SHARING THE SUNLIGHT WITH THE FREE - THE DAWN
Chapter Nine
To say that Merlin's memorial service was well-attended would be an understatement. The entire school turned up - not because anyone knew him personally (besides Aurelia, of course), but owing to everyone's great respect for him. Aurelia had gone too, and stood among the six Muggle-born first-years who were feeling very much out of place. They had, after all, never heard of Merlin before, and were quite out of their element. She, luckier to have been brought up by the professors, knew what was going on, but could understand their bewilderment.
'We mourn the demise of he who may be the greatest wizard of all time yet,' said Professor Gryffindor, in his address. 'Merlin was both wise and powerful. He used his magic to aid others, and did so even in death, protecting both magic and Muggle communities from a dangerous beast.'
Aurelia noted that Professor Slytherin glared daggers at Professor Gryffindor at the word 'Muggle'. A shiver went down her spine.
They will burn.
Professor Slytherin turned his head in her direction. Not wanting to be caught watching him, she bowed her head, averting her eyes.
'It may be that he shall have buildings, monuments, famous places named after him. For his contribution to the magical world is indeed great,' said Professor Hufflepuff.
There was a speculation afterward, probably due to Professor Hufflepuff's speech, that there would be, in future generations, a title of 'Merlin' to be awarded to the greatest wizards.
'The only fitting tribute,' declared a tall girl of Professor Gryffindor's house.
Once the memorial was over, the remainder of the week rushed past in a whirl. Nobody ever quite remembered what went on in lessons that week, what with Merlin's death just before, and the approaching holidays just after. All in all, the Christmas break was indeed welcome.
Kière's family sent a carriage to fetch them. They left in the early morn, just before sunrise.
'The journey will take perhaps a day or more,' explained Kière. 'Hogwarts is a long way north, after all.'
The carriage itself was amazing. From the outside, it looked like an elaborate round ball, though it seemed rather small for two people to spend a journey of a day or more. The inside was, however, very different. Despite outer appearances, it was a spacious suite, complete with carpeted floor, armchair and bed. All were decorated marvelously. At the front, a door opened into another room, for the manservant.
'The outside is a Glamour spell,' said Kière. He was busy explaining everything as they rumbled along down the old winding roads of Scotland, heading south to the Banning residence. 'Father had it charmed to seem small and shiny. That is what he said, anyway.'
It was a new experience for Aurelia, to travel this way, watching the view fly by. Other than when the professors had brought her north to start their school (and she had been too young to notice then), she had never enjoyed the countryside scenery. Once the sun had risen and there was enough light for her to appreciate the view, Aurelia could not tear her eyes off the window. Never mind that the weather was generally gloomy, and the clouds overhead glared threateningly down - the sights that passed were still fresh enough to captivate her.
Kière chuckled at her interest in the fields and forests passing by. But, of course, he had seen this every year, at least four times.
'I have never been out of Hogwarts since it was built. I have never had any occasion to,' she told him.
'Well, thank me for getting you out, then,' joked Kière.
Aurelia smiled and mock-curtseyed.
'Thank you, oh generous sir. How ever can I repay you?'
Kière laughed. 'By having the best time you can, of course.'
When finally, after a few hours, she tired of watching the countryside (with various ejaculations at certain points), and returned her eyes to inside the carriage. Kière was curled up in the armchair, reading. He looked up as she turned.
'Tired of it already?' he teased. 'It has only been, what, three hours?'
'Ah - do not you start that,' said Aurelia. 'Get on with you - do not let me disturb your reading.'
'Yes, my lady,' murmured Kière. Aurelia was thankful he returned to his book as he said it, for she felt herself turning a bright shade of red.
My lady. Her heart felt fluttery. But it was just a joke, she told herself. They were but friends, were they not? She settled down to begin her homework.
Before long, it was mid-day. Absorbed in their respective activities, neither noticed, until a faint rumble from Kière's stomach reminded them of their hunger.
