Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
The next day the first thing James did was sending one of his men with a message to Lily to join him and his friends for breakfast. Perhaps not proper – definitely not proper – but teaching her to fight with sword wasn't proper either, so what did it matter? The crew wouldn't tattletale what happened on the ship, or they would get sacked. Except that, he trusted his men. He didn't think they would give away any secrets even if they hadn't risked their jobs by doing so.
Walking into the dining room which was meant for the captain and his officers, he saw that his friends were there already. Except them there was also the cabin boys who acted servants during the journeys since none of them wanted the gossiping castle servants on their sanctuary. All of them wore the same clothes as usual and looked alert. Sometimes it could be really hard to get Remus and Peter up from bed, but somehow they never had that problem when sailing. Perhaps it was the rocking from the waves that made them sleep better.
Neither of them sat on the short end of the table, as that was the seat for the most important and powerful person, and while James both were captain and prince the Marauders thought of themselves as equal. They knew everything about each other and accepted James as the leader of the crew and the kingdom, but James and Sirius both ruled their group together as equals, but Remus and Peter didn't really mind, they knew that none of their friends thought of them as lesser. A group simply needed a leader (or leaders, in their case), that didn't mean anything when it came to their worth as members of the Marauders. So James sat down next to Sirius and on the opposite side of Peter, and joined into the conversation.
After about ten minutes it knocked on the door. Caspar went to open the door when Peter had nodded for him to do so and Lily stepped in. James smiled broadly as the sight. She looked slightly unsure, but was as beautiful as usual. Her red hair wasn't braided, it was put in a bun, but with that exception she looked as usual. Lovely as usual. No! Bad James. The captain mentally kicked himself. Lily's looks doesn't matter, you're friends, and nothing but friends. You don't care remotely about Sirius', Remus' or Peter's looks, so you won't care about Lily's either. Ignoring himself he and his friends rose as it was a lady in the room. A gentleman didn't sit while a lady was standing. She raised an eyebrow at it but seemed to decide not to mention it. Instead she simply stood there in the opening until Remus told her to come in.
"Good morning, Lils." He smiled and gestured toward a chair next to Sirius. "Come in and sit down, breakfast is just getting served."
As she sat down and smiled politely toward them all James waved toward one of the boys, who hurried away to get the breakfast.
"Did you enjoy Hufflepuff, Miss Evans?" Peter asked, sounding slightly unsure exactly how he would address her. James didn't blame him. She was a woman, commoner, servant and James and Remus' friend. And while Remus too had been most of those things until a few years ago, they had been childhood friends, so with him nothing had been odd since the very first day they met him.
"Oh, yes, milord." Lily looked almost as confused. James and Remus both grinned toward her, urging her to continue. "Diagon is a very beautiful city, and everyone's very nice. It was great to be on a place where no one thought it was strange with a female horse keeper. Though the stables and horse keeping is better in Gryffindor… But the royal stables had some really beautiful Horizons-horses. I've never seen one of those for real before, but dad always said that they were some of the best horses there is."
"Geez," Sirius muttered, though he was smirking. "She is as bad as you are, Prongsie." James looked sheepish, he knew that his friends often found him annoying with his talk about horses. Sirius turned to Lily. "Have you ever played horse polo, Miss?" He asked, sounding curious. Horse polo was the favourite sport of both James and Sirius, and they excelled at it. Even more since they got their Phoenix horses, but a good horse could only take you that long.
Much to the disappointment of the two brothers-in-arms the horse keeper shook her head.
"No, never. Firstly, there wasn't anyone who would've taught a girl in Surrey, secondly that's not a sport commoners usually play, and thirdly, I've never really seen the point of it."
James and Sirius gasped, and Remus and Peter stared at each other in horror. Now she had done it. They sighed as their friends threw themselves into an explanation of why it was the best sport ever and cast Lily a pitiful look. She would have to listen on it all, or else they would begin from the start again. The two of them had luckily enough interest in horse polo not to have to listen to this speech, but they had still heard it many times when people at the court, and in villages they had visited incognito, had said the exact same thing as the commoner.
Luckily the boy came back with the food soon and the black haired men got distracted from their rant. The breakfast was simple but tasty. Lily looked slightly shocked when she realized she wasn't supposed to serve herself but let the boys do it but except that everything went smoothly, and at the end of the meal James could tell that both Sirius and Peter had taken liking to her and she to them. In the middle of the meal Sirius seemed to get tired of the formality and practically ordered her to call him and Peter by their names, it's not like it mattered, no one's going to hear, and she smiled and told them to call her by her name in that case.
"Meet us at the main deck in two hours." Remus said just before they left the dining room. "Dress comfortably."
Lily smiled, excited when she understood what would come, and promised before leaving to look after the horses.
"You sure about this, Prongs?" Sirius put his hand on his shoulder. He was slightly sceptical about the whole thing and had been ever since he told them about his plan. It wasn't surprising, James and Remus had both had a hard time coming to the realization that being a woman didn't matter much, and both Peter and Sirius had grown up in much more strictly traditional homes than James and Remus. While the royals held on traditions they didn't mind changes when it meant something would become better. The count and countess of Aleria was very much for the old, though, and the duke and duchess of Grimmauld a lot more so. The prince nodded.
