Thin White Duke

James stretched and yawned, rolled out of bed, heading for the shower. He was feeling good. He caught a glimpse of himself in the full length mirror on the wall. He was looking good too. Some might say very good. He grinned to himself. Life was good. 

Thirty minutes later James wandered into the living room. “Morning Cindy.” he said cheerfully, going over to give her a hug and kiss. 

“Morning James.” Cindy replied, returning the hug before kissing him more deeply. 

“Hmmm.” James said appreciatively. “Glad you stayed then?”  He asked cheekily. 

“I’m always glad to stay. Getting time off work for the matches is the hard part.” Cindy smiled 

“I keep telling you, come work for the team. That way you can travel with us.” 

“I know, but I like working for the uni, it’s more useful than dealing with a bunch of egotistical, accident prone players.” She laughed and kissed him lightly. “You coming for breakfast?” 

“Did that for supper. Ouch.” He grinned. “I’ll join you shortly. I need to sort my gear first or I’ll forget later.” 

Cindy rolled her eyes and spun out of the perfectly sculpted dark arms. “When it come’s to quidditch James, you forget nothing. The rest of us mere mortals however you are prone to forget …” she smiled again. “See you after breakfast.” 

James watched Cindy leave. He liked this one. She was tall, but not too tall, a natural blond with straight hair that fell to her trim waist, and a confident casualness that suited his lifestyle. With a self-satisfied smile, James went back into the bedroom to unpack his clean quidditch uniform and get everything ready before the parade that afternoon and a pre-match warm-up. 

All done, James checked the clock on the wall. Too late for breakfast. Too early for lunch. A tap on the balcony glass door distracted him. Curious James wandered out into the living room, and stepped out onto the balcony. He was on the tenth floor of a spacious hotel looking out over the river Seine. Both teams and their crew stayed in a mix of muggle and magic hotels depending on availability, along with major sponsors and a lot of family and friends. The World Cup grand final was an event and a half. James loved it. As Regulus had predicted he made it to the English team after only a year as part of a county team. He’d spent the last four years traveling the world. A national sporting celebrity. A different girlfriend every season. Life was good. 

As he did more often than he cared to admit, James wondered what Regulus was up to. Occasionally Regulus or Elsbeth would be mentioned in the society pages. And sometimes he’d see one of them, usually Elsbeth, at different events he was invited too as well. James also kept an eye on the business papers but the empire was extremely good at not being noticed, so was rarely mentioned. 

“Hey Kitten.” He said softly as he stared out at the river, his mind wandering, as it did sometimes, to the hill overlooking the Danube he thought of as theirs. “Hope you’re doing okay. Miss you.” 

“Miss you too, oddly enough.” Came an equally soft, though slightly snarky, voice from the shadows by the door. 

James spun around, his face alight with pure joy. “Reg.” He whispered. 

Regulus stepped out into the light. Where James was wearing fashionable designer jeans and t-shirt, Regulus was dressed immaculately in his usual black tailored shirt and trousers. 

“Where …. How …. When …..” James started, too shocked to get his thoughts to do more than dance excitedly around his head. 

“Still stuttering Potter?” Regulus smirked 

“I … I … “ James took a deep breath. “Can I hug you?”

“Would you like to?” Regulus asked coyly, though he dreaded the answer might be no. It had been a long few years since they last saw each other. 

James took the two strides necessary and enveloped the slight, smaller man in his arms, burying his face in the amazingly soft, shoulder length black waves.  Regulus wrapped his slim arms around the fit waist and inhaled. 

“You still use the same body wash.” He observed. 

James laughed. “You still use the same hair products.” 

They looked at each other. Silver-blue and honey-brown eyes filled with awe and longing. ‘‘Home.” They whispered. They kissed. Tenderly at first, then growing more insistent as the passion between them reignited. All sleights and heartache forgotten for the moment. 

“Bed?” James asked as he began unbuttoning the black shirt. 

“Your girlfriend?” Regulus asked, running his hands and mouth over the magnificent chest as he vanished the annoying t-shirt.  

“Your wife?” James said 

“Good point.”  Regulus said before he took a nipple between his teeth. James moaned in pleasure. “Still like that huh?”

