Chapter Text
1977
REGULUS POV
The cheers and music faded as Regulus exited the room. The noise, clearly contained within the room, left him in the quiet of the empty hallway. Except it wasn’t entirely empty. The sound of a glass bottle hitting the stone floor echoed behind him. Regulus turned to find Remus Lupin slumped on a worn wooden bench, head in his hands, with a nearly empty bottle of Firewhiskey by his feet.
“You didn’t need to follow me, Regulus. I told you I’m fine.”
Regulus, no longer in the mood for lies, stood sober and hurt in front of the empty portrait. He scoffed.
“I didn’t follow you, Lupin. I was just heading back to my dorm. Feel free to sulk on your own all you want.”
Lupin looked up from his hands, dropping them from his face to his lap as his back straightened. His eyes held a stony glare, a predator affronted.
“Of course you didn’t,” Lupin said, his voice laced with bitterness. He locked eyes with Regulus, who stood with a face of complete indifference. A chilling laugh escaped Lupin’s throat as he watched the boy before him. “You Blacks are all the same, aren’t you? I keep letting myself be fooled, believing you could care, but you don’t, do you? I’m just half-blood scum to you—a poor boy foolish enough to think he matters. I’m just a monster you can use to your advantage.”
In any other circumstance, Regulus would have taken the blows to his pride. He would have stood strong and walked away, knowing something must have happened to make Lupin say such things. He might have spoken to him in the morning, apologised for whatever had made his new, supposed friend see him as just another uncaring Black. But that last sentence—Regulus was never sure if Lupin knew he was aware of his monthly transformations, but it was clear now. Regulus knew monsters, and Lupin could never be one of them. So he moved from the entryway and approached Lupin.
“You are not a monster, Remus. Want to see a real monster? Look at me! I’ve done things that would make you weep for your soul, and I’ve done them with no remorse! And you? You got bit as a kid, turn into a wolf once a month, and hide away to protect the world from a disease they don’t even understand. How does that make you a monster?”
They were standing close now, barely a foot apart. Regulus spoke coolly, his words heated with an icy anger at Lupin’s self-hate. Lupin’s face blanched.
“You knew? Did—He told you, didn’t he?”
“Of course he didn’t tell me,” Regulus replied with a scoff and an eye roll. “I’ve known since I first met you on the train. Why else would I stop wearing silver?”
Lupin glanced down at his bejewelled hand, confusion and guilt flickering across his face.
“You never said anything.”
“Why would I? You didn’t tell me yourself. I knew my brother was helping you, but your secret wasn’t mine to share.”
When Lupin looked up, his eyes were glowing amber, shining in the dimly lit corridor. His gaze drifted from Regulus’s lips, down his jawline, and settled at the crook of his shoulder.
“You’re wrong about me, Regulus. I am a monster. Your brother is smart enough to know that. Smart enough to realise I’m nothing more than a beast in a human suit.”
Regulus lifted his hand to Lupin’s chin, forcing him to meet his eyes.
“You’re wrong again, Remus. You’re not a beast. You’re a wolf. I am the only beast in these halls.”
“Having a horrible family doesn’t make you evil, Regulus.”
“I know that. My brother isn’t evil—messed up, surely, but he’s never tortured a man, never watched with glee as blood sprang from someone’s neck. I suppose that’s why he left me there. He knew I could never truly belong in his world, in yours, in the light.”
Remus’s glowing eyes flickered with hesitation, something Regulus couldn’t quite understand.
“I’ve been here too long, Lupin,” Regulus said, straightening to leave. But then a flicker of doubt crossed his mind, and he found himself compelled to tell Lupin that, for a moment, he hadn’t felt alone. “You’re a great friend, Remus. I need you to know that you’re one of the greatest people I’ve ever known. When the time comes, I hope you remember me fondly—not for what I’m about to become, but for what we could have been. Sweet dreams, mon courage.”
Regulus turned away, but before he could get far, Lupin’s hand latched onto his shoulder, spinning him back around.
“Why does that sound like a goodbye?”
“Because it is. There’s something I have to do, and it’s something I must do alone.”
“Why?”
“It’s an important task.”
Lupin shook his shoulder, as if to knock some sense into him. “No, why must you do it alone? Why do you sound like you’re about to embark on a suicide mission?” Lupin growled.
Regulus laughed hollowly, an empty void now. He knew he would die, knew the truth about everyone in his life, and knew Remus would let him go. He had always been Sirius’s after all. Reg was nothing to this man but a fleeting friend and a potential danger. It was better for Remus if Regulus didn’t return from his mission, no matter how he felt now in this candlelit hall.
“Because I am the spare. I’m the spare for my parents, who desperately want my brother to lead. I’m the spare for my brother, who wanted to replace me so badly he lied to you all, saying I turned him down when he never asked in the first place. I’m the spare to James’s heart, which can only ever truly love Lily Evans. And I’m the spare to you! You seek me out only when my brother has wronged you. I’m the spare, Remus Lupin, and I’m accepting my fate.”
“You are not a replacement to me, Regulus.”
“Like I could ever matter more than him,” Regulus scoffed.
