Summary: Remy opens his presents, gets mail, and has his first martial arts lesson

Disclaimer: erm…..

Warnings: Natta

Stretching and yawning Remy coaxed his sleep addled brain to wakefulness and prepared to start a new day. Opening his eyes, he gasped, and did a double take. This wasn't his room, all this finery was new, he had to have been moved. But no the lay out was just the same, the pieces had just undergone a make-over that's all. Still in shock at the change, Remy got out of bed to take his ritual morning shower and noting his clothing the events of last evening came rushing back into glorious clarity. He was a lord now, and recognized as the heir to the clan. "Well that explains the changes to my quarters, these rooms are fit for a Lord." Thought Remy, then he saw the pile of presents still waiting to be opened and thoughts of all else proved volatile. Sitting on the floor in front of the stack he stared at the presents and tried to decide which one to open first. He had never seen so many gifts before and the sheer variety in size and color made it difficult to choose. Finally he settled on a long cylindrical package wrapped in dark green wrapping paper. Tearing into the paper he quickly revealed a broom, it was "The newest racing broom from the makers of the Firebolt, THE THUNDER HEAD." Remy was speechless. Setting the broom carefully on his bed, he tore into the remaining presents at random and revealed, a set of fighting daggers, various types of knives, a sword spelled to be light and capable of fighting in all weather conditions, an invisibility cloak, and cloaks of other use. He also opened gifts of rings and medallions but nothing could measure up with Adele's gift in his mind. Finally all gifts were opened except a tiny box wrapped in garish pink wrapping paper with green polka dots. Amused and curious Remy picked up the box and opening it found a small whistle. Attached was a note that read " Open your bedroom window, blow this whistle and stand back. Cautious at first, but then with more sureness, Remy did as the note instructed, first opening the windows wide, then blowing hard on the whistle, no sound was made, and Remy stared hard at the whistle. "Is it broken?" he thought worriedly and almost forgot about the stepping back part as a large flying animal swooped towards the window. Ducking for cover Remy gasped as the animal shot through the window, then did a circuit about the room to slow down before settling down on the window ledge.

Remy slowly got up from he knees to look at the creature, and upon inspection noted it to be some type of owl. Large and imposing it had shiny black feathers that almost looked blue they were so dark. Hooting loudly, it turned its tawny gaze on Remy. Remy unsure of what to do, looked down at the little slip of paper for more instruction and turnign the slip over, found it. He will come when you blow the whistle, when he comes give him a whole mouse and he will prove agreable enough. I enclosed a mouse for this purpous but you should buy more at your earliest convenience if you want to avoid an irritable owl. Peering nervously into the box he noticed the small frozen mouse wrapped in plastic at the bottom of the box and gagged. Dubiously reaching into the box with two fingers he pulled the mouse of of the plastic and held it up at arms length. Turning slightly green he tossed the mouse in the general direction of the owl, who at once saw the mouse and spreading its wings swooped up to meet it and caught it in its beak with a sickening crunch. Remy now more than slightly green left the owl to its meal and made his own way to his shower.

As he entered the bathroom, he again was shocked by the alterations and decided in favor of a bath rather than the shower. Pulling a towel from the toiletry cabinet and grabbing his shampoo and soap from the shower he prepared for his bath, Stripping and entering the deep tub via the small stairs at one end he noted the various taps labeled "lavender" or "rosewater." After a moments deliberation Remy chose a tap labeled "sandalwood" and immediately the tub began to fill with warm water and the sent of sandalwood permiated the room. Sighing in contentment, Remy took a seat and waited for the water to come up to his chest before turning off the faucet and undo his hair tie to let his shoulder length hair out of it's pony tail. Taking up the shampoo and sinking under the water to wet his hair then emerging, he put a small amount of shampoo in his hand and began to lather his hair. Then, rinsing he removed the suds from his hair which now hung wet and limp in waves. Then taking up the soap he washed himself and then exited the tub wrapping the fluffy blue towel about himself and pulling the plug to drain the tub. He went to the mirror in front of the sink and took up the brush sitting there. Pulling it forcefully through his stubbornly tangly hair, Remy made sure all tangles disappeared then pulled it back again into his ritualistic pony tail. Satisfied, he exited the bathroom to look for a change of clothes.

