Chapter Text
“Your Highness,” said Hermia when Prince Sirius granted her entry, “the Prince of Lupos has arrived.”
Sirius rolled his eyes. He couldn’t control it. Well, it was better said that he really didn’t want to control it, and it was better that he get it out of the way now with only Hermia as a witness than later when he undoubtedly would be stuck by Prince Remus’s side. That he might not get away with.
Prince Remus of Lupos, a kingdom of stuck-up people led by strict, word-heavy supporters of wizards. Ritualistic people. So full of themselves and their “Higher Purpose”.
Sirius couldn’t stand them. It wasn’t because they had magic. His own kingdom, Nox, was full of sorcerers.
It wasn’t the magic, no—it was the way they chose to hone it, the way they used it, the way they stuck their noses to the sky and claimed superiority simply because they trusted book knowledge over experience or feelings.
He couldn’t stand them and yet Lupos was one of Nox’s closest allies. Which also meant that when either kingdom held a ball, the other was expected to be present—hence the arrival of Prince Remus for the Spring Equinox ball.
“Your Highness?” Hermia questioned. “What should I tell him?”
Sirius stood. “You’ll tell him nothing. I’ll come greet him. Where is he waiting?”
“The main hall.”
“Excellent. Thank you, Hermia.” With the dismissal, she bowed and took her leave. Among other things, Sirius sometimes resented how formal everyone had to be around him while in the castle. Was he not supposed to be a mature, capable man? Yet if he ever dared to speak colloquially with the staff or help in the chores, he would be reprimanded.
Sirius let his mind drift as he made his way to the main hall. There had been a time, when Sirius was just coming into his youth, when he realised how ridiculous all of the royal charades were. His personal servant at the time, a boy around the same age as he’d been, was someone that he had come to consider a friend. And as a friend, Sirius wished to address him as such. In Sirius’s private quarters, this had no consequence. The moment word slipped of his manners, however?
Sirius stopped himself just outside the door to the main hall and took a deep, shuttering breath. He had never seen the boy again and no explanation was given to him. It had taken him years to finally figure out that the stern punishment from his parents had been related to the disappearance of the other boy.
This was also not a proper thing to remind himself of before he needed to be diplomatic.
And with Prince Remus—or anyone from Lupos, for that matter—diplomacy took nearly all of his energy.
Sirius let himself take another deep breath, ran a hand through his shoulder-length hair, then pulled his mouth up into a smirk and slipped through the door.
He was quiet. If Remus were to be facing him, then that would be the end of it. But why waste a possible opportunity?
The main hall was a vast expanse of ornate tapestries and portraits hanging around a room that could serve multiple purposes. From dinners that sat more people than the dining room could hold to the balls that were for solely Nox’s court, the main hall could be rearranged.
Most recently, there had been a collection of scholars, which meant that most of the tapestries had been removed from the wall to reveal hidden bookcases underneath.
Sirius had come through the door on the far left side and Remus was studying a bookcase near the entrance on the right. Which meant Sirius could do a little spying.
He walked a bit closer—slowly, to avoid making a noise—so he could better see what exactly Remus was doing.
Remus was searching the bookcase. Between the rows of books was the occasional figurine and Remus took equal time examining each. Every few books he would stop to pull one out, examine the table of contents, then replace it.
Sirius wanted to laugh, but he couldn’t compromise his position. Not when his target was acting in a way that was so peculiar and distinctly wizardly. He would have ammunition for his distaste for weeks after this.
“Is it customary, Prince Sirius, to spy on the honoured guests of your kingdom?”
Sirius froze. Remus hadn’t even turned to look at him and he’d been completely silent. Nonetheless, he’d been made.
He cleared his throat. “Surely, Prince Remus, you would know this is not the case. You’ve been an honoured guest in Nox for two decades.”
“And yet, your behaviour suggests otherwise.” Remus turned around now and when Sirius caught the glint in his eyes he couldn’t look away.
Sirius steadied himself. “I simply was figuring the best way to approach. You seemed rather occupied in your endeavors to open every fourth book. I didn’t wish to end it prematurely.”
Remus smiled. Sirius felt his stomach churn. It felt like he was facing a snake, though sparring with words and cordiality instead of actual venom. “Well met, Prince Sirius. The time between our visits feels longer though the years themselves grow shorter.”
Sirius hummed to sound thoughtful. “More wisdom from your great studies?”
“While musings on the passage of time might be what you believe we study, there are significantly more important matters to concern ourselves with. How are your studies? Walked through a meadow recently?”
“We do not simply walk through meadows. You know that our sorcerers have led the latest breakthroughs in advancing our knowledge of a vast expanse of subjects. Just because we do not study books quite so ritualistically as you, it does not mean that we—”
“Prince Sirius, I apologize. I meant no insult, it was merely in jest.”
