You belong with me ~ Bartylus

1. Sixth year

Regulus

Regulus is staring at the barrier that separates King's Cross from the platform 9¾. He feels a hand on his shoulder, and he finds Euphemia smiling reassuringly at him. She walks by his side as they cross the charmed wall.

Sirius and James have already found their friends. He sees Sirius throwing his arms around Remus as if he hasn't seen him in months, and not a couple of days before in Diagon Alley.

Regulus doesn't look around, but he doesn't need it. He knows people are looking at him. He feels their gazes. Muttered words and whispers crawl the binary floor, climb the walls, bounce in the air, and even if they become too feeble upon reaching Regulus' ears, he knows. He can perfectly imagine what the pureblood families are saying about him in between stolen glances and open glares.

Word has spread that he has left by now.

As Fleamont calls James and his brother, Regulus can't help but glance down the platform. The Averys, the Bulstrodes, the Parkinsons, and the other pureblood families send looks in his direction as they are conversing, some nauseated, some loathing.

Fleamont and Euphemia give hugs to James and to his brother, wishing them a good return to school and telling them not to get into trouble too much. Then, when it's Regulus turn to be hugged, Euphemia squeezes him and says, "You're very brave. And strong. You won't have any problems, I'm sure. But I hope you know you don't have to be strong all the time. Remember that we're here, if you want, just a letter away." Regulus holds her back and murmurs, "Thank you".

"Write us for anything, anything at all," says Fleamont. "Not only if you have any issues," he adds, "but if you want, you could update us on how quidditch is going, whether you like your subjects or the progress you make in Potions..." Regulus smiles and nods.

"Have a great year," they both tell him before saying goodbye.

He gets on the train after Sirius, who, after a few steps, turns and looks at him hesitantly. "Do you want to come sit with us for a bit?" he asks.

"Yes, why don't you come?" James smiles from behind him.

Regulus agrees. His brother asked, and he doesn't want to say no. Sirius is still often unsure about how to act around him, and Regulus feels the same way. He agrees every time he can when his brother suggests they do something together, and Sirius does the same. They're still learning what the other likes and each other's boundaries.

James is, for the most part, with them when they spend time together, an addition that both Regulus and Sirius welcome with open arms. He is able to lighten the mood and make some of the awkwardness that still lingers between them dissipate.

They find an empty compartment and wave at Euphemia and Fleamont from the window as the train departs.

Remus and Peter find them shortly after. "Do you feel like breaking some rules tonight?"

The Marauders, of course, feel like it.

"Do you want to participate?" adds Remus, turning to Regulus.

Regulus glances at Sirius and says, "I was thinking of staying in the dorm tonight and catching up with my friends..."

"Of course!" says Sirius quickly. Regulus smiles.

"Just stay away from the stairs", James grins. "I have an idea".

"Noted", Regulus chuckles, "I'll come admire your work as I go down to the dungeons".

He leaves the Marauders, as he has unwillingly found himself used to calling them, as they continue to plan their prank. He has taken only a few steps outside the compartment when James calls him.