“You learned what I am the first time you met me. You kept that secret, even from me, until tonight because you thought I knew what you knew. You may have tortured someone, but I don’t care. I’m sure they deserved it if it drove you to do such things. You may be a monster, but so am I, wolf or not. And I’m coming with you, Reg. If you’re to die tonight, I’m dying with you because you’re mine. My friend, my first choice, and I’ll be yours. You think your brother is better than you? He tried to use me as a weapon to kill Snape, he outed you to his friends, manipulated you into apologising for his actions, and kissed me just to make out with Mary hours later. You’re not your brother, Regulus. I don’t want you to be. And if there’s any way I can help you survive whatever you have to do, I will. I’ve never been anyone’s first choice either. So be mine, and I’ll be yours. If we die, at least we’ll have had each other.”
Regulus was struck silent by the force of Lupin’s words. The truth settled into his bones, and he faced the choice of not being alone anymore. He knew he would put Remus in incredible danger if he agreed, the cave looming in his mind. But he didn’t have to be alone anymore. Lupin understood the darkness within, the one that begged to crawl out. He could help with the research, destroy the journal, and when the time came, Regulus would face the cave alone but not alone in spirit.
“You were supposed to be the smart one, Lupin, and here you are making a deal with the devil to not be alone.”
“Is the snake in the garden telling me not to bite the apple?” Lupin replied with a smirk. The reference went straight over Regulus’s head, his only knowledge of the muggle Bible coming from the movie Omen and overheard conversations.
“Perhaps. I truly can’t say.”
“How drunk are you right now, Regulus?” Lupin asked, stepping closer, his eyes gleaming once more.
“A bit buzzed, but overall? This has been a rather sobering talk,” Regulus said.
“Hmmm, good, because I’m about to seal our deal in the way Eve did in the garden. If that’s alright with you, of course.” Lupin’s gaze was predatory as he loomed over Regulus. The soft pink of his facial scars glowed silver in the golden lighting. His eyes swept Regulus’s face, seeking his decision before it could escape his lips.
Regulus swallowed hard. He had been prey before. He knew that swallowing was a mistake as Lupin’s eyes tracked the movement—a sign of fear and confusion.
“You forget my lineage, Remus. I know nothing of Eve or her deals.”
Remus smirked, his wolfish grin intensifying as he locked eyes with Regulus.
“I am a wolf, I am a monster, and from here on out, I am yours. Do you agree?”
“As I’ve said, you are not a monster, Remus.”
Lupin took a deep breath and, for a moment, the predatory glint faded from his eyes. “You’re right. I’m not a monster,” he admitted, his voice softer now, filled with something closer to vulnerability than anger. “But I’m tired of being treated like one. By the world, by this war. I’m tired of pretending that I have to carry all of this weight on my shoulders—like I have some duty to fight for a world that doesn’t care about people like us.”
Regulus blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in Lupin’s tone. The anger and defiance were still there, but they were now tempered by a raw honesty that made Regulus’s chest tighten.
“So what then?” Regulus asked, his voice quieter, almost a whisper. “What do we do?”
Lupin leaned closer, his gaze locking onto Regulus’s with an intensity that made the air between them crackle. “We leave,” he said simply. “We get out of here. We don’t stay and fight in a war that’s only going to destroy us. We leave tonight. Just you and me.”
Regulus’s heart skipped a beat. “Leave?” he repeated, his mind struggling to catch up with the idea. “But... the war... our families—”
“Forget them,” Lupin interrupted, his hand tightening on Regulus’s shoulder. “Forget the war. Forget our families, the expectations, the fear. Just... be a stupid teenager for once, Regulus. Run away with me. We can go somewhere far away, somewhere they can’t find us. Away from all of this madness. Away from a world that treats us like monsters and expects us to save it.”
Regulus stared at him, the idea so wild, so reckless, that it almost felt like a dream. “Run away?” he murmured, the words foreign on his tongue.
Lupin nodded, his expression earnest and desperate. “Yes. We don’t need to be heroes. We don’t need to be soldiers. We can just be... us. Just two people who want to live, who want to be free from all of this. Please, Regulus. Say yes. Say you’ll come with me.”
The weight of the decision pressed down on Regulus, the pull of duty and fear tugging him back toward the life he’d always known. But then he looked into Lupin’s eyes, saw the raw hope and desperation there, and something inside him shifted. He realised, with startling clarity, that he didn’t want to be the spare anymore. He didn’t want to be the Black family’s pawn, the Dark Lord’s soldier, or anyone’s second choice. He wanted to be free.
Slowly, he nodded. “Okay,” he said, his voice trembling but firm. “I’ll go with you.”
Lupin’s face broke into a relieved, almost disbelieving smile. He reached out, pulling Regulus into a tight embrace, the scent of whiskey and smoke clinging to his clothes. “Thank you,” Lupin whispered into his ear, his breath warm against Regulus’s skin. “We’re going to make it out of this, Reg. Together.”
Regulus closed his eyes, allowing himself to lean into the embrace, to feel the warmth and the promise of something different, something better. For once in his life, he felt like he was making a choice for himself.
“We should leave now,” Lupin said, pulling back slightly to look at Regulus. “Before anyone notices we’re gone. We’ll take one of the hidden passages out of the castle, head into the Forbidden Forest. We’ll figure out the rest once we’re out.”