"Completely."
Two hours later every single member of the crew that wasn't on duty for the moment had gathered on the deck when the captain and his mates showed up. Apparently word had gone round already. Lily was already there, looking both excited and nervous, just as she should. This wasn't going to be a dance on roses, after all.
When James walked out on deck he was dressed in comfortable and stretchy brown trousers, comfortable leather boots, and a loose but tight white shirt, and of course a scabbard in which he had one of his less sharp blades. Lily was similarly dressed after consulting with Remus, minus the scabbard and sword, of course.
She smiled, and he smiled back. Which seemed to make her slightly nervous, because it wasn't his usual mirthful smile. Fighting was something he took very seriously, and in the same moment as he appeared on the deck he was no longer her friend. He was her teacher and she was his student, and that was how he was going to act. Which was visible on his smile.
"Okay, Lily." The captain said, waving Peter to them. In his arms, Peter had a piece of cloth that seemed quite heavy. "First things first. We are going to decide which sword you are going to use. Wormtail." He added, upon which the navigator put down the cloth and rolled it up, revealing about ten swords. He placed them wearily on the white cloth, so each and every one was visible.
"Personally I am using a long sword, as the Sword of Gryffindor is one and I have been trained since childhood to use it, even though I am able to use most swords. Moony and Padfoot prefer basket rapiers and Wormtail normally fights with a cavalry officer rapier."
"Except those," he pointed at three different swords, "We have also got a Långström-rapier, Infantry officer rapier, a Pallasch – though those are mostly used by the heavy cavalry, I am not sure why we had one on the ship – a M1685 Carolinian and an Artillery N.C.O sabre." He counted up a few more swords. "If none of them would fit you, then you will have to use one until we get to land and can find one who does. And either way, we are going to find you a sword of your own when we reaches Gryffindale. We are lucky, because the Ravenclawian weapon smith Garrick Ollivander is in the city for a few weeks, to find some material only we have got. He is the best there is. The Ollivanders have made weapons for centuries."
Lily raised an eyebrow.
"There's no way I'd be able to pay for something like that. A horse keeper's salary isn't bad, but it's certainly not good enough for something like that."
"I will not let you fight with a mediocre sword. I will pay, just like I paid for Remus' education before he got knighted. That is things you do for you friends – and students, in your case."
Lily began protesting, but James interrupted and told her to try out the swords. She shrugged, seemed to decide she could argue later, and bowed down to try the swords. She tried multiple swords, but the three knights surrounded her and came with negative commentary that made her choose another one.
"Too long." "To heavy." "Too unbalanced" were some of the favourite comments.
Lily seemed to begin to get tired in her arms from lifting and swinging the swords around like Remus showed her, James noted. He knew they were being critical, but she had to have a weapon that fit her or there would be no reason to have one at all, in his opinion.
"Stop." Remus suddenly said, as she picked up the M1685 Carolinian sword. The brunette stepped forward and began to walk around Lily. "Swing it." He ordered, and she did as she was told. "That one is good. It is slightly too long, and could use better balance, but that can be fixed when we meet Mr Ollivander. We will simply buy her a better sword, but I think this is the best we have got for her."
James and the other two Marauders nodded. After instructing their student – and probably first female sword fighter in the entirety of Gryffindor – on how to hold the sword they began.
"Now, Lily, we are going to teach you to fight like a pirate, not a knight." The prince said, holding up a hand to silence her when she opened her mouth. "You are completely inferior most of the men you are going to meet in battle, if it comes to that point, as they will probably have years of training, length, strength and weight on you. Therefore you will have no chance if you fight by the rules, in the way a royal soldier or knight do. You are going to have to do feints, take all cheap chances and do all the dirtiest tricks you can manage. The four of us learnt to fight like knights and soldiers for years before we hired someone to teach us how to fight dirty, but we do not have that time with you. You are not going to participate in any fancy tournaments, either way, you are going to fight to survive, and your best chance is to fight dirty. Do you understand?"
The redhead nodded and the lesson began. In the beginning she was a bit unsure, but she was a stubborn and pretty talented students, and took it very serious. To be honest, she probably took it more serious, and worked harder, than many of the nobles back in the castle.
Admittedly the four of them were quite the critics when it came to these kind of things, and as especially James had a lot of experience of training people since he was Head of the Royal Guard, and Supreme Commander over the Gryffindorian Forces, (though not in training beginners) he noticed every miss Lily did, and wasn't late to point it out. To her credit, she didn't complain she was tired even once, even when she was completely soaked with sweat, and neither did she complain over the fact that they were scarce with praise and generous with giving her credit.
After about three hours she had learnt the absolute basics good enough to at least be able to hold herself for a minute or two unless the opponent was good – which meant she didn't have a chance against any of the Marauders, but she could manage to hold off some of the newer recruits to the crew, who only had been training fencing for a few months.
