Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Once upon a time, long, long ago... well, more like 20 years ago... Euphemia, Beauty, that is, married her Beast, Prince Fleamont, in front of 6,000 of their closest personal friends. Big cake. Yeah, so instead of a honeymoon, Beast, or King Fleamont, united all of the kingdoms and got himself elected king of the United States of Godric's Hollow.

He rounded up all the villains and sidekicks... basically all the really interesting people... and he booted them off to the Isle of the Lost with a magical barrier to keep them there. This is my home. No magic. No wi-fi. No way out--

"Or so we thought!"

"Barty, I'm narrating!"

"Scoot over, Dora, it's my turn--wait, no! Reg--"

"Hang on, you're about to meet us. But first, this happened."

"You're starting from there?"

"Hush, Barty."

After happily-ever-afters, and perhaps even the ever-afters after that, King Fleamont stood by his word, and all of the villains remained banished into the dreary dark of the Isle. As it turns out, the man may have had a grudge when it comes to villains because an exile that lasted forever was one thing. Forever was a terribly long time. Sure, cursed princesses can just sleep it off, but to villains that held some manner of high standing before their banishment? Those who once lived in crowns quite literally went from riches to rags.

That could be understood, but did he have to cut off their magic, too?

Magic of any kind. Enchanted and cursed alike. All manner of wizardry, devilry, enchantments, curses, and hexes were made completely out of reach for 20 long years. Worst of it all was the type that runs in the blood of fallen dark fairies forced to remain dormant as if their entire nature itself was being rejected.

Oh, what was it, if not a fate worse than death?

Regulus and his brother had nothing more to their heritage than their mother's great retelling of her time with hers. Her brother would tell him, "One day, Reggie. They will all pay for this."

Regulus knows there's no payment to be had. Just as he knows there's no way out of this wretched lump of rock on the other side of the Strait of Ursula, nor was there any chance of him ever knowing the feel of magic.

None of that matters anymore. There are more important things to worry about.

"Barty, what exactly is your plan with that?" Regulus stared at his best friend dead in the eye. They're standing on a roof with the same old broken tiles that Barty broke, and the boy in question is already carrying a pair of scimitars while Pandora diligently ties a rope around his waist. Surely, it's not to toss yourself into the fray like a loon?"

"With a flare, of course..."

Pandora smiled, somehow sweet and sinister at the same time, "All done."

"Pandora, you'll get him killed."

"Ah, just look at you, being the voice of reason in Evan's absence." He said those last two words, grinning, but his voice sounded angry.

"Is that why you're being more stupid today, because Evan bailed on you?"

Barty blew up at that and started waving his swords around aggressively. Pandora instantly stepped to the side to avoid getting cut into pieces. "How could he forget why we're thrashing Snape's lair for!? It's my birthday! He was supposed to be here!"

Regulus squinted as his head started to hurt out of sheer annoyance. How does the son of Jafar go from being the slyest, most nimble thief who ran the order of thieves in the Isle, to a needy man-child just because he lost the attention of one evil prince for a day?

"Quit whining. He's allowed to be busy." Regulus rolled his eyes and started setting up the traps.

Last week, Snape and his gang set traps at the entrance of Grimmauld. Regulus could still remember Sirius' bloodied head when he shielded his little brother as the front porch collapsed above them. The brothers had to clean everything up while their wounds were still fresh, and Sirius was practically limping from his broken bones before their mother arrived from whatever evil gathering she attended, or else it would be their heads hanging from the walls and not the elves.

The memory of it made him livid.

"Not on my birthday, damn it!"

Barty jumped down the open skylight, and Pandora yelled after him while Regulus cursed. They both jumped after the idiot, plans be damned. Evan would kill them if the birthday boy died from his own stupidity.

The lair that lies colder side of the Isle's cove was home to one pathetic Severus Snape, son of Morgana--the squid that is, Ursula's lesser-known, even less impressive sister. Not to be confused with a certain more significant Arthurian legend. Within, he does many a manner of concoctions, as best as one can do in a place like the Isle.

Such a shame he picked trouble with the wrong sort.

Barty lands on the cracked cobblestones and starts throwing punches at the nearest member of Snape's gang. It takes them by surprise, and it gives Regulus and Pandora a few seconds to take advantage. Regulus grabs Mulciber by the head and slams him on the bench he was sitting on, while Pandora sprays whatever's left of Regulus' spray paint can onto Snape's face before tossing it in the bubbly cauldron, causing it to explode. Snape lets out a snarl as the paint gets stuck in his eyes.

As is tradition, Barty's birthday is celebrated with thrashing the lair of whichever miserable swot he deemed his enemy. It is technically the entire Isle by default, save for his own friends and family.

Mulciber recovered quickly and pulls his arm back to punch Regulus in the face but the boy grabs Snape by his collar and uses him as a shield, he heard Barty let out a cackle when Mulciber's fist lands straight on Snape's face, breaking his nose. Avery comes at him with a wooden bat that Barty slices off with one swish, then proceed to kick him in the stomach. The boy lands on the rickety shelves, destroying them.

Regulus barely hears Wilkes by his side until the large boy lifts him up and launches him to the other side of the room. Regulus quickly covered his head as he tumbled across the floor.

"Reg!"

"Bastard!"

He sees Mulciber picking up a wooden crate and hurling it at him.

Regulus jumps to his feet and to the right to avoid getting hit. The crate crashes into the wall inches away from Regulus' face. He grabs a bottle from the ground and sends it spinning vertically to Mulciber, who tries to dodge, but Pandora was already behind him, gripping his hair to make sure he stays in place. She giggled when the bottle smashed into Mulciber's head so hard that it shattered and left him bleeding.

Regulus spots Snape reaching blindly in the air, and his blood boils instantly. He drove a dagger at Snape's shoulder. The boy let out a painful scream. That one's for Sirius. He threw another one at his foot. That one's also for Sirius.

Barty was already jumping at Wilkes just as Avery went for him. Pandora trips Avery by the foot and hits him in the head with a Greek vase she plucked out of a corner somewhere. Avery fell unconscious on the floor. Barty was on Wilkes' back, pulling at his hair while laughing maniacally; his scimitars lay forgotten.

"Barty, quit fooling around," said Regulus.

Barty rolls his eyes and jumps off of Wilkes's back. The boy turned just in time to be met with the receiving end of Barty's roundhouse kick, effectively knocking him out.

Regulus spots Snape hunched over himself, whimpering in pain. He marches over to him and retrieves his dagger, ignoring the boy's pained cries. He stored one of his daggers back into its sheath and, with one hand, tugged at Snape's head harshly. The other held a dagger that he pressed against the boy's jugular.

"Let this be a warning, you tentacled freak," he laughed at the boy's face, "Don't ever forget your place again. The next time you go after my brother, I will kill everyone here."

He dunks the boy's head on the floor with enough force to knock the lights out of him.

The lair was quiet for a moment. The three are trying to catch their breath. Then, Regulus is back to glaring at Barty. The longer he did that, the more uncomfortable the boy became. After a few minutes, he sighed, You're lucky it's your birthday. Take your pick."

Barty grinned and glanced at Pandora, who was clutching her hands together while looking at Regulus hopefully.

"Go ahead, Pandora."

The girl giggled and plucked Barty's scimitars from the floor. The boys wondered what she was going to do with it until she went off and started cutting the drapes.

"Wherever could he have gotten these from? They are far too nice to be in his house!"

Barty was already scavenging from a trunk in the corner. That's good. The birthday boy is happy and preoccupied. As for Regulus, none of Snape's greasy trinkets were up to his standards. His face twists in disgust at the fishy smell. Grimmauld was cold and dark, but even it didn't smell like filth.

It just goes to show how, regardless of how far they've fallen, some people were simply brought up better than others.

Barty held up a dirty pearl necklace with more strings than pearls.

"What do you think?"

Regulus considered it. Sure, Evan would like it. Evan likes anything Barty gives him. He had a penchant for all things shiny and pretty and broken, but he loved them best if it was Barty who gave it to him. Regulus doesn't exactly understand. Maybe Barty just got a kick out of worshipping the other.

"He'd prefer it better as a bracelet."

Barty flitted between the pearls he was holding and Regulus' face a few times, nodding. "Yeah, you're right,"

"As always," Regulus said with a flare, reaching into his capelet and pulling out two empty sacks, tossing them onto the floor beside Barty, "tie it on the rope. I'll bring down another one."

Regulus snuck outside and climbed back the to the roof. They would have gone through the front door if it wasn't crawling with fish freaks and Shrimpy's lot. His brother had always told him that people are easier to get rid of at great heights. Regulus and his friends do it for their love of parkour.

He tosses the end of one rope just as the siren rings from Ursula's Fish and Chips. Oh great.

"Reggie, you gonna pull us up or not?"

"Shush."

Pandora went first. Instead of tying the sack to the rope like Regulus asked, the girl hooked her foot in the noose and carried the sack over her shoulder with one hand while the other held onto the rope tightly. Regulus pulled her up easily, and she landed on the roof with the grace of a drunk woman in broad daylight.

He was making sure she stood upright when the rope was tugged again. Barty looked impatient for someone who managed to fill two sacks of trash with his greed. Barty was much heavier, so it took both of them to pull him up, and by the time they did, the doors burst open and an angry mob flew in. It was their time to flee.

"Get them!"

The three of them were cackling deviously on their way back to Evan's little castle. Where a prince flits around the room with Regulus' brother in a hurry to decorate the place in time.

It's broken and rundown, and rainwater flowed through the cracks every now and then, but it was home to the most charming prince in the isle. One whose smile no doubt could rival even the sweetest princesses in Godric's Hollow and soften the hearts of the most evil villains.

Evan had the entire isle wrapped around his finger. Except one, apparently. The oblivious king of thieves would never fancy carving out his heart for anyone. It left the prince--and half the population on this side of the isle--in a state of constant frustration.

How many signals does one person have to give for the other person to realize that they might be willing to be more than partners in crime?

Evan checked himself in the mirror for the hundredth time that day. The outfit is broken between the cracks of the mirror, but it sports the same prettiest face, second only to the Black brothers. He alternated between two brooches to be clipped at the center of his cape, not sure which to go with.

The apple is a classic, but the knife embedded in the heart screams more of him and Barty than just him and his inherent homicidal tendencies. The latter it is.

"Are you done yet?"

Evan jumped at the sudden voice. He whipped towards the door to find Regulus' brother, who sports an impatient expression. There's a banner string of mismatched letters hanging off his shoulders spelling, 'HaPpee BiRthdaE BaRty'.

"Is it ready?"

"No thanks to you, but yeah."

Evan smiled and puffed his hair a bit. He walked out of the room and into the living room of his small, decrepit castle. When he saw the hall, he gasped. The place was decorated in faded but colorful banners, there were a shiny trinket or two hanging somewhere, and there was a small table of the cleanest foods they could find on the Isle, which was mostly fried fish and fruits.

"I did it again."

Sirius reared his head, "I decorated this, though?"

Evan ignored him, "Ah, I'm so talented."

Sirius wanted to argue, but they heard the familiar loudness of Barty's cackling, and they sprang into motion. Sirius closed the curtains while Evan went to the center to stand, grabbing a delicately wrapped giftbox on the way. He was practically buzzing with anticipation.

"...did you see his face when I bashed his head in?"

"You were very cool, Barty."

"You got blood on my capelet."

"Oh, so sorry, Master of All Evil, let me get that for you,"

"Barty, get your filth-ridden hands--Barty!"

The doors open with an annoying creak. Barty noticed it first,

"Why is it so dark--"

"SURPRISE!!!"

Sirius pulled up the curtains and let the light in. Barty panicked, thinking they were getting attacked, so his first instinct was to draw a sword and point it at the nearest figure he thought he had to put down, which was Evan, whose smile didn't falter at having the sharp edge of Barty's scimitar pointed towards him.

It took a few seconds for it to register in Barty's head. It's the drop of blood trickling down Evan's neck that did the trick.

"Evan?"

"Happy birthday?"

Barty instantly retreated as if burned. He started spewing out mad apologies for nicking Evan's pale, freckled skin. Behind him, Regulus was rubbing the bridge of his nose while Pandora was trying to stifle her laughter.

"I am so sorry, I didn't- I thought you were- I would have never--"

"Barty, it's okay. It's really okay--"

"It's not--oh shit. Is that going to scar?" Barty panicked.

"Of course not," Evan rolled his eyes, as if suddenly remembering the weight in his hands, he thrusted the box onto Barty, "oh, and here,"

"What's this?"

Evan watched with a smile as the boy shook the box, trying to get a feel of what was inside instead of just opening it. He finally took the lid off and held up a black, leathery fabric. His eyes swelled. It's a dark, sleeveless leather jacket embroidered with scimitars and snakes.

"Ev..."

"I had to. The last one was so ugly. We just didn't want to tell you."

"You made the last one."

"I know."

"Is this why you couldn't come?"

"Yes, I'm very sorry,"

"Forget it, this was a bazillion times better!"

Regulus' eyes rolled dramatically when Barty started sniffling, and Evan was the one panicking. He tossed the sack of whatever to his brother, who had to put down a plate of food to catch it. He swiped the plate and waltzed to the alcove behind the drapes, leaving his brother wondering where it went when he came back.

And so, after a concerning amount of unnecessary tears on Barty's end, they finally got to singing a lousy rendition of the birthday song for the birthday boy, made horrible on purpose as per the standards of isle inhabitants who are raised to think that doing anything correctly and in order would make them soft, the same way decent meals would.

Barty was sixteen years old now. That practically meant he could build his own criminal empire now. If this were Godric's Hollow two decades ago, he would have been eligible to sell illegal magical artefacts. Not that age matters in the criminal underground, but there was a certain age limit to who would be taken seriously and to who would be laughed at for trying.

Regulus watched his friends and brother dance around the scratchy tunes from an old radio while he munched on stale bread while lying on his back by the window. Barty has a huge grin on his face, which just makes the whole raid on the marketplace the other day all the more worth it.

It's the last thing he sees before sleep whisks him away.

When he comes to, it's an unfamiliar place that greets him. Instead of seawater and rust, he can almost taste something sweet in the air. There's an incessant amount of chirping coming from the tree. Since when were there trees in the isle?

Oh, this is a dream. It has to be.

Something cold and wet laps at his feet. He peered down to see the clearest lakewater there ever was. Shiny crystals scattered amongst mossy rocks like stars that can only be seen on rarer days. He tries to open his mouth only to realize he had been chewing on something incredibly sweet. He pulled the stem away and found a half-eaten something. It was a reddish pink berry? That was larger, most berries covered in a dark brown liquid that smelled better than anything he had ever had in his life.

"What is this?" he asked, mouth half full.

A chuckle made him snap his head to the left. His eyes widened when he realized he was not alone. He instantly chastised himself for letting his guard down. Even if it was a dream, that was no excuse to be lousy. He would never hear the end of it if his mother knew.

"That's a chocolate strawberry, love," said the most handsome boy he's ever met. The type with a charming prince smile and even kinder demeanor that made all the ladies in the land swoon after him.

Regulus swallowed what was already in his mouth and tossed the rest aside. He hissed at the other boy.

"Where am I?!"

The other boy was simply befuddled by his behaviour. He looked like a prince with his dark brown curls, gold-rimmed glasses, and clean red shirt with gold embroidered patterns.

He reaches out a hand towards Regulus, and the handsome boy panicked, "Uh, we're in Godric's Hollow, my love. Are you unwell--"

"Don't touch me!"

The boy's face fell, and his hands retreated immediately. "H-have I done something wrong?"

But Regulus wasn't too keen on thinking about that. Oh, shit. He was in Godric's Hollow?! What nightmare is this--his brother! His friends! what--

"FOOLS! IDIOTS! IMBECILES!" said a thundering voice that awoke the two young masters of all evil. One awoke with grace despite being startled and sat on his bed, whilst the other quite literally fell out of it.

Regulus rubbed at his eyes and peered down at his brother, "What are you doing down there?"

His brother merely grunted while standing up.

"What is that old bat harping so early about now?"

"Be quiet, Siri, what if she--"

Before Regulus could finish, their mother yelled once more, "BEGONE!"

The two could only sigh, already kissing their morning runs through the lower turfs goodbye. Based on the volume and anger in their mother's voice, they were practically set to clean up whatever those foolish minions had failed to do.

Regulus got out of his bed, already annoyed at how his day was going. He did wonder what strong dark magic had caused a prince of the sun to show up in his nightmares.

Chapter Text

Far, far away from all that wreck, across the Sea of Serenity, in a much larger continent and with a much brighter disposition, lies Godric's Hollow. A land of peace, enchantment, prosperity, and delight, but best of all, it is the Land of Happy Endings. Recognized as one great empire, it is the unification of many grand kingdoms, where at the center, the grandest of them all was the seat that belonged to the Potters. High castles and even higher towers sporting red and gold banners. Wide balconies for midnight waltzes and wider libraries spanning small towns for the king's true love's love for books.

King Fleamont's crown united all of Godric's Hollow twenty years ago, and for that same amount of time, he ruled with goodness and fair judgment, as is learned by someone who has gotten a taste of what happens to them when they don't.

Though old habits die hard, some beastly temper spurs every now and then. A growl here, a snarl there, nothing Beauty could not pacify easily. The same cannot be said for his son, who feels just as strongly as his father and, like his mother, is as intelligent and compassionate.

A loving heart to match that overblown ego of his. There was no need for good fairies at his christening. Their boy had it all. A handsome face, a friendly demeanor, and a warm personality that could soften even the harshest Snow Queens.

A Kingdom of Happily-Ever-Afters and the right family to lead them. Even without magic, life in Godric's Hollow was as good as good could get. And in a kingdom such as that, even the king could be laid back, if only to let his own son take the reins every once in a while.

Prince James sits behind his desk in his own office, surrounded by stacks of papers, when the door opens and a servant walks in,

"Sir, Mr. Moody demands an audience."

James blinked, "Ah, did Dumbledore send him again?"

"He did not say. Shall I ask, your highness?"

"No, just bring him in."

The servant bowed and left the room. Moments later, Moody comes barging in.

"Alastor, what can I do for you today?"

The man grunted. One look at him, and one would think he's a villain. But looks can be deceiving, and his mother had always taught him never to judge a book by its cover. After all, a slimy frog could be a prince and a poor old hag could be an evil alchemical queen. Alastor Moody may look sketchy, but he's basically Dumbledore's right-hand man.

"Your highness," he bowed stiffly.

James stood up from his seat and gestured to the sofa set in the room with a coffee table already filled with tea-time treats, "Please sit."

The man sat down. James waited for him to say something, but he didn't. "Well?"

Moody tilted his head towards the servant waiting by the door. James turned to that servant and nodded for him to leave. It must be important if Moody was being so secretive.

"It's about the Isle."

"The Isle of the Lost?"

"That's the one. I wanted to tell your father, but I've been told you're the one in charge these days. How's that treating you?"

James shrugged, "It's going rather nicely, I think. What were you saying about the isle?"

He scoffed, "It's less about what's in the isle and more about what's out of it."

The prince's eyebrows furrowed. "I don't follow."

"Exactly, and neither did they!" he pointed out the window, making the prince even more confused with his antics.

"Who?"

"Why, those... those villains!"

"The ones on the isle?"

"The ones that are still here!"

James chuckled, "Alastor, there are no villains on--"

He frowned at the mention of Cinderella's stepsister. "She's not a villain. The stepsisters have made up, no?"

