Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or anything else in this story.
Author's Note: Goooood morning, Beautifuls.
"Do I call you 'Your Majesty' or Grandma?" Sirius tried to lighten the tension in the room. He looked at the woman, who, at the age of at least 50, looked healthy with bright green eyes, and black hair. He saw the resemblance of himself.
"For 20 years I have waited to meet you and this is your first question for me?" She laughed, her eyes alight with amusement. She moved closer to him, and placed her arms around his shoulders, pulling him into a hug. Sirius smiled, smelling the sweet scent of lavender. "Welcome home, my baby."
"Thank you, grandmamma." Sirius kissed her hair. The woman pulled back, a look of shock on her face.
"Your mother used to do that…" She said softly, a few tears forming. She held his hands close together, then turned abruptly, leaving them in a stunned silence.
"Way to go, dunce." Philipe called from where he was across the room.
"Shove it." Sirius retorted, turning away and leaving the room as well.
Sirius somehow found his way to the gallery. There were paintings of every King's family, and he could tell the current picture had recently been updated, because there he stood, closest to the King and Queen. On his left was his deceased mother, and to his right was a man he had never seen before. He assumed it was his recently deceased cousin, Alphred. He found himself entranced by his mother. She was by far the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She had the features of a Queen. Those beautiful dainty cheek bones, deep emerald green eyes, and flowing black hair.
"She was a highly talented witch." King Helbert said, standing beside him. "You would make her proud. You have so much raw potential. This… contest was not my idea. I was more than willing to make you my heir. However, Admiral Deveraux…" The King almost spit in disgust. "Admiral Deveraux feels his children have claim to the throne as they are legitimate. I am aware Natajia has warned you against messing with the Deveraux. That is wise."
"I think the Admiral and Philipe are the enemies, not the girls and Francis. They are mere pawns in the Admiral's plans. I have a strange question. Is it true the King can marry as many women as they like?" Sirius looked up at his grandfather.
"If it had not been for my utter devotion to Elizabeth, there would be children running down these halls at this instant. A King may take as many wives as he pleases. Is marriage already on your mind?" Helbert asked, looking towards his young grandson.
"I'm far from ready at the moment. But it's something Violetta said. She said I would have many wives and children." Sirius replied, his head tilted to the side.
"Then so you will. When you're ready. Now, let this old King as you a question. Which Lady have you fallen in love with?" The King grinned.
"Natajia." He didn't even have to think about it. He had fallen the day at the ministry, and there was no going back.
"Have you told the Lady Tatiana? Don't look so shocked, my boy. I was unmarried until I was 34. Do you think I didn't have lovers til Elizabeth? I recall a certain Lady Malfoy… Never mind that, my boy. Best not to dwell on the past." Helbert went quiet for a few seconds, both men deep in thought.
"And the Ladies, if they don't become heir, are they forced into arranged marriages?" Sirius asked.
"I wouldn't say forced so much as helped find a husband…" Helbert replied simply. He turned to look at Sirius. "If someone would speak for them before an arrangement, they would be guaranteed a proper guardian. Should the heir speak for said ladies, well, he could either marry them or find a husband he deems suitable."
"When do we finish this little… Competition?" Sirius grinned a little.
Sirius awoke to find both Hermione and Ron sitting at the side table. He jumped up and hugged them both.
"How'd you guys get here?" Sirius asked them, looking each of them over.
"His Majesty sent us an owl yesterday. Invited us for a day at the Manor." Hermione replied, smiling. Sirius kissed the top of her head.
"I'm happy for you and Luna." He assured her. Her smile grew brighter.
"I'm happy for you and Tatiana." Hermione patted his hand. He stared at her to see if she was joking.
"Tatiana? You've spoken to her? It was a one night thing…" Sirius started, then it dawned on him. Even with the competition, the girls stood no chance of becoming heir. They would all start vying for his attention. "Wait til you meet the others."
"Oi, mate, you keeping em all to yourself?" Ron laughed. Sirius slapped his shoulder as he made for his closet. When Sirius walked out, this time in a whole suit of blue, the two gawked at him. "Blimey, we look like bums…"
"I could fix your clothing…" Sirius said and then waved his wand. Hermione's simple grey track out turned into a dazzling red dress as Ron's sweat pants turned into a grey suit to match Sirius'. "You'll notice the other's will look the same as us. Stay away from Philipe Deveraux and his father, Admiral Deveraux."
"Got it." Both replied as they headed towards the main hall. They were both surprised to see the others. Violetta stood there in a green halter top dress with emerald jewelry, whereas Nicola was wearing a sky blue dress, a stark contrast to her sister. Natajia wore a pale pink sun dress, something Sirius was sure matched her personality a little too much. Tatiana had on black cocktail dress, her blonde hair woven intricately into itself, with too many diamonds on her neck and hands. Konstantin, who seemed to be ignoring everyone, had a suit similar to Ron's. Philipe had on an outfit too close to Sirius' the day before, while Francis had on one similar to his suit today.
"I would have invited someone had I know your friends were… acceptable company." Philipe drawled, rolling up his sleeves. He all but pranced over towards Hermione, holding out his hand. "Go on, take it, doll. My names Philipe, Philipe Nicolas Konstanz Deveraux." Hermione placed her hand in his, an annoyed grin forming at the corners of her mouth. Philipe kissed her hand softly. "And you are?"
"Hermione. Hermione Jean Granger. However, you're barking up the wrong tree." She replied, leaning in towards Philipe. "I like women."
"Good lord, Sirius." Philipe said in disgust. Sirius smirked and turned towards Tatiana and Natajia.
"Would you ladies care to join us?" Sirius asked, holding his arms out to them. Tatiana immediately wrapped herself up on Sirius' arm, whereas Natajia held back.
"Could I just… Accompany your red haired friend here?" She asked, letting Sirius down.
"Of course, Natajia, of course." Sirius said, handing her arm to Ron. Sirius wasn't surprised to find Nicola on Konstantin's arm, however, Violetta stood by herself. He steered Tatiana towards Violetta, and gradually captured her arm as well. "Shall we make our way out?" Sirius asked as Hermione gave her arm to Francis, which surprised him wholeheartedly.
Once outside, each person was astounded by the tents that appeared only minutes before. Inside the tent stood a mock courtroom. Where the judge would sit was King Helbert, an extra chair next to him. To the left of the Judge's box was another box, presumably for Sirius, the Romanova's, the Deveraux, Konstantin, Ron, and Hermione. Once seated, King Helbert stood up.
"For our first court case, Tatiana Romanova will preside. Bring forth first defendant." Helbert called as he motioned Tatiana to take the chair next to him. Sirius only then realized the seats were full of witches and wizards.