Thin White Duke

The parade was quite possibly the funniest thing Lily had ever seen professional players do. Usually both teams walked from a central point to the quidditch pitch in the host city and then around the pitch before mounting their brooms to fly the same circle. Once done, players broke up into pairs - one from each team - and spent ten to fifteen minutes in an assigned VIP box or stand. This year, though, some bright sparks had decided to dress both teams up as competing Roman ‘soldiers’ complete with short paneled skirts, leg and arm braces, chest plates, and helmet with plume in team colours. The players managed to maintain their professionalism right up until they got to the sky and the skirts became predictably indecent, while the solid chest plates limited both movement and control causing brooms to veer wildly through the traditional set formations. 

The crowd loved it. Many of the players were furious. James and Marlene thought it was hilarious. While a couple of the newer Hungarian and English players lapped up the attention.  

Lily, Pandora, Sirius and Remus stood in one of the open boxes with other friends and family of the English team. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of horror and laughter. 

“Bet this was Stephanos and his cronies.” Sirius laughed. “Brilliant for marketing, awful for the players.” 

“I don’t know. I reckon it could catch on.” Charlie, the English keeper’s brother said. 

“Certainly makes the parade more interesting.” Added someone else. 

Lily had to agree, and judging by the look on various faces they did as well. She wondered what the sponsors thought. 

 ———

Regulus stood in one of the sponsors’ boxes with Elsbeth and her family who was a major sponsor, playing the part of dutiful son-in-law, watching with the bored expression he usually hid behind at these functions. 

“Oh those poor players,” Elsbeth laughed. “Potter and McKinnon look like they’re having a whale of a time, so do Szucs and Bene. but most of the older players look ready to commit murder.” 

“Glad you came to this year's match, Lord Black?” One of the sponsors asked, coming up to stand beside Regulus who was looking out the window. . “These outfits certainly show off the players best attributes, don’t you think.” 

Regulus looked at the man coldly. 

“Of course it’s their skills which really count.” The man added hurriedly. Why did he waste his time? Black rarely talked to anyone. Even his own wife’s family. But as of this morning he was the most influential person in wizarding Britain. 

The parade finished. The players waved goodbye and headed for the landing platforms so they could begin their corporate duties before going to the changing rooms. Regulus continued to stare out at the field. He felt Elsbeth slide her arm through his. It was the only contact he permitted in public. 

“Thank you for coming today. I know we’re now separated but it means a lot to dad to have your continued support of the business.” Elsbeth said low enough not to be overheard. 

Regulus gave her a small smile. “I do actually enjoy the sport. And I will always support the family business.” 

Elsbeth laughed lightly. “Fingers in every pie.” 

“Keeps me out of trouble and your trio in work,” 

“So true. The desire for quality interior design has certainly gone through the roof in the last few years.” 

A squeal came from behind them. Elsbeth looked over at the door and gasped. “Bloody hell. He’s even more gorgeous in person. She’s extremely hot too. Is it too gauche to ask for their autographs. JP and Marguerite are huge fans.”

Curious, Regulus allowed himself to be turned around. James and Csilia stood in their Roman finery surrounded by a bevy of people. Regulus felt his heart lurch. James looked up at that exact moment. It took all his willpower not to smirk at the shocked expression quickly replaced by a practiced smile and flirtatious laugh. 

“Shall we go meet them? I met McKinnon and Szucs last year.” Elsbeth said. 

Regulus shrugged. “Sure.” 

James watched as Regulus and his wife walked arm in arm towards him. His heart was doing crazy things inside his chest, while his head was pumping out the practiced inanities he usually enjoyed. He caught Csilia’s eye. 

“Do we know them?” She asked quietly in Hungarian. 

“You know his brother.” James replied in the same language. 

“I’ll keep quiet then.” 

“Lord Black, Lady Black, let me introduce you to James Potter, England’s premier Chaser, and Csilia Horvath, Hungary's best Beater.” Raymond de Silva, a high end broom manufacturer, said pompously. 

