PHILOLOGUS by: P.P.V.V.
Disclaimer: The Standard Disclaimer applies. All original characters/ideas are mine to claim.
AN: School is starting up this week for me, but I managed to get another chapter done for everyone's enjoyment. Thank you for your patience and your reviews. In a review I recieved, one reader mentioned the fact that they liked the way the different Houses intermingle in this fanfic. I must admit that I enjoy having them interact as well. I have a hard time believing that they wouldn't, even in the real Harry Potter world.
Okay, enough of my ranting.
Onward.
Previously:
When the auditorium was filled, the doors shut and instead of the morning hymnal being played, the lights dimmed and the stage lights came on. Instantly, a buzz of confusion swept the room and even Lily turned to whisper, "What's going on?" to her seatmates, who shrugged.
The chatter died down when an unknown figure of a man crossed the stage. He was wearing a dark black coat with long tails and high boots that clacked with his every step. His head was full of soft brown curls, his face clean shaven. When he looked out over the sea of students, it became so silent that one could have heard a pin drop – Lily could feel herself holding her breath.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," He said, in a rich baritone voice, "as of today, I, Lewis Edmund, shall assume the post of Headmaster to H.W. Academy."
Lily's breath came out in a rush.
Chapter 14
- The Elites Dissolved -
James suddenly found himself on his feet, his hands fisted at his sides, indignantly. "Where is Master Dumbledore?" He heard himself demand. His question carried through the whole room; in his anger he could not help but shout the question. He saw out of the corner of his eye that several other Elites had gotten up out of their places too.
The man standing at the podium looked up toward the balcony, calmly. "He is unable to perform his tasks and duties right now."
The vague response made the whole auditorium erupt in conversation. At the front of the room where the Professors and Instructors sat, no one made a move to stop the ruckus. If James did not know any better, he could have sworn they were uncomfortable with the announcement too.
Dane's voice was the next to ring out over the auditorium, his voice cold – it sent shivers up the Gryffindor Elite's spine. "Why would he not inform us?"
Professor Edmund squinted slightly as he turned his eyes to see who had spoken, and smiled. "Ah, you must all be the Philologus Elites. I'm afraid I don't know why Master Dumbledore didn't say a word to you about his leaving. I must admit that it was a rather sudden request on my behalf as well."
He let the room buzz with excitement of the turn of events before holding his hands up in a dramatic way, to quiet the crowd. "I was, however, entrusted to lead the school in his absence, and I will endeavor to do my best."
"When is he coming back?" Another student called out, and to that, Professor Edmund shook his head sadly.
"I'm afraid I don't know the answer to that question either." He said. "We'll all have to be patient and wait for his return."
Now the room had subsided into a dreadful silence, a few whispers floating around amidst the darkened auditorium.
Up on the balcony, James felt his knees weaken with the news, his mind spinning at the concept of having a new Headmaster so suddenly. His hands were gripping the railing so hard that his knuckles had turned white.
Sir Amos had sat down in disbelief. Sir Lorien and Sir Severus looked impassive, while Sir Dane and Sir Lucius stood, stunned.
Everyone had been taken by surprise.
Before James could begin to try and gather his thoughts, Professor Edmund spoke up again. "This school has always been run by Headmasters who had only one thing in mind: the welfare of their students. For hundreds of generations, H.W Academy has held grades, society and manners in high regard.
"In the beginning, the founders of this school promised the King that this place would flourish with great minds of the nobility. To this day, many great leaders sprout, and it all began within these walls.
"As was the original intent of the founders, these walls have housed the children of the Nobility, and as time passed, the line of the noblemen started slowly dying off. Attendance of this school gets lower every year, due to the changing times.
"It is because of these changing times that many things cannot remain as they have always been. I believe it is time to embrace the change rather than turn our backs to it."
