Character Appreciation: spy

Book Club, Zil: hatred, crime, prejudice

Liza's Loves: (title) La Grande Illusion

TV Show of the Month, Lestrade: Kingsley, ring, respect

365 Prompts Challenge: spy!au

Insane House Competition: "What are you hiding?"

Word Count: 2458

Infiltrating the Black family proves to be surprisingly easy. All it takes is a well crafted backstory, a few forged documents, and Remus' best smile, and he's in. It isn't where he wants to be. If he had his way, he'd be a direct associate, working as a business partner trying to earn Orion Black's trust. He'll have to settle for masquerading as a butler in the meantime.

The Black's patriarch shows him around the estate, explaining each of Remus' duties as they go. Remus nods, carefully composing his features so that he appears interested. "And what's this room?" he asks, noticing that Orion pointedly avoids a door near the staircase.

The older man turns to him, eyes narrowed, a scowl on his lips. "Nothing that concerns you," he says sharply. "You are not being paid to ask questions, Lupin."

"Understood, sir."

As they mount the stairs, Remus' gaze wanders back to that mysterious door, a frown tugging at his lips. He makes a mental note to find a way into it. If Orion is so keen on keeping people out, what Remus is looking for is bound to be in there. He almost laughs. This job is easier than he'd expected. If he pulls this off, maybe he'll be able to retire. God knows the thrill of undercover missions have long since lost their appeal.

"This is my youngest son's room," Orion says stiffly.

Remus nods. He's heard the story, of course. Regulus Black crossed a rival cartel. His body was found in the English Channel a few months ago. Between decomposition and the damage done by sea life, it had taken weeks to identify him. Poor bastard.

"You are to dust it once a week," Orion instructs. "Do not touch anything. Do not move anything. Understood?"

Remus swallows dryly. He doesn't want to feel anything for the Blacks. He's hardly prejudiced, but a criminal is a criminal, and for the government to get involved with them… Well, that just means they're the worst sort of criminals imaginable. Still, his heart breaks a little. Orion Black is feared by most and revered as a god by others; he isn't supposed to be so damn human.

"I understand," Remus confirms, his voice quiet as he nods.

They approach a second door. Orion pushes it open, and a young man with dark, shaggy hair and storm cloud grey eyes groans as he looks up from a magazine on his desk. "Knocking is nice."

"This is my eldest, Sirius." Orion doesn't even acknowledge his son's remark. "Sirius, this is Remus. He'll be working for us."

Sirius studies Remus, suspicion clear in his eyes. "Working?"

"Around the house. Cleaning and the like," Orion clarifies.

Sirius relaxes at that. Now, his eyes move over Remus, and a mischievous grin tugs at his lips. "Not bad," he decides. "Not bad at all."

Orion scowls. "You'll have to excuse my son. Now, my Regulus was a good boy. Bright and ready to take on the world. This one… This one…" He trails off, seemingly unsure how exactly to describe Sirius.

"Thanks for that. I'm right here, you know," Sirius mutters darkly.

Remus studies Sirius for a moment. The agency doesn't have much information on the eldest son, only that he moved back in after Regulus' body was found. Remus now wonders if he returned willingly, or if Orion.

Regulus had been the obvious heir to the Black empire, despite being the youngest son. With Orion getting older, Remus suspects he's hoping to make Sirius the new heir.

Orion clears his throat and shakes his head. "Right. Well, one last stop. Your duties will begin tomorrow."

…

The final stop is a small room that's infinitely less grand than the rest of the manor. The carpet is worn out and discolored. The wallpaper is peeling.

"Your chambers," Orion says simply. "Our last caretaker was a good man, but he seems to have abandoned us in the end."

Remus nervously adjusts his collar. Kevin "Kreacher" Smith is currently in custody, being interviewed relentlessly. His capture allowed Remus the opportunity to infiltrate the family.

"When you are not working, you will be here," Orion continues. "The help is not meant to be interact with the family or our guests."

"Understood, sir."

Orion stares at him, his dark eyes studying Remus intently. Remus boldly holds his gaze, though his insides feel like gelatin. It feels like Orion can see into his soul; Remus prays that he can't.

