Chapter Text
Regulus didn't expect his first day of university to go so smoothly.
That feeling of smoothness and ease has been foreign to him ever since his parents died.
The day that house burned down was both the best and worst day of his life.
He was walking back from his summer job, when he got an unusually strong smell of smoke. He shrugged it off thinking it was just some of the stupid teenagers from the next neighbourhood over burning some old furniture or something, but as he got closer to his house, he felt slightly uneasy. He could see the smoke now, coming out in thick plumes that flowed into the sky. He turned the corner, and there it was. His house, the place where the most impactful moments of his life had happened, both good and bad, engulfed in a sea of flames.
For a long time he just stood there. Regulus assumed he was just in shock. He doesn't know how long he was stood there for, just staring, not processing what was going on.
His parents died in that fire, the people who ruined his life, berated him and abused him both mentally and physically, made him feel worthless, and he felt nothing. He felt nothing.
He didn't feel anything for a while after that. He sorted out the inheritance with a lawyer, bought a small flat in the city, and just floated around for a while, getting on with life.
That was until a month ago, when his acceptance letter to Hogwarts University showed up at his flat.
That day, he broke down in tears.
He signed up to that university to try and finally get away from his parents, when everything started getting worse, when they realized that Regulus wasn't going to be exactly what they wanted him to be. And he did get away, just not how he thought he would.
It was from then on that Regulus decided he was going to start fresh. In college, he would be a new person, and he could rebuild. He could finally get away from the burden that came with being a Black.
So, he signed up for shared accommodation, registered for his classes (he was praying that there wouldn't be any too early in the morning, because Regulus cannot function anytime before 10 am), and packed up all his belongings into boxes to bring with him.
It was a strange feeling, freedom. Finally being able to have full control over his life and what he was going to do. Regulus felt weightless. Like he could just lift off the ground and fly wherever he wanted and no one could stop him.
---
When he walked through the Hogwarts entrance, stupidly large bag on his back, he took a deep breath. The place smelled of eucalyptus, relaxing and comforting. "This is where I belong," Regulus thought.
He walked up to the front desk and asked for his schedule, which he would look at once he got to his dorm. He's sharing it with two other first year students, and Regulus hopes that they're not too insufferable. He is trying to make new friends after all.
He walked around for a while, looking at the different classrooms and lectures halls. It was a Saturday, so there wasn't any classes going on, which gave Regulus free reign to look around without accidentally sticking his head into a room full of students.
The place had some incredible facilities. There was a giant auditorium for theatre students, a different building for the dance students and a whole section of the school was set up for sports. Like, a giant part. There was one of the biggest soccer fields Regulus has ever seen, a massive indoor court that could be used for a whole array of different sports, and Regulus' favourite, an indoor swimming pool.
Regulus made a mental note to find some time to try it out. He also made a mental note to hang around this area to see if there's any good looking guys around. Regulus has a type, and it may or may not include super athletic guys who play sports, but hey, who can blame him?
By this point it was getting kind of late, so Regulus decided to make his way to his dorm. He hoped his roommates weren't there yet just so he could have some time to himself in his new living space, but of course, not everything can go Regulus' way.
---
When he opened the door, there was two guys sitting on a bed, talking and laughing quite loudly. They were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn't even notice Regulus for a few minutes. Regulus hadn't moved from the doorframe, confused as to why these guys were talking like they've known each other for years when it's only the first week of uni.
One of the guys had bright blonde curls and striking blue eyes. He was wearing jeans and a cream quarter-zip. At least Regulus knows one of his roommates has some concept of fashion.
The other guy was a bit different. He had a load of tattoos that went from his wrists all the way up to his neck. His hair was brown with some green streaks in the front that he had obviously done himself because the sections were all off. His eyes matched his hair(well, the green part). He had this sort of devilish glint in his eye that told Regulus that no matter if he becomes friends with him or not he will be victim to some mean pranks.
From first impressions, these guys didn't seem too bad.
"Hey, I'm Evan." The blonde guy jumped off the bed to greet Regulus. "Didn't see you there." Regulus smiled at him, trying his best to seem friendly, while he was actually panicking inside, because these guys know each other already. What if they don't like Regulus and just decide to shut him out?
These ideas were swiftly shut down when the guy with the badly dyed hair sprung off of the bed and grabbed Regulus into a hug. "What's up! I'm Barty." Regulus just stood there. He was very taken aback by this sudden display of affection.
"Barty stop, you didn't even ask first,"
the blonde guy, no, Evan exclaimed.
