Art Heist, baby! (alternate happy ending!

)
Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/52598737.

Rating: Mature
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Categories: F/F, M/M
Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling
Relationships: Regulus Black/James Potter, Sirius Black/Remus Lupin, Marlene
McKinnon/Dorcas Meadowes, Barty Crouch Jr./Evan Rosier
Characters: James Potter, Sirius Black, Regulus Black, Peter Pettigrew, Barty Crouch
Jr., Evan Rosier, Lily Evans Potter, Marlene McKinnon, Dorcas
Meadowes, Narcissa Black Malfoy, Remus Lupin
Additional Tags: Inspired by Art Heist Baby! - otrtbs, Happy Ending, Regulus Black
Lives, Modern Marauders (Harry Potter), Art museum
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2023-12-28 Words: 20,649 Chapters: 8/8
 Art Heist, baby! (alternate happy ending!)
by Batray845813

Summary

Art Heist, baby! is probably one of my favorite books now however it did destroy me and I
respectfully refuse to accept that ending (haha) so I wrote this. I tried to keep it as close to the
original as possible (without the death). This is the first fan thing have ever written so sorry if
its bad. I changed the chapter titles. "brewing bonds" is the original first half of Copenhagen
then I started adding my stuff. I kept the original intro to the swap gone wrong but obviously
changed it when it happened.

Inspired by [Restricted Work] by otrtbs

 Brewing Bonds

While their trip to Italy began with love and weddings and excitement beyond James’ wildest
imagination, it ended with a different type of excitement that could only be felt during an art
swap.

They had to drive a little way outside of Portofino to meet Mulciber and as the distance
decreased between them and the location for the swap, James felt his nerves increase with
every passing second.

Regulus definitely seemed like the worst for last kind of person. James was under the
impression that he had been building the heist team up with these swaps. He started with the
lowest-stakes person for the first swap and worked his way up the ladder. It was smart to do it
that way. When everyone was most nervous, meet with the easiest person. Regulus planned
everything with the most meticulous care; there was no doubt in James’ mind that it was
intentionally structured that way.

He was certain that Mulciber would put them all through their paces, he would’ve bet a lot of
money on it. Which is why he was surprised when Mulciber didn’t show up at all to the
swap. Regulus wasn’t.

“He’s still fucking pissed at me for leaving the business,” Regulus muttered. “He hates me so
fucking much, but doesn’t hate me enough to not do business with me. Fucking prick.”
Mulciber had called just minutes before they were supposed to meet to inform Regulus that
he wouldn’t be in attendance.

Barty looked relieved more than anything, and James found out that it was one of Mulciber's
men that had shot him all those years ago. Without Mulciber around to give the order, the
odds of Barty being shot again were a lot lower. Sirius just swore profusely when the swap
was done about what a snub it was for Mulciber to no-show. He railed on and on about how
pathetic Mulciber was that he couldn’t meet in person. He called him a cowardly, measly,
flea. James didn’t understand why this was such a big deal to Sirius. Because Mulciber
wasn’t there, the swap was left up to one of his men. It was a mostly silent, depersonalized
swap, and even James could tell that Mulciber’s stand-in was following a set checklist in his
head. Walk in, verify the art’s legitimacy, transfer the money. Leave.

He didn’t care enough to taunt Regulus or to try and make his life harder. He collected the
art, they collected the money, and they both left without incident. As far as James was
concerned, it was the perfect swap.

He tried to sleep on the plane to Copenhagen, but it was only a two-hour long flight and just
as James found himself falling asleep, they landed in that rough and rocky way that rattles the
windows and shakes the seats and makes you lurch forward so that your seatbelt has to hold
you into place.

The number of paintings they had left in their possession had dwindled down to just four. Just
four paintings left to sell and then James would be thrust into a completely different phase of
his life yet again. His life, and Regulus’ life. Their life. It made James’ heart beat deliciously
fast just thinking about it. He felt a small surge of pride looking at the menial amount of
works left. Even though it pained him slightly to part with the paintings they had all gone
through meticulous and painstaking efforts to obtain, it was also exciting to see a visual
indication of their progress. A tangible reminder of their recurring success.

Once they arrived at their hotel, James slept for several hours. He knew their time here was
short. The swap was happening the next night. Sirius had told James it was because neither
he nor Regulus could stand to be in the same place as Lucius Malfoy for longer than 72
hours, and James thought that was perfectly understandable.

Their shortened stay also meant that there was no time to explore the city. James woke from
his morning nap to Regulus’ cold hands shaking him back and forth quickly.

“James. James. Love. I hate to do this to you but you have to get up now. We have that
meeting in ten minutes,” he murmured softly.

James let Regulus’ voice come into focus as he was pulled from sleep. Slowly, he blinked
and opened his eyes, adjusting to the sunlight filtering into the room. Regulus was sitting on
the edge of the bed in a dark green shirt with his curls still messily tousled from sleep.

James just took a moment to stare at him and he felt his heart skip several beats as Regulus
smiled at him at first, and then looked away self-consciously under his stare.

“James, what are you doing?”

“Admiring the view.”

Regulus rolled his eyes before he leaned across James and reached for something on the
nightstand by the bed.

“Then you better put on your glasses so you can see me in all my glory.” Tenderly, he placed
the wire framed glasses on James’ face. “Much better.”

James leaned up and kissed him quickly. “Give me ten minutes,” he sighed, rolling out of the
warm bed to get ready for the day.

“You have seven now,” Regulus responded.

Seven minutes later, James found himself in another hotel room. He wasn’t sure if it was
Barty’s or Sirius’ or who’s it was, but he was there, sitting on the floor, and listening to
Regulus’ instructions.

“After the swap tomorrow night, you have two options,” Regulus began. “If you’ve procured
flight tickets for another location, preferably one with no extradition laws, then you are free
to leave. I have drivers who will ensure that you get on your flight safely. If you haven’t
made any plans or arrangements, you are welcome to come back with me to London. You all
still have your flats from before the heist and I recommend staying there for a short while
until you figure out your next steps.”
Everyone nodded in understanding.

“No one is, under any circumstances, allowed to stay in Copenhagen after the swap. It’ll be
crawling with Lucius and his men and I want you all out of here undetected and
unrecognized. Is that clear?”

Everyone nodded again.

“Wonderful. You have passports, bank cards, new identities. You have new phones with
everyone’s contact information. James will continue to monitor your banks accounts and the
money flow to ensure that everything is running smoothly. If you find that at any point in
time you have trouble accessing your funds, or you have any questions about the monetary
side of things, call James. Don’t,” Regulus looked around pointedly, “say anything
incriminating over the phone line. I’d prefer that you schedule a time to meet in person.”

“Can we call you whenever we want, Regulus?” Marlene asked with a wide grin, her hand in
the air.

“Is there a reason you would need to call me?”

“Yeah, I’ll miss you. I hate this entire meeting. It feels like this is the last time that we’re all
going to be together like this and it makes me sad. You all are my family now. Genuinely. I
love each and every one of you and I’ve seen you all every day. To not do that anymore…
what if we all pooled our money together and lived in a giant mansion somewhere? That way
we’d never be apart.”

“No way,” Barty snorted. “I mean sorry, yeah. But no way.”

Marlene flipped him off quickly.

“Well, we’re all going to be friends forever,” Lily said with certainty. “And it’s not like we
don’t have the money to visit each other all the time. I’ll visit all the time.”

“Yeah,” Peter nodded quickly. “Me too.”

“Same,” James grinned from where he was sitting. “Don’t worry Marls, you couldn’t get rid
of me even if you tried. And I’ll bring Regulus everywhere so you won’t even have time to
miss him before we come visit you and Dorcas.”

Dorcas smiled warmly. “We would like that very much James.”

“Alright,” Regulus cut back in. “Tomorrow, we meet with Lucius. He’s bringing someone
with him. Tom Riddle. I don’t know a lot about him, but we need to be prepared for anything.
I want the cars running the entire time, I want those of you who are extra hands to be ready to
run in if I need you. No guns on safety. I want them ready to shoot. No screw ups.” His voice
was dark and heavy.

“Jesus, you’re freaking me out a little,” Mary let out a short laugh. “Is all of this really
necessary.”
“Yes.” Regulus, Sirius, Barty, and Evan all spoke simultaneously.

James once again felt the unease settle in his stomach, but after three swaps, he was getting
better at suppressing it.

Regulus then spent some time discussing the nature of the next swap. He was always serious
when discussing work related matters. But, this somehow seemed more urgent. James knew
Lucius, he had met Lucius, and he had witnessed first-hand how Lucius put Regulus on edge.
It seemed like a powder keg waiting to explode between the two of them, all that was missing
was the match.

“Alright so is there anyone who won’t be joining us on the flight back to England tomorrow
night,” Regulus asked, looking around the room quickly. “I need to know now so I can plan
accordingly.”

James took a look around. No one said a word.

“Okay, so everyone will be coming back together then. Wonderful,” Regulus nodded curtly.
“If you have any questions feel free to talk to me now, otherwise, by all means, you are free
to go. The last swap is tomorrow. We’ll meet at two in the morning.”

Everyone began standing up.

“If I can just add one last thing,” Regulus cleared his throat. “I just want to say that it had
been a privilege and an honor to conduct this heist with all of you. Each of you are brilliant
individuals and I couldn’t have asked for a better team.”

James felt his heart turn into a little puddle. He loved Regulus so much, he had no idea what
to do with himself.

Marlene surged forward and for a minute James was certain that she was going to plant
another fat kiss right on Regulus’ cheek, but he sidestepped her quickly.

“That’s alright Mckinnon. The dramatics aren’t necessary,” Regulus said calmly, but he was
fighting a smile.

“You keep trying to hide the fact that we’re friends Regulus, but I’ll wear you down one day.
I know you love me,” Marlene grinned.

“You’re all free to leave,” Regulus repeated again to the group. “See you tomorrow.”

Everyone left with quiet mutterings to one another. James was glad they were all going back
to England together. It was good to all leave together and arrive back home together. Starting
and ending in the same place. Dispersing and saying goodbye to all of his friends from
Copenhagen would be too sad.

“Hey,” Regulus came up to him and James closed the laptop he was using to monitor all the
monetary transactions. He stood up from the hotel room floor preparing to leave and Regulus
wrapped an arm around him.
James could never get enough of this Regulus. The Regulus who would cling to him and
dance with him in public. The Regulus who would laugh at all his stupid jokes and slip his
hand into James’. He always showed his affection with casualty, but James knew. He knew
because they had come from secret meetings and dark rooms, he knew because Sirius would
still blink in surprise every time Regulus made the first advance, he knew because Regulus,
despite all his best efforts, would always blush just slightly whenever he kissed him. He knew
that Regulus loved him, and it was a big fucking deal.

“Sirius and I are going to go for coffee. At the place across the street with the yellow door. I
think we should be back in an hour or so.”

Ever since Amsterdam, Regulus had made painstaking efforts to tell James exactly where he
was going and how long he’d be gone. He still hadn’t told James where he went in
Amsterdam though, no matter how many times James pressed. All he managed to get out of
Regulus was that it was a surprise and it was something that he had to show James in person,
after the heist. The mystery was eating him alive.

“Alright. Love you, have fun,” James murmured, giving him a quick kiss.

“I think, after the wedding, you two should both stay an arm’s length away from each other at
all times,” Sirius grumbled, glaring at both of them.

“Like you and Remus aren’t the most hands-on people I’ve ever met,” Regulus returned
quickly. “You didn’t even see anything. I could give the complete rundown about how I had
his d–”

“No,” Sirius wailed with wide eyes. “No. Shut up.” He put his hands over his ears as Regulus
grinned wickedly. James could only laugh.

“You defiler,” Sirius shook his head at James. “You defiled my baby brother!”

“Well, he was the one doing the defiling if we’re being honest–”

“No! No,” Sirius wailed again. “Forget everything. This conversation is over, we’re leaving.”
Sirius glanced pointedly at Regulus before they headed towards the door.

“Like you don’t defile Remus. My best friend,” James shouted out after them with a huff as
the door thudded closed.

—---
Regulus waited patiently inside the café for Sirius to finish smoking outside. This was
something new they were trying. Coffee. They could get coffee and talk. It was still hard, and
a little stilted at times, and they both had so much more to work through before they could
get back to a semblance of normal, but they were trying. Things couldn’t be fixed over one
cup of coffee, but maybe they could be fixed over thirty or seventy or one hundred.

One hundred cups of coffee with Sirius was such a nice thought. It was hope. It was the
promise of progress, of togetherness. Things between them weren’t perfect, they weren’t
even close, but they had one hundred cups of coffee to drink together. Maybe even more.
Regulus was grateful for that.

