Amber's Attic: Orion Black

Ballet Day: Write a fic inspired by Swan Lake

Liza's Loves, Ballet Ruse: Swan Lake!au

Word Count: 1795

I.

"A toast!" James calls, lifting the bottle of wine he had stolen from the kitchen. "To Prince Sirius, as he comes of age."

Sirius grins and lifts his bottle; Peter follows suit. He likes being amongst his friends. Even if they are nobles, they don't expect him to talk of his royal duties. He can just relax around them and be himself. It's such a nice change from all the pressure and expectations that come with the crown.

As if summoned by his relaxation, Sirius' father bustles in. King Orion narrows his eyes at each bottle of wine in turn, but he doesn't try to confiscate them. Sirius wonders if this is his father's subtle way of acknowledging that Sirius is a proper adult now.

"Away with you," King Orion says. I need to speak to my son in private."

James and Peter hesitate, but both know better than to question a monarch. "Good luck, mate," James mutters before leading their friend out.

Sirius exhales deeply. He has no idea what this could be about, but it can't be good. King Orion usually sends one of his servants to deal with Sirius. Anything that warrants a personal visit must be serious.

"You are now of age," King Orion says.

"So I've heard."

His father shows no indication that he's heard the interruption. He continues, "It is your duty to the kingdom to find a spouse."

Ah. So that's what this is about. The prince leans back, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. "What interest would I have in a spouse?" he asks.

He knows it's expected of him, and he hates it. Sometimes he envies his little brother. Regulus is not the heir to the throne. No one would care if he were to marry or not.

Again, King Orion ignores him. "A ball will be held in your honor," he says. "You will find your spouse there. You are old enough now that being unwed is an embarrassment to the royal family. See to it that the humiliation ends before the week is up."

"What?" the prince protests. "That's hardly enough time at all!"

His father shows no sympathy. Without another word, he turns on his heel and stalks off. A moment later, James and Peter take his place. Judging by their expressions, Sirius guesses they had been listening at the door.

"I know what will cheer you up," James says.

Sirius snorts. "An assassination attempt on my father? Wait… No. Then I'd be on the throne sooner. Never mind."

His best friend grins. "A hunting trip."

Sirius shrugs. He could never say no to an excuse to escape the castle, and finding something to shoot at might help him release some of his anger.

…

James is right, of course. The fresh air feels his lungs, and a smile pulls at Sirius' lips. Being outside doesn't magically wash away his anger and anxiety, but it helps to ease it.

The three friends part ways as they move deeper into the woods. They will meet up again before sunset, and one will be more victorious in his conquest than the others. Usually, Sirius comes out with more game in his bag; he suspects the others do this deliberately so that the prince always looks like the better hunter.

He hears a sound and follows it, his bow raised and ready. As he reaches the clearing, he comes across a beautiful wolf and grins. It will make a fine trophy for his collection.

"Wait!"

Sirius looks around, confused. There isn't anyone around, but he is certain he's heard a voice cut through the air.

When he turns his attention back to the wolf, his confusion deepens. The fur begins to fade from the creature, and a gorgeous man stands before him. Sirius' jaw goes slack as he tries to comprehend what he's just seen. He is certain he hasn't had too much wine before this hunt, but there is nothing to explain why he thinks he's seen the wolf change into a man.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Remus Lupin," the stranger says, stepping closer so that his body is illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight. "Prince of the Wolves."

Sirius' eyebrows raise. Being born into a royal family, he is aware of many princes and princesses, but this is a new one. People rule over lands, not creatures.

"I don't understand."

"The wicked sorcerer, Lucius, put a curse on me and several others," Remus explains. "By day, we are trapped in the bodies of wolves. Only when the moon comes out can we be our true selves again."

Sirius swallows dryly. He has heard that there are those who can work black magic, but he's never known anyone with proof of it. Evil sorcerers are the things of legends, cautionary tales to dissuade children from trusting outsiders.

And yet he's seen the proof as clear as day. He's watched a wolf transform into a man. How can he have any doubts now?

"Is there a way to break the spell?"

"Someone must devote their life to me," Remus says bitterly. "Bit cliche, isn't it? True love can break the spell. But my time is running out."

"I'm sorry."

Remus' lips quirk as though he wants to smile, but they quickly pull back into a thin line. "I'm used to it."

Sirius lowers his bow at last, putting it away. He moves closer. "But you are beautiful," he says. "How is it that no one has broken your spell yet?"

