Video; ota

[yessiriusly]

[The video starts on Sirius's face, and he looks well groomed despite the early hour. His long hair is pulled back with a loose strand or two falling into his face, and he's wearing a collared shirt with the top button undone to show an edge of ink on skin.]

Hello, my fellow displacements. For those of you who don't know me, you may call me Sirius Black and I thought it was high time I introduced myself. For those of you who do know me, you're welcome.

[He looks over his shoulder and as the camera moves it reveals that he's hiding behind a corner in a hallway of some sort. He looks back at the camera after a brief check of the time on his screen.] It is currently... 5:03 AM and I've been here at work for a bit over an hour now... and I'm bored. I'm so very bored, so I thought, 'Sirius', [a thoughtful look,] 'what could we possibly do to relieve such boredom while also being productive?' Because I'm all about productivity my little ducklings, nobody can say I'm not a man with purpose.

I've recently discovered that the hell portal that we've all been so kindly jettisoned through has given me the ability to cast without a wand, although it seems I need to figure out what sort of... symbol to draw for what spell and that's been a bit of a setback. But we don't let little setbacks like that stop us lads and ladies, so I sat and ruminated until it hit me. 'Sirius, you remarkably handsome devil, why not practice a bit in the downtime of the early morning?' And, being the thoughtful, generous man that I obviously am, I thought, 'why not bring all of your new friends along?' So here we are.

[His voice is a whisper and it's obvious that he doesn't want to get caught in whatever he's doing. The camera's vision turns around the corner to show a peak of a small office kitchen with a single counter, fridge, microwave, and an open archway on the other side leading to more halls and studios. He continues off camera.]

You see, one of the morning hosts, Scott, comes in every morning around this time to put a cup of coffee inside of the... the... ugh. [A sound of frustration.] The box, the box with the plate and it spins, the hot- MICROWAVE- ooh! [He sounds very satisfied when he remembers but quickly hushes when he says it too loud, returning to a quieter whisper.] Every morning he puts a mug of coffee in the microwave and we're going to play a little prank, an innocent one. We're going to freeze his coffee when he takes it out and see how many times he puts it back in until his little brain realizes that something is amiss. A simple Glacius spell, elementary, but remember! We're doing this for practice. ...And because Scott is a bit of a wanker, but mostly for self improvement, because that's what's important-

[He abruptly falls silent when a stout man enters the kitchen on the other side, and the camera is still as he goes through the motions of grabbing the remains of a cold pot of coffee, pouring it into a mug, and sticking it into the microwave. It whirs as it turns on, and when it stops Sirius's voice is barely audible.]

Here we go...

[There's a vague glow off screen as he draws his rune and releases it, only for the coffee mug in Scott's hand to explode and shower him in bits of cold, but not frozen, coffee.]

Oh shite-

[Scott looks up, shocked and bewildered by what just happened to his nice blue shirt and well combed hair. For the briefest second his eyes make direct contact with the camera before it spins. Sirius can be heard briskly walking down the hall, running away.]

Oh shite, shite, shite-

"BLACK!"

[The scream can be heard back from the kitchen and the camera stops spinning to show Sirius's face. He's obviously running now, and he looks at the screen with a with a panicked 'uh oh' expression. He yells back before he can think about it in a obviously false high pitched voice that he supposes should mimic a woman with a bad American accent.] He's not here, I think he's in the lo- the bathroom!

Shite. Shite, that was-

[A corner is turned and then another before Sirius throws himself into the bathroom and locks the door behind him, moving in a circle before sitting on the lid of the toilet seat.

He stares into the camera, stunned and a little out of breath with his hair a bit disheveled and a light sheen of sweat on his forehead. A second of silence and breathing, then another.

His face cracks with the sudden burst of laughter, loud enough where he has to bite his fist in an effort to muffle himself.]

That was- that was- [He tries to pull in air as tears start to bud at the corners of his eyes.]

