I Will Follow You Into The Dark || Jegulus

72. Shadow

After what felt like far too long to James, Barty and Evan came back with Regulus. They led Regulus to the crowded, decorated backyard, and everyone yelled "Surprise!"

Regulus looked around at all the familiar (and not-so-familiar) faces. Everyone was here for him. On his birthday. A year ago he would have never imagined this would happen, him at his boyfriend's house, surrounded by people who love him. 

Regulus was pleasantly surprised to see Andromeda and Ted there, and he smiled and quickly went to greet her. "Andy" He stuck his hand out awkwardly for a handshake, but she tugged him into a hug. 

"I heard what happened over Christmas. I'm proud of you, little cousin."  She smiled, "Happy birthday."

"Thanks for coming." Regulus looked around the yard. There were a bunch of red-headed children running around, no doubt weasleys, though Lily fit right in. She was sitting next to Molly Weasley and James all talking. Sirius was talking with Barty and Evan, looking like he was lecturing them, while Barty laughed at Sirius. Remus was sitting with Peter, Xeno, and the rest of the girls.

"How do you have the time to take care of them?" Lily asked, holding one of the twin toddlers, who rubbed his hand all over her face. She laughed softly. James was holding the other one, bouncing him up and down. James looked so natural, almost like he was made to be a father. Regulus started thinking of what James's life could be like if Regulus wasn't there. If he and Lily had stayed together. They could have had a beautiful little baby and raised it side by side. Now because of Regulus, James will never have that.

"Well, it helps that Arthur is the money maker for the family. I have to juggle the housework and taking care of these menaces, but there's always room for more." Molly grinned, "I'm actually pregnant with another." 

"Oh my god, do you have any name ideas?" James asked. 

"If its a boy, Ronald, if its a girl, Ginevra. We've always wanted a girl." Molly said. 

As Regulus sat down at the table next to James, Molly turned her attention to him, "You must be the birthday boy. I'm Molly," She smiled.

"It's great to meet you, Molly." 

"This is George. Isn't he just the sweetest?" James asked, showing Regulus the baby in his arms.

Regulus forced a smile on his face. He loved children, but it wasn't possible for him and James. Adoption just wasn't something that happened in the Wizarding world, especially not for a gay couple.

Effie came outside, carrying a large cake, which drew everyone's attention. They began to sing Happy birthday, and Regulus resisted the urge to run away or curl up into a ball and hide. This was the most attention he had gotten in... ever. It was weird and scary,  but he tried to welcome the feeling.

He looked over to James and the grin on his face, and the others around him. Fleamont and Effie who took him in without another word. Andromeda, his cousin who had the same family situation as Regulus and Sirius. Molly, who didn't even know Regulus but came anyway and talked to him as if they had known each other for years. Pandora, who along with Remus, had helped Regulus through the worst part of his life. Barty and Evan who had been his best friends since they were eleven. Barty who experimented when Regulus when the only person they had were each other. Lily, who was such a big support in his life. Dorcas, who he had met in his second year and been best friends with ever since. And all the others that attended. Marlene, Mary, and Xeno, who Regulus wasn't the closest with, but still showed up anyway.

As Regulus started to eat his cake, something felt wrong. A looming feeling of dread hung over the air, and he wasn't the only one that felt it. A feeling of uneasiness spread through the yard.