Moody snarled, "That's what they all want you to think. They're all rotten to their very core, my prince. No amount of nice dresses or jewels is gonna change that."

James shook his head, "Queen Ella wouldn't have wanted her sister to be thrown on the isle. Especially since they have a little one on the way."

"Aha! They're just breeding more evil than!" he waved his hands wildly, "and what of the Snow Queen? Why is she still here?"

"She rules the seat in the north. Along with the winter myths and legends. She's the only one who can rule over the snowy mountains there." James was growing more and more confused with this conversation. What exactly did the man want?

"Wrong!" The man pointed an accusing finger towards the boy as if he were reprimanding a child. The latter reared back at his daring treatment. "I heard she has taken on a consort. A Malfoy! One of those thin-ice bastards from the Charming clan."

"What's wrong with that? We have a good relationship with the Charmings, don't we? A marriage would do well to strengthen that."

"The problem, your grace, is that she'll be sprouting some evil winter sprites in no time!"

James' demeanor turned grim. He did not like where this was going.

"Surely, you're not afraid of a child?"

"It is not the brat I'm worried about. The northern mountains are a deadweight to our empire. The Snow Queen herself has a history of terrorizing villages in her time. Why is it that we allow her to run free and not let her feel the weight of her crimes?"

Oh. There it was. James heard that when his father decided on which villains were evil enough to be thrown on the isle, he was quick to choose, but when the choice came for the Snow Queen's verdict, it was his mother who said to give the lady a chance. As the Snow Queen was only a child and had no control over her powers. She felt it was extreme to condemn her to a life in the isle for something nature will take its course regardless.

They needed her power to control to keep the North in control. Winter was a force of nature not even the Elder wand could trifle with, and the Snow Queen embodied it. The only price was that the Snow Queen kept the harshest winters in the north. That's why, for the past twenty years, Godric's Hollow only ever had pleasant winters.

"Careful what you say, Moody. Her majesty is still the queen of Godric's Hollow. She has pledged her support and allegiance to us in return for peace. She has commanded the winter storms to never cross our border, and I will not desecrate that peace treaty by considering this heinous proposition."

"You are only allowing villains s have their way. Your father already made an error in this, do not do the same--"

His next words were low, primal. A beast trying to control himself and horribly failing.

"Do not presume to command me."

Moody retreated a few steps at the shift of the prince's voice. The boy's eyes narrowed into slits, his gums itched for his fangs to drop.

"You're out of line, Moody."

Moody sputtered.

"My apologies. Your highness."

James took a few calming breaths. Just like his mother taught him. His pupils finally returned from the narrows to their full circle.

"Sorry about that."

Moody didn't say anything, but his eyes flicked to the door. Great.

The 'episodes', as he resolved to call them, were getting more and more frequent these days. His father said that it was because he was at this age when he was turned into a beast. James wondered if that curse had passed onto him, but when he got himself checked by the Fairy Godmother, no problems or lingering curses were found, so they simply chalked it up to adolescence.

"Your Highness, I mean no disrespect. I only wish for the good of the kingdom."

"I know that, Moody. But we can't entertain the idea of getting rid of our people."

"We're not exactly getting rid of them. We'll just be putting them where they should be. Letting unruly behaviors fester and multiply in our lands is the same as creating our own problems."

"Then what about the Queen of Hearts? Do you wish to wage war on Wonderland?"

"If they persist, I don't see why not."

"They are my people, too!"

James froze at his own words. Wonderland was just as unruly and chaotic as he imagined the isle to be, and its people could very well be as cold and unattached as the northern winters. Yet how come the two allies with Godric's Hollow, but somehow the isle was not?

"You're dismissed, Moody."

Moody obviously wanted to say more. The man had always been a much stronger voice compared to Dumbledore, who, despite being his superior, was calmer in expressing his concerns. However, in the absence of the king, the prince's word was the law. He was going to be king when he turned twenty-one. So they may as well get used to following his orders now.

Having Sleeping Beauty for a mother, a more famous beauty in the land of famous beauties, it was to be expected that the Princess Dawn, daughter of Aurora, was gifted not only the same namesake as her mother, for she too, filled their lives with sunshine, but also all the good qualities that make a princess, well, a princess. A lilting voice, lovely chestnut brown locks, swan-like neck, and deep lavender eyes that shone in the morning light.

Yes, aside from the color of her hair, everything else was an echo of sweet, sweet Aurora.

She was exactly the sort of princess that gave princesses their princessy reputation. Every single bit of her, from the perfect curl of her hair to the precise placement of the crystals at the hem of her silky pink gown.

It was only natural that princes were drawn to her like cats to a cream or perhaps an island of dreadful villains sensing magic. James was surely no different. As she's been told. The princess had been completely enamored by him since their first meeting, and surely, the prince was too. It was love at first sight. And since all princes are bound to fall for a princess, their future with James as king and Dawn as his queen was practically set in stone. That was always how it goes. That was their Happy Ending yet to happen.

Dawn had envisioned it before they'd even met, and it looked just like this.

In the garden of one of her parents' castles. In a picnic, surrounded by her brothers, the twin sons of Aurora, their darling friends who are all sons and daughters of more prominent noble fairytale figures, and one crown prince, soon to be king of all the land.

The said prince lay on his back in a daze. Besides him were spots taken by Remus, son of Hercules, and Peter, son of Cinderella. Unfortunately for Dawn, the two took that spot the second the prince arrived, before she could even gracefully come near.

So now, she sits between her brothers, silently mourning the loss of her prince's company while braiding a flower crown with the flowers, birds, and woodland critters that had been picked for her. A dove just so happened to land on her shoulder and cooed affectionately at her cheek. Dawn chuckled and snuck a glance at the prince, only to see that he was still paying attention to the clouds. The princess faltered a bit.

Oh well, they are rather lovely clouds.

"Frankly, I don't see anything wrong with his suggestion," Fabian said. The prince on the ground snapped towards him at that.

"What?"

"He's right, isn't he?" asked the prince, "We were supposed to banish all the villains. Why keep a few? We'll just be spelling our doom this way."

"They've sworn to peace, Fabian."

"They're villains, James, you can't exactly expect them to hold their end of the deal."

James frowned. And when he frowns, Dawn frowns. That's no good; a prince should not be displeased. "But she has, though? Both the Snow Queen and the Queen of Hearts mind their own business as far as I'm aware."

"For now." Dawn chirped. And the boys turn to her. Finally, she has her prince's attention, "But Jamesy, doesn't it seem unfair?"

"What does?"

'A proper Queen rules with fairness of heart and mind,' was what her Grammy said once.

"It's just unfair that our people in the north and, yes, maybe even the unstable ones in Wonderland are ruled over by such cruel, cruel women. My Grammy says that a queen should be kind and benevolent. They are obviously neither. I mean, one word from the Queen of Hearts and it's--" she gasped in horror, hands raised to her face, "Off with their heads! And the Snow Queen? I hear she'll give birth soon. What would she know about childcare when all she did before was kidnap children?"

"Dawn, that was the former Snow Queen. The current Snow Queen is Queen Narcissa." Remus helpfully informed her.

"Does it matter? They're both from the same frigid roots. And now, we have another Snow Queen on the way!" Dawn shivered as if she could feel frostbite climbing up her spine, "I don't mean to question the king or anything, but why were they even allowed to stay here?"

Dawn shook her head mournfully, "and Wonderland isn't even part of the alliance. They even closed their borders to us. It wasn't lovely at all. How rude of them. I'd rather like to take a stroll in Wonderland."

James sighed. Amongst Aurora's children, Dawn was the most loved. Being the youngest daughter and all. She had the attention of her brothers and most of the population. And, like many things in Godric's Hollow, Dawn was perfectly sweet, perfectly gentle...

...perfectly boring.

It was something James had dared to share with Remus and Peter once, which the two were shocked to hear. After all, Dawn, as well as many other princesses, was perfect. What more could he possibly want?

With that same question, he asked them why they hadn't chosen a princess, or any lucky girl really, and the two fell quiet.

It's a secret only the three of them knew. Godric's Hollow, as perfect as it was, was also incredibly dull at times.

Gideon huffed, "Enough about this dreadful talk, you'll spoil the mood."

"Ah! Apologies, come, Jamesy, look." Dawn clapped. Doves and critters came from the forest carrying baskets and tea sets with the same practiced elegance James had secretly grown tired of seeing. They laid each treat and dessert on plates and cake stands before flitting back into the forest. "Ta-da!" Dawn says as if she's the one who prepared it all.

Fabian grinned knowingly at James' direction. "My sister outdid herself this time. Don't you think so, James?"

James didn't know what he meant by that, so he just nodded and clapped her hands just as everyone else did. The act made Dawn practically glow in happiness.

"Oh, I'm so glad you like it, my prince. Now, I did forget the treacle tart, but I'm sure we can sample a good seventeen other pastries."

His mind went back to the isle for some reason. Guilt gnawed at the back of his mind again. He feels it whenever he accidentally looks out the window to see that small island. He feels it when wearing his crown.

"This one is rather sweet, don't you think?"

Dawn held a pastry up to him, but James merely dodged, lost in thought.

Godric's Hollow had everything anyone could ever want. Wonders as far as the eye could see, while the isle... well, the isle only had one island. One that was full of waste and all the bad things in the world. Or all the things no one in Godric's Hollow wanted.

"Don't you guys ever wonder about the isle?"

They all paused. Peter was mid-bite into a strawberry tart, Remus looked up from his book for once, and the children of Aurora looked offended somehow.

"What?"

"I mean. It is kind of stiffling, isn't it? Spending your whole life inside a dome because of what your parents did?"

"Ah, yes, I hear that where our trash goes." Dawn nods. She must have seen his expression because she let out a mirthful laugh. Ohh, are you worried? It's fine, though. They're villains. I hear they like it."

"It's trash. How could they possibly like it?" James only stated the obvious, but everyone just looked at him as if he were a naive child for even worrying about such things, and not a prince who should be worrying about those things.

"They're villains, Jamesy. It's just what they deserve."

"No." James shook his head firmly, "Villains had to pay for the bad things they did, but I don't think their children deserved being served the same punishment, Dawn."

"Well, they should have thought of that before committing such heinous deeds all their life, which only leads to an eternity of punishment." She recited, and her brothers nodded along.

"Ah, our sister is so wise."

She giggled, "I do listen to our royal lessons. Unlike you two."

"Hey!"

"Granpa told me the two of you had been sneaking out again. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't tell Mama."

"Tsk. I knew Granpa couldn't be trusted."

James couldn't stop the displeasure from showing in his face at her willful ignorance. It was then that James realized two things. One, his authority as a prince is so easily questioned as is with Moody. And two, there are people on an island that no one seems to care about unless they want to throw more people in.

Was he supposed to just overlook that forever?

That's not how James wants to rule.

It's something that had been lingering at the back of his mind ever since he was six and his father told him that 'A good King cares for his people. Not even getting turned into a beast changes that.'

Godric's Hollow was a haven of all good things, and still, James found himself questioning it. Perhaps something was wrong with him, but then what does that say about the isle? Do they even have the chance to question anything?

Sure, the isle was a place full of people who hated them, but did that make them any less of James' people? They created the isle; therefore, the isle was also his responsibility.

"I still think those kids don't deserve what the adults are putting them through."

The others turned to him again. It's the first time he's ever seen her princessy feathers ruffled. She outright glared at the grass.

"You mean the villains? The people who went after our parents?" She asked as if daring him to agree.

"I meant their children--"

"It's the same thing, Jamesy." Dawn almost yelled, but stopped herself. For a princess does not raise her voice or do anything beyond what is right, and graceful, and elegant.

"You don't know that. They're basically captives, and they didn't even do anything. Come on, don't you guys feel even a little bit guilty about this whole thing?"

"No!Good riddance to all of them. An evil dark fairy cursed my mother was cursed to sleep for a hundred years, just because she wasn't invited! Why would anyone invite her anyway? And then Mama, a princess, had to live in foster care in the woods barefoot. My Grammy didn't even get to be a mother to her, and then that same horrible woman turned into a terrifying dragon and tried to kill Papa!" Dawn spurned angrily, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. Her brothers rubbed her back in consolation.

As if he was doused with cold water, James deflated. It was a tale that had been told a hundred times, like most tales in the land of fairytales. James couldn't blame them if they had any lingering resentment toward those villains.

Gods, he was so selfish. Dawn didn't deserve him, making her remember the dark times in her life.

"Her moniker is Maleficent, and her real name is Walburga Black," Remus said all of a sudden. "She was the Mistress of All Evil and the darkest fairy to ever live."

"Don't say her name, Remus!" Fabian hissed.

"Brother's right, she might hear you, and curse you! She takes away everyone and everything our family loves!" Dawn cried, "I don't want anything bad to happen to you guys."

James felt ashamed for causing the princess to remember such bad things. "I'm sorry, Dawn. I didn't mean to frighten you."

"I-it's okay..."

Fabian grinned, "Maybe you can make it up to her by asking her for a dance,

James could've sworn he saw Remus and Peter roll their eyes.

"Brother!" Dawn whined, then looked at the crown prince shyly, "If his highness doesn't mind."

James stood up. Not able to decline any princess's demands, same as any good prince, he wordlessly took her to a waltz as per her request. He does owe it to her. Dawn seems overjoyed by this that she started singing along. The princess seemed to love dancing in forests a lot. She must have gotten it from her mother.

'I know you, I've walked with you once upon a dream...'

It caught him off guard. Not the song itself. Princesses loved to sing, and Dawn in particular loved this song.

Only a rush of memories from a distant dream flowed into his mind. Because for Dawn, that song could be about her parents' love, or it could be for a prince, but for James, the song wasn't about his parents.

No,

Not for any princess either.

He had dreamt about a boy.

One with soft dark hair and starry grey eyes brighter than anything the night sky could offer. His face was short of ethereal. Sporting mischief in his smirks and pale skin with a spatter of the beauty marks hidden beneath ba lack capelet embroidered with constellations.

James could do nothing but be led around the shabby streets, holding the hand of the most beautiful angel he'd ever seen. He found himself not wanting to wake up from this dream.

His heart almost broke when he woke up.

Who was he? Where was he? Would he ever meet him again?

Chapter Text

The isle had a certain hierarchy of factions, from Maleficent's evil at the very top to the miserable runts at the bottom of what should have been the sea. The former dark fairy had enemies everywhere and allied herself with but a select few.

With the Darkest Fairy as their leader, the Vizier of Avarice, the Devil Designer, and the Evil Queen. Those four were the closest they had to royalty. Jafar ruled the illegal dealings, Cruella practically owned whatever everyone else was wearing and charged greatly for it, and the Evil Queen and her son ensnared the hearts of everyone in the isle. Their leader, Maleficent, had the biggest faction of unfortunately incompetent minions, but she also has two incredibly competent sons to make up for it.

Two sons who take after her cruelty in every way.

Sirius cackled as his younger brother painted shrimps on the side of the daughter of Ursula's little pirate boat. At the bottom of it, he adds his own 'Dear Shrimpy, we fucked with your floating driftwood again, AHAHAHAHAHA--'

"It's them!"

"Well, catch them, you idiots!"

While their friends caused chaos on board. Barty swung from one rope to another while also cutting holes in the already tattered sails. Pandora dances on the railings while also setting off each cannon with a torch, while kicking it to aim in random places. Each explosion made the whole upper deck shake with how unstable the ship was. What more can one get with a ship practically rotting from the inside?

Meanwhile, Evan is in the lower deck directing borrowed goons from Maleficent to gather every barrel of fish and rations, as well as all the trunks of broken treasures they could find. They'd be taking all of it. Outside, the two Black brothers were secured by a rope around their waist in the middle of giving one side of the ship a whole makeover.

As is every regular Friday in the Isle of the Lost.

They had found out the night before that Shrimpy and her Band of Never-Not-Lousy Pirates was planning to do a raid on their fortresses uphill. Hah! Them? Raid Grimmauld? Did barnacles start growing into their membranes?

How dare they even entertain the idea?

And so Regulus thought, why not beat them to the punch and bring their party into their home turf?

"Oh! What if you give her red hair, Reggie?" Sirius said with a manic grin. "We'd have our own little mermaid, from the trenches!"

Regulus snickered and did exactly that. His brother wheezed and made Shrimpy's lips look like a fish's.

"What the heck!"

Both of them turned to a very angry-looking Shrimpy standing at the docks. She's flanked by the son of Gaston and the daughter of Captain Hook. From the looks of it, all three of them were fuming. The two slowly turned to each other and started laughing at her face.

"You... You!!"

Instead of running, the two mocked her.

"Me, me!!"

"Ooh! Shiver me seaweeds!"

The daughter of Captain Hook chortled, which made the daughter of Ursula give her a death glare. She instantly shut her mouth.

Regulus chuckles. "Oh come off it, Shrimpy--"

"Don't call me that!"

Regulus waved a hand dismissively, "Whatever. Hey, so a little bat told me something interesting last night," Regulus swung over to the docks and untied the rope. Behind him, the ship was still in chaos, but his face was sporting a concerned expression for the three unmoving pirates in front of him, "they said you were planning to raid us. In our home? Your superior's own home? Either they were lying or you're biting off more than you can chew again. I mean, we'd never expect much from your level of intelligence, but this did seem a bit too stupid, even for you."

Dorcas could only glare at him. Her fists clenched so hard it would've bled if it weren't for the leather. It was all the answer the two brothers needed. At that moment, Pandora sets off another cannon, and it shot right at the docks above them, destroying the stalls.

"Ah, so it was stupidity, huh?"

Sirius commented after jumping over to the docks. He watched Marlene and Benjy's every move from behind his little brother, in case the two did move.

"You're outnumbered, Black." Dorcas practically spits the word. As if Regulus's friends weren't tearing at her little riffraff as they spoke. He gestured to the mess and clicked his tongue.

"Outnumbered and still kicking your arse. How embarrassing. It's no wonder your mother never used you for anything other than the night shift."

Shrimpy's face turned sour, making Regulus so much happier. The little lass didn't take kindly to being reminded that his mother was every bit of a witch to everybody, and her daughter was no exception to that. Once he had had his fill of fun, he called his friends.

"We're leaving."

"You're not getting away with this." It's amusing, really. To watch these try-hards try and grasp the upper hand, knowing well enough that they've grossly overestimated their own value.

"We already have."

Suddenly, Walburga's minions, shady men with larger builds than an average boulder, emerged from within the ship, carrying loot his mother would be pleased with, no doubt. Regulus' delight grew at Shrimpy and her group's angry protests that followed.

"Hey!"

"What the hell, man?!"

"We'll be taking these as compensation for wasting our time. With an additional insubordination fee." It seemed unreasonable enough, "You can go run off to Ursula and tell her we took everything because her daughter decided to repay Maleficent with an attempt on her home, and you can tell Morgana's brat we did the same thing to her son."

Watching the rage and despair grow in their eyes brings light to Regulus' tedious day.

Dorcas snarled, "Life is already hard without you arseholes--"

"Oh no! Well, maybe you shouldn't have forgotten your place then. Huh, Shrimpy?" Regulus tilted his head mockingly. "But since you did, I'll remind you. We, of the Black Family of Dark Fairies, are the most exalted in the land. Losing our magic does not change that, and you, an octopi with nothing but this sorry excuse of a ship, should stay in the trenches where shipwrecks belong. As per my mother's decree eight years ago."

