Welcome to Hertfordshire
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. Lucky for Remus Lupin, he was wealthy enough to have no need for a wife. No one to this point had tempted him, and he was satisfied at the thought of carrying out his life in solitude.
Now his companion on this trip, James Potter, did not have the same outlook on life. No, he believed in true love. Remus believed this concept to simply be ridiculous, but no matter, it was not his business. What was his business was that James Potter had guilted him into a rainy trip to the lonely town of Hertfordshire to meet the love of his life that did not yet know of his existence. You see, James had heard word of a young man by the name of Sirius Black who's beauty was simply unmatched. What grabbed James' attention though was the younger brother in the portrait he viewed. Oh, yes. Regulus Black, the one with the furrowed brow and icy exterior, was the one for James.
As rain poured down, Remus watched the hills roll in and the fresh air stream into the carriage. James was a perfectly amiable companion, but Remus knew his attention would be otherwise occupied as soon as they arrived. Only someone perfectly tolerable will be able to fill the void left behind by James' predicted absence.
***
"Regulus, it is one evening. You must go, if only to keep me company."
"I would rather walk barefoot through the stables."
Nothing seemed more pointless to Regulus than a ball. He had never found anyone he truly wished to spend the evening with and even if he were to find someone, they would hardly put up with him long enough to make the night worth his while. Not even Sirius could tempt him on this, as Sirius would enjoy himself with or without his presence.
Sirius was meant for these events. With his beauty and charm, he was right at home. Regulus would drag him down by attending. No, that settles it, he is not going.
"You know, I heard there will be visitors from the North. A one, um, James Potter I believe."
Oh. This changes things. Regulus was not one to change his mind but oh this, this might just do it.
"I will prepare my evening dress"
"Oh! Thank you thank you thank you. I knew you'd do it for me Reggie"
"Get off of me Sirius or so help me God you will be joining our late parents in the family tomb"