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Regulus

Barty laughs. That's all he does when he sees me walk back in with James and Sirius.

James shakes his head and waits patiently for him to quit it, but I can tell Sirius is getting annoyed. He doesn't trust Barty and I don't think he likes him either.

"Take your time," James says lightly. "We can wait for you to stop laughing."

"Good-" Barty says in between his laughter. "Because this is comical."

"Barty, they want to help and they say they have an idea that could work better than my letter." I cut in before Sirius loses his mental battle he's having right now. I know if I didn't say anything, he'd flip out at Barty. He's trying to be patient but he's not a patient person.

"Okay, okay. You know why this is funny though? You better know why this is so funny, Regulus."

I nod my head, trying to hide a smile while Sirius scowls at me.

I know exactly why this is so funny.

"What's the plan then?" Barty asks them. I look between James and Sirius, and it seems that they're having a conversation with each other without speaking.

I look at Barty and we both give each other the same annoyed look.

"While they're having their conversation, I need to ask you something." Barty says to me. Sirius and James glance between the two of us. "Have you lost your mind, Regulus? You are going to run away with your brother?"

"You said I can't get away from that house without pissing them off!" I say defensively. He shrugs his shoulders.

"I'm only joking," he laughs to himself. "I love your life, man. Provides mine with so much entertainment."

"You're hilarious," I say to him. "Do you think it'll work?"

"It would help to know what the plan is, but I don't see why it wouldn't."

I nod my head and he looks at my brother and James. "Are you going to tell me what the plan is, or not? Because let me tell you, you are not putting this child in danger without my consent."

I snort but Sirius looks even more annoyed now.

"I told you he's protective of Regulus. We can trust him, Sirius." James finally speaks up.

"I don't know, okay?" Sirius says as he eyes Barty. "I don't like the guy, and I definitely don't trust him."

Before I could tell Sirius, again, that I trust him, James beat me to it.

"You know what? I trust him, and we're telling him because he may be your brother but he's my-" and then he paused.

Barty raises his eyebrow curiously and smirks. My eyes widen and James shakes his head.

"What I mean is-" James tries again.

"We all are aware what you mean, James." Barty says. "Get to the point."

"Right," James nods his head awkwardly. I almost want to kiss his head to take away the embarrassment but... now is not the time. "We know a place where he can hide when Reg doesn't show up to the- to whatever his parents have planned."

"Oh yeah? Where is this mystery place you speak of?"

"We can't really tell you.. but we can show you." James explains.

"Show us? That doesn't sound safe, does it Regulus?"

"No, it really doesn't. Trusting two Gryffindors to lead us blind in to some random room." I jokingly say, and James smirks.