She was gasping for breath and looked like she was going to pass out from exhaustion anytime. James caught himself wishing some of his recruits at home – not the knights, of course, but some of the lower members of the Guard – was more like her. She was talented, there was no talk about it, and most important of all: she was ready to give everything she had without hesitating. Just like him and his friends and knights. If she had been a male Gryffindorian noble she would've been a formidable knight, that was for sure.
He looked at Remus, who except him had the main responsibility for Lily's training, both because he didn't have any noble responsibility and – mostly – because he was the best warrior of them. And the best teacher. When James got his sons and heirs, they would definitely get Remus as their tutor – in both the art of war and in many of the more peaceful subjects, such as history, diplomacy and language. And music, of course, as he was extremely talented in it.
Remus caught his gaze and nodded once, upon which the captain turned to his other friends who too nodded.
"Okay, Lily, you can stop now." He said, upon which Lily's sword arm fell immediately, hanging limp. She didn't let go off the sword, though, which was good. Many would've just let it go. "Go get something to eat. You have trained enough for today. You are welcome to join us to supper later, if you wish to."
She nodded once before leaving to her cabin, probably to change clothes.
The following days of the journey to Twyla went in the same fashion. On the morning, Lily joined them for breakfast. Then two hours before dinner, they trained her. Sometimes they were all there, sometimes only one or two were, while the others performed their duties aboard the ship. Then dinner, which Lily ate either alone or together with the crew, which she seemed to have taken liking to. Two hours after dinner they trained her again. It varied between three to four hours. Then they all went back to their duties and then the redhead joined them for supper about half the time. Sometimes, when she had time, the Marauders caught Lily training extra with the crewmen, to their amazement. Seeing how she trained and worked almost all the hours of the day, extra training was more ambitious than they expected from anyone.
Also, she grew closer and closer to the four of them every day, every workout, every meal they ate together. James wasn't sure whether to be happy over this – because he really liked her company, she was nice and funny and charming, and he was really glad his friends liked her too – or being exasperated over it – because it only made it harder to keep a friendly distance to her. But it didn't do to overthink the matter, as he hardly could've forced himself into not letting her into. To their surprise, she fit perfectly into their group. She wouldn't become a Marauder, because no one but them could be, but they all adored her.
When they reached Twyla, the port town they would visit before going home to Gryffindale, she was good enough to hold her own against Peter for a little while. Peter was the one of them that was the least adept with the sword – not to say he was, because he still was a great fighter. With some more training she would become really good. She would most likely never reach the level of the knights, but she could probably be good enough to master some of the minor sword-wielding soldiers (the soldiers who used sword was few, as most of the commoners in the army used spears and similar weapons) and even some of the nobles.
Before going into the city – one of the smaller port towns but still big as all Gryffindor's port towns were important – Remus created a schedule for guard-duty, as the Marauder never would be left empty – and James told the crew that they could do whatever they wanted for the evening, but they should be on the ship at dawn the next day – sober – and that they were completely forbidden to be drunk when on guard duty, a usual. He turned to Lily.
"We are going to meet some friends. I think you should like them. But would you prefer to stay on the ship, go with the men or go with us? Or alone, I suppose, but I would not recommend you to."
Lily elected to go with them.
Grinning toward James, he bowed in front of Lily and offered her his arm.
"Do I get the honour, milady?" He asked cheerfully, a hint of teasing in his voice. Lily raised an eyebrow but grinned back.
"Certainly, milord." She said evenly, holding back a laugh. James felt a twinge of jealously when he saw Lily at Sirius' arm, which was completely ridiculous. Because he had no right to be jealous for anything Lily did. And why would he ever be jealous against Padfoot? Sirius had zero interest in romance and he would never ever betray his friends by doing anything – romantically or sexually – with anyone they were interested in, could they get the woman or not. He was the most loyal person who existed, and for doubting that even for a part of a second felt like a horrible betrayal against the future duke.
Lily looked around, both in amazement and slight suspicion, when they led her toward the shabbier parts of the port. Probably wondering who they would know in these parts of the city. And why they would go to a place like this. She should only know how often they visited worse places.
They reached a pub called the Ashwinder's Pub and Inn. It was named after one of the mythical creatures that was said to roam the entirety of the Known World, perhaps the world.
Opening the door, Peter waved them all in. They were easily the best dressed customers in the entire room, and therefore woke some attention, but soon everyone turned back to their drinks when they scowled at them. Lily especially seemed to be in focus of attention. James cursed himself for not telling her to put a skirt on. He had gotten so used to seeing her in trousers he hadn't thought about that others would react.
He shrugged and walked up to the desk, where the barmaid stood. It was a blonde girl in their age, who was wearing a brown dress and a welcoming smile.
"Dorcas!" Remus grinned as they sat down. "Wonderful to see you again. Something new?"
"Remus! Peter, Sirius, James!" Dorcas replied and James smiled in return. They hadn't seen her for over a year. "Nothing much with me. And you? What is it I hear about marriage, Jamie?"
James frowned, but didn't comment. Only his mother and Sirius was allowed to call him Jamie, but Dorcas never listened. They had told her, ordered her even, more than a hundred times, and yet she hadn't stopped. He had been forced to give up a losing battle.
"I promise to tell you later. Are the others here?"
