21.07.2026 - 416 words
@jeggyverses-jegulus-microfic - castle
The castle is quiet at night. Regulus loves it. He started sneaking out past curfew in his third year, enjoying the feeling of roaming the imposing, empty halls, the only sound the echo of his own footsteps.
His favourite spot by far was the Astronomy Tower. He could spend hours up there, staring at the moonlit sky, trying to identify the stars and constellations.
The only person he’d ever brought up there with him was Pandora. Once or twice. Otherwise, he liked to spend those moments by himself. He didn’t feel the need for company. Not until recently.
“Is that Venus?”
Regulus looks over his shoulder, his heart skipping a beat as Potter appears from beneath his Invisibility Cloak. It’s an impressive piece of magic, that. Regulus wasn’t surprised to find out he owned one: the Potters were known to be a wealthy family that probably owned dozens of valuable magical artefacts. But it certainly was spectacular to see one in real life, especially one in such good condition.
“Yes.” Regulus looks back up at the sky. “She’s brightest tonight.”
Potter joins him at the railing, his upper arm pressing against Regulus’s, warm and reassuring. He allows it.
They’ve been meeting like this for a few weeks now. Regulus likes it more than he’d like to admit.
“How was your Herbology test?”
“Aced it.”
“Thanks to my old course notes.”
Regulus shakes his head and fails to hide a smile. “Thanks to your old course notes that you copied from Lupin.”
James feigns innocence. “I have no idea what you’re on about.”
They stand there for a while, talking about everything and nothing. Regulus wishes it could last forever, but he knows he has Potions first thing the next morning. Slughorn likes to surprise them with unannounced tests, and he doesn’t want to flunk one because he couldn’t keep his eyes open.
“Well.” He sighs. “I have to go if I want to get some proper sleep.”
Potter nods. “Yeah… You’re right. I probably should go to bed too.”
He stands up straight and starts to fuss with his Invisibility Cloak, but then hesitates. For a moment, he seems to be summoning all his courage before finally leaning in. His lips press against Regulus’s cheek. It lasts mere seconds, but he’s sure he’ll feel it linger for days to come.
“Goodnight, Regulus.”
Before he can return the favour, Potter wraps the Cloak around himself, and he’s gone. He leaves Regulus standing there, flustered, his face hot.
Merlin… How is he ever going to get a wink of sleep now?














