Ever the Same

Chapter Ten: Time, Curious Time

Time magic was revered in the Wizarding World, mostly locked behind the walls of the Department of Mysteries and held beneath the strongest protection magic to exist. 

There wasn't much known about time magic when Regulus Black was handed the time turner at the end of the first (and subsequently only) war. Suffice to say that not much had been learned in the last decade about it, either. But what was known was that time magic had the capability to be disasterous if messed with, even for the smallest of times. Going back fifteen minutes could possibly collapse an entire timeline, thrusting everyone into a new reality in a blink.

This was the thought that set Regulus Black's teeth on edge. The not knowing. Within a split second, everything that he had worked so desperately hard for could be gone. 

It was because of this that Regulus felt much less shame than expected as Narcissa and Sirius stepped back into his living quarters of Hogwarts, stopping what would have been (Regulus already knew) a well deserved shag.

"Well. It is nice to see you Regulus. You as well, Mr. Potter."

James, still prone on the sofa, cracked a smile at Narcissa. "Please, Lady Malfoy. You earned the right to call me James many years ago."

James could see the way Narcissa struggled to keep the smirk from her face as she nooded, "Alright, James."

"If you two are done shagging right out in the open-" Sirius loudly exclaimed, his hand still firmly over his eyes. "I brought Cissa to help us. Between the three of us, it shouldn't take any time at all to collect the rest of the blood needed. We're all three Blacks, after all."

"Brilliant!" James said, straightening and fixing his partially unbottoned shirt. "I'm going to pop down and see the Prongslet for a bit. I think he should be in the Great Hall for lunch. Shall I send Moony back, Pads?"

"If you would be so kind, Prongs. Harry also mentioned in his letter that he was having nightmares as well. Maybe talk to him about it? He told me not to tell you, but if you're having them too..." Sirius let his words drift off.

"Harry's having nightmares?" Regulus asked. "Did he say what of?"

"Not really," Sirius shook his head. "Just something about a cupboard under some stairs? Maybe he'll tell Prongs more."

In truth, Regulus was not privvy to the future that Harry would have had on the original timeline. No one was. But it was worrying to hear that he was having flashes of a different time. 

"Yes, Potter. Ask him more about it. We'll be here when you're done."

Despite the fact that he was still playful in nature, James softened as he turned his attention to Regulus. "Anything you want, Reg. I'll be back soon."

The silence was deafening as it hung between the three Black family members, and Regulus decided to break it first. 

"Not a word from either of you or I might forget to remove the needle after we're through."

***

Walking down the hallways of the castle always brought James back to his own school days. Despite the fact that so much had occurred since, it caused his heart to tug in his chest. To see his son sitting in the same place as he and the marauders years prior was something that filled him with pride. 

Marching directly to the Gryffindor table, he couldn't hide the smile on his face. 

"Budge over, Prongslet. Official order business."