Trumpet Lilies Taken to Heart
21st of October
Regulus strokes the front of his silky robes, his fingertips feeling the embroideries of light-purple and light-pink flowers on Acromantula Silk fabric.
Looking at himself in the big mirror in front of him, Regulus couldn't help but smile at the sight of himself wearing his wedding robes. The white of the material and the purple and pink of the flowers gave him such a youthful look, that Regulus could only think about the date that was coming closer and closer every day. It also brought him the realisation that, yes, he was getting married.
No longer it was a matter of plans or words let out to the wind. He, Regulus Arcturus Black, was getting married, soon, to the man of his life.
With his thoughts drawn to his fiancé, Regulus hoped that Harry was having an enjoyable experience choosing his wedding attire.
Morgana knows Mr Tatting is most overbearing when dealing with important customers, he thought. Let's hope Hedwyn doesn't curse the man, too much.
A devious smile came to his face as he imagined the scene of his beloved sending Calvin Tatting straight to the closest wall and casting a Sticking Charm on the man.
He was still smiling a little madly when he took off the wedding robes and walked towards the door. Casting a last look at his future attire, Regulus smiled sweetly. Soon, he thought and opened the door — leaving the fitting room.
When he got closer to the reception room, Regulus caught sight of Harry sitting on a red and gold armchair. He had to swallow a laugh as he saw his fiancé's angered expression. Mr Tatting's graceless work, most definitely — he thought.
“I fear not all went well, yes?” Regulus said, getting Hedwyn's attention. The other man just sneered at Regulus' cheek.
“That man is lucky I have some self-restraint,” Hedwyn looked at a door while he spoke. Presumably, Mr Tatting was behind the door and hopefully not dead. “If I were to stay there for a minute longer this place would lose its Tatting.”
Biting his lip, so as to not smile, Regulus replied, “At least there would still be a Twilfitt, wouldn't it?”
Before Harry could reply, a sound came from the room Mr Tatting was in, making Hedwyn get up from his seat and take Regulus' hand.
“Let's leave!” Harry said while glazing at the door. He then pulled Regulus with him, leading his fiancé to the exit and leaving the shop.
“I do hope you did not curse him, darling,” Regulus said when the two were a few feet away from Twilfitt and Tattings. “As entertaining as it would be, I do not wish to marry a soon-to-be prisoner.”
Smirking at Regulus, Hedwyn only squeezed the other's hand and continued walking.
On the main street of Diagon Alley, a cold wind of Autumn passed through the people strolling around. Wizards and witches wore more layers of clothing, a signal of the winter yet to come.
Not many families perambulated through the principal alley, or the adjacent ones, even though Sunday afternoon was the perfect time for it.
It must be the war, Harry thought.
The Ministry fought the war in the best way possible whilst the people tried to keep some normalcy in their day-to-day lives. However, the people were yet to feel as safe as they once felt.
Looking at the people around him, Hedwyn could only hope that his and Regulus' plan would be able to give wixenfolk some comfort and sense of security.
The two men continued walking until they stopped by Flourish and Blotts. Swiftly, Hedwyn opened the door to Regulus and waited for the boy to get inside before getting in himself.
Inside, Harry called Regulus' attention by caressing the back of his fiancé's hand with his finger, “I won't take too long, love,” Hedwyn said, kissing Regulus and walking towards the bookshelf away from the front of the store.
Glancing at the books closer to him, Regulus wrinkled his nose at the sight of shelves upon shelves of children's books. No wonder there are only little kids here, he thought while looking at the children close by.
Preferring to wait for Hedwyn instead of go seek some book, Regulus stayed where he was — his mind drifting away from the bookstore.
There was much on his mind as of recently. Their plan to bring down the Dark Lord and take control over the Dark was closer than ever. Just a few more days, he thought. And while he was confident in the plans, Regulus couldn't help but feel anxious due to the wait.
“Well, well, well. Look at what the hippogryph has brought me,” A recognizable voice said behind Regulus. Turning around, the Black Heir came face-to-face with the voice's owner.
“Evan,” The words left Regulus' mouth with a twinge of disdain. “How... unexpected it is to see you here. I didn't know you were adept at reading.”
