A/N

Ello all! Slight tech update here, I've run into a problem with my computer and am currently not able to access it. I had to rewrite the CH 5 the files onto another device and am operating from there. It may effect my ability to write(hopefully it doesn't) but I felt that I needed to drop the warning. Who knows with nothing else to do except write, I may now produce more for a time! Now somewhere in here your going to find the reason that you may give red that cookie you currently hold, so don't eat it yet!


(Schnee) Arc:

Ch. 5: Studium Particeps

~Will they be alright?


In the Manor

Alfreds POV

Alfred made his way back down the hallway and rounded the left bend towards the residence hall. He was glad he had managed to sneak his actual objective of helping the children under Alex's nose. The man thought he noticed the ruse, and was partially correct. Alfred however was still following a request to look after the children from the madam before she lost herself.

"I suppose this may now include the boy?" Alfred mused to himself.

I wonder what she would think about this. The head butler then smiled. "I suppose she'd tell me to let her handle him".

She probably would have read him a story instead of setting up a lesson. Alfred raised a hand to his chin and debated setting up a little bit of "free time" for the young miss.

Alfred continued down the hallway until he got to room R-Four. He raised his hand to knock on the door, but then stopped and reached for the gold door knob. He lightly opened the door to see that the child was sitting in the chair with the cloak around them asleep.

"oh"

Alfred had been meaning to ask about the family of the boy, but had thus far seen no major indicators outside of the boys behavior and currently tattered clothing.

I imagine Fredrick must be home by now. I glance over to the white cashmere turtleneck and black silk trousers. The boy had apparently left them folded on the bed. I walk over to pick up and then deposit them in the cardboard box that had previously held the newer attire for the child. I'll can arrange for one of the staff to mail it to Fredrick.

Having tended to that I glance at the boy, debating how to wake them up when something catches my eye. I... may never know anything about the boy's family, but whoever their guardian was certainly "somebody" .

The cloak was on par with anything he usually saw while working here. It was a white, almost silver full cloak with some silver vine embroidery. An obsidian black shoulder cloak adorned this, with the left shoulder coming down to what would be the hip on an adult. On the right shoulder was a silver chain that hung around the border. There was a second chain near the right chest and a small plate that looped downward and attached to what I assume is another plate on the left side of the chest.

The Hood was double layered such that the boy could pull up the white inner hood which would cover their head leaving a slight point at the cowl. The second layer had some gray fur outside a black hood which seemed to cover part of the white hood… was there some clear fabric in there?

I shook my head. I'm getting far too engrossed in the cloak, but I suppose I did learn something about the guardian.

I look back at the boy, debating on how to wake them when I see one more detail that makes me raise an eyebrow. The child had not raised the hood and the evening sunlight had just started coming through the window and played across his copper hair, which now after a few minutes of this, had a slight rustic shine to it?

This day was a first for a few things indeed. I've picked up a boy on the patio, and now said boy's hair is naturally changing color in front of me.

I sigh for once, then smile. "Well, he certainly makes a unique impression."

I walk over to the child and cough after raising my right gloved hand to my mouth.

This was enough to rouse the boy who groggily cracks an eye open. He then brings an arm up ,which implies there is a sleeve somewhere in that cloak and wipes his eyes and looks up to me… now having brown eyes? The sunlight moves a little more and that appears to do the trick with waking the child as he waves at me with a smile.

Uck! That smile is a weapon, boy would be a killer at selling items, or convincing me… I sigh internally at the struggles I know I'm going to have with this child.

The child continues to give the smile, waiting.

"I have arranged for you to meet with your potential friend for the time being, afterward you will be meeting with some important individuals who will help with your future living situation.

The boy has a look of fear painted across their face.

"No we are not moving you out of the house, just there are people you need to meet". The boy nods once more.

"Ok get yourself prepared." The boy unfastens the cloak from them and hangs it on the chair.

He then looks out the window a moment, psyching themselves up for what's to come, and he nods then looks back at me.

This kid, despite his inability to talk, is like an open book.

"Now stay behind me and don't wonder off." I make my way towards the door and once I arrive, twist the gold doorknob and exit the room.


The child follows me out and inspects the hallway, but then looks at me patiently… or not, I notice him holding his hands behinds his back, probably to restrain himself.I smile and make a left turn down the hallway.

"Follow me". I make my way down to the walk in closet and make a left turn.

