The Crown's Ruin
September
Prince Regulus of Denmark and James Potter: A Modern Love Story
In a tale that has enchanted audiences worldwide, Prince Regulus of Denmark has found love with the recently orphaned James Potter, the young heir to the Carlsberg fortune. James has garnered overwhelming support for his relationship with the prince, who confirmed the dating rumors in a recent interview: "I understand everyone is shocked. I also think Jamie could do better."
While Queen Walburga and the Danish crown have yet to make a statement regarding the romance, the public has embraced the couple's love as a symbol of LGBTQ+ resilience. These events come shortly after a video showing Crown Prince Sirius and fellow student Remus Lupin in a passionate kiss. The footage has ignited widespread public backlash.
As this love story continues to unfold, Prince Regulus and James Potter stand as a testament to the strength of young love in a world that often seeks to divide.
October
Nobleman Rodolphus Lestrange Embroiled in Danish Revenue Fabrication Scandal
Rodolphus Lestrange has become a point of public contention in Denmark's high society. Anonymous reports indicate that Lestrange artificially boosted his earnings and presented false financial statements to maintain his indulgent lifestyle.
This deception has sparked debate about Lestrange and other nobility’s integrity, particularly after accounts of homophobic, harmful hazing at his alma mater, Hogwarts, have come to light. The alleged list of members in the secret society Suum Cuique is made up of largely members of Danish royalty.
Despite vehement denials from Lestrange’s spokesperson, mounting evidence of financial irregularities and growing testimonies from hazing victims at Hogwarts only raises more questions. Stay tuned for updates as the truth behind this scandal emerges.
November
Danish Royal Lucius Malfoy Embroiled in Tax Evasion Scandal
Lucius Malfoy, a prominent member of the Danish monarchy, finds himself at the center of a tax evasion controversy. Sources close to the investigation reveal that Malfoy allegedly employed intricate schemes to evade taxes on his CEO income.
Following corroborated accusations of Rodolphus Lestrange’s revenue fabrication, these revelations have prompted more questions about the royals’ integrity and adherence to the law. Like Lestrange, Malfoy was also a member of the secret society Suum Cuique during his time at Hogwarts.
As authorities investigate Malfoy’s affairs, the Danish public awaits answers regarding the extent of his alleged tax evasion and the potential repercussions for the royal family's standing. Malfoy has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the allegations.
December
Royal Scandal: Rumors Swirl of Bellatrix and Rodolphus's Lestrange’s Open Marriage
In the latest scandal surrounding the Danish elite, rumors are circulating of an open marriage between Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange. Insiders within the royal circle have disclosed that the Lestranges have participated in multiple extramarital affairs, an unexpected revelation, especially considering Bellatrix's involvement with LutheranMothers, a nonprofit committed to upholding traditional religious values.
These rumors follow substantiated claims detailing an arranged marriage between Queen Walburga and royal consort Orion. Photographers and publicists have also cast doubt on the authenticity of photos from their courting and honeymoon, implying they were staged.
Recent polling data indicates a significant 30% decline in public confidence in the Danish monarchy. This is underscored by the remarkable popularity of Prince Sirius, who boasts an impressive 90% approval rating, attributed to his increasing involvement in public engagements across the country.
Stay tuned as the latest chapter of this scandalous saga unfolds.
New Years
Unknown Number: Is this Moony?
Remus Lupin: …Sirius?
Unknown Number: The other one.
Remus Lupin: I should have known from the capitalization. How did you get my number, Regulus?
Unknown Number: Pandora.
Remus Lupin: Oh. How did Pandora get my number then?
Unknown Number: Lily.
Remus Lupin: Of fucking course.
Remus Lupin: Hold on—I thought you didn’t use phones as a principal?
Unknown Number: Correct. Only when I must.
Unknown Number: Before we continue: you’re still using the encrypted phone Agnes gave you?
Remus Lupin: Yes.
Unknown Number: Good. One second, please.
Remus Lupin: ????
*incoming call from Unknown Number*
Remus' chest squeezes as Regulus’ call lights up his phone screen. Save for occasional conversations with Regulus in the library, and more than a few study sessions with James, Remus has managed to keep clear from all things royal.
It had been Fie’s advice to put distance between himself and Sirius, and not just in the public eye. She was right, of course. They needed to get over it, whatever they had together.
Yet it’s been months and Remus still finds himself dreaming of Sirius’ dark curls and his lividus eyes. His Twilight collection and silver rings. His smile, not the fake one, but the bright, lovely one he only offered the ones he held most dear because for a while there, Remus qualified.