The retort made Evan Rosier grit his teeth. “How funny, Regulus. I didn't know you had a flare for comedy.”
Giving Rosier a smile with no warmth, Regulus shrugged. “I have become more... infatuated with this sort of thing as of late.”
Dropping his unwelcoming expression, but keeping a hardness to his eyes, Evan said, “Don't you think it is odd for you to decide to become cheerful nowadays? If I were in your shoes, and thank Merlin that I am not, I would not be so cocky. There are many people angry with you, Black.”
Lifting an eyebrow, Regulus faked confusion. “Angry at me? I can't imagine what for. I don't recall doing anything wrong, Evan. Are you sure it is me that these ‘people’ are angry at?”
Tightening his hands into fists, Evan got closer to Regulus — their noses almost touching. “I would drop this act if I were you, Black. You know very well what I am talking about. Our lord is very displeased with you, but you're name brings respect whenever you go to. I'm sure the Dark Lord would push all of this aside if you bent the knee once more.”
A sneer came to Regulus' face. With all his time preparing to become Lord Black, Regulus learnt to never bow to men beneath himself.
“I have no lord, Rosier,” Black hissed. “It will do you well to remember that. A Black never kneels before inferior men, Evan. You're pathetic lord will never have a leash on me ever again.”
With his fists so tight that his nails began to dig into his skin, Evan put a foot forward to try to intimate Regulus. But, before he could open his mouth to spill more of his nonsense, a hand grabbed the boy's forearms.
“I would rethink you're next spets if I were you, Mr Rosier,” Hedwyn's voice said behind Evan. His tone was cold and dangerous, making Rosier shiver slightly.
Evan Rosier looked back, trying to make eye contact with Lord Peverell. When Rosier's blue eyes met Peverell's green, though, he couldn't help but feel a sense of dread crawling in his chest.
The man's magic was controlled, too controlled, around him. Darkness so strong and cold enveloped Rosier completely, making the man put his head down to avoid Peverell's gaze.
Letting go of Rosier's arm, Hedwyn approached Regulus, putting an arm around his fiancé's shoulders. “Are you okay, darling?” He asked.
Snuggling closer to Harry, Regulus only nodded and smiled at him. Hedwyn smiled at him back and caressed his lover's cheek.
When his eyes left Regulus and went back to where Rosier was, Harry snorted at the man's stance — still with his head down and scared stance.
“You will learn to behave before those above you, Rosier. I would hate to go to your brother with a complaint about you.”
Snapping his eyes to Harry's face, Evan looked terrified at the mention of his brother. “N-No, please. I won't do it again. Please don't tell my brother.”
Sneering at Rosier, Hedwyn didn't answer him as he put the book he was carrying inside his pocket and turned around with Regulus — exiting the store and leaving a fidgeting Rosier behind.
Regulus only looked at Harry with a raised eyebrow, but the other boy just shrugged. Though Regulus was disappointed that he didn't get a chance to annoy Evan more, he was sure that by the end of the month, Rosier would be screaming in rage.
The thought made Regulus smirk as Hedwyn guided him to the Leaky Cauldron, so they could floo to Château Noir — where Lady Black was waiting for them.
Passing through the pub's clientele, the two men went to the closest fireplace.
Throwing the flood powder at the fireplace, Regulus was engulfed by green fire and soon the same happened to Hedwyn.
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“Come, grandmother will be in the Blue Room,” Regulus told Hedwyn as soon as he came through the floo.
Shaking his head to regain his senses after going through the floo network, Harry nodded to Regulus and the two walked out of the White Drawing Room, into the hallway.
In the hallway, Regulus continued to walk — with Hedwyn right behind him — as the portraits around them observed the couple silently.
Harry eyed some of Regulus' ancestors as they passed by the portraits. Most of them were pretending to be asleep, certainly to avoid interactions with others, but some of them were looking between Hedwyn and Regulus.
As the couple walked by the Black family portraits, Harry couldn't help but feel as if the stern faces were silently appraising them. He wondered if they were judging the couple's worthiness of each other or simply being curious and nosy. Harry tore his gaze away from the portraits as he noticed that Regulus' steps were gradually slowing down, indicating that they were getting closer to their destination.
