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The market was alive in the way only continental markets could be—sunlight poured over terracotta rooftops, catching on strings of drying herbs and glass bottles filled with amber oils. Voices tangled in the air—French, Italian, English—laughter spilling between stalls stacked with fruit so bright it looked almost unreal. Citrus. Peaches. Figs split open like secrets.
It should have felt like peace.
And for a few fragile, suspended days, it did.
“Tell me again,” Sirius Black muttered, shifting the canvas bag on his shoulder, eyes flicking over the crowd like a man who didn’t know how to stop being hunted even when he wasn’t, “why we’re not reporting back to Dumbledore like responsible soldiers in a war.”
“Because,” James Potter said, entirely too calm for someone with a one-year-old perched on his hip, “we finished early.”
Harry babbled something unintelligible, grabbing fistfuls of James’s collar and trying very hard to eat it.
“And,” Lily added, walking beside them with easy, sun-warmed confidence, “Dumbledore told us to take a few days.”
“Which,” Mary said, already halfway through a paper cone of sugared almonds, “means we are taking a few days.”
“Relax, Sirius,” Fabian grinned, tossing an arm over Gideon’s shoulders. “The war will still be there when we get back. Unfortunately.”
“Thrilling,” Sirius deadpanned.
Ahead of them, Alice adjusted Neville against her chest, murmuring softly as the baby fussed. Frank hovered like a shadow at her side, one hand always, always ready—steady, protective, grounding.
Remus walked slightly apart, hands in his pockets, expression softer than it had been in months. The sun suited him. The quiet suited him.
For a moment—
just a moment—
they looked like something ordinary.
A group of young adults on holiday.
Friends.
Family.
Alive.
Then Sirius went still.
It wasn’t dramatic. It wasn’t loud. Just a subtle, instinctive halt—like a wolf catching scent.
“What,” James said quietly.
Sirius didn’t answer.
He was staring ahead.
And slowly—one by one—the others followed his gaze.
There.
Moving through the crowd with effortless ease, sunlight catching in dark curls, sleeves rolled to the elbow, a paper bag of fruit tucked casually under one arm—
Regulus Black.
Alive.
Breathing.
Laughing softly at something a vendor said.
Not hidden.
Not masked.
Not afraid.
For a second, no one moved.
Then—
“That’s not—” Peter started, voice thin.
“It is,” Remus said, low.
Lily’s grip tightened on James’s sleeve. “We thought—”
“We thought a lot of things,” Sirius cut in, voice sharp as broken glass.
Regulus shifted, turning slightly, and for a split second the light hit his face fully—
Pale skin kissed gold by the sun.
Grey eyes.
Relaxed.
Happy.
Sirius’s jaw clenched.
“A Death Eater,” he said quietly.
Frank exhaled slowly. “We can’t take him here.”
“Too many Muggles,” Alice agreed.
James adjusted Harry, eyes narrowing. “We follow him.”
No one argued.
—
Regulus didn’t notice them.
He moved through the market like he belonged there—like this was routine, normal, safe. He paused at a stall, picked up something—apricots, maybe—inspected them with a small, thoughtful frown.
He paid.
Smiled.
Thanked the vendor in easy, fluent French.
Sirius’s expression darkened further.
“He’s settled,” Remus murmured.
“That doesn’t mean anything,” Sirius snapped.
Regulus turned down a quieter street.
Less crowded.
Less noise.
Stone walls rising higher, shadows stretching long and cool.
James met Sirius’s eyes.
Now.
They moved as one.
—
It happened fast.
Too fast.
A blur of bodies, of motion—
Regulus barely had time to react before he was slammed into the ground.
The paper bag tore open, fruit scattering across cobblestones in a burst of colour.
“What the—?!”
He struggled instantly, twisting under them, panic sharp and immediate.
“Let go—what are you doing?!”
Sirius had him pinned, forearm pressed across his chest, rage burning bright and ugly. “Where is it?”
“What—?!”
“The Mark,” Sirius snapped.
Regulus stared at him—confused, breathless. “Are you insane—?”
“Hold him,” Frank said, firm.
James shifted Harry quickly into Lily’s arms, crouching to help restrain him.
“Stop—!” Regulus barked, voice rising, sharp with something that wasn’t fear so much as outrage. “What is wrong with you—?”
Sirius grabbed his arm.
Shoved the sleeve up.
Everyone froze.
There was nothing there.
No Dark Mark.
No inked skull.
Just skin—unmarked, pale, real.
Silence dropped like a blade.
Sirius blinked.
Once.
Twice.
“…what,” he said.
Regulus twisted, shoving them off with sudden force as their grip faltered.
“What the hell is wrong with you?!” he snapped, scrambling upright, brushing himself off, eyes wide and furious. “You just—attacked me—!”
He looked down—
at the fruit scattered across the street.
“Oh for—” He let out a sharp, pained noise. “My peaches—”
Then he turned back—
and froze.
Recognition hit.
Hard.
“…oh,” Regulus said.
There was a pause.
Then, awkwardly, with a strained, uncertain smile—
“Heeeey.”
No one spoke.
They were staring at him like they’d seen a ghost.
Sirius recovered first.
“What,” he said slowly, dangerously, “are you doing here?”
Regulus blinked.
“…here?”
“Yes, here,” Sirius snapped.
Regulus frowned, glancing around the street like the answer might be written on the walls.
“I—live here?”
Silence.
Stunned.
Utter.
“What,” James said faintly.
“I live here,” Regulus repeated, slower now, like they were the ones being strange. “In France?”
“You—live here,” Lily echoed.
“Yes?”
Sirius stared at him. “You’re a Death Eater.”
Regulus’s expression did something complicated.
Then flattened.