“Sorry,” Sirius pulled out his chair and sat down.

Their black coffee produced warm steam from their white ceramic mugs and it smelled
tantalizingly of comfort and caffeine. Regulus just shook his head. For a while, neither of
them spoke. There was so much to say and yet neither of them could bring themselves to
speak a single word at all.

“After the swap tomorrow, Remus is going to move into my flat with me for a while. Until
we can find a place that’s ours,” Sirius began. He always defaulted to talking about Remus
when he could think of nothing else. Maybe it was because Remus was always on his mind.
James was certainly always on Regulus’.

“Uncle Alphard’s flat,” Regulus nodded.

“He gave it to me.”

“Giant flat for one person.”

“Well, Remus will be there. It’ll be two people soon enough.”

Regulus just hummed in response.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“You moving in with Remus? No. Good for you.”

“No, I meant uncle Alphard.”

Regulus took a long sip from his coffee, letting the slightly bitter taste calm him. James was
always telling him to stop hiding away at the slight hint of confrontation or uncomfortability.
He was working on being more open, it was something he could do for James. For Sirius.

“What’s there to talk about?”

Well, so much for being open.

“Regulus,” Sirius sighed, frowning slightly. “Come on now. Isn’t that why we’re doing this?
To talk?”

Regulus shrugged. “Talk about what? The fact that we both called him Uncle Alphard? The
fact that I looked up to him and loved him just as much as you did and he didn’t even
mention me as an afterthought in his will? In his estate? He left everything to you, which was
fine. It wasn’t about the money. But–” Regulus took a sharp breath in. “I was there too. I
needed love and support too. So, either he died hating me for staying, or he just didn’t care
enough about me. Not like he did you, that’s for sure.”

Sirius winced slightly.

“It’s not your fault,” Regulus added quickly.

“I think he always thought I would get you out,” Sirius whispered quietly. “That if he left
anything to you, Walburga and Orion would get their hands on it somehow. But if he left it all
with me, I could get you out, and we’d have a place to be safe, and money to support the both
of us. I think he always thought I would get you out.”

Oh.

Regulus screwed his eyes closed tightly, before he let out a deep sigh.

“I failed him. And you. I’m really sorry about that Regulus,” Sirius whispered.

“You didn’t. You didn’t though,” Regulus said quickly. “Fuck, Sirius. I never thought about it
like that. I didn’t– I didn’t think. I wasn’t thinking. You didn’t fail me. You could never fail
me.”

Sirius blinked at Regulus’ words.

“There was actually a long stretch of time, where you were the only one who never failed me,
you know? I’m very grateful for that. Uncle Alphard’s flat– your flat is very nice. I’m glad
you have it.”

“Yeah?” Sirius spoke with a careful softness.

“Yeah. You needed it more than I did anyway,” Regulus smiled, trying to lighten the
conversation slightly.

“Fuck off,” Sirius laughed.

They both fell into silence again.

“This is nice,” Sirius said again, attempting to fill the silence. “I like knowing that we can do
this. That you’ll show up and I’ll show up and that we’ll…”

“Try,” Regulus finished for him.

“Yeah.”

More silence. The waitress refilled Regulus’ cup.

“Marlene and Dorcas’ wedding was nice.”

“It was,” Regulus nodded in agreement.

“I didn’t know you liked weddings so much,” Sirius fidgeted nervously with a sugar packet
in his fingers.

“I didn’t like Black family weddings for obvious reasons,” Regulus snorted. “Two people
making a commitment to love each other forever in front of all their loved ones though? It’s
nice. It feels…official.”

“Would you consider coming to my wedding?” It was a delicate question. Sirius weaving
together the words like gossamer.

“You’re getting married,” Regulus gasped with wide eyes. “What the fuck is in the air?”

“No. No,” Sirius smiled, shaking his head quickly. “Not for a while anyway. But one day, I’d
like to.”

Regulus took a moment to return to his original state of calm, the caffeine working to put his
heartbeat on overdrive.

“I would love to be there, if you want me there Sirius,” Regulus answered honestly.
Sirius nodded slowly. He turned the sugar packet over and over again in his hands.

“This is what I mean,” he whispered. “When I say that this is nice. After I left, I didn’t think
that you would ever be at my wedding. I had to make peace with losing you while I was still
actively trying to find you at the same time. I never thought, in a million years, that you
would want to go.”

For some God-awful reason Regulus felt his bottom lip begin to tremble. “I didn’t think you
would ever want me there, Sirius. At your wedding, in your life. You don’t even call
Walburga and Orion mum and dad,” Regulus shrugged trying to keep his voice level. “For a
long time, I thought I was included in that, but I’m starting to see that I was wrong.”

“You were never included in that. You were never, ever included in that,” Sirius said fiercely.
“I’m glad to be your brother. I’m glad that you're my family, okay? We’re brothers. We are.”

Regulus rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand quickly. “Yeah. Okay. Of course we are.
Of course we are.”

Sirius smiled. “This is the part where you invite me to your wedding too, Regulus. It’s a good
brotherly gesture.”

“I’m not having a wedding,” Regulus sniffed quickly and Sirius gave him a pointed look in
return. “When the time comes, James and I are eloping.”

“Yeah fucking right. James would never go for that. Besides you just said declaring your love
in front of everyone you love is so official so excuse me if I don’t fucking buy that for one
second.”

“Okay,” Regulus smiled too. “You are invited to the wedding. The hypothetical wedding that
will not take place for a very long time.”

“Please, I think you’ll be married before me.”

“Wanna bet on that?”

“No, because that feels like betting on one of our downfalls,” Sirius shook his head quickly.
“It’ll happen when it’s right.”

They talked for a little while more before they went to leave.

“Should we talk about Lucius and Tom and the swap tomorrow,” Sirius added as almost an
afterthought. Regulus was tired of talking about Lucius and Tom. There was nothing left to
say that hadn’t already been said. There was nothing left to do but face the music. It wasn’t
anything that Regulus couldn’t handle.

“I think it’s probably best to quit while we’re ahead,” Regulus shook his head, walking
towards the door.

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

“Sirius?”

“Yeah?”

“This was nice.”

Sirius nodded. “This was nice.”

 Deceit

Regulus and Sirius got back to the hotel around twelve o’ clock. Expecting for everyone to be
tucked away in their own rooms, Regulus was surprised to find not just James in his room but
Remus and Peter playing a game of chess on the coffee table in the corner by the window.
James was occupying the bed closest to the window optimal for reading. He had one of the
books they purchased in Paris open in front of him. Upon entering, Sirius promptly joined the
two at the table sitting on Remus’ lap.

“How was it?” James whispered to Regulus when he came over to the bed.

“Oh it was ok, talked a little about family and the wedding.”

“Oh” James smiled up at him “That’s good Reg I’m really proud of you”

James was looking at Regulus with an adoration that spoke volumes. Regulus could see the
hope of their future glistening in his eyes, not just hope for himself and Regulus but hope that
Regulus would one day mend his relationship with his brother fully. The boy before him
cared so incredibly much Regulus wondered if James’ heart would explode holding it all in.

“Thanks James” Regulus smiled back at him then turning his gaze to the window.

“That’s wrong?” James asked when he saw the smile fade from Regulus’ face as he stared out
the window.

“What” Regulus started “Oh nothing, just thinking about tomorrow and the plans after.”

“What’s after?” James asked with a glint in his eyes.

“I told you, you have to wait, it’s a surprise.” Regulus said softly smiling back at James.
Then, with a slight sake of his head as though he was clearing his thoughts, “But we can’t
think about that right now we have to focus on the task at hand tomorrow.”

“But I’m so excited!” James beamed up at him “For after I mean,” he clarified.

Regulus held his gaze looking down into James’ pretty brown eyes. Almost there, he was
almost there. He had a beautiful boyfriend, was on his way to mending his relationship with
his brother and was about to have more money than he knew what to do with, not that he
didn’t already have more than enough money and…

“Regulus”

Regulus turned to the door. It was Dorcas.

“Can I talk to you for a moment?”

James stood up from the bed intending to follow Regulus.

“I’ll be right back” Regulus said as he gave James’ hand a light squeeze and a reassuring
smile. Regulus followed Dorcas out of the room with purpose and James sat back down on
the bed, brows furrowed looking lost.

“What’s up Dorcas?” Regulus said picking up his pace to match Dorcas.

“I’ll show you in my room.”

As they reached Dorcas’s room, Regulus was taken aback by the sight of Barty, arms crossed,
leaning against the window next to a desk supporting several computers, while Evan
occupied the second chair.

“What’s going on?” Regulus asked following Dorcas to the desk his heart beginning to
pound.

“Dorcas found…” Evan trailed

“Some unfortunate yet immeasurably valuable information while you were out.” Barty
finished for him abruptly.

Regulus turned to Dorcas who was now sitting and clacking away on the computer.

“I kept thinking about what you said this morning about taking tomorrow very seriously and
being on our guard. I got an uneasy feeling when you, Sirius, Barty, and Evan all expressed
apprehension about the meeting tomorrow.” Dorcas said all of this rather quickly. “I just
wanted to do everything in my power to ensure everything goes according to plan. Afterall,
that’s what you hired me for.” Dorcas turned to him with a pained expression on her face.

“Well?” Regulus said sharply now standing staring at her with his arms crossed and a look as
hard as stone etched into his features.

“Ok so you know me, I know quite a bit about computers and obtaining sensitive
information”

“That’s why I hired you, yes.”

“I wanted to make sure that the meeting tomorrow was legitimate. I was wracking my brains
to think of a way to get into Lucius computer to see if there was any evidence of funds or
anything to confirm that they would really be following through with their promise. Then I
remembered that there is a tactic called spear phishing. This is when someone receives an
email from a trusted person. I made it appear…”

“You made it appear? You did something without asking me?” Regulus was getting angry
now. He did not expect this kind of betrayal from Dorcas.

“Let her finish” Evan cut in.

“I .. I made it appear as if one of his men, one whom we know to be present tomorrow was
trying to contact him through email inquiring about the logistics of the exchange.
“You what!” Regulus spat

“But then quickly unsent the email once the notification was received on the other end.
Lucius will not have an email from said person. I believe it can be attributed to a technical
glitch. Things like that happen all the time.”

“You sure about that?” Barty chortled.

Yes,” Dorcas shot him a reproachful look.

“That was incredibly dangerous of you! If Lucius even had an inkling that something was off
and talked to his men, we would have been finished! I can’t believe you.”

“I- I know” Dorcas stammered.

“But she may have saved your life Regulus. She hasn’t even told you what she found yet.”
Barty interrupted Dorcas. “Go on Dorcas.”

“I once the email was received, undetectable malware was installed and was able to record
the keystrokes of his computer. After about an hour I obtained his email information I…I was
really hoping for banking information b-but…”

“Get to the point Dorcas!” Regulus bellowed at her. He was losing his patience.

“Hey watch it! You’re still going to be here tomorrow because of her!” Evan yelled.

“Jesus Christ just fucking tell me!”

Dorcas simply turned the computer monitor to face Regulus. He leaned in, resting one hand
on the desk for support while inspecting the screen. The screen showed a very plain email
platform, one that Regulus had never seen before. On the screen was an email in Lucius’
inbox that read:

Subject: Our Mutual Interest

Lucius,

I trust you are well; our new and recently shared endeavors have brought us remarkable
rewards. The upcoming meeting presents an opportunity for us to solidify our partnership
further. However, I can’t help but feel that certain elements in our circle might be…limiting
our potential. If the element in question does not agree to the proposition, I’m afraid it would
pose a threat to you and I and others in our circle.

If this is the case, I believe that if we were to reshape the dynamics, the outcome could be
mutually beneficial. Consider it a step towards a brighter and more prosperous future. I’m
sure you’ll appreciate the hidden brushstrokes in this proposal.
Let’s discuss this in person away from prying eyes and curious ears. I have some intriguing
ideas to share.

Yours in mutual interest,

Tom

Regulus took a step back from the computer.

“We can’t go through with it tomorrow” Barty said firmly

“What are you talking about, we must. Are you insane?”

“No, but you are if you think this is worth dying over.”

“Dying over?” Regulus laughed

“Did you read the fucking message Regulus? I know you’re not thick. ‘Certain elements in
our circle might be…limiting our potential’ what do you think that fucking means?” Barty
yelled manically.

“Don’t forget about ‘reshaping the dynamics’,” Evan supplied shaking his head.

As Regulus revisited the email, its underlying implications struck him with newfound
intensity. His heart quickened its pace as he envisioned the impending night. A rapid montage
of blood, pain, and James flashed vividly before his eyes.

“It means they’re planning to kill you…” a defeated voice came from the doorway. No one
heard it open, it was Sirius.

