Chapter 1
Notes:
TRIGGER WARNING: non-graphic depictions of tortured animals (mice)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
When Lily Evans was ten years old, her mother died. And she was convinced that her sister had killed her.
See, Lily’s older sister Petunia had always been cruel. As children, Petunia would break Lily’s toys and tear her new dresses. Petunia would call Lily a freak for wanting to spend time with her best friend--a boy from the village--and she'd call him a freak too. Petunia constantly wanted their parents' attention to be solely on her, so she would often lock Lily in the attic, then claiming she had no idea how Lily ended up there when their parents found her.
Though, Petunia’s mean-streak wasn't the only thing that was concerning. One day their mother found Petunia in the cellar. Now, the cellar was rarely used and the door was almost always locked in fear of the girls getting trapped down there by accident. But that day, their mother had found out that Petunia had discovered where their parents hid the key and had been going down to the cellar in secret.
Down in the cellar, Petunia had been catching the house mice, the harmless ones who occasionally ate crumbs off the floor and holed up in the cellar during the cold season. Mr. and Mrs. Evans had harmless traps in the cellar to catch the mice and keep them from coming to the upper floors of the house, but the mice were left alive and Mr. Evans would release them back outside if they managed to get trapped.
But Petunia was using the traps to collect the mice, which was a little worrying in itself in case the mice were ill. Though, Petunia was doing much, much worse than simply keeping them as pets. She was torturing them in ways a twelve year old child should not be able to fathom, eventually killing the poor creatures. Petunia had a whole row of dead mice lined up in the cellar, as if they were trophies.
Their mother knew then that something was incredibly wrong with Petunia. Mrs. Evans had hurried back upstairs and had found Lily playing in the front yard on a swing Mr. Evans had hung in the big oak tree for the girls.
Lily remembered how frantic her mother looked when she approached her, kneeling down in front of the swing, holding onto the ropes to keep the swing from moving while Lily sat on it.
“Lily, I have to ask you a very important question?”
“Yes, Mummy?"
“Have you been down to the cellar? You won't be in trouble if you have.”
“No, Mummy.”
“Did you know your sister spent time in the cellar?”
Lily hesitated. “Sometimes I see her go down into the cellar. She told me not to tell.”
“Alright, darling. Good girl. When your father comes home tomorrow, I have to talk to him. Tonight, though, you are going to lock your bedroom door, alright? The little metal rectangle that slides on the inside of the door. Alright?”
“Why?”
“Because I asked you to, Lily darling, alright?”
“Yes, Mummy.”
“Good, now come inside. It's time to get ready for bed.”
“The sun hasn't set.”
“It will have set once you've washed and I tuck you in.”
Mrs. Evans took her daughter's hand as she hopped off the swing, but as soon as she turned around, both she and Lily saw that Petunia had been standing on the porch, watching them. It was unclear to Lily then how much her older sister had heard or why her mother looked so afraid, but once Lily got older she would finally understand.
Mrs. Evans, still holding Lily’s hand, walked right past her eldest daughter Petunia as she dragged Lily protectively with her. Mrs. Evans helped Lily wash in the bathroom, then tucked her into bed. The sun had indeed set by then. Mrs. Evans quietly reminded Lily to lock her door before she left, and Lily did.
Lily was woken the next morning by the sound of knocking on her door and her father speaking to her through it.
“Lily, why is this door locked?” Her father sounded strange. Sad, maybe.
Lily got out of bed, walked over to the door and slid the metal rectangle out of the way to allow her father in.
The door opened and Lily immediately hugged her father, happy to see him. “Daddy!”
Mr. Evans carefully pushed his daughter away from him. “Lily, I must tell you something.”
“What is it, Daddy?” Lily could tell her father was upset, so she was beginning to worry.
“When I arrived at home this morning, I found…” He sighed, remembering she was only a child and did not benefit from hearing the whole story. “Lily, your mother has passed away. It must've happened in the night…”
Lily’s entire world came crashing down around her. Her mother had died, when only the day before Lily had spoken to her, she had put Lily to bed.
Lily walked out of her bedroom and into the hallway, to see that there were many people, adults, in her house. Police constables were walking in and out of her parents bedroom, while others attempted to console Petunia, who was standing in the middle of the parlour, entirely distraught and sobbing.
Lily slowly walked into the parlour, and Petunia turned to look at her and in that moment when Lily’s eyes met Petunia’s, she knew that Petunia had done something. Her mother had been afraid of Petunia the night before. Though, Lily didn't quite understand what Petunia could have done quite yet, being so young.
Lily turned back around, landing in her fathers arms as she too began to sob, for her mother was dead.
A year later, Mr. Evans remarried to a woman with the title of Lady ; Lady Lestrange. Her husband had died a few years prior and her only son was already grown up and married. Lady Lestrange moved into the Evans family home immediately, and took an almost as immediate liking to Petunia.
Lady Lestrange and Petunia had similar interests; designer fashions, classical music, beauty techniques, and more. And Petunia wanted Lady Lestrange’s help to prepare her to one day marry into nobility and maybe have the title of Lady as well or higher.
Less than a year later, Mr. Evans was killed in a carriage accident.
Petunia didn't sob this time. And neither had Lady Lestrange.
While Lily had wept after the police constable informing them had left, Lily thought she saw Lady Lestrange and Petunia share a smirk across the dinner table that evening. And that's when it had clicked for Lily what had likely happened to her mother nearly two years before and what had happened to her father that day.
After that day, everything in Lily’s life changed. She knew her step-mother had never been quite fond of her, but whatever false politeness Lady Lestrange had been using up until that point was gone. She was cruel to Lily, and Petunia was now outright with her taunts as opposed to hiding them.
Lady Lestrange fired the maid who came once a week to save money and began to force Lily to do the chores. Lily had become nothing but a slave to her step-mother and her own sister.
--
4 years later
Lily awoke early, as per her usual routine, to prepare breakfast for her step-mother and sister. Lily made the typical assortment of tea, eggs, fruit, and breakfast pastries. She laid everything out on the table as Lady Lestrange and Petunia sat themselves down for breakfast, before eating her own breakfast in the kitchen by herself.
After breakfast Lily had to go into the village to do some shopping. She had a small wooden wagon that she rolled behind her to carry the food she would buy. She went to the market, buying all the foods Lady Lestrange and Petunia typically liked to eat, as she always did. Lily’s final stop before heading back home was her favourite. Lily was stopping by the Flour Mill to purchase a sack of flour for the week. She could have stopped by the Flour Mill stand in the market where the village miller--Lyall Lupin--usually was, but it had been closed. It didn't matter though, Lily preferred to get her flour directly from the source. Or, in other words, directly from Remus Lupin.
Remus Lupin was Lyall Lupin’s son, who helped him work the Mill. Remus was also Lily’s best friend since childhood. She didn't get to see him that much anymore since taking over the household chores, which just made market-shopping days that much more special.
“Remus!” Lily called out, waving broadly to him and dragging her nearly full wagon behind her, as she approached the Lupin Mill on the outskirts of the village. The Mill was the farthest point in the village from the Evans household, which Lily loved being these days.
Remus had been piling sacks of flour into a wooden wheelbarrow outside the Mill. He looked toward the road, holding a hand above his eyes to shield from the sun. “If it isn't Lily Evans!” He called back.
Lily left her wagon on the side of the road, joining Remus by his wheelbarrow. “You think I could take one of those sacks of flour off you?”
Remus grinned. “For a price.”
Lily gave a small laugh, reaching into her rag-dress pocket. “Here, you can have all I got left.” She handed him ten shillings.
Remus smiled, dropping five shillings back in her hand and tucking his five into his pocket. “Dad'll never notice.” He shrugged.
“Thank you.” Lily smiled softly back.
“So, that time again?” He nodded toward her wagon filled with goods on the street.
“Unfortunately.” Lily replied tiredly. “There's just never enough money.”
“Soon the evil wench is gonna have you start working.”
“But then who would cook and clean and wait on them hand-and-foot?” Lily quipped.
“I suppose that's true, still doesn't make it right.”
Lily ignored him. “I didn't see your father at the market today.”
“He's taking the monthly flour delivery up to the palace.” Remus gestured toward the distance, where you could just see the peak of the tallest tower over the rolling green hills. The royal palace was so close yet so far from their tiny little village. “I'm supposed to be working the market, but I'm running behind.”
Lily sighed dramatically. “One day I'll have to ask your father to take me with him on a flour delivery, so I can see the palace in all its glory.”
“Unlikely. I'm not even allowed to go with him to the palace.”
“I thought he said you could once you turned eighteen.”
“That's ages away.”
“Only two years.” Lily corrected him.
“ Ages .” Remus smirked.
Lily lightly smacked his arm. “Nonsense. You'll see the palace before me, I just know it. I mean, I'll likely never see it.”
“If you keep dreaming, Lily, one day you'll make it to the palace.” He assured her, smiling fondly.
Lily snorted. “ Please. ”
“You will.” Remus insisted. “You could marry your very own prince.”
Lily shot him a skeptical look. “I don't need a prince.”
“You want a palace but not a prince?” Remus mused, teasing her.
“Why not? It can be done.” Lily insisted seriously.
“Right, if Lady Lestrange ever lets you go.”
Lily shrugged. “Might have to run away.”
“But you won't.”
“Who says?”
“I do, because I know you, Lily Evans, and you won't leave. They're your family.”
Lily huffed. “I thought you hated the evil wench .”
“ I do, but you tolerate her.” Remus said solemnly.
Lily ignored his remark yet again. “Who needs a prince when I have you.”
“What? You'll marry me?” Remus said teasingly.
“The whole village thinks it'll happen.” Lily said. “Been saying it since we were kids.”
“And you and I both know why that won't happen.”
“You don't think we could be happy? Even if we aren't in love?” Lily questioned, only half seriously.
“You couldn't be happy with me, Lily.” Remus replied. “You have dreams. You want to see the palace and the world, and you want to learn new things, and have children. All things I can't give you.”
“So? I can't have any of that anyway with the way my life is going.” Lily grumbled.
“What happened to running away?” He teased.
Lily sighed. “I wouldn't leave, you were right about that.” She waved a dismissive hand. “Just put the flour in the wagon, please.”
Remus chuckled. “Alright. One bag or two?”
Lily gave him a small thankful smile. “Just the one is fine, Remus, thank you.”
With a grunt, Remus threw a sack of flour over his shoulder and carried it over to her wagon, putting it down in an empty space far from the eggs.
“You're all set, and I have to get to the market or my dad will have my head.” Remus said.
“I could walk to the market with you.” Lily offered as she walked toward her wagon.
“No, I have to get a few more sacks of flour into the wheelbarrow before I can leave, and…” He looked down at her wagon. “You need to get that milk on ice.”
“I'll see you next week?”
Remus nodded. “At the market, as usual.”
“Alright.” Lily hugged him. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Lily… I miss you.”
“I know, so do I.”
Lily pulled her wagon of goods home by herself, back through the village. When she arrived at the end of the pathway up to her house, reaching for the gate, she was stopped.
“Miss? Do you live here?”
Lily turned to see that it was a royal herald from the palace, dressed in the proper uniform.
“Yes, I do.” Lily replied.
The herald then held out a pristine white envelope to her. “The King and Queen are hosting a ball, everyone is to attend.”
“Everyone?” Lily echoed.
The herald nodded. “The Majesties don't take kindly to exclusion. Everyone is to attend, though the ball is to assist the Prince in finding an eligible maiden to wed.”
“Oh.” Lily said dumbly. “Thank you!” She called to the herald as he marched off to the next house.
