Chapter Text
Andromeda Black was many things — a rebel, a blood traitor, a runaway — but above all, she was fiercely protective of those she loved. So when she left the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black for a better life, she didn’t go alone. She took the one person she couldn't bear to leave behind: seven-year-old Regulus.
Regulus didn't go to Hogwarts like everyone expected. No, Andromeda raised him far from the pureblood world — in a quiet muggle town, where he attended a local school and learned how to properly charm a kettle before ever holding a wand.
By the time Sirius ran away to the Potters' in fifth year, Andromeda and Regulus had carved out a strange but happy little life. Tonks — or Dora, as they called her — was Regulus’ chaos incarnate younger sister, and though they bickered like mad, they were thick as thieves.
So when Sirius wrote to Andromeda, desperate to reconnect with the family he still had left, she agreed to see him — but only if he brought those 'lovely little friends' he wouldn't stop bragging about.
Cue a summer meeting no one would forget.
The Potter fireplace roared to life , and out stepped Sirius, James, Remus, and Peter, dusty but excited. Sirius was buzzing, practically vibrating with nerves.
"Alright, alright, you lot — don't say anything weird, yeah?" Sirius said, running a hand through his hair. "Reg can be... intense."
James grinned. "Since when do we say normal things, Pads?"
Remus chuckled quietly. "I'm sure it'll be fine."
Peter just looked nervous.
When Andromeda opened the door to her cozy cottage, she was nothing like they expected — pretty and sharp-eyed, giving Sirius a proper hug that nearly made him tear up.
And then — there was Regulus .
Leaning casually in the doorway, sleeves rolled up, dark hair longer than Sirius remembered — sharp-featured and smug, like he knew every secret you had and was ready to ruin your day with them.
"Wow, if it isn't my favorite disappointing brother," Regulus said, smirking. "And he's brought friends. Planning an intervention or an orgy?"
"Reg," Andromeda said warningly, but Sirius just barked a laugh.
"Nice to see you haven't changed, Reggie."
The Marauders just... stared .
Because this Regulus was nothing like they remembered from family whispers. He was confident, a little cocky, sharp as a whip — and hot .
"Hi," James blurted, stepping forward. "I'm James Potter. This is Remus, and Peter."
Regulus raised a brow. "Charmed."
Dora — tiny, wild-haired, bright-eyed Dora — came charging down the hall. "SIRIUS!" she squealed, tackling him.
"Hey, kiddo!" Sirius laughed, spinning her around.
Tonks blinked up at Remus, her eyes going wide. "You're really tall ," she whispered in awe.
Regulus snickered. "She’s gonna have a crush on you for months, you know."
Remus turned red.
James grinned. " Gonna? I think it's already happening."
Dora glared at them. "I DO NOT."
Regulus leaned closer to Remus, voice a smooth purr. "Don’t worry. I’ll protect you from the terror."
Remus flushed deeper.
The afternoon went on , filled with awkward introductions, tea (with Regulus making very pointed remarks about "purebloods who can't figure out a kettle"), and a lot of Sirius catching up with Andromeda.
Meanwhile, James and Remus couldn’t stop sneaking glances at Regulus , and Peter seemed stuck between awe and panic.
"Since when is your brother..." James muttered, nudging Sirius as Regulus laughed at something Dora said, head thrown back, sunlight hitting him just right.
"Hot?" Sirius finished dryly. "I know, it's weird for me too."
Regulus sauntered over, smirking. "You talking about me, Potter?"
James turned scarlet. "What? No! Definitely not!"
Regulus raised a brow. "Shame."
Remus choked on his tea.
Dinner was chaos.
Tonks was telling Remus all about her shape-shifting abilities and trying (and failing) to turn her hair red to match Lily’s. Regulus sat next to Remus and James, leaning a little too close every time he passed the butter, smirking when Remus stuttered over his words.
"So," Regulus said lazily, twirling his fork. "What's it like going to Hogwarts? Full of pureblood nonsense still?"
"Not as much with people like us around," James said quickly, puffing out his chest.
Remus rolled his eyes. "It's gotten better."
Regulus smirked. "Sure it has. You’re just saying that because you think I'm cute."
James and Remus both sputtered.
Sirius groaned. "Reg, stop harassing my friends!"
"But it’s fun , Siri," Regulus said sweetly.
Later that night , when Sirius was talking to Andromeda, James and Remus cornered Regulus in the garden .
"You’re... not what we expected," Remus said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Not a stiff, miserable little pureblood?" Regulus teased. "Yeah, well. People change."
James bit his lip, staring at Reg. "You know... you’re really—"
" What ?" Regulus smirked.
"Nothing," James muttered, turning red.
Regulus stepped closer. "You boys have been looking at me all night. If I didn't know better, I'd think you wanted a kiss as a thank you for visiting."
Remus squeaked .
Regulus chuckled darkly. "Cute."
Tonks came barreling out of the house. "Remus! You promised you'd help me learn that cool spell!"
Regulus watched her with a soft smile before turning back to them, sharp again. "You boys play nice now."
And with that, he was gone.
Later, in their guest room , Sirius stared at his friends.
"What the hell is wrong with you lot?"
James threw himself onto the bed, groaning. "Your brother is so hot."
"I KNOW," Sirius wailed. “It’s so unfair, I’m supposed to be the hot one.”
Remus, face buried in a pillow, just mumbled, "I’m gonna marry him."
Peter, wide-eyed, nodded. "He's terrifying."
Sirius sighed. "You’re all hopeless."
And in the kitchen, Regulus listens to them from the open windows, smirking.
"Idiots," he muttered fondly.
Andromeda laughed behind him. "They like you."
Regulus hummed. "Yeah. I know."
"But do you like them?"
Regulus smiled, softer this time. "Maybe."