The moment was fast approaching, and he gathered James, Sirius, Lily, and Remus at the Potter home. The group sat together, a rare moment of peace in their chaotic lives.
"I'm going to propose to Y/N," Regulus finally blurted out, unable to hold it in any longer.
The room fell silent. James' eyes narrowed, his protective brotherly instincts immediately kicking in. Sirius looked shocked, though quickly a grin spread across his face. Lily, ever supportive, beamed with excitement, and Remus raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the situation.
"You're... serious?" James asked, his voice tight.
Regulus, not missing a beat, looked directly at Sirius. "No, he's Sirius. I'm Regulus."
The group chuckled, but James still looked wary. "Alright, alright. But tell me, how are you planning on doing this?"
Regulus breathed a sigh of relief at James' shift in tone and launched into his plan. "I want to take her to Loch Shiel. It's secluded, peaceful, and beautiful. It's the perfect place. I'll arrange a boat, a picnic... simple but elegant. I've already found the perfect ring—"
"Wait, you already have a ring?" Sirius interrupted, his grin growing wider. "Let's see it!"
Regulus pulled out the velvet box and opened it, revealing the delicate, sparkling ring (the one you chose), set in gold with fine details around the band. The diamond glistened under the light, making everyone stare in awe.
The ring:
"Wow," Lily whispered, leaning in to get a better look. "It's beautiful. Y/N will love it."
Sirius whistled, clearly impressed. Even Remus nodded in approval. But James was still silent.
"James," Regulus said gently, "I love your sister. I've loved her for years. After everything we've been through, I can't imagine my life without her. I want to spend every moment making her happy. I'm asking for your blessing."
James stared at the ring, his face unreadable. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke.
"If you hurt her," James said, his voice low and serious, "I will hunt you down."
Regulus didn't flinch. He knew this was James' way of accepting. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
Lily clapped her hands together, breaking the tension. "So, when's this all happening?"
"Tomorrow night," Regulus replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "Everything's already set up. Now I just need to make sure I don't mess it up."
The next evening, as the sun began to set, Regulus guided Y/N to the shores of Loch Shiel. The lake was calm, and the surrounding trees created a sense of peace and serenity. In the distance, a boat was waiting, elegantly decorated with flowers and pillows. The picnic was arranged neatly in the center, with a basket full of delicious treats: sandwiches, pastries, fruits, and freshly baked bread.
Y/N was stunned. "Regulus... this is beautiful."
They climbed into the boat, the gentle rocking of the water lulling them into a comfortable silence. They shared food, reminisced about their shared adventures, and laughed together as the sun sank lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over everything.
As the final light of day faded into dusk, Regulus' heart raced. This was it. He gently placed the bouquet of wildflowers he had picked beside her and took a deep breath.
"Y/N," he began, his voice soft yet steady, "I've wanted to say this for a long time, and I can't keep it to myself any longer. I love you. I've loved you from the moment we met on the train. You've stood by me through everything—the good, the bad, and the darkest of times. You've shown me what it means to be loved, and I want to spend the rest of my life showing you that same love."
Y/N's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat.
Regulus reached into his pocket, pulling out the small velvet box. The ring glittered softly in the fading light. He got down on one knee, still holding her hand in his.
"Y/N Potter, will you marry me?"
Tears filled Y/N's eyes as she looked down at Regulus, her heart full of love for the man before her. "Yes," she whispered, then louder, "Yes! Of course, yes!"
Regulus smiled, sliding the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly. He stood up and pulled her into his arms, kissing her gently as the stars began to twinkle above them.
They sat together in the boat, wrapped in each other's warmth, knowing that whatever came next, they would face it together.
The End.