Maybe he still does.
“ When it’s all over, I’ll come find you.”
Remus’ phone buzzes angrily in his hand and his mind coughs up worst-case scenarios because why the fuck is Regulus calling him? Another home video from Snape? Or is Walburga finally disinheriting Regulus for dating James?
The two of them have become the “it” gay couple of Europe. Maybe because James is so wealthy, maybe because they weren’t exposed with a border-line sex tape, or maybe because Sirius and Remus were the dress rehearsal gone wrong, “Jegulus” was largely welcomed by the country, the continent, hell, the world.
Remus tries not to be bitter.
But when he sees James and Regulus holding hands at Hogwarts, he hates them just a little for having yet another thing he doesn’t.
Remus gasps when he realizes his phone has stopped ringing. “Fuck.”
He scrambles to call Regulus back, one final worry lodging in the space between his ribs and his heart.
What if they caught Sirius?
The call picks up and Remus blurts: “Regulus, what the hell’s going on—”
“Hi.”
Remus freezes in his kitchen, his free hand slamming onto the smooth table to hold himself upright. “Sirius?”
“Sorry, I know we’re not supposed to do this.”
“It’s—don’t apologize,” Remus manages to say. He’s fucking ecstatic to hear Sirius’ voice, even if it's on a burner phone, even if they’re breaking Fie’s rules, even if it will only slow Remus' impossible push up the mountain, bearing a boulder that refuses to let him move forward, move past Sirius. A part of him doesn’t want to ever make it to the top.
“I’m about to do something really stupid.”
“Then don’t do it,” Remus answers on instinct.
Sirius laughs, the sound both light and sharp. Remus sucks in a breath, his vision spotting. How he’s missed that. He barely got to hear it before the world and his own rational, cruel fears tore the two of them apart.
“It’s stupid but also…clever,” Sirius says on the other side of the phone.
“That seems contradictory.”
“I usually am.”
“Can you tell me what you’re going to do?”
“No, it’s better that I don’t,” Sirius breathes. “You’ll find out soon enough anyways.”
Remus slumps into his kitchen chair, watching the front door where Hope’s purple rainjacket and matching purse hang beside his Hogwarts blazer. “Why—what—just, you sound scared , Sirius. Is there something I can do?”
“I guess I just wanted to hear your voice. Regulus lied to Agnes and said he lost his phone so they’d give him this so I could…”
“Call me?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m glad you did.”
Sirius is silent for a beat. “You are?”
Remus places the phone on the table, shoving his chin into the small bones of his hands and trying, for once, not to be a cynical bastard, but a sincere friend. Maybe not a friend. Whatever the bloody hell he and Sirius are now.
“If I could, Sirius, I’d be with you right now.” Remus means by Sirius’ side, he’s fairly certain. But it doesn’t sound that way when the words come out. It sounds like a promise that in another life, a parallel world where Sirius wasn’t tearing the crown into little pieces one illicit exposé at a time, Remus would love him.
Maybe he would. Maybe he does.
A muffled voice fills Sirius’ silence, and then he returns, his voice breathless. “I—I have to go, Remus. But can I…would it be alright if I texted you? On this phone, I mean?”
Remus doesn’t have to think to answer: “Yes.”
“Really? I mean, good, yes. Fuck. Just—don’t save my real name in your contacts and we have—we have to be careful about what we write and say. Nothing that can identify us. Yeah?”
“Okay.”
“O—okay,” Sirius stammers again.
“Good luck, Sirius.”
“Thanks, Moony.”
******
New Year Address by Prince Sirius: A Call for Reflection and Change
My fellow Danes,
Tonight, I am humbled by the responsibility entrusted to me by my mother, Queen Walburga, to offer you the New Year's address.
In recent months, Denmark has been rocked by scandals regarding our elite. These revelations have forced us to confront uncomfortable truths about the systems that perpetuate inequality and corruption. It is a time of reckoning, a moment that demands introspection and action.
Let us not shy away from the uncomfortable realities of our nation’s imperialist history, a legacy that has left deep scars on the lands and peoples we once ruled. It is incumbent upon us to acknowledge the injustices of the past and strive to rectify them in the present. We must listen to the voices of those who have been marginalized and oppressed, and work tirelessly to build a more inclusive and equitable society.
But let us also recognize that the blame does not lie solely with the elite. Yes, we must hold those with power accountable for their actions and the privileges they possess, but we must also interrogate the systems that perpetuate corruption and inequality. It is not enough to simply vilify the individuals at the top; we must dismantle the structures that allow them to thrive.
