White Wedding
The next few days passed in a blur for Regulus. One family dinner turned into a trip to the theatre, a shopping excursion with Elsbeth and their mothers - which the engaged pair had agreed was a nightmare never to be repeated under any circumstance, - and now they were enduring a cocktail party at a fashionable London hotel for Christmas Eve.
Regulus, with Elsbeth on his arm, was ready to murder the next person who asked them how the wedding preparations were coming along. A glance at Elsbeth told him she was feeling the same way. Slowly he steered them towards a balcony overlooking a swimming area.
“Is that supposed to be a tropical paradise down there?” Elsbeth asked, taking in the stunted palm trees in pots, brightly coloured awnings, and blue tiled pool with yellow trim.
“Clearly.” Regulus said, following her gaze.
“Clearly designed by someone who had never been to the tropics.” Elsbeth said drily. “Just as these cocktails have been designed by someone who doesn’t drink in muggle pubs. This is worse than the last one, and I thought it was bad.”
“And yet you’ve drunk several.” Regulus observed
“Someone has to drink your share.” Elsbeth grimaced, “I’m not even tipsy, and I should be by now.”
They lapsed into silence. “Regulus, why are we doing this?” Elsbeth asked as she leant against the rail, back to the noise of the party inside. “You’re constantly on edge, and it’s starting to show in your extra snarky comments. I hate every minute of this facade we have to show. Why can’t we just tell our parents to go shove it and go be happy in our own lives.” She raised tear filled eyes expecting to see the usual icy sliver eyes only to find Regulus meeting her gaze with unexpected sympathy.
“Oh Merlin! You met someone while you were away.” Elsbeth whispered. “Oh Regulus, I’m so sorry.” Impulsively she stood and hugged him. “What can I do?”
“Ahh, there you are. So wonderful to see our young engaging in appropriate behaviour.” An oily voice interrupted before Regulus could answer. “You’re parents have an announcement and they would like you both to be present.”
With a mental shake, Regulus relocated his emotions back behind their reinforced walls, though not before giving Elsbeth's hand a grateful squeeze. “Sir Matthias. Any idea what it’s about?” He asked, all smooth stone once more.
“I’m afraid not dear boy. Afraid not. Now bring your beautiful bride to be and let’s find out.”
Elsbeth shrugged at his glance. She had no idea either. This did not bode well.
“Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen.” Orion’s cultured voice rang out across the space. All the preferred noble families were in attendance tonight, Regulus noted as he and Elsbeth made their way across to the small dais upon which their parents stood. He felt vaguely sorry for the band now standing uncomfortably off to one side, but they, as with all the staff, were being paid well to do their jobs and keep their mouths shut about the event.
Orion motioned for Regulus and Elsbeth to join them in the dais. Suppressing his misgivings, Regulus did so. He looked out over the crowd. So many sycophantic smiles, and quite a few smirks, Lestrange and Malfoy amoungst them. Bellatrix was scarily gleeful, Narcissa too neutral. His instincts were telling him it was time to run and run fast. He looked at Elsbeth. She had the same panic in her eyes as he felt.
“Father.” Regulus said calmly
“Regulus, my son and heir. Your Mother and I, with the assistance of the Parkinsons, have organised something special for this evening. In light of recent events we have decided to move up your wedding date to tonight.” A gasp ran through the crowd, allowing Orion to smile magnanimously. “It was also our Dark Lord's wish to see his most promising follower happily married before the end of this turbulent year. To this end, we have engaged all the relevant authorities to officiate this ceremony.” Orion paused. There was a round of applause and multiple people cheered.
Regulus looked at Elsbeth, eyebrow raised in a silent question. She nodded her agreement.
“No.” Regulus said quietly. “We will be married on the appointed date or not at all,”
Walburga stepped forward, fury in every rigid line of her bony frame. “You will marry tonight.” She hissed.
“Why? What is so important it cannot wait a month?” Regulus asked, his voice so low only those on the stage could hear him.
“Elsbeth is in agreement with tonight’s ceremony.” Walburga ground out
Regulus looked at her. Anger sparked in her eyes. “I was asked what I thought. I said it was a ridiculous idea. I did not agree to moving the date. In fact I do not agree to this entire farce of a relationship.” Elsbeth seethed.
