Thin White Duke

The day dawned fine and clear. 

“Morning Sleepyhead.” 

Lily smiled and stretched “Morning.” She answered rolling over to drink in the sight of Pandora standing by the window wearing only a light robe that accentuated her figure. 

“Tea or Coffee?” Pandora asked “Don’t answer.” She waved her wand. “Croissants with rich dark hot chocolate and whipped cinnamon honey,” A tray set for two appeared and was caught deftly before it could crash to the floor. “It worked! Let’s hope it tastes as good as it looks.” She said bringing the tray over to the bed. 

Lily scrambled into a sitting position as Pandora handed her a mug of hot chocolate and croissant, her eyes anxious behind the sunny smile. “What’s up?” She asked 

Pandora sat beside Lily and helped herself to breakfast. “Mmmmmm.  It’s very tasty. Excellent. I’ll definitely do this one again.” 

Lily laughed. “Are you experimenting on me?” 

“Only a little. Kreacher’s been teaching me some elven food magic. I can only use ingredients I already have and summon food that has been prepared. I asked Kreacher to keep a large pot of chocolate simmering on the stove and freshly baked pastries and croissants ready for breakfast this morning so I could give it a go.” 

“You knew I’d stay?” Lily tried to look offended but was too happy for it to work. 

“I really really hoped.” Pandora replied, kissing her and sending the breakfast tray to the table by the window as Lily deepened the kiss, hands beginning to roam with more confidence then they had the night before. 

A knock on the door some time later roused them from their doze, sweat now dry and crumbled sheets abandoned on the floor. 

“Just a moment.” Pandora called kissing Lily’s breast as she slid out of bed. 

Lily giggled and slid out the other side. “I’m going to have a shower while you deal with whoever’s on the other side.” She said and disappeared into the generous bathroom. 

“Morning.” Pandora said brightly waving the foor open. 

“Morning Pan.” Regulus said as he took in the room, including the empty tray for two. “Good night then?”

Pandora smiled innocently. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said, then added “It was a extra excellent, I think there’s  more hot chocolate if you want some,” 

Regulus shook his head. “No thank you. I wandered over to see what you had planned for today, but i can see you have it well in hand” He grinned, “All my official business is done for now, so we can catch up for dinner if you’re free,” 

Pandora studied Regulus. “What are you not telling me? The local Kringleshacks are worried about something, and you are too. It’s never a good sign when you align.” She said 

Regulus sat on the desk chair and crossed his legs. “Has Lily said why that group are here?” He asked 

Pandora raised brow “Pillow secrets. That’s not like you.” She paused at the flash of hurt in his silver eyes. ‘Good.’ She thought. ‘I do need to check every now and again.’ The silence stretched. Regulus remained impassive. The water in the shower stopped. “A conference and a hunch on how to return Willow and Tara to their own place and time.” She finally answered, moving over to him. He reached out a hand, uncrossing his legs. “Are you sure?”  Regulus nodded. He needed the physical contact even if he wouldn’t admit it out loud. Pandora settled onto his lap and he wrapped his arms around her. They sat like that, eyes closed until Lily emerged.

“Morning Regulus.” Lily said, refusing to bristle at the site of her lover in another’s arms. 

“Morning Lily.” He said without opening his eyes. 

“He hasn’t slept in three days.” Said Pandora. “This helps.” 

“Did sleep.” Regulus mumbled. “At least a couple of hours.”  

Lily dressed quietly. Pandora had assured her there was nothing between her and Regulus, yet seeing them wrapped around each other she felt like an intruder. It wasn’t the puppy pile James and Sirius did. This was far more intimate and yet all they were doing was holding each other. 

Fully dressed, with coat and bag over one arm, Lily finally approached the pair and dropped a kiss onto Pandora's cheek. 

“Thank you Lily.” Regulus whispered.  

Pandora smiled and gazed adoringly into Lily’s astonished green eyes. “See you at dinner.” She said softly. 

Lily nodded and left them, a whirl of emotions. This was a side of Regulus she doubted anyone except Pandora had ever seen. The fact he trusted her as well, was, well, confusing. Lily was still ruminating on Regulus’s strange behaviour when she apparated back to the university.  It was considered bad form to apparate when one could simply walk from place to place, however Lily figured she was probably starting to be missed by now, so took the quickest way she knew.  

“Lils. There you are!” Exclaimed Sirius and pulled her into a huge hug, which James promptly joined. “Where were you? James was worried when you weren’t in your room this morning.” 

“I was out for breakfast.” Lily laughed, extracting herself from the boys. “And now I’m back. What time are we due at the hotel?”

“Where are we staying anyway?” Sirius asked 

“Capella Hotel. It’s about a twenty minute walk from here just off the main street. It was recommended by the university chancellor.” Answered James. “Apparently it’s very nice but not too posh so visiting academics feel more comfortable then staying at the more prominent Lyra or Cygnus Hotels.” 

“It’s also not a Black property.” Said Sirius with relief. 

“Sirius, just how much does your family own?” Tara asked. 