I'm going to get to go to the palace
, Lily thought excitedly.
Notes:
This is my first Disney retelling, as well as only my second completed fic in general and that was a Marauders/zombie apocalypse AU. So this is new for me, but I'm really proud of it and I do hope you enjoy it. It is not your typical Cinderella story and yet it still kinda is.
I love to hear what you guys think, so feel free to leave comments along the way.
Kudos are so very much appreciated.Lots of love from me to you! <3
Chapter Text
When Prince James Potter was ten years old, he had met Lord Sirius Black for the first time. Unknowing the young Lord would soon become his brother in all but blood.
See, Duke Orion Black and his wife Duchess Walburga Black, from the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black, had come to visit the royal family with their two sons, Lord’s Sirius and Regulus.
Years before, when the Duchess had only been a Lady, she had been courting King Fleamont Potter. And when Fleamont told the story to his son James, he often said he was lucky to have gotten out and met the Queen, Euphemia, when he did. Walburga Black later married Orion, a cousin of hers somewhere along the line, and the rest was history.
But the two families were still closely intertwined, despite the fact that Prince James had yet to meet the young Black Lord’s.
While the Duke and Duchess dealt with adult matters with the King and Queen, James was told to spend time with Sirius and Regulus.
While Regulus preferred to be alone in the palace library, James and Sirius had gotten into all sorts of trouble together. And they had been best friends ever since.
As the years passed by, James and Sirius saw each other more and more. Any event held at the palace, Sirius was there. And he was often there without an event as an excuse either.
It wasn't until one storming night that Sirius showed up at the palace sopping wet from the rain. He had stolen a horse from his parents' stables and ridden all the way to the palace with nothing but the clothes on his back. Two guards had to escort him to James, who had been just about to call it a night when his servant announced Sirius’ presence outside James’ bedroom door.
James, of course, allowed Sirius entrance into his bedroom.
“What happened?” James asked, concerned.
“You have to promise not to make me leave!” Sirius begged.
“Of course I won't, now what happened?” James asked again.
“I've lost my title.” Sirius confessed, whispering quietly in the dead of night. “My parents have disowned me and named me a disgraced noble, it's sure to be all over the kingdom by morning. I had nowhere else to go, I'm so sorry.”
“What? Why?”
Sirius shook his head and James thought he was about to cry, though that could have been just that he was soaked from the rain.
“Sirius, you have to tell me what happened.”
Sirius did then burst into tears.
James hugged Sirius tightly as he cried, and once the sobs finally let up, James gave Sirius some dry pajamas to wear. Then they climbed into James’ large bed together and James held Sirius as he cried some more.
It wasn't until late that night, when Sirius finally whispered into the darkness, “I'm gay… that's why they disowned me. I'm gay.”
Sirius immediately sat up straight, expecting to be kicked out of the bed and have the guards called on him.
“Sirius? Explain? You're… happy?”
“No, no… the other meaning… I… fancy blokes…”
James took a very audible deep breath.
“I can leave--”
“And where would you go?” James asked.
“I don't know.”
“You can stay. I want you to stay.”
“You do?”
“You're still Sirius, right? My brother?”
“Yes.” Sirius breathed, and James barely heard it.
“Then that's all that matters.” James said decisively.
Sirius nearly hiccupped as he choked on a sob. “You mean it?”
James wrapped his arms around Sirius once again. “I mean it.”
And Sirius cried yet again.
--
Present day
“Prince James, Lord Sirius, your presence has been requested in the ballroom.”
James and Sirius had just returned from their daily horse ride, which was more of them racing each other for fun and trying to lose their personal guards. They had just handed their horses reins over to the stableboys.
Sirius had been living at the palace since that fateful stormy night. The only news that had spread across the kingdom was that the noble Black’s had disowned their heir, which was immediately vetoed by King Fleamont who made a royal decree that same hour that they were adopting Sirius Black and reinstating his title as Lord, despite not having land or money of his own.
“By who?” James asked the servant, as he removed his riding helmet and handed it to another stableboy.
“The Queen.” The servant replied.
James nodded. “Thank you.” Signaling for the servant to leave, he did.
“Know what it's about?” Sirius asked James.
“Not a clue.” James said. “Come on then, Mum wants to see us.”
James and Sirius entered the ballroom together, still in their riding clothes, to see Queen Euphemia standing in the middle of the ballroom, directing servants around as they put up decorations.
“Mum? Are we having an event?” James asked her cheerily.
“Yes, indeed.” The Queen replied. “Actually, you are the host, James.”
“I am?” James’ smile had not faltered, even as he was caught unawares with the information.
“What's he done?” Sirius asked, smirking.
“Nothing.” Euphemia told Sirius. “This time.” She smirked.
“So what's it for then?” James questioned happily.
“James, dear, we're holding a ball in a week's time.” Euphemia told him. “The invitations were sent out this morning. Everyone in the kingdom is invited.”
“Brilliant.” James grinned. “What for?” He asked again.
Euphemia appeared to hesitate. “For you to choose a wife.”
James stilled, his smile fading. “Sorry?”
“Your father and I aren't going to be around forever, James.” Euphemia said slowly. “You might have to step up sooner rather than later… and a King needs a Queen, James.”
“I'm not yet of age.” James protested.
Sirius had begun laughing.
“Shut it, Sirius.” James snapped at him. “And I can't just choose a wife, Mum, we have to fall in love.”
Sirius started laughing even harder. “What? Are you expecting true love? ” He wheezed.
“Yes, that's exactly what I'm expecting.” James said seriously.
“And hopefully you will… fall in love… with a beautiful girl at the ball.” Euphemia said strangely. “Your father insists.”
“This was Dads idea?”
“The ball, yes… though, I agree with you that it's an odd way to go about it, but you know your father.” Euphemia said dismissively. “Anyhow, your father and I met at a ball.” She added, hope lacing her voice.
“Then you courted for two years .” James reminded her. “Am I expected to marry the girl after one night?”
“No, of course not.” Euphemia replied airily. “Just… as soon as possible…”
Sirius burst out laughing once again.
“And you , Sirius, are to attend the ball as well and make sure James chooses a bride.” Euphemia said sternly, effectively getting Sirius to stop laughing.
“Will do!” Sirius saluted to the Queen. She rolled her eyes at that.
“Is this really necessary?” James asked. “I mean, what if Sirius and I took a trip to the surrounding kingdoms? Meet the Princess’ and the Lady’s of the royal courts, maybe even some of the local girls. Surely I will find a girl somewhere and at my own pace. It'll take a year, at most.”
“We may not have a year!” Euphemia snapped at her son. Both James and Sirius had gone silent, for Queen Euphemia getting angry was not something that ever happened, the same with King Fleamont. They were the kindest of souls.
“What does that mean?” James asked, now concerned.
Euphemia sighed. “Nothing, James, nothing… only that your father and I are getting older. We had you extremely late in life and that was a mistake. You cannot make the same one, James. If your father and I… pass, and you are without an heir or at the very least a wife to produce one…” She trailed off, on the verge of tears.
“Alright, alright, Mum.” James nodded eagerly, hating seeing his mother so upset. “We can throw a ball, I'll consider choosing a girl. If I feel a connection… I'll try .”
Euphemia smiled weakly at her son. “That's all we ask, James.”
Sirius nodded along. “I can help him find a girl.”
“Thank you, Sirius.” Euphemia said. “And, James, you may not have to marry right away… all of this is just a precaution. Your father and I love you--love you both --so much and we only want the best for you.”
“I know, Mum.” James gave a small smile.
“Now, why don't you two go change out of those riding clothes.” Euphemia chuckled. “You smell like horses.”
Both James and Sirius laughed at that.
After having changed, Sirius joined James in his bedroom, flopping down on his large canopy bed. The entire room decorated in red and gold, the kingdom's colours. Sirius’ bedroom was too, though with his own personal touches.
“So, what do you really think about this whole bride-finding-ball thing?” Sirius asked, tucking an arm behind his head.
James was messing with his hair in a stand-up mirror. “Honestly, I don't know. I mean, don't get me wrong, I've always wanted to find love-- you know that.”
Sirius nodded.
“But a ball? I can't just choose the prettiest girl in the room. I have to get to know her. I don't understand why this is all so sudden, or why it has to be done so quickly.”
“Your mum sounded worried about, you know… your parents' ages and whatnot. You think they're ill?” Sirius asked cautiously, though James knew he meant no offense.
James shrugged, still fussing with his hair in the mirror despite the fact his hair was always a mess no matter what he did. “I hope not… I can't be king alone, I wouldn't know the first step. And I'm not ready yet anyway, the law says I have to be eighteen. That's ages away.” He turned around to face Sirius on the bed.
“Two years.” Sirius corrected.
“Feels like a millennium.” James murmured as he sat down on the edge of his bed.
Sirius sat up to lightly swot James’ arm. “You're going to make a brilliant king, James. And you're not going to be alone. I'll be by your side the whole time, as long as you'll have me. And that bride of yours you've got to choose, she'll be there too. You'll pick a good one, you'll see. So, in the end… you won't have to do it alone.”
James turned his head to meet Sirius’ eyes and smiled at him. “I'll always have you, you know that. You're stuck with me, Black.”
Sirius’ laughed, laying back down on the bed.
“Thank you.” James whispered. “I just hope you're right about the girl too.”
Sirius hummed. “I'll find you a nice one. What's in these days for straight lads? Is it the breasts?”
“Shove off!” James smacked his leg. “Like I could ever trust your taste in women.”
“True, that.” Sirius admitted.
“Maybe you'll meet a fine bloke at the ball too, one who looks your way.” James waggled his eyebrows at him.
“Not bloody likely.” Sirius muttered.
“No, really, we can be each other's wingmen!” James grinned.
Sirius snorted. “Like I'd ever trust your taste in men.”
James laughed, though it sounded more of a squawk, and he leaned back on his elbows across the bottom of Sirius’ legs. “Fair enough.”
Chapter Text
Lady Lestrange was in the parlour with Petunia, drinking tea as she listened to Petunia play a classical tune on the piano. Petunia really was quite good.
Lily gently rapped on the door.
“Yes!” Lady Lestrange called out, just as Petunia ceased her piano playing.
Lily entered the parlour, holding out the envelope. “This just came from the palace.”
“The palace?!” Petunia shrieked.
“Let me see that!” Lady Lestrange snatched the envelope out of Lily’s hand and tore it open, reading it.
“The messenger said that the King and Queen are hosting a ball and that everyone is to attend.” Lily explained.
“What?” Petunia gasped.
“This says that the ball is to find the Prince an eligible maiden to wed.” Lady Lestrange said. “Petunia, this is your moment, dear.”
“Well, when is it?” Petunia asked, excited.
“In a week's time.”
“Everyone is invited.” Lily spoke up. “That means I can go.”
“ You?! ” Petunia snarled. “No!”
“But everyone is invited.” Lily repeated.
“Now, now, Petunia.” Lady Lestrange cooed. “If Lily manages to get all her chores done by the end of the week and she can find something suitable to wear, then I see no reason why she can't go.”
“Really?” Lily lit up at the thought.
Lady Lestrange nodded.
“Oh, thank you, I will, I can!” Lily hurried out of the parlour, seemingly excited at the prospect of being allowed to attend the ball.
The next day, after preparing breakfast for Lady Lestrange and Petunia, Lily had been told to take both Petunia’s and Lady Lestrange’s gowns for the ball to the village seamstress, with a list of things they wanted altered. And she would do just that, though first she walked all the way across the village to the Flour Mill with the bag of gowns over her shoulder.
