Written for:

Hannah for the Monthly Exchange

Prompts: Sirius/Remus, Angst (it's there, somewhere...), Fluff, Romance, Muggle!AU, (word) anticipate, (word) stolen

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Fairytales. Task: It takes some time and playing around until the princess and her king find each other. Write about how much it took your choosen pairing to finally get together! It should be obvious that it was a hard way. Based on: All-Kinds-Of-Fur (Allerleirauh)


Not Too Soon

Sirius/Remus

PrinceRemus!AU


Normally, Remus was used to his guardian, Fenrir, ordering him around. Yes, he was Prince Remus of Ravenclaw, but he was still only sixteen years old. He wouldn't be old enough to rule for another year, and Greyback made it clear that he was not ready to take over the Kingdom.

And as the King's right hand man (up until Lyall and Hope's sudden deaths), Remus trusted his word. He knew that he'd keep Greyback on to help him run the kingdom, as he had been doing for the past few years. After all, Fenrir was now second in line to the throne - he had been taught to be ready to help run the Kingdom.

But for a while now, he had been ordering Remus around a lot. Etiquette lessons, extra reading lessons and the likes. Not that Remus had a problem with the reading lessons, because he loved to read. It was just that he wasn't learning anything from them. He could read better than anyone in the castle, even the ones teaching him.

It was tiring and boring, but he did as required, assuming that Fenrir knew what he was talking about.

It was not long after his sixteenth birthday, that Greyback requested dinner with Remus. As the man running the Kingdom (and doing an excellent job of it), Remus could hardly refuse. He allowed Greyback to take dinner in the small dining room with him, watching as the servants brought out the plates of food, placing them on the table.

Fenrir didn't say much at the start of the meal, and Remus began to eat, suspecting that whatever was on the Advisor's mind would come after dinner. He felt unsettled as he found Fenrir's unwavering gaze on him throughout the whole meal.

"You wished to discuss something?" Remus asked, putting his fork down and using a napkin to wipe at his lips. He dropped the napkin on the table, meeting Fenrir's gaze.

"I did," Fenrir replied slowly. "I will get straight to the point, Remus. We're the next two rulers of Ravenclaw. You are first in line and I'm second, a distant cousin, but an heir none-the-less. I wish to talk to you about strengthening the ties of the Kingdom."

Remus nodded. "And how do you suggest we do that?"

Fenrir smiled, slightly pointed teeth gleaming at Remus. "The people worship you because of your tragic story, but they trust and respect me. They already see me as their king."

"You want me to abdicate the throne?" Remus asked in disbelief. Fenrir was aware that Remus was only not on the throne because of his age.

"No? Well, that was not going to be my first suggestion," Fenrir drawled. "I was going to suggest marriage."

"Oh?" Remus replied. He hadn't anticipated the response. "To who?"

His teeth gleamed as Fenrir slowly smiled once more. "Me, of course. The Kingdom would prosper well with us both, Remus. They already see me as somewhat of a King to them, so to take you as my partner—my mate—would make the people happy."

Remus shivered at the tone. Though he trusted Fenrir, he had the impression that the only person who would be happy with the deal would be Fenrir himself. He needed time to think, but Fenrir was watching him carefully, waiting for an answer.

"I don't know if this is the best idea, Fenrir," he softly offered. "I believe—"

"You may want to rethink your answer, pup," Fenrir growled. "I'm not third in line anymore, I'm second. This kingdom wants me as their king, and that's what I'll be. You can accept me as your betrothed, you can step aside, or you can be taken out of the equation altogether."

Remus' eyes hit the table as he thought about things. A brief passing thought made him wonder whether Fenrir Greyback had fought his way to second place. After all, his father had died in an accident that was unexplained, though Fenrir was the only one with him at the time, and a few other family members had perished. Remus had secretly suspected a family curse.

But now he feared that the curse could be Greyback.

He shook his head, clearing the suspicions. He had no reason not to trust Fenrir in the past, so why would he now? It had been known to marry distant relations rather than marrying someone from another Kingdom to promote peace. Wasn't that what Fenrir was doing?

"I would like a few days to consider your offer," he replied, wanting nothing more than to get away from the older man—genuine offer or not. "If you'll excuse me, I have to think about all of this. It's... it's overwhelming, and—"

As he rose, Greyback got up too, approaching him quickly. A large hand grabbed his wrist, pulling him close. "You have two days," Greyback stated, "but I've given you the choices, and I expect an answer. I believe that the marriage upon your seventeenth birthday would be beneficial to both of us."

