King of the Street
Ch. 10
A/N: Hello again everyone. thanks for being so patient with my messy uploading. With work and school, I can only do this in my spare moments. I wasn't sure what to write for this chapter so I gave a window into some important characters personal lives. Keep coming with the reviews, but if you have something mean to say, at least make it constructive. Also, I recently discovered my love for seeing the numbers climb for the Favs and Follows. So please indulge in my ego and keep those climbing. Thanks and enjoy.
P.S: expect many grammar and writing errors, I did thins one extra haphazard.
So far, the first week of school wasn't anything overly interesting. The classes were as expected, and the other students were as generally unimpressive. Daphne knew what to expect and so her attitude was bored, and her demeanor was cold. Being the heir to the Greengrass fortune was an annoyance that she accepted. As soon as she settled there were already offers for her hand, the Notts boy, the Zabini heir, the Brockhurst heir, and so on. She even got one from Draco, she had to leave the common room before she broke his nose. The boy had an unfounded sense of superiority. Her strongest defense was the icy façade that she used to keep most people at bay. She did have a few friends, Tracey Davis and Millicent Bulstrode, that she spent most her time with. Tracey and she have been friends for as long as either of them could remember. Millicent was Tracey's friend and it just so happened that she and Daphne got along as well. All in all, Daphne was as comfortable as she could be in the lair of the snakes. There was only one thing that she couldn't get over. Harry Potter. There was something about him that she couldn't shake. He came off as very blasé about Hogwarts. Like he saw it less as a school and more as a target. What was he doing here if it wasn't to learn magic. He was always talking to that Gryffandor boy, Shaun or Shane, something like that. They seemed like they have known each other for a long time, which wasn't suspicious, but that when they were together, they acted like they were the kings of the world.
Shaking her head, Daphne brought herself back to the present, she had homework and Tracey wasn't helping. She was too busy staring at the older classmates in the common room. Daphne sighed at her friend and refocused on the transfiguration in front of her. They were supposed to describe the process of changing a matchstick to a needle. They had to explain the differences and similarities in the metal that made the needle and the wood and chemical end of the match.
"Hey Daphne." Came the voice of Tracey
"Yes?"
"Did you hear about what happened to Potter?"
"No."
"Well, do you want to know?"
"Are you giving me a choice?"
"No."
"Go ahead then."
"So, apparently, Potter was able to get into the forbidden third floor where he was trapped. Supposedly he fought a giant three-headed dog, demon birds, statue guards and then…"
"And then?"
"You-know-who."
"Pssh, yeah right. He's dead or did you forget."
"I didn't forget, but there is plenty of rumor that he is still alive, that he found a way to become immortal."
"Please, did he find some Elixir of Life or something."
"Fine, don't believe, but Harry is in the infirmary and hasn't woke up."
"I'm not saying that most of that didn't happen, but I bet there is a more realistic answer than the rebirth of the Dark Lord."
"Whatever, just thought you'd like to know."
"And what is that supposed to mean exactly?"
"Puh-lease, don't think I haven't noticed you staring at him. I will say, he is going to be quite the handsome guy when he is all grown up."
"I do not stare and if I was it wasn't at him."
"I repeat, PUH-LEASE."
"Keep your voice down."
"You have some sort of interest in him and you will tell me one way or another."
"My only interest in Harry Potter is that he happens to be in our house instead of Gryffandor like his parents. What kind of person is he if this is the house he ended up in?"
"I don't know, why don't you ask him?"
"Oh, sure I'll just walk up to him and ask, 'excuse me Harry, I know that your whole family was considered brave and loyal and that they were killed by someone that lived in the opposing house, why are you in that house?' because that will work."
"I'm not saying that. I am saying that he seems nice enough to at least be friends with."
"But you weren't there at the opening ceremony when he gave Draco a watch."
"What's so surprising about that?"
"Well, according to Harry, he stole that watch right off Draco's wrist."
"Really, that's sort of impressive."
"You may think so, but I can't stand thieves."
"I know, I know. but still, he might be different, a sort of Robin Hood maybe."
"I doubt it and I don't want to talk about Harry Potter and more. Let's just finish this homework and go get some dinner."
"Fine."
