Gloomy Darkness Roll‘d About His Head
~ 1761 „Yvoire“ small village in East France ~
Regulus had felt something coming for a while now. Today, all the tension that had build up, seemed to be coming to a peak.
He heard the servants chatter quietly, but as soon as they noticed him or his mother being around they straightened up, shut their mouths and scattered to their tasks.
But the carriage with the English crest that had arrived a few moments ago was making them all anxious.
Regulus took his place a few steps behind his Mother, as she welcomed the man in the white wig, stepping out of the Coach, matching her small curtsy with a bow that was reciprocated by the man. He looked very official. Dressed in red and gold, as customary for the English court, with halve moon glasses resting in his wrinkled face. A servant following close behind, holding a big sealed envelope on a silver tray.
„Welcome, Sir. Please, follow me into the study.“ Regulus‘ Mother greeted the man with her usual, stern face. But she had a strange tone in her voice that unsettled regulus. Was she... pleased? It made his skin feel too tight and his clothes itch.
„Thank you, Mylady Black. It shall be my honour.“, following her into the dark but elegant study.
The study used to be Orion’s, Regulus‘ Father, but since he was on strict bed rest and didn’t seem to be part of this world anymore most of days, it had been Walburga who had taken over.
In his fathers good times, the office and also the rest of the house, had felt a bit warmer. Not warm really, but warmer than it was now. Regulus used to hide underneath the big desk of dark wood when his Mother and Sirius had a screaming match. Staring on the ornaments on the carpets and trying to leave his body for a bit.
He sometimes spend hours there until his father came in, sitting down in his massive leather chair, not looking at Regulus but starting to work, eating bitter chocolates and from time to time, holding a piece under the desk so the little boy could silently take it.
His Father was never a warm or loving man, but not cruel either. He always just seemed to be distant, indifferent. Never being able to connect to his sons or even his wife. Maybe especially his wife. They were just too different.
With his father ill and his mother occupying the study, regulus grew to hate that room. Hadn’t been inside for years. Not wanting to be reminded of any of it. Keeping all of it locked away.
Now he found himself following close behind his mother, the man a few steps back, towards that exact room. Anxious to get inside, as he knew he would finally find out the details.
But stopping abruptly in front of the heavy wooden doors, she fixed her ice blue eyes on him, and he knew what that meant. ‚leave us‘
So, he had no other choice than to stand stiffly by the door as it was closed behind Walburga and the English Man.
Leaving Regulus just as clueless as before.
~ 1761 just outside Yyoire ~
Only a few days after the English man’s visit, Regulus was sitting in a carriage, wearing his finest silk robes, that where not at all made for travel, especially not as far as England. His mother sitting beside him, silent, looking out the window.
Regulus fixed his gaze on the pattern of his dark green robe, but being pulled out of his concentration by every bump in the road. But now, it was his Mother‘s voice interrupting.
„You will make a fine King. Bring honour to the name of black. Make sure to pick your heirs carefully. And keep a firm hand on them, as well as on your future husband. We wouldn’t want a repetition of what happened with your brother, would we now?“
„No, mother. Of course not.“, he answered quietly. Not looking at her. He tried not to think of Sirius but couldn’t help to wonder where he was now, as he had for the last five years. He had run away, when Regulus was only fifteen, begging him not to leave. But he had anyway. They both had cried that day and Regulus had for many weeks after. He had asked the butler every day if there was a letter from Sirius, as he had promised to write. But no letters came. And after a while his worry and sorrow had turned into resentment and anger.
For the duration of their journey, every minute seemed to be going by unbearably slow. But as he stepped out, to the enormous palace in front of him, with a big crowd of servants welcoming them, he couldn’t seem to remember most of his travels at all. Had they been on a ship? They must have been. How long did it take for them to come here? He couldn’t say.
It all seemed like a haze.