In this spirit, I am compelled to break from the monarchy's traditionally apolitical stance and pledge my support to Enhedslisten and various nonprofit organizations championing social causes such as poverty alleviation, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigrant rights. These organizations are on the front lines of the fight for social justice and equality, and we must stand with them in solidarity.
As we embark on this journey of reflection and renewal, let us do so with courage and compassion. Let us heed the call for change and strive to create a Denmark that is truly just and inclusive for all.
May the coming year be one of transformation and progress.
Thank you, and happy New Year.
Prince Sirius
******
Moony: I can’t believe you did that.
Estrella: me either
Moony: For what it’s worth I’m proud of you. I’m sure your friends are too.
Estrella: :)
Moony: Don’t tell me anything specific but just…Are you safe?
Estrella: for now yes
Moony: I hope it stays that way.
Estrella: you want me safe ?? <333 i’m blushing!!
Moony: : |
Estrella: WHAT?! I GOT YOU TO SEND A FACE! SO EXPRESSIVE! SO HIP!
Moony: I’ll have you know I send those to my flower friend all the time.
Estrella: give me a sec i’m still dying over ‘flower friend’
Moony: You said no details!
Estrella: i KNOW but still, i can’t wait to tell her
Moony: I didn’t know you two talked often?
Estrella: Oh! yes?
Moony: What do you mean “yes?”
Estrella: i might talk to her about you??
Moony: Why?
Moony: Never mind, don’t answer that.
Estrella: no, it’s only fair u know. i just ask her how you’re doing since i can’t ask you myself
Moony: I do the same with your…deer friend.
Estrella: DEER FRIEND HAHAHA
Moony: : |
Estrella: i knew you two weren’t meeting up just to study!!!!
Moony: You sound jealous.
Estrella: i am???? surely you know that
Moony: Right. Sorry.
Moony: And I do actually study with your deer friend, and talk sometimes; he and I have a lot in common.
Moony: Where did you go?
Estrella: sorry it’s just
Moony: ?
Estrella: the semicolon
Moony: Ah.
Estrella: i think i almost passed out
Moony: Apologies. I’ll be sure to keep my punctuation less raunchy from now on.
Estrella: don’t bother, i’ll be raunched regardless
Moony: Not a word.
Estrella: i just made it one :)
Moony: Not this again.
Estrella: so we’ve got flower friend and deer friend, i simply must know what you saved me as in your contacts
Moony: Irrelevant.
Estrella: couldn’t be more relevant, I’d say.
Estrella: you’re Moony btw.
Moony: I figured.
Estrella: pls tell me?
Moony: It’s star in Spanish.
Estrella: and what’s that?
Moony: Estrella. All the languages you speak and you don’t know the most important?
Estrella: that seems subjective, moons :)
Estrella: but i agree, and i’m currently learning it
Estrella: alas, i haven’t made it to the astronomy unit. you’ll have to teach me that vocab
Moony: Okay.
Estrella: seriously?
Moony: I would make the joke, but I can’t be specific so: yes.
Estrella: AHHH
Estrella: how about right now?
Moony: You’re not...busy celebrating the New Year?
Estrella: are you?
Moony: No.
Estrella: neither am i.
Estrella: now YOU’ve disappeared on me
Moony: Sorry, just thinking. It’s a little strange doing this again.
Estrella: good strange?
Moony: Yes. But just because it feels good doesn’t mean you should do it.
Estrella: it’s just a spanish lesson, moons
Estrella: for my education!!
Moony: Fine.
Estrella: :)
*Incoming call from Estrella*
******
Tabloid Exclusive: Prince Sirius of Denmark to Study at NYU
In a surprising turn of events, Prince Sirius of Denmark has announced his enrollment at New York University (NYU) to study political science. The news of his departure has shocked many, but the prince assures the public of his continued commitment to Danish royal duties.
With plans to return and assume greater responsibilities upon graduation, speculation swirls about the impact of his studies on Denmark's political landscape. Stay tuned for updates on this royal journey.
******
Moony: New York?
Estrella: you heard!
Moony: I didn’t even know you were applying in the States.
Estrella: i applied everywhere for early action, honestly. to all the best poli-sci programs. this one felt like the best fit...i love new york.
Moony: I’ve heard many good things.
Estrella: are you still applying?
Moony: No, I applied early action too.
Estrella: Oh!
Estrella: you don’t have to tell me where.
Moony: You’ll just ask Lily where regardless.