The hallway, which has additional doors setup like the previous one and leads down to a right corner which I follow. There is then a staircase that leads downward to yet another hallway.

My charge and I make our way down to hit the intersection that could lead us to the left, forward, or right.

I lead off to the left and spot the single door at the end of the passage.

Once we make it to the door I turn and lay a hand on the child's shoulder.

"Your going to need to wait here while I sort a few things inside. "

The child nods, apparently thinking about what's to come. "you're fine , just use that winning smile of yours".

I pat the boys shoulder one more time before facing the door again and silently opening it.

There's the young miss working on an assignment at the desk facing towards the window catching the evening light, she had opened the white curtains as was her preference.

I silently followed the blue rug up to where she sat and peered over her shoulder. Ah so that's what Gregory had her learning, not a bad topic, I glance right over to the completed math assignments.

Thankfully Gregory left her with an extra copy on the off chance she "damaged" her assignment, personally I thought there was no need for that kind of behavior towards the young miss, but I was thankful for the extra copy as I could use it to test the boys mathematical aptitude.

I look around. I need the extra- there's the chair.

I walk over to it and pick it up silently and set it down slightly to the right of the girl who is constantly taking notes that Gregory will use to judge how comprehensively the young miss understood the designated material.

If Gregory is following the format I instructed he will then give her a written exam. I inspect the room and see that the study's bookshelves to the right and left had been used by her as she has procured a few smaller copies relating to her history topic.

Well done, don't just use the assigned work.

It shouldn't be a problem if I leave the boy with her given the progress she is making.

I back up a little from the young miss to avoid startling her once I make her aware of my presence as she is too engrossed in her writing.

I run a mental check one last time and realize a problem, I can't properly introduce the boy.

I frown. It should work out.. It will.

"Young miss"


Wiess's POV-

I had been working on Mr. Zimmers assignment for?

I glanced upward toward the clock that stood near the end of the desk.

Two hours, I look back at my work thus far feeling uncertain that I had taken enough notes given the amount of time I had put in, I knew that I was partially to blame for that as I had repeatedly remade my notes as I wasn't satisfied with them yet, but I ended up losing time this way.

Time that bled into what little free time I was allowed at the end of the day if I completed all assignments and got graded well on time. Something I always seem to be lacking in.

I stared at the assignment for a moment, as if somehow that would make it write itself, but the paper just simply sat there , without a care for my plight.

One that seemed to get worse with each passing day lately. I was accustomed as much as one could be to the workload, but the pace, amount, and difficulty of the assignments had spiked in the last month and a half.

Now father was here with his board discussing "business" again.

I'd like to teach him a thing or two about family economics. You don't show up in the house, just to not say a word. Normally I would prefer that, but I was expecting a reason from him regarding my current workload.

My father, of course, wouldn't care for my preferences.

I sigh and make to grab my pencil with my left hand when a voice coughs.

"Young miss".

I panic,almost closing the book with my other hand.

What's Alfred Clutch , my fathers right hand man and the head butler of the Schnee family doing here during my study time?!

I stand and slowly peer over to the black haired man, his Caesar cut just as I remember it. Ember red eyes look at me and I peer up at him and attempt to hide my nervousness from him.

"Yes, Mr. Clutch?"

" I have some news for you, as well as an additional assignment. I will run these by Mr. Zimmer's at a later time."

Internally I sigh at the ever increasing workload the world seems to want to hand me.

"Yes Mr. Clutch , since you came personally , I assume these are important for my continued education?

A smirk? Ohhh no. Mr. Clutch is smirking!

"Very much so , but this assignment is more like a long term project that I'm sure will keep you busy for the next few years."

I shatter internally as I listen to any free time I have bid farewell to me. I unclench my hand behind my back and exhale, hopefully without him noticing my frustration.

I doubt it would matter to him, but I won't break regardless of how much work they throw my way. Alfred nods, likely having noticed my feelings on the matter.

Honestly… I can't hide anything from him. I was hoping I had gotten better since I last saw him, he's always with father so it had been awhile.

Apparently, I'm still far below him.

"young miss?"

I snapped out of my thoughts and looked back at the Head butler , who had an eyebrow raised questioningly at me.

"Yes sir?"

"I told you that you would also be having a study partner for this.

"Sir!?"

Ahhhhhh! I don't need a study partner, which is likely one of the staff!

Despite my study time being devoted to working, its one of the few times I'm allowed to be by myself!

Mr. Clutch looks sternly at me.