Regulus nodded, his heart pounding in his chest as he realised just how real this was. “What about our things? We can’t just leave with nothing.”
“We’ll manage,” Lupin said, grabbing Regulus’s hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We have each other. That’s all that matters.”
With a final, determined look, they turned and made their way down the dimly lit corridor, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the silence and the sound of the portrait faintly opening as they descended the stairs. They moved quickly, their pace fueled by adrenaline and the fear of being caught. Every shadow seemed to hold a threat, every creak of the floorboards a warning. But they didn’t stop. They couldn’t.
When they reached the entrance to one of the secret passages, Lupin paused, glancing back at Regulus. “Are you ready?” he asked, his voice hushed.
Regulus hesitated for only a moment before nodding. “Ready,” he said, his voice steady.
Together, they pushed open the hidden door, slipping into the dark, narrow tunnel. The air was cool and damp, the walls close on either side, but neither of them faltered. They moved through the passage, their hands still entwined, guiding each other through the darkness.
As they neared the exit, the distant sounds of the Forbidden Forest filled their ears—the rustling of leaves, the calls of nocturnal creatures. The weight of the world, of their past lives, seemed to fall away with each step.
When they finally emerged into the open air, the moonlight spilling down through the canopy of trees, Regulus let out a breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding. They were free.
Lupin turned to him, a soft smile on his lips. “We did it,” he whispered, almost in disbelief.
Regulus nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “We did.”.
***
The Forbidden Forest loomed ahead, a dark and foreboding mass of ancient trees and tangled undergrowth. The deeper they ventured, the more the sounds of the castle faded behind them, replaced by the eerie stillness of the night. The only light came from the slivers of moonlight piercing through the dense canopy above, casting long, twisted shadows on the ground.
Regulus shivered as a cold breeze swept through the trees, cutting through the thin fabric of his clothes. He wrapped his arms around himself, trying to stave off the chill, but it was no use. The temperature seemed to drop with each step, the cold biting at his skin like a thousand tiny needles.
Lupin noticed and stopped, glancing over at him with concern. “Here,” he said, shrugging off his jumper and holding it out to Regulus. “Take this. I run hot anyway.”
Regulus hesitated, eyeing the jumper with a mix of gratitude and something else he couldn’t quite name. It was worn and frayed at the edges, but it was also warm, and it smelled of Lupin—of books and smoke, of something comforting and familiar. Something that felt like home.
“You sure?” Regulus asked, even as he reached for the jumper.
“Positive,” Lupin replied with a small smile. “I’m practically a furnace.”
Regulus couldn’t help but agree as he pulled the jumper over his head. It was too big, the sleeves hanging past his hands and the hem reaching halfway down his thighs, but it was warm, and the scent enveloped him like a blanket. He looked up at Lupin, who was watching him with a smirk.
“And yes,” Regulus said, his voice low as he tugged the jumper closer around him. “You are indeed... hot.”
Lupin chuckled, a soft, throaty sound that sent a shiver down Regulus’s spine that had nothing to do with the cold. “Glad you think so,” Lupin replied, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Let’s keep moving. We’re almost past the borders.”
They continued on in companionable silence, the dark forest closing in around them as they pushed further from the safety of Hogwarts. The path became more uneven, the roots of ancient trees jutting out from the ground, and the underbrush thickening as they moved deeper into the wilderness. But neither of them faltered.
After what felt like hours, they finally reached the edge of the Forbidden Forest, where the trees began to thin, and the ground leveled out. The chill in the air remained, but the oppressive darkness of the forest began to ease, replaced by the open expanse of the night sky.
“We’re far enough now,” Regulus said, his breath visible in the cold air. He looked around cautiously before raising his wand. “Kreacher,” he whispered, his voice firm but gentle.
A soft pop echoed through the clearing, and Kreacher appeared before them, his large, bat-like ears twitching as he looked up at Regulus with wide, watery eyes. “Master Regulus,” Kreacher croaked, bowing low. “What does Master need?”
Regulus knelt down, bringing himself closer to Kreacher’s level. “I need your help, Kreacher. I’m leaving... for good. I need you to bring me some things from home—a bag of clothes, some money, anything you think I’ll need.”
Kreacher’s eyes widened further, his expression a mix of shock and sorrow. “Leaving, Master? But where will Master go? Kreacher can help—Kreacher can—”
Regulus shook his head, cutting the elf off. “I’m going far away, Kreacher. Somewhere safe. But I can’t take you with me. It’s too dangerous.”
Kreacher’s face crumpled, tears welling up in his large eyes. “But Kreacher is loyal to Master. Kreacher must go where Master goes.”
Regulus reached out, placing a hand on Kreacher’s shoulder. “You’ve always been loyal, Kreacher. But this is something I have to do alone... well, not alone,” he corrected, glancing at Lupin, who stood a few steps back, watching the interaction with quiet empathy. “But without you. I need you to stay safe.”
Kreacher sniffed loudly, wiping his nose with the back of his hand. “What does Master need from Kreacher?” he asked, his voice trembling.
“Just a bag with my things and some money,” Regulus said gently. “And... I want to offer you something, Kreacher. Your freedom.”