“…no,” he said.
The word landed clean.
Certain.
Final.
“You disappeared,” Remus said quietly.
“Yes,” Regulus agreed.
“After Hogwarts,” Alice added.
“Yes.”
“Right when the war escalated,” Frank said.
“Yes.”
“Convenient,” Sirius said.
Regulus’s patience snapped.
“Oh my god,” he muttered, dragging a hand down his face. “I ran away, Sirius.”
That—
that made them pause.
“I ran away,” he repeated, sharper now. “Because our parents were trying to push me into joining Voldemort’s little club of deranged aristocrats.”
Lily’s eyes widened.
“I left,” Regulus continued. “I came here. To—” he gestured vaguely around them “—a small town called Èze. I worked. I studied. I stayed out of the war.”
“For two years?” Remus asked.
“Yes,” Regulus said.
“And then?” James pressed.
Regulus hesitated.
Then—
smiled.
And it wasn’t nervous this time.
It was soft.
Warm.
Real.
“I met someone.”
Sirius’s expression twisted. “Of course you did.”
Regulus ignored him.
“He’s my husband.”
That—
that broke them.
“Your what,” Mary choked.
“My husband,” Regulus repeated.
“You’re married?!” Marlene yelped.
“Yes?”
“To who?!” Fabian demanded.
Regulus’s smile widened, a little smug now, a little fond. “His name’s Lucien Moreau.”
There was a beat.
“And what,” Gideon said slowly, “does Lucien Moreau do?”
Regulus’s eyes lit up.
“He’s a cruise captain.”
“…a what,” Sirius said flatly.
“A cruise captain,” Regulus repeated, like that explained everything. “And director. He runs the ship.”
Silence.
Then—
“He runs—” James started.
“—a ship,” Regulus finished.
“Like—on the sea,” Peter added faintly.
“Yes, Peter,” Regulus said dryly. “That is generally where ships go.”
Lily pressed a hand over her mouth.
Alice was staring at him.
Frank blinked.
Sirius looked like he might actually combust.
“So,” Regulus continued, gesturing casually, “we live on the ship most of the year. Travel constantly. Mediterranean routes, Caribbean sometimes, Northern Europe in the colder months.”
“You live—on a ship,” Remus repeated.
“Yes.”
“And you just—what—exist?” Mary asked.
“I don’t have to work,” Regulus said cheerfully. “Perks of being married to the captain.”
James made a strangled noise.
“I just—enjoy things,” Regulus went on. “There are activities, excursions, dinners, shows—honestly it’s a bit ridiculous.”
“You’re kidding,” Sirius said.
“I’m not.”
“You’re telling me,” Sirius continued, voice rising, “that while we are fighting a war—”
“Yes.”
“—you are—on a boat.”
“Yes.”
“Sunbathing.”
“Sometimes, yes.”
“Drinking.”
“Yes.”
“Travelling the world.”
“Yes.”
“Shopping.”
“Yes.”
Sirius made a noise that could only be described as a full-system failure.
“This is insane.”
“It’s quite nice, actually,” Regulus said.
“You’re tanned,” Marlene blurted.
Regulus blinked. “…thank you?”
“You’re glowing,” Mary added.
“I’ve been in the sun,” Regulus said.
“You hate the sun,” Sirius snapped.
“I used to,” Regulus corrected.
“You’ve changed,” Remus said quietly.
Regulus met his eyes.
“Yeah,” he said simply.
There was a pause.
Then Lily tilted her head. “What about… rules? You can’t just… live on a ship like that without restrictions.”
“Oh, there are rules,” Regulus said easily. “Spouses of senior officers aren’t allowed to interfere with crew duties, obviously. I can’t give orders, can’t use restricted areas like the bridge unless invited, have to follow guest conduct policies—formal dinners, safety drills, all that.”
“You have to do drills?” Fabian asked.
“Yes,” Regulus said. “Everyone does. Muster stations, life jackets, the works.”
“You’re joking,” Gideon said.
“I’m not.”
“You have a muster station,” Peter whispered.
“I do.”
Sirius stared at him.
“You have a muster station.”
“Yes, Sirius.”
“And a husband.”
“Yes.”
“And a life.”
“Yes.”
“And you’re just—fine.”
Regulus paused.
Then, softly—
“Yes.”
The word settled.
Heavy.
Real.
Lily looked at him differently then.
“So you’re… happy?” she asked.
Regulus smiled.
Not smug.
Not defensive.
Just—
honest.
“I really am.”
Silence.
Behind them, Harry babbled.
Neville made a soft, sleepy noise.
Life—small, ordinary, stubborn—continued.
Sirius looked at his brother.
At the boy he’d left behind.
At the man standing in front of him now—
sun-warmed, alive, free.
“…you’re ridiculous,” Sirius said finally.
Regulus huffed a laugh.
“You tackled me.”
“You deserved it.”
“I did not.”
“You did.”
“You ruined my fruit.”
“That’s not the point.”
“It is to me.”
James let out a breath, scrubbing a hand over his face.
“This is—this is insane.”
“Agreed,” Mary said.
“Completely unhinged,” Marlene added.
“I’m married,” Regulus said again, because apparently that needed repeating.
“We heard you,” Fabian groaned.
“To a man named Lucien,” Gideon said.
“Yes.”
“Who captains a ship.”
“Yes.”
“That you live on.”
“Yes.”
“While we fight a war.”
“Yes.”
Sirius made a strangled sound.
“I hate this,” he declared.
Regulus grinned.
“I don’t.”
And that—
that was the worst part.
Because he meant it.
For a long moment after the shock settled, something softer took its place.
It started small.
A breath.
A glance.
Then Mary snorted.
It was sudden, sharp—like a crack through glass.
