Go With The Flow
Regulus hated Christmas and this year had proven to be even worse than usual. Walburga had insisted that the family conduct the evening meal at Lestrange Castle so they could work out the final seating arrangements for the wedding. It had taken all of his significant self control to not permanently silence the lot of them as Rudolphus and Lucius smirked at him, Bellatrix cackled endlessly, and Walburga looked down her sharpened nose, treating him like a spoiled five-year-old child. It was beyond infuriating.
The meal finally ended allowing Regulus to escape to the library. The whole reason he agreed to attend the evening in the first place. He wondered absently what would happen if he just turned up at the Potters, but shut that thought down before it leaked through his carefully reconstructed walls.
‘Ah. There you are.’ Regulus thought instead, finding one of the books he was looking for. It was dry and dusty with age and disuse. A few minutes later he found the second in much the same condition. “Does no one in this blighted place read?” He wondered aloud.
“Not if they can help it.” Answered an amused voice.
“Hello Cissa.” Regulus said, emerging from the book shelves, the liberated books shrunk and tucked into his suit jacket pocket. “What brings you in here?”
“Draco needs feeding and it’s a much more pleasant place to sit than their so-called parlour. I get you need a hobby, but there’s only so many stuffed ugly creatures I can stare at in one evening.” Narcissa said moving to one of the high backed chairs by the small fireplace, a bundle in one arm and bag in another. “Do come here and make yourself useful, Regulus.” She snapped as Regulus went to leave.
“I know nothing about babies, why don’t you summon one of the house elves to help.” Regulus said, curiosity getting the better of him and returning to help.
Narcissa looked at the tightly wrapped bundle who stared up at her with what Regulus thought of as a scowl. “Here you take him while I warm his bottle.”
‘Yep. Definitely a scowl.’ He thought, gingerly holding the smallest human he’d ever come across. “Draco. You are in a very precarious position here. Your mother appears to have maternal instincts, and may actually display a level of care and understanding that goes against the rigid code all Blacks follow when bringing up children.”
“There are some good aspects.” Narcissa said “Discipline. Instant obedience. Early magical training.”
“Well do try to leave torture out when he gets old enough to talk back. It quite ruins childhood.” Regulus said drily.
Narcissa shot him a look. “You’ve changed.”
Regulus raised a brow.
“Oh don’t get me wrong. You’re still a cold, arrogant, heartless Black, but that comment seems out of place.” Narcissa said, studying the impassive face before her.
Regulus shifted baby Draco to be more comfortable. “Must be the upcoming nuptials.”
“Hmmmm. Give me back my boy before he starts crying.” Was all Narcissa said, though Regulus could tell she had plenty more thought on the matter.
Regulus handed over the baby. “Be good for your mother. Try not to turn into a little snot. The family already has one of those.” He said, nodded farewell to his cousin and left the room, a whirlwind of emotions battering against his inner sanctum.
It was midnight before Regulus made it back to his flat and up onto the roof. The night sky had been clear though now the clouds had started rolling in. There would be more snow by morning.
‘Oh Jamie. What am I going to do?’ He thought, staring out at brightly light streets that ran off Diagon Alley. ‘I know you would say follow my heart, but the risk is too great. If I leave Walburga will come after us, me and Sirius, and all we love. Everyone. No matter who they are. Oh Jamie. I can’t do that. Not to you. Not to Sirius. Not to Pan.’ He felt a tear escape. Regulus had had this conversation with himself and the sky many times over the years since Sirius left, yet tonight it was more painful than it had ever been. Tomorrow his fate was sealed. True he had left the decision up to Elsbeth, but she knew what was at stake for her family. It was highly unlikely she would back out now. And if she did? Walburga would take revenge and present Regulus with a new bride. It didn’t matter how powerful he had become, she was still his vicious and conniving mother. Regulus sat despondent for a long time. The snow began to fall. “Merry Christmas Helios” he whispered, snowflakes mingling with the tears on his cheeks,
——
The next day went as Regulus predicted. Walburga had dominated the conversation with the Parkinsons. Orion occasionally joined in to add a point. Regulus watched impassively as Angus Parkinson was slowly browbeaten into submission. Elsbeth and her mother had tried valiantly to stand up to the smooth statements and elegantly veiled threats and promises, but eventually they conceded. Walburga had won and she knew it. The wedding was going ahead. Thursday 22nd January 1981. It was going to be spectacular.
At the end of the meeting Elsbeth pulled Regulus aside into the small front palour. “Why didn’t you help?” She hissed through her smile as they were being watched by the parents.
