The Selkie - Chapter 1
Title: The Selkie, Chapter 1
Rating: R
Warnings: Violence, dark themes, implied sexual acts, gore, suicidal thoughts
Word Count: This chapter- 7,035
Summary: In the hills of Erin there is a castle on a high Tor. From the towers you can see the sea, ever changing and beautiful. Here Prince Sirius will begin a journey that will change his life, and his kingdom, forever
Notes: So, this was my story this year for the Remus/Sirius games! Go Team Sirius! I feel like it got a little rushed though, so I am going back and rewriting it as I go, adding all the plot points and characterizations that I didn't have time for before the games deadline. I'm going to try to get a new chapter up every week, barring complications!
This story is set, very loosely, in ancient Ireland (also known as Erin). There are a few terms you should be familiar with when reading this story, and they are:
Tuath: A nation or conglomeration of people. Can refer to an entire kingdom, or just a town.
Tor:A rocky peak or hill, often with a stronghold at the apex
Ard Ri: The high king, ruler of all of Erin
clamproir: Troublemakers. It’s my Celtic version of Marauders
Tuatha De Danann:The name of the fair folk of Ireland, encompassing most of the fairy creatures, including selkies.
Sidhe:Another name for the Tuatha De Danann
Fuidiri:The Celtic version of slaves. They were often foreigners or people taken in raids from other tribes. They were traditionally treated rather well, and could earn their freedom in various ways.
You little devils! Get back here!”
Sirius, James hot on his heels, sprinted down the hill and away from the town like there was a dullahan after them. Old man Aifric, still clutching half a link of sausages, finally stopped running, settling for shaking a weary fist and shouting more and more inaudible threats as the eleven year old boys made it to the rocky cliffs along the shore.
“Did you see his face?” James puffed, four sausages stuffed tightly into his trousers. “He turned all red!”
Sirius laughed, grey eyes sparkling, as the two boys sat on the edge and looked down over the sea.
“He always does.” Sirius stuffed the last two apples into his shirt.
“Is Peter already there?”
Sirius nodded, sliding down and beginning the climb to the beach below.
“He better be, he’s in charge of the fire.”
“Hey! Hey guys! Wait up!” Regulus, little legs pumping wildly, dashed over to the cliff and stood panting beside the other boys. “Why didn’t you wait for me?” He whined, eyes already filling with tears. “Didn’t you see me?”
“Yeah, we saw you.” Sirius didn’t stop climbing. “We didn’t wait because you’re not coming down.”
“But Sirius!” Regulus’ lower lip began to tremble dangerously. “You’re supposed to let me play with you! Mam said you have to! She said!”
“When do I ever listen to Mam?” He paused long enough to make a face at his little brother before shinning his way down the rest of the cliff and onto the rough sand below.
“I’m tellin Sirius! I’m tellin’ Mam you’re not letting me play!” Reg was working himself into a proper pout now, lower lip trembling and huge puppy dog eyes staring down at them.
“Aw Hell Sirius, let him come.” James said, leaning up against the cliff wall. “What’s the worst he can do?”
“No!” Sirius stamped his foot, even though a tiny part of him was feeling just a little bit guilty. “He can’t come with us, because then he’ll see our” he lowered his voice so Regulus couldn’t hear “secret place! An you know he’ll tell my Mam, he always does. An’ then we won’t be able to come here no more, cause she’ll say it’s too dangerous, or that it’s ‘beneath a prince of the Connacht to play in a cave’ an she’ll make me stay inside all week and we’ll never get to finish our big plan an you don’t want that to happen, do you?”
James sighed and shook his head.
“Didn’t think so.” Sirius turned back to his brother, who was still pouting above them. “Go home Reggie! This is for The Clamproir only!”
Regulus burst into tears and took off, dashing back up the hill and toward the Tuath as he screamed, “I’m tellin on you Sirius! I’m tellin!”
Sirius rolled his eyes and started walking down the beach.
“Good riddance. He’d just have gotten in the way anyhow. Come on, race ya!”
Sirius broke into a run, laughing and whooping as the sand flew up behind him and the ocean spray hit him in the face. This was his favourite kind of day; no lessons, no tutors, no Mam, just him and James and Peter, The Clamproir, the scourge of all Erin! He skidded around a corner and dove head first into a small cave mouth, tucking his head and rolling into a surprisingly large chamber. A small fire was crackling in the center, illuminating the treasures of a hundred adventures lining the walls; small rodent skins, broken knives and bits of old pottery, shiny rocks and interesting sticks, dried seaweed and dried fish and dried apples, a ladies hair pin with a little seal on it, a large bow and quiver of arrows, a whole pile of dented metal pans, helmets, bits of armour, and a giant, mouldy bearskin. Peter sat poking at the fire with a charred looking stick, but stood and grinned as he saw Sirius come tumbling in.
“I thought you weren’t comin! I thought maybe Old Aifric had caught you!”
Sirius laughed, tossing his glossy black hair and throwing his apples at Peter’s head one by one.
“Course he didn’t! Old Aifric couldn’t catch a chicken with no legs!”
“And no head!” James added, pulling out the sausages. “Come on lads, feast time!” He dug out a pan and placed it in the center of the hot coals. He put the sausages on one by one and Peter immediately began poking at them with his stick.
“I’ve been thinking,” Sirius said, throwing himself down on the bearskin. “We should add honey.”
“To what?” Peter asked, looking eagerly up from the food.
“To the plan idiot, what else?” He toed off his boots and flopped back, resting against the bears giant head.
“I can nick some from my Mam,” Peter said. “She never checks it unless she’s makin cakes!” Peter’s mother was a cook up at the castle and was notorious for hitting unwary boys around the head with her wooden spoon.
“Get some feathers too,” Sirius said, not sitting up. “Honey and feathers, won’t that look a treat?”
James flopped down next to his best friend and nodded sagely.
“Aye, that’ll be fine. They’ll never know what hit em!”
Peter looked down at his feet, then said softly, “Aw, but James, won’t your Da be awful sore at you?”
“Naw, he’ll think it’s dead funny, you’ll see! Sides, he’d have to prove it was us first, wouldn’t he?”
“Naw,” Sirius added, “He wouldn’t. Everyone always knows it’s us. But I think you’re right. Your Da is a good sort. He’ll just laugh and make em take a bath.” James’ father, one of King Orion’s warlords, had the best sense of humour of anyone Sirius had ever met. And he always covered for them, making up all sorts of wild stories to explain the strange sounds, smells, and disappearances that always accompanied the Clamproir wherever they went. Sirius didn’t see why this time would be any different.
“Aye, but it’ll be his own men this time,” Peter said timidly, trying one last time to be the voice of reason. “You don’t think he’ll be sore about that?”
“Naw,” Sirius said, his tone final. “Are those ready yet Pete? I’m dyin!”
“Jus about.” Peter gave the sausages one last poke, then speared one on his knife and took a bite. “Yeah, they’re alright.”
Sirius and James sat up and immediately snatched two sausages up, cursing and tossing them from hand to hand as the hot juices burned their fingers.
“You never remember to use your knives, do ya?”
The lilting voice from the doorway sent Sirius leaping to his feet and caused James to drop his sausage and turn bright red.
“What’re you doin here Lily?” Sirius asked, affecting his best ‘Princely’ tone. “This is our place!”
Lily scoffed.
“Like I’d want it! It’s just a wee hole, isn’t it?”
“Then why’d you come?”
James; who had managed to fish his sausage out of the dirt, toss it back in the pan, and smear grease all over his face; leapt to his feet.
“Yeah.” He smoothed his hair back, the grease on his fingers causing it to stand straight up. “What’re you after?”
“No girls allowed!” Peter added, voice small.
“Well that’s nice!” Lily said, indignant. “I won’t tell you about the big do at the docks then!” She turned and began to march out of the cave.
“Hang on then,” James made to go after her, but tripped over the bearskin and went sprawling onto the cave floor.
Sirius rolled his eyes and stepped over his friend.
“What do?” He demanded. “There’s no ships in, I’d know, wouldn’t I.”
“I shant tell you now.” She declared with a sniff, turning and striding out of the cave.
“Wait!” He rushed after her and gripped her shoulder tightly. “Tell me!”
“Lay off!” Lily shrugged his hand off and made to keep going, but Sirius knocked her to the ground and stood over her.
“You’re fuidiri, so you have to do as I say!” He declared, eyes flashing dangerously.
“Sirius!” James ran up beside him and gave him a huge shove. “What’s wrong with you!” He helped Lily up, brushing the sand off her ragged clothes. “Are you alright?”
“Fine,” she said stiffly, moving away from him.
“She has to tell me!” Sirius whined. “She’s a bondsmaid, so she has to!”
“You sound just like your Da,” James said coldly.
Sirius turned bright red with anger and launched himself at his friend.
“Don’t you dare say that! I’m nothin like him! Nothin!”
“You are when you bully little girls!” James snarled back.
“Uh, lads?” Peter said faintly, staring up the beach with wide eyes.
