The Turnover Ceremony (Prudence)

[justinlaw]

(Note: This happens after WTH thread at Knockturn Alley)

A flurry of activity could be seen going on around the hallways of the Law family main house. The maids could be seen pacing about, cleaning every nook and cranny and the men could be seen carrying and moving things all around. The butler could be seen at the midst of the group barks out his orders for everyone and made sure that everything would look good for the upcoming ceremony.

Today, many prominent noble families will come to witness the turning over of the leadership of one of the most prominent ruling families, the House of Campbell, to the heir of another noble family, the Dolohovs. Since the supposed to be heir went away because of unforeseeable circumstances, the now retired viscount had no choice but to transfer the rule over to someone worthy and capable enough. In this case, it would be the supposed to be heir's first cousin, Macon Dolohov, one of most trusted advisers of the late former baron of the House of Law. And as per tradition of the ceremony, the leader of the head ruling family would be the one presiding over the ceremony, in this case, it would be the new baron, Justin Law.

As the butler went from person to person, giving them last minute orders, he knew that it would be time for the baron to start receiving visitors. So he made his way to the sitting room, where he saw the baron seated in one of the stiff armchairs, looking contemplative. He cautiously approached him and said, Master, it is already time. Please make your way to the visitor's lounge. It took Justin a couple of seconds of silence before he managed a curt nod and said, "Yes, Stevens. I will be there. Tell my mother I will be joining her there shortly." The butler then bowed at him and left the room.

Justin slowly got up from his seat and went over to the window. he could see that a lot of people are already arriving. He knew that the ceremony would start at exactly the same time they have set and nobles are always fond of arriving early. He sighed audibly and smoothed out his beige trench coat. He would be expecting a visitor later in the day and they would definitely be present later at the ceremony. However, he also knew that their presence would definitely cause a stir among the people present. He then settled back into his chair again, trying to keep himself calm.

[Prudence Campbell]

The turnover ceremony was an event that Prudence Campbell did not look forward to. Saying that it was a special event though or an event of high importance was putting it lightly. In that ceremony, a leader would turnover his power and authority to another and Prudence knew better than to take such ceremonies for granted. It was really important for her father, despite the strained relationship he and his father had since he disowned his only son, a week ago, sent her an owl that he and her mother would go to the ceremony to show his support to Macon Dolohov, his oldest first cousin, who was going to be the next viscount of the House of Campbell. However, Prudence knew that it was not the only reason why her parents, particularly her father decided to attend. She knew that her father was trying to show her grandfather that he did not care about the title.

Prudence did not want to go. She did not like politics and formal functions in general. In fact, she shared her father’s views about it. Politics and other formalities were, more often than not, untrue and dirty. People tend to put on impressive shows, trying to gain popularity and allies and deceiving one another all the time. Prudence and her parents often link the aforementioned word to people with fake smiles, plastics and the likes.

Despite her parent’s advice to stay in school and be present in all her classes, she went to the ceremony for she had to talk to Justin about something of vital importance. For the second time, since Amelie gave her the shampoo that turned her brown hair blonde, she thanked her for it. Surely, even her mother would have to squint or do a double take to recognize her for she wore a formal dress for the first time in her lifetime and sported a blonde head. Even Justin would probably fail to recognize her. Did he even know that she was coming? Did he know that her parents were coming?

The moment she arrived at the venue, she noticed the ‘formal’ folks walking around. A couple of gentlemen in uniform greeted her as she made an unnoticeable entrance at the side. Ah, the beauty of being a wallflower. No one minded her as she stood on the sideways, surveying the room for Justin and keeping an eye out for her parents. It was obvious that no one knew her and it was weird since her father was supposed to be the next viscount… “Are you lost miss? Do you have an invitation?” A kind butler-looking gentleman asked her out of the blue and Prudence almost jumped. “Um, no. I’m not lost. In fact I’m looking for my folks… oh look, there they are. Thank you sir.” Prudence smiled at the nice guy and pretended to go toward the ‘folks’ she just gestured at. The kind guy just smile and nodded.

