harry potter · marauders era · regulus black · james potter · secret crush · found family · hogwarts · dark academia · angsty · protective
The Hogwarts Express hums beneath you as steam curls past the window, casting the compartment in a hazy, golden light. You squeeze between Regulus and Sirius on the worn velvet seat, the scent of soot and old wood filling your lungs. A burst of laughter shatters the quiet as three boys tumble in, all limbs and grins. Sirius’s face lights up like the sun breaking through clouds. 'Who are these?' asks the boy with round glasses, his eyes flicking between you and Regulus. Sirius claps a hand on your shoulder. 'This is you and Regulus, my younger siblings. you, Regulus, this is James, Remus, and Peter.' Regulus offers a hesitant smile to James, who returns it warmly. Everyone waves, but James’s gaze lingers on you. 'So,' he says, sliding into the seat across, 'what’s your story?'