Remus repressed a shudder as Greyback's eyes moved up and down his body. There had to be a way to buy himself some time. He nodded his head, waited for Greyback to release him, and walked from the room.

...oOo...

Two days later, Greyback found Remus at dinner. "I believe you owe me an answer."

Remus had spent the two days thinking about what to do to buy time. "I have conditions," he began. "To prove that you are… serious about this."

For a moment, he thought that Greyback was going to refuse, but the smirk on his lips was evidence that he was willing to humour Remus.

"Conditions?"

Remus nodded slowly. "As the elder party in this… betrothment, you would be required to present me with gifts, correct?" He bit his lip for a moment. "And I have decided what those gifts are. I would like some new clothing."

Fenrir looked surprised at the request, as though the demand was easier than expected.

"But these are what I require. A doublet, a cloak and a waistcoat. One must be as silver as the moon, one as golden as the sun, and one as sparkling as the stars."

There was a long pause. "Your wish is my command," Fenrir murmured, bowing slightly before leaving. Remus let out a deep breath when the door clicked shut behind Fenrir.

It would take a long time to find anything as fine as those items.

...oOo...

It took a month. Remus had expected at least six, but a month later, Fenrir presented the items to Remus. A waistcoat that was as golden as the sun, a doublet that was as sparkling as the stars, and a cloak that was as silver as the moon.

"As requested," Fenrir said, with a hungry look at Remus. "I believe upon presentation and acceptance of the courting gifts, the marriage may be brought forward? Is that not the law?"

"It… it is," Remus whispered, sickened at the idea of his plan backfiring so horribly. "Though there is one more item I require."

Fenrir straightened from the bow. "Boy, do not test me. I retrieved the items you requested. If this is a bid to—"

"No, it's the traditional wolf-coat," Remus replied. "I will need one made up for me."

The look of fury disappeared. "I will have someone look into that for you. But know this, when that coat is ready, the ceremony will take place."

"I understand," Remus replied steadily.

...oOo...

The clothes shoved into a bag and as many jewels and as much gold as he could carry, Remus wrapped himself up in the coat and snuck from the castle. He didn't have a plan as such, he just knew that getting married the next day was the worst decision he would ever make.

The looks Fenrir had been giving him made him feel sick. He had trusted the man, but as the time went on, that trust was fading, and he didn't know what else to do but leave.

Though it pained him to leave his father's kingdom, he knew he could come back when he was stronger. He hadn't officially given up the throne after all, and there would be a year before they could give it to Fenrir.

His best hope was to ask for help in a neighbouring Kingdom, and after considering his options, he decided that the Kingdom of Gryffindor was his best bet.

Taking a horse from the stable, he left his kingdom.

...oOo...

"I am Lord Tonks from the kingdom of Hufflepuff," Remus lied, thinking of the quiet Lord he had met a few times on his travels back when he was a child. Ted Tonks wasn't the oldest brother, so wasn't first in line for the estate. He was the lesser known Tonks. The third brother.

Remus had to explain himself when he met the Palace Hunters on the road. He had proven himself with his finery and they had escorted him to the castle.

It wasn't long before King James himself came to greet Remus. "Lord Tonks, I don't believe we've met," he said, as Remus bowed before him. "What brings you to my Kingdom?"

Remus didn't know what to say. He had only lied about who he was to the Hunters so they would allow him to continue on his way. He hadn't expected them to escort him to the castle. "I… I'm… I'm just passing through. I was visiting the Kingdom of… of Ravenclaw," he lied, sure that James would see through the lies. He stood firmly, wanting nothing more than to turn and leave.

"Well, stay here for a few nights," James offered. "We're about to celebrate the Summer Solstice, and you are welcome to stay for that."

Remus tried to think of a way to refuse without sounding rude, but the King took the momentary silence as an acceptance. "Wonderful, my Head Guard, Frank, will show you to your room."

...oOo...

"Ted Tonks?" A man emerged from the shadows, looking at the door which the stranger had left by.

James shook his head. "Clearly not Ted, as we were at his wedding a couple of months ago. This… I can't quite place him, but... " James hesitated. "I need to think about this."

"And you'll allow him to reside at the castle whilst you do? He's already lied to you."

"We don't know why. He may have been too scared to give his real name. The guards said he's turned up with items pertaining to his wealth, and—"

"He may have robbed them?"

