Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Warning: SiRem slash, rare swearing, and a number of musical references. Contact me if you have questions.
RRs:
Leilanibreif: It's nice to see non-musicians enjoying this story. I really tried to have a good balance for both musicians and non-musicians.
Yourmomismyheart: hope you got my review reply. Here as promised is chapter 2.
844;D: thanks for the review, but next time could you tell me what specifically was confusing so I can fix it.
RhiannonVega: I hope you enjoy my prompt chapter. I'm already working on the next one as I speak (type?)!
Chapter 2
Remus arrived at the manor and was ushered into the vast and tastefully decorated ballroom. At the other end of the room was a beautiful grand piano. Remus walked over and traced his fingers across the dark mahogany body, and then down the ivory and onyx keys. He gently pushed down the middle C. The pure tone floated into the room and filled it with the simple sound.
He sat on the leather-upholstered chair and set his music on the stand. He warmed up with a few scales going the entire length of the splendid instrument. Remus began playing one of Mozart's piano sonatas as guests began arriving. Every time one of them entered the ballroom, Remus looked up to see who it was.
He was in the middle of his next piece when a black haired man came into Remus' peripheral vision. He glanced over, and then did a double take. It was Sirius, or at least what he would look like in about twenty years. He needed to turn the page so he missed the people that came in with him, but he made a mental note to keep an eye on the man and his companions.
He had at least another hour before he got his contracted twenty minutes of break. He busied himself with the music, mulling over in his head how he would approach the people he saw.
"Excuse me," a voice brought him out of his thoughts. He looked over and saw a pale woman with a slight smile on her face. Her long flowing black hair was pulled behind her in a complex bun.
Remus looked back at the piano and ended Hayden's piano concerto prematurely with a flowing chord. The guests would never know, it wasn't like they bothered to immerse themselves in the classics. He then turned back to the woman. She gave a little laugh.
"Not to bad. You did have about 80 measures left, am I right?"
Remus was surprised at her. He glanced at where he had been. "84 measures…"
"Auriga. And you are?"
"Remus Lupin."
"Well Mr. Lupin, would be so inclined as to take a request."
He smiled and nodded his head. "I am."
She smiled kindly in response. "I would very much like it if you would play Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. It is a personal favorite of mine."
Remus nodded and set his fingers on the appropriate keys. Auriga walked away as he tapped out the beginning notes. It flowed from his fingers like water and ran over the keys. She swayed away and joined a man with dark hair and matching pale skin.
Remus closed his eyes and let the forlorn yet sweet melody take him away. Even after the piece was supposed to end he changed keys and improvised within the musical styling. When he was done he realized his break was about to start.
He left his piano with a trained grace and walked over to the table that offered drinks. On his approach he saw a tall back with black hair that was tied at the base of his neck. It couldn't be him. The hair was shorter than when he last saw him. Then again he could've gotten a haircut since Remus left him.
"Sirius?"
The person turned around with eyes wide. It wasn't Sirius, but a boy that looked very much like him. Remus felt embarrassed at his blunder.
He bowed his head. "I'm sorry. I mistook you for someone else. Excuse me." Remus made to turn and leave but his wrist was grabbed and he was forcibly turned back to the boy.
"How do you know my brother?" The boy's eyes were alight and his hand squeezed tighter on Remus' wrist, desperately.
Remus tried to loosen the boy's grip but it was futile. He gave up. He made eye contact with the boy. "He came to quartet rehearsal today. I didn't know he was your brother."
The dark haired boy let go of Remus and dropped his head. "He's alive. Thank God he's still alive. Eight years and he's still here."
"Come on." Remus could see there was something wrong with the boy, so he took a hold of the boy's shoulders and steered him into a private corner. He turned the boy so he faced him. "Who are you?"
The boy looked up at him, his eyes were wet, but no tears were on his cheeks. He straightened himself and wiped his eyes. "I am Regulus Black, second son to Cane and Auriga Black, and sole heir to Black Tree Hotels."
Remus chuckled under his breath. "That's quite a title." He paused and studied Regulus. His gray blue eyes held fierce desperation and painful longing. His face was slightly more feminine. He took after his mother. He was a near exact image of Sirius. "You look a lot like him." Remus could see the effect his words had on Regulus.
His face lightened. He grabbed Remus around the arms. "How do you know him? Where is he? Is he ok?"
Remus paused and took a deep breath. "A friend of mine found him and offered him a place in our quartet. I don't know where he is right now, but he'll be at our next rehearsal. I'm pretty sure he's ok, but I can't guarantee anything." Remus felt he had given enough answers, he wanted more in return. "Why is Sirius living in the streets when he came from such a well off family?"
