Chapter 8 – First Day of Class [Pt.4]
Antares was feeling quiet amused as he strode towards the Slytherin Dungeons, despite the eventful situation that had just occurred. Never, in all his years at Hogwarts, had he received a detention before.
One would assume that given who he was that he would have had been put into detention at least once or twice in his five years of schooling, but that wasn't the case. Had he done things deserving of detention over the last five years? Of course he had. From sneaking out after dark, having sexual relations in various places throughout the castle and performing magic in the halls, Antares had done multiple things worthy of detention. But unlike his younger brother who couldn't pull of a simple prank without being caught, he was much better at not drawing unwanted attention to himself.
His amusement at his situation arose from the fact that his first ever detention wasn't due to him being caught doing something ('or someone' he internally smirked) that he shouldn't, but rather due to his refusal to duel off against his future wife.
His detention from Professor Graves was the reason that he was currently in the Slytherin Dungeons when he'd much rather be up in his dorm room reading or playing chess. He was heading down to see the Head of Slytherin House and resident Potions Master, Professor Horace Slughorn.
His decision to visit Slughorn wasn't made because he had an overwhelming desire to visit the aging professor, but rather one of convenience and self-servitude. Having never before experienced a detention at Hogwarts, Antares didn't plan on starting now.
He knew that his Head of House a very politically savvy individual. Somebody who could see the power and influence that his students would one day wield. Seeing as he would one day hold immense political and economic power, Antares knew that he held significant clout with his potions professor. It was this influence that he hoped to use in order to get out of Professor Graves detention.
After traversing the dimly lit dungeons for several minutes, he finally came to a stop outside the office door of his Head of House.
Schooling his features into a blank mask for what felt like the millionth time, Antares placed his Occlumency shields into full effect and knocked loudly upon the wooden door.
A muffled "Enter" was heard in reply.
Placing his hand on the large brass knob, Antares turned the handle, opened the door and entered the room.
Professor Slughorns office was exactly what one would expect from someone as pompous and grandiose as the elderly professor was. It was a fairly large room that contained a large fireplace with several beige leather sofas surrounding it. The overall colour scheme of the furniture, carpet and drapes consisted of various shades of gold, beige, burgundy and brown, and gave the room a look of gaudiness that Antares could never hope to achieve. A wooden desk and bookshelf was located on the left hand wall, with an ornate liquor cabinet situated to the right of the room. A door was located at the back the room that Antares assumed led to the professors sleeping quarters.
Sitting at the wooden desk with a quill in one hand and a glass of amber liquid in the other, was the unmistakable form of Professor Horace Slughorn.
"Ahhh Antares my boy, how wonderful it is to see you" exclaimed Slughorn with a wide grin, placing his quill and glass down upon the desk.
"Afternoon Sir. I trust your holiday wasn't too adventurous." replied Antares, taking a seat on the leather sofa that was offered to him.
"You know me Antares, I enjoy the small luxuries in life. Eating deliciously decadent deserts and partaking in some rather expensive wine is all the adventure I need." chuckled Slughorn, his large jowel dancing merrily as he did so.
"What about your own holidays? What does the young Antares Black get up to when he is not locked away studying?" asked the Professor with a curious expression on his face.
"My holidays were quiet average to say the least. Lots of political meeting and parties, press conferences and lessons from my father about managing our estate. Getting ready to take over my father's position in the future is hardly an enjoyable task. I know that I need to learn it all but it's quiet a tedious affair if you ask me" Antares said, telling the professor a very watered down version of his summer break without revealing any of his personal information.
Horace nodded his head in agreement, "But it is worth it in the end my dear boy, no matter how tedious and mind-numbingly boring it is. I myself had to endure the teachings of my father on the same subject over 80 years ago and I'm quiet glad that I did. To this day I still use the knowledge that he passed down to me when I was a young boy of sixteen."
Antares nodded along whilst internally cringing at the professor calling him 'dear boy'. He wasn't anybody's 'dear boy'. Even his mother and father didn't refer to him by such affectionate terms of endearment. If it was anybody else, he didn't think he would stand for such familiarity between himself and Slughorn. But his professor had a vast political network that was too valuable to ignore. So he kept a straight face and acted as if the bumbling old man was actually worth his time and effort, even if dealing with the man was mentally draining. As long as Slughorn continued to be a useful asset, then he would continue to suffer the man's presence.