Again, the students began to whisper to one another, a dull hum of voices, confusion at the speech very evident. This time, Professor Edmund did not give them enough time to brood over his words. Instead, he cut straight to the point. "And so," he continued, "I wish to open the doors that have been tightly closed for all these years. The Pride and Honor that has been passed down to us will never be erased if we do not let it. We must remember that no matter what happens, we must uphold these virtues and teach them to others. That said, the Nobility shall gladly embrace the Commoners into this prestigious school."
As he spoke these last words, the throng of students began to talk amongst themselves. The mood of the room was dark – the Common living within the Castle walls amongst the Noblemen? It was unheard of! Several protests were shouted out until it looked like there would be a riot right then and there, but the new Headmaster spoke again, cutting off the shouts. "It may come as a surprise at first, but as we all know, nothing ever comes easy."
James felt his stomach drop at those words. Hadn't Dumbledore said the same thing yesterday? He didn't know what to feel because the mixed emotions stormed through him as he stared down at the man on the stage. He wanted him to slow down, or maybe repeat his words, because somehow….somehow, James couldn't bring himself to believe them. At the same time, he couldn't bear to hear them said again because it was almost as if they would become real very soon, and he wasn't ready for the sudden change.
Dear Spirits, things were changing too fast.
"While I am on the topic of Change," Professor Edmund said, snapping James out of his brooding, "as of this moment, a new one shall take place: the Stripes System is from here on in, abolished. From what I've heard and observed, this System does more harm than good: it teaches the individual to care only for themselves, and it discourages team work.
"The goal of this school is to unite people, no matter what race or gender – what status or language. Each person will now work towards earning the most House Points for their Branches – each will be responsible for the loss or gain of a point. In this way, you can build each other up, and see that you've a responsibility for your fellow man. A House Cup shall be awarded to the Branch with the most points, and from this day forward, let it be marked who the winners are on plaques in the Great Hall."
He's insane, James thought, now just as stunned as his fellow Elites. Instead of being able to connect to the students, he was only resulting in angering them and James couldn't help but wonder what his objective was.
All the other students seemed to be of the same opinion because they had the grace to show it, some going so far as to clutch their stripes to themselves as if, in some way, they would magically disappear from their breasts. James understood what they must feel: it took hard work and months – maybe even years – before one could rise in stripes. Protests were made all around at that one, and someone angrily pointed up at the Elites, his big booming voice heard well above all the others.
"Without our Stripes, how will we be able to achieve our Goal to fill in the last seats in our Houses of the Elite ranks?" James recognized the man to be Sir Tristan.
Again, those eyes turned up towards the balcony. From the distance, James could not see their color, but he could tell that Professor Edmund seemed hesitant with what he wanted to say. Finally, without breaking eye contact with the Elites, he murmured, "The Elites too, shall be dissolved."
0-0-0-0-0
At the announcement of the Elites being disbanded, everyone had fallen into a shocked silence.
If there were no more Philologus Elites, then there was nothing to work hard for.
The goal would be lost.
The symbol of the school would be gone.
The heart of the students would be taken away.
By this time, every head had turned to face the balcony, to see what the Elites would do. Surely they would fight….surely they would object….
Surely…
But the Elites never moved a muscle, nor did they speak a word. The poise with which they held themselves transcended all the students within the Auditorium as they held their heads up high.
Lily found her hand on her mouth, and it felt as though her heart had leapt to her throat – for some strange reason, she had the urge to cry.
Why?
She had only been part of this school for a short time. Their ways were not her ways, and yet…she too, was upset with the sudden change of rules. Maybe it was because she had finally gotten into the swing of things, she reasoned. Or maybe it was because she had so been looking forward to becoming a Philologus Elite to prove to her mother that she could move on.
But most of all, she was upset on James' behalf. Lady Celena's image came to her mind when she looked up at him. The way she had spoken so animatedly about her brother's passion of becoming a Philologus made her feel awful for the man – all his endeavor had just been swept away by the words of some unknown man.
Tearing her gaze from the balcony, Lily spun to face the Headmaster's direction. "You can't dissolve the Elites!" She cried. Her voice sounded foreign to her ears, and all eyes fell on her, surprised at her protest, and fearful of her boldness to contradict him.