Prudence politely asked the ‘folks’ if the one and only vacant chair on their table was not taken. When the folks allowed her to sit, she smiled and politely thanked them. Prudence then kept looking for Justin for she really had to talk to him. After a few moments, she heard whispers, loud whispers, that made her head turn with the crowd’s. Her parents just arrived and people were gossiping about them.

[justinlaw]

Justin sat uncomfortably on the stiff armchair. He knew that it used to be his father's favorite seat and so far, no one has ever sat on it, except him, the next baron. He sighed, thinking of the possibilities that might happen if ever his father was still alive. Still, his untimely death was one thing that he was secretly thankful for. Not that he wanted him dead; he wanted to right the wrong deeds his father did while he was still the baron. After a few minutes, Justin decided that it was indeed time for him to start moving to the visitor's parlour to welcome his guests. He then got up from the armchair and turned to leave the sitting room when suddenly, he remembered that he forgot to do something important. He then snapped his fingers, and his trusted guards, Dimitri and Rovilson appeared.

You called for us, master. Tell us your orders, Dimitri then said. Justin turned to look at the two of them and said, "Dimitri, you would be on guard duty today for the ceremony. You would be in charge of the security force deployed to guard the nobles. And you Rovilson, apparate to the auror headquarters and gather information about their latest prisoner. Take someone with you as backup just in case." The two guards nodded, with Rovilson apparating and Dimitri staying put on his position, awaiting his orders. Justin then walked out of the sitting room, with Dimitri walking right behind him.

Justin then made his way to the parlour, where he spotted the guests lounging on the fluffy armchairs, waiting for the start of the ceremony. He then exchanged greetings with some of them, until his eyes spotted the very person he wanted to see. "Hey, I almost did not recognize you. You look really good by the way," he said casually as he approached her. He was simply enthralled by the fact that her hair was already blonde and that it was the first time he actually saw her wearing formal attire. "Shall I offer you a drink?" he then asked as he summoned his butler, Stevens, who appeared in a snap. "Give this lady something to drink. Sparkling water perhaps?" he then said. Stevens returned later with the drink and he gave it to her. Suddenly, the door opened and the guests started whispering among themselves. Justin just smiled at Prudence and said, "It seems they have arrived." He then approached them and said, "Welcome Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, I've been expecting you."

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence sat gingerly on her cushioned seat that was apparently common among the nobility. She admitted to herself that it was comfortable as she let her eyes dart from table to table. She noticed how formal the attendees looked as they chatted away and busied themselves by drinking some cocktails and punches. On the corner of her eye, she saw a butler looking guy escorting a young lady out of the parlour and she had a feeling he caught her without an invitation. Deep within, she felt relieved that the ‘folks’ on her table did not bother asking her questions and just let her seat with them. She was quite content and relaxed on her seat when she locked gazes with her second cousin, Vasilisa Dolohov, on the far side of the room. From where she was standing, she saw how the surprise look on Vasilisa’s face turned to confusion as the seconds ticked. She obviously had a hard time recognizing her.

Prudence almost jumped when Justin’s voice snapped her out of her own world. The ravenclaw blushed at his compliment but managed to mutter shy thank you to him. She nodded at his offer, feeling quite thirsty. “Thank you.” She said to Justin and the guy who gave her the drink before taking a sip. She had been planning to drag Justin away and have a word with him when her parents arrived. She watched Justin greet them and remained on her seat. Her parents did not have to see her…yet.

--

“He is coming today, Macon. I sent him an invitation myself.” The 65 year old soon to be retired Viscount Campbell said to Macon Dolohov, his successor. “I wouldn’t be so sure, Garrett. He cut himself out of all formal ceremonies. When was the last time you saw him?” Macon Dolohov shook his head. He obviously did not agree with the current Viscount. At least until Garrett Campbell went toward the door to greet his one and only son Damien and his wife Erin.