Kreacher’s eyes widened in horror, and he shook his head violently. “No, no, Kreacher doesn’t want freedom! Kreacher belongs to the House of Black! Kreacher will serve until he dies!”
Regulus sighed, a mixture of frustration and resignation weighing down his heart. “Alright, Kreacher, if you won’t take your freedom, then I want you to promise me something instead.”
Kreacher looked up at him, his ears twitching nervously. “Anything, Master.”
“If you’re ever in danger, Kreacher—if you ever need help, I want you to come to me. No matter where I am, no matter what’s happening, you come to me. Do you understand?”
Kreacher’s lower lip trembled, and he nodded slowly. “Kreacher understands. Kreacher will come to Master if he needs help. Kreacher promises.”
“Good,” Regulus said, squeezing Kreacher’s shoulder lightly before releasing him. “Now, go. Get what I asked for, and bring it back here.”
Kreacher nodded again, his eyes filled with a fierce, almost desperate loyalty. With another soft pop, he vanished.
Lupin stepped closer, his hand brushing against Regulus’s arm. “You’re good to him,” he said softly.
“He’s the only one who ever treated me like I mattered,” Regulus replied, his voice tinged with a sadness he couldn’t quite shake. “He deserves better.”
Before Lupin could respond, Kreacher reappeared, struggling under the weight of a large, worn leather bag. Regulus quickly took the bag from him, slinging it over his shoulder. “Thank you, Kreacher,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
Kreacher looked up at him, tears streaming down his wrinkled face. “Kreacher will miss Master,” he whispered. “Please, be careful.”
“I will,” Regulus promised, his own voice trembling. He swallowed hard before adding, “Will you do something for me, Kreacher? Will you take a note to Lupin’s parents?”
Kreacher nodded eagerly. “Kreacher will do anything Master asks.”
Lupin quickly pulled out a scrap of parchment and a quill from his pocket, scribbling down a brief note. He folded it carefully and handed it to Kreacher. “Please make sure they get this,” he said softly.
“Kreacher will deliver it right away,” Kreacher said, taking the note with trembling hands.
Regulus knelt down once more, looking Kreacher in the eye. “This isn’t goodbye, Kreacher. Remember our promise. If you ever need me, I’ll come for you.”
Kreacher nodded, his whole body shaking with the effort of holding back his tears. “Kreacher will remember. Kreacher will always remember.”
With a final, tearful goodbye, Kreacher disappeared again, leaving Regulus and Lupin alone in the clearing.
For a moment, neither of them spoke, the reality of what they had just done settling in. They were truly on their own now—two teenagers running away on a whim, with nothing but a bag of clothes and a handful of Galleons to their name. It was reckless, it was dangerous, and it was probably the stupidest thing they’d ever done.
But for the first time in his life, Regulus felt something he hadn’t felt in years.
Hope.
He looked over at Lupin, who was watching him with a small, fond smile. “So,” Lupin said, his voice light and teasing, “what now, Mr. Black? Any grand plans for our escape?”
Regulus laughed, the sound bright and genuine. “Honestly? I have no idea. But I think we’ll figure it out as we go.”
Lupin grinned, a spark of mischief in his eyes. “Good. Because I was thinking we could start by finding a warm place to sleep. Maybe somewhere with a nice, soft bed.”
Regulus raised an eyebrow, smirking. “A bed, huh? Got something in mind, do you?”
Lupin’s grin widened, and he winked. “Maybe. But first, let’s get out of here before the centaurs decide we’re trespassing.”
With a shared look, they turned and began walking, their footsteps light and sure as they ventured out of the forest and into the unknown. They had no idea where they were going, no idea what awaited them on the other side of this night, but it didn’t matter.
For now, they had each other.
And that was enough.
***
The night air had a crispness to it as Regulus and Remus finally emerged from the edge of the Forbidden Forest. The world outside the Hogwarts grounds seemed vast and uncertain, but the thrill of the unknown tingled in the air between them.
Regulus glanced at the road ahead. "So, how do we summon this Knight Bus?"
Remus grinned, pulling out his wand. "Simple enough. Just stick out your wand hand, and it'll come."
Without hesitation, Remus extended his wand arm. A loud BANG echoed through the night, and with a flash of blinding light, a violently purple triple-decker bus screeched to a halt in front of them, its golden lettering reading “The Knight Bus” shimmering in the moonlight.
Regulus jumped slightly at the sudden appearance of the bus, his eyes wide with surprise. Remus laughed, clearly more familiar with the eccentricities of the public magical world. The doors of the bus swung open with a creak, revealing a gangly conductor in a maroon uniform.
"Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard! My name is Stan Shunpike, and I'll be your conductor this evening. Where to, gents?" the young man asked, barely concealing a yawn.
Regulus glanced at Remus, who looked equally at a loss for words. "Uh, somewhere remote. A magical hotel, if possible," Remus said, thinking on his feet.
Stan raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Remote, eh? Well, we can take you to the Thestral Inn, up in the Peak District. That’s nice and out of the way. Or there’s the Luminous Lodge in Little Whinging, Surrey. Not many wizards go there—might be more what you're lookin' for."
"Surrey sounds perfect," Regulus said quickly. The name of the place seemed inconspicuous enough.