"I will be having them review your recent material and then get them up to speed on the rest of your assignments, I plan on having them assigned to most of , if not all, of your classes. "

Goodbye cruel world. I close my eyes and reopen them staring at the taskmaster, bidding goodbye to my free time and defiantly waiting for this partner to appear so that I may know which staff member will be fathers spy for the next few years.

"Young man you may enter" A Small black topsider peeks behind the door?

Nobody that I know has shoes that small…. My thoughts stop as the rest of the figure walks out with a smile on their face and I look to see a well dressed boy sporting a white polo and Khakis.

He has curly short copper hair and brown eyes that are practically radiant with how happy he is as he looks right at smile somehow becomes even more radiant and he continues to walk right up to me and he abruptly stops, then places his right hand on his heart , his left leg slightly behind his right and he bows. The boy then finishes the bow and returns to an upright position and smiles at me as he extends a hand waiting.

I don't know what part of that whole "introduction" did it , but I start giggling uncontrollably. The boy puts their hand down and just smiles at me. Mr. Clutch is raising an eyebrow as us, but I don't care for once.

This partner is too far outside my expectations, and add in that display from earlier! I eventually get my giggling under control but am still laughing a little.

I grab both ends of my celeste skirt that thankfully works well with my white blouse. I bow my head slightly and perform a curtsy.

I then reach out with my hand.

" I look forward to working with you. "

The boy raises his hand and loosely grabs my hand , which he gently holds and then shakes. He let's go first to my chagrin, but I'll have this little radiators company for a few years according to Mr. Clutch so I quickly forget about it.

I then look at the Butler who has a poker face?

"Mr. Clutch if you could introduce me to my study partner please? I also ask that you explain the details of this assignment"


Alfred's POV-

I looked at the young miss who had a small smile on her lips.

Dam.

Normally little caught me off guard, but I was overwhelmingly shocked at what had transpired.

I was expecting a outburst from the young miss, instead I got giggles, something I have never even considered hearing in my lifetime.I glance at the boy.

Well, the boy certainly had a winning smile if he could defrost even Wiess with a simple smile and bow.

Speaking of which I didn't teach him that , meaning it's another indicator of his upbringing perhaps?

I redirect my attention back at the youngsters to see one of them restraining them self by locking their hands behind their back. The miss is tapping the floor with her shoe, waiting for me to explain, one being outright incapable of doing so, the other following protocol.

I raise a hand to my chin.

"As you have heard from me, you two will be working together on assignments, however that is just because both of you will be getting assigned the same material, which you must turn in separately. "


Wiess's POV-

I nodded at this as it made sense since he had said study partners earlier, not assistant.

"the assignments you will have being added are writing lessons and sign language."

I look questioningly at Mr. Clutch , wanting to say that I already have writing lessons and ask why sign language?

Red eyes narrow as they seem to discover my question even without me saying it.

"The reason for that young miss is that your partner cannot read or write."

I glance over to the boy next to me who reveals another large smile at me and nods. I don't even..

"So the first lessons are to teach him?" "Correct" I smile slightly, well it is technically review for me so- "your grade in this will be dependent on how he performs" what! I look over at the boy whom I see is looking at Mr. Clutch , he then looks at me with a serious look and gives a thumbs up. Is he deliberately not speaking to me?!

I worry somewhere that this potential future could already be falling apart before it was even built.

"Young miss"

I meet Mr. Clutches gaze.

" The reason he hasn't spoken to you is not out of choice, the young man is unable to speak , a mute. "

Something clicks in my mind and I gaze back at the boy and wonder how someone with so many deficiencies could have introduced themselves to me , Wiess schnee , they way that he did. You had to be really brave , a big dolt, or crazy.

I suppose you could have a big heart too… I shake my head and look back at Mr. Clutch "So is this the reason for the Sign language lessons?"

"Correct. Now let me be clear. The boy understands English, you have probably noticed this , but it needs stating, additionally we do not know his name."

I gaze once more at the boy who has a playful pout that reads "I know my name thank you!" or at least that's what I imagine it to be.

Alfred nods " I'm aware young man , but as I stated to you earlier, I cannot read your writing.

I perk up. "May I see it?"


The black haired man looks at me , but then nods and pulls out his red notebook and opens it.

He flips to a page and hands it to me.

I peer at the page and find a beautifully written line similar to cursive writing that has a flare to it ,but like Mr. Clutch I couldn't read it.