“This is insane,” she said again, but now she was laughing.
Marlene followed, shoulders shaking. “You’re married to a man who drives a floating palace and you just—what—live there like some sort of sun-kissed aristocratic housecat?”
Regulus tilted his head, considering. “That is… not entirely inaccurate.”
That did it.
The tension snapped.
James laughed first—loud and helpless, the kind that bent him in half, Harry bouncing slightly in his arms with an indignant squeak.
“Oh my god,” James wheezed. “You—this is—Sirius, your little brother ran away and accidentally became a rich man’s trophy husband.”
“I am not—” Regulus started, scandalised.
“You are,” Sirius cut in immediately, already grinning, already lighter in a way that hadn’t been possible five minutes ago. “You absolutely are.”
“I do things,” Regulus insisted.
“Like what?” Fabian asked, grinning. “Sip champagne and look pretty?”
“Yes,” Regulus said. Then, after a beat, “And other things.”
Gideon clapped a hand over his mouth, wheezing.
Alice laughed softly, adjusting Neville as he blinked up at the sound, wide-eyed and curious.
“Oh, come here,” Regulus murmured instantly, the sharp edges of him dissolving as he stepped closer.
Neville reached for him without hesitation.
Regulus took him gently, like something precious, something fragile—like he’d done it a thousand times before.
“Oh, hello,” he cooed, voice going soft and lilting. “Aren’t you the sweetest thing—”
Neville gurgled.
Harry leaned dangerously far out of James’s arms, reaching.
“Alright, traitor,” James muttered, surrendering him.
Regulus shifted easily, now holding both babies, one on each hip, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“Oh, you’re just perfect, aren’t you?” he murmured, pressing a kiss to Harry’s hair. “Yes, you are. You’re very important. Very serious.”
Harry babbled back.
Neville grabbed Regulus’s sleeve.
Regulus laughed, bright and unguarded.
“They like you,” Lily said, smiling.
“Of course they do,” Sirius said smugly. “He’s ridiculously charming.”
“I am not—”
“You are,” half of them chorused.
Regulus rolled his eyes, but he was smiling.
He looked—
easy.
Like someone who had learned how to exist without constantly bracing for impact.
“So,” Remus said, leaning casually against the wall, watching him with quiet interest, “tell us about it.”
“About what?”
“Everything,” Mary said immediately. “The ship. The places. Your ridiculously unfair life.”
Regulus brightened.
“Oh—okay—right—so—” He shifted Neville slightly, settling into the rhythm of it. “We started in the Mediterranean. Italy, Greece, Spain—those routes are the best, honestly. The ports are beautiful, and the food—”
“Oh my god,” Marlene groaned. “The food.”
“The food is incredible,” Regulus confirmed. “Fresh everything. And then the islands—small ones, less crowded—Lucien knows all the best ones to dock at.”
“You say that like you have insider access,” Fabian said.
“I do have insider access,” Regulus replied.
“Of course you do,” Gideon muttered.
“And then there was the Caribbean,” Regulus continued. “That was—honestly ridiculous. The water doesn’t look real. It’s too blue.”
“You’ve seen the Caribbean,” Peter said faintly.
“Yes.”
“We’re fighting for our lives,” Sirius added.
“Yes.”
“You’re sipping drinks on a beach.”
“Yes.”
Sirius groaned.
“Anyway,” Regulus said, entirely unbothered, “Lucien’s worked on a lot of different lines over the years.”
“Like what?” Lily asked.
Regulus grinned.
“He did a contract with Disney once.”
Silence.
Then—
“You what,” Mary whispered.
“We still get perks,” Regulus added casually. “Discounts on parks, cruises, priority bookings—”
“Marlene, hold me back,” Mary said, grabbing her arm.
“I will not,” Marlene said. “I will push you forward.”
“You have Disney perks?” James demanded.
“Yes.”
“You’re joking.”
“I’m not.”
Sirius looked personally offended. “You ran away and got rewarded.”
“I ran away and made good decisions,” Regulus corrected.
“Debatable.”
“Anyway,” Regulus continued, “he’s worked luxury lines too—proper first-class ones. Very formal. Very… excessive.”
“And now?” Remus asked.
Regulus’s grin turned bright, almost proud.
“Now he captains a luxury family liner.”
“Oh no,” Fabian said. “That sounds worse.”
“Oh no,” Regulus echoed, delighted. “It’s incredible.”
“Explain,” Gideon demanded.
“There’s an on-deck waterpark,” Regulus began.
They froze.
“There’s a what.”
“Waterpark,” Regulus repeated. “Slides, pools, everything.”
“You’re lying.”
“I’m not.”
“There’s also rock climbing,” Regulus continued. “A full wall. And a spa. And a casino.”
“Of course there is,” Sirius muttered.
“And a pub,” Regulus added.
“Okay, now you’re just showing off,” Mary said.
“And a theatre,” Regulus said.
“That’s normal,” Remus said.
“That does circus acts.”
“…what.”
“Aerial silks, acrobatics, full productions—it’s insane.”
“You’re living in a fever dream,” Fabian said.
“And there’s a kids club,” Regulus added, bouncing Neville gently. “They take the children for activities so the parents can relax.”
Alice’s head snapped up. “They babysit?”
“Yes.”
“For free?”
“Yes.”
Alice grabbed Frank’s arm. “We’re going.”
Frank nodded immediately. “We’re going.”
“And I’ve done everything,” Regulus said, almost smug now. “All the activities. All the excursions. Every ridiculous thing they offer.”
“Of course you have,” Sirius said.
“Of course I have,” Regulus echoed.
There was a pause.
Then—
“Take us with you,” Mary said.
It came out half-joking.
Half-desperate.
