself, and I personally would like to avoid certain curses. So, yeah.” He replied.

“Sirius, dear cousin, there you are!” Bellatrix exclaimed, two glasses of champagne in her hands. She gave one to Andromeda as she sipped from the other one, and her sister, one of the rare Blacks who had not fallen into alcoholism, gave her glass to Sirius.

Sirius accepted it graciously, downing the champagne in one gulp. He had barely avoided his parents witnessing it, which would have had the consequence of Walburga berating him for pouring it into his mouth like a barbarian instead of taking graceful sips.

As it was, Walburga arrived the moment after, tugging Orion after her. He was almost cross-eyed now, but he held himself well. Decades of drinking had perfected a sober appearance.

“Hello, children. Sirius, I’ve been hearing only good things about you, it seems like you’ve been behaving yourself. I hope you will continue to do so, otherwise there will be consequences.” Her cold threat met empty ears.

“Don‘t worry, Wally, that bare minimum is easy to perform.” Sirius told her cheekily.
“What did you call me?” She glared at him, and he wanted to hold his mouth, but his tongue had other ideas.

“I called you Wally. I‘m uncomfortable calling you Mother considering that your parenting includes Unforgivable Curses.” The words flew out of him before he could stop them, and Walburga‘s scandalised expression wasn‘t funny enough to distract him from the fact that he was in trouble.

“Insolent boy!” She sneered, tearing the empty champagne glass out of his hand. “You clearly can‘t hold your alcohol, and you‘ll do well to hold your mouth for the rest of the evening.”

“But I don‘t want to.” Sirius protested. “I want to tell everyone how shitty a mother you are.”
“Shut your mouth!” Orion bellowed, and the hall quieted, all eyes focused on the hosts.

“Fuck you!” Sirius hollered back, and his father grabbed him by the throat. At that very moment, a black cat leapt onto Orion’s shoulders, scratching his face, and leading him into a sneezing frenzy, which allowed Sirius to escape from his grip. The cat disappeared behind a curtain and Regulus resurfaced discreetly.

“Sirius, what’s gotten into you?” Bellatrix asked, a small smirk forming on her face as she watched Sirius stumble into the centre of the room.

“I don’t know who I am, alright!” He yelled. “Mary dumped me, and I didn’t care, but then Remus went to Hogsmeade with Lily—my friends, a half-blood and a Muggleborn, because fuck your elitist ideals—and I don’t know why I’m so angry! They’re both great and I don’t fancy Lily, I should be happy for her!”

A floating platter of champagne glasses passed by and Sirius‘ gesticulating hand crashed into it, sending broken glass and bubbly liquid flying everywhere.

“I don‘t fancy Lily, I never fancied Mary, and I kissed James, so fuck you all!” Sirius yelled, and Regulus‘ eyes grew wide.

“There it is!” Bellatrix exclaimed. “He‘s having his gay awakening!”
“I can‘t believe you‘re enjoying this.” Narcissa hissed at her.

“I don‘t fancy James either!” Sirius screamed at Bellatrix.
“Who do you fancy then?” She asked mockingly.

“I…fuck.” Sirius‘ eyes widened as he stood there, panting. The crowd watched him disapprovingly, and Regulus‘ binding spell was the only thing keeping their parents from charging at Sirius, wands at the ready.

“It‘s Remus.” Sirius realised.

“Who is Remus?!” Walburga shrieked, frozen in place thanks to her youngest son.

“The man I’m in love with, bitch! And he’s a fucking half-blood wer-”

Sirius was interrupted by an explosion above their heads. A whispered “Bombarda,” courtesy of Regulus, had blown a hole into the ceiling, and the chandelier was swaying dangerously, the marble crumbling bit by bit. Murmurs of a distraught crowd filled the hall, and gradually, the guests apparated away, each with small whooshes.

Pandora and Evan protested, but their mother grabbed them, and they disappeared, with Pandora sending Regulus an apologetic glance and Evan applauding Sirius.

“Well done, Siri!” Bellatrix cackled as the Gryffindor hurried out to the garden, pursued by Regulus and Andromeda. Narcissa grabbed her older sister‘s arm.
“You put Veritaserum in his drink, didn‘t you?” The blonde hissed, and Bellatrix grinned.

“He needed to admit it to himself. I just helped him.” The curly-headed woman grinned.