Earlier that day, Professor Gryffindor had arranged for all students going home to be provided with a basket of food. The elves in the kitchens had prepared the baskets, and they brought it out now.
'Save some for later,' warned Kière. 'The journey may take longer than expected.'
An hour later, with stomachs filled, both Kière and Aurelia felt too lazy to continue with their previous activities. They fell to lounging around as Kière enlightened Aurelia about his family history.
'We are from Ireland, however famine drove a few of my ancestors to come to England. Most of my immediate family are in England now, and they all come to our residence to spend Christmas.'
'Is your family all magic?' asked Aurelia, quite awed. She never thought to wonder about Kière's relations before. He, taking his cue from her own exclusiveness of her ancestry, had never thought to speak about his own previously.
'Yes - I am the first to be sent to a proper school to be taught, though. There were none before Hogwarts was founded. All my family have only been educated within ourselves. We pass our magical knowledge down from generation to generation. When we heard of Hogwarts, Father was actually quite reluctant to let me go.'
'Why?'
'He was worried about it not befitting 'a young man of my station', or at least that is what he said. I think perhaps he wished me to continue the tradition of being educated at home. But I was persistent - merely fourteen years old and yet so insistent that my parents finally relented. I think they were quite shocked that a son of theirs could stand up to them so. They worried a lot about my rebelliousness, I recall.'
'You were quite the headstrong youngster when I met you,' teased Aurelia. 'So what do your parents say now?'
'Oh, they are resigned to this state of affairs. But they were quite proud when I related that I was made Head Boy. They were suitably impressed, and I think that finally convinced them that it was the right decision, to send me to school. That, plus the fact that I am learning more than they or anyone in the family could ever offer me. Now they are just trying to get me to make a good match -'
Kière broke off mid-sentence and turned a glorious shade of red. Aurelia's face brightened the tiniest bit. Did he mean.
Foolish girl, what does it matter to you even if he does mean you? Her Seeing voice was back, and Aurelia had to admit, it was right.
Kière was staring at the carpet now.
'I beg your pardon -' he stammered. 'I did not mean - not to insult you.'tis just what my parents say.'
'I - I am not offended,' said Aurelia quietly. 'It - it is normal of your family, I should think.' She hoped this was the right thing to say, since she was not at all sure what was normal of families.
'Yes, well.anyway, many of the matches in my family are between cousins.'
Aurelia could not think why she felt disappointed at this. She strove to speak calmly. 'That is - the tradition?'
'I believe so, in all old families,' Kière replied thoughtfully. 'To keep the magical blood intact - that is the theory behind it. They say it increases the chances of the children being strong in magic.'
A blow to the heart, that. It was almost like Kière saying Muggle-borns were unlikely to be good with magic. That hurt - Aurelia was used to most people believing so, but she had always thought Kière was different.
His next sentence told her how silly her first conclusions were.
'I think 'tis all rubbish. After all, you are Muggle-born, are you not? And the greatest witch ever! Besides, there have been instances where completely non-magic children are born to a pair of pure-blood wizards. A wizard and a witch, of course,' he added, although the meaning was quite clear. 'I do not believe that the amount of magic you have depends on your blood. But people do. Amazing what people will believe.'
'Ah.well, 'tis just common prejudice. Do you really know of non-magic children in a Wizarding family? Have you any relations like that?'
It was an innocent question, but Kière's face took on an odd, closed look. Aurelia knew that he would rather not stay on the subject. Courteously, she apologized and changed the subject.
'So - you would have to marry a cousin, if your parents forced you to?'
'Aye - but the only cousin I have near my age is six years younger than I. You will meet her when she visits. I would hope that my parents have no ideas about us, for I do not wish to marry her. She is not exactly a very nice girl.' Kière's face darkened at the mention of his cousin. It was clear that they did not have a good history.
'But if not a cousin.then?' Aurelia was still curious. She had never known magical communities - or even Muggle communities - worked this way.