Regulus blinked.
Then—
shrugged.
“Okay.”
Silence.
“…what,” James said.
“I can’t get you on for free,” Regulus said, “but I can pay for it.”
They stared at him.
“My husband makes a lot of money,” Regulus added lightly. “He gives me his card and tells me to enjoy myself.”
Sirius made a strangled noise.
“I can cover however many days you stay,” Regulus continued. “Cabins, food, everything. It’s fine.”
It took exactly two seconds.
Then—
“ARE YOU SERIOUS?!” Mary screamed.
“REGULUS BLACK YOU ARE THE LOVE OF MY LIFE—” Marlene yelled.
Fabian and Gideon were already jumping.
James nearly dropped Harry.
Lily actually did laugh, bright and shocked, hand over her mouth.
Alice looked like she might cry.
Frank was grinning like he’d just been handed the world.
Peter was spinning in a small, overwhelmed circle.
Remus just shook his head, smiling quietly.
And Sirius—
Sirius burst out laughing.
Loud.
Unrestrained.
He lunged forward, grabbing Regulus in a one-armed hold, nearly knocking the breath out of him.
“You’re my favourite brother,” Sirius declared, grinning wildly. “I love you. Have I told you that?”
Regulus barked a laugh, nearly dropping Neville. “You are such a suck-up—”
“I mean it,” Sirius insisted. “You’re incredible. Magnificent. A genius.”
“You hated me ten minutes ago.”
“I’ve grown,” Sirius said solemnly.
“You’re unbelievable.”
“And you,” Sirius shot back, “are paying for my holiday.”
Regulus cackled.
Actual, full-bodied laughter, head tipping back, sunlight catching in his hair.
“God, you’re all insane,” he said.
“WE’RE GOING ON A SHIP!” Mary screamed.
“WITH A WATERPARK!” Marlene added.
“AND A CASINO!” Fabian yelled.
“AND FREE BABYSITTING!” Alice cried.
“AND A PUB!” Gideon contributed.
Harry squealed.
Neville laughed.
And Regulus—
Regulus stood in the middle of it all, smiling like he’d built something soft and bright out of a life that had once tried to swallow him whole—
and said, almost casually—
“You might want to go shopping first.”
They froze.
“…what,” Sirius said slowly.
“Clothes,” Regulus said. “Swimwear. Pyjamas. Toiletries. All that.”
A beat.
Then—
“My treat.”
The street exploded.
Screaming.
Cheering.
Absolute chaos.
“REGULUS BLACK—” Mary started.
“YOU ARE A GOD—” Marlene shouted.
“I TAKE BACK EVERYTHING I’VE EVER SAID—” Fabian yelled.
“I NEVER SAID ANYTHING BAD ABOUT YOU—” Gideon added.
“LIAR,” Sirius said.
Regulus just grinned.
Bright.
Unbothered.
Alive.
“Come on,” he said, already turning, already walking back toward the sunlit chaos of the market. “Let’s go bankrupt my husband.”
And they followed him—
laughing,
shouting,
alive—
like the war was something far away,
like the future might still be something they could reach—
like, for once,
they had time.
If the market had felt alive before—
it felt electric now.
They descended on it like a storm.
“Alright,” Regulus said, already walking backwards ahead of them, grin sharp and bright, hands spread like he was presenting a stage. “Rule one—no one looks at prices.”
“That’s a dangerous rule,” Remus murmured.
“That’s an excellent rule,” Mary corrected immediately.
“Rule two,” Regulus continued, ignoring them, “if you think you might need it—get it.”
“Define need,” Sirius said.
Regulus didn’t even blink. “If you want it.”
“Perfect,” Fabian said. “I’m in love with this system.”
And then—
chaos.
—
The first shop barely survived them.
It was all linen and soft cotton and racks of summer clothes that smelled faintly of lavender and sun.
Regulus moved through it like he’d been born there—switching languages without thought, smiling easily, hands brushing fabrics, picking things out with frightening efficiency.
“Oh, this would look lovely on you,” he told Lily, already holding up a light dress.
Lily blinked. “I—Regulus—”
“Try it.”
She did.
It was perfect.
Mary gasped. “Okay, that’s actually unfair.”
“I have an eye,” Regulus said simply.
“You have money,” Sirius corrected.
“That too.”
Marlene was already throwing things over her arm. “I’m abusing this.”
“You should,” Regulus said approvingly.
At the counter, he smiled at the woman behind it—soft, warm, effortless—and slipped into French so fluidly it barely sounded like a second language.
There was laughter.
A tilt of the head.
A compliment, quiet and easy.
And when the total came—
it was lower.
Mary stared. “Did you just—charm her?”
“I was polite,” Regulus said.
“You were devastating,” Gideon corrected.
“Same difference.”
—
They moved from shop to shop like that.
Clothes.
Swimwear.
Light jackets for the evenings.
Toiletries—Regulus grabbing things before anyone could argue.
“No, you’ll want this,” he insisted, handing Sirius something.
“I don’t—”
“You will.”
“…fine.”
Suitcases came next.
Small ones.
Practical.
Rolling.
Regulus picked them out like it was nothing.
“These are better,” he said. “Durable. And they fit in the cabins easily.”
“You’ve done this before,” Remus noted.
“Obviously.”
He crouched down in front of Harry and Neville.
“And for you two,” he said softly.
Harry blinked at him, still chewing determinedly on the ear of a teddy bear Regulus had already bought him—one he refused to let go of.
Neville reached for him immediately.
“Alright, alright,” Regulus laughed, lifting him again. “You’re very demanding, aren’t you?”
Neville tucked himself against Regulus’s shoulder like he belonged there.
No one commented on it.
They were all watching.
A little soft.