Estrella: yes, but she might not tell me so
Estrella: and you probably shouldn’t put it in writing here
Moony: Okay, I won’t tell you.
Estrella: wait!
Estrella: you could…
Estrella: call me again?
Estrella: i really want to know, moony
Sirius checks his phone for the fifth time, then shoves it back into his pocket more violently than he probably should.
“Don’t throw a tantrum,” Regulus drawls from the other side of the study. They’ve been holed up here since Sirius’ speech, taking cover in the Potter’s mansion until they return to Hogwarts for the spring.
Walburga and the rest of the royal bastards have been radio silent since Sirius’ stunt. They, evidently, had no idea what Sirius was up to when he offered to take on more responsibilities, the Monarch’s New Year's address included.
When he went off-script, he could see Walburga off-camera, her face draining of every last drop of blood as if a vampire had sucked her dry. It was emboldening, yes, but bloody terrifying too.
“What’s wrong, Pads?” James asks from his spot on the couch next to Regulus, the two of them snuggled up to each other like the lovesick fools they are. Sirius can’t summon much of anything bitter though, not when his brother and best friend are so happy.
For the first time since Euphemia and Fleamont passed, the two of them aren’t drowning beneath the waves. And for the first time since the video was released, Sirius feels like he’s coming up for air too.
“Remus is—he’s being sketchy about my NYU announcement.” Sirius taps his fingers on his bouncing knee.
“Don’t push him,” Regulus says in an even voice. “He’s still getting used to texting you at all. If you overwhelm him he’ll stop.”
“Have a little more faith in me,” Sirius begins, then quickly pulls out his phone to study their text conversations in the past few days. The two of them had started here, in the easy fun of written-banter, Sirius a pathetic simp and Remus an endearing grouch.
It was a little like stepping out of the winter and into the warmth returning to that. Returning to Remus.
But maybe Sirius had been too pushy—how many times had he sent smiley faces? Maybe he was being too obvious about still being head over heels for Remus. More than obvious, he was plainly flirting with his almost-ex, the one boy Fie told him to avoid completely.
The two of them had left Kronborg on good terms, letting one sweet goodbye kiss say the words they couldn’t. Sirius died a little every day he watched Remus in class, sat next to him in literature, and pretended not to want him.
Not to love him.
Then Regulus gave him the best Christmas present—a phone. A secret, encrypted phone. To call and text Moony with, if he was willing.
“I’m sure it’s fine,” James says soothingly as Sirius scrolls through their texts. “Remus is probably talking to Hope or something.”
“Or he’s intentionally not answering my question about where he’s going to college.”
James clears his throat, and Sirius whips his head up, squinting at his best friend’s guilty smile. “You know?!”
“I know which two he was choosing between. He got full rides to both.”
Sirius blows out a breath and he sinks into the armchair. “I’m so glad, fuck.”
“Now you don’t have to pay his way,” Regulus says matter-of-factly.
“I’ll still offer him the money. Bet he’d do something brilliant with it.”
Before Regulus or James can tease Sirius, his phone buzzes in his pocket, and he nearly flings it into the air as he pulls it out.
*incoming call from Moony*
“Bloody hell,” Sirius breathes, staring at the name. “He’s—he’s actually calling me.”
Regulus stands, pulling James up with him. He nods to Sirius as they leave the office. “You’ll be fine,” James says at the same time Regulus sighs “Don’t mess this up.”
Then they’re out of the office, leaving Sirius alone with Fleamont and Effie’s covered bookshelves, traces of their last days left largely untouched, from Flea’s post-it note reminders to Effie’s bookmarked page in The Copenhagen Trilogy .
Sirius accepts the call, rolling back his shoulders. “Hi, Moony.”
“Hello,” Remus sounds far away. He is far away, of course, home in Næstved for the holidays while Sirius is in Copenhagen, but still. Distant. Untouchable.
“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”
“I want to,” Remus says. “I’m just shocked that you’ll be in the US too. I thought—I don’t know, I thought the Atlantic ocean between us would make all of this feel easier.”
Sirius deflates. “I’m—I’m sorry, Remus, you know I could change my mind and go to University of Copenhagen or Oxford instead—”
“Absolutely not. This is great news, Sirius, and it isn’t about me. You should go to the college you want to go to. Though I’m surprised your mom is letting you.”
“She isn’t, not necessarily. But now that it’s announced it’ll be hard for her to keep me in Denmark. Plus her ratings are…low right now.” Sirius chuckles. “So she can’t risk it.”