'A pure-blood witch. Of impeccable heritage. Either way, an arranged marriage.'
'That - that is quite awful.' gasped Aurelia. Why, she had always grown up with the professors' opinions that marriage was a sacred thing, and should never be forced.
'Awful? It is an old tradition of all high-class pure-blood families! It ensures an heir to continue the bloodline! It keeps the bloodline clean!' Kière spoke bitterly. 'It makes sure all pure-blood girls are married off and never have to live with the stigma of being an old maid! But yes,' he concluded, 'it is awful.' He took a deep breath and continued.
'All the reasons I have stated is what my relatives have drilled into me since I was young. You can see,' he commented wryly, 'where their drilling has got to. I can tell you one thing, when I grow up, I intend to break many traditions. I have already done so by going away to school. And I shall never prevent or try to dissuade my children from doing so. I would never force their hand in any decision either.' He spoke firmly, with conviction, and Aurelia found herself quite in awe.
'I admire that,' she told him. 'It must take great bravery to follow what you believe is right.'
Kière looked pleased.
'I hope I can follow through with that.'
Night fell, and the journey went on. They both realized the problem at the same time. There existed but one bed in the carriage. Sharing it was, of course, out of the question.
'I could take the armchair, I suppose -' started Aurelia, seeing as she was a guest.
'No - you shall have the bed,' offered Kière chivalrously. 'Firstly, you are the lady, and secondly, the guest. The carpet is very comfortable anyway. I should know, having ended up on it many a time.' He winked, and stretched out on it beside the armchair to prove his point. Aurelia laughed and thanked him.
'Do refrain from rolling off,' warned Kière. 'Aside from the fact that I am using it as my bed, I should warn you that comfortable though it may be, the journey from the bed to the carpet is far from good.'
'I will try,' grinned Aurelia. She had no intention of falling from the bed, however bumpy the ride became. Yawning, she pulled up the covers.
'Good night, Kière.'
'Good night, Aurelia.'
Chapter Nine
To say that Merlin's memorial service was well-attended would be an understatement. The entire school turned up - not because anyone knew him personally (besides Aurelia, of course), but owing to everyone's great respect for him. Aurelia had gone too, and stood among the six Muggle-born first-years who were feeling very much out of place. They had, after all, never heard of Merlin before, and were quite out of their element. She, luckier to have been brought up by the professors, knew what was going on, but could understand their bewilderment.
'We mourn the demise of he who may be the greatest wizard of all time yet,' said Professor Gryffindor, in his address. 'Merlin was both wise and powerful. He used his magic to aid others, and did so even in death, protecting both magic and Muggle communities from a dangerous beast.'
Aurelia noted that Professor Slytherin glared daggers at Professor Gryffindor at the word 'Muggle'. A shiver went down her spine.
They will burn.
Professor Slytherin turned his head in her direction. Not wanting to be caught watching him, she bowed her head, averting her eyes.
'It may be that he shall have buildings, monuments, famous places named after him. For his contribution to the magical world is indeed great,' said Professor Hufflepuff.
There was a speculation afterward, probably due to Professor Hufflepuff's speech, that there would be, in future generations, a title of 'Merlin' to be awarded to the greatest wizards.
'The only fitting tribute,' declared a tall girl of Professor Gryffindor's house.
Once the memorial was over, the remainder of the week rushed past in a whirl. Nobody ever quite remembered what went on in lessons that week, what with Merlin's death just before, and the approaching holidays just after. All in all, the Christmas break was indeed welcome.
Kière's family sent a carriage to fetch them. They left in the early morn, just before sunrise.
'The journey will take perhaps a day or more,' explained Kière. 'Hogwarts is a long way north, after all.'
The carriage itself was amazing. From the outside, it looked like an elaborate round ball, though it seemed rather small for two people to spend a journey of a day or more. The inside was, however, very different. Despite outer appearances, it was a spacious suite, complete with carpeted floor, armchair and bed. All were decorated marvelously. At the front, a door opened into another room, for the manservant.