Stiffening her resolve, Lily forced herself to continue under Professor Edmund's questioning glance. "They've worked so hard – and besides, the King himself chooses his Philologi from them."
At that, Professor Edmund clasped his hands behind his back. "Yes, he does, doesn't he?" When he was sure every eye was on him, he made a gesture for everyone to sit and only when they had done so (some more reluctantly than others) did he decide to continue.
Lily remained standing though, as did the Elites, and he made no move to make them sit. "I must disband the current Philologus Elites," he said, at last, "because I believe that everyone should be given the chance to write the exams if they so choose to, not based off of the amount of stripes one has received, nor because of how popular they are. To be a true Philologus, you must rise above all the others, not just a select group of people."
He looked right at Lily, then. "Don't you agree that everyone has it within themselves to become a Philologus?"
"And if they choose not to participate in the Exams?" Lily asked, choosing to ignore the question with one of her own.
"Then, it will affect their marks and performance, as well as their House Points." Said Professor Edmund. "Everyone is to participate in the Elite Exams, and the top two from each House will be awarded the position. Even if one does not pass the Exams with flying colors, it is the endeavor that matters. The key is to try – if everyone was to give up or not bother, we would live a life of regrets."
He glanced up at the balcony, where the Elites were silently listening to their fates. "Gentlemen, your paths, no matter which direction they will lead in the future, have crossed once again. Because of that, you will all have to walk the same road. I put the challenge before you – to remain in the positions in which you worked so hard for, I bid you to push yourself to truly feel the burden of the capes you carry. It is, as your Oaths have stated, a long and difficult path that you must stay faithful to.
"If you truly are the Philologus Elites that you claim yourselves to be, this matter is trivial and you will once again be in the position you are in now. Challenges are just that – challenges. It is in you to overcome them."
Sir Dane finally moved, his hand coming up to stroke the pendant that hung from his neck, thoughtfully. "Then I accept that challenge." He said, confidently.
James slammed his hand against the railing so hard that almost every student in the room jumped. "As do I." His voice seethed with anger. Beside him, Sir Amos had gotten to his feet again.
Sir Lorien wordlessly touched his pendant too. Sir Severus did not move a muscle – he seemed to smolder with determination, while his fellow House Elite merely smirked, before leaving with a swish of his cape.
In single file, the Elites moved down the steps from the balcony and marched toward the front of the room.
Sir Dane unhooked his cape once he reached the stage and laid it down, at the feet of the Headmaster without a word. The others followed his example, and by the time each had removed their cloaks, every student was back on their feet, as if to salute them.
Somehow, they all looked naked without their capes, the silver metal of their pendants shining brightly against the black of their uniform coats. From where she sat, Lily couldn't see their faces, but by the way they squared their shoulders and set their backs straight, she could tell that they were as determined as ever.
"Thank you." The Headmaster said, his tone sincere. "These changes weren't easy to make: I, too, was once a student at this school. But as I've said, change is inevitable."
The atmosphere was tense, like a coil that was tightly wrung and ready to spring the moment it was let loose. For a moment, Lily wondered if the Elites would draw their swords against the new Headmaster, but instead, the students gasped when Sir Dane slowly placed a fist to his heart and bowed.
He was hailing the Headmaster…!
Like a wave - some in complete resignation – the student population copied the action; all except James, who stubbornly stood in his place, refusing to do the same and staring angrily ahead. Pretty soon, everyone had noticed it and a quiet murmur started up, a few of the students rising halfway, uncertain about whose example to follow.
Before Dane could admonish him, Professor McGonogall stood, her thin voice sharp, making Lily flinch. "Sir James, you must hail the Headmaster."
He turned his head slightly in her direction so that Lily could finally see his face. She had never thought he could ever look so angry. His strong jaw was set, the muscle in his cheek throbbing slightly because of the way he was gritting his teeth so hard. His blue eyes were cold – so much so that it made a shiver run down her spine – and his voice matched when he spoke. "I'm sorry Professor, but I just can't do that. I refuse to acknowledge him as the Master."
