Like Real People Do - Regulus Black - Marauders Era

22. Routine

The sun was high in the sky. Spring was near and the heat was there; in between the cold breezes and dry gardens. Emma Potter, an avid summer hater, was already sweating. Her hair was heavy on her back and her neck was breaking in an uncomfortable sweat. Despite that, she was having fun. Training with Gideon was fun. Moody had tasked Gideon with training with her, and at first, she had complained. She was training, in her own way, reading about dark magic- but, really, Gideon made her laugh and he was fun. It was exhilarating.

No one knew about Regulus yet. There had been no meetings, except for the training sessions the boys had every day with Moody and Diggle, and the occasion had never arisen. Regulus was glad for that- and Emma liked seeing him glad. He was beginning to let loose, too. Emma had even found him laughing with Remus once. Laughing. That she had been shocked would be an understatement.

Everything had been unusually calm. Voldemort had hidden. No one knew where he was or what he was doing. They had no contact with the other side now, but there hadn't been any raids or murders or any action whatsoever.

Fabian claimed they were planning something big. Everyone was nervous because of that- so they trained. Harder and twice as usual.

"Dark magic is about intention." Emma was surprised to hear Regulus talk. So far, he had been sitting by the window, reading. He was standing now, the book left in the chair, and he had taken his coat off. He had been using muggle clothes now, everyone in James' house did, and in Emma's opinion, he looked better than ever.

They hadn't- well, they hadn't even kissed ever since he got there. He had been recovering and then the opportunity hadn't... she wasn't sure what had happened. Maybe it was because James lived with them and it seemed- weird, but- Godric, she fancied him so much. It was killing her.

Gideon stepped forward, facing him. "I know-"

Regulus didn't let Gideon finish. "You don't want to hurt her. You could never use dark magic against her- use it on me."

He stood up, walking to where Gideon was, slightly limping. His limp would be permanent, Poppy had said, because of the damage he had in his nerves. In between whispers, Lily had told Emma it had probably been caused by a really harsh Cruciatus curse. Emma's heart squeezed hard whenever she saw him limp. She protested, he was supposed to be resting, but he ignored Emma's protests, and stood, legs open, wand prepared.

Gideon grinned at him. "I'm starting to like you."

Regulus ignored him completely, sending a dark curse that Gideon barely avoided. "Stop talking."

Gideon's eyes were wide with joy. "I like it when you boss me around-" This time, Regulus' curse hit him and he let out a whine. A pig's nose was now on his face, pink and round.

Emma laughed faintly. "Don't be mean." She said, and she surprised herself by sounding like her mother.

Regulus flashed her a grin. "I am mean. It's in my nature."

Gideon sent him a curse that Regulus avoided, while he laughed mockingly. "Well, Prewett, you are as slow as you were with Quidditch. Dark Magic is fast, quick. Unexpected." Emma had never been so turned on in her fucking life. He walked as he spoke, long and careful steps, elegant as he always was. He avoided yet another curse Gideon sent and smirked, teasingly. "I am expecting everything you do, Gideon."

Gideon huffed. He tried again, and again, and again. One after the other. They didn't reach Regulus. He was too fast, too good. Deep down, it troubled her. How much had he endured to be such a good dueler? How much had he been hit- cursed- hexed- to be so skilled now?