"Regulus, when will you stop seeing the worst in people?" James asked. "He came from Ravenclaw and he knows enough about the Tonks family to give Ted's name of all of them. A smart move. I wouldn't have known had I not met Ted quite recently. I think he's running. Not because he's done something wrong, but because he's scared. I think he's someone who needs to hide."

"Are you sure about this?" Regulus asked, knowing that James was set on letting the man stay.

"Who are we to turn away anyone that needs our help? I have a good feeling about him."

...oOo...

"That is an amazing cloak," came a voice. Remus spun around from where he had been watching the celebrations, his eyes falling on a man with dark hair. Grey, stormy eyes observed him carefully, and Remus realised that there was a more perfect shade of grey than the silver of the moon.

This man's eyes put the colour of the cloak to shame.

He found he couldn't speak as the man approached. "I hope you don't mind, but I am Lord Black. I saw you standing alone and wished to keep you company?"

"I'm afraid I'm not one for conversation," Remus murmured.

"Then we can stand in silence and watch the festivities together?" Sirius suggested in a tone that made it clear that he wasn't going to take 'no' for an answer.

"I must admit, I love watching the festivities," Sirius began, breaking the silence. "Back in my homeland, they were never like this. My parents prefered events to be more… organised." His eyes moved from the bright colours dancing across the sky to Remus. "Your homeland… is it like this?"

Remus knew nothing of Ted Tonks' homeland, but saying that wouldn't go down well. "My homeland was beautiful," he offered instead. "Before… when I was younger, it would be like this. The people, the noise, the music. There would be fireworks and entertainment. It was magical."

"But not now?" Sirius pushed.

"Not… I… perhaps it's me who has changed, and not the festivities," Remus offered. "They don't hold the same magic I had once felt."

Sirius nodded his head, processing the information. Any scrap he could get would bring him closer to the man's identity. "But you have your annual ball next month. Surely that will be magical on its own?"

"Oh yes, those certainly are," Remus confirmed, his eyes moving back to the fireworks. Sirius smiled to himself. He had ruled Hufflepuff out as the man's homeland. Everyone in Hufflepuff knew that the ball was a week away.

If the man was a Slytherin, he would have reacted to Sirius' name. Everyone in Slytherin knew of the Black family.

That left Ravenclaw or somewhere further out, though 'Ted' didn't have an accent, leading Sirius to believe that he was from one of the four kingdoms.

There was a lull in the conversation as Sirius observed the man closely. He took in the way he held himself and how comfortable he seemed in Sirius' presence. That wasn't something someone could fake: this man was used to dealing with the higher classes, and was perhaps of a higher class himself.

His gaze moved across the man's face, taking in the breathtaking amber eyes and the soft looking lips, making Sirius forget what his next question was going to be.

"Would you care to dance?" Sirius asked, holding his hand out. The man's eyes widened and he backed away, his face flaming red. "I must… I feel suddenly tired, I must retire."

Sirius watched him rush towards the castle.

...oOo...

"I talked with the newcomer last night," Sirius stated, over breakfast. "I believe he's from Ravenclaw, or outside of the four Kingdoms. He doesn't know who I am, and he doesn't know about the upcoming Hufflepuff ball, which rules them both out." He hesitated for a moment. "He's rather handsome, isn't he?"

"Hmm? I… I suppose," James replied. "I wasn't looking to be honest. All I knew was that he was scared of something. So... you find him attractive?"

"I do. I suppose he will be moving on in a few days?"

James shook his head. "I think we can get him to stick around for a bit. I think he's moving on because he fears we'll discover his lie. If he finds out we're already aware of it and still want to help, he'll be more likely to stay. He's not leaving until after the last celebration, so we have time to find out."

...oOo...

"It is a beautiful sight," Sirius stated, approaching 'Ted' once more. "I must admit: Gryffindor have far outdone Slytherin. I prefer to spend time here with my family."

"Your family lives here now?" Remus asked.

Sirius shook his head with a dry laugh. "I ran away," he admitted. "The King… Prince at the time, took me in. His parents treated me as their own. My brother followed, searching for me… and the rest is history, as they say."

"Did your brother find you? Were you easy to find?" Remus murmured, giving Sirius his full attention.

"Only because I wanted him to find me," Sirius replied. "My brother was the only thing keeping me in Slytherin. I didn't belong there. I found a home and family in Gryffindor, but there will always be the thought of me moving on one day, falling in love and making my own life. Perhaps marriage?"