“Jesus Christ Sirius, don’t you ever mind your own business.”

“This is my fucking business” Sirius retorted. “Were you not going to tell me?” He threw his
hands up.

“It doesn’t matter what any of you say, we have to go through with the exchange.”

“Exchange? I guess you are thick! There isn’t going to be an exchange!” Barty wailed as if
explaining something very obvious.

“Even if they were planning to kill me, if we don’t go, it will be bad faith and they’re going
to come after us. You might be right Barty, but I don’t think we have a choice. Lucius is
really the worst of them all and I don’t see a way around this.”

“As crazy as this sounds, Regulus is right. They will come after us and we know nothing
about Riddle,” Sirius added.

“Don’t you remember me getting shot? They were aiming for you Regulus and you know it!
Don’t pretend like you think these men wouldn’t do that.” Barty cut in, flailing his arms
around.
Regulus remembered, he remembered like it was yesterday telling James of that exact story
on the way back from the auction. How far they had come from that moment. They were
almost through and he was going to finish what he started.

“I don’t understand” Evan cut in, “On the phone conversation we had with Lucius, he said he
notified the police because Tom wanted to test you, to see how successful you could be. What
is the point of testing you if he’s planning to off you?”

“I honestly don’t know” Regulus interjected

“Barty and Evan are right,” Dorcas spoke up. “The way this email is worded, it doesn’t sound
like a natural conversation, it sounds like code and trust me, I know code. Regulus, you are
the element in question.”

Barty grabbed the computer monitor screen and turned it toward himself, leaning in to read it.

“Yeah, it says if you the element doesn’t agree to the proposition, they’re going to reshape the
dynamics,” Barty rolled his eyes.

“Maybe they’re planning to force Reg into working for him” Evan offered.

“How?” Regulus shot at Evan but was starting to feel lightheaded.

“I don’t know, maybe by holding a gun to your head” Evan said staring back at Regulus with
the same hard expression. “You know that works pretty well,” he said pointedly.

“Ok, enough from everyone. I knew I had to be worried about the meeting but I didn’t know
to what extent. We are going to be extra careful. Like I said before, no guns on safety ready
to retaliate at any moment.”

Barty scoffed “I knew you were going to say something stupid like that.” He strode over to
the door yanking it open and left.

“Those fuckers, it’s always the same with these people. That’s why I left” Sirius spat now
crossing his arms and unintentionally mirroring Regulus’s stance.

Regulus shot him an annoyed sideways glance now deep in thought.

“But now that we have this information… how are we going to use it?” Dorcas asked quietly
still sitting in the computer chair fidgeting with her hands.

“We have to prepare ourselves” Regulus answered contemplatively.

“But how?” Dorcas asked with a very small voice now.

“I think I know where Barty went” Evan supplied. “I think he just went to our room”

“Ok and?” Sirius asked annoyed.

“I knew you were going to say something stupid like that, so might as well break these in”
Barty returned and was holding up a black vest which appeared to be heavy. Regulus turned
towards Barty sizing him up for a moment ruminating the idea.

“Where’d you get that?” Regulus asked mildly intrigued.

“A tactical store. After being shot.” Barty paused for dramatic effect. “I bought two. This one
is mine but Evan and I did some shopping recently and we have enough for everyone going
in tomorrow.” Barty answered him.

“Aren’t they going to see those under our clothes” Regulus asked.

“I don’t give a fuck what they think or see but no, I got the top of the line, they’re pretty
slim.” Barty chuckled.

“Does no one understand, from this email it looks like they’re planning to kill you Regulus
and everyone whose going for all we know.” Dorcas interjected slightly annoyed.

“We don’t know that for sure” Regulus replied. Evan rolled his eyes. “All I know is that they
don’t know we know. We can keep it brief get in an out before they do anything they’ll
regret. We’re going to have to have another meeting.”

With that, he walked out of Dorcas’ and back to his hotel room.

“Are you going to tell James?” Sirius jogged to catch up to Regulus.

“Of course I am” Regulus responded his face set and striding with purpose.

“Ok, can I just get Remus and Peter out of the room, I want to tell him”

“Hurry up.” Upon reaching the room, Regulus stopped just outside as Sirius entered. From
the corridor, he could hear Sirius taking on a cheerful tone, inviting Remus and Peter for
lunch. Meanwhile, James asked about Regulus, causing a sinking feeling in his stomach.
Sirius assured him Regulus would be in shortly. As Remus and Peter exited, engaged in a
conversation about chess and wearing smiles Remus noticed the seriousness on Regulus face
and color seemed to drain out of him.

“Regulus you, ok?” Remus began but Regulus didn’t answer, he entered the room shutting
and locking the door behind him.

James was still sitting on the bed reading but immediately put the book down when he saw
Regulus come in. Regulus only now realized that he had been holding in his fear the entire
time he was in Dorcas’ room. The sight of James shattered the emotional barrier within him.

Wonderful, beautiful, kind James who he had put into danger so many times. Not many
things scared Regulus, but losing James, that was something unimaginable. Regulus had been
a part of dangerous exchanges since he was very young. But that email, that piece of
evidence that proved intent to take a life, now that was just a little too much for him. He
strode across the room and immediately fell into James arms. Already beginning to cry.
“Reg! Love, what’s wrong,” James was stunned, quickly taking Regulus into his arms and
holding him as his body wracked with sobs.

Regulus was only gone for maybe fifteen minutes, what could have happened in that room
that would have rendered him completely speechless. Regulus was crying onto James’
shoulder struggling to breath properly.

“Regulus, Regulus, you’re scaring me, what happened! James asked panicked.

“I can’t do it” Regulus choked out

“What do you”

“A letter” Regulus gasped

“What letter love, what happened?” James begged.

Regulus continued to cry uncontrollably. He had to compose himself but he couldn’t, he was
so scared. He didn’t want to die, he was only twenty-two. How twisted could someone be to
simply kill you because you didn’t want to work for them? Why did it take seeing it in
writing for him to understand how dangerous this was? He thought he was so close, he didn’t
realize how much he was willing to risk for the heist before…before. Did he not care about
dying for the heist? Why all of a sudden did this scare him so much? There was only one
answer that he could come up with. James. Before James Regulus had nothing, no brother, no
parents. He had Barty and Evan yes but they had each other. Regulus was just now coming to
the realization the extent to which he was willing to go to complete this mission. The mission
his father instilled in him at such a young age. It was his purpose, his destiny and there was
nothing more than that. Nothing.

“James” Regulus croaked out. It was the only thing he could think to say. James was the most
important person to him, his new reason. And Sirius he told himself. He had something more
to live for. Suddenly the heist and the money didn’t carry the same weight. As long as he
could keep James safe.

James pried Regulus off of him searching in his green grey eyes desperate for an answer.

“Regulus, take a deep breath, you’re ok, you’re here with me. Tell me please.”

When Regulus didn’t speak James pulled him back to his chest wrapping his arms tightly
around him giving him a reassuring squeeze.
“Alright Reg just breathe, tell me when you’re ready”

He didn’t deserve James. James who was so kind and open and understanding. Hadn’t he put
James through so much turmoil over the past few months? Why was James still here holding
him, comforting him when he was offering nothing in return. He had to speak, this wasn’t fair
to James. It took him a few minutes to calm down while James held him and rubbed his back
whispering comforting words to him.
“They’re planning to kill me” Regulus whispered as if saying it quieter made it less true. He
didn’t want to shock James but he didn’t know how to begin.

“Regulus what do you mean” James shrieked once again pulling Regulus off of him holding
him by the shoulders staring into him.

“A letter, an exchange between Lucius and Riddle” Regulus sniffed shaking his head.

“What did it say” James whispered unsure if he was ready to hear its contents.

Regulus summarized the letter and the conversation that occurred between himself, Barty,
Evan, Sirius, and Dorcas five minutes prior.

“I don’t like this Reg, we shouldn’t go” James’ voice cracked now on the verge of tears too.

“We don’t have a choice” Regulus said slightly firmer.

“I know you and Sirius think that but we always have a choice.” James pleaded.

“No James, they know too much. There’s nowhere where we could go that they couldn’t find
us. Eventually James. I don’t want to live like that for the rest of my life.”

“And I’m not going to live the rest of my life without you Regulus!” James protested
furiously “I just won’t.”

“James don’t say that. I obviously don’t want to go but I don’t have a choice. I want a life
with you but I can’t do that if I don’t finish this.”

“Oh Regulus” James sighed

Regulus saw something in James eyes, something he hadn’t seen before, something like pity.
Understanding the unintended impacts of his words, Regulus felt the urgency to rectify his
statement before irreversible damage was done.

“James, I don’t mean that I have to finish the heist because it’s possessing me, I’m saying that
I have to finish it because otherwise I won’t be able to have a normal life with you. We can’t
always be worrying about if someone is coming after us or if were not safe. Even years from
now. These men are not above that. And you’re too perfect too good for me to continue
keeping you in harm’s way. You don’t deserve that James, you deserve the world, not that.”

James shook his head lost for words. He understood Regulus and his reasoning and it even
made sense. His wonderful insanely smart boyfriend came up with the only answer there was
to a situation like this but it made James so incredibly scared too.

“I’m not losing you Regulus”

“And I’m not losing you, that’s why you’re not going in tomorrow,” Regulus said with all the
conviction he had left in him.

“What!” James exclaimed, appalled.

“Please James, you can’t. This is already so hard for me you just can’t I can’t worry about
you getting hurt too. Not after that letter.”

“Regulus I love you but you’re absolutely fucking batshit crazy if you think that I wouldn’t
be going in with you. There’s just no way I’m letting you go alone.” James said this with so
much force Regulus was taken aback for the smallest fraction of a second.

They stared into each other’s eyes for a long while and Regulus knew it was no use. He may
be in love with James, willing to do anything for him but if being with James over the last
few months told him anything, it was that James would do absolutely anything for Regulus
too. Just as stubborn just as protective just as in love.

“ok” Regulus whispered

An hour later with James fully informed and Regulus back to himself, the entire team found
themselves positioned in Regulus’ hotel room.

“While I told you all that you were free to go, I was informed by Dorcas of some pertinent
information.” Regulus explained the situation while everyone listened with rapt attention.

“Wont they see them under your clothes?” Lily asked worriedly.

“Barty informs me that they are slim enough to not be visible”. Regulus answered.

“How is this supposed to help if they’re planning to shoot you in the head?” Marlene scoffed.

“We are going to get in and out as efficiently as possible. When we determine whether or not
they plan to go through with the exchange we will either stay or exit the premises
immediately.”

After a few more questions from the group, regulus dismissed the team for the remainder of
the day and reminded them that the swap would still be taking place early in the morning
with them meeting at two
 Shadows and Canvas

James expected the swap location to be at another cramped, vacant, and rundown restaurant.
He was expecting flickering lights and damp alleyways and grey concrete. He was not
expecting to meet at a small yet austere looking building.

Regulus turned around from the passenger seat to glance at James as if he could read his
mind. “It’s Lucius’ Goddamn private museum. It’s only open to the public on Wednesdays.
He’s the world’s biggest twat.”

James nodded as Regulus rolled his eyes. The cars began to idle and everyone began their
well-established routines. James carried two of the paintings in and Sirius carried the other
two. They both followed quickly and quietly behind Regulus under the cover of darkness.
He was carrying the portrait of Van Eyck’s wife under one arm and the other was a Cézanne
still life. Three skulls stacked upon one another in a slurry of brushstrokes. Regulus had
called it a memento mori. It served to highlight the fleeting nature of life, the direct Latin
translation meaning “remember that you have to die.” James didn’t care much at all for
momento mori paintings. They were unsettling.

They walked in, following behind Regulus, trusting that he knew exactly where to go. They
left Evan by the door like they always did. James could hear his footsteps echo on the marble
white floors.

Here, it was open and grey and cold. Here, it was pristine and untouched. It wasn’t lived in,
used, or worn like the previous restaurants the other swaps had been in. The lobby of the
private museum was immense with high ceilings and large marble columns jutting up from
the floors. The room seemed to swallow them whole. James couldn’t imagine anyone
stepping foot in here before. Everything was so clean, so white, so shiny and lacquered. No
scuffs, no dirt, no dust. Bleached. Sterile. Unlivable.
James followed Sirius’ lead and stacked the paintings up against the marble columns
carefully. So far there was no sign of Lucius. James eyed the skulls in the painting warily.

They waited.

And waited.

Barty rolled his eyes in annoyance.

Then all at once, thunderous footsteps descended from the marble stairs in front of them.
James watched a group of people begin their descent. Lucius and his men had been upstairs
this entire time.

If this surprised Regulus, he certainly didn’t indicate it.