When Lily arrived at the Lupin Mill, this time she had to walk all the way up the path to the cottage where the Lupin’s lived.
“Hello, Mr. Lupin!” Lily called to Lyall, who had just walked out of the little hut the Mill was attached to, looking exhausted and covered in freshly ground flour. “Is Remus around?”
“He's inside.” Mr. Lupin gestured to the cottage. “Though, he should've been out here an hour ago helping me.”
“I'll get him moving, Mr. Lupin.” Lily quipped, grinning.
“Yeah, you do that, Lily.” Mr. Lupin sighed. “You can have half an hour with him, then I really do need him out here.”
“I won't even take that long.” Lily said cheerily as she opened the door to the Lupin’s cottage and let herself inside.
Inside the Lupin’s cottage, Lily dropped the bag of dresses on the kitchen table. The cottage was quaint and cozy-- and could probably use a dusting, Lily noticed.
“Remus!” She called out in a sing-song voice.
“Lily?” Remus shouted from down the hallway, sounding muffled and confused. He walked into the kitchen with a flustered face to match. “What are you doing here?”
Lily pushed herself up to sit on the edge of the wooden kitchen table, kicking her feet back and forth giddily. “Please tell me you got it?”
Remus didn't have to ask what she meant. It wasn't often the palace held big events with such a guest list. He sighed. “Yes, I got the invitation.”
Lily squealed. “Do you want to be my escort?”
“Lily, I can't.”
“Why not?”
“My dad says I can't go, I have to work the mill.”
“You can work the mill another time.”
“Lily, we're not making enough money, we're behind on the orders we are getting. I have to stay and work the mill.”
“But it's the palace , Remus! We've been dreaming of seeing the palace since we were kids.”
“ You've been dreaming of seeing the palace.” Remus corrected her. “I can't afford to dream.”
“What?” Lily slid off the table to stand, suddenly feeling very small and alone.
“Lily, go to the ball.” Remus insisted. “See the palace, meet the Prince, make him fall in love with you. Escape the evil wench. Just do it without me.”
“I don't want to make the Prince fall in love with me, I don't want to go without you.”
“Lily…”
“Please, Remus… Lady Lestrange said I can go, with conditions . She thinks I'm stupid, that I won't be able to meet them, but I can. With your help.”
“What? What conditions?” He asked.
“I need to finish my chores and find a suitable dress.” Lily told him.
“All you have is those rags.” Remus gestured at the ratty old dress she'd been wearing for the last two years, since her step-mother wouldn't buy her anything new.
“ Thanks .” Lily quipped. “But I was hoping I could borrow something of your mothers?”
Remus sighed.
“I know, I know it's a lot to ask, with her being gone… It's just, Lady Lestrange got rid of all my mothers things when she married my dad.” Lily explained. “All the dresses in the house are hers or Petunia’s and I can't risk taking those.”
Remus nodded slowly. “Yeah, alright. You can have a dress.”
“Can I also have it altered? You know, to match modern fashions?” Lily asked hesitantly.
Remus sighed again. “Yes… Mum would've wanted me to help you, so yes.”
“Thank you!” Lily wrapped her arms around him in a hug. “Please come to the ball, Remus?”
Remus gently pushed her away. “The ball is for the Prince to find a bride, it's no use for me to go anyway.”
“That's not true!” Lily insisted. “It'll be fun, you get to see the palace! You might even find yourself a handsome bloke.”
Remus scoffed. “That's bloody likely.”
“It's possible.” Lily tried.
Remus shot her an unamused look.
“Please, Remus, for me?”
“My dad will kill me, Lily.”
Lily shrugged. “He can kill you in the morning.”
Remus chuckled, shoving lightly at her shoulder. “Lily!”
“ Please! ”
Remus sighed once again, this time fondly. “Fine.”
“Yes!” Lily cheered, throwing her arms around him again.
“But you owe me. A lot .”
“Done. Whatever you want. After the ball.”
“Alright. Come on then, Mum's dresses are in the bedroom.”
Remus led Lily into his parents bedroom, opening the wardrobe to reveal the few nice gowns that Mrs. Lupin did have.
“What do we think? Pink?” Lily said, flipping through the dresses and pulling out a gaudy pink dress covered in white bows.
“With your hair? It'd clash horribly.” Remus remarked. And he was right, for bright pink and fiery red tended to not look exactly nice together.
“Well, it's the fanciest one you've got.” Lily said decisively.
“The Prince wouldn't look at you twice in that.”
“Well, then it's a good thing I'm not going for the Prince.”
Remus smirked. “Sure you're not.”
Lily shot him a semi-annoyed look. “Alright, well, I have to bring this and the other dresses to the seamstress. Thank you, so much.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Bye, see you before the ball. Wear a suit!”
Lily walked back through the village, now with three gowns. She brought the dresses to the village seamstress, relaying the alterations that Lady Lestrange and Petunia wanted on their gowns, as well as some alterations for her own.
The seamstress who would be working on the gowns told Lily they would be ready by the end of the week, the morning of the day of the ball. Lily knew that was cutting it close, but everyone in the village was going, so it made sense that the seamstress was busy.
Lily returned home, with a list of chores waiting for her. And that was just for that day.
Chapter Text
“I'm ready! I can go, I can go!”
Lily ran into the entrance of the house as Lady Lestrange and Petunia were about to leave for the carriage, wearing the dress she’d borrowed from Remus.
See, by some miracle, Lily had just made it in time to go to the ball. Even with the extra chores Lady Lestrange and Petunia had pawned off on her, she had completed each one in time for the ball that evening.
Lily was the one who had retrieved the ballgowns from the seamstress that morning, on top of her other daily chores. She had quickly stashed her own dress in her bedroom, then placed both Lady Lestrange’s and Petunia’s ballgowns in their respective rooms.
Lily spent the rest of her day completing the last of her chores that she was given, as Lady Lestrange and Petunia styled their hair and painted their faces in preparation for the ball.
Lily managed to finish her chores in the nick of time, as she heard horses neighing outside. She glanced out the window to see that a palace carriage had arrived to pick them up for the ball. She quickly ran to her room to throw on her dress and show up to the carriage at the last second, forcing her step-mother to let her go to the ball.
Lily had planned everything out to the tee.
And Lily’s plan had worked a charm.
Lily stood there, her sister and step-mother gawking at her from the doorway.
Her dress was still a horrendous shade of pink that clashed with her red hair just as bad as Remus had said it would. The tacky white bows were gone and the seamstress had added some layers underneath to make the dress poof out more around her legs, as well as added some ruffles to the skirt just by bunching the pink fabric in certain places.
Lily still looked lovely, despite the pink looking horrid with her hair and complexion-- not to mention her hair was plain and down, as she hadn't had time to style it. Lily wasn't wearing any sort of makeup on her face either.
“ Step-mother! ” Petunia shrieked, panicked.
“You look terrible.” Lady Lestrange had finally found her voice. “You can't go wearing that, you'll be an embarrassment!” She scoffed.
Lily placed her hands on her hips, smug. “Too bad that wasn't part of the rules. You said if I finished my chores and found something to wear, I could go to the ball. And I did. I finished all my chores and I'm wearing this, a vintage dress with added modern fashions.”
“I said suitable .” Lady Lestrange corrected. “You had to find something suitable to wear, and that gown is hideous on you. It couldn't possibly count. How did you even pay for it?”
“With the leftover money from shopping this week…” Lily frowned. “You expected it to be used on the shopping, but there happened to be some left over, so you didn't miss it.” It was the money Remus had given back to her.
“Stealing, Lily, really?!” Petunia sneered.
“I didn't steal it--”
Lady Lestrange raised a hand to silence her. “I'll deal with that matter later. Lily, you can't possibly expect to attend a royal ball dressed like that? I mean, aside from the obvious repulsiveness, it's so old it's practically falling apart.” The woman reached forward and placed a hand on the puff sleeve, then she gripped the fabric tightly and pulled, ripping the sleeve right off.
Lily gasped, reaching to her shoulder as a delayed attempt to stop what was already done.
The motions had been set, Petunia took on right where Lady Lestrange had left off, stepping forward and pulling at the new ruffles until the stitches broke. Lily stepped back to get away before her dress was ruined, but Petunia held on tightly to the piece of skirt in her hand and it tore the dress right up the length of the skirt.
Petunia let go of the fabric. Lily’s dress was shredded, the hem hanging at uneven lengths clearly from being ripped and the ruffles coming undone. There was no way to hide how her dress looked damaged.
“What have you done?” Lily was on the verge of tears.
“Petunia, dear, the carriage is waiting.” Lady Lestrange said, ignoring Lily.
Petunia huffed haughtily, turning on her heels and striding out door with Lady Lestrange.
Lily slowly followed them outside, watching as they climbed into the carriage and the horses were signaled to leave, trotting away down the street.
Lily stood on the porch to her family home, in a torn gaudy pink dress, while her dream literally galloped away.
“Lily?”
She looked over in the direction of the village, standing at the edge of the path up to her house was no other than Remus.
He was wearing his fathers old wedding suit. It was entirely too small on him, as he was quite taller than his father. The pants ended halfway down his shins and the sleeve just below the elbow. It was also way too tight everywhere else, squeezing him like a little boy growing out of his clothes. But he had worn a suit for her.
“I thought I'd missed you.” Remus gestured in the vague direction that the carriage had disappeared to. “What happened?” He was closer now, taking in the sight of her miserably ruined dress.
Lily shrugged, a tear rolling down her cheek. “I wasn't clever enough.”
“What do you mean?”
“I thought I had her beat…” Lily choked on a sob. “But I had not foreseen her ruining my dress herself.” She was crying now, dropping down to sit on the porch steps and covering her face with her hands as she sobbed.
Remus sat down on the steps beside her, his suit tightening in all the wrong ways as he did. “I'm so sorry, Lily.”
“No, I'm sorry.” Lily took a deep breath, composing herself and wiping the tears off her face. “I'm sorry about your mothers dress, Remus…”
“It's not your fault.” Remus replied.
“No, but it is ruined because of me…”
“You still look beautiful.”
Lily chuckled wetly.
“How about I stay here with you tonight?” Remus offered.
“What about your father? You said he'd kill you.”
Remus shrugged, smirking. “He can kill me tomorrow.”
Lily laughed, knowing he was quoting her. “…You should still go to the ball, Remus, that way at least one of us can see the palace.”
Remus shook his head. “I'm not going without you, Lily…”
Lily latched onto his arm and rested her head on his shoulder. “Thank you…”
Chapter Text
Lily and Remus sat together on the porch steps of Lily’s family home, both quiet and both wishing that her life was different. Both wishing there was some way Lily could escape her step-mothers clutches.
“Now, why on earth are two bright young things such as yourselves lying about when there's a ball on?”
Lily and Remus both looked up, shocked to have heard a voice.
There was an older woman standing before them, dressed in emerald green robes and had a large pointy black hat on her head, tipped slightly. Underneath the hat, her dark hair was pinned in a tight bun. She seemed stern, yet kind. Though, it was still incredibly odd for the stranger to be there.
“Excuse me?” Lily asked.
“You heard me, Ms. Evans.”
Lily blinked, surprised that the strange woman knew her name.
“Now, there's no time to dilly-dally.” The woman said. “You two need to get to that ball.”
“The ball?” Remus questioned.
“We're not going to the ball.” Lily explained, sadly. “My dress is ruined.”
“Of course you are, but we have to hurry.” The woman insisted. “Even magic takes time.”
“Magic? What…” Lily was confused.
“That's right, I am your Fairy-Godwitch. Minerva McGonagall is my name, but you are not to call me that.”