Not sure where to look first he opted for the ornate wardrobe and was rewarded with success. Inside he found sets of Vampire robes similar to what he wore last night but of more practical fabric than silk. The morning chill was wafting in from the open window and Remy shivered slightly as he chose a hanger at random and dressed quickly. Once dressed he looked around for his boots and found them at the foot of the bed, looking inside Remy found that the dagger had been cleaned and replaced. He slipped them on over a new pair of socks he found in a chest of drawers next to the wardrobe and was then ready for the day. Just in time too, because soon after he heard an escalating argument between the guards and man, whose voice Remy didn't recognize. Unsure of what to do, Remy then heard Victor's voice enter the mix and rushed to the doors to investigate. The bickering men didn't even notice that the doors had opened at first until Remy softly coughed. The men whirled and then turned sheepish. "Sorry to disturb you Milord Remy, but I was instructed see you at my earliest convenience and I did, but your guards denied me access." Said the man in what Remy noted to be military issue regalia the man then bowed and added, "If you truly wish to be unbothered I can return at a later hour."

"No, no this is fine, I was just about to go fine father anyway. Who are you anyway?"

"Why I am to be your martial arts instructor, milord, if it pleases you."

"Oh, now I remember, you are Sargent Jameson!"

"Yes, milord, ready and willing to serve."

Turning to Victor Remy asked, "Where are my lessons to be held?" Victor thought a moment and then said, "Well there is a suite of rooms just down the hall that can be spelled to suffice in a few hours time. I am sure, sergeant, that you will find them spacious enough, why don't you work on preparing them to your liking and Remy will join you there in say, 2 hours time." "Thank you very much Milord Victor, that would be very much acceptable sir." Said the man bowing deeply. "Marvelous" said Victor with a smile. Victor then turned to one of the guards and instructed him to take the sergeants to the indicated rooms and to send up a few servants to help. Once the guard and the sergeant had left Victor walked past Remy into his room and Remy joined him, closing the twin doors behind him. "I see you have opened your presents," Victor noted amusedly as he saw the stack of items and the pile of wrappings. He then saw the bird still perched on the window sill. "Oh my, that must be from Eliazar Flint, always liked owls, he simply insists that everyone should own one, he also is quite color blind and often uses the most….unfortunate color schemes." Said Victor noticing the small pink and green box sitting on the bed. Remy laughed at the absurdity of it and Victor smiled indulgently.

Just then the post arrived. A swarm of owls came bearing many letters addressed to Lord Remy Sagoicci, Sagoicci Castle, West Wing, Room 24. Most were birthday messages and apologies from those who couldn't attend. Remy set those aside because what really captured his attention was a large and very thick black envelope with silver script on it and an odd coat of arms on the top left hand corner were the return address would be. Turning it over curiously in his hands Remy then opened it and removed a sheaf of equally black paper with the same odd silver script. Victor saw the envelope and knew immediately what it was. "That would be your acceptance letter from the Dark Lord's academy. What does it say?" Remy unfolded the papers and began to read.

Dear Mr. Remy Sagoicci,

It is my pleasure to announce that you have been accepted at my school for future members of my elite group of peacekeepers, the Death Eaters. On merit of parentage and perceived skill you have been noted for inclusion in these forces. Enclosed you will find a list of the items needed for attendance at my school. All attendees may bring pets but they must not have a danger rating of over XX and they must not need extensive attention because focus should be on your studies and not on the keeping of an animal. Respond before the date of July 31 if you are to be in attendance among the future elite.

Signed,

Lord Voldemort

Remy finished reading the letter portion and looked up at Victor in amusement. "Well? Should I sent my acceptance now?" "Sure why not." Responded Victor motioning to the quill, ink and parchment on a small writing desk Remy hadn't noticed before. Moving to the desk and taking up the quill in large careful letters he wrote, "I Lord Remy Sagoicci accept your invitation to attend." Then sealing the envelope he went over to the owl he got for his birthday and nervously reached for his leg to tie the letter to and was relieved when the owl obliged with not contest. Fixing the letter the owl's outstretched leg, then sending it off to deliver the message to the Dark Lord, Remy breathed a sigh of relief. Then he turned to the rest of the papers sent to him. The next sheet was a list of supplies needed as mentioned that read:

All students will need:

2 sets of combat robes, black

2 sets of sturdy boots, black

1 wand

1 cauldron, pewter or other non-valuable metal, standard size

1 copy of the following:

Dark Curses: Book One by: Fridrich Wittlespoon

Working as an Undercover Operative by: Anonymous

Potions and Potion making: Book One by: Victoria Nettlehaven

Basic Charms: Book One by: Alexius Venerslausen

Hand to Hand Combat: Book One by: Manus Dextrius

Beginners Astrology: Book One by: Florian Andromedae

All students may bring a broom, though the leisure time required to enjoy it may or may not present itself.

