unspeakable | jegulus

i can see you

chapter title: long, long, long by the beatles (or... i can see you by taylor swift, if you're in a period inaccurate mood)

content warning: sexual content
(not smut, but... smut adjacent)

The shivery green light in his four poster bed was almost accusing, the way it leaned over James' shoulder right onto the map. Like a spotlight. Like a finger, pointing. Look at what you did, James. It seemed to say. Thief. Traitor.

"This is it?" Regulus held it so gingerly and respectfully. Just with his fingertips. Practically pinching it. Affection blossomed in his chest at the sight of him, confused, with a furrowed dark brow.

"That's the map. Want to try to unlock it?"

"It has a key? Is it a password?" Regulus took out his wand. "What would you and your friends have chosen to be the password for this little scrap of parchment?" he mused. Not even speaking to James, really. Just the air. He scratched the side of his nose with the end of his wand. He tapped his wand on the parchment.  "Alohomora."

Ink bloomed across the page:

Mr. Moony presents his compliments to Regulus Black, and advises him to keep his slithery little hands off of other peoples property.

Mr. Padfoot would like to register his astonishment that a rule-abiding, spineless git like Regulus can cast Alohomora in the first place.

Mr. Prongs staunchly disagrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Padfoot, he would also like to add that Regulus Black has beautiful eyes.

Mr. Wormtail bids Regulus a good day and requests he remove the stick up his backside, the posh bastard.

Regulus stared at James.

"What is this?"

"Do you give up?" James smiled. "It's the defence protocol. It insults anyone who tries to open it without the password."

"Is there no other way to break in?"

"Not one that any of us could imagine. Do you want to keep trying?"

"Give me a hint." Regulus narrowed his eyes. He was never short on determination in the face of a challenge.

"Think about what we invented it for."

"Pranking people like children?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Exactly." James leaned against the wall, gazing at him while he tried over and over again, fresh insults (and compliments, from James) popping up with each failed attempt.

"Mischief... time?" Regulus cringed as soon as it came out of his mouth. The insults blooming in front of him in calligraphy seemed to add to his emotional injury. "Just tell me, James. I give up."

"Aw." James sat up, his excitement was plainly contradicting his words. He'd hardly shown anyone new the map before. It had taken them so long to make it (the magic was complex, and taxing) and he couldn't even show off his creation to the world. "I was really rooting for you."

"Sure you were." Regulus rolled his eyes.

James grinned.

"I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good." He tapped his wand at the centre of the map. Hogwarts halls appeared on the surface, spreading like a spiderweb from his point of contact. New words crept over the top of it, big and bold. Their signature.

Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs

Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers
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