Written for Quidditch League - Round 13 - Wigtown Wanderers - Captain - [book] These Rebel Waves — Sara Raasch
Looking for the moon, you'll see it clear
In a world where magic is outlawed, Captain Sirius of the Marauders looks to make a magical map with the help of herbologist, Remus.
Full Moon Cove is well known across the seas as being the only safe haven for pirates and anyone on the wrong side of the law. It's the best-kept secret from the authorities there is. If someone were to tell the location, that person would be facing the wrath of some of the most terrifying pirates to sail the seas. For those looking for the place, the cost is a large sum of gold, but it's worth it for the sanctuary.
This is the place that pirates do business. If someone wants to parlay and negotiate terms, they arrange it for Full Moon Cove. If they want to do dealings with other pirates, this is the place.
But it's not just for pirates dealing with other pirates. No, there's so much more here. It's not just pirates, it's other shady individuals that come here. If you want to put a contract on someone's life, you'll find the people you need on this island. If you need a messenger to inform a governor that you've taken their daughter hostage, this is the place to find that person. Whatever your need, this is the place to be. There is always someone there to assist.
But the best thing here is the marketplace. Magic is outlawed across the world. Something that Sirius doesn't understand because everyone is born with magic. With this ability that makes their skin tingle, that is a part of them, and they're expected never to use it. He's not the only one with that mindset. People use magic behind closed doors, even the king makes use of magic, though he can get away with it because he's in charge.
Magic manifests in many different ways though. Some people are great at enchantment, and they'll charm items to sell, ranging from small trinkets to powerful items that are only offered to those that have made a big enough name for themselves. Some excel in divination, though James doesn't believe in all of that, and they'll be in the marketplace. Alchemists set up here too, but Sirius is more interested in finding out if there are any magical herbologists.
The herbologists are the rarest magic-users to find. Both because they are few and far between with their powers, and secondly, because it's harder for them to hide their abilities. They're locked away, providing magic for the king because the king is the only one allowed to have magic. So it's rare to find someone on this island, but he's heard rumours.
The anchor is dropped and the ship is tethered to a wooden post. Sirius waits until the gangplank is in place before walking down. It's still a little strange doing these things with vision only in one eye, but he manages. It's been months upon months of adjusting to his depth perception. Months of practising with the sword once more, because he can't let himself be caught off guard like that again. He's not been off the ship in their last two ports, wanting to be confident enough before he leaves.
This is his first time on land since the accident that took one of his eyes. Well, not took, but damaged it so he couldn't use it. One small bright side to it - Sirius gets to wear the eye-patch and actually need it. Not like those pretend pirates, he keeps telling himself.
James is at his side in an instant. "Captain," he murmurs, because they're not on the ship and there is a little more formality on the ground where others can hear. "You know, you can't just tell us that you've got something important to do, and not tell anyone what it is."
"I can. You're just annoyed because I haven't told you," Sirius replies, grinning at him.
"A little. Come on, I can help."
"The next quest is a little personal," Sirius insists, turning his gaze back to the dock as they make their way down it. A few of his crew pass him, but he knows enough are on the ship to keep it safe. Though there is no trouble here, better safe than sorry. "But it depends on what we can procure today."
"Hmm. This won't have anything to do with the encounter with Marlene's ship, will it?"
"Marlene and I are history," Sirius snaps. "Look, just because we dated a few years ago—"
"Not at all what I meant. I heard it all before. You realised just how completely gay you actually are and enjoy men a shit-ton more."
"And don't you forget it." Sirius leers at him and James rolls his eyes.
"I'm traumatised by you shagging Benjy. A simple request for us to bring him from one port to another, and you spend the whole time in your bed with him."
"A captain has needs," Sirius insists, a little smugly.
"You know my thoughts on that," James mutters. They don't discuss it here where people can hear, but James has insisted that ever since Sirius had his heart broken a couple of years ago, he's never let anyone close to him again. Sirius thinks that's bullshit. He's the Captain. He can't afford to get that close to people anymore. That's really it.
"I meant," James continues, "the information she provided. About your brother."
Sirius glances around, but no-one seems to be listening. "I'm more interested if there's a herbologist on this island," he murmurs. "Marlene was trying to butter me up, I imagine. She shared some juicy information."
"A herbologist?" James murmurs. "Might be just a rumour."
"We'll find out today, won't we," Sirius murmurs. "Peter is picking up medical supplies. Though he's after something that'll make his job a bit easier. Look, we have gold to spend so let's get some good bits whilst we're here."
"You're still set on the map, aren't you?" James asks. "That's why you want the herbologist?"