Fuck, that was brilliant, wasn't it? So much better, not what we originally intended but so much better and we learned, I'd say, complete success. So much, so- his bloody face, did you see his face?

[Another peel of laughter.]

I can't. I can't, it was- Merlin, my stomach, that-

[He dissolves into another fit of giggles, unable to finish his sentence, but he manages to squeeze out a breathless,] you're welcome [before the video shuts off.]

Comments

Video;

[cplradar]

[It's stupidly early in the morning and he should definitely be asleep, but there's a video response waiting for Sirius before long, a sleepy looking Radar clearly still in bed, at least, grinning at the camera, his face a little flushed. Probably from giggling]

Gee I hope you don't get in trouble for doing that... [He tries, unsuccessfully, to stifle a giggle]

But it was pretty funny...

[yessiriusly]

[When Sirius answers he looks like he's in an office space now, and he grins with a quick wink at Radar.]

Now Radar, you know me well enough to know. I'm too likable to get into trouble. [He pauses.] Other than the whole prison thing, that was a bit of an anomaly, but usually, I'm too likable to get into trouble. All I had to do was the,

[His face falls into a look of despair, and he even adds a little sniffle for good measure.]

I-I'm so sorry, I don't know what happened, the portal, these powers, I'm not used to any of it yet. Did I mention that I'm from the eighties? I'm so scared, please, forgive me.

[With a scoff Sirius waves his hand, waving away the 'woe is me' act with it.]

Worked like magic, which makes sense because- well, you already know. What are you doing awake, Radar? [His face softens with the question as he sits in a chair, spinning around slowly in place.]

It's early, even for a military man like yourself, isn't it?

[cplradar]

[Radar's doing his best stern impression, but there's still mirth glittering in his eyes]

Now how'd you manage to say all that with a straight face?

[He shakes his head in mock-despair before breaking out into a grin - a grin that fades as he answers Sirius' question, Radar never has been very good at not wearing his heart on his sleeve]

Oh, I just had a little trouble sleeping is all. I am gonna go back to sleep in a bit, promise.

[yessiriusly]

It takes practice, mate. A pair of terrible parents, too much fun in school, and a lot of practice. I'll teach you if you want.

[He sort of means it, but a part of Sirius hopes that Radar doesn't take him up on the offer. He doesn't want to teach Radar how to lie, one of the best parts about him is that he doesn't.

When he says that he can't sleep, however, Sirius's face becomes a bit more concerned, but he only nods. He understands.]

I'm sorry to hear that. Need someone to read you a story? [Another grin, because being serious for too long is a dangerous thing.] I can wake up Klaus and get him to make you tea, he's got the time I think.

[cplradar]

I don't need a story I'm not a kid you know!

[Ah defensiveness, thy name is Radar. It's complete with a faint scowl, though as offended as he looks he'll probably get over it in five minutes.]

No need to wake Klaus it's okay, I guess I'm just used to keeping funny hours, I'm not used to sleeping normally yet.

video;

[sanguinescry]

( Her response comes much later in the morning, closer to 8 or 9 am, but Lydia can't help looking amused. Prettier and prettier, they just keep rolling in. This one's funny, in addition.

Lips pressed together against another giggle, Lydia shakes her head but looks clearly amused. )

My coffee-loving heart just shattered a little at all that wasted coffee, so I can only give this a 9/10, but...nice one.

[yessiriusly]

[Oh. Hello there.]

The thought that my actions have caused the shattered heart belonging to that laugh...

[Sirius lifts a hand to his chest to show true remorse.]

Believe me when I say, I would take it all back if I could. My sincerest apologies.

[There's a burst of sunlight that washes over his face as he steps outside and moves to his newly found favorite bench. He sits, and offers a warm smile.] Sirius Black, humbly yours. You've managed to catch me on my break, miss...?

[sanguinescry]

( Oooh boy, this one's going to give her a run for her money, isn't he? Challenge accepted.