“But our family. There is far more riding on this marriage than your happiness or even agreement.” Angus Parkinson said gruffly “Your place is to marry and have heirs, not opinions.”
Regulus turned to Elsbeth’s father with a glacial glare. “What were you offered for your daughter? And what more did you accept to agree to this change?”
Angus stood his ground. He would not answer this young upstart. He wasn’t nearly as frightening as his mother.
“Oh but I am.” Regulus said, pouring all his frustration into the menacing tone. Regulus turned his back on the now quivering man and addressed the crowd, his voice cold yet alluring.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your patience. There appears to have been a slight misunderstanding. While Elsbeth and I are honoured to be recognised by the Dark Lord, we feel that it is unfair to rush into such a binding state at this time. Please stay and enjoy the atrocious cocktails and surprisingly good music for the next few hours.”
The audience looked at each other with dazed expressions. They had been expecting a wedding. Did this mean there was or wasn’t going to be one. Regulus heard Bellatrix cackle as she shouted “If there’s to be no wedding then we can party without the boring ceremony. Bring on the cocktails and fire whiskey. It’s time to dance.”
‘Ah Bella. That is one favour I’m happy to owe you.’ Regulus thought had he swung back to his parents “Off the stage so the musicians can resume their set. It’s time to talk” he ordered
“You have no right.” Walburga started as Orion, recognising the fury Regulus was emanating, led them into a small alcove away from the crowd.
“Explain yourselves.” Regulus commanded, pleased thst his father had responded to the fury he had allowed to escape.
Wslburga glared at him in disbelief.
“How many times do we need to do this Mother? I am no longer a child for you to bully into doing what you wish.” Regulus said calmly, meeting his mothers glare.
“Father, perhaps you and Mr Parkinson would care to explain why you thought ambushing us would be a good idea?” He continued when Walburga refused to answer.
“It was our ..” Angus Parkinson began before withering under Regulus’s gaze
“It was your mother. She threatened to blacklist our family businesses if we didn’t go through with her ideas. We don’t know why she felt it was so necessary. But we can’t afford to lose our business. It would ruin us. Elsbeth, talk some sense into him. He’ll listen to you.”
Ellsberg laughed. Genuine mirth. “Oh Mama. The only person Regulus listens to is Regulus.”
“Who was the woman you were with in Budapest?” Walburga spat out as Elsbeth continued to chuckle at her parents' naivety.
“My cousin.” Regulus said frostily
“Bellatrix and Narcissa never left the country.” Walburga stated
“My Rosier cousin. You do remember them. We went to school together. Evan and Barty were Voldemort’s favorite hit men.”
“You were seen having breakfast together.”
“Was I expected to be rude? That’s not how you raised me.”
“Explain yourself Son.” Orion interjected before Walburga could curse him
Regulus metaphysically rolled his eyes. He’d hoped to avoid this particular scene. “My cousin was spending a few days with the university’s magical creatures department. I had some business to attend to at the university. We ran into each other and decided to catch up for breakfast as my evenings tended to be taken up with work.”
“I want the truth. Imperio” Walburga snarled
“That is all the truth you are getting, Mother.” Regulus replied casually blocking the spell.
The Parkinsons gasped as one. That Walburga would use such a spell on her son. That Orion did nothing but look on proudly at the escalating argument. That Regulus could so casually fend off such a powerful spell. Angus exchanged a loaded look with his wife and daughter. This was not a family to be trifled with.
Regulus noted the interplay between Elsbeth and her parents. He could use this to his advantage.
“Do not attempt to control me anymore.” He continued and turned to the Parkinsons. “You are free to stay and enjoy the party or return home. After tonight’s display of blatant manipulation, I will respect any decisions you make with regards to your future and our family.” He took them all in. The fear. The pride. The hatred. The desperation. “We will discuss this further in two days, at which time a resolution will be agreed.” Everyone nodded. “I will send the time and location. Good night.” Regulus glanced at Elsbeth who nodded, and together they walked away from their parents.
“Home?” Regulus asked quietly.
“Yes please.” Elsbeth said as they made their way towards the rooms exit, ignoring everyone who even thought about approaching them.