"I guess we have to go shopping today don't we?" asked Remy slightly overwhelmed by the list of the needed items.

"Yes we do, but why don't we wait until after your combat training and lunch, we can go in the late afternoon. Presently, I do believe it is time for some breakfast," said Victor with relish. Remy's stomach did the talking for him as they both made there way to the small private breakfast room close to the kitchens. After filling themselves with sausage and eggs, toast and bacon, Remy went to prepare for his first martial art session.

He appeared at the indicated set of rooms 15 minutes before his scheduled time and knocking softy waited to be admitted. The door opened soon after and Remy was ushered inside. The room was actually pretty basic with white walls, a high ceiling and no real decoration. The floor however was a thick blue mat and one wall was a entirely mirror. Remy could see through a doorway to another room where from what he could see various weapons hung on the wall. The sergeant tossed a basic black set of pants and a tunic much like Remy had worn as a slave and told him to go change. Slightly confused, but willing, Remy did as he was told, going into a small cubicle off to the side and emerging minutes later in the simple clothing. "Good now you are ready. In this room, rank or social status means nothing, I am the master, you are my pupil and you are to address me as such. If I tell you to do something, you do it, regardless of how hard or impossible you may think it is. I will never push you beyond your capacities but I will come pretty close. Whining will not be accepted and will be dealt with harshly. You may be joined at sometime by some of my other pupils, you are to treat them with respect and do as they tell you as well. Understood?"

Remy was utterly shocked by this speech but he wanted to learn so after a pause nodded and said, "Yes…Master." "Good, our first lesson today will be blocking basic attacks." Remy was tossed a long pole and the sergeant took up an identical one. "I want you to stop me from hitting you with my staff, I won't be gentle just because you are a lord. If you are in a fight you will not be pampered because of status. If you get hit it will sting and most likely bruise, I suggest you maintain a semblance of vigilance. Begin." Remy raised his staff in what he thought to be a ready position and the sergeant swung his staff around keeping it about two feet off the ground to hit Remy hard in the back of the leg. Surprised Remy pitched forward and fell in a jumble of legs and staff. Laughing hard, The sergeant pulled Remy off the floor. "Never expect all strikes to be at vital areas, your legs are just as vulnerable, and you must learn to fall properly, that was possibly the worst fall I have ever seen. You have to roll like this."

Demonstrating and then having Remy follow in his example, Remy eventually could perform a passable forward roll, with and without the staff in his hands. The session continued much in the same way for two and a half hours. Remy would attempt to do as instructed, fail miserably, be corrected, and then they would move on. Remy was covered with what would become painful bruises and very sore when the sergeant called for the lesson to end. Thanking the sergeant and handing him the staff Remy limped out of the room dripping with sweat. Grabbing his clothes on the way and went to his rooms to take his second hot bath of the day.

Half an hour later found Remy all washed up and changed back into his vampire robes. He then laid the combat uniform out for the servants to take and clean and went to find Victor for lunch. He found him, after inquiring from a passing guard, in the library ready some heavy tome of history. "Hello, father."

"Oh, hello Remy, how was your lesson."

"Painful," said Remy with a slight wince.

"Oh, don't worry, you will improve, I still remember my first martial arts lesson, my master sent me to the infirmary with a broken nose and arm, be grateful, a few bruises are nothing, and though painful now, they will help you remember later not to let your guard down. I suppose however that you want lunch now already."

"Yes sir!" exclaimed Remy with fervor and chuckling, Victor put down his book for later reference and together they went off in search of food.

Well there you have it, a chappie, a short chappie but a chappie none the less. I would love to know what you think and all feedback is nice. Thank you to all who have reviewed so far, it is so encouraging.