Remus snorted. "I'm sure that will go well. You will be able to choose your own bride or groom."

"And get the King to bless the union," Sirius replied, with a shrug of his shoulders. He filed that piece of information away: the stranger's dislike of arranged marriages. "So, what about you? Anyone special in your life? When you go back to Hufflepuff, is there any impending marriage?"

"Me? I am… avoiding marriage at the moment. I would much prefer to marry someone I cared for, rather… there's no-one special in my life."

"You haven't met anyone who has taken your interest?"

"Growing up, I was never offered the chance. My guardian was quite strict. I hadn't even been outside of… my home, for a long time."

"So, you're single?" Sirius murmured, moving closer. "Ted, will I get that dance tonight?"

"I'm… I'm not —"

"Not attracted to men?"

"No, I mean, I am very attracted to you, it's just that… I'm not used to this."

"This? What do you mean?"

"This attention. You want to dance with me? I am sure there are so many more people here worthy of your time."

"I think you're worthy of my time," Sirius murmured. "It is my time and I'll chose where to spend it. You're an attractive, single man… very much like I am, and I would like to get to know you better, should you choose to stick around a bit longer. You already fit in, wearing the golden colour of Gryffindor." He gestured to Remus' waistcoat.

"I'm sorry, I have to return to Hufflepuff soon," Remus lied.

"Then allow me to accompany you? I will find somewhere to stay, an inn perhaps? I want to get to know you."

Remus held back the panic at the idea of this man travelling with him. Surely Sirius would quickly learn of his lie. "Maybe that dance is a good idea after all."

Sirius took his hand and pulled him close. He knew that the man was doing what he could to change the subject, and would allow it, but only for that night.

...oOo...

Sirius had been watching his stranger for a long time now, trying to decide on a course of action. He could continue with the subtle questions and try and catch the man out, or he could truthfully explain that he knew he wasn't Ted Tonks and somehow stop the man fleeing.

He couldn't help but admire the man, who was looking more relaxed than he had for the previous two days. Maybe he could get the man to stay permanently?

Fireworks started in the distance, but the bright colours didn't distract from 'Ted', who was wearing a doublet that gave Sirius no doubt that he was someone important back in his own Kingdom. Only the richest Lords and Royalty could afford something like that.

Not that it mattered anymore. The man could have been a homeless pauper, and Sirius' feelings wouldn't change towards him.

But Sirius' thoughts raced back to the royalty idea, and he tried to rack his brain over who the King was in Ravenclaw, but found his memory to be lacking in information from that Kingdom. That place had never given Gryffindor or Slytherin any trouble, and James had once sent a letter to the castle—though Sirius couldn't remember who it was addressed to—asking for a treaty, but there had been no reply.

It was during his musings that he heard a commotion inside of the castle. He pushed away from the post and headed inside, spotting Frank and a few guards facing off against some other guards, wearing the colours blue and bronze. He nodded at James and Regulus, who were approaching from the other door. He had no doubts about what they had been doing.

"What seems to be the trouble here?" Sirius asked, attempting to pass Frank, though Frank blocked his path.

"These men are looking for someone," Frank replied. "They recognised a horse in our stables. I've told them that they do not have permission to go in our stables, it's an invasion and we'll treat it as a threat."

"They are from Ravenclaw?"

The leader stepped forward, an older man with cruel eyes and a sneer on his face. "I believe that somewhere in this land, is my betrothed."

"Your… betrothed?" Sirius repeated, hoping that they weren't talking about 'Ted'. "And that gives you some right to just walk in here like this? I'm not sure who you think you are, but—"

"You will talk to the King of Ravenclaw that way?" the man sneered, baring his teeth at Sirius. "Show some respect, boy."

"King? There is no king in Ravenclaw. There is a Prince there, I believe, but no King," Regulus stated.

"I will be king, with or without that little whelp," the man snapped. "He has… I believe he has been taken and I intend to find him."

"Can you describe him?" Regulus asked, noticing the man's sudden change of story. "We are unable to help you find someone we don't know. If you could describe him, we can put the word out with the guard. You are Lord…"

"Lord Greyback," Fenrir snapped. "Prince Remus: he's not yet seventeen. Dark blond hair and amber eyes. He would have arrived on a palace horse. He left with some noticeable clothing, including a cloak as silver as the moon, a waistcoat as golden as the sun, and a doublet that shined like the stars. He also had his traditional Ravenclaw wedding coat made of fur."