Stan nodded, pocketing the coins Remus handed him. "Right then, to Little Whinging we go!"
The two boys climbed aboard, their feet sinking into the plush carpet of the bus’s interior. The Knight Bus was as chaotic as it was magical—beds and armchairs jumbled together, all seeming to slide precariously with each lurch of the vehicle.
"First time on the Knight Bus?" Stan asked as they made their way to an empty set of chairs that had been haphazardly bolted to the floor.
"Yeah," Regulus admitted, trying to maintain his balance as the bus suddenly took off with another deafening BANG. He nearly toppled into Remus, who grabbed his arm to steady him. "It's... faster than I expected."
Stan chuckled. "Hang on tight, then! We'll be in Surrey before you know it."
The Knight Bus hurtled through the countryside, zipping around bends and corners with reckless abandon. Each time it swerved, the scenery outside the windows changed, flickering from one location to another as if they were teleporting across the country rather than driving. The landscape outside blurred into a swirl of dark greens and blacks, only the occasional village or streetlight illuminating their path.
Regulus glanced over at Remus, who was lounging back in his seat with a casual ease that belied their situation. The tension of the night had finally begun to ease, replaced by a strange sense of calm that neither of them had expected. Perhaps it was the madness of the Knight Bus, or the sheer exhaustion of the last few hours, but everything suddenly seemed a little less dire.
"You alright?" Remus asked, noticing Regulus’s thoughtful silence.
Regulus nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah. I think I am. This feels... strangely right."
Remus grinned back, his eyes warm in the dim light of the bus. "Me too."
After what felt like mere minutes, the bus came to an abrupt stop with another BANG, throwing both boys forward in their seats. They grabbed onto each other instinctively, laughing as they righted themselves.
"Little Whinging, Surrey!" Stan announced, gesturing towards the door as it swung open once more. "Your stop, gents."
They stepped off the bus, their feet landing on a quiet, dimly lit street. The air was cool, with a faint scent of damp earth and freshly cut grass. In front of them stood a quaint, old-fashioned building with ivy climbing up its stone walls. The sign above the entrance read "The Luminous Lodge" in elegant, gold-scripted letters.
"Here we are," Remus said, eyeing the hotel with interest. "Not exactly the middle of nowhere, but it’ll do."
Regulus nodded, still feeling the residual buzz of adrenaline from the bus ride. The quiet street was a stark contrast to the chaos of the Knight Bus, and he found himself appreciating the peacefulness of it. They had made it, for now at least.
"Ready?" Remus asked, his hand brushing against Regulus’s in a subtle, comforting gesture.
Regulus took a deep breath, looking up at the hotel. "Ready," he said, and together, they stepped forward into the night, the world around them full of endless possibilities.
The Luminous Lodge was a charming sight as they approached its entrance. The ivy-covered stone walls glowed faintly under the soft light of the lanterns hanging from the awning. A faint hum of magic seemed to pulse through the air, subtle but unmistakable.
As they pushed through the heavy wooden door, a bell tinkled softly, announcing their arrival. The inside of the lodge was warm and inviting, filled with the scent of polished wood and fresh herbs. The low ceiling was adorned with exposed beams, and the walls were lined with shelves displaying various enchanted knick-knacks and curios. A fire crackled in a hearth at the far end of the room, casting flickering shadows across the space.
The front desk was manned by a middle-aged witch with greying hair tied up in a loose bun, her sharp eyes glancing up from the book she was reading. She seemed surprised to see guests at such a late hour but quickly composed herself, offering them a polite smile.
"Good evening," she greeted, closing her book and setting it aside. "Looking for a room, I take it?"
"Yes, please," Remus said, stepping up to the desk. "One room, preferably with a view."
The witch’s eyes flicked between the two of them, taking in their slightly dishevelled appearance and the hint of shared amusement in their expressions. She smiled knowingly and reached for a key hanging on the wall behind her.
"We’ve only got one room left tonight, but it’s a lovely one. Quaint and cosy, just the way I like it," she said, handing the key to Remus. Her smile widened as she added, "It does, however, only have one bed. I hope that won’t be an issue?"
Remus shot a quick glance at Regulus, whose lips twitched in response. "Not an issue at all," he replied smoothly, taking the key with a nod of thanks.
"Excellent. Your room is on the second floor, third door on the left. Breakfast is served in the dining room from seven to nine, and if you need anything else, don’t hesitate to ask."
"Thank you," Regulus said, his voice warm as he followed Remus toward the staircase. The witch watched them go, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth.
As they climbed the narrow wooden staircase, the floorboards creaked softly beneath their feet, adding to the lodge’s old-world charm. Neither spoke, but there was an unspoken understanding between them—a shared sense of anticipation that neither was quite ready to put into words.
When they reached their room, Remus unlocked the door with a quick flick of his wrist, pushing it open to reveal a nice space bathed in the soft glow of candlelight. The room was exactly as the witch had described—quaint, with a low, sloped ceiling and a large window that overlooked the quiet street below. The bed, which was indeed the only one in the room, was large and inviting, covered in a patchwork quilt that looked as though it had been handmade.
A small table with two chairs sat by the window, and a wooden dresser stood against one wall. The room was simple but charming, with a comforting sense of seclusion that made it feel like their own private haven.