--

Damien Campbell was well aware of the commotion that his and his wife’s presence caused and did not seemed at all fazed by it. He was used to politics and gossips and he never really paid any heed to any of it. At that moment, all he noticed was how young the new baron was and he could not help but feel sorry for the young man. “Thank you.” Damien nodded slightly at the young Baron. “I heard about your father and we extend our deepest condolences. I am Damien Campbell and this is my wife, Erin.” Damien said solemnly as he held his wife’s ice cold hand, trying to calm her down. Erin smiled kindly at the young man in front of her but her smile froze when she saw who was approaching behind the young Baron. Erin slightly poked her husband on the ribs with her elbow to alert him.

[justinlaw]

As Justin looked into the eyes of the supposed to be heir of the House of Campbell, he could not help but feel sorry for himself. This man in front of him was indeed a living example of someone who defied his destiny despite the odds and became someone who was much more dignified and more contented in life. While, despite his father's death, he could not free himself from the obligation that he had to take over him. Thus, he was still bound to his duty as a man and as a member of the nobility.He then smiled warmly at him and said, "Thank you sir. It's a shame though that we did not manage to invite you to my father's funeral. We only managed to keep the gathering small, but I know that you would still decline, knowing that it caused quite a stir in many wizarding papers." He knew that Damien Campbell was not the type who would actually want to cause a commotion in events.

Justin then bowed slightly to the couple and said, "I am glad to finally meet in person the only son of Garrett Campbell, former viscount of the House of Campbell. You are indeed looking good sir. It seems that life has indeed smiled upon you." He then turned his gaze towards his wife and smiled at her. "You are indeed beautiful madam. Your daughter certainly takes her good looks from you," he then said. He then wondered whether they knew if their only daughter was present right now to watch the ceremony.

Suddenly, as if on cue, he could feel that the old viscount was about to make his presence felt. "I think it's about time that you meet your only son once again, Sir Garrett," he said, as he took a step away from them. "If you excuse me, I will just attend to some matters of great importance. Dimitri," he then said, gesturing to the guard, who appeared right next to him. "Guide our guests into the main chamber. The ceremony starts in an hour." Dimitri bowed respectfully at him before he strode off and gave instructions to the other guards. Justin then bowed respectfully and walked off to where Prudence was seated. "It seems like you want to talk to me about something. Come, I'll take you to the second sitting room," he then said, as he took her hand and led her away from the guests.

When the finally arrived at the second sitting room, a room quite smaller than the main one and rarely used, he then gestured for her to sit down. "So, tell me, what is the matter? Is it of great importance?" he asked, as he sat down on the other armchair, facing her.

[Prudence Campbell]

Macon Dolohov watched as the viscount of the house of Campbell went over to his only son, apparently, he had been wrong. Truth be told, he really was surprised to see that Damien came. His youngest cousin hadn’t shown himself in noble functions for years. Ever since he ran away with his lover, he did not even bother writing an owl to his father or to at least visit his father once in a while. This rare appearance of his cousin made him feel threatened. Although he saw him more often that the old viscount did, Damien’s presence still made him nervous. Did it mean that he was intending to stake a claim on a title that was rightfully his? If that was the case, Macon could do nothing to fight for his soon to be title. Macon did not want the title for himself alone. He desired to be the next Viscount so that he would be able to pass the title to his son, Adrian, and secure his and Vasilisa’s beautiful future. One more hour… He thought nervously as he smiled at Damien, who was standing across the room.

Damien cracked a smile when the young man praised his wife. Erin really was a beautiful witch. “Oh, so you are acquainted with my Prudence? A lot of people would not be able to link her as my daughter. You two must be very close.” Damien’s eyes darted from Justin to his wife when she elbowed him. He looked unto the direction she was looking at and found Macon smiling at him. He smiled back, however, his smile melted into a neutral expression when his father’s approaching figure blocked his view of Macon. “Damien, Erin! It’s nice to see you both. Thank you for accepting my invitation!” The old Campbell viscount said in a booming voice. “Come, come, I’m sure Macon would be glad to see you.” The old viscount urged the two to walk toward Macon. After a couple of moments, he frowned and asked. “Where is my granddaughter? Did you not bring her?” Damien sighed. “She’s in school. Erin and I only came here to show our support to Macon, nothing else.” Damien pointed out curtly, surprised that his father was acting like nothing happened.