“No idea. The Blacks have interests scattered throughout Europe. My parents are the current heads. Father wanted me to follow him but I was never interested. Give me music and art over business deals and boardrooms.” Said Sirius with a shrug. “Shall we go grab our things and say goodbye? I’m starting to get hungry.” 

 Lily laughed. “You’re always hungry.”

Two hours later the six friends had checked into their new accommodation and gathered back downstairs in a small dining room. 

“That was good. Not Effie good but definitely better than school and uni fare.” Sirius said, patting his flat stomach. “What are our plans for the rest of the day?” 

Remus looked around the table only to be met with a series of shrugs. “I’m thinking we should investigate the men we followed last night.” 

“What men?” Asked Lily, instantly concerned. 

Remus gave a quick run down of the events, though he left Regulus out of the account. That piece of information would not be helpful.  “Any theories?” he said at the end. 

“I have a theory….” Started Tara

“It’s just a theory, Ouch,” interrupted Willow and glaring at Tara who glared back, before she dissolved into giggles. 

“Sorry. In joke. Anyway, my theory is” continued Tara “that this Lord V guy didn’t get the outcome he wanted from his meeting and decided that it would be better to start spreading rumours and dissent amoungst much smaller groups. I’m wondering if we checked out different places this evening, the same pair would be doing the rounds again to add more fuel until it becomes a fire.” 

The sound of a fire crackling in the hearth punctuated the room as they thought about this. 

“It’s a very sound possibility. Did you see where the men went?” Lily asked. 

“An ordinary townhouse up near the black building,” Sirius replied. “It’s a pretty expensive area and the two we followed were wearing plain robes over ordinary looking winter trousers and boots so I doubt they actually live there.”

“It sounds like the sort of place someone calling themselves a lord would live.” Mused Willow.

They were quiet for a few moments, until Tara asked “Assuming Regulus comes here for business, is that the sort of place he’d stay?” 

Sirius shrugged. “I don’t know about Reggie, but my parents would stay in the family residence attached to the cathedral. Other senior members, though, do have houses in the streets surrounding the building so it fits.”

“In that case, let’s spend the rest of the day playing tourist. Tara, Lily and Remus have been ensconced in the conference. Sirius and I spent most of the last two days at the quidditch pitch, sorry Willow, so we haven't seen any of the city really. We can explore, listen for rumblings, and maybe see who lives in the house on the hill.” James beamed, pleased with his plan. 

Willow beamed back. She was a big believer in the idea that every friendship group needed a sunny person, and in this group it was most definitely James. Remus was generally reserved and watchful, Lily quiet and thoughtful, Sirius chaotic and unpredictable, James sunny and dependable. Sure they all had their wildness. Remus had an air of danger, while Lily had a fierceness that brooked no stupidity. Sirius and James rarely stopped moving. Even now sitting at the table Sirius was sketching while James was bouncing his leg ever so slightly. ‘Another version of the Scooby Gang' Willow thought, remembering all the different personalities that had come together over the years. She missed them sometimes. She would miss these friends too.  

——

The rest of the day was largely uneventful as the group wandered in and out of different shops. Books were browsed, brooms admired, and novelty items purchased as Sirius bought some self-inking pens, and James found a picture of the Hungarian quidditch team which he declared he would ask them to sign when he met them again.  It was well after dark before they reached their hotel. 

“Any luck spotting the two men you followed last night?” Tara asked as the sat down to dinner. 

“I thought I spotted one of them earlier but he ducked into a sweet shop before I could confirm his scent.” Remus replied 

“A likely excuse. I saw you eyeing those humbugs from a mile away,” Sirius teased. “And that’s why I got you some,” and pulled out a large bag of the delicious black and white striped sweets. 

Remus grinned and kissed him in thanks. 

“Oh please. You’ll spoil everyone’s dinner,” a mocking tone interjected. 

Sirius sprang away from Remus. “What the fuck!” He swung his head around. “Reggie?” 

“Pandora” Lily said at the same time, her face lighting up 

“What are you doing here?” Sirius continued 

“Will you join us, we ordered plenty for everyone,”  Willow asked

“No..” “Of course,” Regulus and Pandora said in unison. 

Immediately Lily produced another chair as James made way for Pandora to sit down. Pandora smiled at him and James felt like he’d won something in a game he didn’t know he was playing.  

“Fine.” Regulus grouched and slid into the chair which had appeared beside Sirius and opposite James. 

“What brings you two here?” Tara asked 

“Business.” “Dragons.” Regulus glared at Pandora who ignored him. 

“Dragons? I saw there was a session on the capture, care and release of dragons but I didn’t make that one. Do you like dragons?” Tara said watching Regulus curiously 

A peal of laughter erupted from Sirius. “Oh Reggie. Are you still mad about the beasts? I remember you tried to persuade father to get you one for your fifth birthday. You even wrote a full business case.” 

Regulus turned his glare towards his brother, fighting to keep the flush under control as he felt James’s wide-eyed stare on him. 

“Did it work?” James breathed in awe. At five he was running after rabbits, falling out of trees and learning to fly.  

“No!”

“Didn’t stop you asking every year until you were ten.” Sirius grinned. 

“Why did you stop?” Tara asked. 