There were a lot of them. Lucius, James could pick out instantly thanks to stark hair, there
was another man with him too, walking slightly ahead of him. He had dark hair and a sharp
jaw. Everything about him seemed too sharp, piercing. His eyes moved across all of them like
daggers. It was clear he was trying to draw blood.

Then, four men followed behind them. James stared at the one in the back with sandy colored
hair. He had an angular face and for some reason, James had the uncanny feeling that they
had met before.

They were outnumbered. Yet again, Regulus didn’t seem bothered by this fact, but James
knew with utmost certainty that he hadn’t planned on being outnumbered. It was only
Regulus, Sirius, Barty and himself. That was four to their six. Five if you counted Evan, but
he was so far away from them at the back entrance to the museum that James thought it
hardly mattered.

He felt panic strike him so suddenly and fiercely he fought the urge to aim his gun directly at
Lucius.

“You,” Lucius barked at one of his men, “Look at them. Take your time. Regulus and I are
going to have a little chat.”

Quickly, a man scuttled over to the paintings. He had a great deal more equipment than
anyone else from the previous swaps as he began with the Van Eyck portrait.

“Regulus, this is Tom Riddle,” Lucius gave a smile that made James’ stomach turn. Even
before the shocking discovery yesterday James knew this would be the most dangerous swap.
Regulus saved the worst for last. Sirius and Barty were here. Everything would be fine. They
had their vests on. They just needed to get in, get out, and then the possibilities could begin.

Even after regulus had agreed to let James come he had to fight to be here. Regulus didn’t
want him to come on this swap because Lucius knew him. Lucius knew about him and
Regulus. Lucius knew too much and Regulus knew too little about Tom Riddle, and so
Regulus wanted James as far away from here as possible. So, James had to fight. He had to
fight to be next to Regulus; he had to fight to go on the final swap. Evan Barty and Sirius
thought it would be a bad idea to switch the plans at the last minute. Sirius was worried that
Regulus would be worried about James the entire time if he couldn’t see him, physically. So
James was here. He needed to prove that he could handle it, that Regulus made the right
decision in bringing him. He needed to quell his fear, and quickly. He needed to be there for
Regulus who he knew under that stone exterior was terrified.

“I’ve heard a lot about you Regulus,” Tom spoke in a calculated and measured tone. It turned
James’ blood to ice. “I have to admit, I was almost surprised to see how you managed to
escape the police back in America.”

Regulus remained silent.

“And the heist is successful and so are the swaps. You’re down to four paintings. You’ve
made millions. You’ve made history,” Tom continued. “I need someone like that. Someone
who can take big risks and get out of them unscathed. Someone with a mind like yours, to see
what others can’t, that’s very useful to me. Your capacity to put together and recruit a well
working team. That’s useful to me. I’m here to make you a job offer.”
The man examining the paintings scuttled quickly to one of the works Sirius brought in.
Lucius arched an eyebrow. “Come now. Don’t be rude, Regulus. You know it’s impolite to
ignore someone when they are speaking to you.”

Something was wrong. James could tell something was wrong. He looked at Lucius’ men
who all still wore the same apathetic expressions. He watched the one man examine the
paintings with a steady hand. He glanced at Sirius out of the corner of his eyes. Everything
seemed normal. But James felt it, in his bones, that something wasn’t right.

“I have more money and more power than you’d ever know what to do with,” Tom’s eyes
glinted steadily. “You’d make history once a month if you align yourself with me. Work for
me.”

Regulus was glancing at the three other men standing behind Lucius and Tom. The air was
acidic and unbreathable.

“Can I think about it,” Regulus asked at last. “Give me a month.”

Lucius scoffed at his bluntness.

“Two weeks.”

Tom shook his head. His eyes glinted with vile delight. “I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

The same measured and cold tone. James was too afraid to move to look at Barty. Too afraid
to turn his head. Something was terribly wrong. He could tell. But he didn’t know what it
was.
The man examining the paintings quickly scrambled back behind Lucius and Tom.

“I’ll do it,” Regulus said quickly and James felt his heart plummet in his chest. “I’ll do it, I’ll
work for you.”

James bit his lip harshly to keep from crying out. He could taste blood.
Lucius looked at Tom with a pleased expression on his face. “See? I told you he would come
around. There was no need for all that talk before. I knew he would. He’s like his father.”

But Tom wasn’t looking at Lucius. Tom was staring at Regulus intently, dissecting him with
his stare, pulling him apart piece by piece. “No you won’t,” Tom said at last, still not
breaking his stare. “You’re smarter than I gave you credit for Regulus Black, but you’re still
not smarter than me.”

A look of realization dawned on Lucius’ face and he turned around quickly. “Tom I don’t
think–”

“Silence,” Tom seethed and James could have sworn that he saw Lucius flinch. “You may
leave, Lucius.”

Lucius began walking away quickly.

“Lucius,” Regulus called after him. His voice was still level. It was still calm, but James saw
it. It was small. It lasted not even a millisecond, but James saw it. The slight tremor in
Regulus’ hand.

Lucius stopped for a moment. His back was towards all of them. “I’ll be in the back if you
need me,” he called out in a soft tone, his voice echoing in the cavernous and empty museum.
It was directed at Tom.

“How did you know,” Tom asked, still staring at Regulus.

Everyone was statuesque. Not a single hair on anyone’s head moved.

Crackling electricity all around. What was wrong? What was wrong?

“Tom, don’t do this. If you do this, no one will work with you ever again,” Regulus said
calmly. “Take the paintings and go. Or take me at my word when I say I will do it. I will
work for you. Or take both.”

“See, I think people will take me seriously. All it takes is one story from me about how you
brought an INTERPOL agent to an art swap. All it takes is one little story from Carrow over
here about how he heard your men bragging about creating fakes to sell as real paintings in a
pub in Berlin.”

James felt like deadweight. Like lead was weighing down his feet. That’s where he knew the
man in the back from. Berlin. He was the one in the pub, reading a book by the door. He was
there. He was listening.

“Those two things combined are enough to cast a pretty dark shadow on your reputation,
don’t you think? It calls your credibility into question. Some people might even say that I
didn’t have a choice,” Tom smiled. “I had to send a message.”

James felt the bile rise in the back of his throat. He was going to be sick. He wanted to raise
his gun, to protect Regulus and shoot, but he knew it would cause more harm than good.
Even with Lucius gone, they were still outnumbered and his aim would have to be not only
perfect, but lethal.
Regulus knew what he was doing. Regulus would get them all out of this.

“The bags,” Regulus said shortly.

“Someone send some fucking people in here right now,” Barty whispered quickly into his
earpiece. He wasn’t as good at keeping his voice calm. “Evan.”

“There are no bags of cash. You didn’t have your men bring them. It was never a swap. It was
always a set up.”

James heard Sirius and Barty raise their guns, and Regulus spun around quickly, but to
James, time slowed down an interminable amount. He didn’t have to say it, James could see
it in his eyes. His grey eyes, wild and frantic and calling out to him:
‘ James. Run .’
Then, the sickening sounds of bullets raining down all around them. James didn’t know
where they were coming from, he didn’t know who had shot first, all he knew was that he
surged forward to grab Regulus’ wrist so that he could drag them both out of there as quickly
as possible, and that for a few moments, he actually believed that he could do it.
He felt Regulus’ cool and slender wrist in his grasp, he pulled hard as they both surged
forward a few paces, running in long strides.

Then all of a sudden, Regulus had toppled to the ground, and pulled James with him. For a
minute James let himself believe that Regulus had just tripped. That he had fallen in his haste
to run.

“Reg, get up. Come on Regulus. We have to go,” James’ voice came out high-strung and
panicked as he rose to his feet, desperately trying to pull Regulus up with him.

All around them there were shouts and yelling and footsteps echoing with bullets firing.
People were running out towards the front. James wasn’t focused on anything but Regulus
though. “Regulus come on, get up.”

And that's when he saw it. The blood. Bright red spurts of blood already smearing on the
white marble floor.

Regulus let out a sharp cry of pain at being moved. James too yelped at the noise, feeling as
if his heart had been ripped out of his chest. As gently as he could, he moved Regulus back to
the floor.

“Regulus, oh fuck,” he sank to his knees. All around him the bullets fired, they were
ricocheting off the marble, sending bits of stone and shrapnel flying. There was yelling and
screaming and the roar of blood in James’ ears as he tried to use his body to shield Regulus’
from any stray bullets flying their way. He didn’t know what was happening around him. He
didn’t care.

Regulus had gone entirely pale.

“Peter,” James screamed into the earpiece. He felt the force of panic deep in his lungs.
“Peter,” he tried again. “Regulus, you were hit. Where were you hit?”

He looked around for Sirius or Barty or anyone. There was a body. One of Tom’s men, laying
on the floor. James could still hear the commotion. It was further away, coming from the
front. It seemed that Sirius and Barty had followed the other men out as they tried to run.

James and Regulus were entirely alone.

And then James felt it, the sickly warm and thick liquid pooling at his knees and drenching
his trousers. Then the sharp metallic scent of blood. Too much blood. Regulus was wearing
black he couldn’t see where the blood was coming from.
James’ heart was racing he called and called his eyes never leaving Regulus. Then as if sent
by God, James heard the patter of quick feet on the marble floor. He looked up with a
tearstained face and saw Peter running towards him thank god thank god thank god.

“Peter help” James’ voice cracked broken by a sob. Peter looked down at the pair of them his
eyes scanning back and forth over Regulus’ body.

“Are you hurt?” Peter asked

“No!” James replied louder than he meant to.

“Get up there’s too much blood he needs attention immediately!”

James removed himself out from under Regulus as gently as he could still holding him in his
arms. Regulus’ face contorted in pain.

“Regulus I’m sorry I’m so so sorry. Its ok you’re going to be ok.” James reassured him
holding him still. “I think he was shot in the leg.” James whimpered to Peter.

“Hey Pete” Regulus breathed looking up.

“Where were you shot” Peter asked kneeling down.

“My leg” Regulus groaned out touching his leg with a shaking arm.

Peter nodded silently, his face etched with concern as he knelt beside Regulus, delicately
examining the fabric of his pants to locate the wound. James’ gaze darted between Peter and
Regulus. Peters calculating look turned abruptly to one of worry and sudden realization,
prompting an immediate reaction.

“Now! Common James” Peters’ voice that rang through the room was suddenly filled with a
panicked urgency that snaped James out of his shock. James stood up and with Peters help
they lifted Regulus as carefully and quickly as possible. Regulus’ sharp inhale indicated the
agony he was in.

“Is-is it ok to move him” James asked panicked. Regulus was already drifting in and out of
consciousness. “Reg! Regulus! Peter he’s not responding” James’ heart was surely going to
beat out of his chest.

“I can’t help him here James, we have to go!”

“I can take him” James said, breathing heavily. Everything was going to be ok. Barely
conscious but evidently still aware, Regulus grimaced in pain as James lifted him in to his
arms now cradling him. “It’s ok Reg just hold on ok everything is going to be ok” James
began to look around terrified that there would be more bullets coming for them.

“They’re dead, James come on,” Peter shouted. Apparently, James was in shock and was not
aware of the gravity of the situation. Then he caught James’ eye “If you don’t fucking move
now, he could die!” It was the first time James had ever heard Peter curse and the fear that
had subsided at the sight of Peter returned tenfold.
James began to follow Peter who was running out of the museum. As James ran out, the
anguished cries of Regulus pierced the air with each stride, wrenching at his heart. However,
determined, James knew he would walk through hell and back before he would let Regulus
die and surged forward with renewed determination. As he ran out and down the steps
carrying Regulus, he saw the bodies of Tom, Lucius, and three other men strewn about the
steps outside the museum. It didn’t matter who fired the bullet that did this, Barty and Evan
and Sirius slaughtered them all. It was a complete massacre. Six men dead. Tom and Lucius
included. Sirius appeared to be running back into the museum when he spotted James and
was at his side in the blink of an eye.

“Is he ok?” Sirius panted his face greatly pained. James didn’t respond. The only thing he
was focused on was getting Regulus into that van thirty feet ahead of them.

Regulus was only slightly aware of what was going on. He knew James was near but the
blood loss was fogging his mind and he was slipping away. Regulus wasn’t a religious man.
He didn’t know what came after death, but he liked the idea of returning to the stars. They
were all made of cosmos and stardust and if he was lucky, maybe, just maybe, he could go
back there. To that place where he was before he was him.

He hadn’t lived a long life. It was relatively short, in the grand scheme of things, but he
wasn’t angry. He had experienced the love of a million lifetimes in the short amount of time
he had known James. He had met the sun and known its warmth. It wasn’t a bad life. It was
the best one he could’ve asked for. He was loved and he had loved in return. What a glorious
and indelible thing to be a part of.

