A Pearl For Arrogance

First year - September

2 months ago

Remus Lupin was different. He knew that. Understood that no matter who it was standing in front of him, he would always be perceived as different through everyone's eyes. Growing up in Knightsbridge accompanied by the surname Lupin was enough to prove any and all doubt. It also prevented the son of billionaire Lyall Lupin, from making any friends. Being forced to attend a private school from reception to year eleven with posh, snobby, brats was not helping him in any case. All of his peers assumed themselves better when compared to the rest of society. No doubt a message delivered by their parents. But whatever special treatment and materialised objects Remus was handed throughout his childhood, they did not affect his humility or sense of morals in any way. All thanks to Hope Lupin’s parenting skills. This is where his opinions always clashed with the others, they would disregard anyone who went through struggles, trauma, crises, even their own family members in some cases. Man did that cause his blood to boil, teeth to clench, his mind swirling in anger while his body operated on auto-pilot.

That is how eleven year old Remus Lupin found himself outside the headmaster's office for the third time since the start of term. This time however pleased to report that there were no facial wounds. He couldn’t believe he actually won the fight, he never wins. A small victory Remus reminisces in before the unmistakable looming presence of his father appears to his right. He knows the routine now, no words spoken, no eye contact made, just waves of disappointment to last a lifetime.

“He just doesn’t understand is all”, his mother had tried explaining time and time again. But the message never seemed to stick. How could anyone possibly not understand that what those kids said wasn’t true? There wasn’t much time to dwell on the thought though because the large mahogany doors Remus had familiarised himself with started to open. First a lady with high cheekbones and a thin frame stepped out, her eyes quickly scanning over Lyall before focusing on Remus and expressing her distaste through her unnaturally widened eyes.

Then her son Severus Snape followed behind, his round face sporting a fresh new cut to the top of his lip and a swollen cheekbone already showing signs of bruising. Remus had a moment of pride for himself, seeing the damage he’d caused. He felt this feeling was justified seeing how he overheard Snape bullying one of the girls who had been playing rugby on the oval. What he didn’t admit to himself was that the only reason it resulted in physical violence and not a few choice words like he would normally use, was because he had a crush on Lily Evans. Whenever he passed by she always spared a small greeting, wave or smile for the small boy, whose eyes would chase after her attention grabbing bright orange hair. He had also heard rumours she was moving schools soon and felt a little discouraged after hearing this news for he had not once been able to strike up any form of conversation with the girl. After this he was sure they’d soon have something to talk about however.

“Mr Lupin, thank you for coming. Again.” Headmaster Phillips addressed Remus’ father with an outstretched hand as he stepped out of his office. He was a stern elder who was a stickler for rules. Specifically the old and more controversial ones. One being the belief that all women were only useful for the purpose of bearing children, and he had expressed these opinions on several occasions. Remus always felt his hand twitch in anticipation to slap him when these came to light, he knew that headmaster Phillips' opinions were wrong and ill informed but could never say anything for the risk of expulsion. That was of course until today because at this very moment Lyall Lupin and the headmaster were currently working through paperwork to transfer Remus to Hogwarts, a boarding school located in Scotland.

It was a decision made the last time Remus had been in the office, that if he were to end up there one more time within the term he would be sent to Scotland with no hesitation. Of course being July, Remus would finish this term before starting the new school year in September at Hogwarts. He was looking forward to moving away from his father, plus his sister would also be attending due to the fact it was easier for his parents and Hope had insisted. This caused no bother of course, for Eliana had always been his best friend and closest confidant he could rely on for anything.

_ _ _

As the end of August approached the Lupin siblings grew more and more anxious for what awaited them. Both had already packed and checked each other’s bags twice now to distract themselves from the nervousness of it all. With only tonight left in the Lupin household the duo had crammed into Remus’ double bed with the sheet pulled over their heads to create a ‘sort of’ fort. Sharing a torch as they whispered hushed worries to each other.

“They sort us into houses, Remus. Like different buildings to live in. What if we get put in different ones?”

Her eyes grew bigger and her breath quickened.

“I’m pretty sure they keep siblings together though. Don’t they?”

He wasn’t sure, he hadn’t heard anyone say that, he was trying to calm down Eliana before she burst into tears.

“Then why did we have to send in our measurements for uniforms? Because they already know what house we’ll be in, that’s why. It’s bad enough we’ll be separated by gender. I really don’t want to be separated by houses too.”

Remus knew telling her that sending in measurements literally meant nothing other than the fact they would be provided with uniforms at school, would just make her mad so he refrained.

“Don’t worry El you’ll still be my best friend no matter what ok? But don’t let me stop you from making your own friends as well. You should feel comfortable at this new school.”

“Ok. Thanks Rem.”