"No, but they should be anytime."
Lily cleared her throat, and it seemed like the blonde noticed her for the first time.
"Oh!" She exclaimed. "And who're you?"
The prince looked slightly ashamed.
"I'm so sorry. Dorcas, this is Lily. She is our horse keeper on this journey." The barmaid raised an eyebrow. "And Lily, this is Dorcas Meadowes. She worked in the castle as my mother's maid before she ran away from home and bought this pub."
"Horrible husband." She answered Lily's unvoiced question. James remembered that story way too well. Dorcas had been a friend of them after she befriended Remus when they were eleven. Dorcas was one year older than them, and had been married off already at sixteen as her family had needed more money when the father got fatally sick. The husband had turned out to be abusive, though, and for three weeks Dorcas had come to work, beaten up and quiet, so unlike her normal cheerful self.
Then the queen had had enough and hinted that she wanted them to help her escape. It wasn't against the law for a husband to 'discipline' his wife, so the queen hadn't been able to stop it. Abuse was against the law, but there was no clear line where the line between discipline and abuse went. Half a year after Dorcas' escape a new law against disciplining spouses had been passed, but Dorcas hadn't wanted to come back. She liked her new life.
The door opened again and the six of them turned to look who had come in. It was a couple – a man and a woman, they too in nicer clothes than most. They waved as they saw the group in front of the desk. The Marauders grinned when they reached the bar.
"Frank! Alice!" Sirius greeted. "This is Lily – our horse keeper." He introduced the redhead. "And Lily, so we do not make the same mistake twice, this is Frank and Alice Longbottom, the duke and duchess of Anneau since three months. Friends of ours, even though we do not see them often."
"A pleasure to meet you." Alice said, and holding her hand out to shake Lily's. Not normally what ladies did, but Alice had never been the normal society lady, and Lily was a servant, so… Lily shook it, smiling.
"The same, milady."
"Oh, nothing of that." The lord of Anneau interrupted. "If you are a friend of them, you are a friend of us. And you must be a friend, or you would not be here. Call us Frank and Alice."
"Sure… Frank."
"Dorcas, is there somewhere we can talk?" Peter turned to her and asked. She nodded and waved a maid over.
"Kate, take over the bar. I'm going behind to talk."
"Yes, ma'am." The girl – Kate – nodded and curtseyed quickly.
The barmaid waved them with them and they went through a door with a STOP-sign on. Soon they were all sitting in a cosy room. It had couches and flowers and was really different to the pub outside of it. Dorcas served them a glass of rum each before asking what was happening.
"Careful with that if you haven't tried it before, dear." She added, looking at Lily who was choking on the rum, much to the amusement of James and Sirius.
"Yeah… thanks for the advice." Lily managed to say as soon as she had stopped choking.
The barmaid chuckled and turned back to the Marauders to let them speak.
James began to explain all about the threatening war: Frank and Alice knew, of course, as they ruled the kingdom's third biggest city, after Gryffindale and Grimmauld, and therefore was important politicians – Alice too, as she refused to let the men do everything, ever since she became the duchess when Frank's father died – but Dorcas hadn't heard the news. She was one of the Crown's best spies, other than barmaid, too, so she needed the information. Her pub was one of the most popular ones so she got to hear a lot, and sometimes she travelled to get to know more. She had begun as a spy only a few months ago, but was already invaluable for the royals ever since she found out about a rebellion led by the lord of Gemri, who wanted to become king. Thanks to her the rebellion could be stopped before it grew big and the lord and his men got a trial before he and his closest officers were executed. The other members got sent to prison.
When James reached the part about a marriage alliance everyone gasped, and they gave him their compassion when they got to know that the wedding was to be held within months. Frank and Alice had married out of love, so they couldn't imagine what it felt like to be forced into a relationship, but Dorcas was a little less compassionate than she could've been. It was understandable, though, as he hardly was going to get abused like she had been when forced into marriage.
"So what now?" Alice asked when James finished telling. "What is going to happen now?"
"It depends." Peter said thoughtfully. "As we are going to get an unbreakable alliance with Hufflepuff, we are going to be stronger we have been ever since Godric's time. But Slytherin will hardly let that stop them."
Sirius nodded, agreeing.
"True. Emperor Voldemort is a maniac. But he is also extremely intelligent, so he will not do anything if he is not sure of victory, but he will make sure he can win."
"So the only thing we can do…" Remus added.
"… Is to prepare for war." James finished, sighing. "As soon as we get home I will mobilize the Forces and make sure everyone trains harder than ever. Father have already ordered Surrey to do so, but they will not be more than a distraction. The harder they fight, the longer we get to prepare. But King Quentin is a coward, so it would not surprise me if he capitulated as soon as he could without risking to look like they willingly gave their country to Slytherin."
The others nodded agreeing, Lily too. As she was from Surrey she had grown up under that man's rule, and she hated him. He was the one who had created many of the laws restricting women. Even though most of them were tradition, before him many hadn't been actual laws.
"But on a lighter note." James said, smiling. "Moony is engaged, too."
Immediately all attention was turned to the knight of the Wolf.