And without another word, he turned on his heel and stalked towards the exits.
"Sir James!" McGonogall called out after him. "Sir James!"
The door slammed behind him when he left, ignoring her calls, and Dane ran after him, excusing himself.
The morning assembly was a complete disaster. What was going to happen now? All eyes expectantly turned toward the new Headmaster, who was watching the crowd silently, his dark eyes pensive.
"You will all return to your Houses," Edmund said, "and await instructions from there. I must call a general meeting at this time for all the staff members of the Academy. Ladies and Gentlemen, I bid you a good day."
The minute he stepped away from the microphone, the room burst with chatter as the students discussed between themselves the events of that morning. The doors to the Auditorium were thrown open, to allow them all to exit, but no one moved through them for a long time. When they finally did, it was because the Professors ushered them out and the students spilled out into the hallways, walking in groups, the noise level so high that the Professors didn't bother to try and stop them.
Lily felt as if everything was unreal – either a really good dream or a very terrible nightmare. She didn't know what to think, as she followed the rest of the students up toward the Gryffindor Tower.
She had a chance to become an Elite…
It was like a feast on the table that she was hesitating to eat.
"I can't believe we have a new Headmaster!" Alice was saying, jolting her out of her thoughts. "I can't believe we hailed him…"
"We had no choice." Came Chase's irritated answer. "We'll all have to wait until Master Dumbledore comes back. If he comes back." She added, on an afterthought.
The words made Lily's insides squirm uncomfortably. Even though it wasn't spoken, the question still hung in the air: what if Dumbledore never came back? "There are probably going to be a lot of changes from here on in." She put in, quietly.
By the time Alice and Lily had reached the Gryffindor Tower (Chase had had to go in the opposite direction to get to her own House.), rumors had already started up: Dumbledore had been convicted for something and had had to leave the school; Professor Edmund had blackmailed the previous Headmaster in order to get the position; the teachers were discussing how to change the current curriculum to suit the Commoners that were going to join the school….
The rumors went on, and even Lily had to admit to thinking some of the things that were said. Everyone had gathered in the Common room, so that it was very crowded. Alice and Lily had to push their way through the throng in order to find seats.
Marie, Patricia and Kalyn were seated on the steps leading up to the dormitories, their skirts tucked beneath them, their heads together, whispering their theories to each other like everyone else. Alice and Lily joined them, and they discussed the events for a long while. "I do feel sorry for Sir James." Kalyn said, when they had reached the topic of the Elites being disbanded. "He really worked so hard."
"I have no desire to become a Philologus." Marie announced. "Besides, females have never stood on the court of His Majesty."
"I wonder if Master Edmund knows that?" Wondered Alice.
"He was a student here, too." Lily reminded them. She was about to say more, but the doors to the Common Room opened and in walked James, his hair as messy as ever, his skin pale against the black of his uniform. His jaw was still set in that firm line, his fingers unconsciously gripping the pommel of his sword, which, no longer hidden by his cape, gleamed brightly under the light. It was a beautiful piece of weaponry, artistically gilded and polished. His blue eyes swept the crowd as he walked, purposely making his way to the front of the room.
Remus, Peter, and Sirius who had been in the corner, slowly got to their feet, intending to join him, but he lifted his hand slightly and they paused, settling back down in their seats reluctantly. The chatter of the crowd died down and everyone turned their attention to the man who just moments before, held one of the most coveted titles in the country.
A girl toward the front spoke up. "Sir James, what shall we do?"
His answer was quiet, resigned but resonating with his anger. "I'm afraid there is nothing we can do, my Lady. He has been hailed the Headmaster, and you know that once that is done, whatever he says is to be followed."