The old viscount was wounded by his son’s blunt words. Of course, he knew he deserved it. He had been younger then and he admitted to himself a long time ago that disowning his only son was the biggest mistake he committed in his lifetime. However, his pride disabled him from apologizing to his son. Garrett was currently 65 years of age and he wanted what normal old men wanted. He desired to see his son happy with his wife and he wanted to see his grand children grow and have a good life. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to turn back time and watch his granddaughter grow. The old viscount nodded at his son’s words as he led him and his wife to Macon. By then the old viscount knew that it would be hard for him to win his son back.

Prudence was surprised to see that her father, her mother and her grandfather walked casually towards Macon Dolohov. She saw them talking and was sort of surprised at the ending. She smiled at Justin and nodded at his words. “Yes, it really is important.” She stood up and let herself be lead away from her parents and the commotion they caused. Vasilisa saw this and narrowed her eyes. If she was not mistaken, the blond girl was her cousin Prudence. She followed the two as they seeked for a place where they could have a moment of quiet no doubt. In a matter of minutes, the two of them finally found the place they were looking for. Prudence took a deep breath before opening her mouth. “Auror Alto came to me yesterday and he informed me that the murderer escaped.” Vasilisa frowned, what was she talking about?

[justinlaw]

When Prudence recounted the bad news to him, he almost dropped his jaw in surprise. His worst suspicions have been confirmed. It was a good thing he sent Rovilson over to the Auror headquarters to investigate also. He was silent for a good two minutes before he finally mustered the will to speak. "You mean the murderer from Knockturn Alley? How could that possibly happen?" he then asked her, fear evident on his face. Surely with the man on the loose, he would definitely try and get back at the both of them for foiling his escape. Justin then took out his handkerchief and wiped the cold sweat on his face. "I sent one of my guards over to the HQ to try and gather information about that. I am awaiting news about it," he added rather hastily.

Soon enough, Rovilson and another guard apparated right beside him and knelt before Justin. "Master, I have come to bring you bad news from the HQ. The man you want us to investigate, he escaped the prison and is now on the loose,"Rovilson said in a grim tone. Justin merely nodded his head and said, "Stand up and go to Dimitri. Explain to him the situation but please, I do not want any of the guests to know what happened. I want all guards on code red. Secure the guests at all costs. And Emil," he then gestured to the other guard who instantly stepped forward, "You are to stay with us." Both guards bowed respectfully, with Rovilson stepping out of the room and Emil staying behind.

Justin placed both hands in front of him and linked them together in deep concentration. He knew that keeping Prudence safe during the ceremony would be his top priority now. With the news about it topped all major wizarding papers, it would be a matter of time that the man would come and try disrupting the ceremony. He just hoped that he would not find out Prudence's actual lineage. "Prudence, this is Emil, one of my most trusted guards. He would be in charge in ensuring our safety," he then said, gesturing to the young guard. Emil bowed respectfully at her and stepped backward. "With this untimely event happening, we have to ensure your safety. Do not worry, you're in safe hands here. I will personally ensure that nothing will happen to you," he then told her in a deathly serious tone.

Suddenly a slight movement made both men jump. Emil drew his wand and was pointing it towards the archway. Justin, being still unable to use magic stayed put on his seat. He then looked at the archway mirror and smiled. "Put your wand down Emil, it is just my cousin, Vasilisa," he then said. Nobles often use these terms when they talk among themselves. "Vasilisa, you can come out now, and please have a seat," he then waited for her to take her seat. "So, is your brother Adrian well? I could see that you are acquainted with Prudence in some way," he then said, looking at her and smiling.