At last, the patriarch claps Remus on the shoulder. "Don't let me down, boy."

And then he's gone, and Remus lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding. The tension slowly leaves his body. In his pocket, his mobile rings. Remus almost laughs. Sometimes it feels like Kingsley has eyes on him at all times, even when it's impossible.

"Yeah?"

"Are you in?" comes the deep voice from the other end of the line.

"I start work tomorrow," Remus says, keeping his tone neutral so that anyone who might be listening in won't get suspicious.

"Good. Be careful, Lupin."

"Always."

…

Getting inside the manor may be easy, but Remus quickly learns that his actual mission will be difficult. It seems like someone is always watching him. He shouldn't be surprised. A crime lord like Orion has every reason to be wary of any newcomers in his household.

Remus carries on the illusion, taking care to play his role convincingly. He keeps a smile on his face, shows the family nothing but respect, and does his job. All the while, he performs his real task. The surveillance equipment is easy enough. He's done this long enough that he knows how to hide what and where.

But it isn't enough. That one room remains locked, and Remus can't find a way inside. All those eyes on him only make it more difficult.

"What are you hiding?" Remus mutters under his breath, as though the door will sprout a mouth and spill all the dirty little secrets it conceals.

…

Regulus' room is eerie. It looks as though no one has touched it since the boy left. Only the too thin layer of dust gives any indication that anyone has been inside.

Remus lifts his duster, slowly brushing it over the bookshelf.

"This would be so hot if you wore a French maid outfit."

Remus nearly drops the duster; he narrowly manages to catch it awkwardly before it hits the ground. When he turns, he finds himself face to face with Sirius. In the week that he's been here, Remus hasn't seen much of the other man. Sirius seems to prefer solitude, even taking his meals in his room.

Remus wonders if Sirius wants to be here at all. Judging by the constant tension between him and Orion, and the way way Orion practically spits Sirius' name in disgust, Remus assumes Sirius isn't exactly happy to be roped into the family business.

Would he make a good ally? Remus isn't sure. Whatever is going on between Sirius and Orion behind the scenes, family is still family.

"I'm sorry about your brother," Remus says, desperate for anything to cut through the silence.

Sirius shrugs. "The life he was living, it's hardly surprising."

His icy tone startles Remus. Maybe he had been wrong; maybe family doesn't mean much to Sirius after all.

Remus wants for Sirius to grow bored and walk out. Instead, he leans against the door frame, grinning at Remus. "Maybe not a French maid outfit," he decides. "One of those posh suits though… Yeah. That would be perfect."

Remus snorts and turns his attention to the task at hand. Somehow, he realizes he doesn't really mind Sirius watching him. There's something softer about the youngest Black's attention. He doesn't watch Remus with critical eyes full of distrust.

"Why are you here?" Sirius asks.

Remus doesn't look up this time. He keeps his attention on the task at hand, taking care not to move anything even a millimeter off. "Just trying to make a living," he answers.

"You don't seem like the servant type," Sirius continues. "Too clever for something like that. What are you really doing here?"

Remus swallows dryly. He forces himself to remain relaxed; showing panic is an easy way to get himself killed. Still, it's hard. He's only had his cover blown once, and he has to live with the knowledge that James and Lily are dead because of it. He can't fail now.

"Sadly, there aren't enough jobs out there for a degree in literature," Remus says, keeping his voice quiet and steady. He moves the duster to the next shelf. "Bills are piling up, and I need a way to get by until I find something better."

"Hmm…"

Remus turns, brows raised. "And what about you?" he asks. "Why are you here? You don't seem to care much for your family."

"Fair. I hate them," the other man admits. "I'm here for appearances alone." He pushes himself off the door frame, grinning. "Maybe I'll buy you a nice suit for when you clean my room."

"Why a suit?"

Sirius crosses the short distance between them and leans in, his lips dangerously close to Remus' neck. "I like having something nice to look at," he whispers, his warm breath tickling Remus' neck. "And trust me. I've been keeping a close eye on you."

Remus isn't sure if it's Sirius' way of threatening or flirting with him. He also doesn't know if his shiver is from delight or from anxiety. All he knows is that he has to be more careful.