“Oh, there you are,” said Lady Black behind them, making Hedwyn jump, surprised. Melania Black passed by the two, smiling at the couple, and made a sign with her hand for them to follow her.
“I had to tell the elf to get me more flowers, you see,” the old lady pointed to a large table close to the window. Harry's eyes went wide with the number of flowers exposed, with the most variety of colours, shapes and sizes, the table made the room more akin to a greenhouse than to a normal sitting room. “The lack of blue was just appalling, I tell you, but I believe we have all we need now.”
As Lady Black continued to talk about blue flowers or rather the lack thereof, Hedwyn took his time to look around the room. Painted with a high-pigmented blue, the walls were a marvel to see, filled with unmoving paintings and ornate by golden intricate shapes with complex patterns and details.
The room's decor, Harry mused, was alike those seen at the Palace of Versailles — if the old pictures he saw on his Muggle school books were to be trusted. Getting closer to a cream-coloured chair, with golden leaves and stems, Harry wanted more than ever to sit on the chair and relax after all the fussing around at Twilfitt and Tattings.
Yet, Harry knew that he was not here for relaxation, and he also didn't want to look lazy in front of Lady Black. So he turned away from the comfortable-looking chair and went to the table of flowers.
Not willing to be dragged into Regulus and Melania's conversation about vases, Harry decided to pass his time by focusing on the flowers closest to him.
Apart from interesting colours or shapes, there wasn't much to be looked at, Harry mused after inspecting some of the many flowers on the table. Even though he did quite well at Herbology, none of these flowers were magical so there wasn't much to interest him.
When his eyes fell on a certain type of lily, however, he couldn't help stop himself from picking one flower up from its similars. With white ends and light-pink-coloured inside, the trumpet lily in Harry's hand was just like the ones he used to see at the Dursley's home.
Bringing the flower closer to his face, Harry inhaled its sweet fragrance. Just like I remember it, Harry smiled to himself as he thought of the times he would go closer to the vase on the top of the dinner table, just so he could smell the pretty-looking flowers.
Twirling the flowers on his fingers, Hedwyn mused about the reasons why his aunt had this specific flower at home. It not being a common species, as far as he knew, only made his memories of it seem even more strange.
Could it be because of mother? he questioned himself. He shook his head, unable to accept that the person who mistreated him for so long could ever do something so thoughtful. Even if Lily had been Petunia's sister it didn't mean that there was any love between the two.
After all, if there was some sort of affection between the two sisters, then why would Petunia hate her sister's only child? No, that can't be why, Harry thought to himself. No amount of theorising would make him believe that Petunia had missed Lily.
Putting those thoughts aside, Hedwyn looked at the other flowers on the table, some inside beautifully ornate vases and others just in bouquets of their own kin. Harry wondered if any of these were also lilies and if they would be at his wedding.
For a moment, he thought about asking Lady Black if it would be possible to have lilies at the wedding, but he didn't want to answer any questions as to why he wanted lilies specifically. Sighing, Harry turned around and left the table, flower still in hand, and headed to the chair.
Let's hope Lady Black doesn't chastise me for it, he thought as he sat down, relaxing on the chair.
As Harry continued to look at the lily on his right hand, he failed to realise that the sounds in the room had stopped. He also failed to realise that he was being watched by his fiancé and his grandmother.
On the other side of the room, holding a white and blue coloured vase in his hands, Regulus couldn't help but smile at his fiancé. By his side, Melania Black was holding a bouquet of orchids and looked from her grandson to her soon-to-be grandson-in-law.
A small smile came upon the old woman's face as she saw the love in Regulus' eyes as he looked at his beloved.
Perhaps this union will be better than I thought, Melania thought as she moved back towards that table and left her grandson to admire his lover.
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As the evening descended upon the world outside, its warm glow seeped through the half-open curtains, casting a soft, gentle light on the otherwise dark and quiet bedroom. The Black Heir, dressed in his all-blue nightwear, sat at the edge of the bed, watching his lost in thought fiancé. The latter was seated in a wing chair, with a forgotten book resting on his lap, but his gaze was fixed on some unknown point in space. The silence was only interrupted by the occasional rustle of the pages as the light breeze from the open window turned them.