James picked up Regulus, who instantly straddled him, locking his feet at the base of James’s spine, James, barely looking where he was going, carried him into the bedroom. Regulus waved a hand, slamming the bedroom door shut as James threw him onto the bed. 

“Now let’s see what else I remember” James growled, staring down at the most marvellous man he’d ever met. 

“Apparently only quidditch related things.” 

“In that case, let me show you some new moves I’ve learnt.” James muttered and he waved his hand. That was much better. 

Regulus chuckled, his snow white tan glowing in the dimly lit room. This was going to be fun. With an enticing wriggle he watched as James slowly removed the rest of his own clothes. Then groaned as James took him deep into his throat. 

—— 

“Yo. Prongs. I thought we were … “ Sirius shouted walking through the living room and throwing open the bedroom door. “Shit!. Sorry. Didn’t realise you were occupied. We’ll be out here when you’re done.” Sirius hurriedly retreated, shutting the door as he went. 

Remus looked up from where he had made himself comfortable on the couch. “Cindy?” He asked, though he knew from the scent exactly who was with James. 

“Don’t think so. Too pale. And not blonde.” Sirius said, something nagging the back of his brain. “Looked vaguely familiar. Though I’m sure Cindy was here last night and I saw her at breakfast.” 

“Maybe an enthusiastic fan persuaded young goldenloins to have a good time before he left Paris.” 

“Given his track record it’s a possibility. How long should we wait?” 

Remus sniffed. “Fifteen maybe twenty minutes.” 

“You know it’s freaky when you do that.”

Remus grinned his wolfiest grin. “Any thoughts on how we might occupy ourselves?” 

Sirius grinned back and headed for the unoccupied second bedroom. 

Twenty minutes later Remus and Sirius were sitting comfortably on the oversized cream couch, with Remus reading his latest manuscript to Sirius, when James emerged still damp from his quick shower. 

“Have fun in there, me old son?” Sirius asked. “Didn’t realise you had another young woman with you, “

James grinned. “This is why I keep telling you to knock first. Prevents temporary blindness”

“So who is she? Does Cindy know? Have you parted ways? You usually wait until the season is well over.” Sirius said bursting with curiosity. 

“Cindy doesn’t know. I’d like to keep it that way until I’ve had a chance to talk with her myself. “  James stared pointedly at Sirius.. 

“It’s not like you to cheat on your girlfriends. Usually you get bored, break their hearts and then move on.  Liked  this one. Thought she might be different. Where is she anyway? ”

“Probably shopping with friends. She said she’d be back for the parade if I didn’t see her after breakfast.“

“Do we get to meet your new friend? She looked different from your usual type.” 

‘Very different.’ James thought. “That’s entirely up to them,” he said, sitting in an armchair facing the bedroom doorway where Regulus lounged with his trademark smirk.  James beamed back. He couldn’t help it. Regulus was here. Right now. And James was on top of the world. Consequences be damned. 

Sirius peered at his best friend. James was a happy guy. Easy smile. Charming. Heaps of fun. Everyone loved him. Friends, family, fans. Especially the fans. But there had always been something missing. Like he wasn’t quite complete. Sirius frowned. When was the last time he saw James beam this brightly? 

“You know, if you keep making that face, you’ll get wrinkles faster.” Came a familiar voice from behind him. 

Sirius whipped his head around, and practically flew across the back of the couch as he yelled “Reggie!!!” And hurled himself at Regulus only to land flat on his arse when he hit Regulus’s shield. 

James laughed. Remus raised a brow. Sirius stared up at his brother. 

Regulus dropped his shield and held out a hand. “Rules.” He said, helping Sirius to his feet. 

Sirius rolled his eyes and threw his arms around his little brother. “You’re still way too skinny.” He said holding Regulus by the shoulders and taking a step back to look at him properly. “Hmm. Still not sleeping or eating. What do you do with your time? And why is your hair damp? It’s a beautiful day outside and you never appear in public without looking immaculate.”

“I thought I should shower before coming out to say hello. It’s been a vigorous morning.” Regulus replied nonchalantly, still standing in full view of the messy bed. 

Sirius looked over the slim shoulder, then back at his brother who calmly met his gaze. A knock on the main door interrupted the question he couldn’t quite ask. James stood up and opened the door. Pandora glided in, followed by Lily ushering in two small people. 