Eight years ago, Ursula challenged Maleficent for a seat in the Isle's most Heinous Circle. She thought that, since she retained her octopus form and Maleficent lost her magic, it would be an easy win. When she lost, Regulus' mother banished her to the far edges of the isle. Regulus scoffs at the memory. Like mother, like daughter.

Dorcas grits her teeth. But before she could say anything, Marlene launched herself, her hooked hand headed straight for Regulus' neck.

A lousy attempt. Regulus sidestepped her and kicked her into the water. The girl fell with a shriek.

"Marlene!" Dorcas yelled in panic and ran towards her. The act caught Regulus' eye. It's not like Marlene couldn't swim.

The others reached them, each wearing a pleased expression. Evan, in particular, was blinging in shiny metals. Dirty old gold and brass were still precious if they sparkled even a little. Barty was quick, stepping in front of Evan and brandishing his sword at the nearest enemy. Benjy couldn't move from where he was standing. The end of Barty's scimitar was digging into his neck.

Once she pulled the drenched girl from the water, she took off her coat and laid it on her shoulders. The act of affection didn't escape the two brothers' notice. One pursed his lips in confusion, but the other's eyes widened.

"Oh? What's this?" Sirius circled them like a hound smelling blood. "Are you, pfft--"

Dorcas glared, still holding Marlene close to her. The girl was pale and bluish from the cold water. She was also shivering, which was pathetic considering she's the daughter of the world's most evil pirate. Regulus furrowed his eyebrows, not knowing what his brother was on about.

"No way, seriously?"

"What? What is it?" Barty asked, eyes flitting back and forth between the girls and the boys. 

Sirius, waving his hands in a flare, barked, "Why, the little shrimp over here is in love!"

The group laughed at them. Regulus actually took a few steps back in disgust.

"Love?" he spat the word like a disease.

Sirius cheered mockingly, "Yes, yes. Look, Reggie, they're just so worried about each other."

"Poor things," Pandora murmured.

Regulus huffed and shook his head. He stared at the girls, his grey eyes cold in judgement.

"Love is for the rabble."

"Love is a weakness," Evan added haughtily. "Such a shame. She almost amounted to something. Being a captain of her own crew and all. She didn't have to ruin herself by falling in love."

Regulus truly was disappointed. Dorcas was the only other villain their age who could actually put up a fight if given a fair advantage. But oh well, happens to the worst of them.

He suppressed the urge to shudder. That could have been him. If he didn't end things with Benjy when it was still budding, he would've been as weak as Dorcas is now. He met eyes with Benjy for a moment before looking away. What gall did that man have to look at him with pity? They're the ones in his mercy.

He turned to leave, his capelet billowing in the cold sea wind. The others followed shortly behind him. Barty and Evan openly mocked Dorcas' fallen crew. Sirius made a face, mimicking their trio.

"Bye, Dorcas!" Only Pandora had the decency to wave back to the enemy. But maybe that was far worse than violence. There's nothing villains loathe more than being pitied.

Love was a curse that weakens and weakens. It renders great people into lesser creatures. His mother was defeated by it once, and look where that got her. Regulus will not be the same. His mother expects him to be better. He will be.

The villains gathered around Pandora's tailor studio. Wherein all sorts of fabrics were found, but not a single one was completely. The whole place was a quilt of many different cloths stitched together artistically by one equally talented daughter of Cruella De Vil.

And among many of Pandora's artistic talents, storytelling was, ironically, one of them.

So there she goes, a step on top of soft cushioned seats, announcing with that lullingly light voice, "Gather 'round, you curious felons, for I have a tale to tell."

When it came to stories, for every thousand of Scheherazade's tales, Pandora had two more. She never seems to run out of stories for someone never been told a single one. Their histories weren't fairytales, and their failures weren't enough to be bragged about as stories. Their parents had a long list of failed crimes. Examples of what they should follow, but not too much, for they might fail as well.

Regulus is settled in a bed of small, saggy pillows, cradling one to his chest while his brother is lying near his feet. Barty and Evan settled on the couch in what is usually called a 'cuddle' position, but since it's them, Barty insists that he was only looking for a chance to strangle Evan in his sleep. Oddly enough, Evan is always the first to fall asleep, and Barty never takes that chance. It rained heavily again, and most of Pandora's things were caught in the flood. They tried to dry as much as they could until story nights, but storms had always been frequent this time of the year.

On the coffee table was an array of fish and chips, courtesy of Shrimpy's seafood preserves. Barty reached out for a whole bowl and fries and decided it was his and Evan's alone.

"Once upon a time, in a time long ago, or a time that is yet to pass. There lived a simple young lad, a boy of a golden brave heart fated to raise the sun and warm the cold that spread to their kingdom from the wraiths! Vengeful guardians of the northern borders, but they themselves do not respect those borders. They creep about and lie their cold within unsuspecting small villages, until their queen, with a glacial shard for a heart, calls them back. It was up to this boy to save his kingdom or perish in hailstorms that were foretold to come..."

Regulus giggled internally. He hoped the boy and his kingdom would perish in this fruitless endeavor.

"For the most part in his little life, he was unaware of his great destiny. He lived with his relatives, all of whom scorned him. His uncle would chastise his every move, his aunt would complain about his service, and most of all, his mean cousin would hurt him outright. He was a servant in his own home!"

"Dang, we should've brought Emma." Evan snickers. Emma was Drizzella's daughter and Evan and Pandora's apprentice. Evan teaches her makeup and Hairstyling while Pandora tells her the secrets of what makes good jewelry.

"But he never lost hope," Barty let out a disappointed noise. "No. After all, it was all he knew in life. If not a servant, what else could he be? Alas, the answer would be nothing."

The villains nodded. If one were given a role at the start, then they should be expected to carry it out to the very end. That was what made a great villain. Conviction. That is.

But Pandora raised a hand. Oh, so that means it wasn't over? "Or so he thought. One day, on his eleventh birthday. His cousin made him sweep the leaves in their backyard for the whole day while he ate a birthday cake made for the poor boy. Just then, a half-giant appeared in front of them. He spoke softly and announced that he carried a great prophecy and that the boy must come with him. The family had been enraged! Why wouldn't they be? They were about to lose their only servant!"

Evan hummed understandingly, "Yeah, I mean, I'd be mad too."

"Upset at the little boy's treatment, the half-giant huffed and puffed, and he yelled at the top of his lungs. The relatives were so frightened out of their wits that they ran off to hide in a small lighthouse island, leaving the boy behind."

"Useless twits," Regulus muttered. Sirius hummed in agreement. If their mother's henchmen acted so cowardly, she would have set them on fire.

"The half-giant gladly took the boy in and led him to a great, powerful wizard who taught him the ways of the world before sending him off on his journey to save the kingdom."

Boring. Sirius thought. What use was being free of your dreadful relatives if you don't even use all that freedom to have fun?

"Another boy was a prince. Born of snow and hoarfrost. He lived with his mother in the cold, dark northern mountains." Pandora pulled a blue sequined blanket and waved it like a flag. "In the far frosty north, where the yetis and ice golems twiddle and twaddle. There stands a kingdom of ice and snow ruled by an equally cold ruler, the Snow Queen! She governed her subjects with an iron fist and a cold, blighting fury. If the Queen of Hearts was a blind rage, the Snow Queen was a lurking, calculating monarch. All of her subjects feared her, but none could take her crown away. For she was the heart of the kingdom, her fall would be their ruin. And in her dead heart was but one boy, her only son."

"The boy was raised with love in a place where no love could exist, by people who wouldn't even dare utter the word. He grew up more similar to gentle snowfalls and mild blizzards than her mother's ruthless snowstorms. The people admired their prince, for they hoped they'd have a better future with him. All was well until they found out about the prophecy. A boy of golden heart would slay their young lord and put an end to the Snow Queen's reign. Effectively destroying the nation. When the Snow Queen heard of this, she was enraged. Even worse, when she found that the boy in that prophecy was headed for the north. Death was after her boy. So she demanded her minions capture him."

She picked up a scrapbook from somewhere in the pile of many things. The girl opened it to a certain page, and a scene popped up. A brown haired boy with a terribly drawn yellow heart waddled through snowy hills.

"On his journey to the north, our young hero faced many foes. One was an evil two-headed wraith, so evil that when he touched him, his pure goodness burned the wraith away." The Black Brothers gagged, "the second was a large snake with eyes that could kill anything on sight, and spoke the language of the old snakes. The boy blinded her with the Sword of Bravery and slayed her!"

Evan gasped in horror, "Oh no..."

"The third was a corrupted dryad and an army of ghastly soul eaters. They would leave their victims in a great state of empty madness. The boy was terrified for once, but he pushed through regardless. He summoned a creature of bright light. An echo of his own soul vanquished the ancient darkness. They ran back to the deepest depths in fear of the light. The young herp then stopped at a village. Hoping for a small respite. This particular village hosted a tournament. For whoever would win shall also win the hand of their princess in marriage. A beautiful red-haired lass, the jewel of her family."

"Let me guess, he joined the tournament?" Regulus asked dryly.

"Indeed he did!"

"He's just asking to be killed."

Pandora ignored them and continued, "The boy wanted to prove that all his training bore fruit. And he wanted to win the tournament so that the lady would be free to make her own choices--In my opinion, it's a bit ironic to have your freedom as a woman be given to you by a man when all your life you've been told what to do by men. If I were her, I'd simply join the tournament and cut everyone in the eye so--"

"Pandora?"

"Right!" She clapped, "Where was I? Ah! Ehem, just as the tournament started, a terrifying ice dragon flew overhead! Its rider was none other than the Snow Queen's son, the Ice Prince!"

"Do they not have names?"

"No. And so he descended amongst the commonfolk and reared in disgust. For these people were not cut of the same icy grace as their northern folk, and yet they have the gall to house the fiend that tore down his kingdom's greater warriors. Yes, this boy had been made aware of the failures of his soldiers to bring forth what his mother had asked. And yet instead of being mad at them, he directed his anger to the nearest villages where the hero had been seen. He demanded the young hero show himself at once. The boy did not hesitate to step forward, but he stopped when he saw the boy. Does anyone know why?"

"He pissed his pants in fear?" Barty asked gladly.

"He thought the dragon was cool," Sirius suggested, and Regulus nodded.

"He forgot to take a shit?"

Pandora smirked, "No, it was because he thought the Ice Prince was quite pretty."

The crowd gasped.

"No..."

"No freakin' way,"

Pandora clapped deviously, "Yes! When the Ice Prince challenged him to a duel, he not only hesitated, but he took a step back. The Ice Prince laughed at him, thinking he was a coward, and asked him if he was scared, to which the other replied that no, he was not. The two dueled greatly until the sun set, and by the end of it, neither won. The prince was so enraged by this result that he took off in his ice dragon and yelled that it was not over! But the boy? Well, he only stared in awe..."

Sirius squinted at her, "Didn't the other guy beat him up?"

"Oh, yes, he did."

"And he liked it?"

Pandora only smiled blankly. They waited for her to say anything more, but she only continued to stare into space. Minutes passed, and there was still nothing.

Regulus sighed at the implications. "What happened next, Pandora?"

Pandora blinked into awareness. "Huh?"

"The story? What happened next?"

"What story?"

It was Regulus' turn to stare at her. "You forgot?"

"What did I forget?"

Regulus shook his head, "You were telling us a story."

"Oh,"

"It's okay." Evan shrugged in comfort.

Pandora had a problem with remembering things. She could be in the middle of doing something and still forget what she was doing that whole time. Nobody blames her for it. To them, it was only one of the many peculiar things that made Pandora herself. Regulus briefly wonders if it bothers her.

Pandora recovers quickly and asks the group, " Now, what do we learn from that?"

Regulus answers dutifully, "child trafficking makes for not-bad heroes."

"Make out with your enemies!" said Sirius.

"Make out with a prince!" said Evan.

"Fighting and flirting are basically the same thing!" added Barty.

"Wrong! Wrong! and wrong! It's actually... well, I can't remember, but none of you can be right."

Pandora took blankets and pillows of her own and placed them on the foot of the sofa next to Regulus. They chatted about random things, mostly due to Pandora's rapid subject-changing, until they fell asleep.

Sirius awoke in the most unfamiliar environment. He sat up faster than he could comprehend where he was. He didn't have time to be curious about the cloud-like beds or the sunset utopia outside, or even the fact that everything here looks so Greek. It's obvious he was kidnapped. And his brother was not with him.

His brother--where was Regulus?!

"Morning, dear," someone mumbled from his left.

A pair of arms wrapped around his waist, and he jumped. He turned, ready to hack whoever it was in the jaw, but then he froze. There, in the same bed he woke up in was--well, he doesn't know.

Probably Adonis with the scars that make him hotter, or someone equally as handsome. Sirius thought. But how on earth did he end up in a bed with him?

Suddenly, the boy opened his eyes. Pale like liquid copper on his skin and hazy with sleep. He found Sirius easily, and no, Sirius did not jump when those eyes met him. He simply reacted accordingly when being spotted by a potential enemy and became alert.

And no, his morning voice did not send a shiver down his spine, "You're up early for once."

Was that an insult? That is, isn't it? Sirius opened his mouth to say something--the boy sat up. The blanket fell to his waist, revealing freckled scarred shoulders--and then sputtered uncontrollably like some loser. His brother would be horrified.

"W-where am I?" He demanded. Yep. Terrifying. He tried again with hopefully more conviction. "Where's Regulus?"

"Huh? Isn't he on that tour with James?"

"Who the fuck is James?"

"Your best friend? Sirius, are you okay?"

He tried to reach out, and Sirius glared at him. He hissed, "Be quiet, you--you siren!" Yes. That must be it! This man is a siren sent by his enemies to confuse him. Sure, some things don't add up, but that must be right.

The boy narrowed his eyes for a moment and then sighed, "What are you on about now? Is this because you're still giddy about the whole engagement?"

"Engagement?"

The other boy gently pulled him closer by the waist so that his front pressed against Sirius's back. He's surprisingly strong for someone that lanky. His left hand went beneath Sirius' and held it up. Something shiny hit the light from the corner of Sirius's eyes.

Sirius' breath caught in his throat as he looked down at the offending object. In his left ring finger was a silver band with a shiny, pale blue stone that resembled his eyes.

"What the fuck?!"

He awoke with a start, but there was no need to fall from his bed since he had fallen asleep on the floor. He did end up kicking his brother in the face, which earned him a scrapbook being thrown at his head.

Chapter Text

James continued to gaze out the window. That dark, gloomy isle in the distance. He could've sworn he heard the cheers.

Trapped. He thought. Every single one of them. And yet he wondered if that truly were the case. Maybe in the isle, being a villain was all there ever was, but maybe they even loved that. After all, being a villain meant you could do anything you want without caring about anyone else. Meanwhile, in Godric's Hollow, kings, heroes, damsels, they're all bound by their roles. James could only ever be a prince, just as Remus will only ever be a hero, regardless of how much he wants to stuff himself in the library. Someday, he'd be the King, and there would be nothing more to that.

He was so lame. Complaining as if he weren't the most privileged child in the realm.

Even now, he stands surrounded by the kingdom's most talented tailors on their way to tailor him the same red suit with golden buttons to match his father. The hundredth pair of the month. Gold was gold, as every single gemstone in his garbs was the best any dwarves could offer. What right did he have to complain?

"Ouch," said the prince as a needle accidentally poked him.

"Apologies, your grace. Forgive me--"

"It's alright. I'm the one completely out of it."

"Your mind is elsewhere, my lord." The royal tailor commented.

Did it matter? Any of it, at all? What he wanted for the kingdom was it truly what was best, or did he just want something to change? For once, something different, so he would not feel the same as every other picture-perfect smile in every storybook collecting dust in his mother's library. Frozen in fine print.

He considered again what it would be like to live under a magical dome, just as he was in this gilded cage.

Maybe they're all trapped. He's as trapped as they are.

Then again, what does he know about the isle? Some questions lingered at the back of his mind, keeping him awake on more nights than he could count. How did the villains fare, beneath the dome? How did they live, eat, or even take care of themselves in those conditions? How were their families? Do they even have hopes and dreams? Do they look out to Godric's Hollow like James is doing now, or did they ignore it like everyone else did to them?

Heck, some of their children would be the same age as James right now, wouldn't they? He wondered how they dealt with living in the shadow of their infamous parents. He imagined that it would be just like this. James wanted so badly to be just as good a king as his father, but he was afraid he would be every bit as spoiled a prince as he was.

The more he thought about it, the more he knew how true it was. He didn't choose to be the king's son, and they hadn't chosen who their parents were. Everyone was a prisoner in their own way.

While James and his folks were living in a fairytale, they were living in a nightmare, and not a single one lived by their choice. If none of them wrote the lines in any of their stories, had they ever actually lived?

If James were the king, that would not be the case.

But maybe while he was still the Prince, he could make a change.

James was rather stubborn when he wanted something.

The prince sits on his throne in the council. Birds were chirping at every other window, and the castles on the horizon in every direction one turns. A stark contrast to constant storms and decrepit homes.

He should've done something sooner. He should've cared more. He was no different from the rest of Godric's Hollow. All they did was be lucky enough to be born in this life, while the other side of the same coin suffered a worse fate. Why is that? Who gets to decide that? None of it was fair.

How can he make it better? James pondered in silence as the meeting went on. First, they'd have to clean the place. That's a given. Maybe cleaning squads. And they don't eat healthy food over there, so James would have to organize a feeding program. Speaking of healthcare, he also needs to make sure everyone gets the right vaccination. Do they even have hospitals they can contact?

"--ighness? Your Highness."

James jolted in his seat. The servant was still staring at him, along with the rest of the council.

"Sorry?"

Moody sighed. From the looks of it, he was in the middle of a presentation. The projector shows a list of specific people detailing their name, age, fairytale, role--most of which list 'Villain'--and their crimes. James narrowed his eyes at Moody.

"Sorry, what is that?"

Moody smirked, gesturing behind him as if it were something to be proud of.

"A list of villains that I believe also deserve a lifetime in the Isle of the Lost. "

James felt that familiar bout of rage coiling in the pit of his stomach. He tried to push it down before speaking.

"We already talked about this, Moody. I said no."

Moody huffed in annoyance.

"Let's not make hasty decisions, your grace. If I can't convince you, I'm sure the council can."

"The council?" he looked around to find their eyes on him. "You agree to this?"

The silence that followed was answer enough, and he didn't like it. He turned to Dumbledore, the former headmaster of Godric's Hollow's most prestigious school of absolute good and an elder in the council. "Sir?"

Dumbledore stared at him with something he couldn't name, "There is a certain reason for it. And the anonymous vote showed--"

James couldn't help it if he raised his voice, "Vote? Regardless of what you voted for, I will not stand for it. As if throwing a thousand people in wasn't enough, you wanna throw in more?"

"They're criminals!"

"You don't get to decide that!"

"You can't just decide to do a witch hunt out of nowhere." James raked a hand through his hair, "When did you even--were you planning this? answer me!"

His voice echoed loudly. Some people in the room flinched, and James instantly regretted it.

"I-I'm sorry," he said in a small voice. He's been apologizing a lot these days. He doesn't know why it's suddenly so easy to lose control of his temper. He hates it. He despises making others fear him. That was not what a good king does. That was not how he was raised.

James sat back down. He suddenly stood in anger and showed them a most unbecoming behaviour. He knows his parents won't be disappointed in him, but James knew well enough to be disappointed in himself. There was a moment of awkward silence before the current Headmistress' voice rang through the air.

