Harry Potter one-shots

Jegulus - Goodbyes

The corridors of Hogwarts had never felt so empty as they did on that chilly evening in late November. Regulus Black walked alone, his footsteps echoing off the ancient stone walls, a stark reminder of the solitude that had crept into his life. He clutched a small, crumpled note in his hand—the words on it burned into his memory, words from James Potter asking him to meet at their secret spot by the lake.

As Regulus approached the familiar, secluded corner surrounded by towering willows, his heart thudded painfully against his ribs. It had been weeks since they last spoke, weeks since the reality of their opposing paths had set in. James stood there, hands in his pockets, gazing out over the lake. The setting sun cast a golden glow around him, a halo that seemed to underscore the distance between what was and what could never be.

"James," Regulus said softly, announcing his presence.

James turned, his face lighting up for a moment before settling into a somber expression. "Regulus, you came."

"How could I not?" Regulus replied, managing a weak smile as he joined James by the water's edge.

They stood in silence, watching the gentle ripples on the lake's surface. It was James who broke the silence, his voice low and hesitant. "I've missed this—missed you."

Regulus felt a pang in his chest. "I've missed you too, James. But we knew it wouldn't be easy, being who we are... being what we are."

James nodded, his eyes sad. "I know. I just wish things were different. I wish we could just be James and Regulus, without the world trying to tear us apart."

"It's more than just the world, James. It's my family, your friends, the war..." Regulus's voice trailed off, the weight of their reality settling heavily between them.

"I know," James repeated, his hand twitching as if he wanted to reach out, but he held back. "I just... I had to see you, one last time. I needed to tell you that I don't regret any of it. Not a single moment."

Regulus looked at James, his heart breaking. "Neither do I. But this is goodbye, isn't it?" The words tasted bitter on his tongue, but he knew they were necessary.

James's jaw clenched, and he finally allowed his hand to bridge the gap between them, resting it gently on Regulus's. "It looks like it has to be. For both our sakes."

The sun dipped below the horizon, and the first stars began to twinkle in the dusky sky. Regulus squeezed James's hand, memorizing the feel of it, the warmth that he would have to leave behind.

"Maybe in another life, things could have been different," Regulus whispered, more to himself than to James.

"Maybe," James agreed, squeezing back. "But in this one, I'm glad it was you."

With one last look, a look that spoke volumes, James released Regulus's hand and walked away, his figure gradually swallowed by the growing darkness. Regulus stood there, watching until he could no longer see the man he loved, but the man he was leaving behind.

As the first tear rolled down his cheek, Regulus turned away from the lake, from the echoes of yesterday, and walked back towards the castle, towards a future that felt uncertain and cold without James Potter by his side.