'The outside is a Glamour spell,' said Kière. He was busy explaining everything as they rumbled along down the old winding roads of Scotland, heading south to the Banning residence. 'Father had it charmed to seem small and shiny. That is what he said, anyway.'
It was a new experience for Aurelia, to travel this way, watching the view fly by. Other than when the professors had brought her north to start their school (and she had been too young to notice then), she had never enjoyed the countryside scenery. Once the sun had risen and there was enough light for her to appreciate the view, Aurelia could not tear her eyes off the window. Never mind that the weather was generally gloomy, and the clouds overhead glared threateningly down - the sights that passed were still fresh enough to captivate her.
Kière chuckled at her interest in the fields and forests passing by. But, of course, he had seen this every year, at least four times.
'I have never been out of Hogwarts since it was built. I have never had any occasion to,' she told him.
'Well, thank me for getting you out, then,' joked Kière.
Aurelia smiled and mock-curtseyed.
'Thank you, oh generous sir. How ever can I repay you?'
Kière laughed. 'By having the best time you can, of course.'
When finally, after a few hours, she tired of watching the countryside (with various ejaculations at certain points), and returned her eyes to inside the carriage. Kière was curled up in the armchair, reading. He looked up as she turned.
'Tired of it already?' he teased. 'It has only been, what, three hours?'
'Ah - do not you start that,' said Aurelia. 'Get on with you - do not let me disturb your reading.'
'Yes, my lady,' murmured Kière. Aurelia was thankful he returned to his book as he said it, for she felt herself turning a bright shade of red.
My lady. Her heart felt fluttery. But it was just a joke, she told herself. They were but friends, were they not? She settled down to begin her homework.
Before long, it was mid-day. Absorbed in their respective activities, neither noticed, until a faint rumble from Kière's stomach reminded them of their hunger.
Earlier that day, Professor Gryffindor had arranged for all students going home to be provided with a basket of food. The elves in the kitchens had prepared the baskets, and they brought it out now.
'Save some for later,' warned Kière. 'The journey may take longer than expected.'
An hour later, with stomachs filled, both Kière and Aurelia felt too lazy to continue with their previous activities. They fell to lounging around as Kière enlightened Aurelia about his family history.
'We are from Ireland, however famine drove a few of my ancestors to come to England. Most of my immediate family are in England now, and they all come to our residence to spend Christmas.'
'Is your family all magic?' asked Aurelia, quite awed. She never thought to wonder about Kière's relations before. He, taking his cue from her own exclusiveness of her ancestry, had never thought to speak about his own previously.
'Yes - I am the first to be sent to a proper school to be taught, though. There were none before Hogwarts was founded. All my family have only been educated within ourselves. We pass our magical knowledge down from generation to generation. When we heard of Hogwarts, Father was actually quite reluctant to let me go.'
'Why?'
'He was worried about it not befitting 'a young man of my station', or at least that is what he said. I think perhaps he wished me to continue the tradition of being educated at home. But I was persistent - merely fourteen years old and yet so insistent that my parents finally relented. I think they were quite shocked that a son of theirs could stand up to them so. They worried a lot about my rebelliousness, I recall.'
'You were quite the headstrong youngster when I met you,' teased Aurelia. 'So what do your parents say now?'
'Oh, they are resigned to this state of affairs. But they were quite proud when I related that I was made Head Boy. They were suitably impressed, and I think that finally convinced them that it was the right decision, to send me to school. That, plus the fact that I am learning more than they or anyone in the family could ever offer me. Now they are just trying to get me to make a good match -'
Kière broke off mid-sentence and turned a glorious shade of red. Aurelia's face brightened the tiniest bit. Did he mean.
Foolish girl, what does it matter to you even if he does mean you? Her Seeing voice was back, and Aurelia had to admit, it was right.
