The founders of Atlantis could only watch as the city the once called home was pulled into the water by powers of the Sea Witch, powers they could never possess.
Just as the last of their city became submerged, causing gasps to be heard and hearts to break, the Sea Witch turned to them, her beauty was almost enough of a comfort to distract the founders from the pain of losing their home and their people.
Her eyes found each of theirs in turn, making them look away with a mixture of shame and regret. This response was not enough to satisfy the Sea With.
“Your home is gone and you will never get it back as you are, you have done this to yourself. The money and power you so desperately wanted to possess has made your souls evil and rotten. The people of your city have paid for your damage, they do not deserve this but it is what I must do.
“The Gods are displeased with you, the Evil Four is what the call you, putting yourself above all else. They do not believe losing your home is enough. Nor do they believe losing your lives would be a fair repayment for your crimes, that is the coward’s punishment and while it is fitting for you four cowards it is but the least bit satisfying to those who lost their lives today because of you. Each of you will be punished, doomed for a life of eternal suffering. Just as you watched your city lose to the ocean, you will be lost to the seas. Salazar, Godric, Rowena, and Helga, the curse I place on you now will cause you to become the seas on which brave adventurers will travel across for generations to come. There will be no body, no talking, no thoughts. Just the water and the guilt of what you have done to Atlantis weighing on you for as long as the Gods live.
“The only way to return to your original bodies and see Atlantis become home again will be if someone cares for you as you care for yourself. Salazar’s locket, Godric’s sword, Rowena’s diadem, and Helga’s cup. They will be the key to restoring Atlantis to its original form. The brave soul to find your relics and return them to the Cave of The Seven will become the new ruler of Atlantis and have wealth beyond means. Only then, when the relics are returned and a new ruler is declared will you be able to return, not as you are now, but as how the Gods intended you to be. Servants of the people. This betrayal has not come lightly which is why it gives me a heavy heart to take Atlantis away like this, but rest assured it is for the greater good.”
The founders of Atlantis started at the Sea Witch; her beauty held little comfort now.
“Go forth founders, become one with the seas you are cursed to be, and remember, it’s not the water that drowns you, but the guilt of your actions.”
So, Sea Slytherin, Sea Gryffindor, Sea Ravenclaw and Sea Hufflepuff were born. True to her word, the Sea Witch made sure Atlantis stayed hidden in the deepest of depths, its magic not restored until the relics are found. Many brave adventurers have tried, travelling the oceans in search of a locket or sword. Many lost their ships, some their lives. But they all came up empty."
To this day the founders of Atlantis haven’t changed from their sea form, their waves becoming more restless, their storms becoming more dangerous. The lay in wait until the day the curse the Sea Witch cast on them lifts and a brave soul finally dares to free the four seas, return the relics, and save Atlantis.
-
The water was calm, a fog blanketing it, the first beams of sun dancing across the blue.
Many people think Gryffindor Sea is dangerous, with unpredictable winds and rocky waters. They wouldn’t be wrong Gryffindor was one of the more dangerous of the four seas but it was more than that. For every night the crew lay in fear, expecting the water from the waves to sink their ship, there was a day of calm waters. For every storm that drenched their supplies and reduced their rations to slosh, there was a sunrise like this, clear and beautiful.
It was one of the things that made Gryffindor James’ favourite sea to travel across. It was a perfect balance, two sides of the same coin. It was his fathers’ favourite too, whenever he and his mother would adventure out into Gryffindor they would always come back with a different story or a new souvenir for James to add to his scrap book. Maybe that is why James is so sad to leave.
He knows there is no point in arguing with the crew about it, they need to dock in for more supplies and a trip to the taverns that are littered around the mainland would do well for morale. But it is bitter-sweet, swapping out Gryffindors exciting waters for the still Ravenclaw swell that surrounds Hogsmeade.
Sometimes when Remus asked what he was doing up so early James would reply he was getting the ship ready for the day, but the real reason will always be this sunrise, James likes to think these rare peaceful sunrises over Gryffindor Sea are his parents showing he isn’t alone. Being at home on the sea, you witness a lot of amazing things, but none are as special to James as these mornings and that sun rise.
“You’re up early captain!” James spun around on his heel, usually he would have heard the footsteps of the intruder before he heard their voice, but his reflexes are still sluggish with sleep.
A smile found its way to his face when James saw Sirius, still in him pyjamas, walking towards him with two cups of something steamy. James took one gratefully, trying to hide his grimace at how bitter it was. Sirius was many things, but a cook wasn’t one of them.