Lily and her friends shot each other worried glances, but didn't dare make a sound as he continued to speak. "Though I am opposed to his changes, I will not go back on my word: I will walk the long and difficult path put ahead before me, and I urge everyone to do the same. I no longer am an Elite, but I hold true to my Oath to you – I will be a prime example." With bated breath, the Gryffindors watched as James slowly reached up and undid the clasp of the chain holding the pendant around his neck.
As he pulled it off, he stared down at it, as if seeing a ghost. It was the symbol for what he believed in, what he worked hard for. It was his prize, and at the same time, it was his burden. He seemed lost in his memories as he held it aloft.
Sirius stood then, and began unpinning the stripes that lined his chest proudly. Without a word, Peter began doing the same.
Nobody moved.
Then Lily stood up and began undoing hers. Heck, if James could give up all his hard work with pride, she could too. Still, her fingers trembled as she pulled them away from the material of her dress.
Alice also grit her teeth and copied her actions, and together, the four of them placed their stripes on the floor in the middle of the room. As they stepped away from the small pile, Lily saw that everyone else was busy trying to undo theirs. Soon, there was a mound of gold and scarlet strips of cloth that once adorned each person in their varying numbers.
By the time McGonogall came in to explain the new rules to the students, all the stripes had been burned, James' pendant included.
0-0-0-0-0
The room was dark and forbidding; the only light filtered in through the windows, but outside the sky was overcast and cloudy despite the snow that fell.
A storm looked to be on its way.
A lone figure stood by the drapes, holding them back as he tilted his head up to stare at the falling snowflakes that came down in torrents, each with their own intricate patterns. His breath made the window fog in a small spot on the pane of glass.
He was lost in his thoughts because the ruckus outside his room went unheard. He didn't notice when it died down either…he only noticed when the clock struck the hour of Lunch, and his dark eyes moved up to see the time.
He let go of the curtain, striding across the room towards the switch on the wall.
Nothing was ever easy.
The room was suddenly bathed in a soft glowing light, illuminating the plush couches and armchairs that littered the room in an artistic manner. The books surrounding the somewhat-circular room made him feel like he was in a cave, cold and lost.
Quickly, he crossed the room again to the opposite wall, intending to start up a fire and get some warmth. Just as he bent down to put a log into the hearth, a knock sounded at the door, making him pause and turn.
"Enter." He commanded, and he was surprised to see the impudent man from earlier that morning, step in. Straightening, he blinked. "Sir James, was it?"
"Yes, sir."
Edmund pulled his cloak around his shoulders. "To what do I owe the honor of such a call?"
James stared at him momentarily before responding. "I came to apologize, sir."
"Won't you have a seat?"
Hovering by the doorframe for a while longer, James seemed to be hesitating but he decided that manners were in order and he obliged, taking the seat closest to the door. His hands reached out to push his cape to the side but he paused, realizing that he no longer wore it, and instead, nestled his hands on top of his knees, twining his fingers together. "My conduct was unbecoming. I wish to ask for your forgiveness."
Edmund strode toward him, slowly. "My dear boy, I know exactly how you feel. I know that you're angry about your title being stripped so suddenly from you – I too, was a Philologus Elite back in the day."
At James' incredulous look, the Headmaster smiled. "Yes, I know the pains and hard work it takes to get to such a place. I was not chosen as a Philologus however, but I relished in the fact that I attained such an honor.
"I also know that you are upset that your previous Headmaster no longer stands before you. Master Dumbledore was a good man."
"Is it true, sir, that you don't know anything more about his whereabouts?" James asked, hopefully.
"I did not tell you a falsehood – Master Dumbledore merely told me he was going away for a time, but he promised that he would return and that in his absence, would I kindly take up his post and hold it. Naturally, I agreed, for it is quite hard to refuse such a man and his request."
By that time, Professor Edmund had gone to a small table and began to pour wine into a glass. He lifted the cup to James in a silent offer and the Gryffindor took it, drinking in the sharp taste. As the Professor poured himself a glass, he continued to speak, "I have always been fond of this Academy. I am not a pure-bred nobleman though – as I've said, the lineage of the noblemen is slowly dying. The purebloods are few…I've seen many people turned from the gates of this school because of their status.