There's another faint quirk of his lips, but it's gone within seconds again. "Perhaps it's because true love doesn't exist," he muses, sitting beneath the nearest tree and stretching out his long limbs. "Such things only exist in fairytales."

"Until now, I believed the same for evil sorcerers," Sirius counters, sitting beside him. "Perhaps there is hope for you."

…

It's amazing how easily he forgets the hunt. He and Remus sit under that tree, talking about anything and everything in the world. It is comforting and natural, and Sirius feels something flutter inside his chest.

"I must go soon."

Sure enough, the inky sky is beginning to lighten. The curse will take hold again soon.

"There is a ball being held in my honor this Saturday," Sirius says. "I'm meant to find my spouse there. Will you come?"

Remus hesitates, pain flashing over his handsome features. "I'm not sure that's a good idea."

"Please. I would love to see you there."

"Saturday," Remus says softly, "is the day my curse begins complete. I will not be human again after that."

"Come. Please."

"If the fates will it, I will come."

…

James and Peter both have small hauls of rabbits and birds. As expected, it's nothing spectacular, but, for once, they have outdone him.

"What happened?" Peter teases. "Did a young maiden wander across your path?"

Sirius rolls his eyes. He wants to tell them about his strange and fantastic encounter, but they would never believe him.

II

"Stand up straight!" King Orion scolds. "Slouching is for commoners, boy."

"Yes, Father."

As the ball begins, Sirius wonders if anyone can see how miserable he is. He should be happy. The ball is for him, and it's the grandest affair he's ever seen.

But between his father's constant pokes and prods and no sign of Remus, his heart sinks. Refusing to give up, Sirius ventures into the crowd.

And he sees him. A smile pulls at his lips. He would recognize that tawny hair and golden eyes anywhere. A man with long blond hair stands beside him, and Sirius wonders if it is another wolf who has accompanied him. Sirius moves closer.

"May I have this dance?"

Remus offers him a strange smile, one that holds danger and desire. "It would be my pleasure," he says, accepting Sirius' hand.

There is no need to speak. Sirius can still feel that connection he had felt in the woods. His heart continues to flutter, and he knows his decision has been made.

No. He hears Remus' voice in his ear, but his partner has not moved his lips. Don't do it.

Sirius shakes his head. He's just nervous. Until now, he's never had to make such an important decision.

Sirius leads Remus to the center of the room. All eyes are on them. His father offers him a brief nod of approval.

"Remus," he says, "your heart calls out to me."

Stop. It's a trap.

"I wish to devote my life to you, only you. Will you be mine forevermore?"

"Yes." Remus leans in, his golden eyes glinting dangerously. "But I'm not Remus. My name is Antonin, and my master, Lucius, has foretold this moment."

Sirius' heart sinks into his stomach. No. No. This can't be.

But it's too late to take his words back. His father stands and echoes the engagement.

And Sirius runs.

…

He can see Remus so clearly in his mind now. He stands at the bridge, tears falling from his eyes as he leans over the railing.

Sirius increases his speed. He's all too aware of the blond stranger on his heels, but he doesn't care. He has to reach his true love.

…

"Remus! Remus!"

Remus, his Remus steps back, fixing Sirius with a look of pain. "I thought…"

"I was deceived!" Sirius calls, his feet thudding loudly on the bridge as he nears. "I thought he was you. I… I made a mistake."

"Your intentions might have been good, but it doesn't change anything. The curse will never be broken now."

"Remus…" Sirius comes to a stop in front of him, pulling him close. Their lips meet, and Sirius can taste the salty tears on the other man's lips.

"It's too late. My curse will be permanent," Remus says. "I refuse… I will die as a human."

Sirius takes his hand. "I will die by your side," he says. "Let me devote my life to you."

"You barely know me."

"Doesn't matter. Regulus will make a fine king one day," he says. "I will follow my heart."

Their hands are clasped tightly together. Sirius supposes he should be afraid, but he isn't. Remus is with him. Everything will be okay.

…

By the time Lucius reaches the bridge, it's too late. He curses loudly, watching their lifeless bodies drift down the river.

"Their act of love broke the spell."

He looks up at the voice, and he swallows. He recognizes each and every person in the pack in front of him. They are the ones he has cursed, and they look at him with pure hatred in their eyes.

"Please. Be reasonable."

He doesn't have time to cry out as they close in on him.