In spite of herself, she laughs a little, brushing a few pieces of hair out of her eyes. )

Lydia. Lydia Martin. Nice to meet you Sirius. Handsome, charming, and funny? Uh oh...you're trouble, I can already tell.

[yessiriusly]

Trouble.

[He can't stop the little side smile that slips out. This is the first time he's spontaneously spoken to a lovely stranger in over a year, before Azkaban and before the worst of the war. He has to make sure he remembers how.]

Dear Lydia - If I may be so bold as to call you Lydia - I'm simply aghast at the suggestion, you seem to have greatly misjudged me.

[He's dangerously close to smirk territory.] I'll have you know, I am nothing if not an absolute gentleman. [He gives the briefest wink before looking away and reaching into his jacket for a cigarette to perch between his lips, lit quickly with the tip of his finger. He purposefully exhales away from the camera before looking back.]

Except to Scott, he really is a wad, but other than him. Besides, from all of the signs Americans have worshiping the stuff I thought you all liked your coffee 'fresh'. Wouldn't a microwave be sacrilege?

text;

[themanofiron]

[ It's way too early in the morning for a video chat. Not because he was sleeping, but because he's about to head to bed for a few hours.

But, he can't help but send a text to his new friend. ]

You know, I think you can turn this thing into some sort of series. 'The Adventures of Sirius Black.'

[yessiriusly]

[The whole 'texting' thing is very new to him, and Sirius is slow with it. He knows he can just record himself and let the device on his wrist do the rest, but it feels cheap to do so; living in a world with technology for the first time hasn't caused him to shy away but instead made him determined to learn, and he can only do that with practice.]

If you want more of my face all you have to do is ask, darling. Although I feel as if blowing up coffee mugs all around Florida would eventually get me in a spot of trouble.

[Another text a few seconds later.]

Find a way for me to avoid getting caught and you'll have more of my charming wit than you'd ever dreamed possible.

[themanofiron]

Noted.

More of your charming wit? Is that possible?

[yessiriusly]

I tone it back, I don't think any of you could handle me at my full power.

If I wanted to learn how to do that though, would you help?

Filming I meant. Or anything, really. We can start off with whatever the fuck a toaster is.

video;

[fateless]

[ Allison is already awake by this hour, getting ready to go for a run. That's why, after she watches the video and hits the button to respond, she looks perfectly awake in her kitchen, her hair pulled up in a pony tail. ]

...I mean, the fact that he microwaves his coffee...

[ She makes a face, because ugh, no. Allison doesn't consider herself a snob, but after living in Alpha and drinking the sludge that passed as coffee, she has learned to never take it for granted ever again. Why have disgusting tasting coffee when you don't have to? For shame, Scott.

That's not really what made her respond, though. She tilts her head slightly, curiously. ]

So, you can do spells? Like, any kind of spells?

[yessiriusly]

[This is really starting to become unfair now. How many beautiful people is this place going to throw at him after years of partially forced chastity?

Her comment makes him laugh again and Sirius looks at Allison with a pointed nod.]

Finally, someone who can identify the real culprit of this situation. Lovely and perceptive, a dangerous mix.

[When her next question comes Sirius suspects that it's what she wanted to ask about all along, and she's the first one to do so. The prospect of being able to share magic with muggles is exciting, and something that Sirius always thought he should be able to do. The rules aren't the same here, and he gets to confirm her inquiry with a wide grin and without fear.]

I certainly can, although as you saw yourself I'm still adjusting to my new methods. I had a wand back home, but it seems like I don't need it now. Different cultures have different methods of casting, wands were more of a western invention so I'm not too concerned.

[His smile takes a warm and playful turn.] I may be a bit rusty but my hands are still magic, just need to ease myself back into it is all.

[Allison gets to watch Sirius move from the bathroom and poke his head out of the door, moving when he sees it's clear and sliding into an empty office to avoid being found in one place for too long.] May I have the delight of learning your name?

[fateless]

[ He has a contagious laugh, and Allison finds herself smiling instantly at the sound of it. ]

I’ll just never understand how someone can drink crappy coffee when they don’t have to.