"I found it ridiculous. Doesn't everyone have the right to an equal education? Doesn't everyone have the right to a voice on the King's court? I watched my own brother turned from these gates. He and I were not much different: I believe him to have been much brighter than me and yet, he was not given the opportunity based off of a biased reason.
"So you see, Sir James, why I must make the changes that I did? It's no different from whether your skin is black or white: everyone is equal."
James sloshed the contents of his glass around, mulling over whatever the Master had said. He supposed that everyone was afraid of change, and a part of him was ashamed for the way he was such a coward at heart. "Everyone is not equal, sir." He protested, at last. "The rich and the poor have a fine line that separates them – how will a commoner be able to pay the tuition of the Academy?"
"If they are capable of passing an Entrance Exam with an exceptional score and have a good history in academics, then I see no reason as to why we should not grant bursaries."
It seemed the man had it all carefully planned out.
Professor Edmund finished off his wine and gestured with the empty glass. "I understand also, that I have gotten off on the wrong foot with the students. If anyone is to ask forgiveness, it should be me."
James glanced down at the wine that sat at the bottom of his own glass. It was red – so red that it looked black. It reminded him of blood – the same color that had covered the body of his sister almost a year ago. Gritting his teeth, he looked up at the elder man and shook his head. "I-I'm sorry, sir. I cannot bring myself to accept you as my Master. I…"
A wistful smile crossed the man's lips at the comment and James looked away, running his free hand through his hair. "Faithful to Master Dumbledore…it is a good sign, sir. Then, you need not hail me as such." He tilted his wine glass slightly in approval. "I wish you all the best in the Exams and I pray that you will do well."
Breathing a sigh of relief, James placed his wine glass on the table nearby, got up and bowed slightly. "I will take my leave here, then, Professor. Good day."
Once James had left, the man returned to looking out the window, staring up at the endless sea of white dots that fluttered down from the sky.
The storm had come.
0-0-0-0-0
The Chamber of Secrets was ice cold, the window pane overhead was already starting to cover over completely with snow.
Sirius sat next to Peter, munching thoughtfully on a roast beef sandwich that Rosetta had packed for them, and together, they waited for their friends to join them. They had brought candles with them and a lantern just in case the light stream would get cut off and to bring warmth of some sort to the suddenly gloomy room.
"What do you think of all this, Sirius?" Peter asked, his small voice interrupting Sirius' train of thoughts.
The elder boy brought his hand up to ruffle Peter's hair. "I don't know what to think, Peter…"
"Will the Christmas Feast be changed, too?" The boy wondered.
Trust Peter to think of such unimportant things.
"Perhaps." Was the reply. "Everyone is thinking about the Elite Exams. Surely you've thought of them too, my lord. Are you going to take them?"
"You know as well as I that I am not allowed to take them. My father has ruled me out." Peter said, shifting slightly in his spot and edging closer to his friend in an attempt to keep warm. He was wearing a heavy woolen coat over a thick sweater, but it seemed as if the cold had settled down to the marrow of his bones.
"Things have changed though: I wonder if your Lord Father knows that Master Dumbledore is no longer the head of this Academy." Said Sirius, as Peter pushed against his shoulder.
The younger boy suddenly looked up excitedly. "Maybe my father would know where he is!"
That thought had been on Sirius' mind, but as much as possible, he disliked mentioning families. Before he could reply to that statement, they heard footsteps coming down the corridor and Remus appeared, wearing a dark woolen coat of his own. In his hands, he held a blanket and a pair of gloves which he immediately set to work putting onto Peter. "It won't do to have you getting sick again." He said, cheerfully, as Peter began to protest.
"You were late getting in last night." Sirius accused. "I was up on one of the tower window when I saw you creeping to your room last night."
Peter perked up. "Did you go to Hogsmeade?"
"No," said Sirius, before Remus could answer, "he came down from the girls' dormitory stairs. Are we visiting Lady friends at night, now too, good sir?"