Regulus raised from the bed, moving with a graceful calmness towards Hedwyn's side. As he reached the other boy, he gently laid a hand on his shoulder, imparting a sense of comfort and reassurance. Hedwyn startled slightly at the unexpected touch, but as he looked up at Regulus' face, he sensed a warm and soothing presence emanating from the older boy's eyes, and he relaxed under their gentle gaze.
“What is bothering you so much, Harry? No, don't look down; keep your eyes on me, darling. You've been quiet since we visited the château and I'm getting worried, Harry.”
Hedwyn moved in his seat, uncomfortable due to the questions. He opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came. At every failed attempt, Harry could see Regulus becoming more and more distressed. The Black Heir's mouth quivered at the corners and his hand on Harry's shoulder became less soothing and more desperate.
Brows furrowed and letting go of his attempts to explain himself, Hedwyn tried to comprehend his fiancé's uncomfortable behaviour. He raised his hand and put it on top of Regulus', and used his thumb to caress the soft skin of his lover.
“Reggie...” came out of Hedwyn's mouth in a strained tone, a whisper. “What's wrong, love? Look, I know you deserve an explanation but I assure you that the reasons for my sulk is nothing to get so concerned about. I mean, not that you shouldn't feel concerned for me but I-”
Harry's rambling stopped as Regulus' hand tightened on his shoulder, unconsciously. In turn, Hedwyn took his fiancé's hand from his shoulder and brought it closer to his lips and left a soft his on its knuckles.
Regulus let out a deep sigh as he found a spot on the armrest of the chair, settling down into it. He held Hedwyn's hand tightly for a moment before slowly releasing it, placing his own hand on his lap with utmost care. As he did so, he took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the room before settling on Hedwyn's face once again.
“You cannot ask me for answers when you give me none of your own, Hedwyn. You have been silent for hours now. So no, I won't be giving you an answer before you give me yours.”
As Harry sat there, feeling overwhelmed by the situation, he lowered his head and gazed down at the floor. He could feel the fabric of his robes brushing against his legs, and he instinctively gripped it tightly with his fingers. The soft material provided some measure of comfort, as he tried to push aside his feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. His mind raced with thoughts and questions, but for the moment, all he could do was sit there and wait for what was to come.
“My mother,” he let out in a whisper.
“Your mother?” Regulus asked, one eyebrow up in confusion. “What about Lily Potter? Do you wish to tell her the truth?”
Hedwyn shook his head, negating the question and dispersing his insecurities in a quasi-desperate gesture. Shaking hands came to his hand as he hid his eyes from view.
“My mother... Today, while choosing the flowers, I couldn't help but think of her. My mum, the woman who gave her life away, just so I could live. I will never meet her, Regulus. I will never hear stories of her time pregnant with me, of memories from times before I could speak,” Harry let out an anguished sound. “I will never meet her.”
Feeling helpless and unsure of how else to comfort Harry, Regulus instinctively moved closer to him and wrapped his arm around him. He gently pulled Harry towards himself and began to sway back and forth, while softly stroking Hedwyn's red hair. In a soothing and tender tone, Regulus whispered words of kindness and support to his anguished fiancé.
“I'm so sorry, Harry,” said Regulus in an upset tone. “I-I wish I could help you with this, to relieve you of your pain but I can't. I assume telling the truth to Lily and James won't help, right? I thought so... I'm sorry you can't meet your mother, Wyn.”
“It's okay, Reggie,” Hedwig said, voice fatigued and raspy. “I shouldn't have expected to let go of my loss just by being able to meet them in the past. I should've known they would not be the same people.”
“No, Harry. There is nothing wrong with wishing to meet the parents you lost, even if it was a past version of them. You should not put yourself down for wanting to meet the people who mean so much to you, Wyn. If I were in your situation, I would want to meet my parents as well, even knowing Orio and Walburga are not the most pleasant to be around.”
Hedwyn let out a small laugh at Regulus describing the Blacks. “Unpleasant is the kindest way of describing them, Reg.”
