1807 / Marauders / Harry Potter

1- The Ball

He stands behind the heavy black curtains, straightening his suit one last time, waiting for his name to be announced. Music sounds from behind them, voices are mumbling downstairs.

One last hand through his hair before the announcer calls for him: 'Ladies and gentlemen, lord Sirius of house Black.

The big curtains open and reveal the ballroom, the room Sirius has spent his childhood dance classes in. He's hoping they will do him some good now.

The ballroom is magnificent to look at, even if he has seen it so many times already. The ceilings are tall and the walls are entirely made from dark grey marble with columns alongside them. There are heads of ravens cut out from the stone, looking down upon the dance floor. In the center of it, hanging from the ceiling is an enormous chandelier. Which has been polished for the occasion of course.

Sirius' expression instantly changed from slightly nervous when no one could see him, to a smug smile and straight posture now that everyone is looking.

He walks down the big round stairs from the balcony where he arrived, to the dance floor where he will be spending the rest of his evening. As soon as he hits the marble tiles at the bottom, he is swarmed by people.

Women looking for recognition from him, politicians hoping to get in his favor. But Sirius' attention isn't set on them.

His eye wanders through the room to look for the piano, his ears guiding him with the music.

There he is.

At the piano sits a young man, the pianist that had been playing at the Black's ball a week ago as well. Sirius hoped he would be seeing him again. He has light brown, maybe dusty blond hair, is wearing a beige suit and seems to have a scar on the left side of his face. That's where Sirius' attention lies.

Until he feels a hand on his shoulder and hears a familiar voice. 'Brother, I see you are busy already.'

Sirius turns around to find his younger brother. 'Regulus, people never do seem to leave me alone.'

'Shame, I can't see why, you're not even the family heir.'

'Perhaps I'm just more interesting Reg.' Sirius gives him a wink.

He knows they are supposed to be on their best behavior tonight but he can't help teasing his brother a little.

'Sirius you ought to remember what mother and father have told you -' Regulus is cut off by the announcer.

'Ladies and gentlemen, lord James of house Potter.' Heads turn towards the balcony again, an endless loop. The big black curtains open, this time for the only person Sirius can actually talk to at these Balls.

James steps through the archway and stands still at the top of the stairs. 'The waiting is over my friends! I have arrived.' Soft laughter sounds from the crowd.

James spreads his arms and makes some sort of ridiculous bow. He then walks down the stairs with a big smile plastered on his face.

Sirius is smiling too, they have already locked eyes and James is heading in his direction. He can't help but notice that in the corner of his eye, Regulus has gone completely silent and is watching James' every step.

James gets downstairs and walks up to the Black brothers. 'Lord Black! Thank you for the fabulous party once again.' He shakes Regulus' hand first, he is the eldest.

'It is my father you should thank lord Potter, he is our host tonight.'

'And yet I wanted to say it to you.'

Regulus stays quiet. James lets go of his hand.

'Sirius! I've come to save you!' James wraps his arms dramatically around Sirius' neck. They both laugh.

'Please do my lord, I don't know how to act around these people!' Sirius pretends to fade in James' arms, both laughing.

'Perhaps act like someone who belongs in this family, not like a child. Father is watching you.' Regulus sounds annoyed, on edge, maybe even slightly hurt.

James lifts Sirius back up again and smiles at Regulus. The smile isn't returned, but he does look at him curiously. James thinks he might just detect some kindness in those eyes.

The gaze is interrupted by Sirius' voice. 'James isn't that the lady you were talking about? The one with the red hair?'

James' eyes leave Regulus and look into the ballroom, settling on a woman standing just a few feet away. 'Yes it is.'

AN: Hi! This is something new I'm trying, please let me know what you think! xx - E