Thursday 10th June, 1977

I left the examination hall in a hurry, as soon as it ended. The other students were cheering, finally free of O.W.L.s, and while I shared their delight I was also troubled by Selena's words, trying to clamp down the panic that she had brought to the surface.

Was Regulus really in trouble? Was his life at stake? I remembered the fight we'd had what seemed like an eternity ago, where he said asking his parents not to marry would be risking his life. Was that true? It shouldn't be, because Regulus was their only heir left. Surely they wouldn't risk the end of the Black family line because they were upset with him. Right?

I tried to reason with myself, yet I still felt that panic lurking under the surface, begging for a crumb of doubt or fear to overwhelm me. I didn't want to ruin the day though, especially since we just finished O.W.L.s, so I settled for ignoring it and bringing it up to Regulus at a later date.

I met up with Dorcas out the hall, wrapping her in a hug as we cheered now that O.W.L.s were over. I spotted our friends, Regulus among them, and brought Dorcas over, all 6 of us celebrating the end of O.W.L.s.

I hugged Regulus just a bit tighter than usual before high-fiving Barty who looked ecstatic at the end of exams.

"We need to celebrate!" Barty exclaimed.

"The marauders are setting up a party for us at the Gryffindor Common Room," I suggested hesitantly. "It's for all fifth years to celebrate the end of O.W.L.s. You guys can come if you want."

Avery grinned at me. "If there's alcohol, I'm in."

I rolled my eyes at him but was secretly grateful that he wanted to come. The others also voiced their agreement, Pandora claiming she's like to see the inside of the Gryffindor Common Room. I was relieved and agreed to get ready with Pandora and Dorcas in Pandora's dorm.

We got changed out of our robes and into some party clothes, doing a bit of light makeup on each other before meeting the others outside the Slytherin Common Room. We walked to the Gryffindor Common Room together with me in the lead since I was the only Gryffindor there.

When we entered the Common Room I found the marauders and walked over to them. They congratulated me when they saw me, patting me on the back and giving me hugs. James gave an especially tight hug, telling me he was proud of me as he did so. I pulled back with a grin on my face, quickly ruffling his hair before introducing him and the other marauders to my friends.

James gave them a smile, polite as ever as he greeted them, making me smile. He'd created this school party to try and get past his prejudice against Slytherins, and it seemed like he was actually trying. It made me happier beyond words.

I went to the drinks table, making sure not to drink too much as I poured myself a cup. I didn't fancy getting bat shit drunk and having a massive hangover the next day. I met up with Dorcas who was also getting drinks, and the two of us went to the dance floor together.

Rebel Rebel by David Bowie was playing, no doubt put on by Remus, and Dorcas and I danced to it, swaying to the rhythm as we tried to outdance each other. Eventually Marlene joined the fray and I gave Dorcas a wink before slinking off, watching in amusement as the two girls danced closer and closer together.

I walked over to Avery who was eyeing Frank Longbottom from across the room and nudged his shoulder playfully.

"Interested in him?" I asked.

Avery grinned at me. "Definitely. Pretty sure he's into Alice Fortescue though, she's another seventh year."

I squeezed his shoulder lightly. "Hey, you never know until you ask."

Avery seemed to consider my words, but then Frank noticed his gaze and started making his way across the room to him. Avery rounded on me, eyes wide and panicky. "Oh god he's coming over. What do I do?"

I laughed at his fear. "Just be yourself. Flirt a little. See if he likes it."

"Please stay with me," Avery begged. "I can't face this on my own."

I smiled at me. "Of course."

Avery let out a sigh of relief just as Frank arrived, giving us both a smile. "Hey Y/n. Hey... Avery, isn't it?"

Avery smiled and nodded his head, holding out his hand. "Pleasure to meet you Longbottom."

Frank grinned and shook his hand. "Certainly is. You're a spectacular beater. In the final this year when you did that move to hit the ball from Black? Brilliant."

Avery grinned. "You certainly know how to flatter a guy."

Frank lightly brushed Avery's arm. "Good to know the charms still there then."

"Oh it's definitely there," Avery replied.