“Did you get one? Having a dragon would be way cool.” Willow sighed 

“Sirius went to school.” Regulus said, an anger he had forgotten coloring his voice and instantly shutting down the humour that had enveloped the table. 

“But you have dragons now.” Pandora said cheerily 

“Father got you a dragon?” 

“Of course not. Why would he waste money on such a creature?” 

James gazed at Regulus. He would buy Regulus a dragon. He’d buy him two or three or a whole herd if it would wipe away the sorrow and resentment that had flashed in the silver eyes it turned out he adored. Regulus met the honey brown eyes filled with so much warmth and tenderness he wanted to do nothing more than sink into them and never emerge. 

“So who got you a dragon?” Insisted Sirius breaking the moment. 

Regulus tore himself away and looked at Sirius, his walls slamming back into place. “I did.” 

“You actually own one? Isn’t that illegal?” Lily gasped 

“When has legality ever stopped a Black from doing anything?” Regulus asked coldly 

James glared at Sirius who missed it completely.  James really wanted Fowey Regulus back. His heart leapt at how the ice melted into a silver-blue lined lagoon again when their eyes met ever so briefly. ‘Oh Reg.’ He thought, his heart cracking yet again. ‘How can I persuade you to run away with me? It doesn’t have to be forever. I’d take a year, a week, even a night. I’d like forever. Something. Anything. Whatever you can give.’ He swallowed his sigh and smiled instead. 

“What’s amusing you Potter?” Regulus spat out. 

“You two.” James said “I used to wonder what it would be like to grow up with a sibling” he paused taking in Sirius’s offended look. “As much as I love you Pads, becoming brothers at sixteen doesn’t count.” He grinned. “I may not have fallen out as many trees if someone had been there to counsel some sense into me,” 

“Is that where all your brains went?” Regulus cocked a brow 

Remus chuckled “That explains the very healthy wood around the village. It’s full of Potter offerings.” 

“Hey! I’ll have you know that not all those offerings were the result of landing head first.” James objected 

“Precisely.” 

The rest of the table burst into laughter. Their food arrived and soon the talk turned to what had been learnt at the conference and Pandora’s few days with the magical creatures team.  

“So why are you really here Regulus?” James asked quietly, when the meal was done, the plates cleared, and they were sipping their tea or coffee.  

Regulus glanced at the rest of the table, and met James' eyes. “Would you believe me if I said I came for you?” He asked slyly 

James blushed “Did you?” He blurted

“No.” Regulus kicked himself, why was he messing with the man? “Did you want me too?”

James nodded mutely. He couldn’t help it. 

“Oh James. I can’t. You know that. My path is set.” Regulus said more gently than he had intended. “Everyone knows that war is over, that everybody lost. Except it isn’t over. I don’t know exactly why you’re all here, but given who your father is I can make an educated guess.” He paused. James had grown serious, his eyes wary. This was a side people rarely saw. The same intelligence Monty hid behind affable charm, and command Effie hid behind amiable friendliness.

“Tell me what you do know. Without the snarky.” James said. 

“There is someone pretending to be Voldemort. I saw you at the lecture so you felt his power.” 

James nodded. 

“I need to find that man before he does to Eastern Europe what Voldemort did to the UK.” 

James remained quiet. It wasn’t quite why they were here. How much did he trust Regulus? The man was mercurial. Snarky, condescending, icebergs were warmer. Witty, considerate, generous to those he considered worthy. And Broken. Flies back together with sarcasm, detachment and frost  James studied the intense eyes before him and made a decision. “We certainly heard the rumours. Dad also thinks that we may be able to find a way to send Willow and Tara back to their own time.  Something to do with a labyrinth and castle, the conference was a way to get the visas we needed to come here.” He said finally, when it was clear Regulus would wait him out. “What about you? Will you help? You said you would.”

“I said I’d try.”

“There is no try.”

“There is only do.” Silence. A tug of wills as they both resisted the urge to reach across the table.

“Yes. I know.” Regulus allowed the sigh to escape and gave a faint smile. “I do have work to do.  Fortunately it may complement what you are doing so I will help.”

James smiled, warmth spreading up into his eyes. Spontaneously he grasped Regulus’s hand. The shock that ran through them both was palpable. James flushed. 

“Why are you holding my brother's hand?” 

“He said he’d help us.” James answered, not letting go. Regulus flicked his wrists. “Ouch.” 

Sirius winced slightly. “Reggie! That wasn’t very nice.” 

“I’m not a nice person. And unlike you, I don’t feel the need to be so touchy feely. Uurrgh. How do you do it brother?” 

“Like this.” Said Sirius and threw an arm around his brother’s shoulders before swooping in to kiss his cheek. 

Regulus flicked his fingers. Sirius froze mid action. Regulus extracted himself from the pose and stood up. “Thank you for dinner. I’ll see you in the morning.” He said coolly, and left. Sirius promptly landed face first on the vacant chair.

“Guess he still doesn’t like being touched.” Sirius said, as he sat back up rubbing his nose. “Prongs I recommend keeping your hands to yourself.” 

“Or asking first.” Pandora whispered from beside James. 

James gave her a grateful smile. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks.” He whispered back. And the talk turned to other things once more