At Remus' blush, Sirius knew he had him cornered. Peter giggled and asked, "Was it the Lady Nymphadora? Sirius, what time did he check in?"
"It was around three in the morning." Sirius reported, smirking at Remus' stunned expression. "Whatever could one have been doing until the hours of the early morning?"
Remus finished shoving the right hand glove onto Peter. "We were just talking and we lost track of the time."
"Talking?" Sirius asked, raising an eyebrow. Remus' blush deepened and Sirius slapped his knee as he laughed. "Oh ho, my friend, you tell falsehoods like a maiden!"
Peter collapsed into another fit of giggles and Remus said hotly, "We did talk about a great many things!" At their feigned look of belief, he added, "I asked her to give her hand in marriage to me."
That seemed to sober the two up. Now the shocked expressions transferred to their faces. "Are you serious?" Sirius asked, leaning forward as the last of his laughter died from his lips.
"Really?" Peter asked at the same time, his small eyes widening.
Remus nodded. "I hadn't been planning it, actually…and I almost did a botched job…it sort of slipped out."
"What did she say?" The youngest boy demanded.
"She said yes." Remus said, softly, positioning himself in a much more comfortable fashion, with his knees drawn up and his arms hanging over them lazily. "We've plans to make it formal to her family come this Christmas Break."
"Married?" Sirius asked, still in shock. "You're young yet…"
"After we graduate, our lives start. I have decided that I wish to start mine with the one I love."
Sirius shook his head in disbelief. Only two months ago, the couple had been too shy to hold hands, let alone talk to each other. Now he was talking about love…and marriage? "But what about your engagement to - "
"- I'll have to cancel it," said Remus, stoutly. "Lady Nymphadora is from a good family. My parents will understand. They've got to." He looked up, off onto the walls of the chamber surrounding them, thinking. The others did the same, letting the truth of the matter sink in.
Being married to the one you loved was frowned upon by the society they had lived in. From a young age, parents in the Noblemen Lineage would start pairing their children up to ensure that riches, bloodline and family name would be secured.
There was never a time Sirius hadn't known the fact that he was to wed someone he did not know and did not love. He envied Remus for his courage to take such a defying step and he wished that he could muster such strength. There was no chance though: Celena had not recovered yet, and he could not bear to ask James for her hand, let alone tell his father of his plans.
It is selfish to fall in love.
Those were the words taught to him so long ago; so many times that he had come to accept his fate with resignation.
"I'm…proud of you." He said, at last. "I wish you and your Lady happiness."
Peter nodded. "Me too!"
A smile finally adorned Remus' face and he turned that to them brightly. "My thanks to you both! I just hope that everyone else will be just as supportive."
"I've no doubts about that." Sirius reassured him. "It's a pity that James wasn't here to receive the news along with us."
"Where is he, anyway?" Peter asked, reaching over to get a sandwich for himself. It fell through the material of his gloves and Sirius picked it up again for him.
"Last I heard, he was serving a punishment of confinement for the rest of the day because of his lack of manners this morning to the Master." Remus said, helping himself to a sandwich as well. "I can't blame Professor McGonogall for her decision: they were outright unrefined."
Sirius grinned. "That's James for you, though. He was always one to speak his mind."
Peter spoke around a mouthful of his food. "I don't like the new Master, either…"
Remus stuffed the remainder of his sandwich in his mouth, chewed and swallowed before saying, "That warrants one thing only, my friends." At their questioning looks, a mischievous glint entered the man's eye. "A prank is just waiting to be played."
Laughter rang through the stone chamber, as a response. Together, the three of them put their heads together to devise a plan, while in the distance the bells tolled a long peal to end the lunch period.
To Be Continued…..
AN: Not much of a cliff hanger this time. The next chapter may take a while to write, depending on my mood and my schedule. I'd greatly appreciate your feedback though and I'm looking forward to posting again. Until the next update,
thank you for reading,
-P.P.V.V.