"I believe the prince does have a point." Minerva McGonagall observed, and James' head shot up along with the rest of the council members.

"Minerva?"

"This proposition of yours, Alastor, have you informed his majesty of it before bringing it to court?"

Moody's expression turned sour, "You know very well I can't get a hold of the man--"

"So you came to the prince? The prince does not have the authority to exile anyone. Only the king does." Minerva reminded them sharply.

"But if the prince supports it then--"

"The king will not agree to something simply because it was what the prince asked, and the prince would never agree to something so preposterous."

"Yes, but if you--"

"I won't either, Alastor."

"Do you not see that this is for the good of--"

"I see notable individuals in that list. I wonder if you've informed all related families of this sudden proposition?"

"They're biased. They would never--"

"Exactly."

James wanted to laugh at the way Moody's face twists more and more every time the Headmistress cuts him off. It was such a delightful sight that his anger died down almost completely. The woman was among the most powerful people in the land. No one would dare speak ill of her. One swish of her legendary wand and Moody would be turned into a pumpkin, or a squash. Whichever fits his squashy face better.

"Queen Ella would never let you harm her stepsister, and as for the two other queens, do you really think the king will allow you to plunge the realm into war just to ship their queens off to an island?" She tells the whole council, "Gentlemen, I implore you all to think."

Look at them, cowering like scolded children. Maybe it was bad that James was silently happy for it, and maybe that was just the inner beastly prince talking. Why would that matter? They're all funny like this.

After James had his fun watching their back and forth, he pushed from his throne again and took a deep breath.

"The people of the isle deserve better."

Their reaction was immediate. James could barely discern whose voice was whose when all of them were complaining and screaming about how the very idea was offensive. Moody though? Moody looked as though he swallowed a poisoned apple.

"What!"

"Mind yourself, Alastor."

"You're saying our enemies deserve better?!"

"I'm saying our people deserve better."

Something warm flickered past the Headmistress's gaze. James thinks she almost looks proud.

"I was thinking we could start somewhere small. Send people to help clean up the place and provide proper rations."

Moody waved his hands around, "Being in the Isle of the Lost is supposed to be a punishment! They're not supposed to enjoy living."

"Are you even hearing yourself? You're being cruel. There are children on that island. Why do they have to suffer the consequences of their parents' misdeeds? How long will they have to be punished for it?"

No one could provide an answer to that.

So, even they know it's wrong. But they're fine with it? James really must be missing something here. They're the people of the Land of Goodness in People's Hearts. Did that same compassion not extend to the people in the isle? Did their hatred and resentment truly run so deep?

They were raised by these same people to do what's right and be kind and have hope.

Did they really expect James and the other kids to carry that same prejudice?

"Your grace," Dumbledore called. And when Dumbledore calls, everyone listens, "it is by the good of your heart to feel sympathy for the souls in the isle of the lost. It is truly an admirable trait that your mother would be greatly proud of." James nodded understandingly, "I'm sure the Isle of the Lost would appreciate the benefits of this endeavor. However, I worry for the courageous souls sent to fulfill this task."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm sure you are aware. The Isle of the Lost is the nest of all the world's greatest criminals. There, even the tower of Azkaban remains unlocked for the colder part of the year. Its citizens cannot be trusted with resources. It is not a place where our innocent, good people should be sent to serve. I acknowledge your ideas and that you only wish to do good by these people, but in terms of priorities, I implore you to put Godric's Hollow's best interests first. As is expected of someone of your stature." Dumbledore said calmly.

The prince deflated back to his seat, and even Minerva seemed saddened by it, but James had no energy to question why. Moody didn't seem happy that he won. He did appear relieved. He slipped through the doors with his projector, no doubt hoping to bring it back up in future council meetings.

The rest of the meeting proceeded accordingly, with the prince in a noticeable slump. He felt as though he spoke out of turn again. He knows he wasn't wrong in thinking there was good in making a change, especially if it's to better the lives of others. It's his job to ensure everyone in the kingdom lives happily ever after.

But they were also right in thinking that they'd be endangering their own people on this side of the bridge by sending them on this dangerous quest. In an island where magic cannot exist and criminals run amok, what could they possibly have done?

What else could he do? There's gotta be something. He didn't want to give up on this.

He didn't notice the meeting ended until one of the council members tapped him on the shoulder to leave.

"Do not despair, young prince. The isle is not worth this much thought."

Another added, "He's right. There was no hope for those people in the first place. That is why they're in exile."

James floated aimlessly through the castle until he reached his own bedchambers. He was so out of it that he didn't even notice his own servants preparing his favorite snacks. Treacle tart and hot chocolate. He stares at it and questions if what he's trying to do now, he's doing so because he thought it was the right thing, or because he wanted to stave off the guilt he gets whenever he's reminded of his oh so perfect life at the expense of one particular island.

The meeting had ended so depressingly, he didn't even know how he'd--oh, he's gonna have to explain it to his parents, wasn't he? That he got mad, yelled at someone, then proposed they ship off their people to the isle to fix up the place.

How is that any different from what Moody tried to do?

James tilted his head back and let out a frustrated groan. He hoped Remus was here. The boy had always been better at thinking things through compared to James. James could barely even manage. He was James's right-hand man. He wondered if he would still be when he becomes king and Remus has to go off to whatever hero quest he's given.

Just then, someone knocks at the door.

"James?"

"Come in, Remus."

The door opened, and Remus entered. He took one glance at James and took a careful seat to his right. Something told James he already knew what had happened.

"Do you already know?"

"The council stopped me on the way here. Said you were starting to have weird ideas and that I have to 'make sure you weren't led astray by your own sense of justice'." He said the last part with air quotes and the deadest voice known to man.

"Wow." James deadpanned. "That makes me sound like a loon."

"What happened, James?"

So James told him what happened. Remus listened quietly while sipping tea as he always does. By the end of it, James asked him if they were right in the end.

Remus puts the cup back on the table, "Everyone had their own points, in my opinion. Except Moody. He was way out of line. How dare he act that way towards the empire's crown prince? And no one stopped him?"

"Moody's not important. His plan was never going to fall through anyway. I'm more worried about the isle."

Remus hummed, "Where did that come from, by the way? That idea with the isle. Is it when we were at Aurora's garden?"

"No, it's kind of been in my mind for a while now. I've always felt bad about the Isle somehow. It's kind of our fault it exists." James took off the crown from his head to stare at it. It used to make him feel all sorts of 'important'. Now, James only feels useless. The crown was of no use to someone who could not exercise its power for good. He knows their suffering isn't entirely his fault, but in his opinion, his people shouldn't suffer at all. If he could make it better, shouldn't he at least try?

"Ever since my dad gave me this crown, I've always thought it was up to me to make life better for everyone, and it is. At first, I thought it was unfair, but it's not like I could do anything about it. Then, when Dad started giving me all these duties and power to make decisions for the kingdom in his absence, I thought, hey, maybe I could make a difference." he laughed emptily, "but in the end I couldn't."

"You tried. That had to count for something."

"I failed. And in the end, it meant nothing."

Remus sighed. It was rare for James to be sad. In the cases that he was, everyone would feel it. He almost wanted to strangle Moody and everyone in the council chamber.

"And that's all there is to it?"

He can't exactly go and say, No. No, that's not all. I've been having dreams about an angelic boy in the isle, and he actually helped me through the scary place, so now I think there's good in there somewhere, and now I want to change and make it better for all of them, which would undoubtedly undo his father's efforts for the past 20 years. If he would even call them that. Instead, he says, "What else is there?"

Remus licked his teeth, pondering his next words.

"Alright, fine. Say, hypothetically, how would it even work? If reformation were allowed in the isle, how would you do it?"

"Are you saying you agree with me?" James asked hopefully. Remus only tilted his head in acknowledgement.

"I'm saying it's not a bad idea, but you have to think it through really, really hard. You and I both know, the people here?" he pointed his thumb outside the window, "they're as close-minded as libraries after curfew. And they won't take kindly to one of their own, mingling with the 'wrong sort'. You heard what Dawn and the others' stance was about it. The isle would not be so welcoming either."

James raised his hand to argue.

"Okay, first, it's not as though they have to deal with it themselves. Second, we don't know that. Who knows, maybe times have changed. Maybe some of them have repented. I don't know, you don't know, and they don't know either, do they? We have to start somewhere." James let out a sigh, "I know I sound like a whiny little child, but I just don't want them to suffer anymore. Twenty years was already a long time. It's all the children of the isle ever knew. Do you think they blamed their parents for it?"

Remus did think of the isle often. These days, he thought of it more than he wanted to. Sometimes, he'd wake up in a cold sweat because of a dream with a certain dark-haired beauty. He didn't know which of Eros' minions were haunting him, but it was not funny.

Because they were giving him rather vivid dreams of someone he knew only the gods could create. No human was ever actually that beautiful. And even if they did exist, Remus would be the last person they would ever date. Let alone get engaged to. Maybe it was good that it was nothing but a dream, then when Remus wakes up, he can just sob a bit and get over it.

"I wouldn't know."

"Yeah, me neither unless we do something," James exclaimed. His gaze fell on the Renaissance painting of stars on his ceiling.

"Fine, what exactly do you want to do? Because I'm telling you, unless it's a criminal, the council would never let anyone into that island. And I don't think villains will be fond of us going into their territory..."

Remus trailed off, his voice fading as James' attention was stolen by a particular constellation of the lion closest to the sun at the center of it all.

His mind wandered back to the angel in the black capelet with the stars etched on its fabric. A trail of eerie elegance followed him as he moved. His mean silver gray eyes and even meaner retorts. His soft hands carding through James' hair. James was flustered. He had to breathe.

"James?"

Just who was he? Would he ever meet him again? Would he see him in his dreams when he sleeps tonight?

Was he one of them? One of those lost souls on that cursed island? He was, wasn't he? James' heart ached at that. He didn't even know why. If only he could bring him here and show him--

Just then, he had a flash of inspiration. One that would change both Godric's Hollow and the Isle of the Lost, forever.

The People of Godric's Hollow believed that there was no hope for the people of the Isle of the Lost. But what if there was? He thought about the boy leading him through the dark streets. What if he can show them that there was a chance for both Godric's Hollow and the Isle of the Lost to find peace with one another? So that everyone can have their Happy Endings.

And hey, maybe with time, they would learn to forgive and actually put the past behind them.

Why not? It could work. It was about time anyway.

James stood up abruptly and went for the door, "Apologies, Remus, but I have to go!"

"What? Where are you going?"

"To find my parents! I've got the most brilliant idea!"

The boy was already out of the room before Remus could tell him that they won't be back until later that night.

Chapter Text

In the end, James was unable to tell his parents about his great plan. They simply hadn't returned yet. When he did plan to tell them the next morning, he'd been whisked away for another suit fitting. Now he stands idly while being prodded by pins and measuring tapes.

"Sleeve. Head."

James thinks it's better to just go with his last measurements. It's not as if he was going to hit a sudden growth spurt. No, hopefully not. He was already taller than most people his age, so a growth spurt would just be ridiculous.

He didn't have to wait until the fitting was over because a moment later, his father walked into the room with his mother in tow.

"How is it possible that you're gonna be the crown prince next month? You're just a baby!"

"He's turning sixteen, dear."

Prince James had been widely accepted as the Crown Prince since he was born. Being heir apparent and all. Even his own father let him wear the crown as soon as he was old enough to stand without it falling off his head. Perhaps he wanted James to get used to it as early as possible.

The title itself was never officially given because James was yet to turn sixteen. The minute he does, the coronation is scheduled.

"Hey, Dad."

Fleamont's eyes are brimming with fondness for both of them, "Sixteen? That's far too young to be crowned prince. I didn't make a good decision until I was forty-two."

Euphemia looks dead at him, "You married me at twenty-eight."

"It was either you or the teapot--ow! just kidding!" Fleamont says and then flinches when Euphemia pinches him on the arm.

James stares at them and wonders if this type of love would find him one day. Silver-gray eyes slipped into his mind, a sly smirk on sweet cupid bow lips. He shook his head before it could become a hazy face he wouldn't recognize past a daydream.

He cleared his throat, "Mom, Dad."

The two looked at him with the same proud expectant eyes they've been giving him since he was a child, which probably made him the audacious kid he is today.

"I've chosen my first official proclamation," their eyes widened in anticipation at that.

"You have?" Euphemia gasped, already proud before she even heard it. Her son had been so scared to make changes to his father's perfect little kingdom, in fear of messing it up. To see him brave enough to do so makes her heart swell.

"I've decided that the children on the Isle of the Lost be given a chance... to live here in Godric's Hollow."

Euphemia and Fleamont froze in shock. The woman's hand dropped from her husband's elbow while her husband's mouth was agape. Fleamont tried to say something, but James continued,

"Every time I look out to the island, I feel like they'd been abandoned."

Fleamont almost looked offended, "The children of our sworn enemies, living among us?"

"We start off with a few at first, only the ones that need our help the most. I've already chosen them."

"Have you?" Fleamont asked, almost daring him to go on.

James doesn't often defy him, but if there was anyone who wouldn't shut him down at his first suggestion of doing something outrageous, it was his parents. The council wouldn't listen, and Moody had to be right. If James supports it, his father might just follow.

Euphemia stared at her son for a moment, realizing he wasn't going to budge, and sighed. She glanced at her husband with a small smile, "I gave you a chance."

Fleamont flinched. His eyes met his wife's mellow umber ones. It's the same defiant, brave eyes he fell in love with. He released a breath he didn't know he was holding. There were a lot of things he wanted to say, but damn, he was just so weak when it came to his family.

Euphemia blinked back to her son with an eager smile, "Who are their parents?"

His parents nodded as he listed the names, their eyebrows furrowing. "Cruella De Vil... Jafar... The Evil Queen.... and Maleficent."

The tailor yelps in fear. His dad blows up.

"Maleficent! Walburga?! She's the most evil villain in the land!" Fleamont's voice echoed aloud, "Son, she is of the Black Family! They're the most vicious bloodline that dabbled in dark sorcery."

The Black Family, ain't that a famous name? They used to be so powerful that they ruled their own domains in the realm. Walburga ruled the Forbidden Mountains, a nest of all things evil, which until this very day was drenched in darkness and miasma that not even the elder wand could cleanse. In the absence of its mistress, the mountains were simply abandoned, but no one dared to venture forth. No one would do so in fear of their nightmares coming to life.

Two of the Black Sisters still ruled kingdoms within the realm. After their family had been dethroned from their seats, they remained at odds with the kingdom. The Queen of Hearts and the Snow Queen. Their eldest sister, who was previously the leader of the Wicked Witches, was imprisoned in Azkaban in the isle, which caused a strain with Godric's Hollow.

Jams pleaded, "Dad, their children are innocent. Don't you think they deserve a shot at a normal life? Dad?"

Fleamont's eyes softened. He'd be a liar if he said the very existence of that island didn't make him feel a shred of guilt. He had hoped only to punish those criminals. He didn't account that there would be fruits borne with time. Love was not something villains practiced proudly, after all.

"I suppose their... children are innocent."

James' smile was blinding. And so was Euphemia.

"Well done," she tells their boy, "shall we?"

Sirius runs in a daze through the crowded streets and then ducks right on time to avoid getting hit by a flying pitchfork.

He can hear his brother yelling, "Sirius!" because it's the third time something flying has nearly hacked his head off today. And it's only 11:30 am.

"Alright, geez." Sirius needs to get his priorities in order sometimes.

They keep running until they reach a crossroad. The brothers take one look at each other and nod. Regulus shifts left while he goes right. Effectively halving the mob that's chasing after them. The larger half of which, unfortunately, went after him and not his more nimble little brother. He cringes at the sight of Snivellus Snape at the head of it all.

He looks mad. If his bloodshot eyes and broken nose are anything to go by.

But seriously, how was he supposed to know they wouldn't like him vandalizing the top of their roofs? They should've put a sign (they did) or removed the ladder leading to it (they did).

Sirius pushes people out of the way or pushes them into the mob to make them tumble like a crowd of bowling pins. He laughs when it works. He slips into a tight alley and loses them in the crowd. He could hear Snivellus' shrill noises at being escaped from and almost gave himself away by laughing.

He barges into the open tavern and locks eyes with Barty, who is in the middle of a brawl. The boy is winning, though. He's got one guy twice his size in a headlock and another with their arms twisted behind them.

His brother slides into the establishment and greets Barty, "bonjour."

"Bonjour!"

There goes the waitress with her tray like always. She dodges punches as she goes. They get their usual as they sit on a stool, watching Barty absolutely destroy the ego of those who dare challenge him. Regulus noticed he hadn't stopped wearing that sleeveless leather jacket Evan had made him.

"Showing it off, is he?" Sirius commented.

"Everyone knows Evan's craft. He's practically got the prettiest boy in the Isles, so everyone's jealous."

"Is that why there's more of them today?"

Barty throws someone out the door and jumps on the others. It doesn't escape Regulus' notice that the things Barty sneakily swipes off of people. A golden chain, a bracelet, a bandana with shiny gems. None of them noticed, too busy trying to defend themselves from the onslaught of punches to notice that Barty's vest was slowly getting filled.

By the time Barty was done with them and they lay on the floor battered and bruised, they had lost all their shine. Literally. Meanwhile, Regulus and Sirius do not doubt that Barty's pockets are full despite leaving home without anything in them.

He takes the stool beside Regulus and winks at the bartender, who blushes and shyly prepares his usual order, which is just a tall beer. The bartender places it in front of Barty, who turns away from him the second he does, forgetting he exists the second he's served his purpose.

"Hey," he greets the two brothers.

Regulus is particularly bored, so he decides to mess with him, "You shouldn't show yourself to Evan today. You have a rather ugly bruise."

Barty frowned as he took a sip, "So? Evan doesn't mind."

"Doesn't he? It would be ill to tell you, but I'm sure his mother wouldn't like him mingling with a street rat or a warmonger or even someone ugly and you... just happened to be all three."

That effectively ruined Barty's day. "Oh, fuck off, Reg. Evan's fine with it."

"Not if his dear mother isn't, I bet."

Barty slammed the empty cup and scowled, "fuck you. He doesn't-- he's not--"

Regulus stares at him in amusement, raising a single eyebrow.

Barty growls and pushes off the stool. He glanced around the tavern and spotted no challengers, only fearful faces. So when a brute enters the tavern with the loud words, "Where's Crouch?" Barty's fist flies right at him.

The Black brothers watch in glee as the tavern is engulfed in chaos and violence once more.

Only in Barty's twisted logic would it make sense that Evan would appreciate him more if he were proven to be some sort of knight wounded in battle fighting for his prince's honor.

"Wanna bet if he ends up ruining that vest?"

"Evan would kill him."

"Good enough."

On the other side of the Isle, Pandora idly shops in the marketplace's fabrics district. She carries a single basket of spindles, fabrics, and spools of thread that she didn't pay for. But to be perfectly unfair, she is the daughter of Cruella De Vil. Everything in the crafts district is hers by default.

From the way the store owner cowers in fear and hopelessness, they know it too. The daughter of the person who supplied their clothing was allowed to take as much as she wanted. And even if she wasn't, she still would. It takes one call to the brothers in Grimmauld to torch this place to the ground, and they would drop everything for Pandora.

She plucks a cerulean spool and turns it around in her hand, "Hm, what do you think?"

"Is it perhaps too blue?"