“Regulus. I love you so much. It’s going to be fine. You’re going to be fine.” It was James
and then it was nothing.

When James got to the van Evan was there inside along with Peter, they lifted Regulus out of
James’ arms and placed him on the stretcher. James and Sirius jumped into the van and
slammed the doors shut.

“Are we all in?” Barty asked panicked turning around from the driver’s seat.

“Yes go” Evan responded.

Peters’ eyes were once again scanning Regulus’ body, searching for any other wounds
besides the gaping hole in Regulus’ thigh now illuminated by the van’s light.

“Is he going to be ok” James asked on the verge of hyperventilating as Peter frantically
searched around the small space for the medical supplies he needed. Sirius was now so close
to his brother kneeling by the stretcher. An even greater fear overwhelmed James when he
heard what Sirius was crying, apparently not directed to anyone in the van “I just got him
back,” Sirius whispered. “I just got him back. Please. Don’t do this. Please. I just got him
back.”

Peter was now bending Regulus leg at his knee so he could reach under to apply the
tourniquet.
“Peter! He’ll be fine, won’t he? It’s his leg, not his chest. He’s going to be ok right?” James
almost screamed at Peter, his words a mix of question and desperate plea for reassurance. But
as he spoke, the overwhelming sight of blood made him doubt the certainty of his own words.

“James, he was shot in the femoral artery.” Peter said with a voice that was shaky and almost
as broken as James’ and Sirius’. James searched deep into Peters’ eyes. He didn’t understand
but no words escaped his mouth. “If we don’t get to my room where I can fix this, I don’t
think he is going to make it.”

“Fuck!” Evan yelled punching the side of van, surprisingly making a dent. Peter looked at
him in shock then quickly gazed at his hand that was rapidly turning purple.

“How long” Sirius wailed at Peter looking up with a tearstained face.

“No more than fifteen minutes I’m doing everything I can.” Peter said quickly pulling the
tourniquet tightly. With that they were all knocked off balance as Barty slammed his foot
down on the gas pedal going well over 100 now.

“Your room! We need to get him to the fucking hospital” James was screaming now.

“No, we can’t” Evan interjected. James gave him a look that could kill then returned his gaze
to Regulus’s unconscious body.

“Why the fuck not?” James sobbed grabbing Regulus’ hand with his own shaking
uncontrollably.

“Regulus made Barty and I promise we wouldn’t take him to a hospital if this happened, it
was one of his rules. If we go to the hospital, it’s all over. We all go to jail.”

“Fuck Regulus’ rules!” James screamed again. “I’m not letting him die I’d rather serve ten
thousand life sentences than let him die. BARTY!” James pleaded sobbing too. Barty didn’t
answer and they were all slammed to the side of the van as he made a sharp turn.

“Everyone shut up!” Sirius shrieked “You are going to save him,” his eyes were burning
holes into Peter “It’s not difficult Peter. This is what you were hired for and so help me God
if…if,” Sirius didn’t finish and James couldn’t tell if he was scared still or just angry. Taken
aback by Sirius’s surety in peters skills, James thought then supposed maybe that was just his
coping mechanism.

Peter was still trying to staunch the blood, the floor of the van now littered with dozens of red
towels.

“He was shot in the femoral artery.” Peter answered breathlessly. Sirius’ brows furrowed
clearly waiting for more. “He already passed out god knows how long ago.”

“It’s been 5 minutes” Barty responded abruptly from the front. “Since you got in the van.”

“Ok well I applied a tourniquet so that will slow the blood loss. He might even regain
consciousness but If I don’t operate soon, there could be brain damage. The loss of blood
from his brain is what caused him to lose consciousness in the first place, as it is he will
definitely have some memory loss.”

“What!” James yelled

“Most likely only amounting for about an hour.” James let out a breath of air “But that not
the point, I am not sure if I can save his life. He has already lost so much blood.” Now it was
Peters eyes that were pleading, begging them all to forgive him in advance.

“You fucking better” Sirius glared at Peter.

James’ mind was racing, he was so scared there had to be something from the classes that he
could remember to comfort himself if just a little something that would tell him it wasn’t as
bad as it appeared. He went over them in his head. Peter was standing in the front of the room
drawing the body’s circulatory system on the chalkboard. ‘Being shot in a major blood vessel
can result in rapid and profuse bleeding. Blood loss will be significant and can quickly lead
to a life-threatening situation.’ Regulus was standing off to the side, his hair a shiny sleek
black, focus! ‘As blood loss continues, the body goes into shock. Symptoms include rapid,
weak pulse, shallow breathing, cold and clammy skin, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Why are his pants so tight? Fuck! James cursed himself for not paying better attention.
Peters’ final comments rang in his ears. ‘Without prompt intervention, the person can
succumb to shock and exsanguination, that is fatal blood loss.’

“We’re here, get out!” Barty yelled from the front opening his door and moving around to the
back of the van wrenching the rear doors open.

James, Sirius, and Peter jumped out of the van while Evan and Barty hoisted the stretcher.
Peter immediately ran into the building making his way up to his room. James looked around,
the whole world was spinning and moving in slow motion at the same time. They were at the
back of the hotel and there was a small figure illuminated by the back door holding it open.
With great difficulty, James staggered behind Barty, Evan and Sirius through the back door.

“Remus called us and told us what happened we rushed back here to try to prepare” Lily’s
voice also cracked with panic.

They all made their way to the elevator, already held open by Marlene. Apparently, the girls
had cleared the hallway of anyone else. Barty, Evan, and Sirius entered the elevator but it was
so small there was simply no room for James. Overcome with shock he stood there as the
doors closed taking the 4 men up to Peters room.

“It’s going to be ok James” Lily comforted him wrapping her arms around James body which
was shaking with tears. Marlene pressed the elevator button again after waiting an
appropriate amount of time.

Dazed and unaware of how he got there, James found himself in Peters room. It was unlike
any hotel room he had ever seen. It had been completely transformed into a makeshift
hospital. James was surprised to see Regulus not on the bed but on a large table in the middle
of the room surrounded by dozens of pieces of medical equipment.
Evidently from the looks on everyone’s faces, it was only Peter and Regulus who knew about
the room transformation.

Peter was working feverishly, his hands moving with urgent precision racing against time to
stabilize Regulus’ condition. It was a life and death struggle, a war he waged against the hole
in Regulus’ leg.

They were all there in that room all eleven of them yet the only sounds that could be heard
were the metallic clink of the tools Peter used.

James, terrified, yet unable to look away was in awe of the way Peter worked. He was swift
and relentless, fueled by determination and expertise. It reminded James of the first days in
the house going to visit Mary and Lily in the studio and was in awe of their expertise too.
Peters’ hands danced, wielding the tools like brushes, crafting life’s’ symphony with
precision similar to an artist’s stroke. Each incision, a deliberate hue on the canvas of flesh,
orchestrating a masterpiece of restoration.

As James came back to himself, he looked around the room at his friends, his family, all
watching with rapt attention. Sirius in the arms of Remus, face contorted in anguish. Mary
and Lily by his side, Marlene and Dorcas on the bed, Barty and Evan pacing in anxious
rhythm.

Peter continued working now giving Regulus blood to replenish the copious amounts that he
lost.

After what seemed an eternity, though the clock only showed four hours, Peter glanced up.

“James, Sirius…”

Both James and Sirius looked up abandoning their seats to immediately join Peter at the
table. They were followed by Barty and Evan. Peter promptly fell into the chair behind him.
“I…I think he’s going to be ok.” He looked up at them, a weak smile dawning his features.
James threw himself on Peter hugging and thanking him profusely not caring about the
additional blood now staining his clothes.

“When is he going to wake up?” Sirius asked not opting to throw himself on Peter yet
looking grateful all the same.

“It shouldn’t be too long I would say no more than an hour.”

Regulus was transferred to the bed and James joined him siting as close as possible while still
being careful not to get anywhere near his new sutures. He had quite a long row of them on
the inner thigh of his left leg, a testament to Peter’s exceptional work in tidying up the once
wide, open wound.

Peter came over and dressed Regulus’ leg promising to do so every few hours.

“He’s ok right?” Sirius once again asked Peter, his eyes darting to where Regulus lay on the
bed.
“Yes, it was pretty bad and it’s going to take at least a week before he should even to put
weight on it but he will be ok.”

“What do you mean by bad,” James asked.

Peter hesitated looking back and forth between James and Sirius. They could tell he was
hesitating slightly. “The hole in his artery was large but luckily it was not the worst that I
have seen. The bullet that struck him was luckily small in caliber, that helped a lot. I used a
combination of sutures and grafts to piece it together.” James’s face mirrored the agony he
felt inside.

“Is he going to be in a lot of pain?” James asked

“Oh, yeah” Peter let out a laugh but his face was completely devoid of any humor. “Like I
said, better not risk it. At least a week before he walks anywhere.”

Sirius nodded.

Peter continued. “The luckiest part was that it missed his bone, if it were to have hit the bone,
shattered fragments could have done irreversible damage.” He shook his head. “He was
incredibly lucky.”

James looked down at Regulus lying next to him he brushed the curls out of his face. Sirius
had never seen someone look at another person with such heartfelt veneration. Except maybe
the way Remus looked at him. It made his heart swell knowing Regulus had someone like
that.

Once it was made very clear that Regulus would be ok, the eleven in the room dwindled
down to six, Regulus, James, Barty, Evan, Sirius and Remus.

James laid on the bed next to Regulus looking at his beautiful face once again flushed pink
framed by his dark curls. He thought of how lucky he was to have someone who he loved so
much still beside him. Coming so close to losing Regulus was a pain too unimaginable.

It would have been a life robbed of its vibrant hues, a masterpiece striped of its beauty, an
artist’s pallet missing its muse, a canvas without its fluency.

James must have fallen asleep, he must have to be woken by the most beautiful sound he had
ever heard.

“James” it was a whisper but James knew instantly who it was.

“Regulus!” James beamed with a radiant smile, his eyes alight with happiness as he took in
the scene before him. Regulus was sitting up on the bed, embraced by the suns golden rays
streaming in through the parted curtains, casting an ethereal glow upon his soft features.
“You’re awake!” James threw himself onto Regulus albeit carefully “I missed you so much”
James’ eyes watering with tears. “I thought I lost you!”

“Hey James,” Regulus said quietly.

“Yeah?”

“I love you. That’s all.”

 Joy

A couple of hours later the makeshift hospital room was once again adorned with eleven
people as well as many balloons and flowers. Sirius sat on the bed.

Evan and Barty were sitting on the windowsill, Evans’ hand now in a cast.

“What’s up with you” Regulus asked as he spotted the bandages on Evans hand.

Barty grinned “He punched the inside of the van when he thought you weren’t going to make
it.” Evan looked down blushing “Broke all the bones in his bloody hand. In that right love?”

Everyone in the room froze looking at Barty and Evan then, Remus let out a cackle of
laughter.

“You got to be fucking joking” Sirius almost died laughing. Barty and Evan had no words
just blushed in response.

Now this was the happiest James had ever felt.

Lily was tidying up the room a, stickler for mess, she got to the bed and picked up the vest
that was on the floor placing it on the table with the rest of the miscellaneous clothes.

“Hey what’s this” Lily said slightly more shrill than she meant to. She held up the vest and
Barty immediately bounded over taking it in his hands.

“Holy shit” he exclaimed. “Potter you ok!?”

“What do you mean am I ok?” James asked worried. Regulus lifted up the back of James
shirt upon seeing what Barty was holding in his hands. Sure enough, in the exact middle of
James’ back was a tiny purple bruise the size of a pencil eraser.

Embedded into the vest in the same spot was a 9mm bullet.

“Jesus” Sirius whispered.

With that Regulus spun James around and embraced him with so much force pain shot up his
leg but he didn’t care, he was holding the sun itself in his arms his beloved radiating warmth,
life, love and boundless joy.
 Acquisition

Much of the team had dispersed quickly after that morning, Marlene and Dorcas were the
first to go claiming they had bought a house in Italy. A day later, it was Lily and Mary
returning to England to open their studio. Sirius and Remus stayed the longest before also
returning to Sirius’ flat in England.

One week later, the news of Lucius Malfoy, Tom Riddle, and four other men’s bodies found
on the steps of a small private museum in Copenhagen were headline news on the radio,
newspaper, and television broadcast. Of course, Barty and Evan made sure that there was
absolutely no evidence tracing the deaths back to them on that night.

“You know what I could really go for right now?” James said looking over at Regulus across
the pillow one morning.

“What?” Regulus grumbled still half asleep.

“Blueberry pancakes,” James said decidedly.