“You take that back James! I’ll punch you good!”
“I’d like to see you try you great idiot!” James snarled back.
“Lads!” Peter said slightly louder.
“I’ll rip you open!”
“You and what army?”
“Stop it!” Lily’s voice lashed out, stopping both boys cold in their tracks. “You’re not animals, now get up!” They got gingerly to their feet, not quite looking at each other. “Good. Now shake hands, like proper men, and stop this nonsense!” James held his hand out and Sirius took it gingerly, pumping it once and letting go.
“Sirius!” Peter called, pointing frantically up the beach. ‘Your...”
“Sirius Black!” The steel hard voice ripped through the air and lashed against them like a physical blow. Sirius flinched, looking back toward the cliffs, and cringed as he saw his mother and little brother standing at the top.
“Aw Hell,” Sirius muttered, now looking desperately for an escape route.
“You march yourself over here right now!” Queen Walburga’s eyes were hard and fierce, offering no mercy as Regulus clung to her leg and smiled down at his brother smugly.
“Better go,” James whispered. “Maybe she’ll go easy on ya.”
Sirius nodded glumly and began climbing the cliff.
“Is she gonna kill him James?” Peter asked quietly.
“Dunno,” James whispered back. “C’mon, let’s get out of here.”
“You’re gonna get it now!” Regulus giggled as his brother finally reached the top.
“Silence,” Walburga snapped, reaching out a clawed hand and seizing her eldest son by the ear. “Come.” She all but dragged Sirius up to Tor toward the castle, never once looking back.
Regulus clung to their mother’s skirt, his face the very picture of glee. He stuck his tongue out at his older brother, clearly feeling he’d won this round.
“What were you thinking?” Walburga hissed, eyes flashing down at her son. “Fighting like a wild thing, and talking with a fuidiri! You just wait until your father hears about this.”
“The Ard Ri says the Fuidiri are to have rights too,” Sirius muttered defiantly. “He says we’re supposed to be nice to them.”
“You know better than that!” She snapped. “And if he keeps on like that he won’t be Ard Ri much longer, will he?”
“Why not Mam?” Regulus demanded, tugging at her skirt.
“Never you mind. That’s not for little boys to worry about.”
“Well, Da said...” Sirius began.
Walburga stopped and slapped Sirius across his face.
“What have I told you about calling His Highness Da?”
“But Mam!”
She slapped him again, knocking him to the ground.
“Not another word.”
She grabbed his arm and began to drag him back to the castle, Regulus running to keep up.
***
Sirius sat on his windowsill, ears still ringing from his mother’s screams and bottom still sore from her paddle. There was a lock on his door, and he knew that even if he did manage to weasel it open there’d be a maid sitting out there just waiting for him to try and escape. But this wasn’t the first time he’d been locked away. Last year she had locked him in for two weeks, only opening the door twice a day to send food through.
“Come on then,” he whispered, staring down at the courtyard below his window. “Come on by.” He held his breath as a handful of warriors crossed the open space, followed by a few bondswomen and a tipsy farmer. He waited a few moments more, but when no one else appeared he quickly pushed the window open and swung himself out and over. His toes found a small depression and he began climbing down the wall, moving faster than anyone with half a brain would dare to go on the near smooth surface. But Sirius was eleven years old, full of his own life and brilliance, and it never once occurred to him that he could fall.
He jumped the last few feet down, landing softly as a cat on the cobbles, and darted out of sight behind a pile of barrels. He hid there for a full count of ten before dashing off again. The gate was manned, but the wall wasn’t hard to climb and none of the guards bothered to watch the inside.
He immediately made his way to the cliffs, scrambling down them and heading straight for the ocean. He was still seething, images of his mothers angry face flashing behind his eyes, but there was nothing on this earth that wouldn’t be better after a swim. He stripped his clothes off, leaving them in a heap on the sand, and dove in. The salty bite of the water burned in his welts, but he was used to it and didn’t let it slow him down.
The world of the ocean was a different world altogether. Anyone who has ever been in one knows that. But for Sirius the knowledge went even deeper. The ocean was a sanctuary, a safe haven. It was his refuge from his family, his clan, his responsibilities. If it were possible Sirius would simply never come out. He stayed under water for as long as he could, eyes and lungs burning, before surfacing. He had swum a good distance with the aid of the current, the Tor and the Tuath seeming small and insignificant now. He flipped over onto his back, staring up at the clouds as they chased each other across the sky.
“I wish,” he whispered, then let it trail away. He didn’t know what he wished.
Something brushed against his leg and he pushed himself up, scanning the dark sea. He spun around, paddling with his arms, and whatever it was brushed against his back. He didn’t see anything, but the water was near black now and anything could be lurking beneath its surface. He caught a glimpse of a sleek, dark back as whatever it was brushed against his legs again, then vanished.
“Steady on,” he whispered. “Most like it’s just a...” He didn’t get to finish the thought as he was rammed from behind and sent headfirst under the water. He managed not to cry out, but only just as bubbles escaped from his mouth. He looked around frantically, mind dancing with visions of sea monsters and dark fae. Something with teeth and claws and long matted hair. But there was nothing.
He came up for air, spluttering, and stared around him.
“Show yourself!”
A little barking laugh had him whipping his head behind him, but all he saw was the flash of a tail.
“Come out!”
He heard the laugh again, closer this time, and he swirled around, trying to catch a glimpse.
“I’m not afraid of you!” He shouted, eyes wide. “I’m not!”
Something erupted from the water inches from his face and he screamed, thrashing backward, as the barking laugh rang out across the water.
“Why you little!” Sirius gasped, heart racing, as he stared into the face of a tiny seal. “You near killed me!”
The seal cocked its head, barked again, and butted against his side, tickling him with its whiskers.
“You wee devil,” Aedan laughed. “Alright, alright, you got me this time. But it’s not fair to sneak up on a man!” He stroked the seals soft head. “Hey, you’ve lost your spots! When did that happen?” He admired his friends sleek new coat. Sirius and the seal had been meeting like this for almost a year now, usually right after he had been punished for something or other. Somehow his little friend always knew when he needed cheering up the most.
“Come on then!” He darted off, swimming hard and fast.
“Can’t you go faster than that?” The seal barked again, then disappeared under the water. He surfaced again a few moments later, far ahead of Sirius, before spinning around and swimming back. “Alright,” Sirius acknowledged. “You’re faster than me. Now come on!”
They played like wild things, dashing and dipping and diving. Little boats kept skimming by, and both seal and boy had to dive under the water to avoid them. There seemed to be more of them than usual, and eventually Sirius’ curiosity won out.
“Want to go see what Lily was on about?” He took the seals little bark as agreement and began swimming toward the harbour.
She was right, there was quite a do! A large ship with pitch-black sails bobbed in the water, while his father’s best warriors lined the shore. He could see James’ Da out there, Moody standing right beside him. A moment later Sirius father joined them. The warriors made way for their king and took their rightful places at his side. An air of weighted anticipation fell over them all.
A small boat was making its way towards shore, a few heavily armed warriors pulling oars while a tall man in a heavy sealskin cloak stood at the bow. His hair was a dark, inky black and a gleaming silver torque set with an emerald adorned his forehead. Sirius stared at him, the water suddenly feeling much colder than before. He didn’t know who this man was, and he suddenly realized that he never wanted to. The seal cowered beside him, his tiny head hidden behind the mangled flipper on his right side. Sirius never knew what happened to his little friend, he’d been missing half of his fin when they’d met.
“Let’s go,” he whispered to the seal, and made to swim back the way he had come. His movement must have alerted the man, for suddenly Sirius felt his gaze piercing through him. His eyes were dark, almost purple, and looked terribly old in the chiselled, youthful face. Sirius froze, wanting desperately to swim away, but he was pinned by those eyes. The man stared at him a moment longer before turning to look at the seal at Sirius’ side. He glanced between them, and a slight smile tugged the corners of his mouth. Sirius didn’t think he had ever seen anything so frightening. With a shake of his head he turned his gaze back to the shore, but Sirius could still feel it on him. He bobbed in the water, feeling a helpless sort of dread. Who was he? And why was Sirius’ father meeting him? He had to be someone important, for King Orion did not come down to the shore for just anyone. And his eyes, Sweet Eriu, his eyes...
Something nudged his elbow, and Sirius broke from his musing to see his little seal staring up at him with terrified eyes.
“Yeah. Let’s go.”
Sirius and the seal swam silently back to shore, neither able to find the heart to play. Sirius climbed out of the water and quickly threw his clothes back on. He looked down at his little friend.
“I’ll come see you tomorrow, alright?”
The seal barked acknowledgement and Sirius managed half a grin.
“Right then.” He began sprinting back to the Tuath. He’d been gone longer than he’d planned, and his mother had defiantly noticed he was gone by now. Hopefully having an important guest would keep her from taking the lash to him again tonight.
