A Pearl For Arrogance

Chapter 1 - James Potter

First Year - September

James Potter, eleven years old and about to start secondary school at Hogwarts College, located in the middle of Scotland somewhere. It wasn't that simple though. Holding hands on the leather seats opposite him were the King and Queen of England, Fleamont and Euphemia Potter. His parents.

"Excited for school then darling?"

His mother called out softly, forcing him to lift his gaze from where her small hand was being embraced by long fingers belonging to his father. The contrast of dark and pale skin was beautiful in the early hours of the morning as the sun crept up and over the edge of the disappearing night, illuminating their bound hands through the tinted glass. No matter what hardships his parents faced as leaders of the commonwealth, they always managed to keep their fire of love burning. It was something James had always admired and longed for.

"Of course mum. Do you think I'll be put in Gryffindor house like you dad?"

His father's eyes twinkled with joy and reminiscence as a smile slipped onto his face.

"That would be something wouldn't it son. But you're just going to have to wait until we get there."

James slumped back against the seat into his previous position before he had jumped forward in anticipation. Gryffindor house was where his father had boarded during his days at Hogwarts, before studying at Oxford where Fleamont met Euphemia. There were other houses like Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin, but he hadn't heard much about them.

Gryffindor's house colours were red and gold; Hufflepuff's were yellow and black; Ravenclaw's were blue and bronze; Slytherin's were green and silver.

The king's study was filled with many little oddments he had 'borrowed' from Gryffindor house. Including a couch cushion, tea cup, a school pen (or twelve), a small lion figurine and the candle that used to sit atop the common room's fireplace. James was eager to pick up where his father left off and continue to collect objects from around his own boarding house.

_ _ _

The car started to slow as his parents' voices became louder in his head. Had he really fallen asleep? Granted the trip was about 3 hours, with car rides and an hour flight, they had left the palace at five in the morning and sitting down the whole time had made him drowsy.

"James darling, we're here."

His mothers excited but calm voice broke James out of the sleep induced trance. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, under the lenses of his glasses, he let out a loud yawn that caused a choked snort from his father. Feeling much more awake and energised James peered through the windows of the car to a large building that would be better described as a castle. The excitement reappeared and James quickly knocked on the privacy screen to alert the driver he wished to get out.

Being a member of the royal family meant having to wait until doors were opened for you. Something James was still learning with his lack of patience. He knew here though that wouldn't be necessary, as his father had told him so.

His parents exchanged looks of equal amusement and sadness as the door to the vehicle opened. But James paid them no mind as he was struck with the realisation his next seven years would be spent here if he so chooses. Just as he was about to turn to his parents a tall woman with strict eyes and a tightly secured bun emerged from the front doors and performed a small curtsy.

"Welcome your Majesties and your highness. I am honoured to welcome you to Hogwarts College as the headmistress Minerva McGonagall."

Her voice held a strong Scottish accent that made Jame's ears warm.