“What could I do? This was your decision. My mother is determined to see me married. She also hates to lose and you or I backing out is a loss in her eyes.” Regulus said. His voice was neutral but his eyes sympathetic.
“We never had a chance, did we?” Elsbeth asked resigned.
Regulus shrugged. “I spoke with Mother last night. She clearly ignored my requests.”
“Could we run away? You could find..?”
Regulus shook his head sharply. “Believe me I’ve thought about it many many times. I will not take that risk. But you. It’s your life Elsbeth. Your choice.”
“You’re a coward,”
“Yes.”
Elsbeth stared at Regulus, shocked by the bitterness in his voice. He cared. Underneath the icy, impassive exterior, was a boy who cared deeply about others. She’d been starting to think Regulus was as manipulative as the rest of his family. Charming if required but preferring to be feared, and focused on business above all else. In that one word, she knew he had admitted something to her he never had to anyone else. Releasing her own anger, Elsbeth laid a hand on his arm. Regulus flinched. He’d revealed too much. He didn’t actually trust the woman he was engaged to to not use that weakness against him. He was about to try and wipe it from Elsbeth's mind when she surprised him.
“Thank you. You’re safe with me..” She whispered, her voice filled with warmth, and stepped away.
“We shall see you in a few days at the Avery’s ball for New Year.” Walburga announced as Regulus and Elsbeth joined their parents in the hallway by the front door of Grimwald Place.
“We look forward to it.” Mara-Gret Parkinson said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Goodbye Walburga, Orion, Regulus.”
“That went well.” Walburga smiled maliciously after the Parkinsons had departed “I think they will make a fine addition to the family. Don’t you dear?”
“Certainly. His contacts will come in useful I’m sure.” Orion agreed as they made their way back up to the study. “Regulus?”
‘Apart from the fact you completely ignored what we wanted and argued for.’ Regulus thought. “I’m sure you’re right.” Was all he said. “If you’ll excuse me, I have errands to run. I will see you for new year.” And without waiting for a reply he walked out the front door.
Regulus strolled through the streets of London for hours. He contemplated going to the cottage, to the museum, even calling in on Sirius, who was probably still at the Potters. Eventually Regulus ended up at the pub which led to Diagon Alley. He nodded a greeting to the bartender and went back to his flat. He had more research to do.
——
The next few days passed in a flurry of activity. Buoyed by the Christmas party, and fulfilling the promise he made to himself after Fowey, James had sent out invites to all his friends old and new, including the Hungarian quidditch team. He was tempted to send one to Regulus as well, but refused to let his owl anywhere near the Black townhouse and didn’t know where else Regulus lived. The others joined in the manic preparations with just as much enthusiasm.
“Do you want us to stay or go elsewhere for the night?” Effie and Monty laughed the afternoon before as James bounced through the house.
Distracted he crashed into a wall,
“How are you so good on a broom when you can barely control your legs?” Willow asked, watching James pick himself up again.
“No idea.” He grinned, and turned to his parents. “And I don’t mind. It’s going to be full of young people so you might get bored.”
“Are you saying we’re old?” Monty rumbled
“N..No. of course not.” James blushed “it’s just..,”
“Stop teasing the boy.” Effie chided. “It’s okay James, we have an invite to the old people’s party Minerva and Poppy are hosting. We won’t be home until at least midday if that helps,”
James threw his arms around Effie and kissed her solidly on the cheek. “You guys are the best.”
“We know. Now what else needs to be done to our beautiful garden?” Monty asked.
Said beautiful garden had been slowly turned into a fairytale grotto. To one side of the garden was a large three sided tent strung with tiny golden lights, scattered mushroom shaped stools, and comfy log shaped couches for guests to sit on, as well as a bar. On the other side of the central path was a fire pit complete with low stools and long forks for those who wanted to sit and roast marshmallows, while others stood around. Tiny musical lights were threaded through the ornamental trees, and an ornamental dragon guarding a wishing well stood in each corner. There were ornamental woodland animals scattered throughout the garden and Pandora had enlisted a few of her fairy friends to come along and flit from statue to statue as they pleased. Protective wards had been cast on the house so that only those staying there could go in, and a path created to bring invited guests from the main road up through the common fields and into the Potter’s garden.
James stood with Sirius and surveyed their handwork. As much as could be done without magic had been. It looked good.
“How likely is it to snow, do you think?” James asked.
Sirius cast an eye on the low, grey clouds. “Pretty likely. That’s why we have the second tent if we need it.”
“Nah. It’s not a Gryffindor party. One tent should be enough.” James said. “Plus most people are magical so they can cast a warming spell to stay dry and the fire pit is protected against snow and rain so it won’t go out til the sun comes up regardless of the weather.”