***
“I’m going to suffocate,” James whispered, pulling at the tight collar his mother had forced him into. Sirius offered his friend a commiserating smile before giving his attention back to the high table. As the Kings eldest son he was supposed to pay attention as the guests were announced. Usually he ignored that duty, preferring to quietly make fun of the stuffy nobles and their ridiculous fashions, but not tonight. He needed to find out who the man in the boat was.
The Great Hall was stuffed to bursting, nobles in fine linen and warriors in decorated leathers were seated at the long, heavy tables. Servants and bondsmen stood on the sidelines, pitchers and tankards in hand in case anyone called for a drink. A dozen more would be waiting in the kitchen, ready to whisk in the platters and dishes for the banquet. Dogs usually ran about underfoot, but they’d been banished to the kennels tonight. That alone told Sirius how important his parents thought their guest was.
The King and Queen were seated at the high table, waiting. His mother looked beautiful, her black hair caught up in a silver net at the nape of her neck. She was wearing a long green dress with gold embroidery on the sleeves and hem and a necklace of gold at her throat. The King was dressed in his warrior’s leathers, but they had been polished until they gleamed. He wore his heavy iron crown and there was silver in his ears. Moody sat on his left, wearing a silk tabard and an ermine cloak over his leathers. He looked slightly ridiculous, like a tiger in a party dress..
“When’re we gonna eat?” Regulus whispered. He was sitting on Sirius’ right, fidgeting and casting glances at the doors to the kitchens. Their mother had squeezed him into a blue doublet and matching hose. There were bits of lace at his collar that he kept scratching at.
“Shh,” Sirius whispered, cuffing his baby brother lightly on the arm. “Not till Da’s guest arrives.”
“You’re not s’posed to call him da!” Regulus whined. “Mam said!”
“Hush yourself!” Sirius hissed. “They’re coming!”
Silence filled the hall as a herald stepped forward to announce;
“The Lord Riddle!”
The large doors opened and the man from the boat strode in. He was dressed as a warrior, with leathers and furs, and a great sword hung by his side. His arms were bared up to his shoulders, and the snakes that were tattooed on them seemed almost alive. He walked purposefully, his eyes never leaving the high table.
“Who is he?” James whispered. Sirius could feel the shiver that ran over his friend as the man walked past.
“I don’t know,” Sirius murmured.
King Orion stood as Lord Riddle reached the high table and spread his arms expansively.
“My clan is honoured by your presence, my lord. Please,” and at this he stepped aside from his chair and offered it to his guest. A shocked murmur ran through the crowd.
“Why is His Highness givin that man his chair?” Regulus demanded. He looked like he was about to stand and say something, but Sirius gripped his shoulder tightly. He didn’t want that man even glancing at his baby brother.
“Shut up Reg,” Sirius hissed. “Da knows what he’s doing.” But Sirius wasn’t so sure. Why would the King give his place to a Lord? No one was more important than his father, except the Ard Ri.
Lord Riddle had climbed the dais and was now settling himself in his father’s chair. His mother seemed torn between annoyance and awe as King Orion settled himself in her customary chair to Lord Riddle’s right. She stood awkwardly for half a moment before taking the seat that had clearly been meant for their guests. She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Let the feasting begin!” King Orion boomed, and the servants descended on mass with steaming trenchers and platters. James and Regulus helped themselves almost immediately to all their favourite dishes, but Sirius couldn’t take his eyes off Lord Riddle. Something was going on, and he was going to find out what.
***
Sirius wrapped his dark cloak around himself, making sure the hood was pulled low over his eyes. He could still hear sounds of drunken revelry coming from the Great Hall. The warriors would be feasting a long time yet. He, James, and Regulus had been banished to their rooms over an hour ago, little Regulus more than half asleep. He had seen his father and the Lords heads bent together all through the night. His father had barely even had any ale! His mother, of course, had had enough for both of them, her eyes getting darker and more calculating as the night went on.
He had heard her whispering loudly to Reg’s nurse half an hour ago, and knew she was heading up to bed. But his father and Lord Riddle were still down there, and Sirius wanted to know what they were talking about. He thought briefly about waking James, but then decided against it. He’d go quieter by himself.
He ghosted out of his room, easily evading the napping nursemaid who was stationed outside of their doors. He knew the castle like the back of his hand, and in no time at all he was pushing open a small servant’s door. It opened to a tiny passage that ended in a steep ladder, and Sirius had soon scaled it to the rafters of the great hall. It was there for cleaning the cobwebs out of the corners and changing the candles in the huge chandeliers, but Sirius had found it the perfect spot for spying. He settled himself in a corner near the High Table and strained his ears.
King Orion and Lord Riddle sat conversing in soft voices. Sirius, to his frustration, couldn’t make out a word of it. He was just beginning to think the whole night was going to be a bust when his father stood and nodded to a servant to clear away his dishes. He spoke quietly to Moody and Mr. Potter before slipping out through the small door in the back of the Hall. Sirius climbed down and followed as fast as he dared, worried they would escape.
“Yes, My Lord.” His father’s voice sounded oddly hollow, and Aedan desperately wished he had heard the beginning of the conversation.
“For tonight, act natural. All should be accomplished by midnight.”
“Yes, My Lord.”
‘The voices faded as the two men turned a corner and Sirius made to follow them. When the small hand clapped itself over his mouth he jumped, a stifled scream ripping from him.
“Hush!” The voice was soft, melodic. “Come with me.”
The hand didn’t move from his mouth, but another grabbed his shoulder and pulled him into an empty room to their right.
“Don’t scream.” The hand let go, and Sirius drew a deep breath to call for help. The hand was back in an instant. “Please! I shall not hurt you.” The hand slipped away again, and this time Sirius didn’t scream. Instead his hand moved toward his belt knife. He drew it in one smooth motion, spinning around to plunge the blade into the heart of whoever dared to kidnap a prince!
There was no one there.
“Show yourself, coward!” Sirius hissed, body poised and ready for a fight.
“Not until you put the iron away.” The voice sounded frightened. Good.
“Not a chance.” Sirius scanned the room. Where could he be hiding?
“Please.” Whoever it was now sounded almost as if they were in pain.
“Why should I? What do you want from me?”
“I have to talk to you. About Lord Riddle. Please, put it away?”
Sirius’ curiosity was beginning to get the better of him. He let the blade dip lower.
“What do you know about him?”
“Too much. And not enough. But I can’t tell you until the iron is gone.”
Sirius hesitated for a moment before sliding his knife back into its sheath.
“Fine. It’s gone. Now show yourself!”
The shadows to Sirius’ left shimmered slightly, and a boy stepped out of them. At least, Sirius thought he was a boy. He was young, no more than ten, with sandy brown hair so fine it seemed to float about his delicately boned face. He was tall and slender, his limbs almost too long, and clad in a simple tunic of ivory. His hands were delicate, but Sirius noticed with shock that his left had only two fingers. His face was pale, and his eyes, oh Eriu his eyes. They were huge and a deep liquid brown, shining with an unnatural light. As Sirius stared he thought they seemed terribly old, and yet incredibly familiar.
He’s beautiful
“I don’t have much time.” The boy whispered. “And I need your help.”
Sirius snapped out of his daze.
“My help? With what?”
“That man, Lord Riddle? He’s...” The boy paused, uncertain. “He’s not who he says he is.”
“What do you mean?” Sirius demanded.
“I can’t tell you, I’m sorry. But you have to understand, anything he promises? It’s false. He’s false. He’ll hurt you, he’ll hurt you all.”
“I have to tell my Da!” Sirius spun to go, but the small hand on his shoulder stopped him.
“You can’t!” The boy sounded horrified. “You can’t tell him anything about me!”
“But...”
“No. He won’t believe it, but he’ll try to stop you, and then all will be lost!”
“Stop me? Stop me from what?”
The boy took a deep breath.
“Sirius, son of Orion, my people need your help.”
“Your people?” Sirius stared at him. “You mean, your clan?”
“I mean my people, the Tuatha De Danann.”
Sirius took a step back, his fingers automatically making a warding sign.
“No! Don’t!” The boy flung his hand out, and Sirius froze. “I’m sorry, but you cannot send me away. It’s too important.”
Sirius struggled but couldn’t move.
“What did you do to me? Let me go!”
“I will,” the boy promised, “if you swear not to make the warding sigil again.”
Sirius snarled, still struggling, then sighed.
“Fine. I promise. Now let me go!”
The boy lowered his hand, and Sirius staggered a step forward.
“Now you have to listen to me!” The boy moved closer. “This man, this Lord Riddle, seeks to resurrect a very powerful evil. And the things he will do to accomplish that...” The boy shuddered. “There is an object in his room, a crystal sphere. He has not come here for a political visit, as all seem to think, but to perform a dark ritual. And if he does... If he does, we are all lost.”
“But,” Sirius struggled to understand. “But what do you need me for?”
“I need you to take it. To get it from his rooms and bring it to me, so we can destroy it.”
“What does it do?” Sirius demanded eagerly.
“It is an ancient magic, and a dark one,” the boy said ominously. “A magic that can grant this man the power he so desperately seeks. That is all you need know.”
