Chapter 10
It had been over a year since Sirius had been back home.
No, not home.
The ship was his home; James, Lily, and now Remus was his home.
Schlange looked the same as it always had, dark and gloomy, with the Black estate looming over the rest of the village.
He felt the familiar weight of James’ hand come to rest on his shoulder.
Regulus’ birthday had been two days ago, where it had been announced he was officially taking over lordship for both his father and Remus.
Remus was already at the estate, having been there for the announcement and waiting for Sirius.
“We’ll be right here when you get back,”James said.
Sirius reached up to squeeze his brother’s hand before he stepped forward.
He would be seeing his brother for the first time in over a year and a half.
He had changed drastically since he had left, but he knew his brother would be nothing but supportive.
Remus told Sirius he told Regulus that he loved his brother before making the agreement to hand over lordship to Regulus.
Now, Sirius had reached the estate and was stopped by the staff posted out front.
“There are no pirates welcome here.”
“Tell Regulus that his brother is here to see him,”Sirius answered.
“Lord Black does not have a brother.”
“Yes, he does,”Remus said, walking out from behind the gate, “Regulus sent me to escort his brother inside.”
“Lord Lupin, this man is a pirate whose claims are-”
“May I remind you that as of two days ago I am no longer a lord,”Remus said, “And if you would like to argue with Lord Black, then be my guest.”
They hesitated for a minute before stepping aside to allow Sirius to move to Remus.
“I missed you,”Remus whispered as the two started walking inside.
“And I you, my former lord,”Sirius replied softly.
He turned away from Remus once they had arrived at the familiar entrance hall.
Sirius took a sharp inhale as he stepped in, as if preparing to hold his breath.
He felt Remus’ hand brush against, interlocking their pinkies for just a moment.
Regulus stood at the back of the hall, the picture of a young lord with his kept hair and sharp clothes.
His stoic face broke into a smile the second he saw Sirius clearly, as he broke forward to pull Sirius into a hug.
“I’ve missed you so much brother,”Regulus said against Sirius’ shoulder.
“I missed you too, Reg,”Sirius said, “Sorry it took so long.”
They pulled back from each other, as Regulus took in Sirius’ appearance.
“I see you went full pirate,”Regulus said.
“And you went full lord,”Sirius said, “You’re going to do great, Reg. I’m so proud of you.”
“Well, Remus has put a lot of responsibility in my hands,”Regulus said, “When he told me he was giving up being a lord I assumed it was your doing.”
“I didn’t just do it for Sirius,”Remus said, “Although, spending my life with him is well worth giving up a position I was born into.”
“I’m just glad that I get to have both of you in my life,”Sirius said, “Do they know that I’m he-”
Sirius was cut off by the sound of heels clicking against the floor as his mother and father entered the room.
“Regulus, what is the meaning of all this,”Walburga said before turning her gaze to Sirius, “Cassiopeia?!”
“Sirius,”He answered coolly, “You must be mistaken because my name is Sirius.”
“Yes mother,”Regulus said, “My brother’s name is Sirius.”
“You have no brother, only a sister who ran away from her responsibilities,”Orion said, “And this certainly cannot be her because she would never disgrace this family and return looking like this.”
“Why father, you have not changed one bit,”Sirius said, “I will have you know that I was running away from you and mother for forcing me to be someone I wasn’t. I do regret leaving Regulus behind but I assured him I would be back to congratulate him after he took over for such an incompetent lord.”
“Cassiopeia, this is a blatant act of disrespect for your family,”Walburga said, “You decide to show up again to embarrass your brother, embarrass us in front of Lord Lupin who was faced with your rejection of marriage.”
“It’s really not setting into people that I am no longer a lord,”Remus said, “And I do believe that the only one embarrassing themselves is you, Mr. and Mrs. Black.”
“Mother, Father, the only reason I left was because I knew you would prevent me from being myself,”Sirius said, “I knew that Regulus would be every bit of the son you wanted, and I could never be your perfect daughter. I am happy that Regulus has found his calling, and I have found mine. And I am very lucky that the man I fell in love with, loves me for me. Cassiopeia rejected Remus, but I, Sirius, have not. I intend to visit my brother whenever being Captain of The Fat Lady allows me to. And one day, I hope to call Remus my husband. But you, you are no longer my parents and I don’t need to stand here and listen to you spew your hatred.”
“I’ve set up lunch for us on the balcony, brother,”Regulus said, “Remus, do join us. I would love to hear all about your plans to join Sirius on the ship. I’d also like to grill you on your intentions with my brother.”
Sirius laughed as he linked arms with his brother, and reached out his free hand to Remus.
“I intend to love and cherish him for as long as he’ll have me,”Remus said, entwining his fingers with Sirius’.
“Sounds an awful lot like a marriage proposal,”Sirius said, “Have something you want to ask me, Remus?”
“No, not yet,”Remus said, smiling brightly at him, “Someday, I will. But we’ve got time.”
Sirius smiled back and stated, “All the time in the world.”