“How are the olds on this fine morning?” He asked, nodding to the direction of the sun which was now almost fully risen. Sirius was one of the few people James talked to about his feelings for the sunrise.
“Disappointed we’re leaving for fucking Ravenclaw.”
Sirius let out a sharp laugh, his unruly black hair bobbing to the movement.
“Try telling the crew that we aren’t going to the mainland. McDonald will chuck a fucking fit. Besides, Ravenclaw isn’t our destination, Hogsmeade is.”
“I still have to dishonour Her by sailing through those fucking waters.”
The Her James was referring to, is the ship. The Marauder, has been James’ pride and joy since he took it and left after his parents’ death. It was their ship originally, one that accompanied them on their travels, James has done some renovations to it since then, making it fit for more than two people to live on. It is now the only piece of familiarity he has in this world and a home to his crew.
“Don’t think about it too much then ay? Think about what you are going to do once you get to Hogsmeade. I’m thinking of going into Skull and Bones for another tattoo, I wanted to get The Marauder on my back or something, but I might as well just walk into the palace waving my hands saying I’m a pirate. Maybe I’ll get the sea nymph we saw last season, the one that almost got Petey in the water? Fucking gold that was.”
Personally, James thought Sirius didn’t need any more tattoos, a haircut maybe, but not more tattoos. Not that James could talk as his own skin was littered with them.
“Where are you even going to fit more tattoos? I can barely even see your natural skin as it is!”
“Good, the Blacks pale complexation is the bane of my existence.”
“I thought your parents were the bane of your existence?” James asked, amusement playing on his features.
“That goes without saying, fucking cunts, I hope when we dock in, I get the news that they have died a brutal death and my brother has taken over the crown.”
“If they have, I’ll find out.”
“What do ya mean?” Questioned Sirius, blowing the steam away from his cup.
“I have to go into Hogwarts, personal stuff you know?”
Hogwarts was the elite town in the centre of Hogsmeade, it is where the Palace is located, where the nobles and lords lived and where the more honourable stores held their business. It is also where both James and Sirius grew up. Albeit Sirius grew up inside the castle and James just on the outskirts but the point still stands.
Sirius’ expression darkened at the mention of Hogwarts, James learnt that he had a funny way of coping with his past life. Jokes are acceptable but serious conversations about it are not. James doesn’t blame him; life would have to be pretty bad for a former prince to run away and join a pirate ship.
“Why are you going to that yuppy hell hole?” He asked, body tense.
James sighed, running a hand through his hair. He liked to think he was a fairly private person, but Sirius was one of the exceptions. James told him everything so it wouldn’t be all that bad to tell him about this.
“I’m going to get my parents will.”
Sirius started at him; confusion etched on his face.
“What do you mean? You don’t have it already?”
“Nope, never even got it read to me. After they died, I was destroyed obviously, so I didn’t pay any mind to funeral arrangements, I just took their ship and left. I could’ve gone back then to collect the will and get the assets but then all the fugitive business came about. Now I can’t exactly walk into the building and go ‘hey I’ve robbed countless of the governments ships and I’ve got a massive bounty on my head but do you think I could just take a peaksy at what my parents left me?’”
“I don’t get it after nine years not caring, you are only now wanting to look at it? What is it you want? The house? Because after so long without being claimed the government has probably sold it.”
“It’s not the house, I was hardly ever there any way, I either stayed on the boat or when my parents were gone at the McKinnon’s.” James paused, not sure how to phrase his thoughts. “I’ve just been thinking, they spent their whole life looking for the lost relics and other than a few note books, there is no evidence of their life’s work. We’ve spent ages looking for signs of the relics and turned up nothing, I’m thinking they might have left something in the will, it might be a shot in the dark but I think it’s a shot I need to take.”
Sirius let out a low whistle. “Fucking hell cap, obviously you can’t do this alone, I will come with you.”
“The fuck you will, you don’t think the people of Hogsmeade aren’t still on the lookout for their traitor prince? Hogwarts will be ten times worse and you know it.”
“It won’t be dangerous for you? We both know your wanted poster is hang up on every wall you’ll be lucky to set a pinkie toe in Hogwarts without the Queens guards on you.”
“At least then I might get to meet your mum.” James said, eyebrows raised.
“Yeah, at your hanging.” Sirius snapped back.
“Sirius, mate, I have my disguise, I’ll be in and out, no hanging involved.”