"Oh, yeah, right, sorry," Barty said, looking a little ashamed."I was just excited. New place, new opportunities, new friends, y'know."This was a bit too much for Regulus' brain to handle. What the hell is going on?
"So, me and Barty have already picked our beds, but don't worry, yours is still in a good spot. In my opinion, we got one of the best dorms in terms of layout," Evan rambled, obviously trying to make up for what just happened.
"Yeah, sounds good, I'm Regulus by the way," Regulus replied. "Woah cool name," Barty said. "Yeah, my parents had a thing for astronomy," Regulus mumbled. He didn't like talking about his parents, especially not to strangers, but it is something he's going to have to do to make some new friends. "Sick," Evan said.
"You really don't talk much, do you?" Barty interrupted. "Oh my God Barty, if you don't learn how to put on a filter this year you are going to scare off everybody we meet!" Evan yelled, obviously annoyed. "Well, I'll only scare off the people who I don't want around, and that will be on purpose, I can guarantee that," Barty grinned.
It was by now that Regulus realized that these guys definitely had an established relationship, as they continued to bicker in the corner while Regulus laid his things out on to his bed. He only brought the essentials, like a weeks worth of clothes, toiletries and some little trinkets to make the place feel like his. The rest of his stuff would be coming in the next few weeks.
They stayed like that for a while, the two boys bickering while Regulus sorted through his things, until Regulus finally worked up the courage to start a conversation, because he's here to make friends, and he can't have everything thinking he's a wallflower, because that's what he used to be, not what he is now.
"So, did you guys know each other before uni, or?" Regulus asked. "Oh yeah, me and Ev have been friends since secondary school, I guess it's kind of obvious the way we talk to each other," Barty replied, looking up from his phone which him and Evan had both been looking at.
"Yeah, I could feel the energy of, like, history from you guys, you know?" Regulus said. "To be honest, we haven't known anything but each other for a long time, which is why we wanted another roommate, to try and meet some new people, to branch out," Evan said.
Then, he got an almost shocked (but also embarrassed at the same time) look on his face. "Oh no, we've been totally ignoring you this whole time haven't we," Evan gasped.
"Well, kind of, but, not really, like, I haven't tried to instigate a conversation with you guys either," Regulus replied, trying to sound reassuring. "No, we're so sorry, come on, we want to know about you, sit," Barty retorted, patting the empty space on the bed next to him and Evan.
For a few hours, the three of them were exchanging stories and fun facts about themselves while also sorting through Regulus' things.
This was definitely not how Regulus thought his first day would go, but it was still a very good way for it to happen.
~~~
James knows that he probably shouldn't have gone for a run before putting all of his and Sirius' stuff into the back of his Jeep, because now his lower back muscles are screaming for mercy, but he needed to get rid of the nervous energy before they got to Hogwarts.
It's his second year in the university, and he's so ready for it to be the best year of his life that he thinks he could burst with anticipation, and spontaneously combusting before he even stepped foot inside the building would not be a good start to the year.
He's planning on becoming the first ever second year student to be captain of the soccer team. He know he can do it, he has the talent, but he also has the motivation. Everyone on the team likes him, and they all have such a large amount of respect for him it's insane. James thinks it's because of how he treats everyone, but Sirius insists it's just because everyone on the team thinks he's fit. Realistically, it's probably a mix of both.
Anyway, another part of James' plan to have the best year ever is to throw some killer parties. He had some big ones last year, but this year he's going to a whole other level. He had the best group of friends ever and they have so many connections that they'll probably get the majority of the student body at the party.Even the quiet ones who don't seem like they could party.
Remus knows exactly how to persuade them into coming, and most of the time they end up being the ones who have the most fun.
Also, James is planning on going to the museums around the city alot more this year to help with his classes. He finds that being able to analyse the paintings and the sculptures while they're in front of him makes it much easier for him to turn his thoughts into words. He enjoys the quiet of the museum as well. It will probably be the only silence he will get to experience all year.
Don't get James wrong, he loves his friends, but being energetic and loud all the time can be draining, and he likes having time to unwind alone.
Once James finished loading all of the boxes into his car (there are a lot, because Sirius has enough clothes to dress a small country), he ran back into the house to yell at Sirius to hurry up before rushing into the kitchen to say goodbye to his parents.
"Mami, me and Sirius are leaving now," he whispers into her ear from behind. They do that alot to each other, trying to catch each other by surprise. James failed this time, because his mother was waiting for him. She spun around and pulled James into a hug so warm only a mother could give it. "Goodbye mi sol, make sure to keep in touch and be safe, I love you," she whispers back. "I know Mami, I will, I promise," James replies, his eyes starting to well up with tears. He hates goodbyes, even though he knows he will be ringing his mother tonight after he gets settled in.
