The sun beamed down upon Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, reflecting in the many castle's windows and shining blindingly upon the expansive lake. A boy sat by the lake, sixteen perhaps, physically dark and blue eyed, with a naturally observant gaze and curious expression. He sat beside the water, trailing his fingers along the transparent surface, looking thoughtfully out toward the Forbidden Forest. Then he turned to the school.
Exams. Last year at this time he would have been inside, within the stifling heat of the classrooms, bent over a paper containing problematic questions. But he wasn't. Sixth year was a time of ease, relaxtion. Or so for others.
Hugo frowned. No one else had to worry about their parents. No one else had received a letter of information containing news that their father had been imprisoned in Azkaban for being rumoured a Death Eater. Someone still supporting Lord Voldemort, despite the fact that the evil wizard was gone, dead. Someone intending to continue his ways.
How had the word got out? He still wondered on that. But that was not the point. Hugo knew he was just trying to distract himself. With a physiological aching feeling he turned back to his previous thoughts. And now there was trouble at school. As a Slytherin, it made matters worse. He was still experiencing dirty, mistrustful looks from other students, and being shunted by his once friends.
It wasn't fair. He watched a group of other people enviously, scrutinising their apparent humorous conversation with slight jealousy and anger. How could they be so happy, so unperturbed? He beheaded an innocent dandelion as he watched them, and sighed bitterly.
He observed someone approaching. It was a tall sixth year, with wavy chestnut hair and piercing green eyes. Hugo stayed where he was, and focused his attentions on the lake rippling with the breeze. He sensed Selwyn's presence behind him but did not turn around.
"Hey, Penwell," Selwyn said scornfully.
Hugo made no reply.
"Hugo Penwell," Selwyn repeated, impatience entering his tones. "Teacher wants you."
Upon this Hugo looked around. "Who?" He said curiously.
"Professor Penrose," Selwyn replied. "What for? Is it because your dad -"
Hugo stood up and shoved him away. "I'm not in the mood, Selwyn. Can you just -" he stopped. Threats did not always bring success. He inwardly recalled the time Professor Virneburg had overheard him. No point. It would be a waste of time. Reluctantly, he ignored Selwyn and proceeded past him.
"In Penrose's office," Selwyn said to his retreating back.
Hugo pressed on. Curiosity overcame his anger. What did his head of house want with him?
He entered the castle, greeting the shade of the Entrance Hall gratefully. Hastening up the Marble Staircase he followed the route to the Professor's office, deep in thought. He was so preoccupied that he was not aware of his surroundings until he collided with someone, and heard the clatter of an ink bottle as it hit the floor, and cracked.
He looked up. He faced a girl of about his age, with curly, shoulder length black hair and intelligent grey eyes. She was currently glaring at him.
"Can you look where you're going?" She snapped. "You've gone and spilt my ink. My multi-colour ink."
Hugo did not care about her multi-colour ink, but he did apologise nevertheless.
"I'm sorry," he said shortly.
The girl did not accept this as a fitting apology. "Shut up," she said heatedly. "Would you want me to tell my father?"
Hugo raised his eyebrows sardonically.
"Professor Penrose," the girl retorted.
Hugo was surprised but not worried. "I'm already seeing him," he said coolly.
"Then you must be... Oh," the girl's anger vanished. She didn't look spiteful, like most people did when they encountered with Hugo Penwell, the "Death Eater's boy" as he was called, but slightly eager and anxious. "I - I - I might be seeing you again," she said quickly. Then she drew her wand, pointed it at the ink on the floor, muttered, "Scourgify!" And, upon seeing the mess vanish, hastily pocketed her wand again and hoisted her bag up. "Good-bye then," she said and abruptly departed.
Hugo watched her go with distinctive curiosity. Then, remembering where he had to go, hurried off.
He reached Professor Penrose's office quickly. He paused. Then knocked.
"Come in."
He hesitated, then pushed open the door.