Keller had had a mouthful of tea when Zane started, and just as he heard that Lowell had cornered his friend, he almost choked on it. Coughing for several seconds, eyes watering, he placed his mug on the table and looked at Zane serioiusly, still coughing. âYou spoke to him?â Keller repeated, eyebrows raised. âHow does he know about the things that are going on in your life?â Keller asked, feeling on guard. âObviously it was news that you were turned on school grounds, but-⊠how does he know the rest? What did you say to him?â The knowledge that Lowell had somehow passive aggressively threatened Zane or tormented him with things that were beyond his control made Kellerâs hands bunch into fists; how could Lowell say things like that and get away with it? Better yet, how could they let him?
It really rather was an abrupt way to announce his conversation with the new Minister, but he figured it was better to just jump right into it rather than beat around the bush. He took another bite of his food, and pulled his shoulder up in a shrug. "It was more him speaking to me, rather, he has a way of talking over your head, picking and bothering you until he grows tired of it and leaves." It hadn't been a good time at all, and he had been actively trying to avoid getting near him. That had failed. "He probably has... A lot of spies, I don't know. He was asking me how I was dealing with the full moon, asking how I was dealing with my father disowning me... Oh, and he said my blood was impure. Since I'm a werewolf." Zane shook his head quickly, and gave a loud sigh. "I tried... Telling him as little as possible. I didn't want him getting under my skin, but I was... Furious. And you know how much I struggle with- Things- When I'm angry."
Nope, I was drinking headache potions, besides I already figured out how to create alcohol with potions, I can even can make it into dissoluble pills for easy spiking. I did however bring a flask in with me. Bahh, Iâd rather not have his slimy arse talking to me anyway, Iâd probably punch him in the nose anyway. I doubt heâd talk to me even if I was pureblooded, Iâve got quite a nasty track record in school remember, far too many detentions than heâd like I think. Youâd look down right dapper in a suit, then youâd be a prince.Â
Headache potions? Are you being bothered with headaches lately? You know, there are easier solutions to a headache. Painkillers, muggle things, they work like a charm. But hey, if you're really such a badass, and you were pureblooded, he definitely would have wanted to talk to you, you know. But the Minister only cares about those who re not sullying the Wizarding community. Fucking asshat, if you ask me. No, no, I would look ridiculous in a suit, and you know it. Ok, moving on. Other than having a headache at the ball thing, how are you? Holding up okay?
The Great Hall had been returned to its usual set-up: four long tables with benches running parallel, candles floating overhead, and students scattered around the room, drifting between tables and talking with their friends. To Keller, it was easy to forget that anything had happened in there just a night ago, but try as he might, he wasnât afforded that luxury. The appearance of Lowell had set him on edge, and even though he didnât have an appetite, he did push around a piece of toast and sip at a cup of tea, all while frowning so deeply he was sure his face would be permanently etched that way. While he was staring intently at his toast, someone slid onto the bench across from him and Keller glanced up, trying to look normal. âDid you have a good night?â he asked on reflex, his go-to topic with everyone since the Ball had ended and normality had returned, almost hoping he wouldnât hear anything to the contrary.
Keller looked rather lonely while sitting all alone at the Ravenclaw table, so Zane didn't wast a single second before he was sitting right across from him. "Oh yeah, fantastic night," he replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm, as he reached to grab a slice of bread from one of the dishes set out on the table, taking a big bite of it. "I particularly enjoyed the part where Lowell cornered me and nitpicked at every little detail of my life that is making it a difficult one. But you know, wonderful party." Zane rolled his eyes and shook his head. It had been anything but a nice night, but now at least, he knew what kind of a person Lowell Tegus was. A creep.
You may not see it this way, but I stand by what I said. You are the one who can get under Lowellâs skin. He needs to seem like he has the werewolves support or the protests will never end, but you were able to show him that support canât be earned after one conversation. At the very least, you got a few words in during your conversation. I perhaps said two words to him and the rest of the time, he ran the show like you would expect him to. He has a way about him - heâs able to seem so polite and yet you always feel all the implications of his words. He asked me if I would do all that I could to be sure my uncleâs reputation stayed clean and I took that to mean I either stop asking for Ministry information or my uncle would pay for it. I can only assume he knows the things he does because he has friends in high places.
I really... Don't know what more I can do. I was just trying desperately not to give him any intel on what my thoughts are on everything. He was very curious as to how I was dealing with the full moon and stuff though, and I just said... That I'm just like every other werewolf. Exactly, he acts and seems all polite, but there's an undertone to each and every word that he says, you just feel the coldness... So... He kind of threatened you, by threatening your uncle. That's not good at all. Merlin, what is that man up to? I want to figure it out and ruin his plans before he even gets started.