“Are you a fairy or a witch?” Remus muttered under his breath.
“I heard that, Mr. Lupin.” McGonagall pulled out a magic wand, shocking them both. “First things first, we need to fix that dress of yours. Up, Ms. Evans.” The witch gestured for Lily to stand.
Lily hesitantly stood, stepping off the porch toward McGonagall.
The witch then waved the wand around in the air and pointed it at Lily.
At first, nothing happened.
Then, Lily’s dress transformed into a gorgeous strapless, straight neckline seafoam green ballgown, that ballooned out around her legs all on its own. Her hair was lightly curled but still down, now with a few braided strands throughout her red locks. A black ribbon tied around her neck. Her shoes transformed as well, becoming unique clear glass high-heeled slippers.
Remus stood up, stunned as he watched Lily’s dress magically change.
“Oh my goodness!” Lily squealed, excited. “How?”
“ Magic , Ms. Evans, keep up.” McGonagall tutted. “Let's see a spin-- gracefully, Ms. Evans, you should be a swan, longing to take flight.”
Lily spun around, the gown swirling elegantly. The glass heels surprisingly comfortable.
“Lovely.” McGonagall commented. “Now, you can't attend the ball without an escort-- Mr. Lupin, come forward.”
Remus hesitantly took a step, still glancing warily back and forth between Lily’s new dress and the witch.
McGonagall raised her wand once again and gave it a wave, magically turning Remus’ suit in a slick black tuxedo that fit perfectly. With a matching bowtie and everything.
“How does it feel, Mr. Lupin? You should be a lordly lion, ready to prance!”
Remus cleared his throat awkwardly. “It fits…”
“Very well!” McGonagall remarked. “You both are ready to attend the ball! It is a night of well mannered frivolity, and I expect that from you both.”
“Uh, I don't suppose you have a carriage, do you?” Lily asked uncertainly.
“No, Ms. Evans, I do not.” The witch said sternly. “I can't do everything for you, you know. So you better start walking, or you won't even have time for a dance before the spells wear off.”
“Wear off?” Lily questioned.
“Well, nothing lasts forever, does it?” McGonagall tutted. “You only have until midnight, then everything returns to the way it was before.”
“Midnight? That's barely any time at all.” Remus complained.
“Well then, you better get a move on!”
“Thank you, Mrs. McGonagall!” Lily smiled politely.
“Oh, it was nothing. Have a biscuit at the ball for me, dear.” McGonagall said.
“Oh… sure.” Lily agreed.
And the next moment, McGonagall was gone with a crack . She just disappeared.
“Well, I guess we should start walking, huh?” Remus said, dull.
“Yes, I suppose so.”
And so Lily and Remus walked out to the dirt road and began the trek up to the palace, all the way across the rolling hills of Hogwarts Kingdom.
Chapter Text
Lily and Remus had made it to the palace in a fair amount of time, thankfully without getting splashed by any carriages that passed them on the road, or without being ridiculously tired or sweaty once they’d arrived. Turns out, McGonagall's magic did help them out in their travelling to the palace, despite not giving them a method of transportation.
They ascended the staircase up to the grand palace, passing silent and surprisingly welcoming guards on their way inside. They looked the part, so no one had questioned why elegantly dressed people were attending an elegant ball that everyone was invited to.
The ballroom itself wasn't hard to find, it was just off the entrance and all they did was follow the sound of the orchestra. Upon stepping into the opulent ballroom and descending the grand staircase to the party below, Lily spotted her sister Petunia and Lady Lestrange on the other side of the crowded ballroom.
“Oh, Remus, my step-mother will recognize me! I hadn't thought of that.” Lily said, concerned, as they finally reached the ballroom floor.
“You're already here, what can they do? It's not as if they can tear apart this dress in front of the King himself.” Remus remarked wryly.
“That's true…” Lily murmured.
“Besides, look around, there's so many people here you probably won't even bump into them.” Remus gestured around the room to the hundreds of guests, all dressed elaborately in fancy suits and ballgowns. Lily and Remus blended in perfectly.
“You're right.” Lily said decisively. “There's no need to fret, let's just have fun.”
All of a sudden, the orchestra's rather dulled but pleasant tune came to an abrupt halt, before starting back up again in the musical notes of a waltz. It was a natural and soft command for the guests to begin dancing, as opposed to simply mingling.
“Shall we?” Remus grinned, gesturing to the center of the ballroom that was now being filled with waltzing couples. Then he held out a hand to her.
“We shall.” Lily smiled brightly, taking his offered hand.
Lily and Remus made their way, hand in hand, to the cluster of elegantly dancing guests. They joined the crowd, mimicking the proper steps and graceful sways in a way that likely looked horrendous compared to other dancing couples. Neither Remus or Lily had ever been taught to properly dance, nevermind at an event as prestigious as this one.
They giggled as they spun around the room, as close as in time to the music as they could manage. No one had really paid them any mind, all caught up in their own dancing and attempts at trying to impress an apparently absent prince. This moment was just theirs, for two friends who had finally achieved their childhood dream. Or at least one of their dreams. They had finally seen the palace and, better yet, they were dancing at a royal ball.
“May I cut in?”
The voice interrupting their dancing belonged to a well-dressed young man about their age. Perhaps even more well-dressed than most of the guests that surrounded them, still waltzing. Remus and Lily came to stop beside the man that had approached them. He was taller than Lily, but shorter than Remus. He had neat, shoulder length black hair, porcelain skin, and piercing grey eyes. He was rather attractive, Lily could admit.
“Sorry, but as you can see, I'm spoken for.” Lily smiled politely as she gestured at Remus next to her.
“Actually, I was hoping to talk to him … I can see how my segway confused you, though.” The man grinned, perhaps a bit haughtily.
Lily was surprised, not daring to hope what this may possibly be. “Oh, well, in that case. Go on, have a chat with the nice gentleman.” She said to Remus.
“What about you?” Remus asked her, concern lacing his voice. Whether it was for himself or leaving her alone, Lily wasn't sure.
“I'll be fine.” Lily assured him, waving Remus off with the attractive young man.
Remus appeared to hesitate, before nodding and beginning to walk away with the man, disappearing into the crowded ballroom.
Lily turned around, intending to find a way to leave the dance floor, as she no longer had a partner. Instead, she found herself facing another man.
This one, too, looked to be around her age. He was also dressed better than most of the guests. Taller than her, with messy dark hair that was endearing in a strange sort of way. He had brown eyes and was attractive in a way that the other man wasn't. Not better or worse, only different somehow.
“Hello.” Lily said, trying not to appear startled by his sudden presence.
The man smiled at her as he leant forward in a slight bow, extending a perfectly poised hand in offering. “Would you care to dance, M’lady? Seeing as your escort has been…” He paused, seeming to choose his next words carefully. “ Borrowed. ” He settled on, with an upward twitch of his lips as if he found the situation amusing.
Lily hummed, feigning thoughtfulness. “Well, alright.” She conceded, placing her hand in his. “Though, I'll have you know that I am not a Lady.”
“No?” He said curiously, as they began to waltz together amongst the other dancing couples.
Lily shook her head.
“Well, I'll have you know that neither am I.” He quipped.
Lily chuckled at that. “So, what are you then?” She let her gaze sweep down his expensive suit.
“Oh… no one of importance.” He smirked, as if he was letting her in on some secret. Perhaps she was already supposed to know, though she wasn't about to make it obvious that she didn't.
“Hmm, well then, neither am I. ” She grinned right back as she partially quoted him. Though, for her, the sentiment was likely truer than it was for him.
“Then we shall be unimportant together.” He said cheerily, as they swiftly waltzed across the ballroom. It was much easier now that Lily was being led by someone who actually knew the steps of the dance. She found she didn't trip as much and could actually keep her eyes on his, instead of her own glass-slipper-clad feet.
Lily danced with the delightfully charming and witty young man for some time, trading banter back and forth. When the waltz ended and the couples on the floor dispersed to mingle, swapping places with other guests who hadn't danced yet; Lily was led to a more secluded corner of the ballroom, nearer the buffet table of clean finger foods and glasses of champagne.
Seeing a tray of small biscuits, Lily remembered her promise to McGonagall--her Fairy-Godwitch--and instantly plucked a biscuit from the tray and took a bite.
The man watched her curiously for a moment, before reaching for a biscuit himself.
“Oh, these are delicious.” Lily remarked, biting into the biscuit again.
“They are quite good, aren't they?” He mused, taking a bite of his own biscuit. “They happen to be my favourite sort.”
“I can certainly see why.” Lily said, taking another bite. “I must have this recipe! Who would I speak to for that, do you know?”
The man frowned. “The palace chef, I'm sure. Would you be baking these treats yourself?”
Lily hesitated replying as she finished her biscuit. She swallowed and took a breath. “Yes, I would be. I don't have any servants.” She straightened her posture and stared directly at the man as she gathered her confidence. “I'm only from a small village, I have never even been to the palace before tonight.”
“Which village?”
“Godric's Hollow.”
“That's just down the way, not far from here.” The man remarked. “And yet you've never visited the palace?”
“Is that a problem?” Lily asked defiantly.
The man simply shook his head. “No problem. I don't find myself to be above village girls in terms of…” He trailed off, giving a guilty smile. “Nevermind that, we can simply have a lovely time together this evening without worrying about… that. ” He spoke once again as if Lily was supposed to know what he was speaking of. And yet, still, she did not.
“It has been forgotten.” Lily smiled as if she knew.
The man grinned at that. “Thank you.” He chuckled to himself. “You know… I'm aware that earlier we established what we weren't… but perhaps you could tell me who you are? ”
Lily shrugged lightly. “I am a village girl. We just spoke of it.” She teased him.
He huffed a laugh. “I know… but could you at least tell me your name?”
Lily considered it for a moment, then she opened her mouth to reply.
Only before she could tell him, she could suddenly hear faint chimes over the loud music from the orchestra. The chiming was close, but not too close and it was being drowned out in the song.
“What? Have you forgotten it?” He was teasing her, assuming her lack of response was hesitation to give her name.
“What is that sound? Is that…?” Lily asked.
The man frowned, listening intently for a moment until he heard it. “Oh, that's the chime of the clock tower out over the gardens.”
Lily’s smile dropped. “What time is it?”
The man raised his left hand, pushing up the sleeve of his suit jacket to check his golden wristwatch. “Midnight--”
“ Midnight?! ” Lily nearly shrieked.
“Yes, time moves rather quickly when--”
“I have to go!” Lily said abruptly, cutting him off for the second time.
He gaped at her. “Now?”
“Yes, now , I'm terribly sorry!” Lily was looking wildly around the ballroom for Remus, but he was nowhere in sight and she had to leave.
“Are you alright?” He asked, concern crossing his features.
“I need to find my escort.” Lily spoke urgently, the chiming still ringing in her ears far louder than it truly was.
“Well, let's look for him together, or I could escort you home--”
“No!” Lily blurted out, panicked. “I'm sorry, I need to go now.” She spun her heel and took off running across the ballroom as fast as her glass slippers would let her.
“Wait!” The man called after her.
Lily ran, holding her gown bunched up in her hands. She ran up the ballroom's grand staircase and out of the palace the way she'd come in.
Remus will just have to leave on his own and find me himself , Lily thought as she found herself outside the palace doors.
One more staircase down to the gates. Lily hurried down the steps as quickly as she could, accidentally tripping on her gown at about halfway. Without even a second to figure out if she was hurt, she began to stand.
“Lily!”
Lily looked up to see Remus standing at the bottom of the staircase, having come from the path that led into the gardens. He looked at if he'd been running too, breathing heavily.