Outside, Sirius was freaking out. He grabbed the Firewhisky from the bushes and chugged it, but it gave him no strength. Regulus ran up to him, arms held out, and Sirius fell into the embrace.

“Merlin, I‘m so fucked.” Sirius choked, burying his head in his brother‘s shoulder.
“It was Veritaserum.” Regulus murmured. Behind him, Andromeda watched her cousins hugging, glancing back occasionally, wand held out.

Suddenly, they heard a shriek from the house and a loud banging.
“Guess the body-binding spell wore off.” Regulus noted as Sirius stepped in front of him, ready to play the part of a human shield.

“I‘m getting you out of here.” Andromeda told them, grabbing each of their hands. “Where to?”

“Um…do you know where the Potters live?” Sirius asked nervously as they saw an enraged Walburga emerge from the door, hurrying towards them.
“Sort of.” Andromeda said, closing her eyes and concentrating.

Regulus felt himself turn inside out, and when he opened his eyes, Sirius was vomiting onto an empty road and Andromeda was beaming. They were standing in front of a suburban house, and Regulus saw the name Mckinnon on a plaque hanging on the door.

“Why do you know where the Mckinnons live?” He asked Andromeda, and she shrugged.
“Marlene gave me her address before I graduated.”

“This is good.” Sirius rasped, wiping his mouth. “James mentioned living in the same neighbourhood as Marls. Also, she‘s too young for you.”
Andromeda rolled her eyes. “I wasn‘t going to take up her offer.”

“Let‘s go. I think James is this way.” Sirius said, heading down the street and aggressively sniffing the air. His dog nose led them around the block, and they stopped in front of a big house with a maroon door. He then turned to his brother and cousin, eyes fearful and uncertain.

“What if they turn us away? What if they send us back?” He asked.
“You know James better than I do, but even I know he‘d never do that.” Regulus told him as he rang the doorbell.

The door opened to a sleepy James wearing Captain America pants and nothing else, whose eyes ripped open when he realised who he was looking at.
“Hey, Jamie.” Sirius said softly, hugging him.

“Nice pants.” Regulus remarked as James glanced at him over Sirius‘ shoulder.
“What are you guys doing here?” The boy asked, glancing from the brothers to the woman standing behind them.

“I told my family I‘m in love with Remus.” Sirius admitted as James held the door open, inviting them in.
“Damn.” James sat down on the couch, Sirius slumping down next to him and Regulus sitting down on the floor in front of them. Andromeda waited at the door, watching over her cousins.

“James? Who‘s there?” A female voice came from the stairs.
“Mum, can Sirius and Regulus come live with us?” James yelled, and a confused woman came down the stairs, eyes widening at the sight of the unexpected guests.

“It‘s alright, I can go back.” Regulus said, standing up.
“No, I won‘t let you go back to that hellhole.” James protested, grabbing his wrist.

“Sirius is in trouble with our parents, I‘m not. They won‘t be so hard on me.” Regulus explained, but Euphemia hurried over to him and kindly placed her hands on his shoulders.

“You‘re both welcome to stay here as long as you‘d like.” She told him. “We have a small guest room, and one of you can stay with James, his room is big enough for two.”

“I don‘t want to intrude, I can go-” Regulus was interrupted by James yanking on his arm, pulling him down to the couch.
“Stay here. Please.” The boy pleaded, and Regulus sighed.
“Alright.” The Slytherin said.

“Would you like to stay as well?” Euphemia glanced at Andromeda, who was leaning against the doorframe.
“No, thank you, I just brought the boys. I have my own apartment in London.” She replied. “I‘ll be on my way. Siri, Reggie, owl me.” And in a whirl, she was gone.

“Welcome to the Potters, boys.” Euphemia smiled at the Black brothers. “James has some extra pyjamas for you, I‘ll go and set up your beds. Meanwhile, you can decide who gets the spare room and who shares with James.”
And then she was gone, and the three boys glanced at each other.

“I can share, we sleep in the same room at Hogwarts anyway.” Sirius suggested.
“Yeah, and you complain that I‘m too loud when I move around in my sleep.” James reminded him, and Regulus chuckled.

“Siri, you deserve some rest and privacy after everything. Take the room, I know you want it.” Regulus told him, and Sirius‘ eyes lit up.
“If it‘s alright with you…”
“Just say yes.” Regulus rolled his eyes and Sirius nodded vigorously.