"Not at all, Miss Vil," the clerk says fearfully.

"Hm. Well, I don't trust your misjudgment." She says as she drops the spool into her basket before skipping away to the next stall.

The girl halts as something shiny catches her eye. She sways in turn, spotting a shawl with shiny white gems. It had lovely lace patterns and the amount of sheerness. Obscuring a face while showing the loveliness of its wearer's silhouette. Oh, it would be perfect for Regulus' wedding!

She stops. Wedding? How odd of her to think of that. Who would Regulus marry anyway? Certainly not Benjy. He was not the person to stand by his side. He could barely handle Regulus' cruelty, could he?

At first, he was the same as every other boar-headed boy in the Isle. It may be why someone as thorny as Regulus was attracted to him. For the most part, everyone had been happy that Regulus had someone he could share his schemes with. Aside from Walburga. The woman did not believe that Benjy was right for her son. She did not believe her son should be mingling with the likes of a pub dweller. She knew her son wasn't stupid enough to fall in love, but perhaps she saw that Regulus came close, and that's why she nipped it right in the bud.

It wasn't just her. Pandora also didn't think they would last. But at the very least, she kept quiet about it. She doesn't exactly know why. It just hit her one day, a pleasant premonition of oncoming stormy seas, Benjy and Regulus would burn out soon.

And they did. Much to Walburga's relief. Her favourite son wasn't straying anymore.

Her hand was already holding the shawl when she came to. She shook her head and put it in the basket before skipping away. That was enough shopping. Her friends should be waiting in the tavern now.

The salt crisp in the sea breeze had a hint of sweetness today. Something had changed in the air, she could tell. Pandora could always tell.

Evan rolled his eyes in exasperation as he watched the scene unfold in front of him. An angry woman is accusing her husband of cheating, throwing things at him while the rest of the streets look on. It's an everyday theatre for him. There's just drama everywhere.

He wasn't exactly listening, but somehow along the way, he finds the woman pointing an accusing finger at him, which causes the man who had been walking with Evan earlier to become defensive in his stead. The woman cries tears of betrayal and slaps him across the cheek. It's all just very dramatic.

Ah, now he remembers.

This man--whose name he could not recall for the life of him--had been buzzing around him worse than a wasp on beehives. He gets it, people are attracted to him, but can they at least control themselves? Look at what an inconvenience this is.

"Is this why you don't come home anymore?"

Hah. He wants to go to the tavern now. He was running late. His friends should already be there. What if that bartender was flirting with Barty again? Barty was a bit stupid when it came to matters of the twisted heart. That's why he needs Evan to tell him what to do. Evan silently hoped the leather vest was a signal enough for all of those other whores to fuck off.

Having had it with this sight, he stood from where he was perched on a railing, one leg over the other. "I'm leaving,"

The man panicked, "Wait, we still have to--"

"Are you serious? You're choosing that slut over me?"

"Don't call him that!"

"You're defending him?!"

Evan didn't wait for them to finish arguing and waltzed away, ignoring the desperate man's cries.

It's not his fault people enjoy fucking up their relationships just to get a chance with him. That's almost saying it's his fault for being so beautiful.

Alas, beauty was such a heavy burden, but it's one he's willing to bear. No one in this world could ever be as fair. Aside from his mother, but that was a given.

The mirror might've just been on drugs that one time.

Evan squints his eyes when a stray streak of sunlight peeks through the dark clouds and hits him. He glares at it until his eyes hurt. Ouch, that might not have been the best idea. But why is that here? The weather on the Isle has always been dreary. It's how these people prefer it. Proper sunlight can't just peek through here.

"Evan, there you are!"

A pair of lace-gloved hands wrapped around his left arm, the force of which nearly toppled both of them. Pandora giggled excitedly, something that is so infectious, it only took a moment until Evan started doing it too.

"What is it?"

"I found the prettiest material for Reggie's veil!"

"Veil?"

"Oh, yes. His wedding veil." The girl clarified eagerly. Evan couldn't help but indulge her.

"What's this now? Our Reggie is getting married?"

"Of course,"

"Not to that Fenwick bloke, I hope?"

"Certainly not. They are not for one another."

"Ooh, then I do wonder to whom. Sirius would be pissed."

"Oh, no. He is not pleased at all."

Evan chuckled. Pandora often has these scenarios of happy endings that would never come. Far-fetched as they were, even villains were allowed to dream.

The two fashion designers walked through the streets, hand in Evan's hand, lost in this little fantasy.

"Will they have cake?"

"Oh yes. Definitely. Chocolate with strawberries, just as Regulus prefers. It would have tiers that reached from here to the nearest cloud! The folk of the beanstalk wouldn't mind."

"Will they have sparkly dresses?"

"That's a given, but Reggie will outshine them all."

"Of course he will. Hm. And the guest list?"

"Short of ten thousand."

Evan gasped, "Ten thousand?"

"Ten thousand. There would be all of the Isle, and Godric's Hollow, and Azkaban, and the Northern Mountains, and the Forbidden Mountains, and Wonderland!" Pandora announced as they reached the tavern.

"Oh dear, how will they ever manage the seating? And the invitations?"

"Why, with magic, of course. Magic makes things a whole lot easier."

"That is true."

They are greeted with the sight of Barty pummeling some man into the ground. Pandora sits on the stool beside Regulus while Evan sits beside her.

"There would be doves, Evan. I'm putting doves. And spiders." Pandora tells the boy.

"Sounds about right."

"What are you two on about?" Sirius inquires.

"Regulus's wedding."

"My what?"

"Your wedding." The smiled innocently at the younger Black, "I already made designs of your suit, Reg."

"Did you now?"

"Yes!"

Pandora munches on a plate of dry crackers, and Evan gets his usual fizzy. They chatted for a while. Even Regulus entertained the ridiculous notion of getting married, if only to satisfy Pandora. Somehow, he finds himself in the middle of helping her decide the seating, except half the people she mentions are people he didn't even know existed. It doesn't take long before Pandora switches to another subject: 'The Inevitable Attraction of One Drooling Evan Rosier Towards a Certain King of Thieves'. The boy tries to kick them when he hears this.

Barty joins them after a while. All sweat and a small scratch on his cheek. He wears it like every other scar, a trophy on his body. His eyes questioned why Evan was all red in the face.

Sirius placed the pint on the counter.

"Alright, lads. Shall we go?" He stretched his arms while looking straight at Barty, "had your fill yet, you mongrel?"

Barty clicked his tongue, still clearly pissed about Regulus' earlier statement. Getting even more pissed because Regulus is obviously enjoying it. The two brothers exit the establishment with the younger one up front. Sirius prefers to hang to the side in case he saw something he wanted to swipe off someone's neck and wrist.

Regulus walked with his head held high, mirroring his mother's image. His ears pricked in discontent when he heard a child's gleeful laughter, and his head snapped to the side to see the creature that let out such a noise. A baby holding a candy lollipop. He turns sharply, going straight for it and snatching the colorful object from the child.

Soon, that side of the street is filled with a shrill, high-pitched crying.

Is there a more melodious tune?

Just then, he could feel a familiar, ominous presence behind him.

He sighed, turning his head before his body, "Hello, mother."

Walburga stands proud and intimidating in her black night robes, her voice as cold as ice,

"Stealing candy, Regulus? How terribly disappointing."

"It was from a child," Regulus stepped to the side to show the child. Tears streaked down his face, but he had stopped shrieking at the sight of Walburga and instead shivered in fear.

"There we go," Walburga lets a small, sinister smile decorate her pale face.

He could see his brother and friends with uneasy expressions. Nothing was ever easy when it came to Walburga Black.

She snatched the candy from Regulus' hand and spat on it, before giving it to one of her henchmen, "Give it back to the dreadful creature."

"Mother..."

"It is the details, Regulus. That makes the difference between mean and," she smiled to the mother who had just arrived to take her weeping son as if she did not just give them back a dirty candy, "truly evil."

"When I was your age, I was cursing entire kingdoms..."

"Cursing entire kingdoms..." Sirius wordlessly mimicked behind her. Regulus swore he was going to kill him if he was caught.

"See, I'm just trying to teach you the one thing that truly counts. How to be me. A proper Dark Fairy."

"I know that. And I'll do worse," which means 'better', and it is unsaid because they both know that goes without saying.

Walburga pursed her lips in contemplation. As if she already knew her second son was not up to the task, but there was nothing to be expected from Sirius. Sirius was as rebellious as rebellious could get. Regulus was the obedient one. Regulus was her only choice. They both knew this.

She scoffed, and the boy's shoulders dropped immediately. He didn't know what he was waiting for, exactly. Approval? That'll never happen.

"Oh! I buried the lead. The four of you have been chosen to go to a different school," this caught the attention of the group. "In Godric's Hollow."

The kids immediately scattered. Sirius and Barty ran for the ladders to the roofs. Pandora shrieked and fled. Evan was still looking for an exit. This was all before Regulus could even turn to look at them. Walburga's henchmen caught them easily, locking them in their hold.

He turned back to his mother in alarm, trying to keep his voice calm, "What? Mother, I will not go to some--some boarding school with all those prissy princesses."

"And perfect princes," Evan sighed wistfully, making the two Blacks look at him in mild disgust. He seems to have noticed this because he immediately fixes his attitude and says, "Ugh."

Barty calls aloud, "Yeah, and I don't do uniforms, unless it's leather, you feel me?" he tries to high-five Sirius, but the boy is already walking forward with a nervous Pandora.

Pandora quivers, "I read somewhere that they have dogs in Godric's Hollow?"

"Aunt Cruella says that they're rabid pack animals who eat boys who don't behave," Sirius added. He couldn't remember the last time he obeyed his mother. Dogs in Godric's Hollow would definitely kill him.

Barty barked loudly all of a sudden, causing the girl to shriek and the boy to hit him in reflex.

"Mother, we are not going," Regulus says, and the woman just looks at him as one would at lint and dirt in the vents.

"Once again, you disappoint me with your small visions. Henchmen!"

Walburga's minions dragged them back to Grimmauld, kicking and screaming. More kicking from Sirius and Barty and screaming from Evan and Pandora. Regulus is left to glide ominously on the ground because he behaves as a proper Black should.

That's how they found themselves in the hall of Grimmauld. One side with feet and fist hurting on one side, and the other, completely hoarse. Regulus stands primly in the middle of the two, wanting to be anywhere but there at the moment.

Walburga sits on her menacing throne, lording over all of them. Their own parents are lounging in the seats.

"You will go, you will find Minerva McGonagall, and you will bring back the Elder Wand. It should be child's play for you both."

"What's in it for us?" Sirius asked before Regulus could stop him.

"Matching thrones, His-and-hers crowns," Walburga said without interest.

"Uhm... I-I think he meant us." Evan said. Walburga doesn't even look at him and stares straight at Regulus,

"Tell me, Regulus, do you enjoy watching innocent people suffer?"

Regulus slowly nodded his head, "Yes, of course. Who doesn't?"

"Well then, get me the wand, and you'll be able to see that and so much more. And with that wand and my scepter, I will be able to bend good and evil to my will!"

"Our will?" The Evil Queen clarified.

"Yes, our will," she snaps her hand, making the boy look back at her. Her eyes turn a bright, vivid green. Challenging him.

It's the only thing left of their Dark Fairy heritage, and Regulus was completely shite at it. His eyes burn a bright silver, but that was not enough. His head started to hurt, and before he knew it, his brother was pushing him out of the way.

Regulus breaks eye contact with his mother, and Sirius locks into it instead. Sirius was better at daring their mother, he could last longer as his eyes burned a liquid gold.

Keyword: Last. Even he could not win. Their staring lasted for a minute longer before Sirius was hissing and looking away.

"Whatever."

Walburga lets out a satisfied hum.

Sirius immediately goes to his brother. Regulus shook his head to say that he's just fine, but stare-downs with Walburga rarely resulted in 'just fine's. He knows his little brother was gonna be on high alert in the next few days because of it, again.

Queen Rosier calls out to her beloved son, "Evan, my little Evil-lette in training," and the boy follows gingerly and sits on the sofa beside her. "You just find yourself a castle, and a mother-in-law wing."

"And lots and lots of mirrors." Both of them sighed wistfully until the queen said, "No, laughing, wrinkles."

Cruella petted her daughter, who wears the same signature half-black, half-white dye as her.

"Well, they are not taking my Pandora because I'd miss her too much."

"Really, Mama?"

"Yes. Who would touch up my roots, fluff my fur, and scrape the bunions off my feet?"

Pandora's face fell, "perhaps a new school wouldn't be the worst thing."

"Pandora dear, they have dogs in Godric's Hollow." The cruel woman reminded, and immediately, the fearful daughter's expression shifted.

"Oh no, I am not going."

Walburga threw her hands up in exasperation. Sirius takes quite delight in seeing her so frustrated.

"Barty is not going either, I need him to stock the shelves in my store!" Agrabah's former vizier says. "What did you score?"

Barty takes out the items that have miraculously fit in his vest. The other man's eyes go wide with interest in each one until he takes out a lamp, and the man exclaims.

"A lamp!"

Everyone else rolls their eyes as he aggressively starts rubbing the side of it.

"Dad... I already tried."

The man groaned and tossed it back at him. Just then, Walburga's voice boomed in the chamber.

"What is the matter with you all? People used to cower at the mention of our names! For twenty years I have searched for a way off this wretched island, for twenty years they have robbed us of our revenge!"

"Revenge on Snow White and her horrible little men!" Queen Rosier gasped angrily.

"Revenge on Aladdin and his bloated Genie!" The man gnashed his teeth.

"Revenge on every sneaky dalmatian that escaped your clutches!"

Cruella started laughing crazily, "Oh, but they didn't get the baby. They didn't get the... they didn't get the baby!"

Pandora cringed as the woman started squeaking the stuffed toy on her shoulders. The other kids look equally uncomfortable with her unhinged. Except for Regulus, he watches with intrigue as if waiting for the moment the woman figures it out and falls into a deep pit of despair.

"And I, the Mistress of All Evil. Swore this oath. I will have my revenge on Sleeping Beauty and her relentless little prince, and bring back the might of the Black Family."

Walburga was the one who swore, but Sirius and Regulus knew it was for them to carry out.

Thus, it was decided that they would be leaving their home by tomorrow, to the absolute choice of none of them! How splendid indeed.

The two brothers packed their stuff in two vastly different ways. One neatly folded all of his capes, while the other was slashing the wood on his bed with a dagger and getting no work done. Regulus resolved to do his packing for him once he was done with his own.

"Oh--that-- that blasted witch, I swear--" Sirius devolves into a flurry of the most creative curses even sailors and pirates of the Ursula Strait wouldn't dare utter in their feeble lifetimes.

"--why the fuck would anyone want to-- I mean, it's all shite, isn't it, Reg?"

Regulus hums.

"And--and Godric's Hollow...? what in Merlins saggy little--"

Regulus tunes him out from there. Watching his brother suffer mentally was only entertaining if he was the perpetrator. Watching him fall into their mother's bait and lose was more embarrassing than anything, really.

He peered out the window. An annoying view of a distant Godric's Hollow, lit with dots of bright lights and hopes and dreams, remains on the horizon. It sours his already horrid night. He needed a distraction. He glances at his older brother.

And from the looks of the murderous rage slowly growing within his brother's eyes, he needs it too.

In another room, Pandora silently packs her sewing kit before anything else, after she is sure that it fits, her clothes come next. The girl is instantly hit with the dilemma that she could not fit all of her dresses and bemoans the inevitability of leaving behind half of her glorious wardrobe.

She sifts through the dresses to decide which ones she could take. The worst part is, she could only take one or two pairs of shoes. Ten dresses, a few pieces, and that wasn't even counting the accessories.

Wait a minute, since Barty barely packed anything, maybe she can ask him to take some of hers in his trunk instead?

With that in mind, Pandora lets go of the dresses she was carrying and walks out of the closet, but then her feet caught onto the corners of something under the skirts and sent the girl onto the ground.

"Ack!"

The girl clutches her aching feet and glares at the stripped red and white box. It must be one of her mother's things since there's a particularly thick layer of dust collecting on top of it. Her mother fancied using her bedroom as her own personal storage room for some reason. The lid had been kicked off, and the dust now flies everywhere. Pandora hacks a cough.

She plucked the lid with two fingers and went to put it back, but she paused when she took a glance at what was inside.

It was a baby blanket. She would know without even picking it up, but she still did. It's baby pink fabric felt so nice on her skin, nothing like anything from the Isle. Soft and patterned with rabbits wearing silly tall hats.

Nothing she had ever seen before. Why would her mother-- oh wait, was it hers? That was the only reason she could think of, but in what world would her mother wrap her daughter around something so... nice?

Pandora hesitated in the doorway of the closet for a few moments.

She silently placed it at the bottom of her trunk. The girl then walked out of her room to go to Evan's house, where Barty surely is at this hour.

Pandora ends up being right. As always. The son of the vizier of Avarice sits idly on Evan's plush quilted bed, leaning on the headboard with a smug expression while the prince bends over into the closet in front of it, ransacking his own things.

"What about this?" Evan asked while holding up a pair of tight black trousers. It would surely do wonders for his arse.

"You're gonna need that."

The prince contemplated for a moment, "Hm. I guess you're right."

Yes! Barty cheered internally.

"Barty?"

"Pandora? What's up?"

"I don't mean to interrupt... whatever this is. Can I use your trunk for my things? I ran out of space."

"Go ahead," Evan answered for the boy.

"Uh, it's my trunk?"

"You're not packing anything important."

"That's true."

Someone knocked on Evan's window, and all three of them jumped. Barty drew his swords immediately.

The younger Black peeks into the room and meets eyes with all three of them.

"Ah, Pandora's here. Saves me the trouble of going over your house," he uttered. "Come on, then."

Evan blinked in confusion, "Reg? Where are you--"

"Come on. We're setting the isle ablaze one last time."

And if on that night, Regulus meets a certain brown haired boy in the hallways and dorms, and Sirius meets with the handsome one again, promising to meet somewhere other than a field of flowers,

Well, no one had to know.

The next morning, the kids stood in the same hall as yesterday, and all the days before than when they did their morning reports of all the evil deeds they've done and plan to do. Only now, they're better dressed for the occasion thanks to one Pandora and Evan, who are relentless when they want to make a first impression.

Pandora's hair is curled into large, sweet locks. Much like Regulus, she wears a capelet with a spotted fur neckline and long sleeves. A red skirt with poodles embroidered that reaches up to her knees and below the knee-high boots. Barty's leather jacket was cleaned to remove whatever rubble he had collected from the fight the day before, and he was washed several times for that very same reason. Evan is prettier today in his best short cape with he red apples and knives. He wore a high collar, a deep-blue shirt embroidered with thorns and apples, long sleeves, and a prominent necklace. A large ruby heart embedded with a dagger.

The Black brothers have always rivalled Evan in good looks, even without doing anything. So it's a bit lethal for anyone if they put the slightest bit of effort into how they look. Sirius wore his best set of rings and earrings, tying his hair wavy hair in a half-bun, and Regulus, his angel-faced brother, wore a different high-neck black capelet embroidered with silver-white pointed stars and constellations. Dark trousers with knives and roses for Evan and Barty, and Pandora's box bag.

Regulus would rather choke on his own blood than ever tell anyone he adores wearing mementos of his friends and family around him. It's a good thing everyone can just tell.

"Queen Rosier, give her the Magic Mirror."