"Well, this is... nice," Regulus remarked, taking in the surroundings. His tone was light, but there was an undercurrent of relief in his voice.
"Very nice," Remus agreed, dropping the key on the table and turning to face Regulus. There was a moment of silence as they both took in the reality of their situation—two teenagers on the run, alone in a magical lodge far from everything they knew.
Regulus couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh, the absurdity of it all finally catching up to him. "So, I guess we’re sharing the bed then?"
"Looks like it," Remus said, his lips curving into a grin. "Unless you’d prefer the floor, of course."
"Not a chance," Regulus shot back, his voice teasing as he moved to the window, looking out at the still, quiet street below. "The bed looks much more comfortable."
Remus chuckled, watching him with a fondness that had grown steadily over the course of the evening. "I agree."
They took their time settling in, each moving with the ease of someone who had found a rare moment of peace in a chaotic world. Regulus shrugged off his jacket and kicked off his shoes, leaving them by the door. Remus did the same, though he took a moment to fold his jumper and place it on the dresser before joining Regulus by the window.
The night outside was dark, the moon hidden behind thick clouds. The only light came from the occasional flicker of a streetlamp, casting long shadows across the pavement. It was quiet, almost eerily so, but that only added to the sense of isolation that had become strangely comforting.
"How long do you think we can stay here before someone notices we’re gone?" Regulus asked, his voice soft as he leaned against the windowsill.
"A few days, maybe," Remus replied, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "Maybe longer, if we’re lucky."
Regulus nodded, accepting the uncertainty of their situation. For now, it didn’t matter. They had escaped, and for the first time in what felt like forever, the future seemed full of possibility rather than dread.
Remus turned to look at Regulus, his expression serious for a moment. "Are you okay with this? Running away, I mean?"
Regulus met his gaze, his grey eyes steady. "Yes," he said, without hesitation. "I am."
There was something in the way he said it—something that spoke of a deep, unshakable resolve. Remus nodded, accepting the answer with a quiet smile.
"Good," he said simply, and with that, they turned away from the window, letting the curtain fall back into place.
They didn’t speak again as they climbed into bed, each taking a side but ending up closer than they’d expected. The bed was warm, the quilt heavy and comforting as they settled beneath it. The mattress dipped slightly under their combined weight, and for a moment, they both lay there in silence, listening to the sound of each other’s breathing.
Regulus closed his eyes, the warmth of the bed and the soft presence of Remus beside him lulling him into a sense of security he hadn’t felt in years. It was strange, to feel safe in a situation so fraught with uncertainty, but that was the magic of the moment—a fragile, fleeting thing that neither wanted to disturb.
"Goodnight, Regulus," Remus murmured, his voice barely a whisper in the dark.
"Goodnight, Remus," Regulus replied.
The quiet of the room was only broken by the faint creaking of the wooden floorboards and the distant sounds of the night outside. But as the minutes ticked by, both Remus and Regulus found themselves lying awake, neither able to slip into the peaceful sleep they'd hoped for.
The reality of their situation, the surge of adrenaline from their escape, and the close proximity to each other kept them restless.
Regulus shifted slightly, pulling the quilt up around his shoulders, trying to get comfortable. But every time he closed his eyes, his thoughts raced-images of what they'd left behind, what they were running from, and most of all, the awareness of Remus lying right beside him.
He could feel the warmth radiating from Remus, the subtle rise and fall of his breathing, and the steady thrum of his heartbeat that seemed to echo in the quiet room. It was impossible to ignore, and soon, Regulus found himself turning over to face him.
Remus was staring at the ceiling, his expression thoughtful, but when he felt Regulus move, he turned his head slightly, their eyes meeting in the dim light.
"Can't sleep?" Regulus asked softly, his voice barely more than a whisper.
Remus shook his head. "No, not really. Too much on my mind, I suppose."
Regulus nodded, understanding all too well. He hesitated for a moment, then scooted a little closer, their legs brushing under the covers. "Me too," he admitted, his voice softer now, almost tentative.
There was a pause, a beat of silence where neither of them moved, both caught in the strange tension that had been building between them all night. Then, almost instinctively, Remus reached out, his hand finding Regulus's in the dark. His touch was gentle, hesitant, as if waiting for some sign that it was okay to continue.
Regulus responded by curling his fingers around Remus's, drawing their joined hands up between them. He could feel the warmth of Remus's skin, the calluses on his fingers, and something inside him stirred-something that he'd been trying to ignore but couldn't anymore.
Without thinking, he shifted even closer, their faces now just inches apart. He could see the way Remus's eyes darkened as he looked at him, the way his breath hitched slightly when their noses nearly brushed.
And then, with a courage that surprised even him, Regulus leaned in and pressed his lips to Remus's.
It was a soft, tentative kiss at first, as if both of them were testing the waters, unsure of where this would lead. But the moment their lips met, it was as if a dam broke. All the tension, the fear, the uncertainty-they poured it into that kiss, and it quickly became something more urgent, more desperate.
Remus responded immediately, his hand coming up to cup the back of Regulus's head, pulling him closer as he deepened the kiss. Regulus let out a soft sigh against his lips, his hand sliding up to rest on Remus's chest, feeling the rapid thrum of his heartbeat beneath his palm.