Then he went looking for his father, though it didn't take him long to find him, as he was where he always is, tending to his plants in the garden. Since retiring early, James' father has become very interested in horticulture and spends every free moment he has out in the garden.
"Papa, me and Sirius are about to go, I don't know what Sirius is doing, but I'm sure he'll be out in a minute," James said. "Ah yes, well we should know at this point to never expect Sirius to be on time," Monty chuckled. "Well, it would help if was able to wake up before 10 am," James laughed. "Come here mijo, give your old man a hug before you leave," he smiled, pulling James into a large bear hug. "I love you," James said softly, eyes brimming with tears again. "Have fun, James, and keep me updated, you know I always give the best advice," Monty joked. "Of course I will," James replied.
After that, James went back inside and yelling at Sirius that if he doesn't get his ass down the stairs in the next five minutes he will drive to Hogwarts without him. Right before James goes out the door, he hears scrambling upstairs and knows that that threat worked, even though he knows he would never go through with it. He goes out the door laughing and jumps into his car to before Sirius abruptly follows him.
---
James and Sirius were sitting at the bottom of the stairs after their third round of bringing boxes up to their dorm when Peter came in. He was greeted by a lot of hooting, hollering and jumping from both James and Sirius that was promptly followed by him being tackled to the floor by Sirius.
"Jesus Sirius, I can barely breathe, get off," Peter croaked. "Yeah I missed you too Pete," Sirius says, pushing himself up. "Hey Pete, how's it going?" James says while pulling him into a tight hug. He hasn't seen Peter since their holiday in Tenerife together in June, he had obviously texted him and called him, but seeing each other in person is just different. "I really missed you guys," Pete murmured. "Oh yeah, well you're gonna regret saying that in about two weeks when you remember how annoying we are to live with," Sirius joked, playfully punching Peter in the shoulder.
"Looks like you guys could use some help," Peter grimaced, while giving the pile of boxes a glare that could've burned a hole through them. "I hate to break it to you, but I have even more boxes in the back of my car."
"Nothing an extra pair of hands can't help with," Remus said while pushing open the door. Sirius' smile doubled in size when he saw Remus. James doesn't think Sirius even realized. He jumped up to give Remus a hug, but he didn't tackle him to the floor like he did with Peter. Sirius had always been more gentle with Remus. Anyway, Sirius knows that Remus would body slam him to the floor if he even tried anything, because even though he doesn't look it, that man is strong.
"I really missed you, Remus," Sirius half-whispered into Remus' neck, even though he knew everyone would be able to hear him. "I missed you too, but we really need to get these boxes upstairs, because if we don't do it today we'll never get it done," Remus said while pushing away from Sirius gently. "I second that decision," Peter interjected.
So, they took all of their belongings up into their dorm, which only took the bones of two hours, which James didn't think was too bad because if Remus and Peter hadn't shown up when they did, it could've taken even longer.
They lounged around for a while, catching each other up on some parts of the summer that they haven't already talked about in their group chat.
Remus was ranting about a course he took with one of his favourite authors over the summer, talking about something fancy they learned about writing techniques, when James looked over at Sirius.
He was lying on his stomach, chin in his hands, starry-eyed looking at Remus rambling. James had never seen Sirius look at anyone like that except for Remus.
James pities his friend. He is so down bad for Remus and he doesn't think he even realizes.
James and Peter had a pact after the first month of first year that if they don't have sex after 3 months then they would force them into a supply cupboard until something happened, but then they realized that it wasn't like that.
It wasn't just pent up sexual tension, it was more like a connection.
One night, after one too many beers, Sirius admitted to James that he felt like it was a magnetic pull that was dragging him towards Remus ever since he first laid eyes on him.
That same night, he blacked out and couldn't remember the last two days, so James kept that to himself.
He secretly hopes he can feel like that about someone.
Don't get him wrong, he's had partners before, but he's never felt that way about someone before.
James realized that he had zoned out while looking over at Sirius, and now feels like he's been staring it him, so he abruptly looks away.
Sirius had obviously seen him look away, then realized that James had seen him looking at Remus, because he cleared his throat to change the subject just as Remus finished talking.
"So, we don't have classes till Monday-" Sirius yawned while stretching back onto his bed, "Which means we have a whole 36 hours to have fun and wreak some havock" James continued. They do that alot, finishing each others sentences. It's like they're brains are connected. Remus likes to say that they share one singular braincell, so he's not completely wrong.