The two continued flirting, seemingly forgetting I was there, and I smiled as I walked away. Frank had been surprisingly into Avery, making me wonder if the rumours between Frank and Alice were true.

I looked around the room, finding Barty and Evan dancing together, Pandora talking animatedly to Mary and Lily who listened with interest, and Dorcas and Marlene in a secluded corner talking quietly. I turned my gaze to find Regulus when I let out a disbelieving laugh, watching as a drunk Sirius talked with an even drunker Regulus, an arm slung over Regulus's shoulder as he moved his free arm animatedly. Before my eyes I watched as James arrived and slung his arm over Regulus's other side, Regulus letting out a laugh and rapidly speaking to the other two boys, all three of them seemingly having a blast.

Peter and Remus arrived on either side of me, both of them also watching the shocking display of affection before me.

"Would have never guessed," Peter muttered, staring at them in disbelief.

Remus sighed, shaking his head fondly at him. "It was only a matter of time. He's Sirius's brother after all."

"But why James?" I asked. "I know I wanted them to get along, but they're getting along a bit too well."

Just as I said that, Regulus plant a rather sloppy kiss on James's kiss, and James, looking elated, returned the favour before Sirius whined something about being left out and they both kissed Sirius on the cheek.

I stared at Remus to make my point, but he only laughed. "Regulus is important to you and Sirius, therefor important to him. Also, I reckon they'd make a good couple in another life."

I gagged. "Absolutely not."

Peter seemed to consider it. "They would actually, with the whole grumpy and sunshine thing going on there."

I stared at the two of them, aghast. "No. Absolutely not. That is enough out of both of you."

The two of them laughed, but I was having none of it, grumpily staring at the three boys having the time of their lives together and pouting. James had Lily, the least he could do was leave Regulus to me.

The night continued on, Barty and Evan eventually leaving and dragging an extremely drunk Avery behind them. I stayed with Dorcas until she eventually left, going up to Marlene's dorm with her. It was then that I moved my focus on the three boys sitting around the fire, still talking animatedly with one another.

"Okay Regulus, time to go," I said.

Regulus pouted at me. "Five more minutes?"

I laughed. "No, now. Come on."

Regulus heaved a sigh and got up, only to immediately fall forward. I caught him before he fell, slinging his arm over me to better balance him before bidding goodbye to a disappointed James and Sirius.

It was a struggle to get to the Slytherin Common Room, Regulus often stopping in the middle of a hallway to proclaim his undying love for me.

"I love you more than the moon and stars combined," he told me fervently, swaying side to side as we walked. "I love you more than- more than I ever thought I could. I'll love you forever! No matter how much my mother disagrees."

I stopped walking at those last words, looking at Regulus while worry churned in my gut. "What was that?"

Regulus blinked at me. "What was what?"

"What you said, about your mother disagreeing. What did you mean?"

Regulus frowned before he let out a gasp. "Oh I know!"

"What is it?" I urged him.

Regulus looked at me seriously. "We should get some chocolate cake from the kitchens. I love chocolate cake. Nearly as much as I love you. I love you so much Y/n. I'm gonna make you my wife one day, mark my words."

I let out a sigh but couldn't help but chuckle at his words. He was very affectionate when he was drunk, and this time was no exception. We finally got to Regulus's dorm, the other boys already asleep, and I had to quietly help Regulus get ready for bed.

I started lifting Regulus's shirt when he stopped me, looking affronted.

"I have a girlfriend," he said.

I snorted at his words. "Do you?"

He nodded his head. "Yep. She's the best person in the entire world. You don't even compare to my Y/n."

I wasn't sure whether to be insulted or flattered by his words, so instead I focused on getting his shirt off as he got distracted by something else. When he was all ready for bed, I coaxed him into it, struggling to keep him quiet as he stumbled around the room.

Finally, he got into bed and wrapped his arms around me, snuggling close. I smiled fondly and returned the embrace, almost asleep when I heard his words.

"You're gonna be my wife," Regulus mumbled. "You're gonna be mine."

I smiled into his hair before whispering:

"I already am."

A/N:

absudgsidh they're so cute 🥺🥺🥺