"What is this?" Frank grinned. "Who is the lucky lady?"
Remus blushed slightly, but he was beaming, his smile almost reaching from ear to ear as he brushed away his brown hair from his face.
"Lady Nymphadora Tonks of Evermore Falls. The daughter of Count Ted and Countess Andromeda Tonks."
"They have been writing ever since James' fifteenth birthday." Sirius said with a smirk. "Then they met again in Diagon, befriended each other again for a few days and then got engaged."
"It's a long engagement, though, so we are not going to get wed for another few months."
"But congratulations, Remus!" Alice cheered. "We met Lady Dora during the birthday ball. It was our first ball except the wedding feast as married, so I remember most people I met. She was very likable. I am sure you will be very happy together."
"Thank you, Alice." Remus kept smiling like a lovesick fool. His friends chuckled at it, but they were all too happy for him to hold it against him. At least one of them would find love – Sirius wasn't even interested in romantic love, he thought the love of his friends, brother-in-arms and parents-by-love was enough, and Peter knew he was going to get an arranged marriage within a year or two. He didn't mind so much, though. He could grow to love his future wife, just like his parents had done before him.
The rest of the evening was spent on Dorcas' pub and they kept away from dark thoughts most of the time, even if they had to discuss some worse things now when they were in private, without spying servants or nobles. But most of the time they had a great time, drinking Dorcas' mead, rum, whisky and other drinks, and eating supper. Her chef was good, even if not as good as the royal of course, and after a while Lily too joined in. At the end of the evening they all took some of the rooms in the inn. The four boys all shared room, as there wasn't that many rooms and many of them were occupied. Sure, they could've taken three rooms, but two of them would've been forced to share either way, and they liked sharing room. They couldn't do it so often because it was improper, and the cabins at the Marauder was too small.
The next morning they got up before dawn and ate breakfast with Lily, Frank, Alice and Dorcas. On the way to the dinner room James remembered something.
"Hey, Moony." He said quietly, so no one else would hear. Remus nodded to show he was listening. "What was the thing with you and Greyback? That seemed like personal hate, over something worse than trying to kidnap you. Not that that's not something to feel hate for, but still… it was such a long time ago. You said something about an old man and an unborn baby too?"
Remus froze for a moment before continuing walking.
"Aye…" He mumbled. "Old man and unborn baby." He was quiet for a few moments. "I will tell you all back at the ship."
James nodded, satisfied.
As they went back to the ship, James gave the crew their orders before leaving over the command to the third-mate, and the Marauders went to go sit in the officers' parlour on James' request.
Remus sighed.
"Lily, you can come too. You are one of us now, after all."
Lily looked confused as she had no idea what this was about, but followed. They all sat down in the couches and armchairs. This was the only cabin on the entire ship which was clad out of looks, not how useful it would be. Mostly so they could have meetings on the Marauder, should it be necessary.
Remus sighed as he poured himself some tea one of the cabin boys had come in and given them.
"You know the privateer attacking us earlier?" He asked. "Fenrir Greyback?"
His friends nodded, though all of them except James looked confused what this had do to with anything.
"I've met him before. When I – we – were almost five, he and his crew came to Peverell Island. It was only a few days after you had left to go back to Gryffindale." Remus had a habit to slip back into a bit less informal way of speech when talking about his childhood before the Marauders. "It was a day like everyone else. Mum was home with me – she was very pregnant and unable to work right then – while dad, grandma and grandpa – dad's parents – were out working."
James frowned. Remus didn't have any siblings.
"Then grandpa came running home, and mum immediately knew it was bad if he had been running. He was old, and couldn't do much of that anymore. By then he and grandma could only do the easiest jobs we could get. He shouted for mum to hide me, and mum did so, in the stove."
"After only a few minutes a gang of men, Greyback's men though I didn't know that by that time, including the captain himself by some reason. They began to search the house to find something valuable, even though I've got no idea why they thought they'd find anything in our cottage. After about ten minutes I couldn't help but sneeze, and Greyback found me. I was covered in ashes, but apparently Greyback found me appealing." He said the last word with disgust and rubbed his arm, as though he could still feel Greyback's hand there. "His men was holding swords to the throats of mum and grandpa, but he was going to take me away. I was terribly afraid as he grabbed me and began forcing me to follow him. He said that he couldn't wait to get me into his cabin. Those words are forever etched into my head." He shuddered, and his friends looked at him in horror. "But mum and grandpa weren't going to let them take me. They risked their lives, ducking under the swords and throwing themselves at him. The men were too shocked to react, luckily, or they would've both died."
"He… Grandpa succeeded to snatch me away from Greyback, but… Greyback wouldn't have any of it. He dragged his sword and… and sliced his head off, like it was nothing. Mum had gotten a grip on me, and I can still hear her scream, but she didn't hesitate when she threw me behind her, acting like a shield for me. Greyback jumped on her, punching her in the stomach, but though she must've been in horrible pain she didn't back off. I think… in that moment the soldiers ran in – all the royal guards hadn't left yet, so they were trying to catch Greyback – and hunted him away. The baby… the baby died, she got miscarriage because of the beating, and if they soldiers hadn't come when they did, she would probably have been killed. Grandpa was. Dad and grandma came home soon after, but… Greyback had killed my grandpa and my baby sibling already. That's why I hate him so much. After that, grandma began to give me her food when we didn't have enough, and she starved to death. I think she didn't want to live anymore after grandpa died." He finished.