“Dada.” They squealed and ran to James who scooped them up, one each arm. 

“Morning Munchkins.” He laughed. “Did you have a good sleep?”

“Yes Dada. Luna told stories. I listened.” Said the little boy

“Harry played with his toy broom.” Replied the little girl. 

Sirius turned with a grin. “So a normal night then?” He asked going over to ruffle the small heads. 

“Hi Uncle Rus.” The children said in unison. 

Regulus watched the scene and felt his heart creep back into its cage. He was so stupid. How could he have forgotten this? Pandora had told him. Looking across the room, Pandora saw the anguish flash across Regulus's usually impassive face. She went over and kissed his cheek. 

“I shouldn’t have come. He’s happy. Tell him….” Regulus said, preparing to leave the way he came. 

James looked up and caught Regulus' eyes. The laughter that had been there earlier replaced with heartbreaking sorrow. He stopped suddenly aware of the children in his arms. 

“Harry, Luna, I want you to meet a very good friend of mine.” James said, taking no notice of the sudden panic he saw before it was shut down with an icy glare. James strode over to Regulus who had moved towards the balcony window. “Regulus, meet the twins. Harry and Luna meet Regulus.” 

“Pleased to meet you.” The twins said in formal high pitched voices. 

“You look like Uncle Rus.” Harry said 

“Papa.” Luna announced. 

Everyone looked at her. Pandora smiled. “Not yet Sweeting.” She said taking first Harry then Luna and sending them to Remus as James and Regulus stared at each other. 

“Is anyone going to explain what’s going on? Why is my boyfriend staring at a stranger like his heart is about to break” A voice asked from the still open door to the hotel hallway. 

“Cindy. Perfect timing.” Pandora beamed. “Come have a seat.” 

Cindy entered the room but didn’t sit down. She had met Pandora a few times and never felt completely comfortable with her. Too ethereal. However James came with an unusual extended family and she had accepted that. His popularity and easy going nature was a big part of his appeal. Being drop-dead gorgeous hadn’t hurt either. And he had seemed to reciprocate her feelings. To the point she had thought that perhaps she was the one to keep him. Now, watching the way James and the pale, dark haired stranger looked at each other, Cindy realised she’d never had a chance. There was so much unspoken emotion crackling between the pair it made her deeply uncomfortable. Her time was up. Best to move on. She gave a sigh. She had hoped. 

“You okay?” Lily asked coming to stand beside Cindy. 

“Not really. Do those two have history?” Cindy asked, nodding towards James and Regulus. Sirius was also looking at them somewhat confused. 

Lily smiled sadly. “A long time ago. And very very briefly. Given his exuberance for life, I thought James was over him.”

“Apparently not. Who is he?” 

“Sirius’s younger brother.” 

Cindy stared at Lily in shock. “Lord Black! The Lord Regulus Black. Like the world's richest wizard. Recluse and possibly as evil as the guy who started the wizarding war?”

“Yes to Lord Black. No to evil. Though he doesn’t believe that.” Lily paused. “And It appears James still loves him with every fibre of his being.”

“Of course he does.” 

“I’m sorry Cindy. I thought you were in with a good chance to catch him.” 

“Me too. Never mind.” Cindy shrugged “Never thought he’d fall for a bloke like the thin white duke.” 

Lily raised a brow “?”

Cindy laughed, a little bitterly. “The prophet called him that once and now I’ve seen him in person it totally fits. I wish them both well.” 

Impulsively Lily hugged the taller woman. “You’ll find the right person. We always do.” 

Cindy returned the hug. “Thanks Lily. It’s been great knowing you all. Say goodbye for me will you. I’ll be with my friends for the game if he remembers to ask.”

Lily let Cindy go. James and Regulus hadn’t moved.

“Papa “ Luna said, tugging on Regulus’s trouser leg. 

“She’d like to be picked up.” James said softly. Regulus looked horrified. “Like this.” He added picking up Harry again without losing eye contact. Reluctantly Regulus bent down without breaking eye contact and lifted Luna so that he mirrored James. James smiled. 

“Would someone kindly explain what the fuck is going on?” Sirius demanded. 