Sirius nods. "If there's a herbologist…" he trails off. He doesn't want to talk here about it because he doesn't want anyone else to come up with the same ideas he has.
But beyond the map, they could be powerful with the right plants. Potions are diluted forms of the plants mixed with other things. They can do potions themselves when they get their hands on a potion that has moved through so many hands that the magic inside is corrupted, but getting it fresh from a herbologist would make all the difference.
"The crew have gold to spend," Sirius says. "They'll take turns to do their thing. They're to come to me if they find something they think would benefit us." He grins. "You keep an eye out for something useful. Spread my name and the name of our ship and see if it's big enough to get us something… special."
James nods. "I'll ask around about the herbologist."
"No. I don't want people to buy out their stock before I get there," he says quietly. "But James, enjoy yourself. It's been some time since we've been on land."
"I'll ask around for jobs and information," he replies. "I'll find you."
Sirius nods and he watches as James heads towards the tavern on the hill. The place is merely a converted farmhouse, because it started as a makeshift sanctuary until it expanded and people started building on from the farmhouse. Other small buildings have been built over the years too, but the farmhouse is the oldest building there.
He sets out in search of wonders.
Sirius can smell the earthy smell as he walks, and it guides him between the tables and to a small cart in the corner of the market. Almost completely unnoticeable in its location. Sirius wonders why this is. The man's wares will be in high demand, and Sirius would imagine that he'd be able to have a good spot, even with a table as empty as it is now.
But perhaps it's because people like to touch things, and again, it's the problem when the plants go from person to person, taking away from the magic inside of the plant and the various people adding their own. It makes the plant almost useless by the time it gets to Sirius.
All that he can see is a small sign. Moon Apothecary.
"Is there anything in particular you're looking for?" comes a soft voice, and Sirius glances up from the sign. The voice sends a shiver through him, and he meets beautiful, amber eyes.
He's never seen eyes this colour before, but he's never met a herbologist before.
"Do all herbologists have such beautiful eyes?" he asks smoothly, his eyes darting over the man's face as he tries to make a quick assessment of him. The man is handsome. Taller than Sirius and wearing clothes that are carefully patched in an attempt to look like he fits in. He doesn't look at all like a pirate or anyone who would be on an island like this. He looks like someone who should be in a library. Or a school.
Or in Sirius' bed. Yes, most certainly like someone who should be completely naked in Sirius' bed.
"Are you here to compliment my eyes, or are you here for plants?" the stranger asks, the corners of his lips curving, though he's clearly trying not to smile. "What do you need, and what for?"
"I'm making something," Sirius says. "A map. We're using all types of magic to create our map, but I've been told that if I could fashion some plants into the map… it'll have magic to reveal people's locations all across the sea."
The man nods. "Divination magic, I imagine. Enchantments too. I need to think of what plants would best work with those magics and won't react badly. One that can be transfigured." He turns his back to Sirius and leans over the cart, pulling back the top. Sirius tries to peek past him, but aside from a shimmer of something under the cover, he can't see. He makes do with the delectable sight of this man's arse instead.
"I don't have anything," the man says, finally turning around. "You'd want something that can hide the map, I'm assuming?"
"That… is not something I considered, but that would be amazing."
"So it needs to be a plant that can soak in the ink and not harm it," the man muses. "Something that is a similar colour to parchment, rather than charming something to look the same." He lets out a sigh. "I can get you something, but you'll have to wait… three months."
"A long time."
"I have three plants in mind," the man replies. "I'll have to do some studies to see what fits your need. It'll be fifty gold up front."
"Nothing until I get the goods, I'm afraid," Sirius replies, folding his arms.
"Twenty-five gold for my time and effort in doing the research and growing three plants I had no intention of growing in the coming months," the man says, crossing his arms. "Twenty-five for me to hold onto the plant when I return. I'm not going to waste all my time just to return and not have a customer."
Sirius is reluctant. Whilst it's not a fortune, it's still quite a few bits of gold - more than he'd like to part with.
"How about twenty-five, and I personally show you around the captain's cabin of my ship?"
The man chuckles softly. "Fifty."
Sirius hesitates. "What do you have here?" he asks."What are all of those?"
The man smiles. "It'd take a while to explain them all," he says. "Do you have any other needs?"
"I've heard that healing plants are better than healing potions."
"Equal to healing magic, but without using up your reserves," the man says. "A healing plant then."
Sirius nods. He doesn't want to walk away with nothing.
"Thirty gold. It's only a small one. I've only brought a sample of my wares."
"First time here?" Sirius guesses.
"I stand out that much?" He laughs. "My mum used to come. She's… with the king now, it seems. One of his staff."
