The Wolf's Den [Remus Lupin]

18 - A New Perspective

CW: Contains smoking marijuana and shows abuse

-Alula-

I awoke with a start. There was yelling from downstairs and the doors that connected both mine and Gemini's rooms to our shared toilet were both open. "Get up, get up now. Mother's already fighting with everyone and it's only 9 in the morning," She huffed.

"What's happened?" I jumped up and quickly albeit lazily made my bed.

"Uncle Thule said something about how she treats Clinky, Father agreed so Mother sent them both out of the house to deal with "more important matters." Now, Aunt Miranda is trying to defend their words without stepping on her toes and failing, miserably."

"Oh, Merlin."

"C'mon, get dressed or she'll be cross with us next."

I sighed, got ready for the day, and made my way downstairs. Clinky had made us two plates already.

"Well, the party was a success," Mother stated matter-of-factly. "You two were up late, what was all the noise about?" Mother shook the Daily Prophet as she looked across the table at us.

"We just stayed up talking about the party, that's all," I answered quickly.

"Yeah, every year I wish it never had to end," Gemini added.

"Yes, well, we're not made of money," Mother snapped and Aunt Miranda walked into the kitchen.

"Yes, Ophelia but it's a good thing it was money well spent, yes? Hello girls," she winked at me.

I smiled. "Morning." I picked at my eggs (again, made sunny-side-up) and took another sip of coffee.

"I suppose it was a success. Saros said that the Flints were telling him about their younger son. They think he might be suitable for marriage with our Gemini," Mother scoffed. "But of course, they're a tricky family and I'm not so sure I'd want my elder daughter to be tied to them."

"But I thought Grandfather's other family married into the Flints?" I asked carelessly.

Mother gave me a sideways glance from behind the paper. "Exactly." She smirked.

"Mum, I'm 14...do we really need to be talking about marriage already?" Gemini whined. I held my breath awaiting Mother's reaction.

"That's what your father said. I suppose he's right." She put the newspaper down and Miranda turned the radio down. "What did you think about Nix Fawley?"

Gemini looked green. "H-He was...nice." Mother raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue. "Er...he could've had better manners at dinner."

"Yes, I noticed that. Clinky?" Mother sipped her tea and Clinky bowed her head waiting for instructions. "Go clean the girls' rooms."

"Yes, Mistress," Clinky squeaked and flashed out of sight.

"He was very opinionated but nothing he said contradicted our family values..." Gemini continued. "But he was a bit obnoxious and kept trying to talk over everyone. It was quite rude actually."

"Yes, I noticed that as well," Mother pointed at me and nodded. She scoffed. "Gaia never reprimanded those kids, even when they were young," Mother spat. "I'm so lucky I have four wonderful children who listen well. But I do think we should consider him as a match for you Gemini."

"I heard," Aunt Miranda started, "that he's been eager to marry for a few years, and no one's inquired so I don't know if you'd want to be the first, Ophelia." Aunt Miranda remarked. "Give the girls time," She said a bit quieter.