“Pleasure to meet you both.” Regulus said formally. 

“Pleasure’s all mine.” James responded with a wide smile, rapidly deciding that flirting was the best approach. And not at all out of character thank goodness.  

Elsbeth gave a laugh. It was warm and genuine. “I know this is very cheeky, but would you both mind signing a postcard for me?” 

“We would be delighted.” Csilia said producing a small self inking quill all the players carried for these requests. 

“Would you like anything signed Lord Black?” James asked, his mind producing images of Regulus lying naked while he lazily signed his name all over the lean body. 

Regulus met James’s gaze. The lust which flashed through the honey brown eyes gave him a very good idea what James was imagining. His eyes danced with mirth, though his face and tone remained impassive. “I’m fine. Thank you. What did you think of this year's parade?”

“Breezy. Now I know why we wear more layers in games. Not sure my nethers would survive otherwise.” James said, eliciting several gasps and giggles from his audience, eyes never leaving the silver-blue ones which haunted his dreams. An elbow to his unprotected ribs reminded him of his duties. Quickly he took the card and quill. “Who should I make it out to?” He asked politely, trying to take in as many details of the woman Regulus married as he could. 

“El, Margot and JP. Please.” Elsbeth smiled. 

“Your children?” James asked, as he would anyone else. 

Elsbeth blushed slightly. “My family.” 

James wrote and handed back the card. Elsbeth glanced at it and then did a double take. She handed it to Regulus who took it without a word and read the inscription, ‘To El, Margot and JP. Wishing the three of you much happiness in your life together. James F Potter and Csilia X Horvath.’ Regulus responded with a minute shake of his head. Elsbeth gave a tiny nod. James was fascinated at the interchange. These two clearly had a connection and secret language which allowed them to survive the social pressures of their titles. 

“Thank you both. Such a lovely sentiment. We will treasure it.” Elsbeth said. James heard something in her voice he couldn’t place. Was it curiosity? Amusement?

“Does anyone else want autographs. Our magnificent celebrities have about five minutes left before they need to head down to the changing rooms. The big match starts in a little over ninety minutes.” de Silva asked the group. 

A chorus of yeses filled the room as people produced similar postcards. James watched Regulus retreat, though Elsbeth stayed close by to speak with someone he presumed to be her father.

Five minutes later.  James and Csilia left the chattering and headed for the platform which would take them to their respective changing rooms.  

“He is very different.” Csilia remarked. “You like him.” 

“Yes.” James said. 

Csilia gave James a sharp look. They’d been friends and played against each other for long enough now to know James was hiding something. “Is this going to affect your game?” 

James laughed. Despite all the shocks today, he was in a great place. “Not at all. I’m going to be AMAZING! As always,” 

Csilia laughed. “We all are. See you after the game. May the best team kick butt”

“And the inferior be caught with their pants down” he responded. 

———  

It was an amazing game. Every goal hard fought and the two teams perfectly matched. Until James caught sight of Regulus watching him and only him. It was like a fire had been lit under his broom and he took off, passing and catching the quaffle flawlessly, and scoring more goals than anyone else all season.  The crowd roared. The game got faster. More intricate. Bludgers fiercer. The snitch more difficult to seek. Two hours and forty-seven minutes of high octane energy and exhilaration.  When the snitch was finally captured by the Hungarian seeker the crowd went wild.  England had won the game by a mere twenty points. Sirius had yelled himself hoarse. Remus was exuberant. Lily ecstatic. Pandora literally glowed. Family and friends of the players were jumping up and down, hugging and weeping with joy. Out in the stands the crowds had gone absolutely wild. 

As the players of both teams landed perfectly on a central raised platform to receive their accolades The commentators declared it the best World Cup grand final in the history of the game. 

It took several minutes for the audiences across the stadium to quieten down. Though the pandemonium continued to simmer as random yells of “well done” “bloody brilliant” “James freaking Potter” “Dan dangermouse Bene” and other accolades rang across the pitch at random minutes. 