“I have a disguise as well and I can blend in, so I might as well just come.”
“I saw this with love and respect, but you are physically unable to blend in if your life depended on, which it would in this case so the answer is no.”
“What will you do if you die?” Sirius asked, eyes wide with fear.
“Nothing probably, because I’ll be dead.”
Sirius didn’t dignify him with a response, instead he punched him hard in the gut.
“Fuckin hell, it was a joke Pads, on the very off chance I do die, the ship and crew will be in very capable hands. Marlene will make a great captain.”
Sirius made a move to hit him again, only for James to grab him into a hug.
“I’m not going to die Sirius.”
“You better not, Marlene would not let me get away with what you let me get away with.”
The two stayed like that, safe in each other’s arms until long after the sun came up. Affection was something Sirius grew up without and it took a while for him to adjust to James. James who thought that every achievement should be celebrated with a high five and a hug, found Sirius’ behaviour towards physical affection to be worrisome and after some time made sure Sirius no longer flinched away from a high five. Many would think they were opposites, which is why it caused quite a stir in the mainland when Sirius abandoned his royal titles in favour of joining James’ crew. But James and Sirius were born under the same stars, they were inevitable and they didn’t need anyone else to know it but themselves.
“Get a room you two!”
They broke away at the sudden third party. Peter Pettigrew was standing there, steaming cup of coffee in hand and smug smirk on his face.
“Fucking hell Wormtail, scared the shit out of me, we need to get a collar with a bell on it for you.” Exclaimed Sirius, hand over his chest like he might kneel over from heart failure at any second.
Peter only laughed, smug expression growing by the second.
“Speaking of people you want to put a collar on Padfoot, Remus has got breakfast ready in the living room.”
Sirius’ face flushed a bright red, mumbling something they couldn’t make out as he ignored James and Peters’ laughter.
“I take it you haven’t made a move on him yet?” James asked.
A small no was the answer he got.
“Jesus Pads, you need to do something about it soon, useless pining won’t make him fall in love with you. Ask him out for drinks tonight.”
“Everyone is going for drinks tonight though; it hardly counts as a date.” Sirius snapped.
“I’m just saying getting to know him in a group setting might be the way to ease awkward tensions between you two.” Peter said with a shrug.
Sirius looked at him alarmed, “who said there was awkward tensions? Was it Remus? Does he think I’m awkward? Fuck he doesn’t he!”
“Relax mate, I only said there was awkward tensions because his been a part of the crew for nine months now and every time he has tried to talk to you, you run basically run for the hills.”
“Shit, he thinks I hate him, doesn’t he?” Sirius asked, looking towards James.
“Uhhh, he might have mentioned something of the sort, yeah.” James replied sheepishly.
“Fuck.”
“Don’t stress Pads, it’s not the end the world, let’s just go have breakfast, talk with the crew about what we want to do today and you might be able to bring up drinks.”
A dejected looking Sirius follow the other two down the stairs to the kitchens. They were immediately hit with the mouth-watering smells of someone who knew how to cook.
“Ahh, would you look at that, Petey found the captain and his husband!” Emmeline Vance called from her seat on the bench. The announcement was meet with cheers as the rest of the crew shouted their greetings.
James gave Sirius a slight nudge in the direction of Remus, giving him a look that clearly said ask him if he needs help, and then went to sit at one of the couches in the living room. The kitchen was one of James’ favourite places on board the ship, not because he liked cooking all that much but because of how homey it felt. It was an open space that led into a dining room/living room area that served as a common room for the crew.
Alice, another member of the crew, immediately adjusted her position on the couch so that her feet were rested on James’ lap.
“That is fucking disgusting Leash, you’re lucky captain has a foot fetish because if you pulled that shit with me you’d be walking around like Lupin.” Barty called from the other couch.
James could hardly contain his laugh at Barty’s left field comment. He turned his head to see what Remus had to say only to find him staring at Sirius, complete unaware as to what Barty said about his peg leg. James would bet The Marauder that Sirius would confess his love for Remus by the end of breakfast.
“Peg leg or not, Lupin could kick your skinny arse, Crouch.”
Barty gasped, hand on chest in mock offence.
“I’ll have you know that I’ve put on 15 kilos since joining this crew.”
“And you have Lupin’s cooking to thank for it.”
“Nope I owe it all to the captains workout routine of invading government ships.”
“Don’t drag me into this,” James said, hands up in surrender.