"Any ideas?" Peter asked.
The boys sat in silence for a few seconds. The cogs inside their brain were turning, trying to find the best way to start their year off with a bang.
"I've got it!" Sirius exclaimed. "What?" The other three asked.
"If we go to the girl's house now for drinks and party for a few hours, then come back here till the afternoonx then we'll have the whole evening and night to sleep off the hangover and be ready for classes," Sirius suggested.
"Sounds like a good idea to me," Peter said.
"Yeah, and I heard that the girls are getting a new roommate, some girl who transferred from this other college down south, Lily was telling me about her," Remus added.
This sounded perfect to James. Meet back up with the girls after a few months if not seeing them, meet a new friend, have some drinks, chill and then sleep it off the next day. Literal paradise.
"Ok so, I'll message Marlene and tell her we're coming over around 9," Sirius volunteered.
"Dibs the first shower!" Peter shouted while racing towards the bathroom.
"Oh Pete you dick, you know I drove 4 hours here in a tiny, stuffy car, and my back is killing me!" Remus yelled, chasing after him.
"Sheep shagger!" Peter teased as he locked the door to the bathroom.
The next ten minutes consisted of Remus banging his fist against the door while simultaneously yelling some impressive strings of curse words as Peter showered.
James layed back on his bed, laughing to himself, wondering how he got so lucky to have some of the best friends in the world
~~~
Pandora was nervous.
For the first time in her life, Pandora was nervous.
Normally, she just goes with the flow, takes life as it comes to her, y'know?
But today, something was different. It was like someone was pulling her forward by the stomach and she couldn't stop it.
Pandora just assumed it was the nerves of moving schools, being the 'new girl', but that wasn't it. She just couldn't put a pin on it.
It wasn't until Lily Evans opened the door to Pandora's new home for the next nine months, that it clicked.
Fuck.
Pandora had never shared a living space with a girl, let alone four of them. She's only ever shared a room with her brother, Evan, and in her old uni, everyone had individual dorms. And now, she was going to live in a house, off campus, full of attractive women.
Pandora is so, so, doomed.
When she knocked on the door, she didn't know what she expected to happen, but she definitely didn't expect to be faced with one of the most stunning women she's ever seen.
Lily really was gorgeous. Not just her face, but her aura. In the space of two seconds, Pandora felt warmth, safety, kindness and caring radiate from her.
Her eyes were deep green like the forest behind Pandora's childhood home, and her striking hair cascaded down her back like a storm of fire.
Her freckles were a paint splatter on her face, abstract and beautiful. Everything about this girl was beautiful.
This was before Lily even started talking.
"Hi, Pandora right? I'm Lily," she smiled.
"Yeah, I-I'm Pandora, that's me," she stuttered.
Jesus, she's really messing this up, isn't she. But Lily has such a silky, smooth voice, like paint. Wow, Pandora really has to get this together. Lily is going to be her housemate, so she can't be stumbling over her words every time she tries to talk to her.
"Hey Lils, is that her?", a voice called from somewhere inside the house.
Lily ignored her, instead asking "So, do you want to come in?"
"Yes please," Pandora replied, proud of herself that she didn't sound too stupid.
That made her feel important, the fact that Lily ignored the girl she obviously already knows just to make Pandora feel welcome.
When she stepped into the house, some of the tension eased from her shoulders. The place was very nicely decorated, definitely a woman's touch, which Pandora had never really experienced before. Her mother died when she was quite young, so all she's really experienced is being around men 24/7.
The couches has different throws over them, with cushions that had a different design but still matched. The doorway into what Pandora assumed was the kitchen was surrounded by picture frames and some ivy leaves hanging around them. The stairs had fairy lights all along the bannister. Whoever was in charge of the decoration definitely has taste.
The place felt, comforting, cosy. Yes, Pandora could definitely make herself at home here.
"So, you can just put your bag down here, everyone else is in the kitchen," Lily explained.
Lily led Pandora into the kitchen the three other girls were gathered around a table.
They were all chatting with each other until Pandora and Lily walked in.
Immediately, they turned around and smiled at Pandora.
The first girl to stand up and greet Pandora had blonde hair with grown out roots cut into a sort of shag haircut. She had decorated ears and a septum piercing, and her brown eyes were outlined with eyeliner. She wore wide leg, ripped black jeans and a Guns N' Roses t-shirt that had the sleeves ripped off.
"Stylish," Pandora thought.