A little stunned.
Regulus picked out two tiny suitcases.
Bright.
Cute.
One with stars.
One with little animals.
Harry smacked his hand against one, delighted.
“That’s a yes,” Regulus said.
—
The baby section—
was a disaster.
For everyone except Regulus.
“Oh, this is adorable,” he breathed, holding up a tiny outfit.
“Reg—” Lily started.
“I’m getting it.”
“Regulus—”
“I’m getting all of these.”
“You cannot—”
“I can,” Regulus said calmly.
And he did.
Clothes.
Too many.
Tiny shirts.
Soft trousers.
Little socks.
Swim things.
Floaties.
Pool toys.
Teddies—Harry already had one clamped between his teeth, refusing to release it even when James tried to pry it away.
“He’s going to eat it,” James said.
“He’s fine,” Regulus said.
“He’s chewing it.”
“He’s bonding with it.”
Neville refused to leave Regulus’s arms entirely.
Every time Alice reached for him, he made a small, offended noise and clung tighter.
Alice laughed helplessly. “I’ve lost him.”
“He’s mine now,” Regulus said.
“Traitor,” Frank told his son.
Regulus picked out colouring books.
Picture books.
Soft blankets.
“Oh—don’t worry about bringing anything for them,” he added casually. “The ship has cribs, high chairs, everything. It’s all provided.”
Alice blinked. “Everything?”
“Yes.”
“Everything everything?”
“Yes.”
Alice grabbed Frank again. “We’re definitely going.”
“I was already convinced,” Frank said.
“I’m just reinforcing it.”
Regulus added a few extra things to the pile.
“Pillows,” he said. “And blankets. The ones on board are fine, but these are nicer.”
“You’re unbelievable,” Remus murmured.
“I’ve been told.”
—
At some point—
somewhere between the third shop and the fifth—
it came out.
It wasn’t even intentional.
Regulus was holding Neville, bouncing him absently, watching Harry gnaw on the teddy’s ear like it had personally offended him—
and he sighed.
Long.
Dramatic.
Drawn-out.
“I want one.”
Silence.
“…what,” Sirius said.
“A baby,” Regulus clarified, like that explained everything. “It’s unfair.”
Mary choked.
“It’s biologically impossible,” Regulus continued, frowning faintly. “And Lucien is not trying hard enough to fix that.”
The world stopped.
Then—
they lost it.
“YOU WHAT—” Fabian screamed.
“NOT TRYING HARD ENOUGH—” Gideon wheezed.
Mary doubled over.
Marlene actually had to sit down.
James was crying.
Sirius stumbled into a wall.
“REGULUS—” Lily gasped.
“I’m serious,” Regulus insisted, mildly offended. “I’ve told him multiple times—”
“STOP TALKING—” Sirius wheezed.
“I think it’s unreasonable—”
“REGULUS—”
“He just says it doesn’t work like that, which I think is defeatist—”
Remus had his face in his hands.
Alice was laughing so hard she couldn’t breathe.
Frank had to lean on a wall.
Neville blinked up at Regulus like he’d made perfect sense.
Harry squealed.
“You’re insane,” Sirius choked.
“I’m correct,” Regulus said.
“You’re not—”
“I am.”
“You’re not—”
“I am.”
Sirius slid down the wall, laughing helplessly.
“Lucien,” he said faintly, “you poor man.”
—
By the time they were done—
they were carrying everything.
Or rather—
dragging it.
Suitcases rolled behind them.
Bags looped over arms.
Boxes tucked under elbows.
Harry still refused to let go of his teddy.
Neville still refused to leave Regulus.
They were laughing.
Still.
Endlessly.
“Alright,” Regulus said, glancing toward the horizon. “Come on.”
“Where are we going?” Peter asked.
Regulus just smiled.
—
The port came into view slowly.
Then all at once.
And when they saw it—
they screamed.
Because the ship—
was massive.
Towering.
White and gleaming, rising out of the water like something unreal—like a floating city.
Decks stacked high.
Glass catching the sun.
Movement everywhere—people, crew, life.
“That’s—” James started.
“That’s the ship,” Regulus said casually.
“That’s a city,” Mary corrected.
“That’s insane,” Marlene added.
“That’s ours,” Regulus said.
They lost it again.
Screaming.
Laughing.
Jumping.
Harry squealed.
Neville clapped.
Sirius just stared, then looked at Regulus like he might never recover.
“You live on that.”
“Yes.”
“I hate you.”
“You love me.”
“I do love you.”
“Good.”
Regulus led them toward the ticket booth.
He already had his.
Of course he did.
He leaned casually against the counter, speaking easily, already pulling out the card like it was nothing.
“How many?” the worker asked.
Regulus didn’t hesitate.
“All of them.”
There was a pause.
Then—
clicking.
Numbers.
Options.
And Regulus—
“First class. VIP. All-inclusive.”
Sirius made a strangled sound.
Mary grabbed Marlene’s arm.
“Are we dreaming?” Gideon asked.
“I think we died,” Fabian replied. “This is heaven.”
Regulus signed.
Easy.
Done.
He turned back to them, handing over tickets like it was nothing.
“Everything on board is covered,” he said. “Food, drinks, waterpark.”
“Waterpark,” Mary whispered reverently.
“Activities and classes are extra,” Regulus added. “But just tell them to put it on my tab.”
Silence.
“Your what,” Sirius said.
“My tab.”
“You have a tab.”
“Yes.”
“You have a tab on a floating city.”
“Yes.”
“Put it on my tab,” Sirius repeated faintly.
Regulus smiled.
“I’ll cover everything on the ports too,” he added. “Don’t worry about it.”
That—
that broke them again.
“REGULUS—” Marlene screamed.