-King of the Street—
Neville was confused, a little nervous and in need of the bathroom. He knew that Professor Snape was going to be difficult, but he didn't understand why Snape focused on him so much. Even on the days where all they did was take notes, Snape would seem to take pleasure in making Neville quake in his seat. Since the term began, Neville had been bullied by his fellow students, looked down upon for his lack luster magic and already been sent two letters from his overbearing grandmother about his grades and how he was the face of the Longbottom clan and how he shouldn't muck it up. Neville could say that he had one true friend and a few acquaintances. The friend being one Hermione Granger. They had met on the train when he asked them about his toad and she had offered to help him find it. When the term started, she began to help him with their studies and did her best to overcome his seeming ineptitude to performing any successful magic.
The only class in which he not only succeeded in, but exceeded, was Herbology. He gave silent prayer to whatever god there was in thanks that he was sorted into the house in which his favorite class was taught by his Head of House. Neville knew two things for sure, that he wanted to be a potion master and that he had A LOT of work to do on the road to that goal.
-King of the Street—
Seamus was always confident on the outside, but internally, he was a mess. After leaving the orphanage and the only life he knew, along with his brother, Seamus was truly nervous for the first time in a long time. As he and his parents, who he recognized from the pictures that the Penguin had saved for when this day came, left the city he had no idea what to expect. His mom kept telling him that things were about to change and that some of the changes might frighten him, but that he shouldn't worry because they were together again. While he was glad for that, Seamus still had a healthy sense of skepticism from a life being lied to by the worst humanity has to offer.
When they arrived at their home in Ireland, Seamus was, honestly, unimpressed. The house was one of many single-story buildings that dotted the surrounding area. The location was nice enough, the rolling green hills and the fresh air was a welcome change to the musty city. Seamus picked up his one bag and followed his parents inside. The outside didn't give the interior justice, it was much roomier than it first seemed to be.
"What do you think Seamus?" came the voice of his mother, Isabelle.
"It is surprisingly big on the inside."
"Ha, yes, the reason why will be quite surprising."
"What do you mean?"
"Me and your father will explain everything in a moment. For now, let's get you settled in. If you'll follow me, I'll show you your room."
Isabelle lead Seamus down a hall that was lined with doors, again Seamus was surprised in how much actual space there was inside. From the outside it seemed that his was a two-bedroom cottage. Isabelle stopped at the second to last door of the hall.
"This is your new bedroom."
Isabelle opened the door and allowed Seamus inside first. It was roomy, with a single bed on one side, a walk-in closet and a personal bathroom. There was even a desk, a large, albite empty, bookshelf and plenty of room for whatever else Seamus decided he wanted in there.
"I'll leave you to unpack, just come back the way you came to the living room and we can begin to discuss the changes." Said his mother from the doorway.
"Okay."
Isabelle closed the door and left Seamus to unpack. He didn't have many things to unpack and thus it was a quick job. After his few things were put away, Seamus began to renovate the room to more his living style. He turned the bed to face the both the door and window. The book shelf was too heavy to move, so he had to leave that. Finally, he began to literally feel the room for any exploitable weaknesses. From the door and window locks, to the carpet and walls. He found only to things of interest. One was that the window didn't have any locks and that the closet had aperture in the floor that lead to a small room, most likely basement/ crawl space.
Seamus dusted himself off and made his way back to the living room where he found his parents sitting at the dining table with tea waiting for him. Seamus sat down, and his father poured him a cup.
"We weren't sure what kind you like so we made green. Hope it is alright." Said his father a little sheepishly
"Green is fine. What did you want to talk to me about?"
"Seamus, what we are about to reveal to you is what's called an open secret, many people know it, but only those who it involves and that includes you." Said his mother.
"Oookay, I guess I'm ready."
"We, me and you, have this power. We can do things that not many others can."
"I don't understand."
"Here just watch."
Isabelle pulled her wand form her coat. Seamus looked at her like she was crazy. He looked to his father who only nodded in affirmation. Looking back to his mother, Seamus mentally prepared to bolt back to his room.
"Orchideous."
Suddenly a dozen red roses burst from the tip of Isabelle's wand. Seamus was frozen in shock. What the hell just happened. How, what, holy…
"I can see from your face that you are as shocked as we expected," came the voice of Dave.
"How did you do that?"