I found the number nine below it.

"Is nine your age?"

I glance towards the boy who smiles and claps softly.

I smile back and re-assess the boy whom I now know to be a year younger than me, happy that I got some information about him from looking at the notebook.

I hand the notebook back to Mr. Clutch , who then places it in a coat pocket.

"any additional question young miss?"

"Yes, when do we start?"

The butler reaches for the chairs and pulls them back "Right now I want him to test on mathematics so he will take a dry exam."

Mr. Clutch then pulls out the second copy of the exam I had just taken.

"Young miss you are not allowed to help him, this particular exam is important as we haven't assessed his capabilities yet you and him are finished, you're to report to for singing lessons. I will be altering your schedule slightly, thus everything will be delayed by twenty minutes today. "

"yes sir"

Mr. Clutch pulls out his scroll and after a series of strokes puts it away.

" All is arranged, take care young miss" He then makes his way to the door and once on the other side closes it, leaving me with my new study partner.

I look over to the younger boy , whom despite not smiling, still appears radiant." Well-".

As if sensing my gaze he looks over at me innocently and smiles.

He then reaches over and grabs my hand. "ah.." My question on what to call him catches itself in my throat as I don't quiet know how to handle this person.

I'm far more used to the rules my father puts in place and has drilled into me. Talking to the adults of another family that is trying to appease mine is an element I'm familiar with, as I've had to attend a few balls so far.

This boy is outside said element though.

I decided on two possible names , but go with the first one that came to mind.

"Since I've no idea as to your name, I will be referring to you as Heiter."

The boy stops and looks back at me. Well, do yo- said boy proceeds to envelop me in a hug, squeezing me tightly.

Something catches in my chest at the sudden embrace and I almost yell at the idiot.

Then I notice he's silently crying tears of joy and has that smile on his face.

I peal him off me and hold his shoulders, while I look him in the eyes.

That was a mistake on my part as the smile killed any resistance I had left.

"I suppose that was your way of saying that you approve of the name?"

Heiter extends his hand towards me and mouths "hello" . I softly grab his hand.

"Hello Heiter , I am Wiess Schnee. I look forward to working with you."

I smile, which is something I don't think I have truly done in quite some time. Heiter smiles and then turns around and leads me to the chairs .He pulls back the one I was sitting in and waves his right arm.

"Thank you Heiter" For all of his simplicity he has manners.. half the time, not that I mind, as I find it refreshing.

I reach behind myself and hold my skirt forward as I take my seat and situate myself.I then reach up with both arms and put them behind my neck, I pulled back any hair that would get in the way of studying.

I then glance to the left at the boy. "I'm fine now we need to get to work or we will be late for Mrs. Dion's lessons"

Heiter nods, finally replacing the smile with a focused expression as he takes the seat to my right and looks at the paper Mr. Clutch left for him. I look back at my own notes on Mt. Glenn and continue taking notes, but about thirty seconds into it I'm tapped on the shoulder.

I look over to my copper haired partner inquisitively.

"We really need to get this work done, if we get a bad grad-" I see the problem.

Heiter doesn't have a pencil to write with. He's drawing in the air as if to demonstrate the absurdity of his situation. I giggle slightly, then point to the right dresser. He puts both hands together and lightly bows.

He then looks over to his right and goes over the contents of the dresser. He retrieves a mechanical pencil.

He finally gets to work and I sigh, but then smile at the thought of having a "partner" not a "spy" with me.

I finally begin tackling the rest of my current workload refreshed and positive about the future.


A/N

Ello all! So there we have it. Finally introduced Wiess, but there was a twist! Hopefully it was enough for you to figure out why you shoul- oh dear "Merra scurries away" I'm not ready yet!

Ruby: umm hello? Did you see someone in a dark robe? They were cooking for the festival we hold every four years and I was hoping to ask if they could hand me some strawberries, or cookies, or strawberry cookies! Oh they went that way? Thank you! Hmm?

"sniffs the air and becomes distracted"

Ummm "looks both ways, then up at you" are you holding a cookie? "has puppy dog eyes" can I have your cookie if you don't want it? I mean its your cookie, but… "looks down at the ground ,kicks the dirt lightly, then looks back at you" could you please let me have it? "unknowingly using puppy dog eyes again"

Me: (saves self by not looking or listening) : soon Ruby, I just need more time. "whispers" anyway everyone hope you have a good time! See you next chapter!