The other kept staring at him in horror. Remus had been so close to… no, James didn't even want to think about what would've happened to Remus hadn't his family been so brave. It must've been very traumatic, seeing with which clarity Moony seemed to remember it, too.
"Oh, Remus!" Lily exclaimed and flew to her feet, hurrying forward and hugging him. "I'm so sorry."
Remus smiled slightly.
"It's okay, Lils. It was a long time ago, and I have gotten over it. It was horrible, and I am still sad over grandpa and my sibling, but it could have been so much worse."
"But…"
"Really."
They sat quietly for a while before Sirius snorted. They all looked at him, surprised.
"Looks like I am not the only one here with terrible things happening to baby me."
Remus smiled.
"Certainly. But your childhood was definitely worse than mine, despite me not having food enough sometimes. At least I was not beaten half to death for disobedience."
"True." Sirius shrugged.
Lily looked slightly amazed over how they – especially Sirius – could take about the abuse during Padfoot's early years so nonchalantly. But it was simply because it was much easier to talk about it that way than letting it become emotional. Paddy didn't like to think about it too much, so they did it this way when it came up.
"Well, best to go up and make sure the crew does what they're supposed to do." Remus finished the conversation, clearly deciding he wouldn't talk about the subject more. James nodded and they all got on their feet to go to their respective duties.
The next two days they had fighting lessons with Lily, not only with sword but also with knives, fists (she was pretty good already but could need some honing), daggers and sticks. They only held to the basics, as they had limited time, but Lily did almost nothing but train when she didn't take care of the horses and showed great potential. James promised her that they would keep giving her lessons when they had time over when arriving. They would need to have them in secret, though, as the prince and his lords and knight giving fighting lessons to a stable girl would cause quite the scandal. And now when so close to the wedding they couldn't risk that.
When arriving in Gryffindale the young men left to the port officials, crew and servants to get everything in order and immediately left for the castle.
As soon as they had changed from travelling clothes to every-day ones the king and queen showed up outside James and Sirius' chambers.
"Mother. Father." James said as they all bowed lightly, despite them being alone.
"Hello, dears." Queen Euphemia said, smiling. "Welcome home. The castle have been very silent without you here."
The king and queen held out their arms, hugging both their sons – their son-in-blood and heir, and their son-in-love – before greeting Remus and Peter, who both accepted hugs too, although shorter.
"How did it go?" King Fleamont asked after a while. James sighed inwardly but forced a smile on his face.
"The queen accepted. My marriage with Princess Isolde is secured, and to take place as soon as possible."
"Wonderful!" The king said before looking more serious. "Listen, James, I am sorry for forcing you to this. I wish there was another way but…"
"I know." James interrupted, sounding sharper than he meant to. "It is my duty, and it is an honour to serve the kingdom in this way. It is the only way to ensure an alliance and the survival of our kingdom and people."
Queen Euphemia looked at him sadly. Her marriage with the king had technically been arranged, but they had fallen in love before it was set up, and she suspected her late father, the former count of Hogsmeade – now James had inherited the title, wouldn't have married her off to Fleamont if she hadn't already loved him. He had been a kind man who only had had her interest in mind. He had been the duke of Hogsmeade if he had wished for it, but instead he had asked to become count to get less responsibility. He hadn't wanted power.
"Mother, father…" he hesitated. "I have got a few things I need to do. Can we meet later? I promise Sirius and I will have supper with you, and then we can talk."
"Of course, love." The king said, smiling compassionately. James smiled back, though slightly more strained, before leaving.
"Catch up with you later?" He asked his friends and they nodded. They knew exactly where he was going, and were both worried and amused over it.
James made his way down to the royal stables, where everyone was busy as usual. He was surrounded by stable boys, horse keepers, knights, townspeople, guards, nobles, farmers from the countryside and much more. All kinds of people could be found here, which always was interesting. But at the moment James had a goal. He made his way toward the part of the stables which were the closest to the castle – where only the royals, the knights and the most important nobles had their horses. It was the high-security part, and filled with guards. But James didn't pay them any attention, as usual. They were shadows in the background, always there but not worth noting.
All the Phoenix horses were already in their stalls, and Mad snorted when noticing him. Smiling, he petted her until a stable boy showed up. The boy startled a little at the sight of him, but soon caught himself as the prince wasn't an unusual occurrence in the stables. He often just sat there in one of the stalls, doing nothing special. The boy bowed before going back to his usual business, just like James had told them to do unless he said something else.
"Hey, you." He said something else now. The boy looked back, looking slightly shocked that the crown prince was talking to him. "Your name is Jimmy, is it not?"
The boy's eyes widened in surprise. "Y-yes, your highness."