Not wanting to spend longer than necessary in the old man's presence, Antares brought up the real reason he had come to visit his Head of House.
"I guess you would know better than I professor, you being a distinguished wizard with a strong political career. But as much as I would love to sit around and discuss such captivating topics with your fine self, I'm afraid that my visit is a bit more serious is nature" admitted Antares.
"What seems to be the problem Antares? You're not in any kind of legal trouble are you" asked Slughorn, his demeanour changing from jovial to serious.
"No, No, nothing quiet as serious as that" Antares hastily replied.
"I've been given detention by the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, and thought that as you're my Head of House that you may be able to land me a helping hand in the matter".
Slughorn visibly relaxed as he was told that Antares presence wasn't due to anything illegal. He did however have a surprised look on his face once he learned that one of his favourite students had received a detention.
"That seems very unlike you Antares. What could have possibly happened for you to receive a detention, and on the first day of class no less?" inquired a mystified Slughorn.
Now this was where things got a bit tricky for Antares. Did he disclose the real reason he had received the detention or did he make up some lie to hide his marriage contract from the professor?
"Well, the first class I had this morning was Defence Against the Dark Arts with Professor Graves. Him being the new professor, he wanted all of us to showcase our duelling skills. Naturally he had us get into pairs, but when my partner was announced I refused to duel against them. I told the professor that I didn't want to face off against my partner and when he tried to force me I turned around and left" recounted Antares honestly.
"Was there a specific reason that you didn't want to face off against your opponent? It isn't like you to back out of a challenge" asked Slughorn.
"Of course there is. If it was anybody else, I would have no reservations about showcasing my abilities to the new professor. But even I'm not as cold-hearted to bring myself to duel off against my future wife"
Slughorns eyes widened comically as Antares revealed his betrothal. Several moments passed before the professor regained his composure, standing up and shaking his hand vigorously.
"A guess a congratulations are in order my dear boy. Who shall the future Lady Black be, if you don't mind me asking?" asked Slughorn as he walked over towards his liquor cabinet.
"Helena Greengrass" replied Antares with a small grin.
"Simply wonderful my boy, Miss Greengrass is quiet the catch. She comes from a good pureblood family, is an excellent student and extremely beautiful. But I'm sure you know all of this already. I take it you are quiet happy with the decision?" commented Slughorn, returning from his liquor cabinet with two glasses of brandy.
"I am, all things considered. I think she and I will make quiet a good couple, if I do say so myself" said Antares, accepting the class that Slughorn offered him.
"Nobody else knows about my betrothal as of yet. I trust that this information will remain between the two of us"
"Of course, Of course" promised Slughorn. "You don't get to be the Head of Slytherin House for 50 years without knowing how to keep a few secrets."
"I propose a toast" said Slughorn, raising his glass in the air.
"To Antares Black, and his beautiful wife-to-be. May their love marriage be a happy one and their family names last forever".
Following Slughorns lead, Antares raised his glass into the air as well. When the professor's mini-toast ended, they both raised glass to their lips and downed their entire glass.
"Now" said Slughorn, "about your little detention problem. You leave it with me and I'll try my best to get you out of an official detention. You may need to do some sort of punishment, but I'll try and reason with Professor Graves so it shouldn't be anything too difficult".
"Thank-you sir. The Most Noble and Ancient House of Black won't forget this. I'll make sure you receive an invitation to the Black Family Gala at Christmas. It's the least I could do for the help and guidance you have given to me over the last 6 years" said Antares, making sure to stroke the professor's ego as much as he could.
"It's no trouble at all my dear boy. Making sure promising young wizards like yourself follow the right path in life is what a proper mentor is supposed to do." said the now blushing Professor, clearing loving the praise that he was currently receiving.
"Well I suppose I better head down to the great hall, lest I be late for lunch. Thanks again professor for the brandy and the company, and especially for the help with my detention situation" said Antares with a sullen expression, making sure to look very reluctant to leave the professors company.
"It was no trouble at all Antares. I too enjoyed our conversation today. I shall update you tomorrow about your punishment in place of your detention" replied Slughorn, taking the empty glass from Antares outstretched hands.
Bidding his Head of House one last goodbye, Antares turned on his heels and left the potions professors office, his lips pulled into a devilish smirk.
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