…

Remus sits in the park on his day off. A man with dark skin and a kind smile sits beside him. Neither look at the other; this isn't their first rendezvous.

"Well?" Kingsley asks.

"Nothing of use," Remus answers. "You know that."

Out of the corner of his, Remus sees Kingsley nod. "We need those files."

"I know."

When Kingsley rises, he rests a hand on Remus' arm for a fraction of a second. It's a quick gesture of acknowledgment, one that the untrained eye would miss, but Remus can still feel the cold metal of the wedding band on his skin. It's a reminder that everything depends on his mission.

Remus sighs, feeling defeated. He had been so sure that this would be an easy case. Even if others have failed, he had believed he'd have enough experience for a quick in and out thing. Now, it's been a month. If he doesn't get this done soon, they'll pull him out, and some other hopeful agent will take his place.

Remus climbs to his feet, pushing a hand through his tawny hair. Maybe it's time to stop playing it safe and hoping for the best. Maybe it's time to take a risk.

He sucks in a deep breath, trembling slightly. It doesn't matter that he's been a government spy for six years, or that he's been involved in at least a dozen high stakes missions. There's something unnerving about knowing your only option is damn near suicide.

He strolls through the park, pulling out his mobile. He has a few favors to call in to make this work.

…

By the time he returns to the manor, the plan is in action. Orion greets him at the door, Walburga at his side. "We have been called away on business," he says.

Remus nods, checking his watch. If they leave now, he estimates he'll have about two hours to get everything done and get the hell out before Orion realizes the ruse. "I hope everything is okay," he says.

"Fine. Perfectly fine," Orion snaps. "See to it that Sirius eats."

Without another word, they push past Remus. Remus stands at the window, peering out from behind the curtains. He waits until long after the car has vanished from view before springing into action. He had hoped Sirius would be with them. At least Sirius rarely comes downstairs. Everything should be fine.

Remus removes his lock pick from his pocket and hurries to the mysterious door. He kneels on the floor, squinting as he studies the locking mechanism. Carefully, he slides the first pick inside.

"A key would be easier."

Remus drops the second pin, swearing loudly. He hadn't even heard Sirius come downstairs.

"You're investigating my family, aren't you?"

There's no point lying; he's been caught. Remus rises, hands raised and ready to defend himself if needed. "Yes," he answers.

To his surprise, Sirius grins. "Thank God."

Remus wants to feel relieved, but he can't quite bring himself to relax. "You don't sound surprised."

Sirius shrugs, swaggering closer. "It was only a matter of time," he says simply. "Who are you with? Riddle? Lestrange?"

"The government."

The other man lets out an impressed whistle. "Perfect. You can keep me safe."

"Excuse me?"

"I hate my father. I tried to avoid following in his footsteps, but his shadow is awfully big," Sirius explains. "I'll get you the key, and you'll get me out of this place. Deal?"

Remus hesitates. Really, he isn't in the position to make such a negotiation. He can only hope that Kingsley will listen when he makes the case. "I'll do what I can."

Sirius shrugs. "Good enough."

…

"Nope," Remus says when Kingsley appears in his office with a file in hand. "I put my notice in. No more missions for me."

Kingsley grins. "I think you might change your mind for this one."

Remus rolls his eyes. He enjoys his job, but it's becoming too much. He just wants to retire and live a nice, peaceful life and have a normal, boring job. "Fine. I'll bite."

"Long term security operation," Kingsley explains, setting the file on the table. "Our guy asked for you personally."

Remus opens the file, almost laughing when he sees Sirius' smiling face peering up at him in a photograph. "I may can make an exception," he says.

…

Sirius meets him at the airport. "Still no suit," he notes with a mock pout.

"I'm sure I'll have time to buy one when we land," Remus assures him. "Why me?"

"Because if I'm stuck with an agent for the rest of my days, at least I can have a cute one," he says.

Remus feels his cheeks warm with color. So Sirius had been flirting when Remus was undercover. Good to know.

Sirius puts an arm around him, resting his head on Remus' shoulder. "Our cover story is that we're a young couple, happily in love, who are settling down and starting a future together."

"That wasn't in my file."

Sirius pulls him closer, pressing a kiss to his lips. "We're rewriting the file as we go."