Regulus' face closed slightly, but he told Remus what he felt obligated to. "Sirius left home when he was fifteen. He and father had never gotten along well. But they had never had a fight as bad as this one. They had actually started a physical fight when father threatened to disown him. He spat at father's feet and then turned away to get his things. He left just carrying his cello case and closed the door. Father said he would be back in a few hours, three days tops. I was nine when he left. I haven't seen him for over eight years. I really thought he was dead."
Remus felt a need to console Sirius' brother. "But he's alive."
Relief and peace fell over Regulus' face. "Is there any way I can meet him?"
Remus thought for a second. "You may be able to sneak into the Steriae the next time we meet. I'm sorry to leave you, but you have to excuse me." He knew his break was almost up. He needed to get back to the piano or risk tarnishing his perfect performance record.
Regulus let him go. He needed to compose himself before he saw his father again.
On his way back Remus was pulled aside by Kiria Naiselb, Andy's mother. "Remus, Remus, they are some people I'd like you to meet."
He kept his eyes down and let himself be led through the crowd. He slowed as he felt Kiria come to a stop. "Cane and Auriga, I would like to introduce you both Remus Lupin."
Remus' head snapped up at the familiar names. He then bowed it in respect and shook Cane Black's extended hand. "Nice to meet you." He muttered out politely.
"The pleasure is all mine." They released hands.
Auriga proffered her hand and Remus took it and lightly kissed the back of it, still bent. "Your Moonlight Sonata interpretation was delightful."
A small smile settled on his face as he righted himself. "I'm glad you enjoyed it Auriga."
Cane looked around for a second. "Now, where is that son of mine?" Remus felt his chest clench a bit. Cane continued. "No matter. Kiria, what did you want to talk to me about?"
She looked a little sheepish. "It's about the promotions you do for the Steriae in your hotels. I must apologize, but the Aesti Quartet is currently unable to perform. The cellist just moved last month and we have been searching for another."
Remus saw Cane's eyes flash at the word cellist.
Kiria continued. "I was hoping that Remus would be willing to fill in any prearranged performances we agreed upon." She looked over at Remus.
"I have no problem with that." Cane also looked at the lone pianist. "Are you content with that?"
Remus felt himself to freeze. Staring into the same eyes that had just hours before scared him, he tried to make his vocal chords work. "Erm…well, er…you see…"
Auriga saved him. "Ah, Regulus, where have you been? Your father and I have someone we think you should meet." Regulus came over under his mother's guidence and took his picturesque place between his parents. "This is Kiria Naiselb, I believe you've met before. And this is Remus Lupin, he was the one playing the piano earlier." Regulus nodded to each in turn.
Regulus' father took over. "We were just discussing the program changes due to the lack of a complete quartet. So, Remus, do you think you can handle the schedule?"
Remus swallowed before answering. "I can substitute for Aesti as long as necessary."
Cane laughed a bit and slapped Remus on the back. "Spoken like a true businessman. You hear that Regulus? In fact," he paused thoughtful. "Regulus, you need a bit more experience in the arts. What would you think of working with Remus during this demanding time?" He turned to Remus. "I hope you don't mind." Remus shook his head. "Excellent, Regulus, what do you think?"
Regulus took a quiet breath before responding. "It would be an honor to work with a such an accomplished musician." He then extended his hand and Remus shook it. Kiria, Cane and Auriga all looked on in satisfaction.
"I must apologize for my sudden absence, but I must get back to my job." Remus nodded his head and made to leave the little circle.
Kiria stopped him. "Remus," he turned back. "Take the rest of the night off, you've earned it."
"Thank you very much Kiria. I promise to pay you back." He bowed again to her. She spoke before he stood up.
"Just make sure to find a cellist soon." When he looked at her again he saw a slight look of pity and hurt in her eyes. The expression dredged up past words she had spoken to him. "You can only let wounds fester for so long. Don't let James be the end for you. It would be a very poor ending indeed."
"Goodnight Kiria. Cane, Auriga, Regulus."
He went to the piano and gathered his music and got his coat. As he walked back to the apartment he felt his thoughts growing heavier and heavier. He was being pulled unwillingly back into a time that was both the brightest and darkest.
The time when James was in Aesti.
A/N: Sorry to put his here guys, but I have a request. I have been looking for this song on the internet, but have had no luck finding it. I have the lyrics below and it is a techno song from what I have heard. If any of you would be so kind as to tell me who it is I will write you a story. Just for you. Thank you! Tah!-v
I will never be afraid again, I will on fighting till the end. I can walk on water, I can fly, I will keep on flying till I die.