Kière was staring at the carpet now.
'I beg your pardon -' he stammered. 'I did not mean - not to insult you.'tis just what my parents say.'
'I - I am not offended,' said Aurelia quietly. 'It - it is normal of your family, I should think.' She hoped this was the right thing to say, since she was not at all sure what was normal of families.
'Yes, well.anyway, many of the matches in my family are between cousins.'
Aurelia could not think why she felt disappointed at this. She strove to speak calmly. 'That is - the tradition?'
'I believe so, in all old families,' Kière replied thoughtfully. 'To keep the magical blood intact - that is the theory behind it. They say it increases the chances of the children being strong in magic.'
A blow to the heart, that. It was almost like Kière saying Muggle-borns were unlikely to be good with magic. That hurt - Aurelia was used to most people believing so, but she had always thought Kière was different.
His next sentence told her how silly her first conclusions were.
'I think 'tis all rubbish. After all, you are Muggle-born, are you not? And the greatest witch ever! Besides, there have been instances where completely non-magic children are born to a pair of pure-blood wizards. A wizard and a witch, of course,' he added, although the meaning was quite clear. 'I do not believe that the amount of magic you have depends on your blood. But people do. Amazing what people will believe.'
'Ah.well, 'tis just common prejudice. Do you really know of non-magic children in a Wizarding family? Have you any relations like that?'
It was an innocent question, but Kière's face took on an odd, closed look. Aurelia knew that he would rather not stay on the subject. Courteously, she apologized and changed the subject.
'So - you would have to marry a cousin, if your parents forced you to?'
'Aye - but the only cousin I have near my age is six years younger than I. You will meet her when she visits. I would hope that my parents have no ideas about us, for I do not wish to marry her. She is not exactly a very nice girl.' Kière's face darkened at the mention of his cousin. It was clear that they did not have a good history.
'But if not a cousin.then?' Aurelia was still curious. She had never known magical communities - or even Muggle communities - worked this way.
'A pure-blood witch. Of impeccable heritage. Either way, an arranged marriage.'
'That - that is quite awful.' gasped Aurelia. Why, she had always grown up with the professors' opinions that marriage was a sacred thing, and should never be forced.
'Awful? It is an old tradition of all high-class pure-blood families! It ensures an heir to continue the bloodline! It keeps the bloodline clean!' Kière spoke bitterly. 'It makes sure all pure-blood girls are married off and never have to live with the stigma of being an old maid! But yes,' he concluded, 'it is awful.' He took a deep breath and continued.
'All the reasons I have stated is what my relatives have drilled into me since I was young. You can see,' he commented wryly, 'where their drilling has got to. I can tell you one thing, when I grow up, I intend to break many traditions. I have already done so by going away to school. And I shall never prevent or try to dissuade my children from doing so. I would never force their hand in any decision either.' He spoke firmly, with conviction, and Aurelia found herself quite in awe.
'I admire that,' she told him. 'It must take great bravery to follow what you believe is right.'
Kière looked pleased.
'I hope I can follow through with that.'
Night fell, and the journey went on. They both realized the problem at the same time. There existed but one bed in the carriage. Sharing it was, of course, out of the question.
'I could take the armchair, I suppose -' started Aurelia, seeing as she was a guest.
'No - you shall have the bed,' offered Kière chivalrously. 'Firstly, you are the lady, and secondly, the guest. The carpet is very comfortable anyway. I should know, having ended up on it many a time.' He winked, and stretched out on it beside the armchair to prove his point. Aurelia laughed and thanked him.
'Do refrain from rolling off,' warned Kière. 'Aside from the fact that I am using it as my bed, I should warn you that comfortable though it may be, the journey from the bed to the carpet is far from good.'
'I will try,' grinned Aurelia. She had no intention of falling from the bed, however bumpy the ride became. Yawning, she pulled up the covers.
'Good night, Kière.'
'Good night, Aurelia.'