Regulus opened one eye “We could do that.”

“I fucking love blueberry pancakes.”

“I know a place” Regulus chuckled.

“And bacon!”

“Alright let’s go,” Regulus said slowly waking up. It had been two weeks since the incident
and only James, Regulus, Barty and Evan remained in Copenhagen. Despite Regulus
insisting that Barty and Evan go to Vegas like they had planned, they simply refused until
Regulus was well again. It had been a week since Regulus first put weight on his leg but only
recently was he able to walk very far.

Two men one tall with tan skin and curly dark brown hair, one shorter, fair skin and black
wavy hair with a slight limp could be seen walking hand-in-hand exiting a café in
Copenhagen.

“When am I going to see what the surprise is?” James asked grinning as they walked down
the street back to their hotel.

“When I’m ready to show you what the surprise is.” Regulus smiled back at him.

“Is there even a surprise? I have a feeling you just said that to me to get me through the
heist.” James joked nudging Regulus in the shoulder.

“Hey!” Regulus gasped as he stumbled to the side.

“Oh my God I’m so sorry Reg!” James panicked wrapping his arms around Regulus stopping
them both in their tracks. “Are you ok?” The look of concern on his face was so sincere, it
made Regulus feel the need to comfort him.

“Yes, James I’m fine and I told you I have to show you in person, you’ll know when you see
it.” Regulus said shaking his head with a small smile.

“But I want to know now” James teased him back. Regulus just gave him another smile.

As James and Regulus entered their hotel room, their jaws almost dropped to the floor.
Standing there were Barty and Evan, on the bed next to them were the four paintings from
that night.

“How?” was all that could escape Regulus’ mouth.

Barty and Evan just smiled

“Narcissa called us” Barty said with a smirk.

“Wants to buy the paintings” Evan mimicked him.

“When?” James asked.

A wide grin spread across Regulus’ face. “Today?”

Barty nodded. “And we got a plane to catch to Las Vegas.”

“Don’t want to be late,” Evan added.

“Wait where is she?” James was lost.

“We already informed Kreature. Pack your bags.” Barty said while he and Evan wrapped the
canvases telling Regulus that they would take them down to the car.

Three hours later, James found himself seated beside Regulus in the back of a sleek black
SUV. Barty was at the wheel and Evan was riding shotgun as they approached a grand
mansion nestled in the English countryside. Surrounding the property was a 10-foot-tall
hedge, adorned with magnificent white peacocks perched on top. After Barty spoke into the
call box receiver, the elaborate wrought iron gate swung open and they pulled inside.

Stepping out, the crunch of gravel could be heard under their feet. As they approached the
mansion, the tall ornate double doors embellished with intricate carvings were opened before
them. Stepping over the threshold they saw expansive gleaming marble floors that reflected
the glow of the elaborate crystal chandeliers above them. A sweeping staircase led to the
upper floors. The air had a fragrance of polished wood and fresh flowers creating an
ambience of refined luxury as they stepped into the lavish manor.

“Regulus” A woman spoke with a soft sophisticated voice, a small smile creasing her eyes.
“Narcissa” Regulus returned the smile extending his arm to shake her hand then being pulled
into an embrace. They were then led to the sitting room where Barty and Evan placed the
paintings on four already present easels. They all took a seat on the plush sofas and were
introduced to each other in part by Regulus in part by Narcissa.

Four men in expensive looking black suits stood around the room and James got an uneasy
feeling as if he were transported back to that night, but upon looking at the sincere smile on
Regulus’ face he knew he was safe.

“Narcissa, I want to ask” Regulus began hesitantly after their exchange. “How are you
handling everything that happened?” James’ face became suddenly dark brought back to the
feeling of unease. Sensing the tension and without breaking eye contact with Narcissa,
Regulus placed his hand on top of James’. Narcissa’ eyes followed this but she did not
comment.

She sighed. “Its been a whirlwind Regulus. Losing Lucius, its left me with a mix of emotions.
There’s grief of course, but there’s also this strange sense of relief. I never imagined things
would end so abruptly.” She said all of this with a defiant face.

“I’m sorry for putting you in a difficult position Narcissa, I never wanted any of this to
happen.”

“It is not your fault Reg at all.”

Ah so this was another person who had that privilege. James thought bitterly looking at
Narcissa and only seeing her husband on that awful night. There was a moment of
understanding between the two cousins where Regulus realized the pedestal to which
Narcissa holds family and nodded solemnly.

Narcissa continued on “Lucius… made his own choices. I have come to terms with the fact
that your survival meant something far more than I ever realized. Its relief knowing you’re
safe even at the cost of my husband.”

They talked a while longer but finding that everything that needed to be said was, they left.

A short while later the four of them found themselves on their way to drop off Barty and
Evan at the airport.

“Alrighty Reg, take care of yourself, you too Potter” Barty waved grinning. Regulus cast him
a warning look, tinged with a subtle smile. He and James waved them off before Evan’s voice
echoed back,

“Expect to hear from us soon,” just as they disappeared into the airport.

“What’s the plan now?” James asked Regulus five minutes later in the car. Regulus was once
again driving.

“Well, I thought we could crash at your place for a bit,” Regulus smiled over at him.
“My place?” James was momentarily shocked, honestly, he almost completely forgot about
his flat. It was so long ago that he called it home.

“Is that ok” Regulus once again looked over at him. “I just don’t want to go back to my
parents’ house just yet.”

“Yeah of course. I don’t know what state it will be in but sure.” James wanted to ask Regulus
what came after that was it just James’ flat? Then what?

As if sensing James’ thought process Regulus added, “Well, not for too long. I thought we
could go see Remus and Sirius in their new flat for a week, maybe visit the girls, and Barty
and Evan.” Regulus cast a knowing look at him.

“Alright” James said with a laugh he could tell Regulus was avoiding something, but didn’t
really care, as long as he was with Regulus, he would be happy wherever he went.
 Friends

“Oh, shouldn’t we have brought a house warming gift?” James panicked, as they both stood
on the steps of Remus and Sirius’ new flat in London.

“Here” Regulus replied as he pulled a bottle of wine out from his coat pocket and handed it to
James as he rang the doorbell. Moments later the door swung open and they were greeted
with Sirius’ bright warm smile. Behind him they could see Remus attempting to hold back a
big shaggy black dog.

“Who’s this!” James said rushing in to greet the friendly four-legged creature.

“Padfoot” Remus replied grinning broadly as Sirius helped Regulus bring in the two bags.

The flat was a mixture of industrial chic and art deco elegance, where the exposed brick
provided a striking backdrop for the lush plants in every corner. In the center of one of the
rooms in the open floor plan stood a beautiful all black Harley Davidson motorbike.

“That’s wicked” James said gesturing at the bike.

“My pride and joy that that is” Sirius informed him.

“Wow smells fantastic” Regulus remarked just as the smell of food made its way to James’
nostrils.

“Remus made us a great meal, let me take your bags upstairs then we can pop that open.”
Sirius said taking the bags and nodding at the bottle.

“Wow Remus that’s quite a nice set up you got there” Regulus said looking at a particular
corner of the kitchen that was ornately laden with all different types of coffee machines of a
professional quality.

“My pride and joy” Remus joked. “I can make you two up a couple of lattes in the morning,
the best you’ve ever had”

James nodded to Regulus knowingly.

“Alright” Regulus conceded, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.

As the evening went on, the warm kitchen was filled with the laughter of all four young men
enjoying the food Remus had prepared. They recounted their fonder memories of the last
couple months spent in that house together preparing for the heist, each expressing their
gratitude to still have each other in their lives.

Much of the rest of the week went by in this manner, some evenings they would invite Mary
and Lily out with them to the bars around town.
“I was telling James over the phone that Mary and I got a studio last week!” Lily addressed
the six of them all gathered around a high table in a pub one night.

“We dropped half a million each” Mary added taking a sip of her pint.

“A drop in the bucket really” Lily said beaming.

“And is all thanks to you” Mary touched Regulus’ hand across the table genuinely smiling.

“It’s amazing, all of you have to come visit us.”

“So, you two do original pieces?” Remus asked the girls.

“Yes, some in our free time but our business is mostly art restoration.” Lily replied.

“In a way it’s the opposite of we did for the heist. Instead of making new paintings old, we
take water damaged, time weathered paintings and restore them. Those are our biggest clients
at least.” Mary said thoughtfully.

“That’s amazing” James said flashing a smile at them.

Other nights they stayed in and simply enjoyed each other’s company. Mornings, they would
often find themselves walking padfoot through parks in the surrounding neighborhood. On
the last day of their stay, they informed Remus and Sirius that they would be visiting Marlene
and Dorcas next in their newly acquired home in Italy.

“Can’t wait to visit you” Remus said to James clapping him around the back as their bags
were loaded into the taxi.

“Yeah, where though, I don’t know” James chuckled. Remus’ eyes suddenly went wide as if
he said something he shouldn’t have. Sirius noticed this and interjected.

“You two are welcome here any time,” Sirius said shaking James’s hand then changing his
mind mid shake embracing him with a grin.

They all stood there on the sidewalk saying their last goodbyes and James could sense the
tension between Regulus and Sirius. While certainly on better terms than at the beginning of
the heist, there was a certain uncertainty, something James never understood. James who was
so open, had no problem telling people how he felt. He wished everyone had the same
courage to say the important things at important times, and this was one of those times.
Fortunately, Sirius sensed it too and just as Regulus turned to slip into the taxi Sirius grabbed
his shoulders and wrapped his arms around his younger brother.

“See you soon,” Sirius whispered.

The hug was marked by a slight pause before Regulus fully embraced his brother. James’
heart soared when he saw Regulus close his eyes, a smile creeping onto his face.

Three hours later. James and Regulus found themselves touching down in Portofino.
Over the weekend Marlene and Dorcas took James and Regulus to tiny restaurants for
breakfast and to fountains they made wishes in. The four of them went to the beach and got
gelato, the real kind, not the touristy kind, and they took them to the movies in the town
square.

“Oh my God,” Marlene gasped one night, standing quickly to her feet. She was slurring
slightly. They had spent all day drinking limoncello. “I can’t believe I haven’t even shown
you two! You’ve been here for a whole three days and you haven’t seen it in person!”
Marlene ran to her bedroom.

“No. Marls. Babe, not tonight please,” Dorcas called out after her. “It’s almost two in the
morning!”

Marlene however was not deterred. Instead, she emerged with a large smile on her face and
brandished a very pink, very expensive looking, electric guitar.

“I know, I know, it’s even better in person,” she admired it.

“Oh my God,” James breathed out, his eyes wide. She had done it she had her hot pink guitar.
“Play for us! Play for us! Play for us!”

Regulus smiled at James’ enthusiasm.

“Alright,” Marlene grinned. “Alright if you insist.” She began plugging her guitar into the
amps.

“Oh God,” Dorcas muttered. “You asked for it.”

James was on the edge of his seat. He was ready to hear Marlene absolutely shred. She
certainly looked the part of an insanely good electric guitarist. Heavy smudged eyeliner, long
blonde hair cut into wavy choppy layers, dark nail polish.

“This one, is for you two,” Marlene nodded determinedly.

She placed her fingers on the frets, and then began playing the slowest and roughest version
of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star they had ever heard.

“She’s been taking lessons for months,” Dorcas muttered to James and Regulus
conspiratorially.

It was painfully slow, there was no rhythm and she had to restart several times. Regulus was
trying his absolute best to hold in his laughter.

When Marlene was finished, James made sure to clap extra loud and extra enthusiastically.
He even threw in a couple whistles for good measure as Marlene took her bows.

“Thank you, thank you very much,” Marlene strummed some very discordant chords that
vibrated through the amplifier. “I’ll be here all week!”
While they both enjoyed their time with the girls, James soon came to realize that it was the
trip to see Barty and Evan in Las Vegas that Regulus was most highly anticipating.

When they arrived in Vegas, James could see immediately why Barty and Evan were drawn
to it. There were slot machines in the airport. People in obnoxious Hawaiian floral pattern
shirts. Glitter everywhere. It was loud, it was bright, it was a place that truly screamed Sin
City.

“So, you sleep basically all day,” Barty was explaining. “And then lay by the pool because
it’s fucking hot here. And then at night we go out.”

James looked around in awe. He was tired and a little groggy from the jetlag. The house
Barty and Evan bought was modern. It was massive, with large glass windows and a perfectly
manicured green lawn. There was a glittering and expansive blue pool and a hot tub in the
back with palm trees dotted everywhere. The fronds swayed in the warm, gentle breeze.
Everything inside the house was just as modern. Metallic chairs with minimalist and wavy
arms, sleek staircases, neon glass fixtures.