"Hey I'm Marlene, this is Mary," she pointies at the girl on the edge of the table, who had lots of tight brown curls framing her teak wood face, and was wearing a light green beach top and denim jeans, "and this is Dorcas," Marlene continues, a certain glint in her eyes while looking at her. Pandora decides that she would find out about that sooner or later.
Dorcas had long black box braids that fell over her chair. Her eyes glistened under the lights, sparkling with creativity. Pandora got the feeling that she was the one who had decorated the house because she had the look of a designer. Her outfit was perfectly altered to fit her, showing of her slim waist and long legs.
Pandora could definitely understand why Marlene looked at her the way she did.
Still, in Pandora's opinion, she had nothing on Lily. She didn't get that same warmth from Dorcas that she did from Lily.
What is Pandora thinking, she's barely talked to Lily and she's already comparing people to her. She's going crazy.
"Please sit, we want to know everything about you," Mary bubbled. That was the voice who had called out to Lily a minute ago, Pandora realized.
She sat on the edge of the table, opposite Dorcas, who was in between Marlene and Mary.
Lily plopped herself down right next to Pandora. As she settle into her seat, her thigh brushed against Pandora's, sending a surge of energy through her body. She turned her head towards Lily. Lily looked up at Pandora, smirking.
Yep, Pandora is most definitely done for.
"So, Pandora, what college were you in before you switched to Hogwarts?" Mary asked with a smile on her face. Pandora could definitely see herself being friends with her, she seemed very friendly and welcoming.
"Yeah, I was in Oxford for Arts for my first year, because I was always good at art from a young age, so I thought it was the only thing I'd be able to do. But, it just, didn't work for me I guess." Pandora replied.
"Which leads me to believe you're not majoring in art this year?" Dorcas questioned. She looked a bit disappointed. Pandora had obviously made an inquisitive face at her, because Dorcas scrambled to recover, "No, it was just, I major in Fashion Design, and it would've been nice to have another artist in the house," while looking embarrassed.
"Hey! I would call myself an artist if I do say so myself," Marlene exclaimed, hand on chest with a fake look of shock on her face.
"Oh come off it Marls, you major in Industrial Design, you look at engines and machines all day and do maths," Dorcas retorted, rolling her eyes with a small smile on her face.
Marlene seemed satisfied after that.
"Well, I still draw and paint a lot, but it's more of a hobby now. I'm actually majoring in Chemistry. It was always what I enjoyed the most in secondary, it was my best subject in secondary school, and I find it so, so interesting, just everything about it really," Pandora rambled. She stopped herself, just in case the girls thought she was talking too much, but they all still looked interested.
"What about you guys?", she asked.
"Yeah, I major in Law," Mary replied.
"That's just so she can shout at people and make them thinks she's right all the time," Marlene whispered jokingly. Mary gave her a hard side eye, then laughed to herself a little.
"It's a bit more complicated than that, but that's the simplified version I guess," she giggled.
"And, I major in Nursing," Lily put in.
Of course she does.
Lily is literally the human embodiment of the perfect nurse. The warmth she radiates is exactly what you need from a nurse. And the reassuring tone she always has under her voice could be the model for how nurses would talk.
"Wow, um, do you enjoy it?" Pandora asked, trying to get more out of Lily, wanting more of her voice.
"Yeah, it's my dream job. I have some placements in a hospital later this year, just some shadowing, not doing any work or anything, but still, it's exciting," Lily raved. Pandora could see the genuine excitement and passion on her face.
This girl is literally perfect.
"Speaking of exciting," Marlene interrupted,"Sirius just texted me and saying that him and the guys will be over at 9, and that he's bringing beer. He said that we can transition over to their dorm at some point, and then we can just sleep off our hangovers before Monday's classes."
"Sounds good to me," Mary replied.
"Will I get some food ready?" Lily suggested.
"Yeah, actually, I'd like to help, after I get my room sorted, if that's alright with you?" Pandora asked hopefully.
"Definitely," Lily beamed.
So, Pandora went up to her new room, emptied her suitcase out and sorted through her clothes and important trinkets, then speeded down the stairs.
Her and Lily spent a while, chatting small talk, about their time in secondary school and their old friends and random fun facts.
It was all so easy to Pandora, talking to Lily.
For a lot of her youth, she was always told she was talking too much, that it was boring, that it was weird.
Lily didn't make her feel like that. She hung on to her every word, and always knew how to reply.
Pandora was relaxed, she was happy.
More importantly, she was excited for tonight, because then she could really impress Lily.