“I don’t understand!” Sirius complained.
“Good. I’m glad you don’t. And I hope you never have to. But time grows short. I can only stay a few more hours. Please, will you do this thing? Will you stop this man?”
Sirius hesitated, but the lure of adventure was far too strong.
“Yeah, course I will. But where is it?”
“He keeps it in an engraved wooden box in his chest. All you need do is take it, and bring it down to the water.”
“Down to the water?”
The boy nodded.
“That is where I will be waiting for you. On the shore near your cave.”
Sirius nodded and turned to go, then paused.
“Why can’t you just get it? Why do you need me?”
“He has protections up against my kind. He expects us to come for it. What he does not expect is a brilliant, brave lad like you.”
Sirius felt himself blushing, and shot the boy a cheeky grin.
“Well, that just makes him daft then. See you in a bit!” He shouldered the door open and stepped out into the hall.
Lord Riddle’s rooms would be in the guest hall on the third floor. He knew a passage that could take him there in less than five minutes. There was a hidden catch just below the wall sconce and the door swung open silently. He quickly made his way through the twisting, narrow passage in the walls and emerged into a brightly lit corridor. No one was about, all of his parents guests would still be at the feasting, and he located the grandest chambers at the end of the hallway with ease. He tried the handle, but it was locked. Sirius pulled out the little pin he kept up his sleeve for just this reason and the door soon swung open to his touch.
The rooms were opulent, overflowing with velvets and cushions and tapestries. A massive feather bedstead stood in the corner, its rich hangings closed against the evening chill. But all of the finery was laid out by the servants for the royal guests comfort. There wasn’t anything in the room that looked like it belonged to Riddle himself.
“A chest, he said. A box in a chest.”
Sirius began a methodical search of the room, poking under the bed and in the wardrobe, but there was nothing there. Not even a discarded shirt or a belt knife in the whole room! Maybe he had the wrong place, maybe Lord Riddle wasn’t staying here. But no, he must be! Sirius remembered Molly, the head housekeeper, ordering the room aired and prepared just this morning. So. Riddle must have hidden his chest. But where? A memory tickled the back of his mind and Sirius grinned to himself.
“Gotcha.”
He sprinted over to the wall and ran his hands down the stones, feeling for the small catch that would... There! The catch clicked and a small compartment near the fireplace swung open. How Riddle had found this hidey hole Sirius didn’t know, but there it was, a magnificent oaken chest. Sirius lugged it out, straining all his muscles to shift the horribly heavy thing, until it was far enough that he could open the lid.
The whole thing was covered in strange, engraved symbols, and Sirius wondered if these were the protections the boy had been talking about. The chest was locked, but after a few moments with his pin Sirius was lifting the lid. The contents seemed ordinary enough. Shirts, a few books, what seemed to be a map of Erin. He reached deeper, fingers brushing something hard, and he pulled out a large red gem on a chain. It spun slowly as it dangled from his hand, and Sirius caught a glimpse of something in its center. He stilled it, bringing it closer to his face, then nearly dropped it in horror. In the center of the crystal were small black claws, still connected to bloody golden fur. He threw the crystal back in the trunk and closed his eyes.
“A box,” he whispered. “I’m looking for a box.”
Finally, near the bottom, he spotted it. It was covered with even more symbols than the chest had been. Sirius expected it to be locked, but it opened easily. Inside the box was a crystal sphere the size of his fist. It glittered in the weak candlelight, throwing rainbows across Sirius’ face and hands. He reached in and lifted it out. It was heavy, far heavier than it looked, and warm to the touch. A whispering voice caught his attention, and he spun around, but there was no one there. The voice whispered again, and Sirius realized it was coming from the sphere.
He wrapped it quickly in one of Riddles handkerchiefs and stuck it in his pocket before returning the box and closing the lid of the trunk. It took some doing but he managed lug the trunk back into the passage, then closed the little door and then ran from the room. The sphere was still whispering to him.
The main gate out of the Tuath was strangely unguarded, and it took little effort for Sirius to slip out of it and down to the beach. He was almost afraid the boy wouldn’t be waiting, but he was, his face pinched with worry. When he saw Sirius he smiled, no more than a slight quirk of his lips.
You were successful?” The boy stepped forward and Sirius held out the sphere. The boy stared at it with his huge, old eyes, and his smile faltered. “Thank you Sirius. I... Thank you.”
“’S nothin,” Sirius said, suddenly embarrassed. He managed a cheeky grin. “I just wish I could see his face when he notices it’s gone!”
“That will, indeed, be a sight.”
“Do you always talk like that?” Sirius asked.
The boy frowned.
“Like what?”
“All proper and stuff. I know you’re some sort of fancy magical thing, but that doesn’t mean you have to talk like you’ve a stick up your arse.”
The boy looked taken aback for a moment, then burst out laughing. It sounded like hundreds of tiny bells.
“Maybe you are right. I suppose I shall have to work on that.” He shook his head in fond amusement, then looked down at the sphere and a strange emotion flickered across his face. “Sirius.” He looked up. “There is one other thing you must do for me.”
“Course, anything! What is it?”
“Sirius...” The boy took a deep breath, then pointed at the sphere. The boy took a deep breath, then pointed at the sphere. “You must destroy it.” The boys hands were trembling. “ Now. Before it’s too late.” He glanced up at the waning moon. “It may already be too late,” he whispered, almost to himself.
“Okay.” Sirius looked down at the quietly whispering sphere. “What should I do?”
Remus spread his hands, a bitter smile stretching his lips.
“I don’t know. All I know is you must destroy it.”
“Right.” Sirius tossed the sphere once, then threw it hard into the sand. It bounced, rolled, then was still. Sirius and Remus both laughed breathlessly. “Guess it’s got to be something harder.” Sirius ran over and picked it up again. He then quickly combed the beach for a sufficiently sharp rock. He pulled it closer to the tide line, then slammed the sphere down onto it. It rang, a hollow echoing sound, but it didn’t break.
“Sirius!” Remus’ voice was painfully strained. “Hurry. The moon!”
Sirius glanced up, and saw that the perfectly round orb was beginning to disappear behind the horizon.
What do I do? How do I break it!
He ran a hand wildly through his hair, then thrust the sphere at Remus.
“I can’t! You do it!”
Remus staggered backward, nearly falling in his desperation to move away.
“No! Take it away! I mustn’t touch it! I,”
And suddenly Sirius knew what to do. He placed it gently on the rock, then pulled out his iron knife. The boy cowered back as Sirius stabbed at the center of the sphere. The crystal shattered, and a horrible wail rose from it like a woman’s scream. A cloud of black smoke rose from the shards and formed themselves into a great serpent eating its own tail. The wail grew louder, and soon it sounded like hundreds of voices crying out in agony. The serpent grew, larger and larger, until it blocked out the light of the moon. The wail grew to a crescendo, and Sirius was sure he would go deaf.
Then there was a blast of light, the snake twisted itself into a grinning skull before flaring out into seeking grey tendrils. They dashed madly across the sky, one streaking by inches away from the boys on the beach. It swirled around them, dancing patterns in the sky, and Sirius was mesmerized. A long, echoing call halted the tendrils in their tracks, and as one they turned and began rushing down the beach. Remus cried out, and something pushed Sirius forward, right into the path of a rushing finger of smoke. It hit him square in the chest and Sirius staggered back, adding his cries to the night as white hot pain shuddered through him. For a moment all he could see was darkness and the world went silent. But light and sound came rushing back an instant later, and Sirius watched as the remaining tendrils raced down to beach. As they disappeared behind the hills the wailing finally died away, leaving the boys in silence.
“What happened?” Sirius shouted, looking around wildly for the boy. He spotted him sitting in the sand, his face hidden in his knees and his arms wrapped around his head. Sirius stumbled over and touched his shoulder. The boy flinched as if burned.
“I’m sorry,” the boy whispered. “Oh Aoibheal, I am so terribly sorry...”
“What happened? What was that?”
The boy shuddered, then raised his head.
“You did it.” He stood, swaying unsteadily, and caught Sirius in his dark gaze. “It is free.” He closed his eyes. “I will never forget this, Orion’s son.”
The boy turned and headed for the water. Sirius ran after him, calling;
“Wait! Will I see you again?”
The boy stopped, but didn’t look back.
“Perhaps. When all is done.” He took a breath. “When we are free.” He began to walk again.
“At least tell me your name!” Sirius called after him, already up to his knees in the frigid water.
“Remus.”
“Remus.” Sirius splashed farther into the water. “I’ll wait for you Remus! I’ll wait!”
“I know.” Suddenly Remus was inches from Sirius’ face, the faint light of his body chasing away the cold. “I know.” He pressed his lips to Sirius’, the barest brushing of mouth on mouth, and a fire erupted in the pit of Sirius’ stomach that spread to every part of his body. “I know.” And then he was gone, as if he had never been there. But a few feet away a tawny seal lifted a flipper in farewell before disappearing under the waves.