James was a smart captain; he knew better than to get in the middle of Alice and Barty’s fights. The pair had run into James when he had pulled the ship into the foreign mainland, Beauxbatons, the story was that they had been neighbours since childhood and Alice was sick of listening to Barty’s father hit him day in and day out. She had packed them each a bag and left the town in the dead of night. It was a sight to behold when 17-year-old James saw them at the docks begging for a ride out. James was wary naturally, he was travelling alone in a ship that was too big for him, what if they threw him overbroad and took The Marauder for themselves? He made up his mind to take them after Alice pushed an old man in the water for offering to take them on the condition she give him a blow-job. The rest was history, despite countless arguments from James that they would be better off living a stable life on Hogsmeade, they refused to leave. In a way they were the first members of his crew.
Looking around James realised that most of his crew were misfits and outcasts, running from a life of boredom. With the expectation of Marlene, who had a lovely life in Hogwarts and joined the crew purely because she believed that James wouldn’t know how to butter toast without her, he had quite a mixed basket.
A year after Alice and Barty joined, he found Peter. Peter was a Lord in the mainland of Durmstrang and had happened across James by chance at a tavern. James had docked in for the night and suggested that the three of them go for drinks, he had struck up a conversation with Peter and learned how he was most unhappy with the direction his life was going. He was doomed for an arranged marriage for a woman he had no feelings for and wanted nothing more but an adventure he read in books. In turn James told him about the life he led, exploring the four seas and visiting foreign mainlands. James was taken aback to say the least when Peter offered himself to join his ship, he a wedding coming up and a mother breathing down his neck, how would he handle the shame of leaving that behind?
James loves reminiscing about that night, it was, in a sense the night that changed his life. When Peter had suggested that they pretend James had kidnapped him, the only thought going through his head was that Peter had too much to drink. But the more the cogs turned he realised it wasn’t that bad of an idea. They take Peter onboard their ship, send a ransom note to his parents, receive the money and then never return Peter. The Marauder needed some repairs and both James and Alice and Barty had empty pockets so the money would be welcome. So, they carried out the plan and in return they got a new friend and a fair sum of gold. But that wasn’t what made James the happiest, no it was the headline the next day.
Lord Peter Pettigrew of Durmstrang, kidnapped by pirates!
They shared a lot of laughs about that one, but somewhere, deep in his heart James knew he found a way to fund his life goal: finding the lost relics. And if they got their pictures in the front page of the newspaper, well that was just a bonus.
Ever since that day they became a crew, a family, with James as their captain. His crew of three grew to four shortly after the ‘kidnapping’ of Peter. When Marlene McKinnon, a childhood friend he had basically lived with until the age of 16 somehow got her hands of the Durmstrang newspaper and demanded to join The Marauder. She had no interest in become a fugitive of the law or searching for the lost relics, she just missed bossing James around and wanted to be on the front page of newspapers. Her and Alice quickly became fast friends, which looking back on, was probably the most dangerous thing James has ever allowed to happen, though James doesn’t have much sway with Marlene’s decision making.
The crew were still basking in their small fame as the pirates that kidnapped a Lord of Durmstrang, but the second Marlene came on board, the fame could hardly be described as small. On the very same day she left her parents, who were oddly supportive of her becoming a pirate, she fired a cannon at a small Hogsmeade Navy ship not even 200 metres off shore. They couldn’t exactly get out and explain it was an accident, not with the bounty on their heads for the Peter incident, unless they wanted to be placed under arrest and hung. So, they did the only logical thing and continued the attack. When it became clear, by some miracle James and his crew were winning, they gave the Navy two options. Swim back to shore or go down with their ship. Nine of ten soldiers were all too happy to take the plunge into the water, one was not.
Axel Malfoy was the first-person James ever killed in cold blood, it wasn’t the last so he has since become immune to the horrors of death, but Axel will always stay with him. Maybe to was the way he refused to give up his dignity or how he stared James in the eye until the very last moment, he doesn’t know, but one thing is for sure, James would be hard pressed to forget about Axel Malfoy.
If he expected his crew to see him as a monster, he would be very surprised, they didn’t blink twice at the dead body at his feet or the bloody sword in his hands. Instead, they were quick to loot the Navy ship for all it’s worth before firing a few more cannons, sending the ship to its watery grave.