James wasn't sure whether to it was fun or a bit sad that all the servants was so surprised every time he knew a name. He was a prince, but that didn't mean he didn't know that nothing would go around without the servants and appreciated them for it. Though, admittedly, he had only come to that realization when he was sixteen. Before that he had though the servants only a little more than animals, except a few chosen ones such as the Lupins and Dorcas.
"Have you seen Lily Evans, Jimmy?" He asked. "She is working here."
Jimmy was almost gawking, but nodded.
"She's at home, your highness. Lily lives on the Three Broomsticks. She's helping Madame Rosmerta in exchange for a place to live."
James frowned. Lily had been living in Gryffindale for years by now, and she still lived at the Inn? That was a little odd.
"Thank you, Jimmy. Then I will be on my way. Have a good day."
"T-the same, your highness."
He thought of taking Mad or another horse down to the pub, but it wasn't that long, only a mile. He could walk that distance. Probably would wake less attention too, than if he came on a horse. He was glad he had chosen simple white and brown clothes. Except his glasses, he almost looked like any commoner. And except his hair, which he had inherited from his father, who had inherited it from his father and so on.
Walking down the streets of Gryffindor James enjoyed the atmosphere of his capital. He loved his city. The poverty had lessened the past year – though it risked to be bigger as a war would come, and a war always left poverty and suffering in its trail – so there was hardly any beggars on the street. The townsfolk were nice, most of them, and there was a friendly spirit over them all, though they of course were worried over the coming war. Watching a vender trying to sell fabrics he whistled for himself. It was nice to be anonymous once in a while. He enjoyed the attention he got from being heir to the throne, really, but this was very pleasant too.
Spotting the Three Broomsticks he waited until a carriage had passed before crossing the road and walked in. The barmaid smiled as she saw him.
"Hello there, Captain Potter." Of course she knew who he was, but he had told her to call him by that name when he came here, to lessen the risk of someone noticing who he was. "Where's your mates?"
"They are at home. I came alone. Jimmy – one of the stable boys – told me Lily Evans live here?"
Madame Rosmerta raised an eyebrow.
"What could you want with Lily?" That was one thing the Marauders appreciated with her. She didn't tiptoe around them despite knowing they held power. She said what she wanted to say and didn't let them stop her. Kind of like Lily, actually.
"I am going to purchase her a sword from Ollivander, so I need her with me so he can take measurements."
The barmaid looked surprised but didn't question it.
"Wait here." Was all she said before leaving the bar over to one of the serving girls and leaving. Soon she returned with Lily in her trail. The redhead looked very confused when she saw him.
"James?" Madame Rosmerta raised an eyebrow again, but smirked slightly after a moment and shook her head. James had no idea why. He really hadn't. "What are you doing here?"
"Mr Ollivander is leaving in a few days, and I am going to be busy with duties and preparations for the wedding. Yes, Madame," he added, looking toward Madame Rosmerta. "I am getting married. The official announcement should be made tomorrow." He turned back to Lily. "So if we want to get you a good sword, we will have to do it today."
"I can't let you buy me a sword! Especially not an Ollivander! Even I know how expensive those are."
James snorted.
"Flower, you do not seem to get this. I am the prince. Money does not matter. I could buy all of his swords, and it would not matter much, because I can always get more money. So yes, you are getting a sword today. An Ollivander. No discussion. Do not force make it an order, because I am not letting you use a bad weapon."
Lily looked like she wanted to protest but then she sighed and shrugged before following him. Wise decision. Why say no to a sword of highest quality for free, after all?
"So, Lily, how come you still live on the pub? You have been here in almost two years."
The horse keeper shrugged again.
"I like it there. Rosmerta is really nice, and I get to live for free in exchange of a few late nights. Moreover, getting a house or flat is expensive. I don't have much money, my salary isn't that high. So the tip I get when working in the pub is welcome."
James pondered over this. He supposed it was logical. Lily worked as a stable girl, not horse keeper, and the stable boys' salary was meant to be supporting for their family, not to provide all their income. He would have to look into this, and see if there was more of his staff – because he saw the stable crew as his staff as he was the royal who spent most time there – who had to take extra jobs to be able to survive. If it was, then he would have to pay them more.
They chatted and laughed most of the way back toward the castle. Lily didn't question why he hadn't taken a horse or carriage, which he found strangely endearing. Everyone in the court would've done that, even his friends. None of them seemed to appreciate to walk around anonymous in the same way he did, to feel the pulse of his city.
Soon they reached the house where Ollivander lived when visited Gryffindale. It was directly outside the castle walls, as he didn't want to live within the castle. The Ollivanders had always been a bit eccentric, but they were incredibly skilled, so no one would ever say anything if they wanted to make affairs with them.
Lily rolled her eyes as James held up the door.
"I'm a big girl, you know." She said. "I can open doors myself. I've probably done it a lot more than you have, your highness."
James smirked.
"I do not deny it. I had probably never touched a door except when breaking out of my nursery and opening the secret passageways in the castle before the age of ten. But it is courtesy, to hold up doors for ladies. That is how I am raised."
"Ah, your highness." A voice came from the inside of the shop, and the heir of Gryffindor smiled as he led Lily inside. He liked the old man.