"Magic." Replied his mother.
"Magic, really. You expect me to believe that magic is real. No way. Magic is just some bum pulling random things from a hat."
"Think about it like this then. There is truth at the base of all myth and magic is one of the oldest myths in the muggle world."
"Okay, okay, one thing at a time. What is a muggle?"
"Well a muggle is simply the name we have for non-magical folks." Explained Isabelle
"Fair enough, but let's go back to the fact that YOU CAN DO MAGIC."
"Please calm down, I will explain everything in time. First let me tell you what this all means for you."
Seamus sat a little more comfortable in his seat and a cup of tea was placed front of him by his father. Nodding in thanks to his dad, Seamus motioned to his mother to continue.
"Okay, first, in our world bigotry is rampant. Not like with ones race or sexual preference, but with blood. You see there are families in my world that have power and control over everyone else. For example, my family, the Ramsey's are not exceptionally old. We can trace our lineage back about 200 years, but before that there is no records, this is the same with families like the Weasleys. Other families like the Malfoys and Notts are older, around 500 years. Then there are families that can be traced back to the origin of magic in Britain. So far there are only five families that can be traced back this far. The Longbottom, Peverell, Lovegood, McGonagall and Potter families can all be traced back the 1500 years to the time of Merlin."
"Potter?"
"Yes, they have had the most tragedy of most families in recent years, nearly saw the end of their line. As far as we know the only child, Harry, is still alive but no one knows where he is."
"Really, how old would he be now?"
"Oh, if I had to guess, he would be only a few months older than you."
"Hmm, who knows, maybe he will pop up in the next few years."
"Maybe, but anyway let's get back on track."
Seamus once again motioned for his mother to continue.
"Well, our society has been split into two, technically three, factions of social status. There are the Purebloods, they are usually the oldest families with the most wealth and power. They believe that all others should bend to their will because of their blood status. Now not all families are like this, like the Potters and Longbottoms, but most are, like the Malfoys and Blacks. These families want to be in control of every aspect of life for all magical beings, believing that they are entitled. Following them is the Half-Bloods, like you. Half-Bloods are magical children with one magical parent and one non-magical. We are generally treated fairly albeit career success in the ministry is hard fought. Finally, there are the muggleborn. They are witches and wizards that were born from two non-magical parents, but have some magical blood in their ancestry. How are you following?"
"So far, so good. Purebloods, who I assume inbreed, are essentially in power because of their ancestry and not much else, the Half-Bloods are most likely what most of the populace is labeled as and finally the Muggleborns are the those who face the most hardships even though they are magical."
"Dead on and yes most Pureblood families have some level of inbreeding within them and are all related to each other one way or another."
"So why hasn't anyone done anything about it, the muggles have been past this level of bigotry for nearly thirty years. The Americans had a whole war about it."
"It's difficult to explain, as you said, the still growing majority of the population is Half-Bloods and Muggleborns, but our legislature continues to either pass bills that hinder any sort of progress or knock down any bills that might help."
"Why in the world would I want anything to do with this world if it means bigotry and hatred?"
"Because you need to learn how to use magic and hopefully use it to make the future better."
"And how will I do this."
"You will go to a school, one of the best in the world, to learn about all aspects of magic and what it involves."
"Where is it?"
"In Scotland, it's called Hogwarts."
"Hogwarts?"
"Yes, has been a pillar of magical education for 1000 years."
"That long, how come no muggles ever found it before?"
"With magical protections that hide it from muggle senses and technology."
"Wow, and I'll be going there, for how long?"
"If you are able to be successful, it will take seven years to finish school and when you are seventeen, you will be of age to go out and find your own path."
"Wow."
"Indeed. Now, it's time for bed. You should be getting your letter soon with your school supplies list and acceptance letter."
"Okay, though I'm not sure how much sleep I'll be getting tonight."
"Haha, yes well try anyway. Goodnight dear."
Isabelle gave Seamus a kiss on the forehead and a hug while his father also gave him a hug and a kiss. As Seamus walked to his room, Isabelle and David shared a look in silence. One which David broke.
"Do you think he will be alright."
"Oh, he will be fine for now, but I worry about what might happen when we tell him about us and Voldemort."
David stood and walked over to his wife, pulling her into an embrace.
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."