“I’M OBSESSED WITH YOU—” Mary yelled.
“IF YOU EVER LEAVE YOUR HUSBAND—” Fabian started.
“COME TO ME—” Gideon finished.
“I’M AVAILABLE—” Mary added.
Sirius stepped in immediately, arm slinging around Regulus’s shoulders, possessive and smug.
“Absolutely not,” Sirius said. “Lucien is staying exactly where he is.”
“He’s not—”
“No one is replacing my brother-in-law,” Sirius continued. “He’s perfect. I love him.”
“You’ve never met him,” Regulus pointed out.
“I already love him.”
“Traitor.”
“Family first.”
Regulus laughed.
Bright.
Easy.
Alive.
Around them—
the ship loomed.
The sea stretched wide and endless.
And for a moment—
they weren’t soldiers.
They weren’t hunted.
They weren’t part of a war.
They were just—
young,
loud,
ridiculous—
rich, apparently—
and free.
Boarding felt like stepping out of one world and into another.
There was a moment—just before the gangway—where the noise of the port still clung to them. Salt air, gulls, distant chatter. The ordinary world.
Then Regulus turned, tickets fanned in his hand, grin sharp and delighted.
“Ready?” he asked.
“No,” Sirius said.
“Yes,” Mary said at the exact same time.
Regulus laughed.
“Too bad.”
He stepped forward first.
The scanner chimed softly as he passed through, effortless, familiar. The staff member at the entrance smiled immediately.
“Bienvenue à bord, Monsieur Moreau.”
Regulus beamed.
“Merci,” he replied, already turning back, handing the rest of them their tickets one by one. “Keep these,” he added. “They’re nice souvenirs.”
“They’re already my most prized possession,” Fabian said solemnly.
“Same,” Gideon nodded.
James took his carefully, one hand still steadying Harry. Lily tucked hers into her bag like it was something fragile.
Alice held hers like she might cry.
Sirius stared at his.
“…this feels illegal,” he said.
“It’s not,” Regulus said. “Probably.”
“Comforting.”
One by one, they stepped through.
And then—
they were inside.
The lobby rose up around them like something out of a dream.
High ceilings, glass and gold, sweeping staircases curling like ribbons. Light poured in from above, refracting through polished surfaces until everything shimmered. Music drifted softly from somewhere unseen—live, maybe, or cleverly charmed.
They stopped.
Every single one of them.
“…oh my god,” Mary whispered.
“This is obscene,” Remus murmured.
“This is amazing,” Marlene said.
Sirius just stared.
“This is where you live,” he said.
“Yes,” Regulus replied, far too casually.
Harry made a delighted noise.
Neville clapped again, eyes wide.
Almost immediately, staff appeared—smiling, efficient, warm.
“Welcome aboard.”
“Let us take those for you.”
Their luggage was gently, seamlessly taken from their hands.
“Oh—” Lily started.
“They’ll be delivered to your rooms,” Regulus said. “Don’t worry.”
“I love this place,” Fabian said instantly.
“You haven’t even seen anything yet,” Regulus replied.
The babies were fussed over immediately.
“Oh, look at you,” one of the staff cooed, crouching slightly to Harry’s level. “Aren’t you darling?”
Harry beamed.
Neville reached out again, still firmly attached to Regulus.
“They’re getting VIP treatment,” Mary whispered.
“They deserve it,” Regulus said.
Mary wasn’t listening.
Her gaze had snagged somewhere over Regulus’s shoulder.
“…oh,” she said.
Everyone followed her line of sight.
A member of staff—tall, dark-haired, sharply dressed—was standing near one of the reception desks, speaking to another crew member.
Mary’s hand slowly lifted.
“…oh,” she repeated.
Marlene leaned in. “Oh?”
“Oh,” Mary confirmed, a little breathless now. “Oh, I like him.”
Sirius snorted.
“Of course you do.”
Mary ignored him, eyes still locked. “He’s—he’s—”
“Hot?” Gideon offered.
“Yes.”
Regulus glanced over.
Then—
smirked.
“Oh,” he said.
He didn’t say anything else.
Just—
turned.
And walked straight over.
Mary made a small, strangled noise. “Regulus—”
Too late.
Regulus slipped easily into the staff member’s space, greeting him like they knew each other—which, of course, they did.
“Étienne,” Regulus said warmly.
The man—Étienne—lit up immediately. “Monsieur Moreau—”
Regulus leaned in, close, voice dropping just enough that the others couldn’t hear.
Étienne’s expression shifted.
Surprise.
Then—
slow, amused understanding.
His gaze flicked briefly past Regulus.
To Mary.
He smiled.
Sharp.
Interested.
And then—
he waved.
Mary froze.
Then squeaked.
Then grabbed Regulus the second he returned.
“What did you do?!” she demanded, shaking him.
Regulus laughed, breathless. “Nothing terrible—”
“REGULUS—”
“Go to the dining hall tonight,” he said, still grinning. “Table twelve. Eight o’clock.”
Mary stared at him.
“He’ll be there.”
Mary made a noise that could only be described as a full-system overload.
“OH MY GOD—”
She actually jumped.
“REGULUS—”
“I did you a favour.”
“I LOVE YOU—”
“I know.”
She shook him again.
Harder.
He just laughed.
Around them, the others were losing it.
“REGULUS IS A MENACE—” Fabian yelled.
“REGULUS IS A MATCHMAKER—” Gideon added.
“REGULUS IS A PROBLEM—” Sirius corrected.
Regulus bowed slightly. “Thank you.”
—
They moved further in.
And that’s when it happened.
Because the staff—
lined up.
Not formally. Not rigidly.
But deliberately.
Smiling.
Welcoming.
“Welcome aboard.”