The kiss grew heated quickly, their bodies pressing together as the need to be close, to feel, overrode any lingering hesitation.
Regulus could taste the faint hint of whiskey on Remus's lips, could feel the warmth of his breath against his skin, and it was intoxicating.
Remus rolled onto his side, pulling Regulus with him until they were fully entwined, their legs tangling together beneath the covers. His hand slipped from Regulus's hair to his back, sliding under the fabric of his shirt to feel the warmth of his skin.
Regulus gasped at the touch, arching into him, and that was all the encouragement Remus needed.
Their kisses grew hungrier, more insistent, as if they were trying to make up for lost time. Regulus's hands roamed over Remus's body, feeling the firm muscles under his clothes, the way he responded to every touch. He could feel the heat building between them, the electric tension that made his skin tingle and his heart race.
Remus's hands were just as eager, sliding under Regulus's shirt to feel the smooth planes of his back, the curve of his spine.
He wanted to memorise every inch of him, to feel every reaction he could draw from Regulus. It was as if they were both caught in a fever, driven by something primal and raw that they couldn't control.
"Reg..." Remus murmured against his lips, his voice rough with need. He didn't know what he wanted to say, what words could possibly convey what he was feeling, but it didn't matter. Regulus silenced him with another kiss, his hands slipping under Remus's shirt, pulling it up and over his head with a sudden burst of impatience.
They broke apart only long enough to discard their clothes, shedding the layers that separated them until there was nothing left but skin against skin, warmth against warmth. The cool air of the room was a stark contrast to the heat between them, making every touch, every brush of their bodies, even more intense.
Remus pulled Regulus close again, their bodies fitting together as if they were made for each other. He kissed him deeply, his hands exploring every inch of him, wanting to memorise the feel of his skin, the sound of his gasps and moans.
Regulus responded with equal fervour, his own hands just as eager, just as desperate to touch and be touched.
They moved together in a rhythm that was both frantic and tender, driven by a need that went beyond words. It was messy and uncoordinated at times, but it didn't matter. All that mattered was the closeness, the heat, the feeling of being completely and utterly alive in that moment.
When they finally broke apart, both of them breathless and flushed, there was a moment of silence as they stared at each other, the weight of what had just happened settling between them. But instead of fear or regret, all they felt was a sense of rightness, of something that had been a long time coming.
Remus reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from Regulus's forehead, his touch gentle now, almost reverent. "Are you okay?" he asked softly, his voice still rough around the edges.
Regulus nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah," he whispered back. "More than okay."
They lay there in the quiet, their bodies still tangled together, the heat of the moment slowly fading into a comfortable warmth.
There were no words to describe the connection they felt, the sense of safety and belonging that had been so elusive for both of them until now.
Remus and Regulus lay entwined under the covers, their bodies close and warm. The faint glow of the moon filtered through the curtains, casting a soft light across the bed. For a while, they simply stayed like that, basking in the comfort of each other's presence, letting the world fall away outside the room's walls.
But the intimacy they shared wasn't just in the quiet moments or the lingering touches. It was in the way they looked at each other now, eyes filled with unspoken emotions, vulnerability, and a kind of longing that went deeper than either of them had realised. The earlier tension that had simmered between them hadn't dissipated; if anything, it had only grown stronger, more insistent.
Regulus's hand, still resting on Remus's chest, began to move slowly, tracing the lines of his collarbone, the dip of his sternum, with a kind of deliberate softness.
Remus's breath hitched slightly at the touch, his skin sensitised from the earlier rush of emotions. He turned his head to meet Regulus's gaze, seeing the same need reflected in those stormy grey eyes.
"Rem..." Regulus's voice was barely more than a whisper, but it held a weight, a question, and an answer all at once.
"Yes." Remus replied just as softly, his voice roughened by the emotions coursing through him. He wasn't entirely sure what Regulus was asking, but he knew his answer regardless. Whatever Regulus wanted, whatever he needed, Remus would give it to him. He wanted to give it to him.
There was no more hesitation. They had already crossed so many lines tonight, and this-this felt like the most natural thing in the world. Regulus shifted closer, his lips finding Remus's in a slow, deliberate kiss that conveyed everything he couldn't say aloud. It was soft at first, tender, but quickly deepened as the need they'd both been trying to ignore took hold.
Remus responded in kind, his hand moving to the back of Regulus's neck, pulling him even closer. Their bodies pressed together, every point of contact sending sparks of electricity through them both. There was a hunger now, a desire that neither of them could deny, a want that had been simmering beneath the surface for too long.
Regulus's hand trailed lower, slipping beneath the waistband of Remus's pyjama trousers, his fingers brushing against bare skin. The sensation sent a shiver down Remus's spine, and he couldn't help the soft moan that escaped his lips. Regulus's touch was gentle, exploring, but there was an underlying urgency to it that matched the rapid beating of his heart.
"Are you sure?" Remus whispered against Regulus's lips, his voice trembling slightly, but it wasn't from fear.
He wanted this-Merlin, he wanted this--but he needed to know Regulus was with him, that this was what they both wanted.
