Chapter Text
James ran down the dark and empty corridor, eager to put as much space between Filch’s approaching footsteps and himself as possible. Sirius and Remus had nicked the map and cloak to sneak off to the Astronomy tower for a romantic shag under the stars, so he was left wandering around the castle with only his instincts to guide him and stop him from being caught.
He turned a corner and immediately scrambled back to hide behind it. Standing around in an awkward triangle was Regulus Black and two other Slytherins that James didn’t recognize. He considered finding another way back to his dormitory but decided he’d wait until they left. From the exasperated look on Regulus’s face, he didn’t think they’d stick around for much longer. He leaned a bit closer, wondering what they could possibly be talking about that could make Regulus look so embarrassed.
“I’m telling you Tim, Reggie’s got a crush!” Regulus blushed, his pale skin alarmingly red. James stiffened slightly but ignored the peculiar feeling tapping at his brain, waiting to be acknowledged. “Be quiet, you idiot, I do not!” The other boy just smirked. “That’s what they all say. Trust me, I know the symptoms of love sickness and Reg here has every one.” James watched Regulus’s fists clench and almost smiled at the way he counted to ten under his breath, like Sirius did whenever he was pissed but didn’t want to start a fight.
“Look mate, we don’t mind, as long as it’s not a filthy mud blood. It’d be preferable if they were in Slytherin too but I ‘spose the heart wants what it wants.” Regulus looked even more irritated now and James fought the urge to walk over and pull him away. “I’m not kidding, I do not have a crush.” The boy who had been silent up until now (James thought his name might be Tim) put a hand on Regulus’s shoulder, though he quickly removed it when the other boy sent him a weird look.
“Lay off him Johnny, it’s clear he doesn’t want to talk about it with us. Even though we’re his only friends, who have been nothing but helpful since day one.”
Regulus rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. “I’ve already said it guys, I do not have a stupid crush! Please just stop talking about it.” Johnny chuckled and leaned against the wall. “No can do, sir. I’m afraid I’m not letting go until I find out who it is. Why don’t you want us to know, Reggie? Is there something you want to tell us?”
Regulus’s eyes flashed and he stepped closer to Johnny, his teeth clenched. “What are you implying?” Johnny smirked again, looking every inch the classic evil villain from Peter’s muggle comic books. “I’m just saying, you spend an awful lot of time staring at that blood traitor Potter when you think no ones looking. I wouldn’t be surprised if you turned out to be a faggot.”
James winced as Regulus’s knuckle connected with Johnny’s chin. “Call me that again and I’ll send you to the hospital wing, you understand? Go away.” Johnny nodded quickly and scurried down the corridor, leaving only Tim and Regulus.
“I’m sorry Reg, I didn’t think he’d go so far. But he’s right about one thing though... you do look at Potter a lot. You’re not actually a fag, are you?” Regulus hesitated a few barely noticeable seconds before shaking his head. “I’m not. You should go to bed now Tim, it’s getting late.” Tim agreed and walked away after giving him another awkward pat on the arm.
James waited for Regulus to move but he stood in the empty hallway for a few seconds longer. All of a sudden, he turned and looked right at James, a unreadable expression on his face. “I know you’re there.” He said softly, causing slight shivers to run down James’s spine. With a small smile, he walked off, leaving James alone, confused and with scarily accelerated heart rate.