He technically is the leader of our world, but his smugness does rub me the wrong way. Though, it could just be the eyes that could make even the strongest man quiver. So, he basically knew every little thing that would make you tick? I had a similar experience. He knew about some things that I asked my uncle in the Ministry to do for me over the past few months and he made it very clear what would happen if I didnât back off. I will say this for Lowell - he has spies in all the right places. And heâs mastered the art of intimidation.
He's not someone that I will ever view as a leader, not in my book. And hopefully... I managed to tell him that I will never support him, just not... In so many words. I wasn't pleased to talk to him at least. He knew... About everything. And the strangest thing, I've seen him shaking hands with just about everyone, but he didn't even attempt it with me. As if I were... Contagious or something. He knew about... Damnit, so... No matter what we do, he'll know? How could he possibly know? What else did he say, did he threaten you?
Lowell needs to choose his battles wisely though, especially since he is only a few days into his tenure as minister. Even if he plans on restricting the werewolves, starting with a fight against Hogwarts and its headmistress would alienate a large portion of the wizard world population. And since he is checking where our loyalties lie, I hope he sees that many of us are not so easily persuaded by fancy parties and charming smiles. WaitâŠyou talked to Lowell, too? What did he say?
Only a few days in, and he already acts as though he just became... The leader of the world or something. I'm sure he's got a lot of plans, and I'm pretty sure that 80% of them will piss us all off. Um- yeah, he cornered me earlier, I thought I was doing a good job of hiding, but there he was, right behind me. He was... Basically picking at every sore spot I've ever had. My being a werewolf, my blood now being impure, my father disowning me... It was- Uncomfortable, to say the least. Did he talk to you as well? What did he say?
[Michael frowns, obviously disturbed by something Zane said]  Thatâs ridiculous, and unjust.  Iâm so sorry you have to⊠to go through life like that.  I donât like him, something is wrong, I can feel it.  Thank Merlin he hasnât found me yet⊠I donât know what I would tell him, I donât have⊠anything to say, let alone anything good.  I understand.  I feel the same way.  Thanks⊠I-I keep to myself mostly so⊠youâll hardly know Iâm here anyway.
It's been that way since the moment I was attacked, the exact same way that everyone else is going through it too, so I'm not... A particular case or anything. I don't know how much I ever got to say, Lowell was the one doing most of the talking. Though I wish he had just stayed away altogether to be honest. Oh, don't worry about it, I enjoy your company.
Well, thatâs a rather useful skill to have, and could definitely come in handy in some situations. Oh⊠um, are things still⊠bad between the two of you? Ah, so thatâs what you were referring to. I donât see how dancing could possibly get you into trouble though, especially since this is a ball, andâ well, others are doing it too, so you still have a good chance of blending in on the dance floor. [She paused, then chuckled.] Here I am, persuading you to get out there and dance, and there you are, doing the exact same thing.Â
Oh, my father and I? Well, we haven't spoken since I was told of his decision, so I can't really say if things are bad or if it's good. Probably bad though. I think I can get into trouble for being right up in his face and stuff. Considering I'm a werewolf, and that he is... On the bad side, so to speak. I think us both discussing this, persuading each other and whatnot, that means that we should go out for a dance. Don't you think?
I heard a few second years talking about the big man, but I think that girl with the buzzed hair and blue eyes could tear you apart with a flick of her wrist, no problems. Kind of makes you relived to have the regular aurors we do, right? Speaking of, I wish they were here, it would make me feel a lot better about being trapped with these sinister-looking strangers..
Oh yeah, she does not look like the kind of person you could joke around with, she looks... Like she has never smiled properly in her entire life. The regular aurors... Wait, they're not here. I didn't even realise until you said that just now. Why are they not here, wouldn't the Minister want all the protection he could possibly get?