“Barty, this place is great,” Regulus said excitedly, as he set down his and James’ bags. Evan
went in the kitchen to make drinks.

“I know,” Barty smirked. “It’s fucking incredible. This is where I’m hanging a Pollock or
some shit when I get around to buying it and this is where Evan and I sleep,” Barty gestured
to an open bedroom. There was no door, it was an open floor plan and James could see the
giant California king sized bed that overlooked the glittering pool.

“I still can’t believe you two are together,” James said smirking at Regulus.

“We actually have something to tell you James,” Barty grinned.

Regulus raised an eyebrow and smiled.

And that is how they found themselves in a small chapel in Vegas watching as Barty and
Evan were married by an Elvis impersonator the next day. The whole team was there, their
family. Apparently, everyone knew except James. Regulus had told everyone to fly to Vegas
that weekend. Marlene squealed when they opened the front door to let her and Dorcas in the
next morning. Just about everyone had the same shocked delighted reaction.

Standing next to pair up front stood Regulus, the best man. James knew the day wasn’t about
him but couldn’t help but stare. As Regulus stood at the altar, resplendent in his tailored suit,
the soft light cascading over his silky black hair made him appear ethereal once again. James
couldn’t help but admire how the fabric of the suit hugged Regulus’ form emphasizing his
slender frame. The way his green grey eyes sparkled with emotion made his heart flutter. The
pride and happiness radiating from him were noticeable even from a distance. There was an
undeniable magnetism in the way Regulus carried himself, an effortless charm that captivated
James’ heart, leaving him in awe of the man he loved standing there as a beacon of grace and
sophistication amidst the joyous occasion.
As evening fell, Barty and Evan arrived at the house to an incredible surprise. Their friends
had transformed it into a vibrant spectacle. Streamers adorned every corner, balloons of all
shapes and colors floated overhead, and a cheerful assortment of drinks awaited them. To
their amazement, a thoughtful touch revealed a rented photo booth, courtesy of the girls.
Laughter echoed as they stepped into the lively atmosphere and the night took on a magical
rhythm. As the hours passed, they reveled in the company of their cherished friends and
painted the night with stories they would laugh about for years.

The next morning everyone was quite hunger over but no one more than Marlene who still
hadn’t emerged from her and Dorcas’ room. Barty, Evan, James and Regulus sat around the
breakfast table all nursing their splitting headaches with a cup of coffee each.

“This was a really nice surprise,” James’s half whispered to Regulus at his elbow. Evan raised
an eyebrow at Regulus. “I was so excited to see what the surprise was but this was much
better than anything I could have come up with.” James smiled kindly to Regulus.

Barty and Evan whispered something to each other then Barty mouthed something to
Regulus but James couldn’t tell what he was trying to say. He wasn’t very good a lip reading.
Barty and Evan looked at Regulus then James then back to Regulus unsure if they could say
anything.

“What?” James questioned Regulus looking between him and the other two.

Regulus who had his arms crossed on the table front of him dropped his head in a quiet
chuckle.

“This…isn’t the surprise.”

“What!” James said shocked. “What is it then, go on tell me.” James nudged Regulus.

“I’m not saying anything except we have a flight tomorrow evening” Regulus shook his head
smiling.

“I can’t believe that you haven’t told him yet” Barty gawked.

“It’s been weeks!” Evan added.

The following evening at 5pm, James found himself at the airport terminal ready for the rush
of his life. His beautiful boyfriend had gotten them tickets to go to Brazil on a vacation!
James couldn’t believe his luck. the past few months had been a rollercoaster of intense
emotions, soaring highs and crushing lows but this moment, this unexpected trip, quickly
became his most cherished experience yet.

They stepped off the plane this time not to meet any friends but to embark on an adventure all
on their own. For the first time in his life James was on his own with Regulus really and truly.
Everything felt more real and he had such a rush an immense surge of love for the black-
haired boy standing next to him.
 Brazil

“Reg, how far is the rental,” James leaned over to him and whispered in the back of a taxi.

“Not too much longer”

“It’s been 17 hours!”

“You slept most of the flight,” Regulus teased him.

They had landed in Rio de Janeiro but had been in the taxi for at least 30 minutes. At first,
James saw the vibrant morning energy of the city out of the car window. However, that soon
transformed into a lush green tapestry as they wound along the costal road. With the window
rolled down there was a rich scent of saltwater and tropical blooms. The palm trees swayed
their fronds catching the ocean breeze.

As they pulled up to the house James’ jaw dropped. It was huge. Maybe half the size of the
one in New Hampshire but still massive. The beach front house stood elegantly amidst the
lush greenery. In the front was a garden filled with an array of tropical plants.

“Wow” James breathed as he looked up at the house standing on the somewhat sandy
driveway with Regulus by his side. “This is amazing Regulus!” James yelped with delight
dropping his bags and lifting Regulus up in a hug spinning him around. Regulus laughed.

“Alright alright put me down,” He said with a smile. “Do you like it?”

“Of course I do! We’re going to have so much fun!” James grabbed Regulus’ face and kissed
him hard on the lips, both smiling when they broke away.

James picked up the bags and walked up to the house. “Common, we have to put our stuff
inside so we can fit as many activities in as we can.” James lugged his bags up the four stairs
leading up to the front porch followed by Regulus.

Once they were both at the front door Regulus took out the key and handed it to James who
immediately inserted it into the hole and flung the door open stepping inside leaving his bags
on the porch. Grinning broadly, James ran through the house. Slowly the smile somewhat
faltered and a look of confusion grew as he went from room to room. The run turned into a
jog then a stand still. He returned to the foyer and saw Regulus standing there, bag by his
feet, hands in his pockets smiling sheepishly at James.

“Regulus”

“James”

James took another look around. The lamp on the entry table was the same one from the
house in New Hampshire. A couple of portraits that were not yet hung lined the foot of the
walls. Portraits that James remembered seeing in the study. He looked down. The rug he was
currently standing on in the entry way once covered the hall on the third floor. He
remembered tripping over the edge as he pulled Regulus into one of their secret rooms.

“Regulus… what”

Regulus raised his eyebrows

“You didn’t” James said voice cracking, eyes filling with tears.

Regulus nodded solemnly. James threw himself at Regulus now sobbing uncontrollably into
his shoulder.

“I love you” Regulus whispered into James’ hair.

“I love u too” James cried, the words coming out choked and muffled.

“Hey” Regulus said getting James’s attention. James lifted his head and stared into Regulus’
green grey eyes.

“I want to show you something,” Regulus grabbed his hand intertwining their fingers leading
James back outside. When they were a good thirty feet away from the house, he spun James
around and pointed at the house. James saw them, red and green shutters on every window.

“I don’t know how you missed them” Regulus smirked. James was speechless mouth slightly
open his eyes filled with tears again.

“It took me a whole day almost broke my neck on that ladder. Thought if I was risking my
life I ought to get credit.” Regulus laughed nudging James’ shoulder.

“Thank you,” was all James could say. He received the most beautiful smile in response.

They walked back into the house fingers still intertwined and perhaps it was the new
perspective but James realized that almost everything in the house was from New Hampshire.
Then he saw them. How could he have missed them. Pink sticky notes adorned every wall.
They were all labeled in black in small neat curly writing. They said things like

‘Hang portraits of me and James here’

The two on the fridge in the kitchen read

‘Good countertops for dancing’

‘Buy oranges for James to make muffins’

on the living room window facing the ocean

‘Plant garden here’

On the first downstairs bedroom door

‘For Barty and Evan’

On the second bedroom door

‘Sirius and Remus?’

As they made their way upstairs to the bedroom, James saw notes that said

‘Buy James nicer clothes’

‘Let James put up one of his posters here’

“Hey” James laughed.

“What” Regulus laughed back.

Over the next few days James and Regulus played music while they worked putting their
things away, organizing the library and baking orange muffins to fuel their endeavors.

When the house finally came together, they started on the garden planting a myriad of
different flowers though mostly purple.

One month later

“Hey love,” Regulus chimed, bringing James from his focused state washing the dishes one
evening.

“Yeah?” James said looking up.

“Would it be ok if I invited Sirius and Remus over this weekend?”

“Are you kidding? Of course!” James said eager to see his old friends.

“Ok then” Regulus said with a sweet smile.

“loo”

“Hurry back”

Five minutes later

“Hey Reg, I don’t know how but I missed one”. James came into the kitchen with a
concerned face holding another sticky note that was on the wall perpendicular to the front
door.

‘Hang painting here’

“What’s this one?” James asked handing it to Regulus.

“Ah,” he said with a smirk taking the little note in his hand, “Now that one is going to be
fun.”
That weekend was spent with Remus and Sirius. It was filled with trips to the beach, walks
through historic Santa Teresa, guided tours through wide lush rivers, and bar hopping. On the
last night of their stay, they were all sitting in the living room enjoying each other’s company
around the tv when Regulus asked Sirius to talk to him in the kitchen.

James, who Regulus informed about what he was about to do, gave him an encouraging nod.

“What’s up” Sirius asked somewhat cautiously when they entered the kitchen.

There was something wrong, Sirius could sense it. Something, but he didn’t know what.
Regulus seemed tense, apprehensive, nervous almost. Was he going to spring something on
Sirius, another thing he didn’t see coming? No, you can think like that, Sirius thought to
himself, shaking his head slightly. Regulus noticed this and furrowed his brows for the
smallest fraction of a second before returning to his uneasy gaze.

“I have something I’ve been wanting to give you for a while…” Regulus trailed off and slid
the wrapped square that was laying on the counter over to Sirius.

Sirius took the thing and slowly began unwrapping it letting his eyes linger on Regulus.
When it was finally unwrapped,

“This…this is…”

“The Degas” Regulus finished for him softly.

“I... why?” Sirius asked, his brows furrowing.

Regulus paused for a long while mustering the courage to say what he so desperately wanted
to say. He thought he might be able to borrow some of James’ bravery and was brought back
to that night so long ago after the terrible thing he did to Remus. That night when he and
Sirius had their first real breakthrough in years. The first time in years and years that they
acknowledged the love they still had for each other.

In a very low voice not meeting Sirius’ eyes, Regulus began to speak.

“I didn’t take the painting out of spite, even though I tried my best to make you believe that I
did. I didn’t do it to take something from you, I did it to take a piece of you.”

Regulus’ voice came out strained, each word laced with a delicate vulnerability. He looked
up at his brother.

“So, I could keep you with me.”

“I” Sirius began but Regulus continued trying not to cry. He couldn’t bring himself to
maintain eye contact with Sirius, fearing that doing so would inevitably lead to a complete
breakdown.

“We weren’t speaking, and I wasn’t sure if I would see you anytime soon, but I remembered
how much you loved this painting of the ballerinas. I remembered how you would stare at it
for hours long after I was bored of it. I would try to stare at it just as long as you, just to see it
through your eyes. I always liked seeing the world through your eyes. I took it because I
missed you.” His words came out in soft strained whispers, pauses punctuating his struggle to
hold back the emotions welling up inside.

Would this be enough? Were they in a place where he wouldn’t need it any more, now… now
that he had his brother back in his life?

“Regulus” Sirius’ voice also quivered, betraying the strength he tried to maintain.

“I just want to say that you deserve to have it, it’s yours and I…” tears were welling in his
eyes now, he nearly said it all, yet clung to one final shred of bravery, desperate to express the
unspoken words.

“I love you and I’m really glad you’re here.” He confessed. Finally, he mustered the courage
to meet Sirius’ gaze, only to find his face streaked with tears. Overwhelmed, Regulus let the
tears cascade down without restraint.

Sirius didn’t give a damn if Regulus didn’t wasn’t up for a hug. God damn it, he was his little
brother whom he almost lost not too long ago and pulled him in firmly, refusing to let go for
what felt like an eternity. Sirius held on tightly as if to assure himself that Regulus was truly
there. Regulus embraced Sirius back with equal intensity, both of them overwhelmed by
emotion. Sirius could feel Regulus shaking with sobs, the depth of their shared feelings
palpable in the embrace.

Abruptly, Sirius broke away first. “I'll be right back,” he said, dashing out of the kitchen. A
little shocked, Regulus just stood there, arms slightly raised. Less than a minute later, Sirius
returned to the kitchen with his arms behind his back.

A little apprehensive Regulus just watched him. Then, out from behind his back Sirius pulled
out the little bust of the young boy with windswept hair. He placed it in Regulus’ hand. “I
figured that if you didn't need the painting any more… I wouldn't need this anymore.” Sirius
looked at Regulus with an incredibly sincere expression. “I know I told you before, but I took
it because it reminded me of you.”

“I..I thought you got rid of it when you left. I thought you left everything from your old life
behind” Regulus stammered taking little sharp breaths caused by a spasm in his diaphragm.

