A Pearl For Arrogance

Chapter 2 - Remus Lupin

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.