"I can understand that... but your shouldn't feel as though everybody is out to get you, blyth. Granted Lowell isn't the most trust worthy guy around he'd be a damn fool to try anything tonight." Seth thought as he watched their Ministry engage with some of the Professors. "I think McGongall has the right idea by inviting him here, you know? If he sees what who we are he'll go away and stick his nose elsewhere. But you're right bout him wanting attention. And I've never heard of that myself ... I think he's a little egotistical if you ask me and thats going to work in our favor" Seth said with a nod "He's smart but too flashy. And my brownies won't cause an allergic reaction, there a hundred percent Werewolf proof." I promise they'll make you feel as right as rain"
Sometimes it feels like everyone is. Lowell might not have tried something big tonight, but he's already been taking his rounds, walking around talking to everyone. He approached me earlier, pretended to be all pleasant and nice, but he was just poking at all the bad things in my life. I don't even think McGonagall was the one who put this together, I think Lowell did. For himself, to be able to check all of us out. It's all just a show for him to be able to check where our loyalties lie. I say again, Seth, I don't want your special brownies. You can keep them for yourself, and don't run around getting people high either. I'm not a Prefect, but I don't like the idea of people getting high under circumstances like these.
Please-âŠif you donât think McGonagall wouldnât fight to keep you at this school, you might have gone temporarily insane. This night may be designed for him, but you and I both know the truthâŠor as close to the truth as we can get. He doesnât need more victories, Zane. He needs to see that not everyone is so willing to bow down to him.
Oh, I know she would fight to keep me here, but we both know that Lowell is one of the people that don't want me here. This night wasn't designed for him, he was the one who designed it. It was like Envest told me earlier. We're here for his display, he's checking where our loyalties lie. I hope... That his brief conversation with me told him that he won't be winning me over.
I didnât know that⊠thatâs⊠terrible.  And unjust.  And wrong.  Youâre completely valid, of course.  I donât think this is a very⊠festive night, at least from my perspective.  Lowell⊠he doesnât strike me as a good man by any means.  Well, perhaps we can spend our time on the sidelines until itâs over?  Still no need to⊠to hide.  I would in fact think the opposite would be better - stand or sit there, stare them down⊠make them the uncomfortable ones.  Of course, I-I just talk thoughâŠ. if you donât want to, I donât blame you, I wouldnât be⊠courageous enough.  Itâs just⊠just a suggestion if you⊠didnât want to be alone over here.
That's just how... Things are. Werewolves, whether or not they're good people or not, will always be looked down upon, frowned upon. And... I don't know much about what Lowell Tegus is going to do now that he's the Minister, but I have a sneaking feeling that it'll be a lot of bad stuff. But I guess we just have to wait and see what kind of Minister he's going to be. He's already been... Taking the rounds, talking to students, as if checking where their loyalties lie. For right now, I think... I'm just going to stay here. I can be up in his face a little later, for right now I just want to stay here. But you're more than welcome to stay, of course.
Oh, Zane, since when did you learn to flatter people like that? Still, thank you very much â you look dashing in your suit as well. I think Iâd be more comfortable staying where I am right now; dancing is really not my forte. Trouble? Why would you be in trouble?
It's a natural trait that I believe I've always had, and besides, I am being completely and totally truthful too. Oh, thank you, it's... a suit I inherited from my father, actually. One of the only things I have left from him. Trouble as in... I have detentions and the like. I don't need to be in more trouble. Are you sure you don't dance? I would even break my own rules of not being seen if you want to dance.
"Well not the entire Ministry.. My folks arenât thatâs for sure! And thereâs loads of others too⊠this Lowell, guy doesnât seem too bad but I wouldnât sign him off just yet.â Seth said offering Zane a small smile. âTonight is going to be just fine you know, just ease up some. I have some âspecial browniesâ if you need a little help trust me Blyth you might wanna take me up on my offer.â Seth finished with a cheek grin
"Of course not the entire Ministry, but... It's the general attitude towards werewolves, you know?" He had been written off as a monster within just a second of him being in there. It hadn't been fun. "Lowell is definitely not a good person, I can tell you that much. When have they ever had a ball for a new Minister anyway... He just wants everyone's attention." And clearly the students at Hogwarts posed a threat to him anyway. "Special brownies...? You mean, with a little special something in them? No thank you, I don't... I don't do that. And I wouldn't risk mixing anything with my wolfsbane potion anyway. But knock yourself out."
But the way I see it, this might be the last function I have at Hogwarts. I just wish it wasnât for Lowell â did I say that too loudly? Are his bodyguards coming to escort me away?
Oh, you never know. And I mean, look at those goons, they look like they would tear you a new one just for looking at them the wrong way. But agreed. Wholeheartedly.
"Being under assessment isnât something Iâd say makes for a good evening though it seems some people are enjoying themselves. Itâs very tactical of him, assess the threats while theyâre young and deal with them before they have a chance to do anything- heâs clever."
Mhm, yeah, is it just me or has he been circling this room a hundred times already? Like he's taking the rounds and talking to people, finding out whether or not they're a danger or something? He's clever, yes, but clearly he overestimates himself. There's only so many people he can control, and I have a feeling he can't control all of us, the students. He certainly can't control me.