"Frank! That is the man you described before!" Sirius exclaimed.

"Uh, it is," Frank confirmed, not wanting to give anything away without permission.

"Where was it he was heading? Slytherin?"

Frank nodded, understanding what Sirius was doing. "He was young and the horse was tired. We allowed him to leave his horse and take one of our own in a trade, and I personally escorted him to the border. I insisted Slytherin was dangerous, but he paid no heed. I couldn't go any further with him, so cannot offer anything more."

"Thank you, Frank," James said. "Lord Greyback, I wish you all the best in finding the Prince, but we have a celebration here, and—"

"And I thank you for your invitation. Me and my men would be delighted to stay." He started towards the doors, but Regulus cleared his throat. "Lord Greyback, allow a servant to take your cloak, and me and King James will show you around?"

He nodded, and Sirius moved towards the door as the Lord was distracted. He slowed upon realising that a guard was following. They knew that he had lied about Remus.

Sirius slipped out of the door, heading in the wrong direction. The guard followed him, and Sirius slipped around the corner, hiding in one of the alcoves that he and James had found in their exploration of the castle, back in their younger days. Once the guard had passed, Sirius slipped out, quickly finding Remus and grabbed him, pulling him into the shadows.

"What do you think you're—"

Sirius covered his mouth. "Greyback is here for you, shut up or someone might recognise your voice. We must hurry and get you hidden."

The annoyed look quickly turned to panic. "How did he find me?" Remus whispered. "He said I'd have to marry him or he'd get me out of his way like my parents. I think he killed my parents. Help me escape and you'll have all the gold—"

"I'll help you because I don't want his hands on you," Sirius replied, pressing his lips against Remus for a moment. "You should have told us. We knew you weren't Ted."

"Why did you allow me to stay?"

"Because you were in trouble," Sirius replied. "Now, follow me."

...oOo...

"Where are we?" Remus asked, looking around.

"A shack in the middle of nowhere. Impossible to get into from the outside; unless, you know the other secret passage, that is. People believe this shack is haunted and stay away. We'll be safe here."

He moved closer to Remus. "Why did you not get the guards to take him away?"

"He raised me after my parents' deaths. I have no doubt that at least half the guards are loyal to him."

"Well, we aren't going to let him take your Kingdom," Sirius promised, taking Remus' hand. "James will help: I'll be at your side and we can lead the army. Those loyal to you will step aside, and the rest will give up in fear of our number."

"You'd do that for me?"

Sirius grinned and nodded. "If it hasn't escaped your notice, I've become quite captivated by you."

"And by my side?"

"Is that an offer?" Sirius asked, his heart pounding against his chest. "Prince Remus." He bowed. "I'm at your service for as long as you need and want me. I pledge myself—"

His words were stolen as Remus grabbed him, pressing inexperienced lips to his. Sirius' arms wound around him, holding him tightly. "My Prince," Sirius murmured. "I wish to return to Ravenclaw with you, if—"

"Yes!" Remus exclaimed. "I want you to come with me too. Though I can't take the throne unless I'm wed, so I—"

"If you have no objections, it's not just fighting I'm offering to do at your side. I know it's only been three days, but—"

"But you've saved my life and protected me," Remus finished. "I trust you, and I must admit that you've captivated me too!"

"We can be wed in the castle the moment we get Greyback over the Slytherin borders, and take back your home immediately, whilst he's not there to stand in the way and rally the troops," Sirius suggested. "If that's not too soon?"

"It's not too soon," Remus whispered. "How long will that take?"

"James will find a way to get him to leave. In the meantime, I imagine you must be quite tired. The bed here isn't amazing, but no-one will find us and safety is our priority. Would you like to sleep?"

Remus nodded. "This is the first time I've been excited at the prospect of marriage. I can't wait to start my life with you. But I have to admit, I'm nervous!"

"Nervous?" Sirius repeated. "I'll happily stand guard, if you feel—"

"No, I… I want to fall asleep with you next to me," Remus admitted, blushing. "And I really want to kiss you again. I'm just nervous because this is all new to me."

"Well, we are betrothed," Sirius pointed out softly. "You can kiss me whenever you want! In fact, I'm sure it'll pass the time quicker if we do!"

"You know, I think you're right. Which way did you say the bedroom was?"

Sirius smirked as he held Remus' hand and led him towards the bedroom.


4485 words

Thanks to the Wanderers and Shannon for helping :)