Rating: R
Warnings: Violence, dark themes, implied sexual acts, gore, suicidal thoughts
Word Count: This chapter- 7,035
Summary: In the hills of Erin there is a castle on a high Tor. From the towers you can see the sea, ever changing and beautiful. Here Prince Sirius will begin a journey that will change his life, and his kingdom, forever
Notes: So, this was my story this year for the Remus/Sirius games! Go Team Sirius! I feel like it got a little rushed though, so I am going back and rewriting it as I go, adding all the plot points and characterizations that I didn't have time for before the games deadline. I'm going to try to get a new chapter up every week, barring complications!
This story is set, very loosely, in ancient Ireland (also known as Erin). There are a few terms you should be familiar with when reading this story, and they are:
Tuath: A nation or conglomeration of people. Can refer to an entire kingdom, or just a town.
Tor:A rocky peak or hill, often with a stronghold at the apex
Ard Ri: The high king, ruler of all of Erin
clamproir: Troublemakers. It’s my Celtic version of Marauders
Tuatha De Danann:The name of the fair folk of Ireland, encompassing most of the fairy creatures, including selkies.
Sidhe:Another name for the Tuatha De Danann
Fuidiri:The Celtic version of slaves. They were often foreigners or people taken in raids from other tribes. They were traditionally treated rather well, and could earn their freedom in various ways.
You little devils! Get back here!”
Sirius, James hot on his heels, sprinted down the hill and away from the town like there was a dullahan after them. Old man Aifric, still clutching half a link of sausages, finally stopped running, settling for shaking a weary fist and shouting more and more inaudible threats as the eleven year old boys made it to the rocky cliffs along the shore.
“Did you see his face?” James puffed, four sausages stuffed tightly into his trousers. “He turned all red!”
Sirius laughed, grey eyes sparkling, as the two boys sat on the edge and looked down over the sea.
“He always does.” Sirius stuffed the last two apples into his shirt.
“Is Peter already there?”
Sirius nodded, sliding down and beginning the climb to the beach below.
“He better be, he’s in charge of the fire.”
“Hey! Hey guys! Wait up!” Regulus, little legs pumping wildly, dashed over to the cliff and stood panting beside the other boys. “Why didn’t you wait for me?” He whined, eyes already filling with tears. “Didn’t you see me?”
“Yeah, we saw you.” Sirius didn’t stop climbing. “We didn’t wait because you’re not coming down.”
“But Sirius!” Regulus’ lower lip began to tremble dangerously. “You’re supposed to let me play with you! Mam said you have to! She said!”
“When do I ever listen to Mam?” He paused long enough to make a face at his little brother before shinning his way down the rest of the cliff and onto the rough sand below.
“I’m tellin Sirius! I’m tellin’ Mam you’re not letting me play!” Reg was working himself into a proper pout now, lower lip trembling and huge puppy dog eyes staring down at them.
“Aw Hell Sirius, let him come.” James said, leaning up against the cliff wall. “What’s the worst he can do?”
“No!” Sirius stamped his foot, even though a tiny part of him was feeling just a little bit guilty. “He can’t come with us, because then he’ll see our” he lowered his voice so Regulus couldn’t hear “secret place! An you know he’ll tell my Mam, he always does. An’ then we won’t be able to come here no more, cause she’ll say it’s too dangerous, or that it’s ‘beneath a prince of the Connacht to play in a cave’ an she’ll make me stay inside all week and we’ll never get to finish our big plan an you don’t want that to happen, do you?”
James sighed and shook his head.
“Didn’t think so.” Sirius turned back to his brother, who was still pouting above them. “Go home Reggie! This is for The Clamproir only!”
Regulus burst into tears and took off, dashing back up the hill and toward the Tuath as he screamed, “I’m tellin on you Sirius! I’m tellin!”
Sirius rolled his eyes and started walking down the beach.
“Good riddance. He’d just have gotten in the way anyhow. Come on, race ya!”
Sirius broke into a run, laughing and whooping as the sand flew up behind him and the ocean spray hit him in the face. This was his favourite kind of day; no lessons, no tutors, no Mam, just him and James and Peter, The Clamproir, the scourge of all Erin! He skidded around a corner and dove head first into a small cave mouth, tucking his head and rolling into a surprisingly large chamber. A small fire was crackling in the center, illuminating the treasures of a hundred adventures lining the walls; small rodent skins, broken knives and bits of old pottery, shiny rocks and interesting sticks, dried seaweed and dried fish and dried apples, a ladies hair pin with a little seal on it, a large bow and quiver of arrows, a whole pile of dented metal pans, helmets, bits of armour, and a giant, mouldy bearskin. Peter sat poking at the fire with a charred looking stick, but stood and grinned as he saw Sirius come tumbling in.
“I thought you weren’t comin! I thought maybe Old Aifric had caught you!”
Sirius laughed, tossing his glossy black hair and throwing his apples at Peter’s head one by one.
“Course he didn’t! Old Aifric couldn’t catch a chicken with no legs!”
“And no head!” James added, pulling out the sausages. “Come on lads, feast time!” He dug out a pan and placed it in the center of the hot coals. He put the sausages on one by one and Peter immediately began poking at them with his stick.
“I’ve been thinking,” Sirius said, throwing himself down on the bearskin. “We should add honey.”
“To what?” Peter asked, looking eagerly up from the food.
“To the plan idiot, what else?” He toed off his boots and flopped back, resting against the bears giant head.
“I can nick some from my Mam,” Peter said. “She never checks it unless she’s makin cakes!” Peter’s mother was a cook up at the castle and was notorious for hitting unwary boys around the head with her wooden spoon.
“Get some feathers too,” Sirius said, not sitting up. “Honey and feathers, won’t that look a treat?”
James flopped down next to his best friend and nodded sagely.
“Aye, that’ll be fine. They’ll never know what hit em!”
Peter looked down at his feet, then said softly, “Aw, but James, won’t your Da be awful sore at you?”
“Naw, he’ll think it’s dead funny, you’ll see! Sides, he’d have to prove it was us first, wouldn’t he?”
“Naw,” Sirius added, “He wouldn’t. Everyone always knows it’s us. But I think you’re right. Your Da is a good sort. He’ll just laugh and make em take a bath.” James’ father, one of King Orion’s warlords, had the best sense of humour of anyone Sirius had ever met. And he always covered for them, making up all sorts of wild stories to explain the strange sounds, smells, and disappearances that always accompanied the Clamproir wherever they went. Sirius didn’t see why this time would be any different.
“Aye, but it’ll be his own men this time,” Peter said timidly, trying one last time to be the voice of reason. “You don’t think he’ll be sore about that?”
“Naw,” Sirius said, his tone final. “Are those ready yet Pete? I’m dyin!”
“Jus about.” Peter gave the sausages one last poke, then speared one on his knife and took a bite. “Yeah, they’re alright.”
Sirius and James sat up and immediately snatched two sausages up, cursing and tossing them from hand to hand as the hot juices burned their fingers.
“You never remember to use your knives, do ya?”
The lilting voice from the doorway sent Sirius leaping to his feet and caused James to drop his sausage and turn bright red.
“What’re you doin here Lily?” Sirius asked, affecting his best ‘Princely’ tone. “This is our place!”
Lily scoffed.
“Like I’d want it! It’s just a wee hole, isn’t it?”
“Then why’d you come?”
James; who had managed to fish his sausage out of the dirt, toss it back in the pan, and smear grease all over his face; leapt to his feet.
“Yeah.” He smoothed his hair back, the grease on his fingers causing it to stand straight up. “What’re you after?”
“No girls allowed!” Peter added, voice small.
“Well that’s nice!” Lily said, indignant. “I won’t tell you about the big do at the docks then!” She turned and began to march out of the cave.
“Hang on then,” James made to go after her, but tripped over the bearskin and went sprawling onto the cave floor.
Sirius rolled his eyes and stepped over his friend.
“What do?” He demanded. “There’s no ships in, I’d know, wouldn’t I.”
“I shant tell you now.” She declared with a sniff, turning and striding out of the cave.
“Wait!” He rushed after her and gripped her shoulder tightly. “Tell me!”
“Lay off!” Lily shrugged his hand off and made to keep going, but Sirius knocked her to the ground and stood over her.
“You’re fuidiri, so you have to do as I say!” He declared, eyes flashing dangerously.
“Sirius!” James ran up beside him and gave him a huge shove. “What’s wrong with you!” He helped Lily up, brushing the sand off her ragged clothes. “Are you alright?”
“Fine,” she said stiffly, moving away from him.
“She has to tell me!” Sirius whined. “She’s a bondsmaid, so she has to!”
“You sound just like your Da,” James said coldly.
Sirius turned bright red with anger and launched himself at his friend.
“Don’t you dare say that! I’m nothin like him! Nothin!”
“You are when you bully little girls!” James snarled back.
“Uh, lads?” Peter said faintly, staring up the beach with wide eyes.