With The Marauder and its crew all over the Hogsmeade papers and a large bounty on their head, they set sail for Ilvermorny, one of the places they weren’t wanted dead. The new members of their crew were thanks to Marlene and her inability to keep her mouth shut. Mary McDonald and Emmeline Vance were not put off by the now infamous pirates, instead they were willing to pay for a place on The Marauder. The goes that Mary and Emmeline were dating and sick of hiding it, but Ilvermorny was not known for its acceptance and the girls feared for their life. They had no other family or worldly possessions so their transition to the ship was a smooth one. Despite the fact the girls are no longer together they maintain that joining James’ crew was the best that has ever happened to them.
For two years the crew remained unchanged, they robbed and killed and made headlines in newspapers in lands far and wide. James kept the relics on the sidelines, letting himself enjoy the company of the people he now considered family. Life was ripped out from under him when the news of Marlene’s parents’ death reached them.
James would have loved to say that the McKinnon’s died after years of running their successful bakery and an enjoyable retirement, but he would be lying. They were hung for treason, accused of helping their daughter commit crimes against their country. There was no funeral and the McKinnon’s died without saying goodbye without Marlene. The Marauder docked in on the far side of Hogsmeade two weeks after their death. For a whole month the crew stayed there docked in, tensions high and awkward silences aplenty. Still, they made no plans to leave until Marlene was ready.
James always thought it was funny, he thought he knew what heartbreak was after losing his own parents but the death of Mr and Mrs McKinnon showed him a heart would break more often than not. After all, they had basically raised James. His own parents were famous for their adventures, travelling from land to land in search of stories and information to publish. Their job meant they were away more often than not and while James held no contempt for them, he would forever be grateful for his relationship with the McKinnon’s. He had his own room in their house and cried into their laps when his first girlfriend broke up with him. It felt unreal that the last parental figures in his life were gone, still he kept it in, it was Marlene’s time to grieve not his.
James never believed in God, but the death of the McKinnon’s made him think twice, maybe there was some outer worldly spirit with control of his life. Their passing closed a door for James, he would never eat Mrs McKinnon’s cookies or help Mr McKinnon in the bakery every again. But in the same sense it opened a door that turned his life in a whole different direction.
Without their death The Marauder would have never been in Hogsmeade and James would never have found himself drinking half his body weight in whiskey at one of the shadier taverns in town. It was merely a coincidence that Sirius was there that night, it felt like forever ago but James still remembers the unease he felt when he realised the Prince of Hogsmeade and heir to the crown was seated next to him, a wanted man.
“Princes don’t usually lower themselves by drinking with commoners at dingy bars.”
“Princes don’t usually get hit by their parents.”
James’ stomach still churns at the thought of everything Sirius suffered at the hands of his parents. The night was over quick, Sirius was in no fit state to walk home so after much debate and inner turmoil, James dragged him to The Marauder. The next morning, it didn’t take long for a hungover Sirius to figure out who James was and he ran like his life depended on it. With the threat of the Queens guards killing them all, the crew had The Marauder packed and ready to sail off in record time. Their exit would’ve been smooth if it wasn’t for the chaos that descended on them, Sirius had come back. But this time he had two large rucksacks slung over his shoulder and a flock of Queens Guards on his heels.
After a quick argument, the crew decided to slow down to allow Sirius to board, if it was a trick of some kind, they outnumbered him seven to one.
When it became apparent that the rucksacks were filled to the brim with the Queens gold and Black family heirlooms, Sirius was happily welcomed onto the ship.
Sirius took a while to adjust to life on the ship, part of him still expected servants to cater to every whim. It didn’t stop him from making friends on board and he fit into the crew with ease, quickly proving himself to be an essential member.
The last two members of their crew joined three years after the recruitment of Sirius. The story of how Remus Lupin and Lily Evans joined their ship still causes guilt to form in James’ stomach.
It was a simple attack really. Another smaller boat was on their radar, they might as well have had their anchor down with how slow they were moving. So, the crew decided there was no harm in invading it and looting the valuables. What they hadn’t anticipated was that the ship belonged to the royal fleet of Beauxbatons. James would have thought Alice and Barty would have seen the signs as that was their homeland, but no, they were caught off guard at the sight of the military personal on board of the ship to say the least. James hated killing for no reason and preferred to offer the occupants of an enemy ship the option of swimming to land, but he did not have time to suggest this as the fight broke out in straight away. The almost lost Emmeline that day, to be frank they should’ve. There is no way a person could survive after that much blood loss yet she did.