The Rosier monarch beckons her son over. She hands him a small antique hand mirror without a word.

"This... is your magic mirror?"

"Yes, well. It's not what it used to be. But then again, neither are we." The older crowd chuckles, barring Walburga. Sirius rolls his eyes. Honestly, that woman can never be happy.

"It will help you find things."

"Oh, like a prince!" Evan says cheerfully, but his friends get a sense that it wasn't truly the case.

"Like my waistline." His mother deadpanned.

"Like the Elder Wand!" Walburga shrills. Having grown tired of their antics, "Sirius! Regulus!"

Both barely stopped themselves from flinching. They followed their mother. Who plucks a small book from her side table. Regulus eyes it. It's small. Barely bigger than a journal. With the crest of the black family etched onto the cover.

"My spellbook. Or rather, the family's tome. It is the Black Family's greatest treasure. Well, excluding my own scepter."

That caught both of their attention.

"It doesn't work here. But it will in Godric's Hollow. It was handed from one dark herald to another," for a second there, they might've thought her eyes held the barest hint of fondness, "and I shall let you borrow it. So that you may become the best versions of yourselves… by doing exactly as I tell you."

Her words were pricklier than a cursed spindle. Sewing itself onto their very cores, where the buried fears and nightmares reside.

"Begone."

The group picked up their things and started walking towards the door.

"Who is the fairest of them all?" Queen Rosier asked,

"Me."

"Ah!"

"You."

"That's right. My Evan dear. Don't you forget."

Barty listened to his father when he said, "Now, recite out mantra."

"There's no team in 'I'."

"Splendid." Barty nodded and went to grab both his and Evan's trunks.

They exited Grimmauld Place to find a sleek black limo waiting outside. As well as a small crowd of onlookers.

"Ugh, it smells like commonfolk."

"Pandora! Get back here!"

The girl dodged as her mother threw something at her and rushed towards the door. The woman had just woken up. She still didn't allow Pandora to leave. Regulus discreetly tripped the woman on the carpet and snickered when she fell.

Pandora was the first to jump in. Tossing her trunk to the chauffeur, leaving him to handle it before diving into the vehicle, barely missing a flying shoe.

Barty followed her after placing the trunk in the back. Evan went in next, but not without sending a blinding smile to his fans. Sirius and Regulus went to get in, but for some reason, both of them looked back at the balcony at the same time.

There, their mother was gazing upon the rabble, and it seems that in her eyes, they were one of them.

"The future of the free world rests on your shoulders. Don't fail me."

Regulus nods and ducks into the limo. Sirius glared at his mother for a moment, almost daring her to do something cruel. Walburga doesn't react. She drifts back to her lair. Sirius rolls his eyes and enters the car.

"Bring home the gold!"

"At least bring home a puppy!"

"Bring home a prince!"

The driver at the front quietly speaks into the intercom the second the doors close.

"The jackals have landed."

Chapter Text

The sleek black vehicle stuck out like a sore thumb, barely fitting through the tight roads. While some cheered, there were more who looked like they were about to die of jealousy and then--

The group started convulsing in a fit of laughter when they saw Snivellus and his gang among the crowd. Even more so when they saw Shrimpy and her ridiculous crew at the back. They all appeared to have swallowed a whole crate of rotten lemons. A sight so entertaining that not even Barty's hyena of a cackle could ruin.

Just then, Regulus locks eyes with Dorcas'. While his was a pair of grey storms, hers were as dark as deep-sea trenches. A slow, conniving smirk made its way to his mouth, and Dorcas' face twisted even more.

Yeah, that's right. Shrimpy. Even Godric's Hollow knows just how special we are. Have fun in the dump we left behind.

He waved at them the same way his mother does, with condescending flair.

The drive went on as Sirius started humming a song he'd listened to on a scratchy radio. He was a bit excited. Godric's Hollow was lame for sure, but they had to have a wider variety of music than on the Isle. They would actually have vinyl that isn't broken, right? Maybe their electric guitars sounded different. Because whenever he tries, his voice echoes a cat being choked to death.

Maybe that was because Sirius was a bad player, but who could tell?

"I have to admit, the limo's a bit overkill," Sirius commented with his finger tapping on a random surface.

The prince sneered, "I expect nothing less." Moving over to where a dark-eyed Regulus sat near the driver's window, "You're looking a little washed out. Let me help you out."

He pulled out a blush and brush from his makeup pouch and started fixing Regulus' stormy complexion when the boy swatted his hands away.

"Stop that. I'm plotting."

Evan huffed and put his makeup aside, "Well, it's not very attractive."

The sea came into view. They were finally leaving. At the same time, the broken red clock from Dorcas' boat rang from Pandora's bag, and the villain kids all rushed to the back of the car to get a look.

One by one, the ash-filled chimneys of every house exploded in a pillar of colorful smoke, stretching into the sky. Courtesy of Evan and Regulus' combined genius. The isle erupted into chaos once more as a sparkling hail of glitter rained down on them. Courtesy of Pandora. Some chimneys contained mini-paint bombs, such that even those from the ground would not be safe from the rain of rainbows, thanks to Sirius. Barty was responsible for locating the best places to plant them. He was surprisingly smart at setting a timing if he put his spite into it.

They can even hear the agonized screaming of their enemies. What a joy to liven up the sad truth that they would not be there to terrorize their home anymore.

The group sat back in their original places. Pandora and Evan were at the back, nearest to the door, next to Barty, who sat in front of the counter full of treats. Sirius sat by the window, left of his brother, near the driver's window. The younger Black is already back to brooding because, of course, villainy does not rest. He did find an odd remote that did absolutely nothing in the car, so he tossed it aside.

Barty and Sirius stared at the counter. Then at each other. As if thinking the same thing, they started fighting for the stuff there, not even knowing what it was. When Regulus came to, his brother was already shoving that oddly good-smelling, brown stuff into his mouth. Sirius let out a slight whimper at the explosion of sweet and salt.

"Oh!" he said to his brother, "this... It's salty like nuts, but it's sweet like I don't know what."

Regulus frowned, "Let me see."

Sirius opened his mouth and showed him the chewed-up bits like a common riffraff. Regulus hit him at the back of his head and snatched a whole piece from his hands before handing it over to Barty.

"Barty, eat this."

He wasn't about to eat something that was potentially poison or laced with some form of truth serum. He couldn't believe his friends let their guards down this easily. This entire situation was sketchy at best--

"Look!" Pandora yelled, pointing at something behind Regulus.

They all turned to see the car driving straight into the water.

"It's a trap!" He didn't know who said that, but he could vaguely recall his brother pulling him away from the driver's window and shielding him from harm. A habit he'd developed since they were kids.

After a few moments, they thought they would've heard the sound of a big splash by now, or at least felt the impact of the car hitting the water, but there was none. The kids peeked from where they huddled close to the exit.

"What just happened?" Pandora asked meekly.

The limo didn't go down. It kept on going. Streaks of gold stretched out over the waters to build a glittering silver path leading up to Godric's Hollow.

"It must be magic," Regulus murmured.

It's the first time they've ever seen actual magic in action. It wasn't... as horrible as they expected.

Sirius' eyes fell on the remote his brother tossed aside. He was pressing onto something there wasn't he? Right before the bridge appeared. He grabbed it from the seat and went near the driver, "Hey! Did this little button open up the magic barrier?"

The driver didn't even bother to glance at him as he held up a remote, "No, this opens the magic barrier. That one opens my garage. And this button..." he pressed on something that made a black window go up on Sirius' face.

Regulus almost wanted to facepalm at his brother's blatant display of questionable intelligence. Why would he think anything that can open up the barrier would just be lying around on their side of the limo?

"Okay. Nasty. I like that guy." Sirius grinned.

Regulus' eyes rolled to the back of his head. He let his brother have the seat by the driver's window and found the view of the blue sky oddly comforting.

Was the sun always that disturbingly bright?

Evan had great pleasure in feeding Barty those sweet things and watching him choke on them. The boy didn't seem to mind. Regulus was sure Pandora was going to crack her teeth if she kept biting onto that hard, blue lollipop, but she just shrugged at him.

Then there was a shift in the air.

All at once, they could feel it.

An old hag's cackling jolts Evan out of whatever sweet thing he and Barty had going on. He looked around in alarm as the voice kept echoing with the sounds of lightning and frightening screams. He shook Barty, "What--did you hear that?"

But Barty wasn't listening. He was searching for where the snake was hissing. There was a snake in the car! He could practically hear the tail end of a rattle. It was loud and obvious, but why wasn't anyone reacting? "Watch your feet,"

"Barty, what--"

"How doth the little crocodile improve its shining tail, and pour the waters of the Nile on every golden scale!"

"Pandora, what the fuck?" Regulus snapped.

The little red alarm clock in her hands kept ticking, and she herself kept talking, "how cheerfully he seems to grin, how neatly he spreads his claws, and welcome little fishes in with gently smiling jaws."

Regulus could only stare at her in bewilderment. They had told her it was a bad idea to steal the clock from Hook's crocodile, but she didn't listen. The damn object was probably cursed to deteriorate the brain cells of anyone it came across. That's why Hook's daughter, Marlene, and the crew she was affiliated with were... well...

"Master Regulus..."

Regulus whipped around to find nothing but the voice saying the same thing over and over again. With a voice awfully grating yet nervous for someone interfering with him. Who dares-- He could feel his blood boiling at the thought of it all being in his head.

Except that was the case. Wasn't it? It's all in their head.

"Barty! Snap out of it!" The boy had withdrawn his sword halfway. It would've had them sent back to the Isle in no time if the driver saw, and so Regulus slapped him across the cheek. The boy yowled in pain, but the livid red haze in his eyes is gone and replaced with real lividness.

"The fuck, Reg!"

The noise awoke the others from the trance, and all of a sudden, Pandora blinked a few times, and she was back to chewing on that hard candy. Evan looked over, clearly spooked and uneasy. Everything was back to normal. Except for Barty, who was cradling his cheek with the pink hand mark.

Regulus sat back in relief. That was until he glanced at his brother, and all his panic came back.

His brother's eyes were glowing in a luminous bluish light. Tears made of stardust poured down his face. There wasn't anything quite like it. A quiet breeze carried his hair in waves despite there not being any wind in the car. And then, slowly, Regulus could feel himself becoming weightless, along with the jars and candy bowls, and the rest of their friends.

"Sirius...? Sirius!"

Things and people levitated in the car, and Regulus briefly wondered if the driver was suffering through this too or if magic was so mundane in Godric's Hollow that they wouldn't even bat an eye at this display.

For a moment, Regulus was mesmerized. His brother was doing magic just as every dark fairy before him. In a sense, he was proud.

In another, he was horrified. Because if drawing weapons out in the open might get them sent back, showing the world how much of a threat they were surely would.

And Merlin knows, if they return wandless, Mother would kill them.

So Regulus did what every logical villain would do when faced with the choice between violence and self-preservation: Do Both.

His hand hit straight across Sirius's pale cheek. He could hear Barty snorting, but he didn't have time to pay attention to him. In an instant, everything dropped to the ground.

"What the hell--"

"Oh, good. You're back."

Sirius looked murderous, "Did you just hit me?"

"You were doing magic." His brother answered simply, voice low in case the driver was listening in.

Sirius's eyes widened.

"I... what?"

"I couldn't let us be caught. Your cheek is swollen."

"No, shit. I wonder why." Sirius hissed, but it didn't have any real heat. He was staring at his hands as if they held the answer to the universe. Maybe he could feel the residual magic on them. "I did magic..."

Regulus was oddly proud of his brother. Which was an odd feeling to have, in his opinion. It should be the other way around. But it can't be helped if Sirius is brilliant. He was a Black after all. It was a given.

"Whoa, so are you guys wizards now?"

"They're dark fairies, Barty."

"Where're their wings then? Shouldn't it have grown out or something?"

"Evan, shut him up, will you," Regulus says, and Evan shoves that dark brown treat into the boy's mouth.

"Oh, will you grow horns, I wonder?" Pandora chirped, "Regulus would be the loveliest with them."

"He'd be someone's little nightmare, " Sirius agreed with a fond smile and ruffled Regulus' hair. "Imagine seeing this face in your dreams. Why, they'll die of cuteness for sure." The younger Black then silently contemplated the benefits of slapping Sirius again. On the other side, this time, so that the blush would match.

"James, if you shake more, we'd have to cancel on account of you having a seizure," Peter said flatly.

James paced about the room, fiddling with his cuffs and his hair. He's got the speech all memorized. He's buzzing with excitement and nerves. Not a good combination when referring to James Potter.

"I'm fine, Pete."

"Are you?" Peter raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I'm-- just excited." Peter gave him an unimpressed look, "Anyway, where's Remus?"

"Left to get the band members in place. Someone misplaced the trombone again. Is the band necessary?"

"We have to make a good first impression."

"And we need the band to do that?"

"And we need the band to do that. I want them to feel welcome here." James stated noddingly.

He wonders if the other kids were just as nervous as he was on their way to Hogwarts. Not that they should be. There's nothing in Godric's Hollow that could ever harm them.

The door opens, and Dawn's dainty little head peeks in,

"Morning, Jamesy. Are you ready?"

He was a bit surprised when the girl volunteered to welcome the Isle kids. When the idea was presented, she was visibly upset, and her family was one of those who were openly against it. James is glad they got over it enough to give it a chance.

"Yeah, just a sec."

He checked himself in the mirror one more time before heading out.

"I'll see you later, Pete."

"Yep."

"You sure you don't wanna come?"

"Begone." Peter fell on the bed and waved his hand like a prince waving the commoners away. James shook his head and left him be.

Dawn huffed when he was out of sight, "What rude manners."

"It's fine, Dawn. It's Peter after all."

Dawn didn't say anything and snaked her left hand into his elbow. James escorted her to the entrance hall like every good prince would do.

The group sat up when they reached the other side of the bridge. They couldn't contain their excitement.

"Is that a castle?"

"There's another one."

"That one's bigger."

"That's just a tower, Barty."

Forests and greenery as far as the eye could see, and farthest of what they could see in every direction is a castle. There's one in the west, maybe two in the east, but it was there. They could hear princesses singing in the woods despite not seeing any.

"That's weird," said Barty from the corner of the window.

"Do you think they suddenly sing and dance here?"

"Surely not. I wouldn't want to deal with the dancing plague this early in the game."

Then the first of the capital of Godric's Hollow came into view, and Regulus pulled away from the window. The amount of pastel and sunlight made his skin crawl.

"Merlin, the colors!" Pandora wailed. In spite of wearing varying shades of black, white, purple, and pink, the onslaught of yellow and happiness made her want to hide in her mother's skirts.

"Are all the houses like this?"

Barty frowned at the statement. The houses were too far apart due to each having its own irritatingly smelly lawn of bright plants for Barty to run on the roofs. He'd have to settle for what he could swipe then. Speaking of which, Barty discreetly started dismantling the TV from its hinges.

Sirius sees this and starts shoving wrapped-up treats into his leather jacket. It may be the last time they'll get to eat such not-bad things.

"How quaint..." Regulus wrinkles his nose when they passed by a sign that says, 'Welcome to Hogwarts Academy, Goodness doesn't get any better.'

The kids nearly jumped when the driver spoke.

"We've almost arrived."

They could hear the sounds of trumpets from a distance. Evan, Pandora, and Sirius quickly check their appearance. Regulus merely took one glance at his reflection to see that he was still so very effortlessly beautiful. As was the trait of all Blacks. He doesn't know why his brother would bother with making an effort to present himself. He'd do well enough just by standing there doing nothing.

Matter of fact, at their prime, Blacks wouldn't put much effort into most of anything. That's what their army of henchmen was for. All they had to do was sit on their thrones, or occasionally drone about in the throne rooms while giving orders to their lesser. They do not concern themselves with trifling matters.

Which is why this moment in particular stirs his well-controlled wrath.

The second they left the car, the two had gone ahead and embarrassed him!

The vehicle stops, and the five of them step out. At the same time, the band music dies, and evident fear replaces it. Regulus was almost glad, if not for Barty and Sirius.

"Ow! Ow! Stop it! Barty, let go! You got everything else, why do you want whatever this is?!"

"'Cause you want it!"

Regulus wishes he could set his brother and best friend on fire.

Regulus stares at the clouds to try and calm himself.

"Give it to me, damn it!"

"Let go already!"

Nope. It wasn't working. Where is the nearest lighter?

His calculating gaze catches on a trio of seemingly important figures, and he stands straight. He sent a cold, wide-eyed glare at the tackling duo on the ground, "Right yourselves this instant. We have an audience."

Sirius grunts and shoves Barty off him. The latter yanks the hideous scarf they were fighting over and does a piss-poor attempt at shoving it into his vest. That's not even taking into account the TV he doesn't even bother to hide.

"Leave it like you found it, child. And by that, I do mean, just leave it."

The others snickered when Barty pouted. He tossed the TV and everything else that was hanging out of his vest back into the limo.

Regulus watched the tall elderly woman, something pleasant buzzed off of her, but he couldn't tell what it was.

"Welcome to Hogwarts Academy. I am the Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall."

Sirius gawks at her, "The Minerva McGonagall? As in, Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo?"

"Indeed."

"Yeah," Sirius nodded kindly and so unlike himself that Regulus just knew the next thing that would come out of his mouth was bullshit, "I always wondered what it felt like for Cinderella when you just appeared, out of nowhere, with that sparkly wand," he exaggerates, "and warm smile,"

Minerva smiles warmly,

"And that sparkly wand," Sirius emphasizes, hoping the old woman would get it and stir the conversation there.

"That was a long time ago. And as I always say, 'Don't focus on the past or you'll miss the future.'"

The villain kids feigned being impressed.

James couldn't stop himself anymore, he stepped forward to greet them, much to Dawn's displeasure. She would've preferred to stay at least a kingdom away from these people.

"It's so good to finally meet you all, I'm James--"

"Prince James. Soon to be king," the girl beside him giggled uncontrollably. With a voice so shrill, it would put banshees to shame.

Ah, Evan was right. This man is one of the proper gentlemen. "You had me at 'Prince'. My mother is a queen, which makes me a prince as well--"

"The Evil Queen has no royal status here. And neither do you." A sharp voice cuts off.

When their heads snapped towards the girl, she was smiling kindly. Now, all the other kids in front of them were glaring outright. Dawn whimpered, as any damsel would, and stuck close to the prince. She was sure he would protect her.

James laughs awkwardly at the growing tension.

"This is Dawn."

"Princess Dawn," the girl clarified. She snaked her arms around his and giggled again, "His partner. Right, Jamesie?"

She must mean 'Partner-for-the-day', they do get paired together a lot lately. James nods his head.

Regulus stared at the two of them in disgust.

"James and Dawn are going to show you all around. The doors of wisdom are never shut! But the library hours are from 8:00 to 11:00, and as you may have heard, we do have a curfew."

Regulus perked up at that. Books? Real ones? and not, burnt to a crisp, soggy, bookworm leftovers? They had to be. Godric's Hollow was the land of fairytales. Of course, they had to have a perfect library.

The good fairy leaves them with the living furball of sunshine and the smiling doll that likely escaped Geppetto's workshop. Unlike her strained smile, the other boy's was so bright, he should have come with free sunglasses.

He extended a hand and a happy smile to the first Isle kid in the line, "Hi! It's so, so, so--" the boy just shoves a hard fist into his chest and his breath gets punched out of him. "g-good! to finally meet you all."