“Elsbeth, I meant what i said. I will respect your decision. Neither of us wants to go through with this charade but I know your family’s business relies heavily on the goodwill and connections of the Black family . Which I suspect is one of the reasons my mother proposed you as a suitable match. If a wedding is required then I will go through with it and we will come to a mutually agreeable arrangement for our future.” Regulus said as they stood in the hotel foyer.
Elsbeth studied the young man before her. She could see why her friends had tried to talk her out of the marriage. Regulus had a self assured arrogance and cold demeanor which kept everyone at a distance. And his mother was a nightmare. Watching Walburga this evening and how she had treated her son had been a revelation. Yet the Regulus she had come to know had a generosity and charm about him that in other circumstances she would have happily explored. “Thank you Regulus. I have a lot to think about.” She paused, her eyes searching his. “Your cousin, is she the one?”
Regulus let his guard slip for a moment. Elsbeth deserved at least part of the truth. “No. She is a very dear friend I refuse to expose to my family.” He said. Elsbeth waited. “I cannot have the one I want. It was a holiday romance. No more.”
Elsbeth reached out and touched the pale, hollow cheek. Regulus controlled his automatic flinch. “I know you don’t like being touched, so thank you for letting me do so.” She said “We’ll work something out. I’m going home to my people now. I’ll see you in a couple of days.”
Regulus watched as Elsbeth apparated. She was a good person caught in an awful situation. He would not allow either of them to be bullied any longer. It was time. He sighed. The next few days were not going to be pleasant.
——
James bounced out of bed on Christmas morning. He simply adored Christmas. The tree had gone up the day after the full moon and was covered in magical and mundane decorations. The house was as festive as it could be with lights and tinsel strewn across doorways, windows, and in the hallways. This year he had mounted never ending candle stubs in all the bedrooms to replace the electric lights, for a more romantic atmosphere.
“What’s with all the romance Prongs? You’re the only single person in the house.” Sirius had said when James had set up the candles a few days before.
“Yep. But I’m surrounded by people in love and that’s so amazing it should be celebrated.” James had responded, hugging Sirius and Remus in turn. It didn’t matter that the person he loved wasn’t there. It didn’t matter that the person he loved might never be there. All that mattered were the people around him right now.
Pulling on his Christmas jumper and socks, James made his way down to the sitting room where an enormous tree sat nestled in a corner with the bay window on one side and fireplace on the other. Presents wrapped in brightly coloured paper lay strewn underneath, while mince pies and sweet treats sat waiting on the coffee table in the centre of the room. This would be the biggest Christmas they had had in years. James was dancing with excitement.
“Oh Goddess. He’s like a five year old child.” Tara laughed from the doorway. “Is he always this excited?”
Effie peered over her guest’s shoulder. “Oh yes. Some years he’s been known to literally bounce off the ceiling. I banned the sweets responsible after the last time when he flattened the tree.”
“How old was he?”
“Seventeen.” Effie laughed. “Go on in. The others will be down soon. We’ll open presents this morning before brunch. Then we all nap before a rolling dinner.”
“A rolling dinner?”
“Every year about six families are nominated to host Christmas dinner for the village. Over time it’s become customary to move from one house to another in no particular order. You have a drink, a bite to eat, chat with those who are there and move on to the next place, or if you get very drunk, be rolled home. It’s our turn this year.” Effie explained.
“It’s our turn most years.” James said “Morning Mum. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas Jamie. Now be a good host and pour our guests some tea.” Effie instructed and headed for the kitchen.
It wasn’t long before Sirius, Remus, Willow, Lily and Monty made their way into the cosy sitting room. Not having any income, or access to their own money, Willow and Tara had asked to be excused from the gift giving.
“Nonsense.” Effie has responded, quite sternly in fact. “Gifts don’t need to come from shops,” she’d added with a smile.
“James please do the honours before Sirius wets himself with excitement.” Monty said, barely suppressing his laugh
“It was the one time. And I was twelve.” Sirius exclaimed, going bright red. Remus ruffled his hair. “That’s why you always get the red jumper.”