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence watched Justin’s expression after her announcement. When she heard the news for the first time, she did not need a mirror to know how pale she became. For the first time in her life, she feared for her life. Suddenly she wondered if that was how Alaric felt when he heard about his death prophecy. Prudence nodded at Justin to confirm what she just said. “I don’t know how it happened. Remember, that guy’s face had been the last thing the people who turned up dead saw. He was probably the most wanted assassin in the country. Auror Alto feared that he would escape and that was why they placed him in the most secured cell. Apparently, no secured cell would be enough to contain him.” Prudence sighed as she raked her hands through her hair. Prudence nodded when he said that he sent one of his men to investigate on the criminal.

Prudence wondered if Auror Alto contacted her parents after the interview. He did not seem to have done it for her parents did not send her freaked out owls the passed few days. She could only imagine how protective her father would get and how freaked her mother would be. Erin Campbell would probably have an untimely asthma attack if she ever heard of the danger that her one and only daughter was watching out for. She eyed the hallway from where they came from. Her parents were just a few steps away and she could not help but wonder if they knew that she was there.

Prudence sighed when she heard the guard confirm what she just said and watched in surprise the next events that transpired before her eyes. Justin’s men obviously respected him and revered him as their leader. Prudence could not help but smile as she saw another side of Justin. The Baron Justin. She shoved her thoughts aside, feeling that it was not the kind of thoughts she should be having at that moment... at least not while their lives were in danger. Prudence was surprised when Emil bowed. She smiled and nodded at him. “Thank you, Emil, Justin.” She paused, too overwhelmed to know what to say next. “You really are a good friend. I can’t thank you enough for this.” She smiled at Justin shyly.

Prudence’s heart stopped when suddenly both men raised their wands. But, before she could even stand up and get her wand, Justin already asked Emil to put his wand down. Obviously, she was a big sucker when it came to physically defending herself. Yes, she knew a lot of spells. However, at the rate she was going, she was going to get seriously hurt before she got her wand out. She sighed in relief upon hearing that it was just sneaky little Vasilisa. “You caught me. I can’t believe you caught me.” Prudence watched pouting Vasilisa whine as she made her way to the chair next to her. “If by well you mean drunk and about to pass out somewhere around here then yes my brother is doing well.” Vasilisa said in reply, smiling at Justin. “And yes, we’re acquainted Justin. Hello cousin.” Vasilisa greeted a surprised-looking Prudence cheerfully before she pressed her cheek on the Ravenclaw’s cheek. ”See. We’re close!” Vasilisa added happily.

[justinlaw]

Justin merely smiled as Vasilisa pressed her cheek on Prudence's cheek as a sign of greeting. He then managed to confirm that they were indeed related. He managed to stifle a rare laugh as she was obviously throwing an adult-life tantrum for being found out. "Well you see, the archway has a secret concave mirror up there. It enables one to see who would be standing there. This sitting room used to be a secret meeting place for knights hence the precautions," he then explained, mainly for both Vasilisa and Prudence's benefit since Emil already knew about it. Justin's brow furrowed as he heard from her that Adrian was out drunk once again. "That rascal, he never learns. Though I miss the scent of his clover cigars," he then said, accompanied by a derisive shaking of his head. He knew that although Adrian mostly spent his time on vices such as drinking and smoking, he was the type who gets serious when sober and a man of a few words.

Justin then turned back to Prudence and Vasilisa and sighed. "Since you heard all about it, I guess it wouldn't be wise if I withheld the truth from you. You see, your cousin is in grave danger from some escaped criminal and possibly, he's also after me," he then said to the both of them, although it was primarily addressed to Vasilisa in particular. "I want you to do a tiny favor for me. No matter what happens, don't breathe a word of this meeting to your parents especially to your father, for it may disrupt the ceremony and we really do not want that to happen. Understand?" he asked Vasilisa, with a hint of urgency and seriousness in his voice. He knew that Macon would benefit greatly from the ceremony and he did not want a minor event such as this destroy his chances.

