maple syrup | remus lupin [1]

110. changes & scones

WITH THE RETURN OF the students that had spent Christmas at home, the Daily Prophet had made a report that was the main topic of conversation on the train.

Charles Maple had become the new Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

This basically meant that Claudia's father, who had now officially taken the spot that was previously Bartemius Crouch Senior's, had even more power than the amount that came from his surname.

And, his wishes of making life difficult for muggleborns and halfbloods was something that caused the announcement to be a concerning one.

So, let's just state the obvious. Claudia was having a shitty day.

Lucky for her, however, she had arrived at Hogwarts a few days before about fifteen minutes before her father and grandmother did, so she steered clear of that one. Something that brought relief to everyone.

And, also lucky for her Henry had spent Christmas at the school because his and Rosamund's parents were visiting family in Hongkong, which meant that Claudia had a friend.

"So, how's Rosamund?" Claudia asked as she and Henry strolled down the corridors in the wait of the carriages that would bring their friends back.

They had just walked past his sister, the girl who had, alongside Nolan, caused all that mayhem all those months ago. Seeing her again had sparked some curiosity within Claudia considering that the girl walked past them without even so greeting her brother, that after having stopped and stared at the two.

"Are you really asking that?" Henry questioned, an amused smile on his face. "After everything, you are asking how Rosamund's doing?"

"Apparently," Claudia said. "I'm just curious."

"Well, I don't really know in all honesty."

"What do you mean?"

"I just haven't been talking to her much," he said, a solemn expression on his face. "And when I do she's quite reclusive. You saw just now what she's like. I think she's mad that I helped you out in all honesty."

"Oh."

"But it served her right. She needed to be taught a lesson."

"Guess so," said Claudia. "But maybe you should tell her something?"

"Tell her what?"

"I don't know, maybe that you miss her or something?"

"Why?"

"Because you clearly do," she shrugged. "I can see it in your eyes. You're siblings. You aren't supposed to break your bond just like that. So, I reckon you should talk to her and tell her that you just wanted to do the right thing, and maybe she'll open up to you again."

"Rosamund doesn't open up to anyone. But I'll try."

"Good."

"You know, you are far too nice for your own good," he smiled. "No wonder pretty boy Lupin fell head over heels for you."