“No. I kept it. I thought that if I couldn't have you, I could at least have this, a little part of my
life from when …”

“From when you weren't happy?”

“From when I had you”

“Oh” Regulus choked out.

“Holy shit” Someone from the living room shouted. With tear-stained faces, Regulus and
Sirius quickly made their way to the room that James and Remus were in. Upon entering,
they saw them on the couch with their eyes glued to the television. Remus had picked up the
remote and was turning the volume up.

A blonde woman in red lipstick was speaking in a serious, informative tone.

Authorities report that there has been a robbery at the Braxton Museum of fine art in the state
of New York. The news of this robbery has been kept under wraps while authorities comb
through the museum to assess the damage and catalog all artworks within the building. The
international art crimes division is working with the proper authorities to track the pieces but
at this time they have no further leads. As of our current knowledge this is the largest art heist
in recorded history. The museum was ransacked allowing thieves to steal nearly $1 billion
worth of art. If you have any information pertaining to this crime, we encourage you to call
the number below.

James glanced over at the two brothers, a wide grin lighting up his features.

Remus noticed the glistening trails of tears on Sirius' cheeks and promptly stood up, heading
over to him. Almost immediately, the chorus of three ringing phones disrupted the moment.
Lily, Barty, and Marlene were trying to reach them.

Regulus beamed at James, a radiant smile gracing his face.

March 27th

James was so comfortable in his bed, in his and Regulus’ bed he corrected himself with a
small smile. The day was already gearing to be a warm one and the window was wide open,
the white sheer curtains billowing in and out. James thought he would never get tired of that
salty sea air and the sound of palm fronds rustling in the breeze. Hundreds if not thousands of
exotic tropical birds woke him up with their gentle morning songs.

James rolled over ready to envelop Regulus in a big hug and kiss before they got up for their
morning activities, but he found the space in the bed Regulus usually occupied to be empty.
For a fraction of a second James’ heart dropped, he was horribly transported back to that
night where Regulus got shot. The most awful and panic-stricken part of his brain told him
that Regulus was not there and that he had never been there.

“Regulus!” James yelled, bolting upright and shouting with a sense of urgency. He looked
around for something to ground him, anything belonging to Regulus. He saw the water bottle
Regulus got out of the fridge last night. That was something, but it wasn’t enough. He swung
his legs over the side of the bed about to stand when,

“Hey, what are you doing, get back in bed,” it was Regulus. He was carrying a rather large
tray laden with an assortment of breakfast items: bacon, fruit (from their garden), orange
muffins they baked the night before, and blueberry pancakes. Accompanying the spread was
a generous glass of orange juice.

“Regulus,” James said, his chest rising and falling as the adrenaline slowly wore off. Regulus
frowned, although James had quickly regained his composure, Regulus knew what he was
thinking. Over the months, they had developed the ability to look into each other’s eyes and
know with just a glance what the other was thinking.

“I’m not going anywhere” Regulus smiled reassuringly. “Here eat up,” he said as he placed
the tray near the foot of the bed on James’ side. “I’m going to get mine, be right back.”

When Regulus returned, they both sat on the bed and started on their bountiful spreads.

“What’s the occasion,” James asked, focused on cutting his pancakes into little wedges.
Regulus raised an eyebrow looking over at James.

“You mean you don’t know?”

James looked up, eyes squinting then over at Regulus then they shot right up into his messy
curls.

“Happy birthday, Love.” Regulus beamed at him.

“But-but I don’t think I ever told you…” James puzzled for a moment, a look of joy on his
face.

“I asked Remus last weekend,” Regulus shrugged with a crooked smile.

“I love you,” James said leaning over, giving Regulus a blueberry kiss on the cheek.

“I love you too” Regulus said, turning James’ face and giving him another kiss.

One month later

“James love, don’t forget the wine,” Regulus said as he kicked the back door open with his
foot carrying out a dish to the table in the backyard. They decided to have one more picnic in
the backyard while the weather was still nice before the evening air became too cool. The
spacious backyard was enclosed in tropical plants and palm trees the chirp of crickets filling
the air as waves crashed on the beach. James had gone into town and purchased some torches
to light the backyard and give it that romantic atmosphere that he thought was so important.
Although it was just the two of them, they thought it was nice to have a few nights a month
where they tried extra hard and set up dates for each other. This time it was James’ turn hence
the torches and fairy lights illuminating the backyard. He also cooked them a hearty meal of
smoked salmon wild rice and asparagus, Regulus provided the wine selection. As they sat
down together right next to each other, they talked about new flowers and plants they wanted
to add to their garden, the possibility of getting jobs just for a fun thing to do and the thought
of buying a couple sport cars just to drive around town. They also talked about their plans for
carnaval which they were looking forward to the following year since they had just missed it.

“Hey James,” Regulus said apprehensively. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”

James felt his heart flutter in his chest, he wasn’t sure if it was excitement or nerves. Probably
nerves definitely nerves. See, the reason James insisted that he wanted to be in charge of
tonight’s dinner (even though it was actually Regulus’ turn) was for a very specific reason. A
reason he had been thinking about from the second he saw Regulus, a reason that currently
resided in his jeans pocket in a little green velvet box.

“Yeah,” James responded

“I’ve been thinking”

Oh no James thought, he wanted to be the one to propose to Regulus. That’s what this was
right? He’s the one that cooked the food and set the atmosphere.

Regulus continued. “Remember that sticky note that you found by the front door?”

Oh, this wasn’t what James thought. Was that relief or disappointment he was feeling?

“Of course! I remember all the notes” James said smiling and leaning in to kiss Regulus on
the cheek. Regulus smiled, the candle light twinkling in his eyes.

“Well, I was on the phone with Barty and Evan the other day and” he paused. James’
expression changed to one of confusion. Regulus might as well spit it out.

“Remember the gathering storm painting?” Regulus broke into the smallest smile. James’
eyebrows shot up, this was the furthest thing from what he was expecting.

“Yeah” James said slowly, questioningly.

“Well, I think that it’s the most important painting to me now. We saw it together the very
first time we went into the Braxton in New Hampshire.”

James swung his leg over the bench seat and faced Regulus. “I remember”

“Then we sat in front of it again when… when I told you about my days before... before the
heist.”

James reached out, grabbing both of Regulus’ hands that seemed to be trembling slightly.
“What is it love?”

“Well, I know what I told Sirius about being done, but I- I really think that painting would
look good by our front door” Regulus finished the last few words quickly, his face cracked
into a uncharacteristically wide grin almost apologetic.

“You’ve got to be joking” James said with a laugh, his expression mirroring Regulus’.

“I’m not” Regulus said seriously with a smile.

“Alright” James said still smiling.

“Alright?”

“Yeah, well you were going to ask me to go with you obviously?”

“I”
“Of course, I want to go!”

They both broke in to fits of laughter “James Potter, you are as crazy as me and I love you
endlessly for it. Sirius is going to kill me though.”

“I won’t let him. You know, now that I think about it, I don’t think he and Remus brought us
a house warming gift.”

“I guess forgiveness is just as good of a gift.” Regulus said nervously, his eyes shining with
joyous tears.

Regulus grabbed his wine glass and James followed suit. “To the heist,” Regulus said
laughing again.

“To the heist” James echoed.

For a minute, they sipped their wine in comfortable silence both feeling nervous excitement
come over them at the prospect of a new adventure together.

“One other thing James,” Regulus said standing up from the table. His hands were shaking
again. “I really enjoyed pulling off the first heist with my boyfriend. It was exciting and
something I never thought I would be able to say. A heist with my boyfriend! But, I thought
of something that would be even better. A heist with you James as” Regulus reached into his
pocket and before James could react, he was on his knee in the green grass in front of James.

James eyes instantly welled with tears, maybe he was planning to propose to Regulus but this
was just as nice. James’ mind buzzed with a whirlwind of emotions, a cacophony of
memories and feelings colliding as Regulus knelt before him, holding out a silver band inlaid
with tiny emeralds and rubies. The weight of their journey hung heavy in the air, every twist
and turn etched vividly in his mind.

Regulus had been an enigma, a captivating force that drew James in from the start. The
clandestine beginnings, the forbidden allure of their connection hidden from the prying eyes
of their teammates. That initial spark, tucked away, simmering beneath the surface until it
became an undeniable blaze of affection.

There were hurdles, undeniable and daunting. Betrayals and heartaches that tested the very
fabric of their bond. The betrayal of Remus, the storm it brewed, and the painstaking path to
forgiveness etched a rawness within James, a vulnerability he hadn't known he was capable
of. But forgiveness had come, granted with Remus's blessing, and in that act, their love had
forged stronger, unbroken.

The heist, the adrenaline-fueled escapades across Europe, the danger that always loomed,
those moments of thrill and peril had woven their story, written chapters of a life lived on the
edge. And now, as Regulus looked up at him, eyes shimmering with love and hope, James
felt a surge of emotions—relief, joy, but also a flicker of fear lingering from the close calls,
the near-loss of the man who held his heart.
Regulus was proposing, a symbol of commitment and love amidst the chaos they had
weathered. It was a testament to their resilience, a promise of a future they had fought for,
against odds that seemed insurmountable. In that fleeting moment, as he gazed into Regulus's
eyes, James knew, he knew that they had made it through the darkest of nights to bask in the
warmth of this shared sunrise.

The ring gleamed, a tiny emblem of their unyielding love. James's heart swelled with the
weight of this profound moment, realizing that amidst all the chaos and uncertainty, they
were going to carve out a forever together. With a trembling breath, he nodded, unable to
form words, but his eyes conveyed the resounding "yes" that echoed within him. It was a yes
to Regulus, a yes to their love, and a resounding yes to the future they had fought so hard to
claim.

Taking a deep breath, James stood in front of Regulus

Regulus's eyes widened in surprise as James stood up, a glint of anticipation in his gaze. He
watched with a mix of astonishment and delight as James retrieved a ring box from his own
pocket. It was a moment of sheer unexpectedness, a twist in the script of their story that left
Regulus momentarily speechless.

“Wait, James, what…?” Regulus started, his voice trailing off.

With a shy yet determined smile, James opened the box, revealing a ring that glistened in the
light, a token of his own commitment and love, a parallel declaration to Regulus's proposal. It
was a testament to the depth of their connection, an unspoken understanding of their shared
desire for a life intertwined.

Regulus’ astonishment melted into a wide grin, a blend of happiness and disbelief.

“I…I was planning to ask you, too,” James said, a hint of sheepishness coloring his cheeks.

Regulus chuckled softly, shaking his head in disbelief. “Well, it seems we have both been
thinking along the same lines.”

Their laughter mingled in the air, a harmonious symphony of joy and love, as they stood
facing each other, rings in hand, hearts laid bare.

“I Love you,” Regulus said, the words carrying the weight of a thousand promises and a
lifetime of devotion.

“I love you too,” James replied, his voice tinged with emotion, echoing the sentiment that had
grown and blossomed through every trial and triumph they had face together.

With matching smiles, they exchanged rings, silent vow sealed in that shared moment. It was
a promise to stand by each other, to weather any storm, and to cherish the adventure of their
intertwined lives forever.
 Epilogue

James and Regulus attended Remus’ graduation ceremony, and then his second graduation
ceremony, and then his third. Regulus got a job working at a small book shop in town and
once a month he picked out a book he thought looked nice and brought it back to read to
James in the evenings before they added it to their library. James got a casual finance job for
a boutique firm that specializes in advertising artists, musicians, and creatives. They regularly
flew to Las Vegas to see Barty and Evan, they went to see Sirius and Remus in their London
flat, they rode Vespas down the cobblestone streets of Italy with Marlene and Dorcas, they
bought paintings from Mary and Lily to hang on the many walls in their house.

James and Regulus were Remus and Sirius’ best men at their wedding and James only cried
three times. They swam in the ocean, and they danced on the spacious countertops, they
listened to hours of horrible electric guitar. They went to every museum they could think of.
They opened the windows and let the sunlight in, they danced in the rain in their little garden
and they were happy.

Time continued to pass,

James’ heart forever belonged to Regulus. In Regulus, he found the missing piece, the one
who effortlessly filled the void that had long echoed with an unspoken yearning.

Years after, after all the laughter and the friendship and the joy, neighbors and children would
still talk.

They would tell stories of two kind old men who always handed out orange muffins and who
grew sunflowers in their front yard. They tell stories of a man who wore a giant silver snake
ring who loved and was loved by a man who’s bright laugh could be heard from down the
street. The men who had a strange painting of a boat out on the wavy sea that you could see
every time the front door was opened. They would tell stories of the kind old men who lived
in the house with green and red shutters.

The End
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