“I'm alright, don't stop!” She stood, feeling the cold stone of the steps underneath her left foot.
Lily suddenly realized she'd lost a shoe, but she didn't have time to grab it and put it back on her foot. The chimes of the clock tower were louder now that she was outside and near the gardens, and without even bothering to glance at the large clock face that stood tall above, she continued down the steps at a fast-pace. One foot naked of the glass slipper that she'd been gifted only a few short hours before.
“Don't leave!”
It was the other young man from earlier, the one who had swept Remus away from Lily on the dance floor. He was running down the garden path toward them.
Remus swerved him as he ran for the palace gates, Lily right behind him.
“Wait, miss!”
The second voice Lily recognized as the man she had danced and talked with, but she didn't bother to look over her shoulder to be sure.
Lily and Remus were out the palace gates and, in the blink of an eye and the sound of a crack , they were suddenly no longer outside the palace, but just down the dusty road from the Evans household. No doubt a little magical help from McGonagall.
Notes:
Next chapter will be what Remus and his stranger got up to at the ball, do not worry!
<3
Chapter Text
Remus had just stepped outside the palace into the gardens with the handsome young man who had taken him away from Lily. The gardens were gorgeous; tall vibrant green hedges surrounding the land and framing the intricately weaving paths, and exotic flowers and plants tended to religiously to keep healthy and full of life. But Remus thought that the gardens could not compare to the young man before him. Though, that did not mean that the man had asked Remus there for anything other than a friendly chat.
“I'm sorry about that.” The man said. “My friend was eyeing yours, he asked me to do him a favour and… keep you company, while he requested a waltz in hopes of dancing with her.”
“Oh…” Remus said dumbly, for lack of a better response.
The man took a step closer to him. “Do you happen to be spoken for as well, by the pretty Red you were dancing with?”
“Oh, um… no, I am… unspoken for? ” Remus said, less than eloquently.
The man smiled at that. “Ah, I see… so my friend has a chance?”
Remus awkwardly cleared his throat. “That's up to her.”
“He better not make a fool of himself then.”
“No, I suppose not.”
“And you?” The man looked at Remus curiously. “Do you think you could enjoy my company? That is, until I can return you to your ward.”
“I might.” Remus gave a small smile.
“Good.” The man grinned.
The young man turned toward the garden path and Remus fell into step beside him, as they began to walk further into the gardens.
“Who are you exactly?” Remus asked him.
The man seemed to hesitate, a strange look flickering over his face. “I'm… a… prince, from a distant kingdom. Though, I reside here most of the time, seeing as I am good friends with Prince James… yeah, he's my best mate.”
Remus’ eyes widened. “Your best mate is the Prince?!” He blinked, catching up. “ You are a prince!” He instantly dropped down into a low bow, fumbling a bit in his haste. “Your Royal Highness, my apologies.”
“Oh, no, please don't do that.” The Prince sounded worried, glancing around the garden as if he was worried someone might see them.
Remus instantly straightened. “I'm sorry.”
“Don't be.” The Prince smiled.
Remus turned forward awkwardly, to continue walking down the path.
“So, who are you then?” The Prince shook his head, looking embarrassed. “Forgive my bluntness.”
Remus smirked. “Forgiven.” He paused, not wanting to inform this prince of his such low-class and risking being told to leave him alone. Though Remus wasn't sure if lying to a prince was a terrible crime he should not commit, either. “I am… not a prince.” He settled on.
The Prince chuckled. “You aren't? Because I could've sworn you were. ” He teased.
“Nope, not a royal, unfortunately.” Remus quipped wryly.
“Well, the lower titles aren't so bad.” The Prince sounded as if he was trying to assure Remus that dukes and princes could still be friends. That, as a prince, he would make an exception for Remus. As if that would relieve Remus of any fears he had of being an alleged duke or baron talking to a prince.
Remus only smiled politely.
“And the girl?” The Prince asked. “If you don't mind saying, who is she to you that you are her escort tonight? You didn't look related.” He almost looked nervous.
“We're not.” Remus said. “She's only a friend, really. We've known each other since we were kids.”
The Prince nodded as he took in the information. “You see… my own friend really did ask me to steal you away as a favour to him, but… I chose the gardens to steal you away to , since the gardens would be deserted of people as everyone is at the ball. I was thinking… well, I was hoping , really… that perhaps you were inclined to… need privacy in order to spend time with me… the way I hoped to spend time with you… if you understand at all?”
Remus’ mouth fell open as he gaped at him.
“And-- and remember!” The Prince stammered. “I am a prince , so if you get angry and, and… hit me, or tell anyone… I-- no one will believe you.” He clamped his mouth shut, looking very anxious.
“I wouldn't hit you.” Remus said simply.
“Because I'm a prince?”
Remus shrugged. “Well, that too, but I wouldn't hit you because… I would say yes.”
“Yes?” The Prince breathed, seeming unsure.
Remus nodded. “You picked the right bloke, if you're… you know, that way inclined.”
The Prince could barely contain his smile. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“Brilliant.” The Prince was grinning, tugging at his bottom lip a bit with his teeth.
“So… what now?” Remus asked.
“I don't know, I've never gotten this far.” The Prince still looked far too giddy for being unsure of the next step.
“Neither have I.” Remus admitted.
“We could continue our walk?” The Prince suggested. “I was having a nice time with you… and we could discuss possibly courting, somehow?”
Remus chuckled breathily. “I'd like that.”
“Good. Brilliant. Yeah.” The Prince made a swooping gesture with his hand, meaning to continue the walk through the gardens.
Remus and the Prince walked together for a long while in the gardens, talking of possibilities and ways to keep their blossoming relationship a secret. As their time was not exactly a forgiving one. They laughed too, teasing one another and talking bitterly of society.
“I hate that we can't dance together, the way a bloke and girl can, in there. ” The Prince gestured half-hazardly toward the palace and the ball still going on inside. “I do enjoy dancing, it's typically the partner I find uninteresting.”
Remus hummed. “Well, I'm not very good at dancing, as you might've seen with my friend before. So, you're probably better off with an uninteresting girl who can at least keep off your toes.”
The Prince chuckled at that, smiling beautifully. “I think I could handle it.”
“You say that now.”
“You don't think I could?”
“Well, I just wouldn't want you to complain when I've broken your foot in this hypothetical dance.” Remus mused.
“Hypothetical?” The Prince stopped walking, turning to look at Remus curiously.
Remus stopped as well. “It means to imagine the situation. ” He told him.
“I know what it means.” The Prince said airily. “Though, this dance is not imaginary.”
“Oh?” Remus glanced around the garden wryly, as if searching for something in particular. “I don't happen to see any dancing, do you?” He mocked.
The Prince huffed a laugh through his nose. “Then I suppose we should get started. Shall we?” He placed one hand behind his back, the other held out to Remus.
Remus chuckled self-consciously. “Oh no, I don't dance.”
“You were dancing earlier.” The Prince pointed out, not moving an inch from his poised stance, his hand still held out to take Remus’.
“Then, I don't dance with someone I'm afraid to make a fool of myself in front of…” Remus trailed off. “Not to mention, what if someone found us?”
The Prince had still yet to move. “The garden is empty, I chose it for that very reason.” He smiled. “And perhaps I'm just as afraid to make a fool of myself in front of you, as you are to do so in front of me…”
“At least you know how to properly dance, I have a disadvantage.”
“I've never danced with a bloke before… we're even…”
Remus stared down longingly at the upward-facing palm still held out to him, wondering to himself if he'd ever get the chance again. Or if dancing with a devastatingly handsome young man was worth risking being arrested or executed. Remus knew he'd likely never get more than a dance anyway, with the other man being a prince and all. So, Remus placed his hand in the Prince’s awaiting palm and allowed him to initiate a dance.
“I'll lead, seeing as you don't dance. ” The Prince smirked teasingly. “Though, I hope one day soon, you'll lead me? ”
Remus swallowed, not trusting his voice, and nodded.
And so, the Prince led Remus in a waltz in time to the music that they could only barely hear drifting out from the palace and the ball within. Their only light being the full moon shining down on them. They stumbled a bit at first, due to Remus being the taller of the two yet not the one leading. Though, they soon figured out the steps. The Prince’s hands on Remus' waist were steady and firm, while his own hands on the Prince’s shoulders were shaky and nervous. But the Prince held his gaze the whole while, something defiant and desperate flitting in his eyes, that sometimes lowered a bit to find Remus’ lips before returning up.
Though, just when Sirius slowed his feet and began to rise on his toes to meet Remus, who had found himself subconsciously leaning down--
Remus was startled back by the loud shrill of the chiming clock tower.
Remus had hardly noticed the hours slipping by, during the wonderful night he had been having with the Prince. He knew he should have kept a better eye on the time, but now it was too late for even a goodnight kiss.
Remus glanced up at the tall, large clock face in the center of the gardens. Midnight. “Is that the time?”
The Prince nodded, dejected at the lack of kiss, no doubt. “Would you like to return to the ball now?”
“No, I need to leave.”
“I'm sorry?” The Prince frowned.
“No, I'm sorry.” Remus turned around and ran.
“Wha-- Wait, slow down!” The Prince called after him.
Though, Remus did not stop. He had to find Lily and they needed to leave before Remus found himself standing in front of the Prince wearing a suit made for a much smaller man and embarrassing himself into oblivion. Or at least more than he already had.
Chapter Text
Lily and Remus were laughing themselves into stitches, as they stumbled down the dusty road to the Evans household. Their clothing shrunk and pulled and stretched, until they were dressed in what they had been wearing when the night had begun. Lily in a terribly gaudy pink, torn up dress. Even her one glass slipper had vanished, leaving her entirely barefoot. And Remus in a suit far too small to be comfortable.
The night was over and their beautiful clothes were gone, but they had had a wonderful time nonetheless.
“How was your night, Remus, what did you get up to with that handsome gentleman?” Lily asked as they trekked.
Remus huffed a laugh. “Well, it turns out he was a prince. Not the Prince, but a prince.”
Lily gasped. “ Really?! ”
Remus nodded. “He was.”
“And was he… interested? ”
Remus snorted at her wording. “He might've been…”
Lily gasped once again and lightly smacked Remus on the arm. “See! I told you it was possible.”
“Right.” Remus said wryly, rolling his eyes. “What about you then? I heard you were asked to dance.”
“How did you hear that?”
“My prince may have been a friend of yours.” Remus explained. “Said he was doing his mate a favour by pulling me aside so that you were available.”
“ Your prince?” Lily teased him.
Remus huffed at that.
“Well, if you must know… I was asked to dance. I danced. We talked. It was rather lovely.” Lily told him. “He wasn't a prince, though. Likely a baron or another lower title, but still a lovely young man.”
“No longer interested in marrying me? ” Remus quipped.
Lily lightly smacked his arm again. “Remus!” She hissed.
Remus chuckled. “I'm glad you got to see the palace, Lily…”
Lily sighed as they arrived in front of her house. “So am I.”
Remus sighed too. “I should get back before my father gets any more upset than I'm sure he already is.”
Lily smiled weakly. “Goodnight, Remus… Thank you for coming with me.”
“Goodnight, Lily.”
“I love you.” Lily said as Remus began to walk further into the village.
“I love you too!” He called back to her, then turned around and kept walking.
Lily put herself to bed only minutes before Petunia and Lady Lestrange arrived home in a carriage. She had hung the torn dress in her wardrobe, hoping that one day she'd be able to sew it back together to return to Remus. It was still his late mothers dress after all.
