It had started as a joke—James letting Regulus pick their next date location, just to see what the reserved Slytherin would come up with. But when Regulus suggested the art museum in Hogsmeade, James hadn’t expected how much he’d love it. Well, maybe not the art itself. The shipwreck painting Regulus was intently studying looked dramatic and impressive, sure, but James couldn’t tear his eyes away from the boy beside him. Regulus was the picture of effortless elegance, his crisp white shirt rolled at the sleeves, dark curls haloed by the warm museum lighting.

“Are you even paying attention?” Regulus asked, cutting his gaze toward James with a raised eyebrow.

“Of course I am,” James said quickly, grinning in that boyish way that always earned him a fond sigh. “I just don’t get how staring at a sinking boat is fun.”

Regulus shook his head, though his lips twitched upward. “It’s not just a boat. It’s about the inevitability of disaster and the beauty of survival—never mind, you wouldn’t get it.”

But James didn’t care about the painting’s meaning. He was too busy memorizing the way Regulus’ eyes sparkled when he talked about things he loved, the soft curve of his smile when he thought James wasn’t looking. He might’ve dragged Regulus into chaotic adventures before, but maybe this time, James had finally found the kind of calm he didn’t know he needed.