Fearless (Taylors Version)

Four

Lily Evans watched as James left the great hall. Then she let out a sigh. So, James and Regulus had something with each other. Even though she knew damn well that Regulus would still claim to hate James, she was sure he did the exact opposite. And that was fine. Cool. Perfect. James and Regulus were made for each other, that was obvious. James, the sunshine boy, and Regulus, the night guy.

She wondered if they would ever actually get together, besides being the perfect couple. Regulus had a complicated relationship with his family, and James was a Gryffindor and Sirius's best friend...there were several unspoken rules they'd break if they would ever work out.

She decided to not wrap her mind around it too much, as it was their own decision. She couldn't tell them who to love, nor could anyone else.

When she was done eating, Lily walked back to her dorm. Today was a Sunday, so she wouldn't do much, probably just read or hang out with the girls.

Outside it was pretty cold, and the weather report said something about a snowstorm arriving soon. Strangely, it made the castle feel a lot warmer and cozier, since the castle used many heating spells. But the negative part was that Hogwarts itself was way more filled with people, the marauders included, which meant there would be no more silence or peace in the library.

When Lily arrived at the portrait of the fat lady, she was surprised to see Regulus standing in front of it. "Hello, Regulus, what are you doing here?", she asked.

Regulus looked up and she saw that he was relieved when he recognized her. "Hey Lily, I have something for you.", he said, and handed Lily a parchment roll. Lily, who already had an idea of what it was, slightly groaned. "Please tell me it's not from Slughorn.", she begged.

"I'm sorry, I have to disappoint you. It is, indeed, an invitation to the next slug club meeting. Next week, Friday, I think.", Regulus said, looking like he disliked it as much as Lily did.

Lily sighted. "I really don't know if I should go or if it is better to just...make up an excuse. These aristocrats are awful.", she stated. Regulus raised his eyebrow and looked at her amused. "Did you just insult me?", he asked. "No, really I didnt mean you! You are one of the few one's I actually enjoy talking to!", she laughed. Regulus smiled at her. "Im feeling very special now!"

Lily smiled at him. "As you should. You are really special to many people here, I think., she told him. Regulus looked down a bit. I know, and theyre special to me too., admitted he. Lily was surprised to see Regulus show any kind of love, even though it was only platonic. The boy cleared his throat. Speaking about something special, Slughorn told me to inform you that the next meeting will be more of a party, apparently. We need to bring a date., he informed Lily. She groaned at the news. God, I hate that kind of party! I bet James wants to go with me., she said. Do you want James to go with you?, Regulus asked. Lily just shrugged. Hes nice. I dont know, I think it would be funny with him., she admitted. Regulus nodded, trying to be understanding. Those parties remind me of the yule ball a bit., he told her. Lily looked at him, questioning. How? This time, Regulus was the one to shrug. Just the whole going there with a date thing and the fancy dinners, you know what I mean., he tried to explain. Lily seemed to understand the reference. Oh, yeah youve got a point there, but wasnt the last one around 1790?, asked she. Regulus chuckled slightly. Guess were time traveling, then!, he decided.

Lily grinned at her. "Thats really quite lovely, I find. See you there, my lord!", she said goodbye and even bowed before him, causing Regulus to smile. "Thank you, my lady!", he answered.

"Woah, are you two time traveling into the 18th century and preparing for it, or do I need to put you baby girls into the mental hospital?", asked James Potter, who just exited the common room to go to the quidditch field, grinning. Instantly, Regulus stood up straight again and his glance went ice cold. "Neither, Potter. I just asked the dear Lily on a date, and she said yes."

Lily thought to see a sparkle of amusement blink in Regulus's eyes but didn't say anything. She let Regulus have his fun with James, the boy would survive a joke or two. James frowned. "What?", he asked. For the last few years, he asked Lily on a date over and over again, until he gave up and they grew to be nothing more than good friends. Clearly the pain of being rejected so many times still sat deep. And Regulus was playing with it, like the pervert he was.

James was looking from Regulus to Lily and back. "Are you kidding me? Lily, what did you say?" Lily grinned a bit. Maybe torturing James was a bit fun after all. "I said yes. I like him, you know." Which was only half of a lie. Obviously, Regulus didnt ask her on a date, nor did she say yes, but Lily liked Regulus, even though not in a romantic way.

Just for a second, a small moment that was hard to catch, James looked...sad. Disappointed. But then he smiled again. "That's great! Why did you ask her out?"

"We need to bring a date for the next slug club meeting."

James's looked at the two of them compassionate. "Man, I don't think it'll be fun. Slug club is...packed with a bunch of selfish aristocrats. Yes Regulus, I included you." James laughed at his own joke, and even Lily smiled a bit.

Regulus rolled his eyes. "Bye, Potter." He turned around and walked away with fast steps. James looked at him until he was around the next edge and no longer visible. Lily laughed at him when he turned back to her. "You're so in love with him, it's sad.", she told him.

James looked at her. "You know what is sad? That you said yes to him asking you out even though you know I like him!", he almost screamed at her. Lily only smiled at this. "We're not going to the party together. Regulus did just joke with you. ", she explained to James. Lily felt as though she owed him at least that much.

James's angry expression dropped and turned into amusement. Oh god, I didnt know Regulus is able to make jokes. Thats fantastic, actually. Then suddenly, he gasped. "Lily, lets try to crack him open and show him the joy of life! I mean, he just fucked around with me, which means we could have a chance to rescue him from the dark hole of sadness the blacks all rot in! Lily smiled. That was a great idea, since she liked Regulus a lot too. Ill help you, and to be honest, I think we actually have a chance. But...don't be too much at once. Reg gets overwhelmed more easily than you think he does. It's his autism.", she explained it. James listened carefully and nodded along. "Okay, alright. I'll be careful. Lily, you're an actual angel!"

He stood up and gave Lily a kiss on her cheek. "I love you! Byeeee!"

Lily didnt stand there for too long, only until James slides around the corner, nearly falling due being as fast as he was. When she went inside the common room, the only thing she thought about was how long she would need for her assignments. Or maybe it wasnt the only thing, but that was something Lily would never admit to herself.