The next morning, Lily returned to her usual routine of preparing breakfast for her sister and step-mother. Then, wearing her ratty old dress, she left the house with her wooden wagon to go to the market, as it had been a week since her last trip. A week since she’d first heard about the ball.
Lily walked through the market, shopping around for everything she usually bought. When she came upon the Lupin’s flour stand, she found that it was indeed open this time. Lyall was there, as was Remus. And neither looked pleased with the other.
“Hello.” Lily smiled cheerfully. “How are you both this morning?”
“Don't give me that, Lily, I know you and Remus went to the ball last night.” Mr. Lupin scowled.
“I'm sorry, Mr. Lupin, don't blame Remus. I was the one who insisted we go.” Lily pleaded.
Mr. Lupin held firm for a moment longer before sighing. “Did you at least have fun?”
Lily smiled. “We did.”
“Alright then, what's done is done. At least you both had a good time.” Mr. Lupin said. “Flour, Lily?”
“Yes, please.”
“How many sacks?” Remus asked her, smiling in a way that was a silent thanks for getting him out of trouble.
“Just the one.” Lily replied, handing a few shillings to Mr. Lupin.
Remus threw a sack of flour over his shoulder and loaded it into her wagon, just as he always did.
“HEAR YE, HEAR YE!”
Lily turned around to see the man shouting, while Remus and his father simply looked up. There was a Town Crier standing in the middle of the village square, the middle of the market, about to make a speech on behalf of King Fleamont, an unrolled scroll held in his hands. It had happened before, though only when something of great importance needed to be spread through the villages.
“ All loyal subjects of his Imperial Majesty are hereby notified by royal proclamation that in regard to a certain glass slipper, it is upon this day decreed that a quest be instituted. The sole and express purpose of said quest is as follows to wit: That every single maiden in our beloved Kingdom's village of Godric's Hollow shall try upon her foot this aforementioned slipper of glass, and should one be found whose foot shall properly fit said slipper, such maiden will be acclaimed the object of this search and the one and only true love of his Royal Highness, our noble Prince James. And said Royal Highness will humbly request the hand of said maiden in marriage to rule with him over all the land as Royal Princess and future Queen. ”
The Town Crier finished his statement, rolling up the scroll and without another word, he strode back over to the carriage he had arrived in and climbed inside. The carriage left not a moment later, the horses pulling it back toward the palace.
The people in the village scattered. Fathers ran home to tell their eligible daughters and women of all ages ran home to be there when the Prince arrived.
“Lily.” Remus said, very seriously.
Lily slowly turned back to face Remus, eyes wide. “Did he say what I think he said?”
“Lily, didn't you lose a glass slipper on the stairs when you tripped?” Remus asked her.
Lily nodded rapidly.
“Lily, you didn't spend the night with some baren.”
“I spent the night with… Prince James?! ”
“You must have.”
Mr. Lupin was glancing between his son and Lily curiously. “You're the maiden with the glass slipper?”
Lily shrugged helplessly. “I don't have it anymore…”
“Lily, you have to get home. You need to be there when the Prince comes.” Remus told her.
“I don't care about the Prince.” Lily retorted automatically.
“Yes, you do.” Remus insisted. “The Prince is going to marry whichever girl fits that slipper! If he finds you, Lily, you get to escape the evil wench!”
“Remus.” Mr. Lupin scolded his son. “Regardless of how cruel Lady Lestrange is, don't use that sort of language.”
“Sorry, Dad.” Remus muttered absently. “Lily, this may be your only chance… And don't forget that you did enjoy yourself with him.”
Lily gnawed on her lip anxiously. “Remus…”
“ Go home, Lily. ” Remus said firmly. “I'll come by later, after the market, to see you. Alright?”
Lily took a deep breath. “Alright.”
“Don't worry about your wagon. Remus will finish your shopping and bring it with him when stops by.” Mr. Lupin said decisively.
“Thank you, Mr. Lupin.”
“Go meet your prince.” Mr. Lupin smiled at her. “Your parents would be proud, Lily.”
Lily started to run off, before stopping and turning back to face them. “Thank you! I love you both!” She blew them a kiss, before turning around once again and running through the village toward home.
Lily hurried in through the front door of the Evans household, thankful to have made it before the Prince did. She took a few deep breaths to calm her racing heart, as she thought of what to do with herself before the Prince arrived. At the moment she was still only a maid, so she still had chores to complete and was expected to wait on her sister and step-mother if they needed her to.
“Lily! Is that you?” Lady Lestrange called from the parlour.
“Yes, Step-mother, it's me.” Lily replied as she wandered into the parlour to see Lady Lestrange and Petunia in there together, drinking tea.
“Where is the shopping?” Lady Lestrange asked her, without even looking up from her teacup.
“Oh, I… it’s being delivered?” Lily attempted.
Lady Lestrange’s face hardened. “ Delivered? How much will that cost me?!”
“Nothing, nothing! Remus is doing it for free.” Lily said hurriedly.
“The miller's son? Ugh!” Lady Lestrange looked disgusted.
“You're not still spending time with that pathetic, filthy freak , are you, Lily?” Petunia sneered.
“I might, occasionally.” Lily said defiantly.
“You're supposed to do the shopping yourself, Lily.” Lady Lestrange said coldly.
“I know, I know!” Lily defended herself. “But it was… much too heavy for me to pull the wagon, and… well, there was a… Town Crier… I thought it best I come straight home to deliver the message…” She finished weakly, disappointed in herself for not having come up with a better excuse.
“A Town Crier?” Lady Lestrange questioned, turning to look at her for the first time.
“Well, what did he say?!” Petunia demanded. “Was it about the ball last night?!”
“…Yes, actually…”
“Well, go on, Lily. What did the Crier say?” Lady Lestrange prompted.
“He said… he said that the girl, who the Prince danced with at the ball. She left behind a… slipper of some sort… There is going to be a search today in Godric's Hollow for her.” Lily took a deep, sad breath. “Whichever girl fits the slipper… the Prince is going to wed.”
Petunia gasped loudly. “ Step-mother! ”
“I heard, Petunia, dear.” Lady Lestrange said. “We haven't a moment to lose.”
Petunia rounded on Lily. “When is he coming?!”
“I-- I don't know. Soon? We are the closest house to the palace.” Lily stammered.
“I need to get ready!” Petunia shrieked. “Lily!”
“Oh, right. How can I help?” Lily asked, rather subdued.
“What should I wear?”
“What you're wearing is fine.”
“To see the Prince? ”
“Alright, your purple dress. It's lovely.”
“How's my hair?”
“It looks nice, brush it once more if you're concerned.”
“And my feet! Should I wash them?”
“If you like.”
“And which foot will the slipper go on? Which did the girl lose?”
“The left.”
“And-- and--” Petunia turned to look at Lily, mid-panic. “What are you doing still standing there?! Help me!”
Lily blinked, realizing she had simply been answering Petunia mindlessly. “Right, yes. I will fetch your dress from the laundry, if you would--” She turned to leave the parlour.
“Lily, hold on.” Lady Lestrange stopped her. “How did you know which slipper the girl lost?”
Lily’s eyes widened, realizing her mistake. “Oh… it was… the Town Crier mentioned it…”
Lady Lestrange was silent for a long moment.
Petunia glanced between her sister and her step-mother, then she narrowed her eyes at Lily. “Actually, I have a nicer dress I'd like to wear. Lily, will you fetch it for me? It's in the attic.”
“The attic?” Lily questioned.
Petunia nodded seriously. “Run along.” She waved Lily off.
Lily left the parlour, climbing the staircase to the very top. At the highest landing there was a creaky wooden door that led to the attic space. It was dark and musty. Lily pushed open the door and stepped inside. Looking around, using the light coming in from the stairwell window outside the room, Lily couldn't see a dress or any clothing right away. Thinking it might have been stored in one of the trunks on the far wall, Lily crossed the attic to the other side and opened the largest trunk. A cloud of dust floated into her face and she sneezed. The entire attic was cloaked in dust, as no one ever went up there.
We hadn't even used the attic when both my parents were alive , Lily thought to herself, the only time anyone was up here was when… Petunia locked me in the attic…
Lily whipped around just in time to see Petunia grab the door handle and yank the door shut, drowning Lily in darkness. Lily heard the sound of a lock turning and she hurriedly crossed to the door to try to pull it open. But it was too late. Petunia had locked Lily inside the attic. Just as she had done when they were children, when Petunia had wanted Lily gone for a few hours.
“No! Petunia, please!” Lily screamed through the door. “You can't keep me in here! Please! ”
“You should have thought of that before you tried to steal my prince, Lily.” Petunia said sharply from the other side. “Freaks don't get princes.”
Notes:
The Town Crier's speech is the copy and pasted royal proclamation from the animated Disney Cinderella, although I added the bits about Godric's Hollow and Prince James.
How are you all liking it so far?
Only the next chapter and the epilogue left!<3<3
Chapter Text
Prince James sat in a carriage across from Lord Sirius, as they were being taken to Godric's Hollow to try the singular glass slipper on the foot of every maiden until they found the red haired beauty that James had danced with at the ball the night before.
It was a ridiculous plan, both James and Sirius were aware. King Fleamont, James’ father, had come up with it and insisted it be carried out at once. James didn't particularly care how the search happened, so long as he was able to search for the girl he'd fallen desperately in love with at the ball.
And James only had two things to work off of; the glass slipper and the fact that she'd told him she was from Godric's Hollow. A village girl, though that didn't matter at all to James.
“You don't actually think you'll find her, do you?” Sirius muttered.
“Would you not want to find the bloke you met last night, if you could?” James retorted.
“I don't know where he lives or even his name.” Sirius grumbled.
“I don't know her name either.” James said airily.
Sirius sighed. “Just our luck, huh?”
“I'm going to find her, I just know it.” James said cheerily.
“Sure you are.”
“I will!” James insisted.
“Right, and I'll find the bloke of my dreams within the same hour.” Sirius mocked.
James shrugged. “I don't see why not.”
Sirius rolled his eyes. “Because, James, it's unrealistic. They ran, they weren't interested.”
“Perhaps they just had somewhere to be.” James suggested.
“At midnight? I doubt it.”
“Well, when I find her, I shall ask her.”
“You do that.”
The carriage halted and the horses whinnied. They had arrived at the first house.
James and Sirius climbed out of the carriage to see a decently large home, it likely wasn't owned by any noble but a wealthy merchant or something similar. Though, the land was overgrown and the house itself uncared for, so perhaps not as rich as they once were to have been able to afford the property in the first place.
James and Sirius approached the front door, while most of the royal guards stayed back on their horses and only one guard followed them to the door. Sirius rapped on the door loudly and when the door opened, it was by an older stern-looking woman.
“Good morning, Ma'am--” Sirius began.
“ Lady Lestrange.” The woman corrected him.
Sirius cleared his throat. “Good morning, Lady Lestrange. I am Lord Sirius Black, this is the Royal Highness, Prince James Potter. We are here to see any and all young maidens in your home.”
“Why of course, Lord Black, Your Royal Highness. Do come in.” Lady Lestrange opened the door wider.
James and Sirius entered the house, the guard right behind them, and then the door was shut. Lady Lestrange led the three of them into the parlour, just off the entrance to the right.
“My step-daughter, Petunia.” Lady Lestrange gestured over to a young woman seated at the piano, playing a delicate tune.
The girl lifted her fingers off the keys and turned around on the bench before she stood up to greet them. She was wearing a dark purple dress that was a bit too fancy to wear casually at home. She had dark hair curled in tendrils around her head and her face was overly painted, which only made her look unappealing. And she most definitely wasn't the girl that James had danced with at the ball the night before. In fact, neither James or Sirius recognized her.