James didn’t know how long they fought for, his body was on autopilot and the only thing he was paying any mind to was the blood on his sword. Eventually he heard Marlene give the signal to halt and they begin the process of looting the ship. Another thing they hadn’t anticipated was what they would find on the lower deck. The second James stepped down the stairs he had knife to his throat.
“Surrender yourself and your crew now least you wish to meet your end.”
James could only smile now at the memories of the fierce red head. At any rate the fire hadn’t died down despite being held captive on their ship for the past nine months. Looking back, she stood no chance against his crew yet James didn’t have the heart to kill her or the strange scarred companion she had by her side. He was dressed like a solider but hadn’t joined the fight which led James to believe he had a higher importance. It was Alice who recognised Lily first, as the princess of Beauxbatons. Apparently, she was travelling across the seas with a convey, heading to Hogsmeade with the means to make connections.
The fact she was travelling with a convey worried James, it meant that soon the other ships would notice one of their own was missing and begin the search. It meant that they had to act quick. They could leave them there and run the risk of being captured due to having witnesses or they could kill them. Both options felt wrong so James did the next best thing and kidnapped them both. He isn’t proud of it and nine months later Lily is yet to be civil to anyone else but Remus.
Remus on the other hand was more than ready to join the ship, he confided in James one, drunken night that the only reason he wasn’t killed for his disability back home was because Lily wanted him as her friend. He confessed that he had doubts Lily would come around to life on the ship any time soon and keeping her confided to the chambers James provided for her when they were docked in was probably for the best.
So, at 24 James found himself with a crew of; One orphan, one kidnapped lord, four runaways, one traitorous prince, one kidnapped princess and a cripple with a talent in the kitchen.
Still, he wouldn’t change his crew for anything, his love for them was greater than his love for The Marauder and that is saying something.
“What’s the plan for today captain?” Mary asked, picking at a thread in a jumper James could safely say is Emmeline’s. He has firm beliefs that the two aren’t as done with each other as they say.
“To Hogsmeade today, I only want to dock for the night, hit some taverns, I have some business to attend to the next morning and then we can work from there.”
“Fuck yeah! I need to get some new clothes and I wouldn’t mind getting trashed.”
“You don’t need a tavern to get trashed Mary, you showed us that on more than one occasion.”
“Eat a dick Black.”
James wasn’t sure if his ears were playing tricks on him or if Sirius did actually mumble, I’m trying to.
Finally, breakfast was dished up and the crew took their plates of sausages and eggs up to the main deck, Lily actually left her quarters to join them today, maybe the news of Hogsmeade raised her spirits. Admittedly, James was a little nervous that Lily might find a way to leave her chambers and alert the authorities of their whereabouts, but hoped the fact that they provided her three meals a day and a chance to see the world would make up for the bitter feelings that came from them taking her against her will.
Breakfast was always his favourite meal, he loved it more now that everyone was insistent on eating it together. James was comfortable in the statement that these people were his family, he would die for them in a heartbeat if it came down to it and he was fairly certain they would too. Even Marlene who told him daily how much of a pathetic captain he was.
“So, Em, how likely is it they’ll notice us?” James asked through a mouthful of eggs.
“Well apparently The Phoenix was just through there so I don’t think they’ll be expecting any ships any time soon.”
The Phoenix was the most infamous pirate ship going around, they had attempted one of the greatest pirate heists in history, which was ironically on land. The crew led by one Albus Dumbledore, had tried to steal the Queen of Durmstrang’s crown barely just escaping with their lives. Even though they failed the balls of the heist made them legends across the four seas.
“Okay that’s good, I still want everyone to be on high alert, disguises, fake identities, hell chuck in an accent if you want to. There is a good chance that a poster with your face on it will be hung up somewhere or other so keep a low profile.”
James’ statement was met with a mumble of yes captains.
“If anyone needs gold the treasure room is open for one day only, fill your pockets and help yourself. Gold only though! Alice and Remus are taking some things to be traded while we are there but no other jobs needed to be done so enjoy yourselves. It’s the same rule always you can go home with whoever but the ship is leaving at noon exactly if you aren’t there then tough.”
The crew had the decency to look like they took James’ threat seriously.
“I can hardly miss a ship I can’t leave.” Lily huffed, glaring at James.
Sirius, forever loyal jumped to his defence.
“Prove that you won’t turn us in first chance you get and maybe we will let you touch grass again.” He sneered.
“You’re a fucking disgrace Black, going against your people to run with these outlaws, I’d kill myself before I became anything like you!”