“You take that back James! I’ll punch you good!”
“I’d like to see you try you great idiot!” James snarled back.
“Lads!” Peter said slightly louder.
“I’ll rip you open!”
“You and what army?”
“Stop it!” Lily’s voice lashed out, stopping both boys cold in their tracks. “You’re not animals, now get up!” They got gingerly to their feet, not quite looking at each other. “Good. Now shake hands, like proper men, and stop this nonsense!” James held his hand out and Sirius took it gingerly, pumping it once and letting go.
“Sirius!” Peter called, pointing frantically up the beach. ‘Your...”
“Sirius Black!” The steel hard voice ripped through the air and lashed against them like a physical blow. Sirius flinched, looking back toward the cliffs, and cringed as he saw his mother and little brother standing at the top.
“Aw Hell,” Sirius muttered, now looking desperately for an escape route.
“You march yourself over here right now!” Queen Walburga’s eyes were hard and fierce, offering no mercy as Regulus clung to her leg and smiled down at his brother smugly.
“Better go,” James whispered. “Maybe she’ll go easy on ya.”
Sirius nodded glumly and began climbing the cliff.
“Is she gonna kill him James?” Peter asked quietly.
“Dunno,” James whispered back. “C’mon, let’s get out of here.”
“You’re gonna get it now!” Regulus giggled as his brother finally reached the top.
“Silence,” Walburga snapped, reaching out a clawed hand and seizing her eldest son by the ear. “Come.” She all but dragged Sirius up to Tor toward the castle, never once looking back.
Regulus clung to their mother’s skirt, his face the very picture of glee. He stuck his tongue out at his older brother, clearly feeling he’d won this round.
“What were you thinking?” Walburga hissed, eyes flashing down at her son. “Fighting like a wild thing, and talking with a fuidiri! You just wait until your father hears about this.”
“The Ard Ri says the Fuidiri are to have rights too,” Sirius muttered defiantly. “He says we’re supposed to be nice to them.”
“You know better than that!” She snapped. “And if he keeps on like that he won’t be Ard Ri much longer, will he?”
“Why not Mam?” Regulus demanded, tugging at her skirt.
“Never you mind. That’s not for little boys to worry about.”
“Well, Da said...” Sirius began.
Walburga stopped and slapped Sirius across his face.
“What have I told you about calling His Highness Da?”
“But Mam!”
She slapped him again, knocking him to the ground.
“Not another word.”
She grabbed his arm and began to drag him back to the castle, Regulus running to keep up.
***
Sirius sat on his windowsill, ears still ringing from his mother’s screams and bottom still sore from her paddle. There was a lock on his door, and he knew that even if he did manage to weasel it open there’d be a maid sitting out there just waiting for him to try and escape. But this wasn’t the first time he’d been locked away. Last year she had locked him in for two weeks, only opening the door twice a day to send food through.
“Come on then,” he whispered, staring down at the courtyard below his window. “Come on by.” He held his breath as a handful of warriors crossed the open space, followed by a few bondswomen and a tipsy farmer. He waited a few moments more, but when no one else appeared he quickly pushed the window open and swung himself out and over. His toes found a small depression and he began climbing down the wall, moving faster than anyone with half a brain would dare to go on the near smooth surface. But Sirius was eleven years old, full of his own life and brilliance, and it never once occurred to him that he could fall.
He jumped the last few feet down, landing softly as a cat on the cobbles, and darted out of sight behind a pile of barrels. He hid there for a full count of ten before dashing off again. The gate was manned, but the wall wasn’t hard to climb and none of the guards bothered to watch the inside.
He immediately made his way to the cliffs, scrambling down them and heading straight for the ocean. He was still seething, images of his mothers angry face flashing behind his eyes, but there was nothing on this earth that wouldn’t be better after a swim. He stripped his clothes off, leaving them in a heap on the sand, and dove in. The salty bite of the water burned in his welts, but he was used to it and didn’t let it slow him down.
The world of the ocean was a different world altogether. Anyone who has ever been in one knows that. But for Sirius the knowledge went even deeper. The ocean was a sanctuary, a safe haven. It was his refuge from his family, his clan, his responsibilities. If it were possible Sirius would simply never come out. He stayed under water for as long as he could, eyes and lungs burning, before surfacing. He had swum a good distance with the aid of the current, the Tor and the Tuath seeming small and insignificant now. He flipped over onto his back, staring up at the clouds as they chased each other across the sky.
“I wish,” he whispered, then let it trail away. He didn’t know what he wished.
Something brushed against his leg and he pushed himself up, scanning the dark sea. He spun around, paddling with his arms, and whatever it was brushed against his back. He didn’t see anything, but the water was near black now and anything could be lurking beneath its surface. He caught a glimpse of a sleek, dark back as whatever it was brushed against his legs again, then vanished.
“Steady on,” he whispered. “Most like it’s just a...” He didn’t get to finish the thought as he was rammed from behind and sent headfirst under the water. He managed not to cry out, but only just as bubbles escaped from his mouth. He looked around frantically, mind dancing with visions of sea monsters and dark fae. Something with teeth and claws and long matted hair. But there was nothing.
He came up for air, spluttering, and stared around him.
“Show yourself!”
A little barking laugh had him whipping his head behind him, but all he saw was the flash of a tail.
“Come out!”
He heard the laugh again, closer this time, and he swirled around, trying to catch a glimpse.
“I’m not afraid of you!” He shouted, eyes wide. “I’m not!”
Something erupted from the water inches from his face and he screamed, thrashing backward, as the barking laugh rang out across the water.
“Why you little!” Sirius gasped, heart racing, as he stared into the face of a tiny seal. “You near killed me!”
The seal cocked its head, barked again, and butted against his side, tickling him with its whiskers.
“You wee devil,” Aedan laughed. “Alright, alright, you got me this time. But it’s not fair to sneak up on a man!” He stroked the seals soft head. “Hey, you’ve lost your spots! When did that happen?” He admired his friends sleek new coat. Sirius and the seal had been meeting like this for almost a year now, usually right after he had been punished for something or other. Somehow his little friend always knew when he needed cheering up the most.
“Come on then!” He darted off, swimming hard and fast.
“Can’t you go faster than that?” The seal barked again, then disappeared under the water. He surfaced again a few moments later, far ahead of Sirius, before spinning around and swimming back. “Alright,” Sirius acknowledged. “You’re faster than me. Now come on!”
They played like wild things, dashing and dipping and diving. Little boats kept skimming by, and both seal and boy had to dive under the water to avoid them. There seemed to be more of them than usual, and eventually Sirius’ curiosity won out.
“Want to go see what Lily was on about?” He took the seals little bark as agreement and began swimming toward the harbour.
She was right, there was quite a do! A large ship with pitch-black sails bobbed in the water, while his father’s best warriors lined the shore. He could see James’ Da out there, Moody standing right beside him. A moment later Sirius father joined them. The warriors made way for their king and took their rightful places at his side. An air of weighted anticipation fell over them all.
A small boat was making its way towards shore, a few heavily armed warriors pulling oars while a tall man in a heavy sealskin cloak stood at the bow. His hair was a dark, inky black and a gleaming silver torque set with an emerald adorned his forehead. Sirius stared at him, the water suddenly feeling much colder than before. He didn’t know who this man was, and he suddenly realized that he never wanted to. The seal cowered beside him, his tiny head hidden behind the mangled flipper on his right side. Sirius never knew what happened to his little friend, he’d been missing half of his fin when they’d met.
“Let’s go,” he whispered to the seal, and made to swim back the way he had come. His movement must have alerted the man, for suddenly Sirius felt his gaze piercing through him. His eyes were dark, almost purple, and looked terribly old in the chiselled, youthful face. Sirius froze, wanting desperately to swim away, but he was pinned by those eyes. The man stared at him a moment longer before turning to look at the seal at Sirius’ side. He glanced between them, and a slight smile tugged the corners of his mouth. Sirius didn’t think he had ever seen anything so frightening. With a shake of his head he turned his gaze back to the shore, but Sirius could still feel it on him. He bobbed in the water, feeling a helpless sort of dread. Who was he? And why was Sirius’ father meeting him? He had to be someone important, for King Orion did not come down to the shore for just anyone. And his eyes, Sweet Eriu, his eyes...
Something nudged his elbow, and Sirius broke from his musing to see his little seal staring up at him with terrified eyes.
“Yeah. Let’s go.”
Sirius and the seal swam silently back to shore, neither able to find the heart to play. Sirius climbed out of the water and quickly threw his clothes back on. He looked down at his little friend.
“I’ll come see you tomorrow, alright?”
The seal barked acknowledgement and Sirius managed half a grin.
“Right then.” He began sprinting back to the Tuath. He’d been gone longer than he’d planned, and his mother had defiantly noticed he was gone by now. Hopefully having an important guest would keep her from taking the lash to him again tonight.
