Chapter 1
"Well, Remus. I'm afraid we won't be able to go back to Wales to see your family for a very long time," James sighed, watching as Remus folded and revealed his cards, pushing the pile of money away from himself. The two men at the other side of the table looked too smug. Remus gazed at him sadly; neither of them was rich and never had been. They had stupidly poured their entire life savings into this game of Poker. A very stupid idea if you weren't wealthy. Or was it?
James could hardly suppress the grin spreading across his face. "Cause we're going to New York! Full House, boys!" he shouted, slamming his cards down onto the table. The two men looked absolutely horrified, but there was no time for a rematch. James looked at Remus and snatched the tickets from the guys, along with all of the gambled money. Then he took Remus' hand and pulled him out into the busy street. They sprinted down it, weaving between the crowd to where the big ship was docked.
The Titanic, the unsinkable ship. And what a beauty she was. It was the biggest ship James had ever seen. Would ever see. And he was going to sail across the Atlantic Sea on it, all the way to New York. He and Remus rushed past a carriage, where two boys their age were getting out. They looked rich, very rich, and yet miserable. Especially the youngest of the two. No wonder with a mother like that, her sharp features and stern expression were enough to make James miserable too.
Other than miserable, the two boys looked rather handsome in their tuxedos and their perfectly styled hair. Remus must agree with James, as they both slow down slightly to take a better look. They watched the two boys make snarky remarks at each other for a few moments before Remus seemed to snap out of his daze.
"James! We have to go! Third Class boarding is finishing!" he shouted over the bustling crowd. James followed his gaze to see that the guards were indeed closing the doors. He spun around and the two of them started sprinting again, making it just in time.
The third-class chambers were below deck, with no windows and not the best lighting. It was noisy with the sound and vibrations of the ship's engine. And rats. The rooms were quite shabby too, small bunk beds with hard mattresses and thin covers in small rooms made for up to ten people to share. Their roommates spoke to them upon entering, but neither Remus nor James understood a word they were saying.
"Well, this is our home for the next few days, I suppose," Remus muttered as he threw his worn bag onto the lower bunk, leaving James to take the top. James grinned at him.
"Home sweet home."
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"Now boys, best behaviour. No pushing, no squabbling, no smug remarks, especially you Sirius. Now, smile, stand up straight and let us board this ship." Walburga smiled tightly, hitting Sirius and Regulus' ankles with her stick. Sirius scoffed, threw his bags over his shoulder and marched off ahead. Stupid boy.
Regulus stayed with his parents, smiling politely at the mass of people surrounding him.
He hated it. Their happy faces, their laughter, the children's joyful squeals. It all made him want to bury himself alive.
He followed his parents up the ramp to the ship.
The unsinkable ship they all called it, and yet something inside of Regulus was hoping it would sink, taking him with it.
The main hall was massive. Stone statues, vases filled with colourful and sweet-smelling flowers and red carpets decked the entire room. He followed his parents to their assigned room. The main living room was decorated with various paintings in gold frames, the sofa was a velvety-leather. The room split off into others, which were equally as nice.
His bedroom had a large four-poster bed, with soft cushions and the nicest, warmest bedding Regulus had ever seen. It had an en-suite which joined up with Sirius' room, which was nice. The room was nicer than his at home, warmer, more welcoming. Yet he still hated it. He hated this entire darn trip, hated Sirius for leaving him the burden of the family line, hated that it was because of him that they were taking this trip. He wanted to go home and hide in his room for the rest of eternity.
But he couldn't. It was too late now.