Petunia curtseyed. “Your Royal Highness.”
James and Sirius shared a look, knowing the girl was of no use to them yet they would still have to let her try on the slipper, per the decree King Fleamont had declared.
Sirius cleared his throat once again. “Have a seat, miss, and the royal guard here shall attempt to place the slipper on your left foot.” He gestured for the guard to reveal the glass slipper.
The guard lightly pulled a silk cloth off of the clear glass slipper, revealing the shoe to be sitting on a red velvet pillow.
“That's my slipper!” Petunia screamed, causing both James and Sirius to flinch at the volume. She leapt up from the sofa before she even had a chance to sit down and marched over to the guard in an attempt to take the slipper from him.
The guard simply raised the pillowed slipper high above the girl's head, so that she could not reach. Though, that did not stop Petunia from squealing and jumping to try to snatch the shoe.
“Petunia!” Lady Lestrange scolded her step-daughter. “Your manners!”
Petunia instantly calmed, though she did pout, and returned to sit on the sofa.
“Many apologies, Your Royal Highness.” Lady Lestrange said to James.
“Let's proceed with the fitting.” Sirius suggested.
Petunia slipped off the left shoe she was currently wearing and stuck out her left foot, allowing the guard to place the glass slipper on her. The slipper almost fit. Petunia’s foot was only slightly larger than the slipper itself.
Petunia scoffed. “Well, I don't see how this could've happened!” She plastered on a crazed smile. “You know how it is, of course it's a bit snug after an entire night of dancing. I mean, it always fit before!”
“I'm sorry, miss, if the slipper doesn't fit…” Sirius sighed tiredly.
“Let me try again!” Petunia shrieked as the guard made to return the slipper to the pillow to rest.
Sirius ignored her. “Lady Lestrange, are there any other young maidens in your household?”
Lady Lestrange’s face hardened. “No, Petunia is the only one.”
“So, I should be allowed to try the slipper again!” Petunia demanded.
“Once is enough.” James spoke up, speaking for the first time since they entered the house.
“But-- but-- but--” Petunia stuttered out.
“Then we shall be leaving.” Sirius said. “Good day, ladies.”
James, Sirius, and their guard left that house, walking the path to the street where the horses, carriage, and the rest of the royal guards were waiting for them.
“That was awful.” James remarked. “I hope not all the maidens will be like that.”
“Considering how much they all want to marry you, I’d say--” Sirius froze mid-sentence, eyes locked on a familiar young man across the street.
“Sirius?” James looked over, spotting the young man standing there and watching them. He had his hands in his pants pockets and next to him was a wooden wagon filled with goods. James looked back at Sirius, realizing who exactly that young man was. James smirked. “I'll be in the carriage.”
Sirius hesitated only a second before crossing the street over to the young man. “Hello.”
“Hello.”
“So, you're from this village?” Sirius asked, though it wasn't really a question.
“I am. And you weren't kidding when you said you were best mates with Prince James.”
“Yeah, we're hunting down his future wife.” Sirius chuckled half-heartedly. “Girl of his dreams lost her slipper upon running away from him last night.”
“So I heard.”
“Well, I think, personally, that if someone runs away from you, then they probably aren't that interested. Am I right about that?”
He nodded toward the house, ignoring Sirius’ question. “You're leaving?”
“The girl of James’ dreams wasn't here.” Sirius replied simply.
The village boy scoffed. “If Lily tried on her own slipper and Prince James realized he didn't want her, then he's bloody mad.”
“What? Lily? No, there was only one awfully behaved girl in that house and her name was Petunia.” Sirius said, confused.
He frowned. “Petunia is Lily’s sister. Lily lives here as well and she is home at the moment.”
“Lily is your red haired ward from last night?”
“She's not my ward, but yes, that's her.”
Sirius held up a finger. “Hold on a moment, please don't go anywhere.”
Sirius hurried over to the carriage, peeking his head in through the door. James was seated inside by himself, waiting for Sirius to return. Upon seeing Sirius, he grinned at him and waggled his eyebrows, opening his mouth to surely say some quip.
“James, there's another girl in the house. It's her. ”
James’ eyes widened. “Well, let's go! Why wasn't she there before? Where was she? Why didn't Lady Lestrange say?” He rambled as he hastily climbed out of the carriage.
“I don't know.” Sirius replied, turning to look over at the village boy-- who had taken a few steps closer to the carriage. “Why?” He asked him.
“Lady Lestrange is a wretched, evil wench! ” The village boy spat. “I know she's in there.”
“Thank you!” James smiled at the young man. “We must hurry. Guard, we are going back into the house!”
The guard with the glass slipper--still delicately wrapped in a silk cloth and placed on the pillow--nodded and marched after them.
James, Sirius, and the village boy found themselves at the front door, knocking once again. The guard with the slipper right behind them.
Lady Lestrange opened the door, grinning unsettlingly. “I see you have come to your senses, Your Royal High--”
“By order of the Crown Prince, you are to move out of the way immediately and allow us to search your home!” James interrupted her.
“What?” Lady Lestrange gaped at them.
“Move!” The village boy growled, shoving past her and into the house.
James and Sirius shuffled past her, moving through the gap the village boy just created between Lady Lestrange and the doorway. Once inside, Sirius turned left to search the other rooms on the main floor, as did the village boy. And James bounded up the staircase to the upper floors.
“Out of the way, Ma'am.” The Royal Guard muttered as he passed her with the glass slipper.
“It's Lady! ” Lady Lestrange whined desperately. “And you cannot just enter my home, I do not consent to it!” She shouted at them, but it was futile.
“He's the Prince, he can do as he pleases!” Sirius spat at the woman, after returning from checking the kitchen for the maiden. She wasn't there.
“ Step-mother! ” Petunia shrieked, coming into the entrance from the parlour.
“Shut up, Petunia!” Lady Lestrange snapped at her.
Petunia’s jaw dropped open comically, apparently shocked at being addressed that way.
The village boy walked in from the corridor. “She's not in her bedroom.” He sounded worried. “What have you done to her?!” He yelled at Lady Lestrange.
“There's a locked door up here!” James shouted from upstairs. “There's a girl inside!”
Lady Lestrange visibly clenched her jaw.
“Do you have the key to that locked door?” Sirius demanded, holding out hand to the woman. “That is not a request.”
“Where's the bloody key?!” The village boy snarled.
When neither Lady Lestrange or Petunia said anything, Sirius turned to the guard. “Search them.”
“Yes, my Lord.” The guard gently handed the pillowed slipper to Sirius, who took it gingerly.
The guard then searched Lady Lestrange’s person, patting down her sides and checking the pockets of her dress. Upon finding nothing, the guard moved onto Petunia.
“Step-mother!” Petunia cried weakly, as the guard began to search her person.
Lady Lestrange didn’t deign Petunia with a reply.
When the guard checked Petunia’s dress pockets, he found a key. The guard held up the key to show Sirius and the village boy. Sirius reached forward and took the key from the guard.
“Arrest them.” Sirius commanded. “They have committed treason against the King.”
“Yes, my Lord.” The guard agreed, grabbing each woman by their upper arms and leading them out the front door to the rest of the royal guards.
Sirius instantly turned, hurrying up the staircase while carefully holding the pillowed glass slipper and the key. The village boy quickly followed him.
When Sirius and the village boy arrived at the very top of the staircase, they found James at a locked wooden door. James’ hand was pressed to the surface and he was murmuring reassurances to the girl on the other side.
“I have the key.” Sirius said when he stopped just behind James. He held the key out to him.
James snatched the key out of Sirius’ palm and inserted it into the lock, turning it. He pushed the door open to see a young red haired girl. The very same red haired girl he danced with at the ball the night before.
The girl looked nervous. She was nothing like she had been the night before and yet she was everything like it. She had the same red hair and the same emerald eyes. Though, her dress was nothing but a ratty blue thing underneath a white apron. Not a ballgown in sight. Her hair was a bit tangled from a day of work and she had a smudge--perhaps charcoal, James thought--on her left cheek. But James still thought she was gorgeous nonetheless. She was still the very same beautiful girl he'd spotted dancing with the village boy, currently behind him on the stairs, during the ball. It was her , the girl he was going to marry.
Upon instantly recognizing her, James bowed to her. “James.” He introduced himself.
She fumbled into a curtsy, grabbing at the edges of her ratty dress skirt. “Lily.”
“That's a lovely name… Lily. ” James smiled.
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Lily said breathlessly.
“None of that.” James waved her off. “I told you my name, I'd like it if you used it.”
Lily nodded minutely. “James…” She spoke softly.
“Lily.” James said. “Would you like to try on the glass slipper? As a formality, of course, I'd recognize you anywhere… but my father, he decreed the slipper must fit the maiden… Though, I know it will fit.”
“Of course.” Lily tried to hide a grin as she locked eyes with her villager friend behind Sirius. “As a formality.”
James turned to Sirius and held out an expectant hand.
Sirius carefully removed the silk cloth and gently transferred the glass slipper into James awaiting fingers.
Lily toed off her left brown flat, slightly raising her foot and holding onto the door-frame for support.
James got down on one knee, in the already crowded staircase landing, gently holding up the slipper to her in offering. When she nodded, James softly placed a hand around her ankle to hold her foot steady, as he slipped the glass slipper effortlessly onto her foot.
It was a perfect fit.
James smiled up at her and Lily smiled down at him.
Without standing up, James said, “Lily, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife, Royal Princess, and future Queen of Hogwarts Kingdom?”
Lily hesitated, chewing at her bottom lip. “…No…”
“Lily!” The village boy protested.
Lily fixed her friend with a glare. “Give us a moment, would you?”
The village boy sighed, turning and descending the stairs.
“You've got this, James.” Sirius said quickly, descending the stairs as well, no doubt to catch up with the village boy.
“Uh…” James chuckled awkwardly, now left alone with the girl who just rejected him. “May I ask why?”
“Prince James… James , I am only sixteen.”
“As am I.” James interjected.
Lily gave a strained smile. “I have yet to accomplish anything in my life. I have never been anywhere other than Godric's Hollow, and I suppose the palace now. I am still young. I am simply not ready to marry. And I'm not saying I don't care for you, James… but I've only just met you. I know nothing about you. How can I marry a man I hardly know? Prince or not, forgive my being brazen.”
James nodded slowly, coming up to stand before her. “You make excellent points.”
Lily hummed in response.
James thought for a moment, then said, “Perhaps let's try this… Don't come to the palace as my bride, come as my… friend. My parents can grant you a title, as they did for Sirius, and you can stay at the palace doing whatever you wish. You could even travel, if you like. Just come with me, if only to escape the vial woman.”
Lily frowned. “But the King's decree…”
James shrugged. “He is my father. I am the Crown Prince. I can do whatever I wish.”
“You're quite arrogant, aren't you?”
“I've been known to be.” James said simply. “But I don't have to be.”
“And us? What will become of us?” Lily asked genuinely.
“There will be time for us.” James promised.
Lily hesitated, before taking a deep breath. “Alright, I shall join you. As your friend. For now.”
--
Downstairs, in the parlour, Sirius stood with the village boy.
“Won't you miss your friend, when she leaves for the palace with James?” Sirius had asked when he entered the room.
“Doesn't sound as if she wants to go.” The village boy said.
“And that upsets you, why?” Sirius questioned, curious.
“At worst, Lily is trapped here with her evil step-mother.”
“Lady Lestrange and Petunia have been arrested, you know that.” Sirius said. “They will be spending the rest of their miserable lives in the palace dungeons.”
“Then at best , Lily is here alone.” The village boy rephrased.