“I wonder how that happened?” Remus says in a teasing voice.
“No clue.”
“Well, I’ve heard that the Prince is more popular than ever.”
Sirius smirks. “Seems to be, yeah.”
“I’m betting they’re a lot of Danes that will be sad to see him go.”
“I think he needs a chance to form his own opinions. Live his own life before he takes even more responsibility.”
Remus hums on the other end, and Sirius soaks up the noise, trying to parse out if he approves or not. If Remus thinks this is the right escape route for Sirius after a childhood in a gilded cage.
“I think Denmark will be lucky to have him as a king,” Remus eventually says.
Sirius swallows, feeling tears well up in his eyes. “There’s some time before that.”
“There is.”
“And he’s going to try and enjoy his American adventure.”
“Funny, that’s my plan too.”
“So?” Sirius’ heart quickens. “Will you tell me?”
“It’s Colombia.”
Sirius almost drops the phone. “Did you just say—”
“Yeah. I’ll be in New York City.”
“That’s—” Sirius's mind scrambles to find something to say, something like congratulations or I knew you could do it , but all his thoughts offer are incomprehensible images of the two of them in the same city together.
But nothing’s different. They still can’t be seen together. Remus doesn’t want to be associated with the crown, and after all that he went through following Snape, who the fuck could blame him?
“I’m…excited for you.”
“You don’t sound it,” Remus calls Sirius out.
“I am! I’m just. Processing?”
“Yeah, I had to do the same. Serendipitous, isn’t it?”
Sirius’ heart nearly bursts from Remus’ word choice—Remus who studies poetry and dissects novels for fun, Remus who uses perfect punctuation and absolute grammar, Remus who is unfailingly particular with his words. He’s calling the two of them in the same city serendipitous. Not random, not incidental, but a positive bloody coincidence.
Sirius has something like a stroke while Remus laughs quietly. “You alright there?”
“No, not really.” Sirius flexes his hands, trying to keep them from shaking. “I’m trying not to read into what you just said and failing.”
“You know I welcome all close readings.”
“So—so you’re happy that we’ll be close to each other for the next four years?” Sirius rasps.
“Quite.”
“Fuck me,” Sirius says, not meaning to.
“No, that's supposed to be your job.”
This time, Sirius does drop his phone onto the floor. He almost falls down with it when he lurches forward to pick it back up, cradling the voice of Remus in his palms. “What the hell, Moony?”
Remus’ laugh is loud and unashamed. “Sorry, couldn’t help it. But yes, I’m looking forward to seeing you there.”
“Seeing me, as in what exactly?”
“I’m not making any promises,” Remus says, voice growing serious. “But for once in my fucking life I’m optimistic. Hell, I’m excited. And we both know that we want to see each other. Maybe we can there. Maybe it won’t be so…”
“Dangerous?” Sirius supplies.
“That’s one of the words I was thinking of.”
“Remus, I think there will always be danger when it comes to me,” Sirius says because despite how badly he wants this, he has to make sure Remus knows the risks.
“I’m aware. But you’ve been so brave the last few months. I think it’s about time I try to be brave too.”
“In New York.”
“Yes, I’m not doing anything at Hogwarts,” Remus’ voice is firm. “I can’t—it’s not going to go well.”
“I understand,” Sirius says quickly. He squeezes his eyes shut, trying to steady his breathing. “So we’ll just get through this next semester and then… see each other in the States?”
“That sounds sensible.”
Sirius's body thrums and hums with delight, but he manages to keep his voice cool. “And we can—we can keep texting?”
Remus snorts. “We’re like a bloody epistolary novel at this point.”
“Does that make me Darcy?”
“ Pride & Prejudice has only a couple of letters. If anything we’re Dracula , your mother being the titular character, of course.”
“I’m not letting her get in the way of this, Remus.”
“You can’t promise that.”
Sirius sighs. “Maybe not. But I will fight tooth and nail to—to love you.”
After a moment, Remus says, “I will too.”
This time, when Sirius drops his phone, the call cuts out.
******
Nine months later
Remus Lupin and Prince Sirius Spotted on Dinner Date in NYC
Former Hogwarts students Remus Lupin and Prince Sirius of Denmark were seen dining together in New York City, sparking rumours after their alleged affair at Hogwarts last year.
The pair, now studying at Columbia and NYU respectively, enjoyed dinner at a popular Manhattan Italian restaurant. While the nature of their relationship remains unclear, the sighting has captured the attention of fans and onlookers on social media.
Stay tuned for updates on this unexpected reunion.