“Cindy has left and Regulus has been adopted.” Pandora said happily. 

“What?! Why? Wait a minute. Why are you here anyway?” Sirius said. He was getting really annoyed. There was stuff happening he had no clue about. He hated that. 

“Two reasons.” Regulus said, eyes flicking briefly to Sirius then Luna, who was playing with his hair, before returning to James. “You. James.”

“Me?” Sirius and James said together. 

“You.” 

“Explain.” Sirius demanded. 

“I sent you an owl twice last week but she came back with the note still attached.” Regulus said, looking at Sirius. 

Sirius blushed. “Uhm. We don’t open mail from unknown owls. Have had some interesting surprises over the last couple of years.”

Regulus raised a brow. 

“Mostly death threats, and lots of solicitations.  It appears my writing is divisive, Sirius’s art is peculiar, and we’re both extremely sexy.” Remus said somewhat smugly. “It’s safer not to open mail. What was so important?” 

Pandora handed Sirius the newspaper she’d brought into the room. “Page two” she said. 

“I held off as long as I could but the journalist wouldn’t let it go.”

“Lord and Lady Black, dead within days of each other.  Love or murder.” Sirius read aloud. “Lord Orion Black was found dead at home two weeks ago by his wife Lady Walburga Black, who followed him less than a week later. It is believed they both died of natural causes, however it is known they were also leading figures in the Dark Lord’s rise to power, with speculation that their enemies caused their demise. Their son and heir, Lord Regulus Black, has been accused of being a senior death eater though no charges were brought against him after the war. Rare in the world of arranged marriages and business deals, it’s often been rumoured that the recent Lord and Lady Black were indeed a love match, so perhaps she did die of a broken heart.” Sirius snorted. “She didn’t bloody have one of those.” He shook away the memories of pain and abuse and continued reading aloud. “Since the disinheritance of his elder brother. Sirius, Lord Regulus is believed to inherit the entire family fortune along with the various businesses his parents operated. There is much speculation around when the young Lady Black will announce her pregnancy, thus ensuring the fortune remains in safe hands.” Sirius looked up at Regulus. “Death and pregnancy in one article. That’s impressive. Did you kill them?”

Regulus meet the stony glare. “No.” He answered. “Father has been slowly dying for the past decade. Mother posioned herself. She didn’t say why. Perhaps she did love him in her own twisted way.” 

“And Elsbeth?” James asked quietly 

“Is not actually pregnant. In fact we signed separation papers this morning. She is now free to live her real life in the open.” Regulus brought his gaze back to James. “As am I.” He finished quietly. 

Sirius watched a smile of wonder spread across James’s face. 

“Does … does … does that … that …” 

“You’re stuttering again Potter.” Regulus returned the smile. 

Heedless of the small child they were each holding, James moved towards Regulus and kissed him with all the joy and love he could. 

“Dada kissing Papa.” Harry giggled 

“Papa kissing Dada.” Luna giggled back

A loud knock on the door interrupted James and Regulus as Sirius sat in stunned silence. 

“It’s your manager.” Remus said quietly. “You might want to break apart. Girls are one thing. His star player snogging a guy before the grand final is not going to go down well with the team. Especially given the no drinking and sex rule. And you know what a terrible gossip this one is.”

James took a guilty step away from Regulus. “Sorry Reg. Remus is right.”

Regulus shrugged to hide his hurt. He, of all people, understood the need for appearances. 

“We’ll do this properly. In our own time.” James continued, reaching out and squeezing Regulus’s spare hand. “I promise.”

Regulus squeezed back. His usually somber eyes bright with too many emotions. 

Sirius turned to Remus. He was furious.  “How long have you know about … about this?” he seethed, waving a hand over his shoulder. 

“As far as i know this development is today.” Remus replied. Sirius glared at him. “They were together in Fowey.” He admitted. “Not exactly discreet about it either.”

“But that was five and a half years ago.” Sirius paused, his mind racing. Those few days were a blur of relief and excitement, especially when they received the news that the spell had worked and then James had been chosen for a team.  “I thought they were just flirting outrageously. James has had girlfriends since then… and … and Regulus is married.” 