“In that case let’s light the fire and go get ready. What time did you put on the invites?” Sirius said
“Eight pm. Though some may turn up earlier.” James grinned, slipping his arm through Sirius’s as they headed back into the house.
——
The party rocked. Remus had dragged out his bespelled record player and created an impromptu dance floor near the fire pit. Sirius was playing air guitar to Ziggy Stardust while Marlene sang at full volume. James was in his element dancing up a storm with Willow, Gideon and Pandora. The bar tent was buzzing as well. Half the Hungarian team had accepted James’s invitation and turned up, some had also brought their partners. A large number of guests had played quidditch at school or were big fans of the game so the tent had been turned into an impromptu quidditch pitch. Lily and Tara were fascinated as balls and brooms zoomed passed, with many of the players holding drinks. Dorcas was shouting encouragement while Fabian caught a quaffle only to land on Danika’s broom and get instantly tipped onto the ground.
“Ooops a daisy.” He said as the audience erupted in laughter. “This is embarrassing. Anyone seen where my broom went?”
“This version looks much harder play.” Tara observed over the noise.
“Far more fun though.” Fabian said, shaking himself off. “Ah. There if is. Tally Ho.” He cried and strode off to the bar.
Out on the dance floor James was causing havoc and hilarity to the point where Pandora sent him off to cool down by one of the wishing wells which were now doubling as drinking fountains thanks to some enterprising folk who felt that one bar wasn’t enough.
“Any requests?” He asked
“Not firewhisky.” Willow said at the same time Sirius and Marlene bellowed “Firewhiskey.”
“Right, beer and cider coming up.” James said and sauntered off in search off more to drink.
James stopped by the tent on his way to see how everyone was going.
“James. This is a most excellent party.” Dan said, throwing an arm around him as he entered and pulling him into a hug
“Not playing?”
“Need break. Csilia is a demon tonight. I’m think she likes your friend. Or more sober than the rest of us.”
“She’ll be one of the few. Come out and dance when you're done playing. I’m on a quest for more drinks.”
Dan laughed. “Bar is great. We added Hungarian pakinka, a fruit brandy, to your Scottish firewhisky and English cider. Try some.”
“Will do.” Janes said, hugging the woman back before moving away to talk to others watching the crazy game.
It took over an hour and several drinks to get back to the dance floor. The music was still blaring but the marauders had collapsed against one of the bushes.
“You took your time.” Sirius said taking the cup Janes handed him. “Remus has been to the bar and back twice.”
“That’s because he is very efficient. Also Lily helped.” Pandora said from where she was lying with her head in Lily’s lap.
“So how are you enjoying the party?” James asked Willow and Tara who had been chatting with Dorcas and Marlene.
“It’s great. Have you any plans for midnight?” Tara said
“Maybe.” James said coyly
“Absolutely.” Sirius said. “But you have to wait until midnight to find out.”
The others laughed, and talk turned to other topics until Sirius declared it was time to tackle the quidditch tent and pulled James back onto his feet. His glass empty, James was happy to go back to the tent and see what mischief was happening.
—-
Regulus stared at the invitation in his hand. Pandora had left it at his flat that morning with a note while he’d been out shopping.
‘James didn’t know where to send this so I thought I should deliver it in case you were able to attend. Love Pan.’
Footsteps crunched in the gravel. “You ready to go in?” Elsbeth asked
“Two hours?”
“No more. I have a proper party to go to.” Elsbeth smiled. “You sure you don’t want to come?”
“Thank you but no. I’m not good with people and worse with strangers.” Regulus replied.
“They’ll all be drunk by the time we get there.”
“Even so.”
“Okay then. Let’s get this over with. I’ll go have fun and you can go mope.” Elsbeth said, taking his arm. This was something they had decided on months ago. A way to provide unity and less gossip at their parents' functions. It worked as fewer people felt the need to speculate on the arranged relationship.
Two hours later Regulus walked Elsbeth back down the gravel path to the small stand of trees where they had met earlier.
“Happy New Year Regulus.” Elsbeth said
“Happy New Year Elsbeth.” Regulus responded.
“Can I offer you some advice?” Elsbeth asked.
Regulus nodded. Curious.
“If you know where your holiday romance is, go find them. You know I care that we’re both happy. I am. I’d like you to be too. Now I’m going to have fun with my friends. Go spend time with yours.” Elsbeth said, holding Regulus’s stare. “I’ll see you next week. I may even be sober again by then.” With that she was gone.
Regulus thought for a moment. Despite the number of people inside, the house was deathly quiet. It had been horrendously formal and back stabbing. Elsbeth was right. It was time to go with the flow and have some fun