Remus was still smiling. Sirius was going to strangle him.
Sirius was going to strangle this prince, consequences be damned. Remus had always been proficient in goading him, even if he felt he could hold his own during conversations. Regardless, conversations with Remus always left Sirius steaming and clenching his fist as an outlet for his anger. As was the case now.
“Of course, Prince Remus. And jest was how it was taken. Shall I show you to your quarters? We should part before dinner.”
Remus tilted his head to the side before pulling a fake pout. Honestly, Sirius didn’t understand his antics. “So quick to get rid of me, are you?”
“I solely think of your long journey. You must be desperate for a reprieve.”
Remus seemed to be studying Sirius. It made his skin itch. “Of course. How generous your thoughts. I assume my things have been taken to my usual room?”
Sirius forced a smile. “Certainly, Prince Remus. Right this way.”
His usual room. The one Remus always stayed in when he and his family visited Nox. The room right across the hall from Sirius.
Sirius and Remus walked together to the hallway they both knew so well. Sirius’s heightened pace had nothing to do with the desire to get away from his “honoured guest”, certainly not. They made it to their rooms, said their cordial goodbyes, and Sirius was finally free until dinner.
The entire exchange had taken less than an hour and yet Sirius was filled with such restless energy that he didn’t know how to dispel it.
Maybe he would go for a quick ride before dinner. Though his parents would probably not approve, he didn’t think he could last in the state he currently was.
There was something different about Remus this visit. Something he couldn’t quite place. His stomach was in knots and his brain felt fuzzy. It must have been on account of the long period since last they saw each other. Maybe Sirius hadn’t remembered clearly just how annoying Remus could truly be.
Well, no matter. It wasn’t something he could fix now. He merely needed to survive this week and then Remus would be back to his kingdom and affairs could return to normal.
The Spring Equinox ball was now underway.
Though the main hall was spacious, it was not fit for a ball this size. Many kingdoms were in attendance, representatives and nobilities alike. This was to scale for the grand ballroom, an even larger space for events like these. This room also had access to the gardens outside via a large balcony and grand staircase.
Upon arrival, Sirius had dressed in full crown regalia, the traditional ceremony that took place demanding it. After, however, he was able to take leave to change into clothes more fitting for the dance portion.
He had only just returned and was strategising his way through the crowd for maximum impact when Hermia scurried over to him.
She curtsied. “Your Highness, the Queen has requested your presence.”
Sirius contained his groan. Whatever she could possibly want from him would almost certainly not be worth his time. “Thank you, Hermia.”
He made his way to his mother, still eyeing the crowd for who he would visit next. He needed a mix of diplomacy and flirtation to be the most effective and keep his image.
“Mother,” he greeted with a nod. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Sirius, come close.” He looked around. No one was within earshot, yet he didn’t have the energy to argue. “There is word of a disturbance in the lands, my son, though not much is currently known. Your job tonight is to ensure our alliances with the kingdoms present, lest anything of ill-nature occur in the coming weeks.”
“Of course. I was on my way to do such anyway before you summoned me.” He held the tone of this being an obvious and usual task from his voice, if only just barely.
“Sirius, this is more important than your usual chattering. In fact, you’ll be accompanied by our closest ally to ensure peace for all.”
“Accompanied by—?”
“Prince Sirius, I must commend you on another successful Spring Equinox ceremony. I look forward to our night of mutual diplomacy.”
Sirius closed his eyes to steady himself upon hearing that voice. Not only was it bad enough that he had to be in attendance and possibly run into him at some point throughout the ceremony, but now he would have to be stuck by his side? Sirius turned slowly to an area that was most definitely not occupied moments earlier when he had searched.
“Prince Remus. Delighted as always to be in your company.” Sirius would not comment on the attire of his now evening-long partner. It was as if sin itself had personified into clothing for Remus to drape over his body, accentuating assets for the masses. It would be nearly impossible to work with him in this condition, as he was making such a fool of himself. Honestly, to be dressed in such a way at an event not even in his own kingdom? Sirius could fill his anger building and they had only exchanged one phrase each. It was going to be a very long ball.
“Do not let me down, my son. Remus.”
With that, they were dismissed. Sirius tried not to look like he was pouting as he walked away.
“So, Prince Sirius, where shall we begin first?”
“If we’re going to be talking to solely diplomats for the entire evening, I will need something in my system with which to combat my boredom.” Sirius beelined for the alcohol.
The rest of the night, Sirius performed his duties. He might have been suffering, mostly due to stuffy reassurances to older diplomats and battling wit with his companion, but at least he was nearly in his element. Carefully concealed meanings through pretty words and a prettier smile? Sirius had it handled.