She closed her eyes and laid her head on the pillow next to his. Remus pulled the blankets from over their heads and tucked it under their chins. He turned off the torch and put it on his bedside table next to his phone with one too many cracks after dropping it so many times.

“Always and hey at least we’re starting secondary with everyone else. It’s not like we’re going into our second or third year where people will already know each other.”

“You’re right. You’re always right.”

She mumbled, slipping away into unconsciousness.

_ _ _

The underground of Knightsbridge Station had been crowded with the morning flow of people. Remus and Eliana had been dropped off by their driver with their mother and boarded a train up to Scotland. Lyall was away on some business trip but had rang them earlier that morning to see how they, or rather Eliana, were feeling about starting year seven at a new school. She talked his ear off of course, with all her worries and excitement. The only thing Remus said was, “I promise”, in response to his father reminding him to be on his best behaviour.

After the three hour long train ride Remus and Eliana followed their mother to a car waiting for them. Remus wondered where it had come from. Scotland perhaps? Surely not London or anywhere that far away. After another thirty or so minutes they pulled up towards a large building made of sandy brick and big arches. The driver opened the door and Remus stepped out of the car first before offering his hand to his mother and sister. It was something Lyall had taught him to do when he was younger and it was one of the things he didn’t mind learning.

_ _ _

Remus’ name would be called after Eliana’s seeing as the headmistress McGonagall was running in alphabetical order. While waiting for her to reach L, Remus searched between the other students as discreetly as he could to see if the rumour he heard was true. Apparently the prince was here and he missed their entrance. Did they even announce it? Or did he come in too late? Either way he had not seen anyone from the royal family.

“Rem, she’s up to L.”

He felt Eliana tugging on the sleeve of his cardigan that had poked through under his blazer sleeve.

“Alright. Quit ripping my cardigan, you'll put a hole through it.”

He hissed quietly to not upset those around them.

“I’m not ripping a hole in it! I barely touched it!”

She hissed back, a little louder evidently as some students around them looked at the pair.

“Ok ok, just stop worrying yea? She’s about to tell us what house we’re in. If we’re in different ones then you can worry. Alright?”

Eliana rolled her eyes and mumbled Remus’ words under her breath with a mocking tone and snarl on her lips.

“Eliana Lupin. Gryffindor.”

She turned to meet Remus’ eyes but didn’t move. He realised she was waiting until his name was called so looked back up to McGonagall while hushed whispers surfaced when no one moved towards the prefect Arthur Weasley. The headmistress continued.

“Remus Lupin.”

Eliana gripped onto one of his hands with two of hers and squeezed it so tight he thought his fingers may snap.

“Gryffindor.”

She instantly let go and jumped up, wrapping her arms and legs tightly around his body tightly, letting out a relieved chuckle into his hair. When he put her down he draped an arm over her shoulder and guided them towards the other Gryffindors.

It was lucky having Eliana there with him because it prevented any awkwardness. He already had someone there to talk to and wasn’t standing alone feeling left out, unlike a girl to his left. Was it…? He hadn’t heard her name called out, but maybe that was his own fault for trying to find the prince. Maybe it’s not even her. He reminded himself. There were other red heads that existed, Arthur Weasley for example. But when she turned around there was no doubt about it, standing in front of him was Lily Evans.

“Remus!”

Her green eyes lit up the room as he peered through them, trying to evaluate whether she was genuinely happy to see him or not.

“Hey there Lily Evans”

Eliana spoke from under his arm. He almost forgot she was there after Lily said his name. She knew his name. They had shared small smiles and a few head nods before but had never spoken to each other.

“Um hi, Eliana, right?”

Lily’s eyes were now on El’s and Remus could feel her head bobbing against his arm.

“Well this is something right? I mean all of us being put in Gryffindor after leaving Bloom together that is. Well not ‘together’ but you know what I mean.”

She shifted her eyes back to Remus’. Standing this close to her he realised how tall she was. She was at least an inch or two above him.

“Right. Why did you move here anyway?”

Lily’s eyes narrowed slightly but the warm smile didn’t slip from her face. The question unsettled her obviously but Remus was unsure why. Maybe because of Severus Snape and the other bullies at Bloom College.

“I could ask you guys the same question.”

He felt his eyes widen a little and a small smile trying to escape. He truthfully hadn’t thought about how weird it was for Bloom students to change schools, especially when you could afford it and based on outward appearances ‘belonged’. But that thought suddenly created another. How was Lily here? This school is probably more prestigious than Bloom. Most definitely if people from the monarch are here. However Lily is smart. A genius even. Never once getting anything lower than an A. She was the first to raise her hand and was an amazing rugby player, it was unfair Bloom didn’t allow girls to play. Maybe that’s why she is here. Hogwarts offers so many extracurricular activities. Including a girls rugby team for junior and senior years.

