One of Us | Jegulus

Eleven

Regulus actually had kind of started to get used to this weird living situation, when that day happened.

He was sitting in the kitchen with Sirius, James and Nymphadora. Ever since their conversation a week ago he did his best to avoid James and he didn't know whether Potter felt as awkward about the situation as he did, but at least he didn't try to talk to him again.

They were just eating some decent soup Remus had prepared before he left for a mission or something, when the bell rang. Multiple times.

Everyone was suddenly very vigilant. "We're not expecting anyone, are we?", Sirius asked his best friend, tensed. James shook his head quietly and stood up.
Sirius did the same, his eyes switching between the door, Nymphadora and Regulus, unsure what to do.
"Regulus. Take Dora upstairs - and stay there. You hear me?"
Regulus swallowed and nodded. It must be really serious if Sirius wants him to look after his beloved little cousin.
He lifted her into his arms and carried her up nervously. He didn't understand what was going on but he was glad to be in safe distance, without his wand and everything.

On his way up he could have a last glimpse on the two boys drawing their wands before opening the front door. He hastily led Nymphadora into his bedroom and then listened cautiously.

There were surprised voices. He couldn't make out any words. Whoever there was - it couldn't be an enemy, could it? But if he'd learned one thing in the war it was that nobody showed up unannounced, except it was an emergency. It was too dangerous and people were too paranoid for spontaneity.

He wanted to open his door a bit to hear more of what was going on but the sound could be heard from downstairs and he really didn't want to draw any attention to himself and Dora.

He could tell that she was worried, too, so he reluctantly stepped away from the door and tried to distract her.
After five minutes however, his door bursted open.

"We've got a problem." It was James.

Regulus sat up straight. "What's going on?", he asked tensed.

"It's our friends, the Longbottoms. Voldemort has been looking for them for a while, his Death Eaters destroyed their third safe house now. I don't even know if I should tell you this... The point is, they barely escaped and have nowhere to go. They are asking for shelter and of course we'll take them in."
He stopped and ran his hand through his hair nervously.
"The thing is, they don't know you're here. And they can't know... They have a very bad history with Death Eaters, you know. They won't care if you're Sirius' brother, they'd turn you straight in and I don't wanna know what Moody would do with you..."
Regulus felt the panic creeping up his spine. He noticed Potter trembling slightly. Of course he didn't like it locked up in here, completely defenceless, but over time he at least started to feel safe. But what now?

"Isn't this the best moment to just let me go?", Regulus suggested hopefully.
"Still not an option to us."
He sighed. He didn't expect differently.
"Can't you... can't you just talk to them then?", he continued. Potter shook his head. "Do you wanna take the risk?"
He exhaled slowly. "Listen. They just cannot notice you here. You've gotta be careful and you've gotta listen to us! Do you understand?"

Regulus tutted. "Don't treat me like a child."
"I'm serious, Regulus... And there's another thing."
"What?"
"You can't stay in your room. Andy and Dora are currently living in the second spare room and we can't ask them to sleep on the couch."
"And where do you want me to live, then??"

"You gotta stay in my room, I'm afraid. I know you won't like it, but-"
"What the hell?", Regulus exclaimed. "Why me? Why can't Sirius or Lupin-"
"Er... Remus and Sirius are already sharing... Only since the Tonks came, of course, so they could have a room for themselves. "

Regulus frowned. "I don't like this."
Potter sighed. "Yeah, it's not easy for us either. But I think it's safer this way, anyway, or what reason should we tell them why there was an 'empty' room we don't want them to enter? Or they'd see you on your way to the bathroom across the hall. My room has its own little bathroom you can use. I'm sorry... but I'm afraid it's the only solution for now."

Regulus resigned. He knew James was right. He couldn't come up with a better idea but still, being locked up in one single room again and this time without any privacy sounded like his personal hell.

He nodded and together with James and Nymphadora he left his room. Dora was allowed to run downstairs again, while Regulus was led into James' room.
"I'll be back in a bit. Please wait in here", Potter said hurriedly, smiled apologetically and then closed the door behind himself.

Regulus sighed and looked around, but he wasn't really interested in the room. He sat down on the edge of the bed. It was a really huge one - but he still had to share it with Potter for... how long?
It's gonna be a great time, he thought sarcastically.

Potter did in fact not come back in a bit but stayed away the whole day. At least his room was packed with stuff so Regulus found some books very quickly and made himself comfortable on the bed.
It was probably because he wasn't allowed anymore, that he wanted to go downstairs and join the others more than ever.
There were strangers in the house who wanted to turn him in. So? It wouldn't be a problem if he carried his wand. It wasn't for his safety, it was for their own control over him, he knew that.

When the door finally opened and James entered his room, it was already dark outside.
He yawned loudly and threw himself next to Regulus on the bd.
"How long are they staying?", Regulus asked grumpily, etching away from him.
"As long as they want to."
Regulus groaned. "Seriously? And what about me?!"

James sat up and turned his head to the younger boy. "This isn't about you, Regulus. They aren't safe out there anymore. This house is heavily protected, it's probably one of the safest place in the country right now."
"So they aren't safe out there. I'm apparently not safe in here. It's obvious, isn't it? They can stay, I'll leave. Then everybody is safe."

James chuckled. "Nice try, Reggie. But you're not safe outside either - no you are not!", he added when Regulus tried to interrupt. "So even if this isn't the optimal solution, at least we have one."

Regulus crossed his arms and met James' eyes.
"And you really want to share your room with me? I could suffocate you in your sleep!"
Now the older one was grinning at Regulus.
"I really don't think you're gonna do that. You've had plenty of opportunities. I think you're as dangerous as my pillow."
"Fuck you."
"Love you too."
"Shut up!"

Potter laughed, but slowly fell silent.
"Reg... can you be honest with me?", he started in a much quieter voice.
Regulus grew tense. He said nothing, preparing for the worst. It can't possibly be good if he began like that.
"Sirius told me a couple days ago... how you walked around carrying a knife. A big one. I really want to trust you... but I fear what would have happened if Sirius didn't catch you with it. Did you plan to..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but it didn't matter. Regulus knew exactly what he meant. He couldn't even be mad with him about it, it really had looked suspicious.

"I didn't want to attack you, or anyone else here! I - I don't have my wand and as today clearly proved, you'll never know what will happen. You can't blame me for wanting some self defence!"

James frowned. He wasn't convinced. "Sirius said you threatened him with it."
"Of course he'd say that", Regulus groaned. "I was holding it because I wanted to take it upstairs, to keep it safe but in reach in case something happens. Why would I attack you, it wouldn't help me at all!"

"That's what I told him, too, actually", James revealed. "I hope I'm not making a mistake trusting you."
Shaking his head, Regulus leaned back again. The way James talked to him... He couldn't describe how it made him feel. It seemed like James was the only one taking him seriously, the first one not to look down on him like he was inferior.
No doubt, his whole attitude and behaviour was excruciatingly annoying but he seemed to mean it well with the ones around him. He wanted to see the good in people even if it is deeply hidden and he was inclined to give everyone a change regardless of their history.

He wasn't the worst.