Ever the Same

Chapter Three: Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans

Diagon Alley was alive with the sounds of wizarding society as Regulus and James landed in a small alcove just on the outskirts. But neither of them could pay the sounds of the village any attention.

They had not performed magic on one another or while touching since before their bond was broken, and the apparation had felt...strange.

The moment that James turned on his heel and apparated the pair of them away, Regulus was on fire.

His skin began to tingle in every place that James touched him, warming until it felt like a soft campfire was flaming across his skin. It was the feeling of magic, he knew, but the sensation was something neither of them had felt before. 

It left them breathless, standing close together and letting the feeling of warmth wash over the both of them. 

"Is this...me? Or...you?" James was finally able to stutter out, finding that he didn't want to let go of Regulus just yet. 

"I think it's both of us."

It was a worrying thought for Regulus, reestablishing the bond. The last thing that he needed was having James tied to him again against his will. 

Because of this, it was Regulus who let go first. "Where are we going, Potter? I hope I'm dressed appropriately."

James had softened considerably since leaving the castle. "You're perfect, Reg. We have reservations at La Sorcière Dorée for seven."

Regulus lifted an eyebrow in question. "You really did plan the evening. Didn't you?"

"Always with the tone of surprise," James teased, holding out an arm for Regulus to join him on the sidewalk. "The night awaits."

James was a wizard that demanded attention, whether he realized it or not. People naturally moved out of his way when he was walking and he was always, always, noticed when in a crowd. Diagon Alley was no different, aside from the fact that it was followed with a look of shock as their eyes slid over to Regulus and clocked how close the two were walking to one another.

"It's not too late to change your mind, Potter," Regulus found himself mumbling under his breath as they approached the front of the restaurant. "Last chance."

But James scoffed, moving, if possible, even closer to Regulus and turning his head towards him. James's breath fanned across Regulus's right ear as he leaned in to mumble.

"If you doubt me one more time, Regulus Black, I'll just have to show you just how serious I am. And I don't think that's very proper for a public first date. Do you?"

And it finally clicked with Regulus that maybe James had changed just as much as he had. 

"After you, Potter."

The inside of La Sorcière Dorée was dimly lit when James and Regulus stepped through the crystal doors. There was an open floor plan that greeted them, and one of the first things that Reg turned his eyes to was that of the charmed ceiling. The second thing he noticed, rather quickly, was the large and magical cherry tree that was growing in the middle of the room.

James smiled and turned on his best auror voice as he approached the host.

"Hello, I'm James Potter. I have special reservations for tonight."