Disclaimer: Anything you recognise from JK Rowling's works are hers…
Summary: Leonis comes face to face with the clan laird…
Chapter Ten. The Old Grizzly Lion.
Godric lifted his hand and rapped his knuckles over the frame of the old oaken door. Leonis subconsciously huddled closer to him as they waited for the dreaded reply on the other side of the door.
"Come in," a deep voice called. Leonis didn't know why but it sent shivers up and down his spine. Before he could define his feelings however the door swung open seemingly all by itself.
Godric stepped through the entrance way and allowed his hand to trail lightly over Leonis shoulder as he guided the youngster through. Leonis felt somewhat like a lamb going to the slaughterhouse.
As Leonis entered the room however his feelings of fear quickly dissipated. He gazed about the room in awe at the richly decorated room. The walls were covered in plush crimson and gold tapestries, decorated with scenes of warlocks and witches engage in what Leonis took to be magical battles. He could not help staring at them, he swore he thought that one or two of them had even moved! Ordinate candle stick and stands of gold and silver were scattered about the room. There light illuminated the spacious room with a warm, soft glow. The furniture was made of dark stained wood, the legs and the tops of each piece had been carved with intricate illustrations. Leonis realised with a jolt how rich his father's family really was.
Leonis' awestruck gaze suddenly snapped to the old man standing in the middle of the room. He was tall and broad, like Godric, but the mane of his hair was greying and frizzy. The man slowly pivoted swishing his long dark luxuriant robes about him as he was the King of England. Leonis held the opinion that this man knew of his own self importance and never failed to exploit it.
The man refused to look down at Leonis, instead his heavy gaze was reserved for Godric.
"Ah, Godric, my son, your return has been poisoned by the tidings of…" the paused and hardened his stare. "…your disgrace."
Godric flushed scarlet but fought valiantly to keep his voice steady, "Father, you know how pleased I am to see you."
The old man chuckled to himself and turned to finger the lace which had been draped over a side table. "There is no reason for you to lie to me Godric. Your thoughts betray you and you are certainly to the most beloved of my sons…"
Godric bit down on his tongue knowing that to cause friction now would only goad his father into harsh judgement of Leonis. He refrained from replying knowing that his father was enjoying riling his temper.
"I don't know where I went wrong with you Godric, a few more straps across you behind would have done you wonders… Never mind that, present me to this whelp of yours."
Leonis would have dearly liked to have turned tail and run in those moments. His mouth went dry and his knees buckled.
Godric reached behind his back and grabbed gently onto Leonis' wrist to propel him forward. Leonis stumbled and Godric caught him.
The old man watched impassively at the spectacle. His expression gave nothing away as to what he was thinking.
Godric nudged Leonis further… then realised he hadn't instructed Leonis how to greet the clan laird. He watched as the corners of his father's lips twitched in amusement.
"What have you said to the lad to make him so terrified of me?" Laird Gryffindor sniffed glancing at his fingernails. "I may be an old man but I don't have all day. I have a fiefdom to rule."
Leonis swallowed and stepped forward. He bowed low as he mother had taught him if by any chance he was accosted by some high ranking noble. His mother had frightened him so much of meeting a laird that he had even drilled himself when no one was looking. But he was only five then and he was anxious now and he slipped slightly and nearly landed on his nose.
The old laird laughed and Leonis blushed deeply.
"Come here, little pup, let us see what type of whelp Godric has had the grace to sire."
Leonis stood upright his eyes travelled back to Godric who nodded curtly; he knew he had no choice but to obey the order of the old man before him. He stepped forward shaking like a leaf and sweating profusely.
The old laird waited watching Leonis with beady eyes.
Leonis stopped a pace or two away from the old laird. The man grabbed the top of Leonis' arm abruptly and forced him to stand directly before him.
"Ah, lets see…" The laird's hands held Leonis at shoulder length for a moment and then ran his hands down the child's arms. "A weedy wee thing aren't you?"
Leonis wasn't sure if he was supposed to answer the question or not and decided it was safer to nod his head in agreement. The laird stared at him for a heartbeat in puzzlement then looked over Leonis' shoulder at Godric. "His mother was good bedding I take it?"
"Father!" Godric gasped before he could restrain himself from answering.
"It was the De Saville lassie weren't it? I can see her staring out of the laddie's eyes as plain as day. Of all the beautiful witches you could have deflowered you picked the muggle wench!"
"Father please!" Godric looked on the verge of fainting in embarrassment.
"Delicate little woman – girl – she was, Godric." The old laird's eyes were boring into Godric, ignoring the startled Leonis whose shoulders he was clutching tightly. A moment later he became aware of Leonis again and Godric felt that he could once more breathe.
"He won't make much of a warrior with a body like his a shame really."
Godric sighed wishing the interview was over. "He is a wizard. He doesn't need to be large."
"Still won't make much of a warrior mage though would he?"
'Typical,' Godric thought. 'All my father ever thinks about is war and strategy.'
"He doesn't need to be a warrior. He's fine father, really, his quick on his feet and smart; he will do well at other physical activities."
"Can you read, boy?"
This was the question Godric had been dreading. His father considered it a disgrace if a Gryffindor was not well educated and a warrior. Leonis had already failed on the warrior criteria.
"Yes, milord," Leonis answered meekly bowing his head to the floor to stare at the rug underneath his feet. Godric and the laird looked surprised. "But… but I'm not fluent."
But the old laird had gone onto the next item on his mental checklist. Leonis yelped in surprise and the old laird shoved his fingers in his mouth. His chin was forced upwards and mouth wrenched open. "Hmm…has all his teeth, they don't look too badly." Leonis's eyes started to water the old man was hurting him. 'I'm not a yard sale horse,' he thought furiously.
"Of course he will need to be fed well."
"Yes father." Godric glanced ruefully to Leonis who seemed to be clicking his jaw back in place.
"In a years time I would like to see him again. If he grows then I'll have him trained here as a warrior."
"And if I wish him not to be a warrior, father?"
The old laird shrugged his shoulders dispassionately. "Do you really think you have a say, Godric my son?"
"He is my child."
"Your bastard child. You've forfeited your rights as custodian when you sired him in a bed of sin to that whore…"
"Father please, let's not confuse the issue with your anger of me and Leonis' future."
The old laird considered Leonis for a long moment. "Leonis?" he repeated dumbly. "That's your name boy?"
"Yes, milord."
"What's your whole name?"
"Leonis Godric De Saville, milord."
"Leonis Godric De Saville?"
"Yes, father, Leonis Godric De Saville," Godric snapped impatiently, "Affectionately known as Scruffy."
"Or thing," Leonis supplied without thinking. Realising what he had just done Leonis clamped his hands over his mouth in horror.
The laird turned to stare at him with a harsh appraisement. "Hmm… I knew it was only a matter of time before you showed your real nature. Smart mouth, is he Godric?"
Godric sighed in defeat. "He is as any son of Gryffindor," he supplied evasively. "But you must agree father, that he has conducted himself while despite your best attempts to addle him."
The laird sniffed in reply and waved his regal hand about as if it was a handkerchief. "Yes, well, he seems like an even tempered little thing. Unlike his father. Now little Leo, are you hungry?"