“The colours have meanings?” Tara asked, looking at her ochre jumper with holly embroidered along the bottom edge. Willow was wearing shades of blue embroidered with oak leaves. Lily had dark green with bunches of sage, rosemary and thyme in a lighter green. Remus had soft rich brown with a tiny wolf on one cuff, Sirius had bright red with a shaggy black dog on the cuff, while James had sunny yellow with a stag on his cuff. Each of the boys also had dancing Christmas elves embroidered along the bottom edge of their jumpers. Even Effie and Monty were looking festive with matching jumpers of green, red, brown and yellow, and a giant snowman on the front. ‘We all look ridiculous but it works.’ Tara thought, amazed.
“Absolutely.” Effie replied “They are symbols of you, with some Christmas cheer thrown in for extra luck.” She turned to her son “Jamie. The first gift goes toooo …. “
And so it began. Gifts exchanged. Some heartfelt, most practical and some plain ridiculous. Willow and Tara had worked with Lily to design and make personalized notebooks for Monty and Effie. They had also taken over the kitchen to make hard and soft Californian candies for everyone. Willow had found a recipe which would prolong the life of the hard candy provided it was sucked not bitten, while the soft candies changed flavours as they were chewed.
“These are amazing.” James declared as he popped a third chewing candy into his mouth. “Definitely the best sweets I’ve ever had.”
Willow beamed. She’d spent a long time creating and perfecting the recipe with Winnie’s supervision. ‘Definitely taking that one home with me’ She thought, as everyone nodded in agreement.
Gifts and thanks and many hugs exchanged, the younger folk were banished outside for a constitutional wander up to the wood for more kindling if they could find any dry enough.
“It’s just an excuse to get us out of the way while the adults clear up the mess and set out brunch.” James explained.
“Aren’t we adults?” Tara asked
“Not today. If we ever have kids we will be, but not until then.” Sirius said
“Or even then with you two.” Remus says rolling his eyes as James and Sirius dove head first into a snowdrift at the end of the formal garden.
“One day they’re going to seriously hurt themselves and wonder why we don’t come running.” Said Lily taking Remus’s arm and ignoring the shrieks coming from the snowdrift.
The others laughed and headed over the field and into the woods.
The rest of the day followed the routine Effie had outlined. The rolling dinner had started with a large number of wizards popping in to say hello over the course of the evening. James was excited to see the younger members of the Order, including Fabian and Gideon Prewitt, Arthur and Molly Weasley, as well as Alice and Frank Longbottom. While they had all been in different years ahead of him at Hogwarts, working with them during the war had helped develop strong friendships. Gideon and Fabian had been particularly good friends to both him and Sirius, especially during the year Remus was with the wolf packs.
“Gid. Fab. How brilliant to see you.” James cried when he spotted them, giving each a hug. Gideon hugged a little harder and somewhat longer than his brother which mystified James, but he promptly banished it. “How have you both been?” He asked, leading them to the drinks table and pouring mulled wine before taking another for himself.
“Hey James. We’ve been great. Working hard.” Fabian said
“Playing harder.” Gideon laughed. “You still playing quidditch?”
“Oh Merlin, don’t get him started.” Another voice joined in.
“Lily. Lovely lovely Lily. How are you my sweet?” Fabian said as he swept Lily into a hug.
“Hi Fabian. I’m fantastic.” Lily laughed, hugging him back.
“So tell me, when will you go out on a date with me?” Fabian asked with wide eyes and hopeful expression.
“Ah Fabian. I’m sorry to say you’re not my type.”
“So who is the lucky fellow? Are you finally dating young James here?” Fabian teased, oblivious to the look on his twin’s face, though both James and Lily caught it.
“No. James and I settled that sometime ago. I have met someone, and I’m hoping they drop by tonight.”
“Oh! Do tell.” Fabian said at the same Gideon asked “And you James?”
“If you stay long enough you’ll find out.” Lily smiled
“I'm waiting to see what happens. You?” James grinned. He couldn’t help himself. He’d always enjoyed flirting with the Prewitt twins though it never amounted to much more given their reputation was similar to his own.
“We came to see you adorable bunch of mischief makers of course.” Gideon grinned back, slipping an arm around James’s shoulders.
Lily frowned slightly as the four of them made their way into the back garden where Remus and Sirius were chatting with some of the villagers who had arrived. She really hoped James knew what he was doing. A breath of wind caught her attention and Lily completely forgot about James as she followed it to its source.
