Like Real People Do // Jegulus

The stone walls of Hogwarts would usually be a welcoming sight to James, but he found it to be difficult to even pay them any attention.

The only thought running through his mind was that of Lily Evans and if she would even make it to Hogwarts in one piece.

It was a stupid plan, and James was kicking himself for allowing Regulus to make all of the decisions.

He was James Potter, former head boy and natural born leader. And to keep the peace, he had been allowing Regulus to make the decisions at every turn.

But not any longer. As James marched down the hallway towards Dumbledore's office, he had decided that protecting those he loved came before getting along with Regulus Black.

The gargoyle sprang out of the way when James got close enough, not even asking for a password. James and Regulus both, still not uttering a single word, marched up the steps to meet their old headmaster. 

"Mister Potter, Mister Black. I wish we were meeting under better circumstances."

"Is Lily here?" James asked, not bothering with pleasantries.

"I have yet to see Miss Evans," Albus glanced between the two. "Would you mind explaining what  happened?"

Throwing himself into the chair across from Albus and completely forgetting that Regulus was in the room, James recanted the story of running into the Lestranges as Regulus stood silently on the opposite side of the room.

"We have to put her under some sort of protection, Professor Dumbledore. Bellatrix won't stop until she's dead. I won't have anything happening to Lily."

"And they have the horcrux now?" Albus finally asked.

"Unfortunately," Regulus finally spoke, crossing his arms over his chest.

The redhead in question, in a flurry of long, bright hair, waltzed directly into Albus's office, chest heaving.

"What's wrong? Is someone hurt?" She panted, hands on her hips from the exertion of running through Hogwarts.

"Lils!" 

James was on his feet and rushing to her as soon as she opened her mouth, his arms wrapping around her and pulling her close. 

"Oh. Hi, James. Alright, then?"

"I'm just glad you've arrived in one piece," James breathed a sigh of relief, letting a small chuckle mix within it. 

"I'm afraid we bring bad news," Regulus announced to the room, giving none of them time to enjoy their moment. "Bellatrix Lestrange wants you dead."

Lily laughed nervously, detangling herself from James, "What's new? They've wanted me dead for years."

"No," Regulus shook his head, looking at the floor. "You, specifically."

"Why?"

"We couldn't let her see Regulus, given, you know, the....time travel," James attempted to explain. "So, when Regulus caught her with a spell, she thought it was you."

"And your berk of a boyfriend pulled me out before I could finish her off."

"He's not my boyfriend-"

"I am not a berk!" 

James and lily spoke at the same time, their words overlapping one another and causing the room to fall into silence, the three looking at one another.

"Very well," Albus finally spoke from behind his desk. "Miss Evans, you are more than welcome to stay within the castle until this is taken care of. Hogwarts can and will protect you."