[ His talk of magic is definitely intriguing, and her smile widens. After Beacon Hills and Alpha, and even being here, she didn’t think anything else could surprise her. Apparently she had been wrong. ]

Oh, right, sorry. I just jumped straight in, didn’t I.

I’m Allison Argent. Are you new around here, Sirius?

[yessiriusly]

Oh, in more ways than one, Allison.

[He gives another smile although it's a little dry this time.] Do you know what they do with a bloke coming out of a world that doesn't even have telephones? They put him in a bloody radio station and tell him to run a show. I'm new to this place. To... this place. [He gestures to the building that he's in, his eyes moving to the florescent lights above his head. Weird.]

New to all of it. But no worries there, I'm adjusting. [Sort of. His voice turns kind.] It helps to have a community. Other people who are going through it all too, even if it is in a different way for each of us. And, [he turns almost bashful if it wasn't for the easy, invincible confidence in his smile,] all of said community seems to be uncharacteristically lovely, current company included if you don't mind me saying so. That certainly adds to things in this place.

video

[subliminalthings]

[ As Max watches the video, the whole time he's just thinking one thing:

COULD THAT ACTUALLY BE SIRIUS BLACK?

To be fair, he'd read the books before he saw the movies, and even then, the brief glimpses that Max got of what a young Sirius looked like have long been erased from his memories.

He does mention needing a wand too, even if the way he actually ends up doing magic is kind of weird, and not very Harry Potter-like. It could just mean that the guy is another magic-wielding dude from yet another version of Earth, and HAPPENs to have one of the most famous names in the wizarding world!

Better just to ask, Max decides. ]

Sirius, how old are you?

[ Okay maybe that's a weird question to start with though Max! ]

Er- I just mean. I ... I know of someone with your name, but he's a lot older.

[yessiriusly]

[When Sirius sees the reply he gives a dramatic little gasp, jaw dropping and hand brought to his chest in shock, as if aghast at the question.] How dare you, sir! Without even offering dinner first? Without even a name?

[He holds it for only a second or two longer before Sirius's hand drops, bringing his dramatics with it. He's walking as he speaks, glancing over his shoulder right before he steps outside.]

Twenty-two, now, although my last birthday was a bit shite if you're asking and I'm being honest. I don't really know how that works with the ages thing, but I'm sorry to say I don't recognize you. And I highly doubt that you met me at an older age.

[A small huff of laughter accompanies the thought, and Sirius leans against the back of the building before reaching into his pocket for his cigarettes.]

Where that poor wanker is, he's not meeting anybody new any time soon. Sounds like you might have the wrong bloke... sorry.

[subliminalthings]

[ You know, Max doesn't remember a lot about the Maurader's childhoods from the books or movies — aside from the fact that James had apparently been a jerk and a bully to Snape. But experiencing this Sirius's just ... just ... pure energy and charisma directed at him instead of a general audience feels a bit overwhelming. Given the original video, he should have expected it, but experiencing it just feels like a whole other thing.

That's why it takes a beat before Max responds, his own mouth half-agape before he recovers. ]

My name is Max Richman. Definitely nobody important. But definitely a fan.

But wait— that sounds like ... you know about older you. [ Another beat, before Max's voice goes up an octave before he asks: ] Do you?

[yessiriusly]

[The pause in Max's response leaves Sirius looking vaguely amused, the corner of his mouth barely quirked in a half smile as he places a cigarette between his lips. The man is a little strange, Sirius finds himself thinking, but not in an intimidating or uncomfortable way. It's a weird little thing that Sirius can't quite place, but the way Max speaks and looks at him makes Sirius feel like he's supposed to recognize him. He's quite certain he doesn't know the man though.

It's the word 'fan' that makes him pause, his hand hovering over the tip of his cigarette for a second longer than necessary before he finally lights it with the tip of his finger. Max continues to mention 'older' him, and there's something about that which sends Sirius's heart into his throat and a cold tingle down his spine. This conversation is taking a strange turn that he isn't expecting, but that seems to be a theme in this place. Everything comes out of left field.]