“Dora. You made it.” Lily beamed as Pandora came around the side of the house.
“Of course I did, otherwise how could I spirit you away to my cottage in the woods.” Pandora beamed back.
Lily laughed and kissed the beautiful eccentric woman who embraced her. “You don’t want to come say hello to the others?” Lily asked when they broke apart.
Pandora shook her head. “If I don’t know I can’t lie.” She said closing her eyes.
Lily glanced over her shoulders. Someone had produced a bottle of fire whiskey. Oh dear that was going to get messy.
“They have to make their own decisions. Both of them.” Pandora said softly, not needing to follow Lily’s gaze.
“I know. But it doesn’t stop me from worrying. They’re good for each other.”
“Then they’ll make their way to where they’re meant to be when they’re meant to be there.” Pandora said, kissing Lily’s cheek. “I made pineapple biscuits. The kringleshacks promised not to eat them but they’re unreliable at best and a menace at worst.”
Lily laughed. “Take me to your cottage in the woods fair maiden. The knights can look after themselves. I want to taste your biscuits.” Pandora giggled and blushed.
With a soft pop the two of them were gone. James looked over to where he’d seen Lily go and smiled as she disappeared with Pandora. They were so good together. He was truly glad Lly found happiness again.
“So, you were going to tell me something before we got interrupted.” Gideon said, handing James a glass of fire whiskey.
“Yes. I was.” James took a sip. He was back in Cornwall kissing Regulus for the first time. He was in Budapest kissing Regulus for what might have been the last time. He smiled wistfully and took another sip.
“Well?” Gideon prompted, giving James a friendly nudge.
“We got to train with the Hungarian quidditch team.” James said as though it was something he did everyday, and then grinning at the startled faces around him.
“Seriously?” Fabian and Gideon said in unison
“Seriously. It was so much fun. They’re terribly good.” James said excitedly and began to replay every move and countermove of the session, complete with hand gestures and full body actions with Sirius. A small crowd gathered to watch. The villagers looked on confused, until Effie and Monty steered them away to the next house on the dinner list talking about the comedy act James was trying out on his friends.
It was almost three in morning before James crawled into bed. Gideon had become more and more persistent until Willow had come along and snogged the life out of him. It had taken James a couple of moments and a nod from Tara before he responded, but it had worked. Gideon looked confused, then embarrassed.
Willow, receiving a subtle thumbs up from Tara, had pulled back to stare woozily up at James, and then sunk into his reflexive hug. “Hey babe. I’ve been looking for you all night.” She said with her trademark grin. “Sorry I was late. Got talking to Effie at the gate.”
“Oh mate! I’m so sorry. I didn’t realise you were dating someone.” Gideon said mortified.
James slapped his friend on the back. “Don’t worry about it. Willow this is Gideon. We almost had a thing but the war ended so we didn’t. He’s very cool. And his twin Fabian. He prefers Lily, but they didn’t have a thing either.”
Fabian roared with laughter. “The two of you flirted outrageously with everyone. We all thought it was a competition and played along.” He looked fondly at his brother. “Some things never change.”
“I’m glad you’ve found someone James.” Gideon grinned. “More left for me. Another round.”
And so they continued. Tara came and joined in, tucking herself under James’s other arm. Unlike Willow, she had never even kissed a guy. So when they saw James unable to extract himself from the mess he’d gotten himself into decided to take drastic measures.
“Why did you come rescue me?” James asked after everyone had left, and Remus had carried a singing Sirius to bed.
“Regulus.” They said together. “We didn’t want you to hate yourself in the morning. The hangover will be enough for all of us to deal with.” Tara added.
Impulsively James had hugged and kissed them both. “Thank you for your sacrifice.” He said.
“Oh I didn’t mind. You’re not a bad kisser.” Willow chirped. “Of course Tara is better.” She added with a cheeky grin causing Tara to grin in return. “See you at lunchtime.” And off they went as well.
James stared out his window, watching as the snow began to fall again covering up all evidence of the party. “‘Merry Christmas Kitten” he murmured as he fell asleep dreaming of Regulus in his arms.