***
“I’m going to suffocate,” James whispered, pulling at the tight collar his mother had forced him into. Sirius offered his friend a commiserating smile before giving his attention back to the high table. As the Kings eldest son he was supposed to pay attention as the guests were announced. Usually he ignored that duty, preferring to quietly make fun of the stuffy nobles and their ridiculous fashions, but not tonight. He needed to find out who the man in the boat was.
The Great Hall was stuffed to bursting, nobles in fine linen and warriors in decorated leathers were seated at the long, heavy tables. Servants and bondsmen stood on the sidelines, pitchers and tankards in hand in case anyone called for a drink. A dozen more would be waiting in the kitchen, ready to whisk in the platters and dishes for the banquet. Dogs usually ran about underfoot, but they’d been banished to the kennels tonight. That alone told Sirius how important his parents thought their guest was.
The King and Queen were seated at the high table, waiting. His mother looked beautiful, her black hair caught up in a silver net at the nape of her neck. She was wearing a long green dress with gold embroidery on the sleeves and hem and a necklace of gold at her throat. The King was dressed in his warrior’s leathers, but they had been polished until they gleamed. He wore his heavy iron crown and there was silver in his ears. Moody sat on his left, wearing a silk tabard and an ermine cloak over his leathers. He looked slightly ridiculous, like a tiger in a party dress..
“When’re we gonna eat?” Regulus whispered. He was sitting on Sirius’ right, fidgeting and casting glances at the doors to the kitchens. Their mother had squeezed him into a blue doublet and matching hose. There were bits of lace at his collar that he kept scratching at.
“Shh,” Sirius whispered, cuffing his baby brother lightly on the arm. “Not till Da’s guest arrives.”
“You’re not s’posed to call him da!” Regulus whined. “Mam said!”
“Hush yourself!” Sirius hissed. “They’re coming!”
Silence filled the hall as a herald stepped forward to announce;
“The Lord Riddle!”
The large doors opened and the man from the boat strode in. He was dressed as a warrior, with leathers and furs, and a great sword hung by his side. His arms were bared up to his shoulders, and the snakes that were tattooed on them seemed almost alive. He walked purposefully, his eyes never leaving the high table.
“Who is he?” James whispered. Sirius could feel the shiver that ran over his friend as the man walked past.
“I don’t know,” Sirius murmured.
King Orion stood as Lord Riddle reached the high table and spread his arms expansively.
“My clan is honoured by your presence, my lord. Please,” and at this he stepped aside from his chair and offered it to his guest. A shocked murmur ran through the crowd.
“Why is His Highness givin that man his chair?” Regulus demanded. He looked like he was about to stand and say something, but Sirius gripped his shoulder tightly. He didn’t want that man even glancing at his baby brother.
“Shut up Reg,” Sirius hissed. “Da knows what he’s doing.” But Sirius wasn’t so sure. Why would the King give his place to a Lord? No one was more important than his father, except the Ard Ri.
Lord Riddle had climbed the dais and was now settling himself in his father’s chair. His mother seemed torn between annoyance and awe as King Orion settled himself in her customary chair to Lord Riddle’s right. She stood awkwardly for half a moment before taking the seat that had clearly been meant for their guests. She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Let the feasting begin!” King Orion boomed, and the servants descended on mass with steaming trenchers and platters. James and Regulus helped themselves almost immediately to all their favourite dishes, but Sirius couldn’t take his eyes off Lord Riddle. Something was going on, and he was going to find out what.
***
Sirius wrapped his dark cloak around himself, making sure the hood was pulled low over his eyes. He could still hear sounds of drunken revelry coming from the Great Hall. The warriors would be feasting a long time yet. He, James, and Regulus had been banished to their rooms over an hour ago, little Regulus more than half asleep. He had seen his father and the Lords heads bent together all through the night. His father had barely even had any ale! His mother, of course, had had enough for both of them, her eyes getting darker and more calculating as the night went on.
He had heard her whispering loudly to Reg’s nurse half an hour ago, and knew she was heading up to bed. But his father and Lord Riddle were still down there, and Sirius wanted to know what they were talking about. He thought briefly about waking James, but then decided against it. He’d go quieter by himself.
He ghosted out of his room, easily evading the napping nursemaid who was stationed outside of their doors. He knew the castle like the back of his hand, and in no time at all he was pushing open a small servant’s door. It opened to a tiny passage that ended in a steep ladder, and Sirius had soon scaled it to the rafters of the great hall. It was there for cleaning the cobwebs out of the corners and changing the candles in the huge chandeliers, but Sirius had found it the perfect spot for spying. He settled himself in a corner near the High Table and strained his ears.
King Orion and Lord Riddle sat conversing in soft voices. Sirius, to his frustration, couldn’t make out a word of it. He was just beginning to think the whole night was going to be a bust when his father stood and nodded to a servant to clear away his dishes. He spoke quietly to Moody and Mr. Potter before slipping out through the small door in the back of the Hall. Sirius climbed down and followed as fast as he dared, worried they would escape.
“Yes, My Lord.” His father’s voice sounded oddly hollow, and Aedan desperately wished he had heard the beginning of the conversation.
“For tonight, act natural. All should be accomplished by midnight.”
“Yes, My Lord.”
‘The voices faded as the two men turned a corner and Sirius made to follow them. When the small hand clapped itself over his mouth he jumped, a stifled scream ripping from him.
“Hush!” The voice was soft, melodic. “Come with me.”
The hand didn’t move from his mouth, but another grabbed his shoulder and pulled him into an empty room to their right.
“Don’t scream.” The hand let go, and Sirius drew a deep breath to call for help. The hand was back in an instant. “Please! I shall not hurt you.” The hand slipped away again, and this time Sirius didn’t scream. Instead his hand moved toward his belt knife. He drew it in one smooth motion, spinning around to plunge the blade into the heart of whoever dared to kidnap a prince!
There was no one there.
“Show yourself, coward!” Sirius hissed, body poised and ready for a fight.
“Not until you put the iron away.” The voice sounded frightened. Good.
“Not a chance.” Sirius scanned the room. Where could he be hiding?
“Please.” Whoever it was now sounded almost as if they were in pain.
“Why should I? What do you want from me?”
“I have to talk to you. About Lord Riddle. Please, put it away?”
Sirius’ curiosity was beginning to get the better of him. He let the blade dip lower.
“What do you know about him?”
“Too much. And not enough. But I can’t tell you until the iron is gone.”
Sirius hesitated for a moment before sliding his knife back into its sheath.
“Fine. It’s gone. Now show yourself!”
The shadows to Sirius’ left shimmered slightly, and a boy stepped out of them. At least, Sirius thought he was a boy. He was young, no more than ten, with sandy brown hair so fine it seemed to float about his delicately boned face. He was tall and slender, his limbs almost too long, and clad in a simple tunic of ivory. His hands were delicate, but Sirius noticed with shock that his left had only two fingers. His face was pale, and his eyes, oh Eriu his eyes. They were huge and a deep liquid brown, shining with an unnatural light. As Sirius stared he thought they seemed terribly old, and yet incredibly familiar.
He’s beautiful
“I don’t have much time.” The boy whispered. “And I need your help.”
Sirius snapped out of his daze.
“My help? With what?”
“That man, Lord Riddle? He’s...” The boy paused, uncertain. “He’s not who he says he is.”
“What do you mean?” Sirius demanded.
“I can’t tell you, I’m sorry. But you have to understand, anything he promises? It’s false. He’s false. He’ll hurt you, he’ll hurt you all.”
“I have to tell my Da!” Sirius spun to go, but the small hand on his shoulder stopped him.
“You can’t!” The boy sounded horrified. “You can’t tell him anything about me!”
“But...”
“No. He won’t believe it, but he’ll try to stop you, and then all will be lost!”
“Stop me? Stop me from what?”
The boy took a deep breath.
“Sirius, son of Orion, my people need your help.”
“Your people?” Sirius stared at him. “You mean, your clan?”
“I mean my people, the Tuatha De Danann.”
Sirius took a step back, his fingers automatically making a warding sign.
“No! Don’t!” The boy flung his hand out, and Sirius froze. “I’m sorry, but you cannot send me away. It’s too important.”
Sirius struggled but couldn’t move.
“What did you do to me? Let me go!”
“I will,” the boy promised, “if you swear not to make the warding sigil again.”
Sirius snarled, still struggling, then sighed.
“Fine. I promise. Now let me go!”
The boy lowered his hand, and Sirius staggered a step forward.
“Now you have to listen to me!” The boy moved closer. “This man, this Lord Riddle, seeks to resurrect a very powerful evil. And the things he will do to accomplish that...” The boy shuddered. “There is an object in his room, a crystal sphere. He has not come here for a political visit, as all seem to think, but to perform a dark ritual. And if he does... If he does, we are all lost.”
“But,” Sirius struggled to understand. “But what do you need me for?”
“I need you to take it. To get it from his rooms and bring it to me, so we can destroy it.”
“What does it do?” Sirius demanded eagerly.
“It is an ancient magic, and a dark one,” the boy said ominously. “A magic that can grant this man the power he so desperately seeks. That is all you need know.”