Prince Remus had been a nuisance, an incessant presence he couldn’t shake, but it wasn’t until Sirius was lying in bed that night, staring at the ceiling that he realised. He may have wanted to complain the entire night, but he hadn’t been shaking in anger.
Perhaps, and this was just a slight chance, but perhaps, they could work well together when not facing off.
It was with this thought that Sirius heard his stomach growl.
Damn. He had been so caught up at the ball in talking to others and monitoring Remus that he had not eaten the entire night. Now his body would not let him rest until it was at least partially filled.
He slipped out of bed and pulled a cloak on over his nightwear. There would be no reason to change for so quick a trip to the kitchens.
Sirius moved silently. He opened his door just wide enough for himself to slip through then closed it with care. He turned—there was a figure behind him.
It was Remus.
“Sneaking out, Prince Sirius?” He couldn’t make out Remus’s face in the darkened hallway. “I thought surely you would get your social fix from the ball tonight.”
Sirius had to bite his tongue and take a breath before speaking. “The festivities were quite enough. In fact, I’d hoped to avoid all interaction during this excursion altogether.”
Remus hummed. “And yet here we are.”
“Yes. If you must know, I am off to the kitchens since we were so occupied throughout the ball that I did not eat.”
At that Remus laughed. Forget what Sirius had said earlier about strangling him. That would take too long. Maybe a simple hex would do?
He had to clench his fist again to steady himself. He took back everything he had thought moments ago in bed. Remus and he would never be able to work together, there was no need to even entertain such an insane idea.
“I owe you no explanation, good night.” Sirius stormed off. He could hear Remus calling out to him from behind, but he paid it no mind. He honestly felt the interaction had caused him to lose some appetite, but he had already committed himself to visit the kitchens. Maybe there would be something sweet to ease both hunger and anger. Either way, he planned his next few days. As long as he could make it through mealtimes and avoid Remus the rest, it would be merely a few short days before Remus was out of his kingdom.
It was breakfast the following morning and Sirius could not find it in himself to even look in the direction of Remus. As the closest allies, only members of Lupin courts remained in the castle overnight. Sirius was still beyond angry and he was spending so much energy focusing on not thinking about the situation that it was the only thing on his mind. He was spacey with the grand conversation.
That is until a young boy came running into the room, breath heaving. He shoved parchment into the hands of the high servant who brought the message over to his parents. “Your Majesties,” he said, bowing. “There are urgent matters.”
Sirius’s parents ripped the letter from his hand and scanned quickly. Both faces registered a mix of shock and horror before schooling back into something neutral.
“My dearest court and honoured guests, I have grave news. There is a disturbance in the lands and it has been named. Our kingdoms, Nox and Lupos, once quarreled over the matters of wizard versus sorcerer. We, fortunately, realised that these matters had no consequence as they were both magic by a different name and we brought our kingdoms to their most prosperous times through an alliance. Now, there is trouble. A warlock by the name of Peter has risen to power in the East. He is wreaking havoc to the villages that lie there, villages with no magic of their own with which to defend themselves. Warlocks are not born with magic and their power comes through a deal and deceit. Those who know magic from childhood understand the consequence of their power. Warlocks desire power for their own intentions and often have no boundaries when it comes to getting what they want. He must be stopped to save innocent lives.”
Sirius was enraged. How dare a warlock threaten people, threaten his kingdom. He knew someone would need to take action.
“I’ll go,” he stated simply. The room fell silent. He looked up to see his mother staring back at him, but his father was looking over at…
“Prince Remus, Sirius, this would be most excellent.” Prince Remus? Sirius whipped his head over to see Remus, just now lowering a hand that had been raised. Had they both volunteered at the same time? Sirius opened his mouth to protest but his mother cut him off again. “What better way to show that the alliance between Nox and Lupos is still strong than to send our eldest princes, our brightest sorcerer and wizard, off to stop this force of evil! Thank you both. We shall prepare for your departure tonight.”
Sirius met Remus’s eyes in disbelief. Remus simply held his gaze, steadily, and Sirius was forced to break eye contact first.
He couldn’t believe his luck. This was the most unfortunate thing at the most inopportune time. How was Sirius supposed to complete this quest alongside the one person in the world who riled him past comprehension? How would he be able to compute and carry through a battle plan with someone whose actions were so different than his own? With someone who was a wizard.
Sirius wanted to back down. There was no possible way this endeavor could end well.
He looked up and made eye contact with Remus once more who was now smirking. This was a challenge to him. He knew what he did to Sirius, how often they fought, and his volunteering was for the sole purpose of having Sirius make a fool of himself by backing down.
Well, he would not give Remus that satisfaction. He would not complain to his mother or ask for his spot to be replaced. He would go on this quest and stop the warlock.
It might be miserable, but he would win.