A/N: This will be 31 one-shots and drabbles all about James and Regulus. Most will be romantic, some platonic, and others undefined. They will not be set in the same universe and not all of them will be about Christmas. This is my first attempt at Jamulus, so here's to hoping I do this right! Reviews are always nice. ;)
Title: It's Better Now
Summary: James, for one, is eager to know what house Regulus Black will be sorted into.
Written Primarily For: Harry Potter Christmas Collection Competition
Prompt(s): 1. [word] Celebration; 42. [feeling] Joyful
Also For: AU Challenge/Competition 100 Points- 21. Best Friend's Sibling; Bad Movie Tuesday- [dialogue] 'I don't understand anything you're saying.'- Underwear Model; Alchemy Academy- Application; Gringotts Wizarding Prompt Bank Prompts Galore- Magical World AU: Different House AU
Word count: 773
Disclaimer: Nope. Never Have, Never Will.
It's Better Now
James Potter was giddy with excitement. He was practically bouncing off the walls. He looked at his best mate, Sirius Black, who had turned rather pale. James nudged Sirius with his elbow. "What's the matter? Aren't you happy? You should be joyful like me!"
Sirius gave a shaky laugh looking at the pile of first years which were ready to be sorted. "Y-yeah."
James peered at the crowd which according to Sirius held his little brother, Regulus Black. James quickly found Regulus among the other students. He couldn't help but notice how similar Regulus and Sirius looked. He easily saw the tenseness in Regulus's shoulder. "Well, if anybody has the right to be nervous it has to be Regulus. He looks so adorable standing there nervously!"
"Too true." Sirius gave a sharp laugh then turned quickly to James. "OI! Who gave you the right to call Reggy by his first name?"
James looked dumbfounded at Sirius. Remus gave a soft chuckle and Peter blinked in confusion. "I don't understand a thing you're saying."
"He's my brother, Potter. You can't be too chummy with him. Not before me at least," Sirius declared, nodding forcefully. He looked darkly at Regulus who had a cool mask on. "We're not even sure he'll be sorted into Gryffindor. With my awful parents who knows what sort of crap they've fed to him."
Remus snorted loudly that the Marauders heads whipped around to meet his quickly. Remus covered his mouth, grinning childishly.
"What?" demanded Sirius hotly.
Remus gave James a look. "Well, you turned out fine, didn't you? Despite all the 'crap' you say they talk."
James grinned, catching the sneaky look in Remus' eyes. "Definitely. Makes me wonder how much crap you ate!"
Peter squeaked, "I bet hundreds of mouth fulls!"
"That's sick," Sirius drawled, his mouth in a wide grin. "You're all sick!"
"We will now begin the sorting!" Professor McGonagall's loud voice rang in the room.
The boys fixed their attention at the nervous looking bunch as they tried the Sorting Hat on. It wasn't long before Regulus' name was called.
"Black, Regulus!"
The boys unconsciously leaned forward waiting to hear the Hat's decision. It was the first time Regulus looked over at the Gryffindor table. James was startled when grey eyes found his brown ones. He smiled encouragingly after his initial shock. Regulus looked bewildered that James had noticed him. He smiled hesitantly back at James. The Sorting Hat had made his decision in that instant.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Sirius leaped up to his feet roaring with happiness. James, Remus, and Peter quickly gave Sirius a ginormous hug as he began to cry. The Gryffindor table went wild as they clapped and cheered for Regulus who stiffly made his way over. Sirius detangled himself from the group hug and hugged Regulus instead. Regulus seemed to soften under his brother's touch.
"I'm so proud of you Reggy!" Sirius cried.
Regulus pushed Sirius off in embarrassment. "Sirius, stop!"
James laughed and grabbed a very surprised Regulus away from Sirius. James threw an arm over Regulus. "Welcome to Gryffindor!"
Regulus nodded pleased. He smiled slightly as James rambled on about how this was the best house ever and how lucky it was that Regulus choose this house and not stinkin' Slytherin.
"When are you going to let him go?" Sirius asked after some time, narrowing his eyes at James's arm.
James looked down at Regulus who shifted uncomfortably at his gaze. James removed his arm immediately. "I didn't even notice!"
Regulus's cheeks tinged with a soft pink. "It's okay."
James nodded, his eyes sparkling. "Let the celebration begin!"
Sirius grinned, punching James in the arm. "At least let the other kids be sorted, too!"
The feast seemed even better now that James wasn't a first year anymore. When he was a first year he worried too much about making friends and not looking like a fool. Perhaps it was those thoughts that lead him to try to include Regulus in every conversation. He nudged Regulus and ruffled his hair affectionately. Time flew by quickly and the night grew even shorter. James couldn't help it but his eyes always seemed to find Regulus's. Every single time his eyes found Regulus's own, he couldn't help but smile. His arm felt completely natural and at ease on Regulus's shoulder that he didn't even notice how weird it must have looked. Especially to overprotective Sirius. James grinned putting the thoughts out of his mind. He would wonder what it meant that he found Regulus adorably cute later on in the year. Now that Regulus Black was here, it was only going to get better.