There was only one thing that Zane knew for sure, and that was that he would rather be anywhere than locked up in the Great Hall right now. Here they all were, and some were, unknowingly, celebrating that the person that had been selected as their new Minister, a person that was someone bad. They didnât know what kind of person he was, but truthfully none of them did. The Ravenclaw certainly didnât know just how bad Lowell was, he just knew that he was bad news. And having him in their school felt as though they were inviting the enemy right into their home. So far tonight, he had remained in the shadows, hiding from Lowellâs bodyguards, hiding from anyone that might see him and frown upon the fact that he was what he was. He didnât have the time or the patience to deal with any of that crap now, not with everything that was buzzing through his head.
Zane felt his nostrils flaring without him being able to control it, but he didnât break eye contact for even a second, despite how piercing the Ministerâs blue gaze was. âHow I deal with the moon phases is exactly the same as any werewolf, Mr. Tegus. The usual precautions, wolfsbane potions on a daily basis. Just like the rules say.â He had absolutely no intention of sharing what it was that he was going through. How he was dealing with London, and how he was dealing with the pain once every month. That was none of Lowellâs business, it was his business and his alone. âInteresting - I canât imagine dealing with something like that everyday of my life.â Once more, Zane found himself wanting to roll his eyes at his faux concern for his well being, but he kept from it. âI was also saddened to hear that your family has decided they arenât prepared to support a werewolf - what a shame, you had such pure blood before you turned. Given the state of the wizarding world, I feel as though weâre losing pureblood families rather quickly. But never mind that, your lycanthropy is in itself a problem that Iâm sure occupies much of your thoughts. What happened in London alone must play on your mindâŠâ
Even his smile was fake, the polite and kind smile that he could see right through. He was picking out each and every thing that had bothered Zane in his life recently, and while every bone in his body screamed at him to blow up and scream at the man that was clearly enjoying picking him apart, his better judgement took over. It occurred to him that Lowell was enjoying this, he was loving it. His eyes said it all. âThere is no such thing as pure blood, Mr. Tegus, just as there is no such thing as filthy blood. It is a very old thought that should have retired in our community decades ago. My being a werewolf does not belittle me as the man and wizard that I am,â Zane replied, his face kept completely in control, hiding any and all feelings of anger or sadness. If there was one person that wasnât going to get under his skin, it would be the man standing in front of him now, with his dumb goons lurking right be hid him. âI am curious though, since you mentioned London. Seeing as you are, now, in charge, perhaps I might trust that youâll do something to help with werewolf equality? As you already know, the reason we all came to London that day was to help with the cause.â
It occurred to him that his voice had never sounded this cold, so disconnected. All because he was desperately trying to hide his real emotions from Lowell Tegus, a person he had decided long ago would be his enemy until the end. A lot of things got under his skin, but there was no way the Ravenclaw would let this man get away with poking at his troubles. âThe werewolf problem in London is of grey confer to me,â Lowell said solemnly. âAnd you can rest assured that Iâm going to be doing everything I can to make sure itâs dealt with swiftly - far too may people have been hurt as it is.â Zaneâs eyebrows quirked up on his forehead, and he cleared his throat as Lowell gave him a smile. âI would ask how so many werewolves were forced to transform without there being a full moon, but I have a feeling that is something youâre not willing to answer.â Lowell gave him another smile, ignoring him completely.
âIâm afraid I must be moving on - it has been so enlightening to talk with you, Mr. Blyth.â As Lowell turned to walk away, his goons following right behind him, Zane finally allowed himself to take a deep breath. He realised then that he hadnât been breathing properly while talking with the Minister. And then another thought occurred to him: Normally, when greeting someone, or saying goodbye, you would shake their hand. Lowell had done no such thing, as if he was fearing that Zaneâs âunpureâ blood would rub off on him somehow. As much as he was glad that he hadnât had to endure his handshake, it struck him as odd. Very odd.
A conversation heâd had with Briar earlier that night popped back into his mind, that if there was anyone that would be able to get under Lowellâs skin, it would be him. And with that thought in mind, he grabbed himself a glass of punch, downed the contents in one gulp, and headed right out to the middle of the room. He would be in his face, constantly, showing him that his dirty-blooded self was there, at Hogwarts, living a life like anyone else. He was a werewolf, and for the first time since he was attacked, he felt a sense of pride for being one. Now he had all the more reason to be seen. Maybe then, he would manage to get something done. He could make a difference.