“Come on, then!” James jumped up, beckoning for the two to follow him. They went up the stairs and into a room that was decorated with Quidditch posters and Gryffindor flags. Euphemia smiled at them and raised a finger to her lips as she waved her wand, and an already made bed appeared.

“Monty‘s asleep, we can give him a good fright tomorrow.” Euphemia grinned, heading towards the spare room. James opened a drawer and pulled out two sets of pyjamas, holding them out for the two brothers. The themes and respective prints were Black Widow and Wonder Woman, and he was rewarded with two teasing smiles.

“Thank you.” Regulus took the Black Widow set and headed to the bathroom to change. When he was out of the room, Sirius pouted and complained that he had wanted that one as he grabbed the Wonder Woman pyjamas.

Soon, Sirius was lying in bed and staring up at the ceiling of the spare room, his mind replaying the events of the evening. The neighbouring room was impressively quiet, but James and Regulus weren‘t sleeping.

“He said he kissed you.” Regulus murmured as he stared into a pair of brown eyes. The two boys were lying in James’ bed, face to face, mere inches between them.

“He did. I mean, we kissed, yes.” James admitted. “But it was before us, I promise. By that time, I already knew I liked you, but you seemed to hate me and when Sirius asked for my help, I was desperate enough to imagine I was kissing you.”

Then his eyes widened, and he slapped a hand over his mouth.
“You pretended to be kissing me? That’s adorable.” Regulus smiled.
“I didn’t mean to tell you that, I-” James looked at him in horror, and it was time for Regulus to admit something.

“I stole the remainder of Bella’s Veritaserum.”

“When-? How-?”

“When you were brushing your teeth.” Regulus confessed. “It was only a little, it’ll wear off soon. I’m sorry.”
“I’ll just not talk, I don’t want to hide anything from you, but some secrets aren’t mine to share, and I don’t know if Remus wants-” James stopped himself again, muffling his own voice by planting his face into a pillow.

“I don’t think there’s anything you could tell me that I don’t already know, but I won’t ask questions if that’s better.” Regulus murmured. “And I know it was creepy and paranoid of me to do that, you didn’t consent to it, and I was intrusive-”

James cut him off by kissing him, a hand snaking around his waist.

“I should care that you did it and it should bother me, but it really doesn’t.” He admitted as the Slytherin chased after his lips. “I trust you with every secret I have.”

Regulus pulled back to gaze at him.
“Then why didn‘t you tell me you‘re an Animagus?”

James balked back.
“How do you-?”

“It’s alright, it was for Remus, I know.” Regulus smiled.

“You know about Remus?” James stared.

“Well, it would be the logical conclusion, seeing as I’m there with you almost every full moon.” Regulus winked, waiting for the wheels in his boyfriend’s head to turn.

“You’re the black cat?!” James realised.
“The name is Nightshade. Which is much more sophisticated than Prongs, by the way.” Regulus smirked.

“Hey, Prongs is a perfectly respectable name for a stag!” James protested, grinning as he heard Regulus chuckle.
“Bit on the nose, don’t you think?” The Slytherin remarked, and James shut him up with a kiss. Within a second, he was kissing the furry head of a black cat, and he yelped.

“You’re adorable, Reg, but I can’t kiss you like this.” The boy pouted, watching the cat stretch his little legs. Nightshade rubbed his head against James’ hand, and the Gryffindor had no other choice but to scratch him. He heard the cat purr and almost melted.

Suddenly, he was petting a teenage boy’s curly head of hair. Regulus’ hands found his face and pulled him in, their lips meeting. Then, the younger boy climbed over James, pushing him on his back to straddle him.

“You’re beautiful.” James whispered as he looked up in awe at his boyfriend who wearing his Black Widow pyjamas and running his hands up his bare chest. Regulus leaned down until their noses were brushing.

“If you turn into a reindeer now, I will kill you.” The boy whispered, capturing James’ lips before working down his jaw and neck.

“He’s not a reindeer, he’s a sta-oh!” The protest died as Regulus’ teeth gently nipped at James’ neck, and the Gryffindor found he was putty in the boy’s hands.

Regulus had thought ahead, and the muffling charm he had cast (illegally, as he was very much underage) did its job, concealing the gasps that left James’ mouth.

The next morning, James wore a scarf to breakfast.