And now, there were way too many eyes looking at him. He retreated back into his mind. Putting on a blank face, being the perfect heir to the noble House of Black his mother expected him to be. Showing no emotion, as she liked it.
Ironic isn’t it? She was always the most emotional one in the family. Well, she and Sirius.. He couldn’t contain a small chuckle at the thought of them being so similar in some ways but resenting each other for it, which earned him a stern look from his mother.
They were led in by the English man who had started all this with his visit in Vyoire. Regulus heared him be referred to as Royal Advisor, Sir Dumbledore.
He brought them into a beautiful sitting room, where former Queen Euphemia and her Husband, former King Fleamont greeted them. Their faces where soft with age and full of laugh lines. While Fleamont sat back and nodded warmly towards Regulus and Walburga, with a walking stick by his side, Euphemia got up quickly and with energy that surprised Regulus in an older Lady.
As a tall young man with light brown hair indroduced them as „Lady Walburga Black of Yvoire and her Son and heir, Lord Regulus Arcturus Black of Yvoire“, his mother curtsied and Regulus started to bow. But Euphemia swept forward and pulled Walburga into a hug who just stood there, frozen in shock. Euphemia turned to Regulus and pulled him into a warm embrace as well. She smelled sweet, of flowers and chocolate. It was all too much for Regulus and he just stood there, unmoving until it was over, not sure what to do.
As she pulled back, she held both of his hands and smiled at him.
„I do not appreciate all the formalities, as we are about to be family, are we not?! I would love it if you would call me Effi, the whole family does. And this is my Husband Monty. Would you allow us to call you by your first name as well?“
He shot a wide eyed look at his mother, who seemed to be appalled by all this but put on her best false smile and nodded.
„Uhm, yes of course your maj.. Ehm.. Effi“
„Oh, I am so glad to hear that Regulus. What a beautiful and kind young man you are.“ turning to Walburga she added, „and I can see where he gets it from! I do hope you will call me Effi as well. I am so glad you decided to join your son on his long journey. Please, stay as long as you’d like. I know it must be hard to leave him. I don’t know if I could bear it.
„Thank you, your Majesty. I will be departing the day after the ceremony.“
„Oh so soon? That is sad to hear but I assume you have your own business to attend to at home.“
Walburga only nodded and curtsied again.
Shortly after, the both of them were being lead to their guest quarters. Regulus being attended to by the tall man who had announced their names before. He introduced himself as Remus Lupin.
„It is an honour to serve the future King Mylord. I will be by your side at all times.“
„All times?“, Regulus asked concerned.
„All times Mylord. Just say the word if you want for anything Mylord.“
„Could you at least walk beside me instead of behind me? I feel like you’re staring a hole into the back of my head.“
„Apologies Mylord. I will walk beside you if it will make you feel more comfortable.“
„Good.“
His quarters where big and expensively decorated, but had a warmth that he wasn’t used to in a home.
It was unsettling.
Remus started to unpack Regulus‘ belongings, while he was standing lost by the big bed, eyeing it concerned.
He gets pulled out of it by Remus, chuckling at a book as he took it out of one of the trunks.
„The Iliad, Homer.“ He said as to himself.
„Don’t touch that!“, snatching it out of his hand. „That is private!“
„My apologies Mylord. I did not mean to pry.“, putting his hands behind his back and bowing apologetically.
„It’s fine.“, pressing the Book to his Chest, he sits down on the bed.
Remus looks at him. „It’s important to you. I get that. Queen Euphemia let’s me borrow books from the royal library sometimes. I always liked Greek writings.“
„You do?“, Regulus perks up a bit.
„That’s unusual for a servant. To be allowed such privileges.“
„Yes, it is an unusual court, I will admit. The Royal Parents have always liked to break with tradition. They put compassion above all else. Treating everyone kind and familiar. It may take some time for you to get used to.“, adding a few seconds later, realising he had been too unformal, „..Mylord.“
„It’s alright Lupin.“, breathing in deeply to gather the courage to get used to this familiar kind of speaking that he hasn’t done in a while. „Regulus is fine.“ looking at Remus carefully to see if he had said the right thing.