"Mr Ollivander." He greeted. "A pleasure to see you again."
"Same, your highness. Who is this?"
"Lily Evans, a friend of mine. I want to get her a sword. I think a M1685 Carolinian. That is what we used while on the Marauder."
Ollivander looked at Lily from top to toe, surveying her.
"Perhaps…" He mumbled. "Perhaps."
"Oh, and do not worry about money. I am paying." James added, which got the old sword smith to snort. James was sure he heard something about 'young love' from the man's mouth, but decidedly ignored it.
"No. Not a Carolinian." Ollivander decided. "You are lucky, girl. I have got the perfect sword for you."
Lily looked at James, who only shrugged, as Ollivander disappeared into the back of his shop. The man was odd, it was as simple as that. He came out with a sword James recognized, but it was much smaller than it usually was.
"Here. A two handed Claymore, although much shorter and lighter than they usually are. I made this sword only the last week. I felt like someone would have use of it." He handed it over to Lily, who took it carefully. "Double edged, finest steel, 35.4 inches, 4.4 pounds. Swing it."
Lily made some careful movements. James smiled when a grin lightened up her face.
"It feels right." She commented as she dared to move it faster, after making sure she had a safe distance to everything.
"Of course it does. I made it." Ollivander replied shortly, even though James could tell he was happy.
"How much, sir?" James asked and Ollivander looked thoughtful.
"I'll give you discount as you're one of my most loyal customers. Twenty golds."
A clang was heard as Lily dropped the sword. The prince looked over at her in surprise, but she was just staring at them in shock, seemingly not even having noticed that she wasn't holding the Claymore anymore.
"Lily?" James asked confusedly. What was this?
"Tw… twenty golds?!" She exclaimed. "I've not had that much money in my entire life! You could buy an entire farm for that much money! And now you're going to buy a sword to someone you hardly know for that sum? I can't allow it!"
James couldn't help it. He laughed.
"Lily…" He shook his head when he had stopped laugh. "I have already told you. I am rich. Very rich. Twenty gold coins is almost nothing. I have outfits worth more money than that. Completely ridiculous, sure, but as they are filled with jewels I suppose you cannot really expect otherwise."
"That's… that's terrible!" Lily said, blinking. James frowned. Sure, the clothes looked pretty dumb, but why would it be terrible? They had been in fashion a few years ago.
"You've got clothes who seems to be worth more money than I'll earn my entire life! And despite how rich you royals are, there are people starving. I know people who don't have food enough to eat. Remus didn't have food enough to eat when he was little. Why don't you do something?"
James felt shaken. He wasn't really used to anyone shouting at him. And sure, he could see her point, but…
"Lily, I do not think you completely understand politics, and especially not international politics. As a royal court we are supposed to keep up with the fashion and everything else which is important in the society, otherwise we will not be as respected by the other courts. And if we are not respected, then the kingdom will be in danger. Despite that, not all of our money is from taxes, you know. We have got private sources, such as mines belonging to us, not the royal family. But listen." He dragged a hand over his face. "I am really tired after the journey. I promise I will explain international politics to you someday, but can we please just get you your sword and leave. I have got supper with Sirius and my parents and then I just want to go to bed. Acceptable?"
Lily still looked annoyed and slightly angry, but nodded.
"Fine."
James paid and they left the shop. It took a while before Lily stopped looking sour, but when they reached the Three Broomsticks again she was smiling. Just before he left to walk back to the castle she caught his arm.
"James…" She said. "I guess I didn't say this earlier, when I was angry. Thank you. For the sword, and for teaching me."
Then she stood on her tiptoes before dragging his head down so she would reach, and pecked him on the cheek.
"I've never had anyone who bothered teaching me these things, just because I am a woman."
James blinked and felt himself flushing. His heart hammered hard. Sol, she wasn't making this easy for him, was she?
"We… well.. I…" He stuttered before taking a deep breath. "You are very welcome." He finally said. She smiled and waved before walking into the pub, and James had a new swing to his steps as he walked back to the castle.
Yeah... that took longer than expected. Sorry.
I'm not completely happy with this, I think it's beginning to get pretty boring this story. It's mostly the ending I don't think is boring (I've got most of it written already, it's only the way there I need to get down on paper/screen).
If it's okay with you I'm thinking of making most of the remains of the story into snippets and that kind of things (it will still be coherent, of course), because that is much easier to write and will probably be a lot more interesting to read too. Less boring.
Well, this story is certainly making me doa lot of research. On how to write battle scenes, on different kinds of swords (at the moment I couldn't care less that the time periods the swords were popular was probably completely different) and social rules in a royal court. It's pretty interesting, especially the last part. I've read a lot about weddings, and some traditions were completely ridiculous.
Also, you won't get any details about Lily's lessons, because I don't know the first thing about sword fighting. The only weapon I can use (I'm no master, but pretty good) is the bow.
Ah, well. I hope I didn't bore you too much.
Also, this is completely unedited, so any mistakes is probably because of that, because neither I nor my Beta have read this through. I've been writing this for four hours straight and it is also in the middle of the night I want to go to bed to get it finished so I don't have the energy and just want to publish it.