He shook their hand, hoping the pain wasn't obvious in his voice. Luckily, the others were not quite as violent. There's a blonde boy who looks at him like he's analyzing his worth, a girl with half blonde, half-black hair, absentmindedly looking everywhere else, a beautiful boy with long, wavy black hair,

"This is a momentous occasion, and one that I hope will go down in history... I-is that chocolate?"

Ah, so that's what it was called. Sirius thought.

And another one who was a near identical, but with shorter, curlier locks behind him.

And oh, was James able to tell the difference when their eyes met.

"...as the day our two peoples... b-began to heal..."

James was lost in those quicksilver eyes the second he saw them. The boy had the sweetest angelic face, pale with a beauty mark right below his left eye. He wore a dark capelet embroidered with stars and a blank expression, but his eyes carried all the storms there ever were and all there is to come. The boy was nearly a head shorter than James--and could very well fit in his arms--No, bad James. Don't think like that.

Regulus huffed a harsh breath and hoped no one noticed it. The boy was all too fit for a bloke his age. Incredibly handsome, no doubt hotter than any other bastard in this damn continent. Brown skin and a blinding smile. An annoyingly adorable pair of brown eyes behind an equally annoyingly adorable pair of glasses. Merlin's sake. He looks like the poster boy for goodness and the Sun's mortal incarnate combined.

There's a gnawing feeling at the back of his head that keeps telling him he's forgetting something, but the thing about that is, he quite literally cannot remember what it is.

He forces out a sneer, "Or the day you show four people where the bathrooms are."

James chuckled, "A little bit over the top?"

"A little more than a little bit."

"Well, so much for my first impression." A rare smile graces the boy's lips, and James melts right there. What is wrong with him?

Sirius goes back and forth between the prince and his little brother. For some reason, he doesn't like what he's seeing, he can't tell why, but his brotherly senses are tingling.

Dawn doesn't like it either, so she interrupts.

"Hey! You're Walburga's son, aren't you?" Regulus hardly glances at her, "Yeah, you know what? I totally do not blame you for your mother trying to kill my parents and stuff."

The look on James' face tells Regulus he's happy at least someone on their side was trying. Hah, would he be so stupid as to expect the same?

"Oh, my mother is Aurora, Sleeping--"

"Beauty. I may have heard the name." The pinch on Dawn's face was a good look on her. "Do not fret, I too, will not blame your grandparents for inviting everyone in the whole world but my mother," the most honorable darkest fairy, "to their ludicrous christening." would've wasted her time, anyway.

"Water under the bridge."

"Truly."

Two can play at that game.

James clapped, "Okay, so how about a tour?"

Sirius nodded vigorously, "Great idea, mate. Just--"

He places his hands on his little brother's shoulders and lightly guides him several feet away from the prince. An act that doesn't escape his little brother's notice, but Regulus hardly cares. Evan takes the front of their little group, followed shortly by Barty and Pandora with the Black brothers directly behind them.

"Hogwarts Academy. Originally built 500 years ago by the council and my father when he became king." They arrived at the beast statue. He clapped twice, and the statue fucking moved!

Regulus couldn't tell who shrieked louder, but both Pandora and Sirius threw themselves at him and fear. Regulus could barely carry his brother's weight, and Pandora, just adding to the mix, nearly sends all three of them to the ground.

"It's okay! It's okay. My father wanted his statue to morph from beast to man to remind us that anything is possible."

"Does he shed much?" Regulus asked, looking every bit the unaffected, unreachable boy that he was despite his spine breaking from the weight of two mongrels. He was tempted to throw them off. He would have if they didn't move off him.

"Yeah, mom wouldn't let him on the couch."

Sirius glared at the Prince when he made his brother laugh again. Never mind that it was dry as heck, it was twice in fifteen minutes. That was a record. Something wasn't right here!

The group walked through the hallways, and it instantly cleared out. The students they passed by either ran away or glared from wherever they chose to hide. Whoever's left is only there to stare in interest at the blond prince at the front.

In the Isle, everyone trips over their feet over Evan and the Black brothers. It's the same here. Only this time, it's accompanied by a mix of anger and confusion, likely questioning themselves over their attraction towards a villain. Evan is naturally pleased at having captured the hearts of all the princes and princesses he comes across without so much as a word to them. That was good, he needed to keep his pool of suitors wide and open if he wished to do right by his mother's wishes. The woman will live vicariously through him. Sirius, on the other hand, was too busy glaring daggers at those ogling his brother to appreciate being ogled himself.

If that bastard over there doesn't avert his eyes, he is going to pull them out by his well-manicured nails.

Barty tries sizing up his newest competition, a shame none of them would look him in the eye, but the ones that stared at his friends with lecherous eyes would have to do.

Not even an hour, and they were already notorious. Oh, it was all too easy. Then his eyes land on something almost as red as Evan's lips. He stops walking. There in the bushes, greener than anything in the Isle, was a cluster of red berries. Barty was already plucking them off the plants without thinking and putting them in his mouth.

"Barty?"

"Mhm?"

"What are you eating now, you fool?"

He looks over to the group, and they've stopped walking for some reason and are now looking at him. Regulus in particular was staring silently, but he could see his signature stare of judgment and disdain within that liquid silver gaze.

"This red stuff tastes nice."

"Those are cranberries. They're my Mom's favorite, so Dad had them planted all over Godric's Hollow. I'm glad you like them." James beamed at him.

Barty nodded, collecting a handful before following them so they could go back to their tour. He supposes Godric's Hollow isn't bad if they had food this good lying everywhere.

James had a wide smile as he showed them everywhere, ignoring that his arm was starting to hurt from Dawn gripping it too tightly. He keeps glancing at the boy at the back of the group, even though he barely sees him. It seems as though his brother made it his solemn duty to obscure his view as much as he could. James showed them to the lake, the great hall, the towers, and everything, and to each place, Pandora asked at least two questions. She was quite a curious one.

"What's that?" she pointed outside the window to a tree swaying in its place.

"That's the Whomping Willow. Be careful around it, it's known to hit people."

"Is it magic? It's moving."

"There's debate on whether it's a sentient magical tree or a tree someone placed a spell on."

Dawn wanted to tell her to shut up, to bother a prince this much was unbecoming, but then she remembered these people were neither princes nor royalty. How could she expect good manners from them?

"...This is the library, my mother insisted every landmark has at least one, you'll find that it is filled with every book on every fairytale there ever was, along with all you need in Hogwarts, academically, that is."

The boy in the back snaps into attention. The sweet icy one. Sirius? or Regulus? He couldn't tell. The list hadn't accounted for the brothers to look extremely alike, and photos weren't exactly available.

"The books are flying." The other girl noted.

"Some of them are magically sentient. So watch out for flying--"

"Fuck!"

James whips toward the sound. It was that pretty boy again, cradling a rabid hardback in one hand and his forehead on the other. James panicked and ran to him, ignoring the others' harsh snickers. How mean. Their friend had just been assaulted... in James's school's library. Damn it.

"Are you okay?"

"He's fine, he's been a right prat all day, anyway." Said the rough-looking one.

"Good to see your favourite thing in the world knock some sense into you." Said his own brother!

"Shut your trap." The boy snapped. He rights himself in a way that is so utterly regal, James' ancestors would be proud.

He stares back at the book, raising a hand to caress the spine and cover before checking if there is any damage. When he found none, he opened it, mumbling the title.

"Do you like books?" James couldn't help but ask, desperate for something to talk to the boy about.

The boy only looks at him and doesn't answer, his brother does it for him.

"Regulus loves them. Right, Reggie?"

"Don't call me that."

"So, your name is Regulus? It suits you." The prince appears greatly pleased by this.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, you're quite a more brilliant star than any other star in the sky, aren't you?"

He didn't mean to say what was on his mind then, but there's a twitch on the corner of the boy's lips, and James hangs onto that reaction desperately.

Sirius mentally slaps himself. He didn't mean to give the Prince his brother's name. He would very much like the Prince to stay at least half a mile away from his brother.

"These staircases lead to practically every floor in the academy. Do watch your step. They have a mind of their own."

James gestured to the hallway with the stairs, but he didn't guide them through it. He'll leave them for a chance to explore on their own. Instead, he led them back to the hall where they started.

"Are they magic too?"

"Yes, Pandora."

"You seem to have a lot of magic here in Godric's Hollow. Do you teach people how to handle wands and such?"

"It exists, of course, but it's pretty much retired. Most of us here are just ordinary mortals."

"Who happen to be kings and queens."

James chuckles, and it's by far the most pleasant thing Regulus has ever heard. It makes his skin crawl somehow.

Even Dawn's small high-pitched shrieks could barely scratch it.

"That's true! Our royal blood goes back hundreds of years."

She stares at James endearingly while shyly fiddling with the edge of his sleeve. It was all so incredibly sickening in Regulus's opinion.

"Remus, Remus! Come down." James suddenly calls out.

Sirius was looking down, picking at his nails in boredom, when a tall shadow appeared from the corner of his eyes. He only just suppressed a yawn when he glanced upwards, his breath caught in his throat.

"This is Remus. He's going to help you with your class schedules and..."

He thinks the Prince is saying something, but his voice becomes muffled as Sirius's entire world zeroes in on the figure that just came down the stairs. Light copper hair and the mellowest pale eyes. He has scars similar to those beastly heroes from the legends his mother used to scare them with. "Beware of them, Sirius, they hunt the fae and the wicked alike!" Oddly enough, Sirius doesn't feel scared now. Instead, he's stuck on him, as pathetic as a moth to a flame. He could have sworn he'd seen the same pattern somewhere.

"...and if there's anything you need, feel free to--"

"Ask Remus." Dawn smiled, followed by a contest of the driest laugh in Godric's Hollow between Sleeping Beauty's daughter and the youngest scion of Walburga.

The prince and the princess leave with the latter still clinging to his arm. Regulus turned to his friends, an insult ready on his tongue,

"...Master Regulus..."

He searched all over with a snarl. There it was again. How truly insufferable. And like earlier, there was nothing. The hallway remained empty save for the villains and one lad. It does nothing for his boiling temper.

Pandora watched him worriedly, "Are you alright?"

Regulus replied with a short nod. The two turned back to the tall boy with the clipboard.

"Hi, guys. I'm Remus, Hercules's son."

"A hero, huh?" Barty's grin was manic and full of challenge as he cracked his knuckles.

"Uh-no. Not at all."

"Dang it."

"Don't be too disappointed. I'm sure there are a lot of guys here who... oh."

Sirius suddenly took a step forward, locking eyes with the other.

"Sirius. Walburga's son."

His eyes were liquid gold in the afternoon light. Remus was mesmerized. For a moment, he keeps staring, wide-eyed. His lips opened, mimicking a fish out of water. He had to blink himself back to propriety lest he be lost in that tantalizing gaze forever.

"Okay. So, about your classes--" He prayed they wouldn't be able to tell the way his breath hitched, "I, Uh, put in the requirements already..." the boy with the long black hair oved to peek from behind his shoulders. Oh, Great Merlin! "...H-History of Woodsmen and Pirates, Safety Rules for the Internet, and uh, Remedial Goodness 101..."

Another black haired boy snickered, "Let me guess, new class?"

These must be the Black brothers. Remus thought. At first glance, they look concerningly alike save for their hair. But the more he looked at them, the more he saw the clear differences. One was shorter and looked depressed, the other had slightly tanned skin, piercings in his ear, and an overall livelier vibe.

The latter beckoned them to follow him, "Come on, guys. Let's go find our dorms."

It takes Remus a second to realize they went the wrong way, "Uh, your dorms are actually that way."

Chapter Text

James arrived at the student council lounge to find the rest of his friends pacing anxiously around the room. Alice and Gilderoy were pointing fingers, arguing about something, the former backed by Lily, who Gilderoy effectively cowers under. The Prewett brothers sat in the chairs, their expressions were uneasy, filled with worry. They spotted them entering the hall and immediately ran up to them.

"What's up?" James asked, unsure.

The Prewett brothers only nodded at him on their way to their sister, "Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"

Dawn smiled sweetly, wrapping her hands around James's arm, "I'm okay, Prince James protected me."

Fabian turned to the prince, bumping his fist on his shoulder, "Thanks, man."

"There's no need." Because Dawn wasn't in danger in the first place, James thought. Nevertheless, he couldn't tell how a tell a worried brother how to feel.

He briefly wonders if the Black brothers had a similar bond. Sirius didn't seem to care when Regulus got hit in the head with a book. He even laughed! James still feels horrible. The boy could have seriously gotten hurt. Maybe he can visit him later to ask.

Speaking of which, did they manage to reach their dorms okay? Did they need anything? James shouldn't have left so early. He wanted to see their reactions to seeing the dorms, make sure they were settled in. They weren't children that needed to be coddled, but he wanted to make them feel as welcome as possible. Maybe even make friends with them. They seemed close to each other, would they have preferred sleeping in one dorm?

He made sure to put the brothers in the same dorm so they wouldn't feel homesick with one another. Would the daughter of Cruella be okay just by herself? In the end, nobody volunteered to be her roommate.

"...ames? James!"

James jolted from his reverie. He had settled in the armchair with a tall back near the fireplace. His friends all sat on the sofa around the room, all of them looking at him.

"Wha-huh?"

Lily cleared her throat, "I was asking how the new kids were."

James grinned, "It went well. They seem to like this place."

"Of course they would, Jamesie. This is Godric's Hollow." Dawn giggled. Then she pouted, "I'm still a bit skeptical about this whole thing, but I'm willing to give them a chance."

"Thank you, Dawn."

Dawn preened. But a second later, she frowned, "But with the way they look, I think it's gonna take a while."

James' smile faltered, "What's wrong with it?"

"They dress in rags, Jamesie. In tatters and leathers. And the colors? Too dark and shady. It's all just too chaotic."

"Maybe it's their style," Lily pointed out.

"Who cares? It's scary to look at them. And those patterns, with the snakes and the thorns? It's like they're embracing their evil roots." Dawn shivered, "Not the type you'd want to see on villains in their journey to redemption."

"Oh, give them a break. It's their first day."

"All I'm saying is, if they want things to change, then they'll also have to make an effort." Dawn declared, "And if they want to fit in, then they'll have to follow the rules."

"There's not a single rule in the student handbook that says you have to dress like a prince or a princess every day."

"There's not a single rule in the handbook that says you have to dress like every day is Halloween, either."

The two glared at each other. Or rather, Dawn is trying her best to maintain a front under Lily's calculating, judgmental gaze, only to fail miserably. Her expression slowly goes from confident to anxious the longer Lily looks at her. Finally, after a few moments, she looks away.

Dawn pouted, "I just want them to fit in better."

Lily sighed and placed a hand behind her back, "My mom says we shouldn't have to change ourselves just to fit in. They shouldn't have to either."

"That's because your mom's half a fish," Gideon commented from the single armchair farthest from the fireplace.

"And your mother used to be a forest hooligan, what's your point?"

The children of Aurora gasped indignantly.

"Alright, that's enough." James called out, "You'll start fighting at this rate. Lily, anything to report?"

Lily grabbed her planner from the table and started flipping through it, "Nothing much. It's all the same. The next events are birthdays, deathdays, and anniversaries. Oh! And Coach Hooch wanted to do tryouts this week."

James gaped, "The game is weeks away." It'll be too risky to change the lineup now. Their winning streak was on the line.

"I know! That's why I told her it was a bad idea. But apparently, Sherwood High's got a whole new lineup, and she saw them play and got--" Lily shook her hand rapidly, "she's panicking. Is there anyone in the Vkids who wants to join?"

"Vkids"

"Villain Kids. Keep up with the times, James."

James chuckled, "Ah, no. Lily. I haven't checked. I'll bring it up the next time I see them, I promise."

They've been winning the previous matches with Sherwood High ever since James stepped foot as captain. It's not out of character for them to change their lineup.

Gilderoy sneered from the couch, "Ugh. I heard about that. They have this new killer newbie or whatever. He's no match for me anyway, so don't you guys worry."

"If you can get a goal in without knocking out Professor Slughorn's wig, we won't," said Alice.

The room was instantly filled with snickers. It happened in the last game. Professor Slughorn was so mad that he targeted Gilderoy in his class for weeks. He never did get to grow back his hair. Not even Headmistress McGonagall could help.

"That was an accident."

"The next four times, too?"

Gilderoy groaned loudly.

The light air broke as Lily dropped a bomb that just about ruined James's day, "Oh, by the way, I heard from Madame Pince that Moody just got hired as a teacher."

The offense must've shown on James's face because Lily laughed.

"Apparently, he's the new Godric's Hollow History teacher."

James's head thunked on the back of his armchair. Why Moody of all people? Merlin, he'd bet all his money, Binns could do a better job at teaching another branch of History! He's been doing it for hundreds of years!

"Oh, thank goodness." Dawn sighed in relief. "Ser Moody has been assisting Former Headmaster Dumbledore, right? I'm sure he'll do great."

James highly doubts he's only there to teach because he suddenly had the calling to do so.

Sirius and Regulus entered their dorms with varying degrees of wonder and horror. Their eyes trailed from the large sunlit windows to the plush, square, patterned beds and clean wooden desks. Empty bookshelves lined the walls. In Regulus's opinion, that was the only good thing there was in this whole chamber of niceness.

"This place is so amaz--"

"Gross." The younger added, terrified.

Sirius righted himself and pulled a face. "I know, right? Amazingly gross. Ew."

Thank goodness his brother wasn't paying attention to him, or he would have seen right through Sirius's pretense. Regulus hesitated leaving the shadows near the door into the brightly lit room.

It's the chamber of a vampire's worst nightmare. And maybe even some of Regulus's.

"I'm going to need some serious sunscreen."

"Yeah, me too."

Regulus snapped his fingers and pointed to the curtains, "Sirius."

Sirius understood immediately. The two rushed to opposite sides of the room to hurriedly drag the curtains closed with the speed of a wanted criminal. Only when adequate darkness was achieved then the two brothers let out a relieved sigh.

"That is much better." Said Sirius, dropping onto the bed nearest to the door.

Regulus sat on his, dragging his backpack over. "It's still too warm."

The older brother immediately sat up at the sign of his brother's discomfort.

"I bet I can make it colder with magic."

His brother didn't reply and started searching through his backpack.

Sirius closed his eyes and focused. He tried to feel that familiar electric buzz in the air that he first felt in the limo. There it was, threads made of light floating in the dark. It's everywhere in the room and outside the window. Once he could almost feel it touching his fingertips, he grabbed on to it.

But now what? he doesn't know any spells!

The threads start slipping through his fingers, and Sirius panicked. Ah, whatever! Make it cold!

There's a loud sound of confetti exploding. When Sirius opened his eyes, his jaw dropped.

Regulus was still shuffling through his bag before pulling out an old, rather decrepit-looking tome, "Ah, here it is. There should be a spell here... to..."

The two brothers stared dumbly as their warm, dimly lit dorm room was now halfway buried in snow and winter clouds.

A long moment passed until,

"Sirius!"

Sirius Black ran out the door before he could be hit by the vase his brother threw at him.

Pandora laid eyes on the wide, one-bed, large closeted, large window dorm and jumped in glee. She doesn't have to share her room with half of her mother's closet anymore. Don't get her wrong, she loves her mother, and the woman's collections were to die for. However, tripping over whatever scraps her mother left behind stopped being exciting when she turned eight. The woman barely left anything to work with.