Remus starts to smile at him, and as Regulus really takes the time to look at him, not feeling so watched by everyone, he sees the scars on Lupins face. Breathing in sharply, he looks away again.
„Oh, you noticed these?“, Remus chuckles and runs his fingers over his face. „You don’t have to pretend like you can’t see them. I’m not embarrassed about them anymore. It happened when I was a child. A lot of children growing up in the orphanages have them. Fighting with each other or getting in trouble and being punished.“
Getting nervous by this openness, Regulus fidgets with the book in his hands. „My brother gave me this book. He.. he used to read it to me when we were kids and I got scared in the dark. I’ve always liked the story of Acchilles and Petroclus best.“, smiling to himself he looks at the dark green leather binding, touching the silver letters softly.
„It’s a beautiful Copy. Your brother must have good taste.“
„Had. He had good taste.“ his voice growing colder.
„Oh, my condolences. I had no idea. Has he been gone for long?“
„He‘s not… Yes. Five years.“
„I’d like to have some time to myself now Lupin. I’ll finish unpacking myself.“, Regulus adds dismissively.
„Yes, of course. I will be just outside the door if you need anything.. Regulus.“, leaving the room quietly, with a small, sad smile. Faintly hearing Regulus whisper,
„Thank you.. Remus“
~ Snape House ~
„I have a surprise for you Wife.“ Severus announced, storming into their bedroom without any warning, making Lily flinch.
„Good news I hope, My Lord.“ she replied, not being very happy to see her husband at this time of the day. He normally spend most of his days working or drinking too much, which kept her days free to do as she pleased.
„Well, I am not fully ecstatic about it and was not sure if I was going to accept at first but I couldn’t deny an invitation by the Queen Mother herself, could I. And even though they decided to let the King get betrothed to… another man, they really know no bounds to breaking tradition as it seems, it still is an honour. But well of course I would be granted this honour, it is about time they connect the Lordship Snape to the Court. Even if just my wife at first. This will mean great things for me. You will see.“
„They want me at Court, My Lordship?“ sitting up now, intrigued. Even with all her husbands self obsessed, ignorant chatter, this sounded interesting.
„Hm?“ Seemingly having forgotten his wife and instead looking at his reflection in the mirror.
Lily scrunched up her nose at the sight of it, still not understanding how a man in his late sixties could still have such greasy hair. Had he ever looked handsome? Well if he had, it must have been long before she was even born.
„Oh, yes of course!“ he said, turning back towards her. „You have been added to the soon to be King‘s court. And we have both been invited to the Royal Wedding.“
Quickly getting up from the bed in excitement she called out „That is wonderful news my Lord, I can not wait to meet the new King a-“
„Yes, yes all very exiting. Now, what did the doctor say? Have you finally been able to get with child? With our new found status it is vital for you to produce an heir!“ he interrupted her.
Looking up at the older man with big green eyes of innocence and full of feigned regret, she replied, „Unfortunately not Your Lordship, the Doctor was here this morning and told me that the pregnancy did not last. And he told me to wait at least three months until another try. Or else it would be guaranteed to not work again.“
„What do I even have you for if you can not even provide me with one single heir? Useless. I should have married a younger girl, should have known twenty three was too old. But they told me you had good hips and would bring me many sons. Well you can’t believe anything anymore..“ murmuring the last sentence while leaving the room.
As soon as he had left, she ran to her writing desk, pulling out a quill and parchment and scribbling down a few lines. While folding it together and sealing the letter with her lily flower seal stamp, she called out for her ladies maid.
„Marlene!“
The young blond woman appeared quickly through the bathroom door.
„Yes Mylady?“
„Did you hear what Lord Snivilus said?“, snickering at her mocking nickname for her husband.