Regulus tried to put Luna down but she refused. “Hugs.” she demanded. “You really are your parents' daughter. “ he sighed, though he was grateful to have something to hold. 

Pandora smiled and took Harry from James  “Come Regulus. Help me put the twins down for their nap before Stephanos walks in.” 

Regulus nodded and followed Pandora to the second bedroom which had two single beds in it. Another loud knock on the door. Lily looked at James who rolled his shoulders and put on a bright smile, then she opened the door. 

“Hi Stephanos.” Lily said cheerfully. 

“Morning, or should I say afternoon, All” Stephanos said as he strolled in. A middle aged man of middling height, with a rapidly receding hairline, strong face, and still fit enough to run marathons, “I see the gang’s all here. No Pandora or kids? No Cindy?”

“Cindy’s watching the game with her friends in the stands. Apparently it’s far more fun than the box. And the twins are being put down for their nap.” Lily said easily. “What can we do for you?” She had never warmed to this manager. He had been an excellent quidditch player in his time, and was proving to be just as good for James’s profile, brokering advertising and sponsorship deals, but his affinity for gossip left a bad feeling.  Pandora simply ignored or avoided him. 

“I saw Cindy in the lobby and thought I’d come check on our lad. Make sure everything’s fine.” 

“Hi Stephanos,” James gave the man his now trademarked sunny grin. “Cindy wanted to leave early while we discussed other stuff.” 

“Yeah. Saw the papers. Condolences Black. You doing okay?” Stephanos moved around and sat in a vacant armchair. 

“Thanks. I haven’t seen them for years so no big deal.” Sirius said, lying through his teeth. He had so many questions and the one person who could answer them had just snogged his best friend like his life depended on it. Sirius stopped suddenly. ‘Maybe it did.’ He thought ‘Nah. Regulus was a survivor. Whatever else. That boy would always find a way out.’ 

“So James. The parade and game. How you feeling?” Stephanos recognising he would get nothing juicy out of Sirius, turned his attention to his favourite source of income. This young man was so easy. Always happy to be a part of promotions and interviews. And the people loved him. The string of girlfriends added drama but everyone of them only had nice things to say about the lad. Some of his other clients. Far too hard. He spent hours keeping the ex’s from talking to the papers about the players they’d dated, or making scandals go away. And they hated the very lucrative media circuit. 

“Amazing.” James grinned. “Third year in a row. Aiming for a hat-trick. And against Hungary. They’ve besten us both times this year so it will be a tough match. The parade is always heaps of fun. Gets the crowd going. And we get to hang out with the other team for a while.”

“You and the captain, Dan Bene. Heard a rumour you dated for a while.” Stephanos probed. 

“Nah.” James laughed. “We met years ago, stay in touch. Fabulous quidditch player and inspiring captain. Too intense for me.” 

“You do like the more casual laid back type, that’s true.” Stephanos remarked. 

Thinking of intense, Lily glanced at the bedroom doors. Both were closed. She hoped Pandora and Regulus would stay put. Sirius had disappeared into his own head which wasn’t a good sign. It meant he’d stopped paying attention and was likely to blurt anything out. 

“Is there anything in particular you wanted Stephanos?” She asked. “James is his usual self as you can see, and he needs to get ready to meet the team very soon.” 

Stephanos gave James an appraising once over. “He looks fabulous to me,”  

James preened. Lily glared at him. “Be that as it may, he still needs time to put on the outfit you sent up. It’s ridiculously complicated. It took us well over an hour and half when we practiced last night.”  

Stephanos chuckled. Lily squirmed internally. “There are quite a few pieces. Don’t worry. The crowd will love them all.” Stephanos said, staying where he was. He and a number of other players' managers had persuaded the international quidditch federation to have a themed parade this year to draw in a larger crowd. The theme was a closely guarded secret which meant that they had made sure to spread plenty of rumors and entice more people and ticket sales for the big game. 

Remus had also been keeping a close eye on Sirius and reached the same conclusion. He turned to the man, who showed no sign of leaving. “I think what Lily is too polite to say, is that it’s time for you to go. We will assist James as he needs it.” Remus said mildly. He bit down the urge to growl. 