“I don’t understand!” Sirius complained.
“Good. I’m glad you don’t. And I hope you never have to. But time grows short. I can only stay a few more hours. Please, will you do this thing? Will you stop this man?”
Sirius hesitated, but the lure of adventure was far too strong.
“Yeah, course I will. But where is it?”
“He keeps it in an engraved wooden box in his chest. All you need do is take it, and bring it down to the water.”
“Down to the water?”
The boy nodded.
“That is where I will be waiting for you. On the shore near your cave.”
Sirius nodded and turned to go, then paused.
“Why can’t you just get it? Why do you need me?”
“He has protections up against my kind. He expects us to come for it. What he does not expect is a brilliant, brave lad like you.”
Sirius felt himself blushing, and shot the boy a cheeky grin.
“Well, that just makes him daft then. See you in a bit!” He shouldered the door open and stepped out into the hall.
Lord Riddle’s rooms would be in the guest hall on the third floor. He knew a passage that could take him there in less than five minutes. There was a hidden catch just below the wall sconce and the door swung open silently. He quickly made his way through the twisting, narrow passage in the walls and emerged into a brightly lit corridor. No one was about, all of his parents guests would still be at the feasting, and he located the grandest chambers at the end of the hallway with ease. He tried the handle, but it was locked. Sirius pulled out the little pin he kept up his sleeve for just this reason and the door soon swung open to his touch.
The rooms were opulent, overflowing with velvets and cushions and tapestries. A massive feather bedstead stood in the corner, its rich hangings closed against the evening chill. But all of the finery was laid out by the servants for the royal guests comfort. There wasn’t anything in the room that looked like it belonged to Riddle himself.
“A chest, he said. A box in a chest.”
Sirius began a methodical search of the room, poking under the bed and in the wardrobe, but there was nothing there. Not even a discarded shirt or a belt knife in the whole room! Maybe he had the wrong place, maybe Lord Riddle wasn’t staying here. But no, he must be! Sirius remembered Molly, the head housekeeper, ordering the room aired and prepared just this morning. So. Riddle must have hidden his chest. But where? A memory tickled the back of his mind and Sirius grinned to himself.
“Gotcha.”
He sprinted over to the wall and ran his hands down the stones, feeling for the small catch that would... There! The catch clicked and a small compartment near the fireplace swung open. How Riddle had found this hidey hole Sirius didn’t know, but there it was, a magnificent oaken chest. Sirius lugged it out, straining all his muscles to shift the horribly heavy thing, until it was far enough that he could open the lid.
The whole thing was covered in strange, engraved symbols, and Sirius wondered if these were the protections the boy had been talking about. The chest was locked, but after a few moments with his pin Sirius was lifting the lid. The contents seemed ordinary enough. Shirts, a few books, what seemed to be a map of Erin. He reached deeper, fingers brushing something hard, and he pulled out a large red gem on a chain. It spun slowly as it dangled from his hand, and Sirius caught a glimpse of something in its center. He stilled it, bringing it closer to his face, then nearly dropped it in horror. In the center of the crystal were small black claws, still connected to bloody golden fur. He threw the crystal back in the trunk and closed his eyes.
“A box,” he whispered. “I’m looking for a box.”
Finally, near the bottom, he spotted it. It was covered with even more symbols than the chest had been. Sirius expected it to be locked, but it opened easily. Inside the box was a crystal sphere the size of his fist. It glittered in the weak candlelight, throwing rainbows across Sirius’ face and hands. He reached in and lifted it out. It was heavy, far heavier than it looked, and warm to the touch. A whispering voice caught his attention, and he spun around, but there was no one there. The voice whispered again, and Sirius realized it was coming from the sphere.
He wrapped it quickly in one of Riddles handkerchiefs and stuck it in his pocket before returning the box and closing the lid of the trunk. It took some doing but he managed lug the trunk back into the passage, then closed the little door and then ran from the room. The sphere was still whispering to him.
The main gate out of the Tuath was strangely unguarded, and it took little effort for Sirius to slip out of it and down to the beach. He was almost afraid the boy wouldn’t be waiting, but he was, his face pinched with worry. When he saw Sirius he smiled, no more than a slight quirk of his lips.
You were successful?” The boy stepped forward and Sirius held out the sphere. The boy stared at it with his huge, old eyes, and his smile faltered. “Thank you Sirius. I... Thank you.”
“’S nothin,” Sirius said, suddenly embarrassed. He managed a cheeky grin. “I just wish I could see his face when he notices it’s gone!”
“That will, indeed, be a sight.”
“Do you always talk like that?” Sirius asked.
The boy frowned.
“Like what?”
“All proper and stuff. I know you’re some sort of fancy magical thing, but that doesn’t mean you have to talk like you’ve a stick up your arse.”
The boy looked taken aback for a moment, then burst out laughing. It sounded like hundreds of tiny bells.
“Maybe you are right. I suppose I shall have to work on that.” He shook his head in fond amusement, then looked down at the sphere and a strange emotion flickered across his face. “Sirius.” He looked up. “There is one other thing you must do for me.”
“Course, anything! What is it?”
“Sirius...” The boy took a deep breath, then pointed at the sphere. The boy took a deep breath, then pointed at the sphere. “You must destroy it.” The boys hands were trembling. “ Now. Before it’s too late.” He glanced up at the waning moon. “It may already be too late,” he whispered, almost to himself.
“Okay.” Sirius looked down at the quietly whispering sphere. “What should I do?”
Remus spread his hands, a bitter smile stretching his lips.
“I don’t know. All I know is you must destroy it.”
“Right.” Sirius tossed the sphere once, then threw it hard into the sand. It bounced, rolled, then was still. Sirius and Remus both laughed breathlessly. “Guess it’s got to be something harder.” Sirius ran over and picked it up again. He then quickly combed the beach for a sufficiently sharp rock. He pulled it closer to the tide line, then slammed the sphere down onto it. It rang, a hollow echoing sound, but it didn’t break.
“Sirius!” Remus’ voice was painfully strained. “Hurry. The moon!”
Sirius glanced up, and saw that the perfectly round orb was beginning to disappear behind the horizon.
What do I do? How do I break it!
He ran a hand wildly through his hair, then thrust the sphere at Remus.
“I can’t! You do it!”
Remus staggered backward, nearly falling in his desperation to move away.
“No! Take it away! I mustn’t touch it! I,”
And suddenly Sirius knew what to do. He placed it gently on the rock, then pulled out his iron knife. The boy cowered back as Sirius stabbed at the center of the sphere. The crystal shattered, and a horrible wail rose from it like a woman’s scream. A cloud of black smoke rose from the shards and formed themselves into a great serpent eating its own tail. The wail grew louder, and soon it sounded like hundreds of voices crying out in agony. The serpent grew, larger and larger, until it blocked out the light of the moon. The wail grew to a crescendo, and Sirius was sure he would go deaf.
Then there was a blast of light, the snake twisted itself into a grinning skull before flaring out into seeking grey tendrils. They dashed madly across the sky, one streaking by inches away from the boys on the beach. It swirled around them, dancing patterns in the sky, and Sirius was mesmerized. A long, echoing call halted the tendrils in their tracks, and as one they turned and began rushing down the beach. Remus cried out, and something pushed Sirius forward, right into the path of a rushing finger of smoke. It hit him square in the chest and Sirius staggered back, adding his cries to the night as white hot pain shuddered through him. For a moment all he could see was darkness and the world went silent. But light and sound came rushing back an instant later, and Sirius watched as the remaining tendrils raced down to beach. As they disappeared behind the hills the wailing finally died away, leaving the boys in silence.
“What happened?” Sirius shouted, looking around wildly for the boy. He spotted him sitting in the sand, his face hidden in his knees and his arms wrapped around his head. Sirius stumbled over and touched his shoulder. The boy flinched as if burned.
“I’m sorry,” the boy whispered. “Oh Aoibheal, I am so terribly sorry...”
“What happened? What was that?”
The boy shuddered, then raised his head.
“You did it.” He stood, swaying unsteadily, and caught Sirius in his dark gaze. “It is free.” He closed his eyes. “I will never forget this, Orion’s son.”
The boy turned and headed for the water. Sirius ran after him, calling;
“Wait! Will I see you again?”
The boy stopped, but didn’t look back.
“Perhaps. When all is done.” He took a breath. “When we are free.” He began to walk again.
“At least tell me your name!” Sirius called after him, already up to his knees in the frigid water.
“Remus.”
“Remus.” Sirius splashed farther into the water. “I’ll wait for you Remus! I’ll wait!”
“I know.” Suddenly Remus was inches from Sirius’ face, the faint light of his body chasing away the cold. “I know.” He pressed his lips to Sirius’, the barest brushing of mouth on mouth, and a fire erupted in the pit of Sirius’ stomach that spread to every part of his body. “I know.” And then he was gone, as if he had never been there. But a few feet away a tawny seal lifted a flipper in farewell before disappearing under the waves.