Grinning back, Marlene replied.
„Yes, I heard through the door. Somebody really ought to tell His Lordship that speaking more loudly does not make him sound any more important. But this is so exciting Lily, to be assigned to the first gay King‘s court. It is wonderful what this will do to the country’s view on relationships like this. It really is time. France and Germany have been doing this for ages now.“
„I agree, even though we should not let my husband hear us talk like that, he still has these old ignorant views as you know. But enough of him, would you please deliver this letter to Remus? I want to let him know I will be seeing him more often, now that I will spend more time on palace grounds. And please get more of the herbs from Miss Pomfrey, just in case Lord Snivilus wants to try for an heir again.“
„Yes, of course My Lady. Remus will be happy to hear it I’m sure. Would you mind me going right away? I… was hoping to catch Miss Meadows in her shop before she closes for the day.“
Smiling at her lovingly, Lily agreed „Of course, go on. But I want to hear all about it when you get back. I do have to live vicariously through you, as I don’t get my own love story.“
„Well, I would not call it that. I don’t even know if she likes me really, but I will report back if something new arises.“ Marlene answered, leaving the room quickly with the energy only a person utterly in love emanates.
~ Royal Palace ~
The next morning, after being served a lavish breakfast in his quarters, which he doesn’t eat much of, Regulus is brought to a dressing room. He was used to wealthy buildings and pompous decor, as his family was one of the richest in France but this was an entirely new degree of wealth.
He had five different servants dressing him, putting blush on his cheeks and his lips so he would „look more lively“ and making his dark curls shine as a ravens feathers. Looking in the mirror he didn’t recognise himself at first. He was dressed in a richly decorated garment of dark red silk and gold accents. It was heavy and uncomfortable. And he did not like how he looked with the rose blush and pinkish lips.
But the woman, with dark skin and beautiful pinned up locks, who seemed to be in charge of all the other dressing servants, came in behind him as he was trying is hardest not to scowl at his reflection.
„Dorcas Meadows, My Lord.“, she introduced herself while admiring her work.
„I have the honour to be the King‘s and from now on also your, garment designer. What you are wearing now, is the newest fashion of London, with a beautiful mixture of masculinity and femininity and of course in the kings‘s favourite colours.“
„Thank you, Miss Meadows.“, he answered. Adding shortly after, „The King.. could you tell me a bit about him?“
Dorcas shared a look with Remus who had been standing silently by the door. Quickly looking away again.
Her voice being a bit apprehensive, she quickly replied. „Of course my Lord. His majesty is beloved by all his subjects. He is Ruler of Great Brittain and Ireland.“
„And the Collonies, My Lord“, Remus adds.
Dorcas continues „His majesty’s parents chose to hand over the crown after his 21. birthday in late March of this year.“
„Yes, of course. But what was that look? Lupin?“, looking at him through the mirror.
„Is he handsome? Is he kind? Is he warm? Well read?“ Regulus demanded
„My Lord will meet your betrothed soon yourself. I’m sure I couldn’t describe him as well as you could judge for yourself.“, Remus answered.
„Is he ugly then? I can look past that. Beauty is inside is it not? Well.. I can be the beautiful one if he is not.“, looking at the puppet like reflection, trying to get used to the thought of being another decoration added to this house.
„But is he smart? I do hope he’s not dull.“
„No Lord Regulus, King James is not dull, I can assure you.“, Dorcas chimes in, with something in her eyes that tells Regulus to be careful what he wishes for.
„Lupin. I will need a moment of privacy“
„Withdraw. His Highness requires privacy.“, Remus tells the other servants, leaving the room after Dorcas. Silence falling over the room.
Regulus takes a deep breath and looks at himself once again. This looks nothing like him. He takes one of Dorcas‘ hankerchiefs that she left behind and carefully rubs off the blush from his cheeks and lips.
„And Gloomy Darkness Roll‘d about his head“, he quotes to himself.