“Good afternoon.”
“Enjoy your stay.”
And as Regulus walked past—
they recognised him.
“Welcome back, Monsieur Moreau.”
“Lovely to see you again.”
“We’ve missed you.”
Regulus lit up.
“Oh—hello—hi—” he said, laughing, greeting them all by name, like this wasn’t unusual, like this wasn’t completely absurd.
Sirius leaned toward Remus.
“…he lives here,” he said.
Remus nodded slowly. “He lives here.”
And then—
“Regulus.”
The voice cut through everything.
Low.
Warm.
Amused.
Regulus froze.
Then—
lit up.
“Lucien!”
He didn’t walk.
He ran.
Straight across the lobby, weaving through people with absolute confidence, dropping whatever composure he had left.
Lucien Moreau stood waiting.
Mid-forties, maybe.
Tall.
Broad-shouldered.
Uniform crisp, tailored perfectly.
Salt-and-pepper hair brushed back, silver catching the light in a way that made it look deliberate, expensive.
Sharp jaw.
Easy confidence.
The kind of man who didn’t need to demand attention—
because it came to him anyway.
He smiled as Regulus reached him.
Caught him easily.
Regulus went straight into him—arms around his neck, body pressing close, almost lifting onto his toes without thinking.
“Bonjour, mon cœur,” Lucien murmured, voice soft and teasing.
Regulus laughed, breathless, clinging tighter. “You didn’t tell me you were back already—”
“I like to surprise you,” Lucien said.
“You always do.”
Lucien’s hands settled at Regulus’s waist, steady, grounding.
He leaned down.
And kissed him.
Slow.
Unhurried.
Like they had all the time in the world.
Regulus melted into it, swaying slightly, rising onto his tiptoes, fingers curling into Lucien’s collar.
Someone behind them made a choking noise.
Sirius.
“OH MY GOD—”
Lucien pulled back just enough to look at him, thumb brushing lightly along Regulus’s jaw.
“You’ve been causing trouble,” he said, voice low, amused.
“I have not—” Regulus started, immediately offended.
“Oh?” Lucien’s mouth curved. “No chaos? No mischief? No charming half the port into giving you discounts?”
Regulus squawked.
“I was polite—”
“You were trouble,” Lucien corrected, fond.
“I was not—”
“You always are, darling.”
Regulus huffed, clinging tighter, burying his face briefly against Lucien’s shoulder.
“You’re mean,” he muttered.
Lucien chuckled.
Soft.
Warm.
Completely unbothered.
Then—
he looked up.
At the group.
And blinked.
“…Regulus,” he said slowly, “why do you have… an entourage?”
Regulus perked up immediately.
“Oh!” He turned, still half-attached to Lucien, bright and excited. “These are—”
He gestured wildly.
“—my brother, Sirius—”
Sirius straightened immediately.
“—James and Lily—”
James raised a hand weakly.
Harry squealed.
“—and their son—”
“—Frank and Alice—”
Alice waved.
Neville blinked.
“—and everyone else—”
“Hello,” Mary said brightly.
Lucien stared at them.
Then—
at Regulus.
Then back.
“…you brought them,” he said.
“Yes.”
“…on my ship.”
“Yes.”
“…without warning.”
“Yes.”
Lucien exhaled slowly.
Then smiled.
Slow.
Amused.
“Of course you did.”
Regulus beamed.
“I got them first-class,” he added helpfully.
“I assumed,” Lucien said.
“They’re staying for a bit.”
“I gathered.”
“They’re very excited.”
“I can see that.”
Lucien’s gaze swept over them again.
Measured.
Curious.
Then—
approving.
“Well,” he said finally, “welcome aboard.”
Behind him—
the group erupted again.
“HE’S HOT—” Mary hissed.
“HE’S SO HOT—” Marlene whispered back.
“REGULUS YOU WIN—” Fabian said.
“YOU WON LIFE—” Gideon added.
Sirius folded his arms, watching Lucien carefully.
Then—
nodded.
“…alright,” he said.
Regulus blinked. “Alright what?”
Sirius jerked his chin toward Lucien. “He can stay.”
Lucien raised an eyebrow.
Regulus burst out laughing.
And somewhere in the middle of it all—
of the noise,
the laughter,
the absurdity—
it settled.
Soft.
Certain.
This was real.
This—
this was Regulus Black’s life now.
And somehow—
against every expectation—
it was good.
If Regulus had been bright before—
now he was incandescent.
He barely spared the others another glance.
Because Lucien was here.
And that was that.
He clung like it was instinct—arms looped loosely around Lucien’s neck, body angled in, one hand fisting lightly in the lapel of his jacket like he needed the contact to stay grounded.
“I missed you,” Regulus said, already half-pouting, already leaning closer.
“It has been… what,” Lucien murmured, amused, “three hours?”
“That’s too long.”
Lucien huffed a quiet laugh, smoothing a hand down Regulus’s back. “Tragic.”
“It is tragic,” Regulus insisted, entirely serious.
“And what terrible things have you done in those three hours, hm?” Lucien asked, tone dipping into something fond and teasing.
Regulus lit up instantly.
“Oh—everything,” he said, words spilling out in a rush. “I went shopping—obviously—and then there was this pottery class, and I made things—well, they’re slightly wonky, but I think that adds character—and then I painted a plate set, which I have to pick up tomorrow before we leave port, don’t let me forget—”
“I won’t,” Lucien said.
“—and then I went to this butterfly garden—Lucien, it was beautiful, there were so many, and they just—sat on you, like—like you were part of it—”
Lucien watched him.
Soft.
Amused.
Completely gone for him.
“And,” Regulus added, leaning in conspiratorially, “I got you things.”