“You won't be with her?”
The village boy sighed heavily. “I'm not only from the village, I work at the Flour Mill. I have other responsibilities.”
“You're a miller.” Sirius stated, almost in awe of the fact.
“And you're a prince.” The village boy retorted irritably. “Not exactly an acceptable match, even if we weren't both blokes.”
Sirius chuckled awkwardly, glancing around the room. “Actually… I'm not a prince… I just didn't want you to know who I was…”
The village boy frowned. “You're not a prince? But you're friends with Prince James?”
“I am, James is my very best mate. I consider him my brother, even.” Sirius explained slowly. “And I do live at the palace with him and the King and Queen.”
“Then… who are you?”
Sirius sighed. “My name is Sirius Black, I am but a Lord… a disgraced Lord… I am originally from Slytherin Valley, a bit aways from here.”
The village boy gasped softly. “Lord Sirius Black, former heir to the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black, disgraced for being… queer … That was spread across the villages a few years back, I had heard about it. The King revoked it though, didn't he?”
Sirius nodded rapidly. “He did and I'm forever grateful to him for it. He adopted me and reinstated my title as Lord.”
It was agonizingly silent for a long moment, as Sirius kept his eyes on the floor.
“Remus Lupin.”
“What?” Sirius snapped his head up to look at him.
“My name… is Remus Lupin, son of the village miller.” He smiled softly. “Fair is fair, Lord Sirius.”
Sirius let out a breath he was not aware he had been holding and smiled. “You don't have to call me that, Sirius is fine.”
“ Sirius. ” Remus grinned.
“ Remus. ” Sirius paused. “I know I'm no prince and I don't have a royal proclamation stating I get to bring back to the palace and wed the person I danced with at the ball last night… but I'm hoping you'll join me anyway. Even if only to accompany your friend Lily.”
Remus sighed. “Sirius, I am the son of a miller. ”
“I don't mind!” Sirius insisted. “I'm technically disgraced and have no land in my possession. My title is honourary. So, truthfully, I'm not much better than you, Remus.”
“What I meant, Sirius, was that I have responsibilities here in the village. My father can't afford to lose my help. I cannot just leave Godric's Hollow for a better life at the palace and leave my father behind.”
“Your father could come with you.” Sirius suggested hastily.
“My father would never leave the Mill. As broke as we are, he enjoys it.” Remus said. “Not to mention, what would all the villagers do without flour to purchase? What would the palace do when it can no longer order flour from the Lupin Mill?”
“We could figure something out, I could talk to the King.” Sirius replied earnestly.
“And my final word, Sirius, is that if Lily isn't going… Neither am I.”
“Well then, Remus, I suppose we ought to pack.” Lily was grinning in the doorway to the parlour, glass slipper on her left foot. James standing beside her, also grinning. “The palace awaits.”
Notes:
A bit of warning; the epilogue is going to be drastically different from any of the Cinderella movies. It is almost entirely made up and likely the most unrealistic part. But it should do our current Cinderella's justice.
<3
Chapter 10: Epilogue
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
2 Years Later…
It was Prince James’ coronation day.
King Fleamont had unfortunately passed away--peacefully in his sleep--only a few months after Lily had moved into the palace two years before. Before he did, he named Lily a Lady of the Royal Court. An honourary title that allowed her to live at the palace, the same way Sirius did.
Lily spent the next two years studying tomes in the palace library and travelling to historical landmarks all across the U.K. and Europe. And of course, courting Prince James, who occasionally accompanied her on these trips.
Queen Euphemia had taken over rule of Hogwarts Kingdom until James became of age. On his eighteenth birthday, he was to be crowned King.
Prince James stood at the front of the church attached to the palace, his mother Queen Euphemia and his official sweetheart Lady Lily Evans both stood on each of his sides. Lily was wearing an emerald green ballgown this time, to match her eyes. Entirely procured by the royal seamstress, no magic used at all. Truthfully, neither Lily or Remus had seen McGonagall since the night of the first ball.
In the first row pew, sat Lord Sirius and Remus Lupin, next to Lyall Lupin. Sirius and Remus had been secretly courting since Lily moved into the palace. Only Prince James, Queen Euphemia, Lily Evans, and Lyall Lupin knew. Lyall had been a bit shocked, to say the least, but had honestly been quite proud.
“ You really can't do much better than a Lord. ” Lyall had said fondly.
Remus hadn’t moved into the palace, as Lily had. He had opted to continue to live at home in Godric's Hollow with his father. The King and Queen had paid off the Lupin’s debt as a courtesy to their potential future son-in-law, allowing Lyall to hire a few village boys to work the Mill with him, which allowed Remus to take more time off to visit Lily and Sirius up at the palace.
In the rest of the church pews sat anyone with blood relation to the royal family, along with their spouses, as well as representatives of other nations that Hogwarts Kingdom traded or did business with. And the rest of the Kingdom subjects waited beyond the palace gates for their new King to make his official appearance after he was crowned.
Queen Euphemia was the one to place the golden crown upon James’ head. The very crown his father used to wear. “King James Potter of Hogwarts!”
“ King James Potter of Hogwarts! ” The entire church chorused.
James was King.
He proceeded out to the balcony, where he looked over the vastness that was now his land. His Kingdom. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of his royal subjects lined up outside the palace gates simply to get a peek at him, their King.
Afterwards, there was a ball.
It was almost no different from the ball where James had first met Lily. Elegantly dressed guests filled the ballroom, waiting for James to enter. Sirius and Remus were already there, while Lily was still with James so that they could enter together. Lily, still in her emerald gown and her red hair done up in a tight bun above her head, a black ribbon tied around her neck.
Queen Euphemia entered first, graceful and poised as she walked to the podium.
James entered second, Lily on his arm.
“Queen Euphemia!” An announcer called out as she arrived on the podium, followed by, “King James of Hogwarts! And Lady Lily Evans!”
James and Lily stood next to Euphemia.
The crowd applauded their royal family, moving forward in a line to bow before the new King.
James cleared his throat. “I have my first royal proclamation as King!” He called out.
Lily smiled at him in encouragement and gave the arm she was holding onto a small squeeze.
The entire ballroom went silent, listening intently.
“On this day I decree, that a romantic relationship; should that be courting, marriage, or sexual relations, between two men or two women, shall from this day forth, so long as I shall rule… and beyond, hopefully… be known throughout the Kingdom to be both legal and celebrated. From henceforth, any slandering, derogatory terms, or generally bigoted behaviour towards the notion, shall be punishable under Treason with an immediate sentence to the dungeons or gallows, based on severity of the crime. Let it be known!”
Sirius and Remus were staring up at James with wide eyes and gaping jaws, neither having known that James was doing this for them.
The rest of the guests in the ballroom were stunned, but of course were not about to speak up against the King.
James cleared his throat once again. “Let the celebration begin!” He gestured to the orchestra to begin playing.
The guests took that as their cue to begin dancing and mingling.
“M'lady.” James held his hand out to Lily.
“Well, I suppose this time I am.” Lily grinned as she placed her hand in his, and they stepped off the podium toward the dance floor.
“And this time I'm still not, but we can't all be perfect.” James quipped.
Sirius and Remus approached them, both looking as if they couldn't decide whether to be happy or scared.
“James, what have you done?” Sirius asked him quietly, voice shaking.
“Enjoy it, Sirius.” James said as he and Lily passed them onto the dance floor.
“Lily, did you know about this?!” Remus whisper-called after them.
“I might have.” Lily giggled, as she and James disappeared into the crowd.
Sirius turned to look at Remus, his lips pulling into a smile. “I suppose we dance? James did do it for us and he likely will have hell to pay for it when the Church and the other kingdoms find out.”
“So, we should dance?” Remus asked, frowning.
Placing one hand behind his back and outstretching the other toward Remus, Sirius simply said, “We should dance.”
Remus took Sirius’ hand, dragging it to hold down at their sides as they walked toward the dance floor, hand-in-hand. “If I make a fool of myself…” Remus grumbled.
“Lord Sirius!” A young lady stopped them. She really was quite pretty; long dark hair and blue eyes, wearing a royal blue ballgown. “Forgive my intrusion. I was only wondering if perhaps you'd like to dance? If you're busy, I could save you a dance for a bit later…?”
Sirius gave the girl a strained smile. “Forgive me, Princess Emmeline.” He said to her, as he continued to drag Remus toward the dance floor.
It was then Princess Emmeline seemed to catch sight of Sirius and Remus’ intertwined hands. Remus was able to watch the process of emotions flicker across her face, as she suddenly understood James’ proclamation.
“Oh…” Princess Emmeline remarked, as Sirius and Remus moved further away from her into the crowd. “Uh-- it's not a bother, Lord Sirius!” And she turned away, embarrassed and blinking rapidly.
When Sirius and Remus arrived on the dance floor, only a few dancing couples away from James and Lily, Remus placed his hands on Sirius’ waist and Sirius wrapped his arms around Remus’ neck. For once, Remus would lead their waltz. And for once, everyone in an opulent ballroom would get to see them.
Twirling around the ballroom, Lyall Lupin was dancing with a woman around his age who had a kind smile.
The Honourable Dorcas Meadowes and Lady Marlene McKinnon could be seen eyeing each other from across the ballroom.
Lord Bartemius Crouch Jr. and Lord Evan Rosier, were already sneaking out of the ballroom together a lot less discreetly than they likely typically would.
Mary Macdonald--Lily’s lady-in-waiting--had accidentally bumped into Princess Emmaline Vance--from a neighbouring kingdom--and they might have held each other's gaze a second longer than needed, before politely apologizing and continuing on their ways.
And when Lily’s not-glass, leather black high-heeled slipper fell off her left foot in the middle of their dance, and James knelt down on one knee to slip it back onto her foot, he may have asked her again.
“Lady Lily Evans, will you marry me?”
And she might have said--
“Yes.”
Then they may have shared a kiss.
King James Potter, long may he reign.
Notes:
The end.
Thank you all so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed it.
Kudos and comments are so so appreciated! I read every single comment and reply if I can!If you liked this, then I do plan to write more Disney/Marauders fics this length. I am currently planning a Beauty and the Beast retelling. So, if you're interested, come back. if not, no pressure.
Love you! <3<3<3
MY OTHER WORKS:
When The World Fell - In the wake of a sudden deadly zombie virus spreading across the U.K., Sirius Black, a first-year microbiology student, is thrown into survival mode when the catastrophic outbreak hits. James’ girlfriend Lily, now pregnant, depends on her boyfriend to lead their desperate escape. The trio sets out to find an evacuation point mentioned in a last desperate radio broadcast before it cuts off. They cross paths with Marlene, a star athlete armed with a baseball bat; Mary, a sorority socialite; and Remus, who perhaps might be ill. As they join forces, Sirius finds himself inexplicably attracted to Remus, though--in an apocalypse--romance could very well be a dangerous distraction. After rescuing a group of teenagers, Marlene also happens to develop feelings for one named Dorcas, though the younger girl hardly looks her way. And Pandora, another teen, might just be the answer to the world's current problem. Battling zombies, befittingly dubbed “Hollow’s”. They form alliances and endure heart-wrenching losses. They share laughter around campfires and reminisce about better times. But above all else, they have one goal; survive.
Visiting History - Harry and Hermione accidentally travel back in time to the Marauders Era during the first Wizarding War, because Hermione never got rid of the time-turner. And the time-turner broke upon impact in 1979. So after an initial scare, the Marauders have to help Harry and Hermione get back to 1995.
Ludo_ten on Chapter 1 Wed 18 Dec 2024 11:22PM UTC
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