Sirius grimaces. "Sorry to hear."
"Yeah, well… it's our curse, I suppose." The man sighs before turning back to the cart, and Sirius is glad that he's got something to present to the crew.
He leaves the man, his wallet eighty coins lighter, but with a name and a date on which to return. He hopes he can trust the stranger. Remus Lupin.
Remus smiles when Sirius approaches three months later, as though he's been waiting for him. Before Sirius even reaches the table, Remus is rummaging in the old cart, lifting out a wrapped package.
"It took three attempts," he says, gesturing for Sirius to move around the table. He unwraps it on the shelf underneath. "A simple spell to absorb the ink without poisoning the plant. I grafted an Adow flower for its ability to withstand all types of weather and pollution, with a Walking Ragweed for the colour and the size of the leaves. It's not beautiful or anything, but it's strong and it'll hold all the spells indefinitely. Plus, it won't get damaged by the constant use."
"Three tries. Must have set you back," Sirius mutters. "How much for the map?"
"One hundred."
Sirius raises an eyebrow. He can tell when someone is trying to undercharge. Usually, he allows it - their fault if they want to give him a discount. But Remus has put in a lot of effort, plus, Sirius wants the man on his good side. Not just because Sirius has spent the last three months dreaming of those amber eyes and soft-looking lips.
"How about another hundred if you keep the map-making knowledge to yourself," Sirius offers. He's set aside two-hundred gold for this map with the hopes of haggling down, but he can see the rips in these clothes. "Do you pay a lot for passage here?"
Remus shrugs. "About a hundred for the journey and for somewhere to stay," he admits. "Is that all you're here for?"
"The healing plant worked miracles," Sirius admits. "Do you have a better one?"
Remus smiles. "I was saving one just for you."
Sirius hasn't even walked over to the stall for the third visit. It's six months after he's first set his gaze on Remus, and all he can think about is the other man. Even bedding another guest aboard their ship didn't have any appeal.
Alarms sound around them. Bells are rung in a way they've never been on this island. A system that people forgot was in place, because they grew comfortable.
"What's that?" Remus asks, glancing around. Sirius barely hears him over the noise.
"We need to get off the island," Sirius says.
"I can't. The boat won't be back for two days for me."
Sirius hesitates. He can run fast to his own boat and he knows his crew will do the same. He's a pirate, and he'd usually leave anyone else here, unless they were already on board and seeking help.
But Remus looks so lost and is looking to him for help, and he can't imagine Remus being trapped with the king, forced to grow plants to the king can be all-powerful.
The cart is small, and Remus turns and tugs on it to start moving it and Sirius wonders if he'll regret this. He grabs the other handle.
"You fucking owe me," he says, as Remus secures the cover, using hooks to hold it down. "If I get caught, they will kill me."
"If we get out of here, I'll let you have any plants you need," Remus replies. Sirius pushes the stall out of the way and they start moving towards the docks.
With the help of the crew, the cart is pushed aboard. It comes crashing onto the deck and Remus frantically starts to salvage what he can as the boat is untethered and the ship pulls out of the port.
Sirius silently thanks his crew as he shouts orders.
"Thankfully most of the crew were nearby when the bell went," James said. "You were with the herbologist. We had bets on. Was he naked? Or were you? Because if so, I win thirty gold. I bet that today would be the day that you got some."
Remus looks over at James with a very unimpressed look on his face as he lines the plants carefully on the deck.
"Mate, need any help?"
"I need… somewhere to put these. They need light. But not on deck because… because they need to be away from as many people as possible." He reaches for a broken pot and starts to tend to the plant, the leaves glowing under his touch. The plant starts to heal itself and Sirius approaches.
"I have space in my cabin," he says. "It has a big window, glass. Lots of light."
Remus nods. "I'll bring them in myself. I suppose this is where I get that private tour of your cabin now?"
Sirius laughs. He shows Remus quickly where it is, before returning above-board and monitoring the situation, with strict orders for no-one to touch the plants.
Every few minutes, Remus returns to collect another plant, taking them in one by one, and Sirius finds his gaze distracted every single time.
When Remus comes out to see what is happening, they all look back towards Full Moon Cove. Flames can be seen even though there are miles between them. Smoke spirals up into the sky like a beacon.
"So… I imagine someone like you is used to not sharing sleeping quarters with a bunch of lowlifes," Sirius says. "How about I offer up half of my bed."
Remus snorts. "It sounds like your friend is going to be winning his thirty gold after all. I'll have you know that I'm very good at tying knots."
"James, you're good to keep charge here, right?" Sirius asks. He doesn't wait for an answer before following Remus.