Eliana and Lily continued talking while Remus got stuck in his head about anything and everything, only being drawn out when one of them said his name or tapped his shoulder. His trance was broken again as laughter ripped across the hall, he looked back to find two boys breaking down in hysterics. Over what? He had no idea. Upon closer inspection he realised the taller of the two was the prince, James Potter. With darkened skin, larger than life hair the tabloids always loved to critique and his round glasses propped against his face. He was certain.

_ _ _

After staring at the prince and his friends for too long and chatting with his sister and Lily for even longer Arthur Weasley finally addressed the whole group.

“Hello there everyone! My name is Arthur Weasley, I’m a year eleven prefect for Gryffindor. So to start off with I’ll take everyone to the boarding house and then tell you what dorm you’re in. Does that sound alright?”

There were varying levels of enthusiasm from the group. On one end was Lily Evans who let out a loud hoot and on the other was Remus Lupin who’s face barely twitched.

“Alrighty then so just follow me and try not to wander off as you will most definitely get lost.”

Well that gave him a vote of confidence. As the group walked out of the Great Hall and down several corridors, accessed via staircases and passing many classrooms in use, Remus thought about his future here. Tomorrow he would be in one of those classes, wearing the same uniform as Arthur Weasley. In a year he would be used to living here, maybe have a friend or two, maybe Lily would be his girlfriend. He felt the telltale signs of a blush creeping onto his face so he quickly tuned back into his surroundings.

They had arrived at Gryffindor house and Arthur had stopped at the front door. Remus was pleased to find he had also stopped, subconsciously aware of what those around him were doing.

“So now I need the girls to line up here on my left and you lads here on my right. Molly will be taking you girls to your dorms and helping you get settled in, while I will take the boys. Shall we?”

Molly was a short girl, her hair was also red. What is with this school and redhead? He thought amused at the prospect of people getting accepted by hair colour. Eliana slipped out from the arm Remus still had over her shoulders and gave him a quick hug before disappearing behind the door, following Molly and the other first years, including Lily. She had knocked her shoulder against his free one before she was off too. Leaving him alone in a crowd of boys he didn’t know. Well he knew of the prince, but everyone knew of the prince, only two seemed to know him.

“So boys as we pass by dorm rooms I’ll call out the names of the occupants and leave you to start getting organised for tomorrow. If your belongings aren’t in there or any uniforms please find me or any other prefect. You don’t want to turn up to school tomorrow in your pyjamas.”

Some of them sniggered, snorted and chuckled to each other. One of them looked like he had just been dared to do it, the same black haired boy that had been laughing with the prince earlier. Remus made up his mind now that it was better to stay away from that group. He didn’t need the extra trouble.

As they walked along a side corridor there were doors on either side and four boys were being dropped off into each one. It wasn’t until the second floor when there were eight of them left, which meant only two rooms, that Remus noticed the prince and his two friends hadn’t separated yet. What were the chances?

“Room 203. Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew and James Potter. I’ll come collect you boys when it’s time for lunch.”

As the three boys jumped together and celebrated excitedly Remus felt like he had been kicked in the stomach. If that look from the black haired boy was anything to go by, these boys would certainly create trouble for him. Never mind that it’s the prince, if anything happens and relates back to him he’ll never hear the end of it from his father.

“Wanna come in then Lupin? Or are you happy to stand out there all day?”

The prince asked with a smirk. The prince asked him. James Potter. James Potter the prince. James Potter the Prince of England just asked him not one but two questions. He called him Lupin. His last name. His last name is Lupin. Stop being a twat!

“Um yea. Yea I’m coming in.”

His words stumbled out, a bit quieter than intended but they seemed to reach James’ ears because he nodded and hid a small smile of amusement as he moved away from the doorway and beckoned him in. Remus chose to ignore this strange encounter to save himself the embarrassment. Instead focusing on the small dorm room. It actually wasn’t so small, there was enough room for two single beds to be placed on opposite sides of the room and still leave room in the middle for them to sit down if they so wished to. Each bed had a bedside table with a powerpoint between them to share. There were also three doors. He guessed the single one was a bathroom and the double was the cupboard. He opened it to find he was correct, and there were uniforms, labelled for each of them. Sixteen button up shirts - four each, four polos - one each, eight trousers - two each, four dress shorts - one each, four sport shorts - one each, and four sweatpants - one each. There were also school cardigans and blazers with ties hung up to the side one of each for the four of them. At the back in the bottom was also a small basket with about twenty pairs of school socks.

The cardigans were Gryffindor red and the white socks had three thick lines that wrapped around the top, red, yellow, red. The ties were also red with yellow lines spaced out unevenly, running on a diagonal. The tops were plain white with the Hogwarts crest embroidered onto the breast pocket, for the button ups and the right side of the polos where their pecs were. Alongs the collar read, ‘Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus’ which apparently translated to ‘never tickle a sleeping dragon’ but Remus is sure someone was just taking the piss out of him.