Well I do love a fan, but I think you need to start from the beginning, Richman. [He speaks casually despite his quickening pulse, and he takes a drag before exhaling smoke and looking at Max fully.]

What did I do to gain your affection? I mean, yes, [He rolls his eyes with a smile and a little wiggle of his head,] I've done many a fantastic thing, but not here. I've only just arrived. And to clarify, I have no idea what you're talking about. Do you know about older you? What does that even mean?

[Sirius gives Max a charming grin.] You're quite close to scaring the shit out of me so lets tread lightly here, hmm?

video;

[imprudency]

Well aren't we having fun at ass o'clock in the morning.

[ He's been awake since Sirius left, but sleeping isn't exactly his forte these days. When he videos, he's still very much in bed, all wrapped in blankets, hair standing wildly at odd angles. He's mid yawn when he speaks again: ]

Undo the second button, Mr. Rebel, that's an order, not a request. Might as well look as dashing as possible when they fire you. Make them regret it.

[yessiriusly]

Well what else am I supposed to do, work? How am I supposed to work when I barely understand what a bloody radio is? A man has to entertain himself somehow, Hargreeves.

[It really is ridiculous that they put him here. The first time Sirius walked into the studio he almost had to walk right back out, overwhelmed by the sudden flurry of movement and productivity and all of the strange flashing lights.]

Well don't you look cozy. [He can't help but grin when he says it. With his hair sticking up on end and buried in a pile of blankets, Klaus almost instigates endearment.

The request is what gets a laugh out of him, bark-like and mirthful. It ends with a sly wink and easy fingers sliding his second button out of place, letting it fall open and freeing more skin.] Eat your heart out, darling. And you know I won't get fired, I'm too charming to get fired.

[The ridiculous part is that he really believes that, and even more ridiculous is the fact that he's probably right; he'll talk his way out of it.

Sirius's face softens a little as he studies Klaus once more; still awake, just like Radar. Aren't the three of them quite a trio?]

Still can't sleep, I see. [He almost suggests that Klaus go visit a probably still awake roommate but he quickly decides against it. Radar didn't want him to bother Klaus, and although Sirius knows it wouldn't, he also knows that Radar wouldn't be happy with Sirius sending Klaus his way after telling him not to.] Must be all of those wonderful dreams you can't get enough of, I'm assume?

[imprudency]

I am nothing if not always comfortable. What is the point of existence if comfort cannot be had in every waking moment of one's life.

[ He sighs dramatically, waving a hand at the camera but in true form, he refuses to move. He's warm, okay? He snorts at the man. ] I am so fortunate you bless my dreams nightly. I do love a good nightmare from time to time. Though I have to admit you're a very pretty nightmare to have, all things considered. So I choose not to sleep and ponder the great wonders of my life all the while making your workforce debut a fashionable success.

It's so hard being me.

[yessiriusly]

[His comment on comfort hits a little close and Sirius gives a firm nod of agreement, moving to sit himself in the chair of the office he's in. It's not his office, but it's an office.] Truer words have never been spoken my love, I'll have to get that tattooed on my body somewhere.

[Talking with Klaus is like playing a game. It's fun, it's always entertaining, but there's always something happening under the surface that Sirius needs to navigate to discover. It's not unpleasant, and sometimes he's not going to get there, but it reveals an intriguing depth. Some people may find Klaus to be too much, and that's precisely why Sirius enjoys him so.]

Well of course I'm a pretty nightmare, I'm a pretty anything. I'm a bloody delight. [He says it easily as if the words make it law, because they do. When Klaus pities himself Sirius gives a face of exaggerated empathy, a 'tsk' sound given before his bottom lip slides into a pout.]

You poor thing, it must be such a struggle. Is there anything Sirius can do? A story? A song, perhaps? Or is my charming presence enough to ease the restlessness?