(Implied trans reggie but not necessarily!)

Regulus had never really thought he'd get this far in his life. Once he had always been sheltered away in the grasps of his family with only his older brother to clutch onto for safety. And now...well, he'd changed far more than he ever could have dreamed.

Regulus had grown into himself in more ways than one. He'd cut his hair only two days after being safe at the Potters once him and Sirius had made it out. Bought an abundance of clothes from charity shops with Remus that his parents would have a fit over.

One of the greatest improvements, perhaps, was the development of fondness towards a particular messy haired seeker. Regulus had never allowed himself to explore this side of his heart before but it became more rewarding with each passing moment between them.

Especially tonight at the seventh years' Yule Ball. The last day before Christmas break. Regulus had decided to not give a single fuck what anyone thought of him and, with the aide of Pandora and Dorcas, came in a flowing blue dress with heels, among a light dusting of makeup.

It had taken a lot of courage but he'd been strong enough to ignore most of the stares...until Snape had to open his mouth. That ruined it for Regulus and he found himself storming out towards the Astronomy tower stairs.

There had only been a few moments of him holding his knees close against the cold winter air before the sound of footfall caught his ears. Regulus looked up and his heart did a treacherous leap at the sight. James Potter looking at him with that soft gaze. "There's no after party in the Astronomy tower, Potter."