“Oh?” Lucien’s brow lifted.
“Mm,” Regulus hummed, pleased with himself. “Little things. Snacks. Gifts.”
“You spoil me,” Lucien said dryly.
“I do,” Regulus agreed.
Then—
he smirked.
Slow.
Mischievous.
“And I got something pretty.”
Lucien’s gaze sharpened.
“And lacy.”
There was a beat.
Then—
Lucien smiled.
Slow.
Dangerous.
Interested.
“…did you now.”
Regulus tilted his head, eyes bright. “I did.”
Lucien leaned closer, voice dropping just enough to brush along the edge of something private. “I suppose I will have to see that later.”
Regulus’s grin turned smug.
“You will.”
Then, immediately—
his expression shifted.
Back to petulant.
“It’s motivation,” he added.
Lucien blinked. “For what?”
“For you,” Regulus said, like it was obvious. “To try harder.”
There was a pause.
Then—
Lucien laughed.
Low.
Warm.
“Oh, mon cœur,” he murmured, thumb brushing along Regulus’s jaw. “We have discussed this.”
“You’re not trying hard enough,” Regulus insisted, clinging tighter.
Lucien pressed a soft kiss to his temple.
“I will endeavour to improve,” he said solemnly.
“You should.”
“I am deeply sorry for my shortcomings.”
“You should be.”
Lucien smiled against his hair, utterly unrepentant.
Behind them—
the group was falling apart.
“Is he—” Mary whispered.
“—being serious?” Marlene whispered back.
“Yes,” Remus said quietly.
Fabian leaned toward Gideon. “He’s arguing with a man twice his age about—”
“Don’t finish that sentence,” Gideon said.
Sirius had his face in his hands.
“…I hate everything.”
“You love everything,” James corrected weakly.
“I hate everything.”
—
Lucien, entirely unfazed, shifted slightly, guiding Regulus a fraction closer.
“Now,” he said lightly, “before you continue your campaign of slander—”
“It’s not slander—”
“—have you eaten?”
Regulus paused.
“…yes,” he said.
Lucien looked at him.
Just looked.
Regulus blinked.
“…I had—something.”
“What did you have?”
“…fruit.”
Lucien sighed.
Soft.
Long-suffering.
Fond.
“Regulus.”
“I was busy—”
“You were shopping.”
“Yes.”
Lucien cupped his face gently, tilting it up just enough to meet his eyes.
“You need to eat properly.”
Regulus huffed, leaning into the touch anyway.
“I will.”
“When.”
“Later.”
“Now.”
“Lucien—”
“Now.”
Regulus whined.
Drawn-out.
Petulant.
“You’re mean—”
“I am correct.”
“You’re always correct.”
“I know.”
Another soft kiss.
This one lingering just a moment longer.
“I will have something sent to the lounge,” Lucien added. “Something you will actually eat.”
Regulus perked slightly.
“…something good?”
“Always.”
“Fine.”
“Good.”
Lucien’s hand lingered at his waist.
Steady.
Possessive without being heavy.
Easy.
“So,” he continued lightly, “to distract you from your current line of argument—”
“I wasn’t—”
“—there are drink specials by the adults-only pool this evening.”
Regulus stilled.
“…oh.”
“And a performance later. The aerial troupe is back.”
Regulus’s eyes lit up.
“And,” Lucien added, watching him carefully now, “the belly flop competition.”
Regulus gasped.
“No—”
“Yes.”
“No—”
“Yes.”
Regulus lit up like a spark catching.
“I love the belly flop competition,” he said immediately. “It’s the best—everyone gets so competitive—and the dads are always the worst—”
“I am aware,” Lucien said.
“It’s so funny—”
“I have seen you nearly fall into the pool laughing.”
“I almost did,” Regulus said proudly.
“You did.”
“I recovered.”
“You were rescued.”
“I was fine.”
Lucien smiled.
Soft.
Endlessly entertained.
Regulus was already rambling now.
Fully distracted.
“I want to go to that, and then maybe the show, and then—oh, and the dessert bar—did they change the menu this week?—and—”
He paused suddenly.
Frowned.
“…wait.”
Lucien tilted his head.
“What?”
Regulus blinked.
“…what was I talking about?”
Lucien shrugged, entirely innocent. “I couldn’t say.”
Regulus narrowed his eyes.
Then—
huffed.
“Oh well.”
And immediately kept going.
“I want to try everything tonight—”
Lucien bit back a smile.
Behind them—
they were losing it.
“He distracted him,” Mary whispered.
“He completely derailed him,” Marlene added.
“That was tactical,” Remus said.
“That was terrifying,” Peter said.
“That was impressive,” Fabian admitted.
Sirius stared at them.
“…he’s—”
“—a trophy husband?” Gideon supplied.
“Yes.”
“—a spoiled one,” Mary added.
“—a very loved one,” Lily said quietly.
They watched.
Because it wasn’t just that Regulus was young—
early twenties, bright and soft-edged in a way the war had stripped from all of them—
and Lucien was older—
mid-forties, grounded, steady, self-assured.
It wasn’t just that Lucien spoiled him—
though that part was obvious.
The clothes.
The money.
The way he let Regulus spend without question.
The way the entire ship seemed to bend around him.
It was—
the way he looked at him.
Like Regulus was something he had chosen.
Something he would keep choosing.
Over and over.
And Regulus—
Regulus didn’t even notice.
He just leaned in.
Smiling.
Talking.
Alive.
Oblivious to the whispers behind him.
“…he’s so gone,” Mary said softly.
“Completely,” Marlene agreed.
Sirius exhaled slowly.
Watched his brother—
laughing,
clinging,
safe—
and shook his head.
“…unbelievable,” he muttered.
But he was smiling.