“You’d have to have a brain to be anything like me so I think you’re safe on that front Princess.”
“Sirius Black possessing a brain, don’t make me laugh!”
“Both of you shut the fuck up please!” James shouted, a stunned silence came from the crew, James rarely raised his voice, but today was a stressful day he was allowed to yell.
Today was hopefully the day he would have some sort of direction to follow. In theory the lost relics were a myth, a fable, a bedtime story told to little kids. But James had spent majority of his life with parents who were convinced they were real, and he would be damned if he didn’t at least try to find them. He hadn’t yet told his crew about the lost relics, save for Marlene and Sirius, he just didn’t have the heart to give them a false hope of riches and wealth if he couldn’t come through with the goods. James knew he was in a better position than most to find them as he had his parents’ notebooks, but there was still no solid evidence of them existing which is why getting his hands on that will is his last hope.
The crew were still looking at him, maybe for direction, maybe out of concern, it didn’t really matter. He offered a shaking smile to make up for the shouting.
“Alright then, get out of your pyjamas and let’s set sail fuckers!”
Whoops and cheers followed, with Mary yelling, “last one back on main deck is on dishes.”
They all scurried away and James took a moment to look at the sun, now fulling risen and shining down on the water. He allowed himself to sit there for a moment heart happy and belly full. He wouldn’t trade moments like this for the world even if it meant he would have to do dishes.
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Regulus can think of a million and one things he would rather be doing right now.
He has never enjoyed the courts meetings, where the royal family, lords, nobles and their esteemed collages would gather to discuss the ins and outs of the land. That’s a lie, he had enjoyed them when Sirius was by his side, making snide comments and pulling funny faces, it took so much effort to keep his composure. Even with the threat of his mothers beating Regulus still found himself biting back a laugh, is there a scientific explanation for that, he wonders, the urge to laugh becoming greater when you aren’t supposed to be laughing?
He doesn’t know, but laughter has been scared and the meetings boring since Sirius’ escape. His mother calls it a cowardly act of treason, but Regulus knows Sirius is ten times braver than he could be, it was an escape no doubt about it.
Regulus lets his mind wander from business in Hogsmeade and foreign finances, his eyes following a ladybug trailing up and down a bowl full of fruit left in the middle of the table. The fruit bowl has been on the table ever since Regulus can remember yet no one has ever taken a piece of fruit, is it fake? Regulus finds himself resisting the urge to reach out and pluck a grape off.
The name Lily Evans bought him out of his fruit filled mind.
He liked Lily, they had met a few times for major celebrations, as was expected of all the mainlands. He liked her because she didn’t throw herself at Sirius like most did, Sirius disliked her for this very reason.
“We have it on good intelligence that Beauxbatons is struggling since the disappearance of their princess, Lily Evans, so I would like for Andromeda to travel over there in an act of good faith, make some connections. We know they are wealthy country and while they lack allies getting on their good side won’t hurt us in the future.”
“But Your Highness, she didn’t really disappear, did she? The ship she was travelling on was looted and the guards were slaughtered, the story is that she got kidnapped by pirates.” Narcissa asked, eyes wide full of questions.
“I am aware of the rumours Mrs Malfoy,” Queen Walburga sneered, the use of her new last name serving as subtle reminder of who was really in charge. “But that is all they are, rumours, a member of the Royal family buying into them is disgraceful and won’t be tolerated. Understand?”
Narcissa could only nodded, her new husband, Lucius Malfoy, leaning over to capture her hands is his.
“But you bring up a good point with the pirates.” Walburga continued, “after the events that unfolded with my traitorous first-born, I have spent quite some time thinking on the matter. These outlaws have been terrorising our people for far too long and I believe it is time to send them a message they can’t ignore. I would like you all to meet Tom Riddle, who will be leading our new initiative against the pirates.”
Walburga raised her hands towards the end of the table. Sitting there was a man Regulus had never seen before. He had ghastly pale skin and striking blue eyes, his soft brown hair looked out of place in comparison to his sharp features. There was no denying he was handsome, but his eyes looked so drained of life that it left no doubt in Regulus’ mind he meant bad news. He showed no unease about being address so directly by the Queen, on the contrary he looked quite bored. Regulus made up his mind to stay out of this mystery man’s way.