Regulus nodded, his eyes locking with Remus's, the intensity in them leaving no room for doubt. "Yes," he breathed out, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside him. "I'm sure."
The decision made, there was no more need for words.
They moved together with a kind of unspoken understanding, both of them driven by the same need to be as close as possible, to give themselves to each other in a way that neither of them had ever done before.
They shed the last of their clothes slowly, almost reverently, as if savouring the moment. Every touch, every caress was charged with emotion, with the knowledge that this was something special, something they would never forget. They bared their scars to each other and gave soft kisses to each they could find on each others skin. When they were finally skin to skin, the sensation was overwhelming-every nerve ending alight, every inch of their bodies craving more.
Remus rolled them over, pinning Regulus beneath him, their bodies aligning perfectly. He could feel the heat of Regulus's skin against his own, the hardness of his arousal pressing against him, and it only fueled the fire inside him.
He leaned down, capturing Regulus's lips in a searing kiss, his hands roaming over the smooth planes of his chest, down to his hips.
Regulus arched up into him, his breath coming in shallow gasps, his hands gripping Remus's back, nails digging into his skin as the intensity of the moment threatened to overwhelm him. He'd never felt anything like this before-this need, this want that consumed him completely. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once, and he couldn't get enough of it.
Remus pulled back slightly, just enough to look down at Regulus, to see the flush on his cheeks, the way his lips were parted, swollen from their kisses. He looked beautiful-vulnerable and strong all at once, and it made Remus's heart ache with a kind of fierce protectiveness he'd never felt before.
" I want to make this good for you," Remus murmured, his voice rough with emotion.
He wasn't entirely sure what he was doing, but he knew he wanted to make this as perfect as possible for Regulus. He wanted to give him everything.
"You already are," Regulus whispered back, his voice trembling with the weight of everything he was feeling. He reached up, cupping Remus's face with both hands, pulling him down into another kiss. This one was slower, more tender, but no less intense. "Please, Remus...I want this. I want you"
That was all the encouragement Remus needed. He reached down, his hand trembling slightly as he prepared them both, his touch gentle but firm. Regulus's breath hitched, a soft gasp escaping his lips as he felt the first press of Remus's fingers, but there was no fear, only a sense of rightness, of trust.
Remus took his time, wanting to make sure Regulus was ready, that he was comfortable. Every sound, every movement Regulus made was a signal to Remus, guiding him, reassuring him that this was what they both wanted. When he finally positioned himself, ready to join them fully, he paused for just a moment, looking down at Regulus with a question in his eyes.
Regulus's answer was clear in the way he lifted his hips, in the way he met Remus's gaze with unwavering trust. "I'm ready," he whispered, his voice soft but sure.
Remus nodded, and with a deep breath, he slowly pressed forward, entering Regulus with a careful, deliberate movement. The sensation was unlike anything either of them had ever felt-a mixture of pleasure and pain, of connection and intimacy that went beyond the physical. It was overwhelming, and for a moment, neither of them could breathe, the intensity of it stealing the air from their lungs.
But then they moved together, finding a rhythm that was slow and steady at first, building gradually as they adjusted to each other, as the initial discomfort faded into something much more profound. The pleasure built between them, a slow burn that grew hotter with every thrust, with every breathless gasp and whispered name.
Regulus's hands clung to Remus's back, pulling him closer, deeper, as if trying to merge them into one. The sensation of being filled, of being so completely connected to Remus, was overwhelming, and he could feel himself teetering on the edge, the pleasure building to a point where it was almost too much to bear.
Remus was right there with him, his movements becoming more erratic, more desperate as he felt himself nearing the edge. He kissed Regulus fiercely, pouring every ounce of emotion he had into that kiss, wanting to make sure Regulus knew how much he meant to him, how much he wanted this, wanted him.
When they finally fell over the edge together, it was like an explosion-a rush of pleasure that left them both breathless and shaking, their bodies clinging to each other as they rode out the waves of their release.
It was intense, overwhelming, and beautiful, a moment that would stay with them forever.
They stayed like that for a while, their bodies still entwined, their breaths mingling as they slowly came down from the high. Neither of them spoke, but they didn't need to. The connection between them, the unspoken understanding, was enough. They knew what this meant, what they had just shared, and it was more than either of them could have ever hoped for.
Eventually, Remus rolled to the side, pulling Regulus into his arms, holding him close as they both settled under the covers. The room was quiet again, the only sound was the soft rhythm of their breathing, but there was a new sense of peace between them, a sense of contentment that hadn't been there before.
Regulus rested his head on Remus's chest, listening to the steady thump of his heart, feeling the warmth of his body against his own. He felt safe, protected, and for the first time in a long while, he felt like he belonged.
He knew they would have to face the world again in the morning, but for now, all that mattered was this moment, this connection.
"Thank you," Regulus whispered softly, his voice barely audible in the quiet room.
Remus tightened his hold on him, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of his head.
"Always," he replied, his voice filled with a quiet certainty. "I'm always here for you, Reg."
They drifted off to sleep like that, wrapped in each other's arms, the world outside forgotten for a little while longer. And for the first time in what felt like forever, they both felt a sense of peace, of hope, knowing that whatever came next, they would face it together- like real people do.