James looked up at the sponsors’ box. “Thank you Kitten.” he whispered, his grin growing wider.  

“You’re welcome Helios,” a voice murmured. James went to spin around. “Not here.” It added. James couldn’t work out if Regulus sounded smug or commanding. It didn’t matter. He was on top of the world. 

The officials made their way to the podium as the Hungarian team shook hands with the English team, waved their thanks to the crowd and dropped down onto the ground to watch the proceedings. 

“Where in all of the universe did you pull that from Potter?” Dan asked as she shook his hand. 

“Found unexpected inspiration.” James replied. 

“I knew it!” Csilia said hearing the response. “He’s got a lot to answer for. I was looking forward to kicking your arse.” She added, as she she shook his hand.  

Surprising absolutely no one. James was named player of the match. The crowd gasped in shock as a well dressed young couple stepped forward to give James the coveted award. 

“Holy Fuck!” Sirius rounded on Pandora who was bouncing up and down on her toes. “Did you know?”

“Not today. Today it was gray and now it is yellow,” she sang. “I’m so proud of them,” 

Sirius looked at Lily baffled. He still didn’t get the hang of Pandora. Adored her. It was hard not too. But he could never fathom how her mind worked.  He had no idea how she had ended up best friends with his reclusive, highly logical, emotionless little brother. 

“Congratulations on a brilliant game. It was truly inspiring.” Elsbeth said, the podium amplified to carry her words. “On behalf of the Parkinson Foundation and Rising Star Clothing, we would like to award you this year's player of the match award.” She reached out and shook James’s hand as Regulus handed him a gold embossed shield with his name etched onto it. 

“Congratulations Potter.” Regulus said simply. He was starting to panic. Why had he agreed to do this? He usually left it up to Elsbeth to take centre stage. He hated all the attention. James and Elsbeth drank it in. James became more alive.  Looking at the surprise and elation in James’s eyes, Regulus knew why he was putting himself through this particular hell. “You were magnificent.” 

James met the piercing sliver-blue eyes. He saw the panic as Regulus shoved it back behind its wall. “Thank you. I had unexpected inspiration today.” He said taking the shield.  He tore his gaze away and raising the trophy above his head did a slow circle for the crowd. Speech time.  “Hard work, dedication and perspiration. These are the attributes we hear about when we ask what makes us great. Today I add inspiration.  Find something, someone, who inspires you to be the very best you can be and Go. Be the best. Be great. Be magnificent. Kick glorious ass!” 

The crowd roared again.  From his place in the managers box Stephsnos was shaking hands like a proud father. This boy was going places.  He would make sure of it.  

Effie and Monty stood behind the four friends, and watched their son with overflowing pride. “He’s talking about R isn’t he?” Monty said quietly.

 Effie nodded. “I’ve a feeling something major occured this morning and the repercussions are going to be …. “

“Entertaining. Momentous. Diverting. Galvanising. Messy?” Monty supplied. 

“Yes.” She paused and took in the pride, wonder, and love she saw on the faces in front of her, including the confusion she saw on Sirius’s mobile face. “For all of them,” 

Monty wrapped an arm around Effie's waist. “They’ll work it out. They always do,” 

“I know. I just hope there isn’t too much heartbreak along the way,” she responded, leaning into the hug and watching as the officials left the podium followed by the team. Effie watched as Elsbeth hung back and linked arms with Regulus and James.  She wondered if Elsbeth knew of the feelings the two men held for each other. Another complication. 

“So what now?” Elsbeth asked under the cover of the ear splitting pandemonium. James looked at her. “Is there like a massive party? Are guests invited? Or do you all go back to your rooms and sleep while the rest of us celebrate.” She added, laughing at the confusion on James’s open face. 

“Oh. There are massive parties. Both teams, friends, and family make up one. Managers, coaches, team principals, sponsors all have their own events. Team Captains are expected to make an appearance at those ones but never stay long. “ 

“Don’t blame them. They’re not my style. Can we come to yours?” She asked conspiratorially. 