Stephanos met the amber eyes and shuddered. What was it about this scarred young man that made him feel he was about to be eaten. Remus was a school teacher who wrote kids books for Merlin’s sake. 

‘Too oily.’ Said the Wolf. Remus continued to hold the stare, allowing a little more of the predator to bleed into his eyes until Stephanos stood. 

“Right then. I’ll see you all in the team box after the parade.” Stephanos said, and made his way to the exit. He took one last look at the four friends, flinching when he caught Remus’s eyes. “Tootaloo.” And he sauntered out as Lily closed the door behind him. Strphanos had worked out very quickly, that if he ever misstepped with James, or anyone James cared about, then he would find himself in a great deal of trouble. He remembered reading some article about how they stopped some nefarious plot and thought it ridiculous. He didn’t think so now. He pushed away the dark thought and went in search of his next favorite player. 

Lily leant back against the door and breathed a sigh of relief. “You seriously need a new manager James. It’s been two years and he still gives me the creeps.” She said. 

“I know. But have you seen how much sponsorship the team gets now? He’s one of the best.” James said, finally collapsing into a chair and massaging his face.  Sometimes all that smiling made his jaw ache.  His mind flashed to what else he’d been doing that had made his jaw tender. He looked around. “Has Regulis left or is he hiding with Pandora and the kids?” He asked Lily, before turning to Sirius who was being unusually quiet. That wasn’t good. 

“I do not hide.” Regulus said, emerging from the bedroom. 

“Yes you bloody do!” Sirius suddenly exploded. He shook off Remus’s hand and stood up to face his brother. “Every single time one of us gets too close to you, you disappear. Where the fuck have you been for the past five years? What the fuck gives you the right to think you can waltz back in here and pick up where you left off? Five fucking years Reggie. Five! We’ve got lives that you’re not a part of. You didn’t want to be part of. So why are you here.” 

James sighed. Sirius had a point. Several of them in fact. James may have tumbled straight back into bed with Regulus, but there was still a lot that needed to be sorted out before he could fulfill the promise he’d made when his manager arrived. If he could. 

Regulus took in the faces in front of him. Fury on Sirius’s. Remus was carefully neutral, though Regulus could feel the disappointment. James was a mix of sadness and hope.  

Regulus had kept in touch with Pandora, and Lily by extension. But Sirius was right. He had abandoned them. His plans were supposed to only take one year. Regulus should have known his parents wouldn’t do what was expected of them. Elsbeth had proven to be a constant ally. As she said, one year, five years, ten years, it didn’t matter. So long as their arrangement held she would do her bit. Then, finally, Orion and Walburga had died, releasing Regulus and Elsbeth from their obligations to each other. 

“Tell me again how our parents died.” Sirius said coldly. 

Regulus returned the cold gaze with an icy one of his own, walls firmly back in place.  He had broken their trust. He didn’t deserve to be welcomed back. 

“Father ultimately died of liver failure. He was sick for over a decade, using poisons and potions to prolong his life.  Magic is amazing but even the best healers could only heal and rebuild his internal organs a finite number of times.  With his death a number of secret documents were released. The Ministry came around for a chat. The next day, Mother called me into the study, poured two glasses of firewhiskey, put a measure of belladonna in both, handed me one, demanded I drink it, and drank her own in one go.” 

“Was there much pain?” 

“From the way she reacted I would say far more than she expected.” 

“Good.” 

Silence sat heavy in the room as the Black brothers relived shared memories of the abuse they suffered at the hands of their mother. 

“I’m sorry Sirius. I should never have left. I should never have come back.” Regulus said quietly and moved towards the still open balcony doors. James shot out a hand to stop him. 

“Reg..” 

Regulus bent down and kissed James deeply. “You are an amazing man Helios.” He whispered. “Go enjoy the parade. And watch out for Csilia. She still had the hots for you but that won’t stop her kicking your very sexy arse.” 

“Will I see you again?” 

“Yes.”

James smiled softly. “I look forward to it.” 

Regulus straightened, walked out into a patch of darkness on the balcony before disappearing. 

“What the fuck!?! He’s so unbelievably arrogant. And did he have to kiss you like that. That was indecent!” Sirius exclaimed. 

Pandora laughed. “Yes. And. Yes.” she said. “It’s time to get James costumed.”