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Snakes At The Party

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Regulus

"You want me to come to your Gryffindor party?" I ask James, because maybe there's a chance I heard him wrong.

"It's not just Gryffindor. All of the houses are invited so it wouldn't be strange if you showed up."

"Yes it would be strange, because I have not once showed up to a party thrown by my brother," I tell him. I can't believe what I'm hearing. He wants me to risk our entire relationship, my entire family and my safety to go to a party with him?

Don't get me wrong, I want to go. I want to go really badly, but I can't.

"It was just a thought," James says in a sad tone, but he's trying to act like it's not bothering him. That's what he does.

Merlin, it's like he thinks he's not allowed to have real emotions. Like he's not allowed to be upset because of something I say.

"James, if you're mad or disappointed... please just act like you are. I don't like the pretending game."

"I'm not mad at you. I knew the answer even when I asked it." he admits, but then he lifts his gaze to me for a moment and says, "I am a little disappointed. I had a small bit of hope that you'd say yes."

I nod my head.

We'll call that progress.

"How about I think about it," I tell him and his face lights up again.

"Yeah? You mean it?"

"Yes, James. I'll really think about it and if I think there's a way for me to come where it wouldn't give us away, I'll be there."

James nods his head happily. "Okay, all I ask is you at least think about it. Bring your friends too, if you decide to come."

"I'm sure they'd love to come," I answer. Evan and Barty are always down for a party. It doesn't matter who's throwing it. Pandora on the other hand, is not a fan of Sirius or James so she'd be harder to convince to go.

-

"It's not my fault you're bored, Barty." Evan mumbles. He's over on his bed doing homework while Barty is pacing around the room complaining that we're boring. "Go find something to do."

"I want to do something with my friends, but they're boring." Barty continues to complain. 

"Go away, this essay is due tomorrow and you're being distracting." Evan says to him, and Barty perks up at his comment.

"I could be way more distracting if that'll get your attention," he says with a smirk. I notice a small blush appearing on Evans face and can't help but smile. They're hopeless. 

"No, keep your pants on Barty." I jump in and throw my school book to the side. "I do have something we can do, but you guys might not like it." 

Evan looks up from his books and Barty raises an eyebrow. 

This is such a bad idea. So bad. I already know they'll want to go once they hear about it. They're not one to turn down a party, ever. If I ask, I'm basically sealing my fate. 

"Go on," Barty says when I've taken too long to continue my thought. Both of them still staring at me.

"There's a Gryffindor party tonight in the room of requirements." I blurt out before I can change my mind. 

"Oh, is there?" Barty says in his mocking tone. I knew this would be part of it. "And how do you know of this party, Regulus?"

"I just heard about it in the halls," I lie. They both know it's a lie too.