James looked at Regulus, who had managed to go even paler. “You’re more than welcome, but you don’t have to if it’s not your thing.” he said 

Eksbeth squeezed his arm. “That would be fantastic. Is it okay if I bring my best friends? They love a party.” 

James had to laugh. This was not at all how he had pictured Regulus's wife. He’d always imagined a younger, if milder, version of Walburga Black. This woman was so different.  Walburga must have hated her. “Absolutely. My best friends will be there. You can finally meet the white sheep of the family.” 

“You’re best friends with Sirius?” Elsbeth asked , stopping suddenly, forcing the crowd behind them to divert. 

“You didn’t know?” 

“He doesn’t talk about his brother or the family his brother went to live with.” Elsbeth gave an embarrassed laugh. “Oh I’m so dumb sometimes. James Potter. The Potters. Oh that makes sense now.” She resumed walking, forcing James and  Regulus to keep up. At one point she turned left and a moment later she lead them into a small meeting room under the stands. 

Instantly Regulus moved away. His sense of trepidation was at full alert. James saw the wariness in the way Regulus held himself. Aloof. Alert. 

Eksbeth burst into full scale laughter. “Oh mother Merlin this is BudaPest.” 

“Explain,” Regulus said, though not a commandingly as James expected. 

“We don’t spend much time together outside expected events and family gatherings, but I’ve never seen you react to anyone the way you react to James.”

Regulus raised a brow. 

“Oh don’t worry.  Nobody else willl have noticed.  I’ve spent a lifetime watching people and learning to spot micro reactions. It’s a useful hobby. Regulus does it as well. It’s how we survive.” 

Regulus looked at Elsbeth and actually smiled in understanding. “It’s also why we get along so well “ 

James was taken aback. This was so unlike Regulus. Then he thought about it. No. This was the private, extremely rare, Regulus. 

“Do you mind?” Regulus asked, his tone soft. 

Elsbeth smiled back. “Not at all. Jean-Pierre will be so jealous.” She turned to James. “If my boyfriend flirts outrageously with you, would you mind flirting back? To say he’s a huge fan would be an understatement.” 

Regulus barked out a laugh. “James flirts the way most people breathe. I don’t think it will be a problem.” 

“I’d be offended if it wasn’t true.” 

“I thought it was an act for the media?” 

“Well. I do ham it up a bit for an audience.” James confessed. 

“So where does that leave us? It’s a public event. “ Regulus said. 

“It’s also a massive party with heaps of booze and provided we’re discreet you get to go home with whomever you like and so do I.” Elsbeth said and winked at James. Then laughed again. “Okay. I’ll leave James for you. The wizarding world will know our new status soon enough. Might as well give them a little scandal first.” 

“Elsbeth you don’t have to do this.” Regulus said. 

“I know. But we talked about it. Lady Black out from under the controlling thumb of her terrifying mother in law, is seen slinking off with a small group of players and fans for a private party of their own. Speculation is rife. Is there a rift between the prominent wizarding couple? Has the effervescent Lady Black finally ditched the cold and boring thin white duke? What will happen next? Divorce is practically unheard of in England’s sacred twenty-eight. Or will it all be swept under the carpet and we will see the couple together at another grand opening or charity ball all smiles and thorns?” 

James gasped at Elsbeth, who grinned back. “I’m a freelance society journalist. I use a pseudonym of course. It’s great fun.” She turned to Regulus. “I like him.” 

Regulus shrugged. “He’s okay. We should get him back to his team before they wonder where he’s gone. “ 

Totally bemused, James allowed himself to be guided back into the now quiet corridor leading to the change rooms where he was instantly bombarded with fans. Regulus met his eyes, gave a slight bow, and melted away.

Elsbeth watched Regulus go and saw the soft smile James gave before it grew into his usual sunny one. Regulus the iceberg and James the personification of happiness itself. It kind of worked. In the meantime she had details of an after party to gather.