And it looks like she doesn't have to share. There is no other bed! Oh, dear, did the idea of sharing with her scare them off? Good. Saves her the trouble of doing so.

Her stuff was already inside in a neat pile. She pulled the biggest suitcase from underneath. It opened with a loud click to reveal her sewing kit. An old, squeaky sewing machine that her mother doesn't use anymore. It lets out an insanity-inducing screech at every other turn. Perhaps it was what had driven her mother mad early on. It was also the first gift Pandora had ever gotten from her, therefore, she cherishes it dearly.

When, oh when, can I possibly get enough money to throw this junk away?

The orderly room irks her. She yearns for the homely disarray only found in an artist's abode. The way these shelves and desks are neatly placed makes her want to chop off a piece of the table legs just to make it unbalanced.

Pandora started stacking up the mismatched spools and fabric pieces on the empty shelves. Using whatever paperweight there was to hold them down. Her sketchbooks, which were held together by poor, strained garments, are forced into the drawers. The painted shoes with asymmetrical heels she hung above the bedframes, and her pillows and blankets were placed haphazardly around the bed and floors. Slowly, the space started to look like home.

The girl felt like a bird building her nest, in a way, she was. Only her friends were allowed in there. Come to think of it, where were they?

Pandora hits a table's edge in her chaotic runaround, barely catching the table before it tilts and causes whatever is placed above to fall. It is nothing but a plate of surprisingly not-broken teacups and round bread? Pandora plucked it off the table and studied it. Even chewing on it. The poison doesn't take. She doesn't drop on the floor and die. She just keeps eating until she swallows.

She found a ton of things in Godric's Hollow were oddly not-bad--what was the word? Ah, "Pleasant."

The food is certainly pleasant. Like the chocolate stuff and the lolly. Her hand brushes by the clinking teacups. They were set around a larger plate facing downwards. A perfect set of painted porcelain with no chips or bruises. Pandora thought quietly as she grabbed another.

What use is there for teacups if they will not be placed in stacks?

"There." The tea will move easily down now. It will fill up all of them as it goes. Pandora is a genius.

After ensuring that her studio is well decorated, the girl left to go find a certain brooding dark fairy... and his less certain, less brooding dark fairy brother.

To be fair, Sirius doesn't seem to have anything in his life in order. Perhaps that's why he's so fun. And so, so lost.

She skipped through the hallways humming about the earls of Mercia and Northumbria. Now, William wasn't much to begin with, so why had the pope favoured him? People shouldn't be conquered, much less get used to it. There should be no conquerors at all. Mean lot they are, always plundering and usurping. And the nobles have nothing good to offer besides their bountiful coffers, maybe a thimble as a prize for a nonsensical race.

None of which made sense exactly. What is a Mercia? What is Northumbria? What unusual names for states.

It might just be the driest thing she's never known.

Chills ran up her spine as she crossed to the other wing of the building. Suddenly, the air is wet and cold. Pandora feels as though she may get sick now. Perhaps racing down the hall would fix it?

And so Pandora ran with her head in the clouds, as it's where it mostly was these days.

Something dark rushed passed her, followed by an echoing yell from the other end of the hall, "Sirius!"

How curious, Sirius wasn't there anymore. Sirius was over there.

Ah. The corner ate him. Poor Sirius.

"Hello, Reg--oh dear,"

So the cold air came from here. "I like what you've done with the place. Is that new?" the girl asked, pointing at the white snow.

Regulus grumbled grumpily, "It's all Sirius's fault! the imbecile."

There's a snap at the back of her mind, and her head is pulled down from the clouds. She's not there anymore, she's here. Not a mouse, but a girl. She's Pandora again.

"What did he do?"

"Magic. Couldn't wait for me to pull out the spellbook--no! The mongrel had to show off!" Regulus flipped the worn pages carefully until he landed on a spell he hoped would fix it.

"Beware, forswear, vanish this mess into thin air." His hand moved, following the gesture drawn on the paper.

A moment passes, and nothing happens. Regulus's eyes narrowed and read it again.

"Beware, forswear, vanish this mess into thin air."

Nothing.

By the third try, and nothing still happens, Regulus is filled with dread.

"Maybe the incantation's just wrong," Pandora says nervously.

"Or maybe I can't do magic." The boy whispered, pupils narrowing into slits, "Hundreds of years of evil heralds and I'm the only one who can't do magic..."

She can easily track the telltale of Regulus's outbursts. They're rare. She can count the number of times it happened by just one hand. Regulus is a meticulous fellow, always the bigger mastermind. "Details, details!" the boy would bark with each caper and raid. An ideal his mother drilled into his brain to create the perfect chess piece of cruelty. Having something out of his control did not bode well for his scheming mindset or his overall well-being.

Or the surroundings for that matter.

"We don't know that yet, Reg. It's too early to tell."

"How would you know that?"

"I don't! But--" Think, Pandora, what can distract him before he decides to burn the school to the ground? "I-if you do anything rash, it... ah! It may impede our mission! Yes. Your mother would not like it if you blew our cover now."

That must've been the wrong answer because Regulus's head snapped towards her, his eyes less pale, storm grey, and more a bluebell flame.

"It wasn't me who blew our cover, it was Sirius!"

The room shook in his anger. Pandora would have been genuinely terrified if a patch of snow resting on the bed roof hadn't fallen right on top of Regulus's head and extinguished his growing fury.

Sirius rounded up the staircase only to realize he had reached the very top. In between nearly falling to his death due to their movement and dying at his brother's hands, he would gladly argue that the former would be a lot less painful. His brother remains less merciful when he is inconvenienced. The sensitive prat.

Sirius breathed heavily. Curse this place for its unnecessary amount of stairs and no roofs that stick together. How is anybody supposed to plan an escape plan in these conditions?

The sun is a terror. There's barely any shade. And the trees are so far apart they make it seem like they're conspiring with the sun to annihilate vampires from the surface world. No shadows to blend into, no alleys to hide in. Oh, Regulus hated this place for sure.

"Hello there," a voice spoke softly. A bit dead and monotonous, still, Sirius could sense the subtle warmth in them. He turned to where it came from to find their tour guide from earlier sitting under an umbrella next to a table full of tea and something on the plates that he didn't know the name of. Maybe another type of those chocolate things.

Sirius wasn't stupid. He knew what chocolate was... In theory, at least. They're sweet and they're fun to eat. That's all there is.

"You again," said the elder Black.

Remus barely reacted to his rude tone and sipped his tea. An open book on his lap like a proper posh bloke.

"What brings you here?"

"What, is this place forbidden?"

Remus lets out a light, near-missable chuckle, yet it lights Sirius's insides on fire. "Forbidden? Who says that? This isn't the 1400s."

He flushes uncontrollably in a way that would have put his ancestors to shame for the unseemly display. Sirius usually doesn't care, except he becomes hyperaware of everything, just for this moment. It's absolutely shameful. He needs to flee.

But Blacks don't flee. They make strategic retreats. Shame. It is Regulus who is better at making those. Sirius is only good at getting them into the mess. Sirius doesn't flee either. He fights. He bites and he claws till he wins.

"I'm sorry. Didn't mean to laugh." Yes, you did. You punk.

Sirius's hand twitched to grab him by the neck and squeeze him till the boy stops breathing. He exhales heavily. It becomes what is known as the longest minute of his life before the boy takes mercy on him and asks him to sit down.

"Well, don't just stand there, come sit."

Sirius crosses his arms and glares at him, "And why would I do that?"

"You don't have to, but you're starting to turn red. Are you not used to being under the sun for this long?" His expression is full of worry for someone who doesn't even know Sirius.

It unsettles Sirius somehow. Something irritating curled at the pit of his stomach at the sight of the sun hitting his sandy hair and the way his eyes that previously moved to read each sentence on the page, now peer into Sirius's soul. He found his own stuck on the way the boy's long fingers held the arm of the teacup with an air of grace and calmness, without it being irritating like the rest of the people on this side of the bridge.

It's bad. It's bad. It's bad.

Not the 'make your mother proud' type, bad. Not even the 'impress your brother' type bad, no, this is the 'even your brother would kill you if he found out' type bad. Sirius needed to go.

And yet, Sirius sits down. Of course, he does it with as much dramatic flair as he could and slams his pert ass down. Arms still crossed as he glares at the table.

"What's all this then?"

"Tea and Scones." Remus sees the way the other boy's gray eyes observe the scones with the wariness of someone half-expecting it to spring into life and brandish swords at them. "Go on, try it. I've been eating it since earlier. I assure you, it's not poison."

The boy stared at him with suspicion. Remus took a scone to put in his mouth just to show it to him. Only then did the boy start to eat, and if the way his eyes lit up with each bite meant anything, Remus was confident to assume he liked it.

Remus is once again reminded that they didn't get things this nice in the isle.

Still, he asks, "Is it good?"

Sirius hesitated. "...it's not bad."

"You'll find them on every buffet table, so feel free to take as much as you like." Remus places the book aside and ignores the hidden inclinations that came with it. Sirius doesn't need to know. What he doesn't know won't kill Remus.

"So, what brings you here?"

"The psychotic stairs you people built in here. Whose idea was that anyway?"

"Surprisingly, Dumbledore's."

"Bloody Leader of the side of Light Dumbledore?"

"That's the one."

"That's mental."

"My thoughts exactly."

Sirius chews on the scones for a bit.

"It's a bit fun, I guess."

"Sorry, fun?"

"Yeah. I reckon by Tuesday I've memorized the rotations well enough to ignore it entirely and just jump through it."

"Jump through it?" Remus repeats. He must be hearing it wrong.

"Yep," the boy said, popping out the 'p'. "It's the only place here that has actual parkour potential. We don't have moving stairs back in the Isle. I mean, there's flying debris and hailstorms. We've never had a moving staircase before."

Remus blinks furiously, "I'm sorry. Let me get this straight, you found the one safety hazard there is in Godric's Hollow that the isle doesn't have and your first thought is to jump through it?"

"You know, I really hate repeating myself."

"You will do no such thing. That is dangerous!"

"You don't get to decide that, Remmington."

"My name is Remus."

Sirius waved his hand nonchalantly, "Oh, right. The hero's son."

Remus bristles at that. Obviously, he didn't like being reminded that his father was a hero. That, Sirius can understand. If such a man were his father, too, Sirius would've been so ashamed he'd hide in a hole and die.

"And you're Sirius. Walburga's son." Remus sneered.

Sirius grinned wickedly, "Is that supposed to be an insult? Contrary to popular belief, most Isle kids are quite proud of their heritage."

"Why would they be?" Remus instantly regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth. Sirius's eyes iced over, and the previous mischief was gone. All that's left is the slight glow of liquid gold. Remus instantly feels danger in the air. It's charged with an electric static even he could feel, and he doesn't have anything to do with magic.

"Why wouldn't we? Most of us hailed from centuries of greatness until do-gooders like your sires came and took everything from us." Sounded like something his brother would say. Sirius had to channel a sense of his mother and brother's classic House Black superiority because there simply was none in himself. Sirius doesn't feel at all inclined towards his family like his brother is, still, no one gets to insult him or his brother for their heritage. Sirius will simply set them on fire if they try.

His eyes burned and froze, stinging in their sockets.

"You ruled in tyranny." The boy pointed out. As if that was important.

"Every great dynasty requires great sacrifice. Every crown weighs blood, and those destined to bear them will always walk the path of thorns. But," Sirius tilts his head, still smiling, "who says we can't use peasants as carpets?"

"What?"

"They are merely rabble, are they not?"

Sirius doesn't feel like himself when he says this. This all sounds like something Regulus would feel more pride in saying. He doesn't even feel like himself. He's detached from his body, watching and hearing all the things he's saying as if his own voice is not his to speak with. He despises it. But what is a Black without their cruelty? What is a Black without their madness?

Nothing. He'd be nothing if he were not a Black.

"You do realize how evil that is, right?"

"Of course I do. That is why it's right."

"No--alright," Remus raised his hands, and looked to the sky, "James, you owe me, I can't believe you're making me do this."

Sirius scowled. "What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing. It's--er... What makes you think it's right?"

"What?"

"Everything you said, what makes you think it's right?"

"Because it is."

"How?"

"What do you mean, how?" Sirius is starting to get irritated. It looks like the other bloke is at his wits' end too. It's a bit endearing how his eyebrows come together, his eyes widening, his mouth set in a deep scowl to form the expression that says he's appalled by Sirius' sheer audacity.

It's a rather handsome look on him. He should be mad at Sirius more.

Wait no.

Remus rubs his temple, face scrunched up like an adorable voodoo doll from Mary's collection, muttering something that sounds close to, "...is gonna take a while..."

Sirius hummed in triumph and finished another scone. Then he pointed at the teacup and his cup. Or rather, Remus's half-empty cup that he had claimed for himself. The other boy let out a resigned sigh and poured for him before getting another cup and pouring for himself.

"You seem upset, hero boy." Sirius pointed out after a moment of silence, but the boy's frown didn't go away. What's he mad about?

"Don't call me that."

"What then?"

"Just Remus is fine."

"Nah, I don't think so. Give me time, I'll think of something." Sirius grins easily. It melts all the spite and vindication piling up in Remus's chest.

Remus wants to think that it should, seeing as it's there because of Sirius in the first place. At the same time, he's baffled that it does. Was it fine to think he'd fix the turmoil he'd caused Sirius in turn, even if he wasn't aware?

"Should I just call you Sirius then?"

"That is my name, yes."

"Hm. I don't think so." The tall man shook his head, "Give me time, I'll think of something."

Something is fluttering inside his stomach again. He's not sure if he still hates it this time. He's aware it can't possibly be good, but what is he to do with the boy smirking at him like that? Sirius feels lightheaded.

Sirius forced down that giddy feeling and tried to frown. He couldn't control it as well as he thought, so he ended up with a pout, "You're not original."

"Oh? Is learning from you a bad thing, then?" There's a glint of something in Remus's eyes that makes Sirius feel like he's peering right into his soul. It's both unsettling and thrilling--Sirius can't look away.

He manages a response without shivering, "Absolutely not. I'm one of the best. But if you want to be my henchmen, you'll have to do more than imitate me."

"What if I don't want to be your henchman?"

"Well, what do you want then?"

"Who knows? I might want to be your rival."

Sirius laughs so loud it makes his shoulder bounce. Remus thinks none of the music he listens to sounds better than this.

"How bold. You don't have what it takes."

"I'm a demigod. You're a dark fairy who barely knows magic. If you think about it, it is you who's not up to the task."

Sirius gasped indignantly. He pointed at the offending figure, "You-- just wait. I'll be the most powerful foe you've ever faced!"

"I'll hold you up to it," Remus says with a small smile.

Just like that, the air turns sweet, charged with something other than earlier's tension. The two continue with their tea and scones. Falling into easy chatter like two old friends who've grown old play-fighting. It feels like they've done this before. Sirius chews scones whilst talking, the other listens, occasionally saying a thing or two. The book on the table lay forgotten with its owner lost in ramblings and bluish gray eyes. Remus would occasionally pour tea when it ran out in either of their cups because Sirius apparently doesn't know how to pour without spilling over.

Except every time Sirius finishes his cup, he keeps taking Remus's and claiming it as his own.

It doesn't take long for Remus to realize he doesn't mind that at all.

Later, Remus returned to the dorms a bit out of it. His thoughts filled with a certain Black haired boy. The sun was already setting when he got there. He missed all of his appointments for that whole afternoon, including the book club meeting. He never misses the book club meeting.

Remus scratched the back of his head. He placed the book on top of the bedside table.

Peter was already sleeping when he got there. He's not tucked in like usual. His knees and feet are hanging off the bed's edge. He must've fallen asleep by accident again. Peter takes his afternoon naps very seriously. Even allocated his classes so it doesn't clash with his sleep schedules.

He doesn't sleep this far into the afternoon.

Weird things keep happening.

Remus fell on his bed and stared at the ceiling. He wanted to sleep. He wanted so desperately for sleep to come. He wanted to forget about the whole afternoon full of mischievous gazes and snarky comments. His laugh is stuck in his head like a broken record he broke on purpose.

Was he actually flirting with him earlier? What the heck is he doing?

Sirius is a villain kid. There was no chance the two of them could be together. There was no way Sirius would ever look at him like that in the first place. Not genuinely, at least. For all he knows, this could all be part of some ploy to take over the world.

That sounds absurd. Even he thinks he's gone insane.

It didn't seem like a ploy. Sirius couldn't possibly have known Remus would be on that rooftop unless he was following him. But why would they do that? It's not like Remus is particularly important. James would have been easier to approach.

Speak of the devil and he shall come. The door opened, and here entered James Potter.

"Hey Moony, Wo--he's still asleep?"

"I knew it was weird."

"Must be the stress." They let Peter sleep for a while longer. And settled to speaking in low voices.

"How was the tour?"

"It went well. There wasn't much to show aside from their classrooms and dorms." Remus had a pinched expression when he mentioned the classrooms."

"Something wrong, Moony?"

"It's just... Do you think Remedial Goodness is enough? I feel like the problem stems far deeper than that."

"What do you mean?"

Remus tells him about the meeting with Sirius, leaving out what came after the argument. James didn't need to know his best friend was practically flirting with the enemy. Though since James doesn't see them as enemies, he and Peter might be the only people in the entire kingdom who'd be supportive.

Hah! Be supportive. Like, there's anything to be supportive of. Don't be absurd, Remus. He thought bitterly. Why would anyone even?

"It seems their values are placed in direct opposition to ours. If we try to challenge it, we may make an enemy out of all of them." Remus stated.

"But if we don't do anything, all of this is going to blow up in our faces soon."

"Yikes." Says someone from the bed.

"Evening, Pete."

"Yeah, yeah. That sounds terrible. What made you think this was a good idea in the first place?" Peter snickered.

James threw a pillow at him, which the boy dodged easily. Really, he should get into the Tourney. He'd be a monster forward on the field. James is still trying to convince both of them to be players. Peter declines on the account of being too lazy, while Remus says it'd be unfair to any other teams because he's a demigod. They've played against giants before and won, so he doesn't know what unfairness it was that Remus is talking about. Maybe he just doesn't want to play. James isn't sure, though.

"So, what's this about going on a rooftop date with a villain?" Peter says easily, and if the way Remus goes completely red was anything to go by...

Peter and James grinned.

Oh?

And so, Remus was relentlessly teased for the whole evening.

Sirius carefully returns to his and his brother's dorm to find that there is no more snow lying around. It had been cleaned, though. The carpets and beds were still a bit damp and would no doubt be cold for the rest of the night. By then, his brother would need warmers. Sirius would have tried again if it didn't mean fucking up his brother's first night in a decent room.

He exits the room and goes to Barty and Evan's. He heard their voices before they even got to the door.

Regulus's head whipped towards the door the second it opened, and silence fell around the room for a moment. Sirius sheepishly endured his brother's stare, sharp as knives. Nothing you can do when your brother wants to kill you and has every right to it.

"As you were saying, Reggie?" Pandora piped out. Her voice squeaked a bit. He's that mad? Huh. And here Sirius thought he could bribe him with scones.

Whatever, it was hours ago. He's overreacting at this point.

"What're you guys up to?"

"The Elder Wand," his brother grits out. He would have looked intimidating to anyone else, but the sight of his damp hair sticking to his forehead just makes him look like an angry wet cat.

"Ah, off to make mummy proud, are we?"

"Can you at least try?"

"Okay," Sirius holds his hands up in surrender. "What's the plan?"