“Thank you, your Highness,” He started, a smile appearing on his face so suddenly, Regulus felt chills go down his spine. “But I would like to have it known that this is no initiative, this is a war. A war waged against those no good lawless scum, the Queen, out of the goodness of her own heart, has agreed to lend us a ship and allowed me to hire only the best of the best for this new crew. If you agree to join, we will be hunting down these so-called pirates and clearing up our oceans, allowing the people of Hogsmeade and beyond the chance to sleep safely at night without worrying if their child will get snatched from their bed. I won’t lie, it is a dangerous job, the likely hood that you lose your life is greater than I would like, but the reward for these risks is greater. Avenging your people and brining pride back to Hogsmeade.”
Regulus couldn’t deny the fact the Riddle man was persuasive, hell he was tempted to join his crew even though he couldn’t swim and living on a boat would mean certain death for him. Looking around the table he could immediately tell who would and wouldn’t join.
There was Lucius Malfoy, who would no doubt join, even if it was just for the chance to suck up to his mother. Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange, noblemen from Durmstrang who moved over here after the union of his cousin Bellatrix and Rabastan. They would be quick to join not because they have any interest in bringing pride to a land that isn’t theirs, but because they are fucking insane and the promise of murder is enough to get them to do anything. Henrik Avery, a lord under the crown and his friends Henry Mulciber, also a lord, would most likely join as well, if not for the chance to prove themselves as brave soldiers. Regulus could defiantly see Severus Snape joining the crew as the man held a strong hatred for pirates ever since Sirius had run off to join them. Regulus didn’t understand the rivalry, but if there was a chance to kill Sirius, Snape would be there in a heartbeat.
There was a general murmur around the table as each person weighed the decision in front of them. Regulus knew that Tom would have no trouble finding people to make up his crew, and seemed Tom knew that as well if the smug smile on his pale complexation was anything to go by.
“If you have any interest in providing this great honour for our land, speak to Sir Riddle, the ship will leave at due end of this week, I would suggest making your decision sooner rather than later to give yourself time to get your affairs in order.” Walburga said, looking in turn at each member of the table.
“If no one else has any matters to bring to the table the meeting is over.”
The various royalty, lords and noblemen made their leave, Regulus was quick to follow them, he wanted to find Evan and fill him in on everything that was discussed, God knows the boy would find it more interesting than he had.
“Regulus, would mind terribly staying back for a moment.” It sounded like a request, but coming out of his father’s mouth, Regulus knew it was an order.
“Of course, father.”
“Your mother and I would like to know how you feel about this new incitive.”
Regulus was a lot things, an idiot wasn’t one them. His parents were setting a trap, it is something they had done regularly ever since Sirius had run away, test his loyalties, make sure he wasn’t a liability to the family. Regulus knew when to put a mask up, when to hold in his thoughts and emotions, he had passed every test they had put him through so far, he wasn’t going to fail.
“I think it is delightful, cleaning oceans, restoring the sense of safety to the people. It is very admirable indeed.” He cringed slightly at how fake his voice sounded, like he was reading off of a script.
“We just wanted to hear your opinion on it, you will be some day and we value your voice amongst all others.”
Seems like I’m not the only one spewing shit.
“We also wanted you to know that our main goal for this initiative is finding Sirius.”
Regulus almost let his mask slip for a moment, they wanted Sirius home?
“Riddle is under strict instructions to capture him and bring him back, here he will tried for treason and hung. Your father and I wanted to alert you to the possibility.”
If Regulus hadn’t spent half his life with his emotions bottled inside of him, he was sure that those words would have bought he to his knees but in the four years since his brother had left, he was stronger.
“I would expect nothing less, that is a fair punishment for treason, especially one of this scale.” He replied, giving his parents the answer, they so clearly want.
“Very good Regulus you may go.”
He didn’t need to be told twice.
He left the room in a hurry, his head swirling with thoughts. His feelings towards Sirius were as murky as ever. After all his brother hadn’t just abandoned the kingdom but him as well. All for what? A pirate captain and the chance to be anywhere but home? Regulus has thought about his brother’s decision a lot in the past four years and doesn’t blame him one bit. If given the chance, Regulus would’ve left for less. But now, he has no choice but to stay, he doesn’t love his position as prince, it’s the role of heir he takes seriously. He has grown to love the kingdom, venturing out of Hogwarts and into Hogsmeade whenever he gets the chance, he had made friends in school children and merchant. He couldn’t leave knowing that his departure would result in leaving Hogsmeade in the sole hands of his parents.
Still despite his messy relationship his brother he can’t help but hope that where ever Sirius is hiding in the four seas, he stays far away for Hogsmeade and their parents.