Regulus chuckled. “Maybe it is, but it is the truth. I would want to meet them either way. They are my parents, just like the Potters are yours, so I would still want to meet them.”
“Yeah, you're right,” Hedwyn said after sighing and relaxing in Regulus' warmth. “I guess is not silly to want to meet them. I'm still disappointed they are not my James and Lily, though. Yeah, I know I'm not wrong in being disappointed.”
“Good,” said Regulus while leaving kisses on Harry's face.
The silence lingered between the two companions for a while. Hedwyn's mind was consumed by the memories of the photographs of his long-gone parents. He knew he would revisit those images later, as the photo album had fortunately accompanied him on his journey from the future. It was a relief to know that he wouldn't have to solely rely on his memories of his loved ones' pictures to see them.
As for Regulus, only anticipation reigned over his thoughts as he waited for Hedwyn to question him for his behaviour earlier. He knew the question would come sooner than later, so he sat quietly, letting his fiancé digest all that was said before the change in topic came.
In the corner of his eyes, Regulus saw Hedwyn's mouth opening slightly, so he moved a little so they were facing each other.
Ignoring the way Regulus knew he was about to speak, Harry put a hand on his lover's lap before letting the words out.
With a calm expression and a kind tone “Why were you so upset earlier?” was all Hedwyn asked Regulus.
Regulus' eyes left Harry's face as he shifted on the armrest of the wing chair. He sighed and turned his gaze back to his fiancé.
“I-I thought you were having second thoughts about the wedding. No, let me finish. Today, while at the château, I thought you were simply lost in thought so I didn't concern myself with it. But when we got back home, you came back to the bedroom and stayed silent, not even looking at me for a second.” Regulus hands clenched on each other for a second and then he flexed his fingers. “I know it was a silly thought, but I couldn't shake this uneasiness. I thought- I thought you were having second thoughts. Our wedding is happening before a year into us knowing each other, after all. So, with every hour that passed with you in silence, I couldn't think of anything else but that you wanted to leave.”
Hedwyn, with a sorry-full expression on his face, moved closer to his partner and wrapped his strong arms around Regulus' waist. Gently but firmly, he brought Regulus to his lap, where Harry welcomed him with open arms. Hedwyn hugged Regulus tightly, feeling the warmth of his partner's body against his own, and brought their faces closer together. With a gentle touch, Harry left soft kisses on Regulus' cheeks and forehead, giving the love and affection his fiancé needed.
“I'm sorry, Reggie. I would never want to make you think I doubt my commitment to you. Look at me, darling. I want this wedding to happen, more than anything else. More than defeating Voldemort or increasing our influence in the Wizarding World. All of those things are secondary to me, Regulus. You, you are my priority and will always be. Never doubt that for a second.”
Regulus was struggling to keep his composure as he listened to Hedwyn's words. His lower lip quivered uncontrollably, betraying the depth of his emotions. He felt a lump form in his throat, making it hard for him to breathe. His heart was racing, and his palms were sweaty, as he grappled with the overwhelming flood of feelings that threatened to consume him. At that moment, he needed the support of his partner more than ever. He leaned his head onto the crook of Harry's neck, seeking comfort and solace in his embrace. His arm tightened around Hedwyn's chest, holding onto him tightly, as if he were afraid to let go. Despite his inner turmoil, he was grateful for the love and support that surrounded him, knowing that Harry would be by his side.
“I love you, Regulus',” the words were said quietly and with calm. When they reached Regulus, the boy's mind stopped and he focused solely on Harry and the warmth coming from him.
“I love you,” Harry said again, as to make sure that Regulus heard him clearly.
Regulus' body was paralysed, unable to move after the confession. He lifted his head, to look at his fiancé. Harry's face was apprehensive and red.
A smile took control of Regulus' face as he understood Harry's fear of relating his feelings to him. Leaning closer, a stream of kisses was left on Hedwyn's face as Regulus tried to convey his feelings in a kind gesture.
“I love you too,” Regulus said loud and clear. He then kissed a wide-eyed Harry on the lips and it then became a passionate embrace between two lovers, desperate to be closer and closer to each other.