Justin then gestured to Emil and asked him for the time left before the ceremony starts. "There is still thirty minutes left until the formal start of the ceremony, master," Emil replied, checking his watch. Justin merely nodded and turned to the two girls. "I think we should just stay here for the time being. Trust me, there is a big mob outside, waiting to be seated at the main chamber. Don't worry, we all got prime seating so I guess it wouldn't be a problem," he then said. "Emil, please summon Vasilisa's guardian here." Emil walked off from the room and after a few minutes later, he was joined by Vasilisa's guardian, Janine. "Have you got any idea on where Adrian might be?" he then asked her once more. He was worried that he might be drowning in alcohol once again.

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence smiled at Vasilisa and eyed her fondly. “Yes, we’re close.” She said, confirming Vasilisa’s claim. The little girl amused every time they had the chance to see each other, which was a far cry from often if Prudence was asked. Since they were not of the same year, from the same house and the Campbells never attended family gatherings that involved Garrett Campbell, who is always present in those kind of events, they only had a chance of meeting in the great hall, girls’ bathroom, corridors and the library. Prudence laughed at the annoyed look Vasilisa gave Justin. “I can’t believe a concave mirror got the best of me.” She whined, again for the second time that day. “Convex. It must be a convex mirror. It will give you an erect and diminished view of any image. It is good for surveillance.” Prudence automatically said and blushed as she realized she must have sounded too technical. Prudence saw Vasilisa give her a thumbs up before she turned to Justin and stuck her tongue out at him. Both girls ignored Justin’s comment about Adrian.

Prudence listened as Justin filled Vasilisa in. Prudence was not sure if it was a good idea. She never trusted anyone with her secrets and no offense to Vasilisa, she would certainly not be her first choice if she was going to be asked to pick a confidant. However, it was obvious that Justin was confident that the little girl could be trust and it was not like the two of them had a choice. The little girl knew little already because she listened in on them. Prudence could not help but agree with Justin’s decision. Little knowledge always proved to be dangerous. Little Vasilisa nodded her head in comprehension as she took in the older Slytherin’s words. “We have to tell the police. The guardians… do they know? This could be dangerous… Fine, I won’t tell father.” Vasilisa sighed, her childish and cheerful expression turned serious and Prudence was quite surprise to see her that way. Vasilisa always had a smile on her face.

Both girls nodded at Justin’s suggestion. “You two will have first class seats. I will get stuck at the back with no chair and get squeezed by the mob.” Prudence pointed out flatly. She still did not want to be seen. If people start to recognize her as the viscount’s disowned son’s daughter, she was almost positive that her presence would create a commotion. Prudence did not like commotions and more importantly, she hated the spotlight. Vasilisa smiled as Janine walked in with Emil. “At this very moment? No. But I saw him early this morning, he was hurriedly getting ready for the ceremony.” Janine answered sounding professional and polite.

[justinlaw]

Justin just smiled when Vasilisa couldn't get over the fact that a mirror actually caught her snooping on them. However, his face turned serious when Prudence mentioned that the mirror may be a convex one, hence the small images he could see. He merely nodded and pointed that out to Emil. "I guess I was wrong on that one. I knew I should have read on these kind of things more. Please take note of that Emil, and share this information with the other guards," he said to Emil, who quickly jotted them down. He then turned his attention to the two girls when he was surprised by Prudence sticking out her tongue at him. He just laughed for a few minutes before he managed to compose himself.

When he finished filling in some of the missing information for Vasilisa, he was not surprised at the way she reacted. It was certainly a cause for alarm for all of them. Even more disconcerting was the fact that Prudence's family did not have guards of their own, having given up this noble privilege. He nodded at what Vasilisa had just said. "Do not worry, my guards are promptly informed of this event and they are doing their moves. For now, we must just keep this as a secret okay? Your father will most certainly be hurt if the ceremony gets postponed," he then told her. At that exact moment, Emil entered, accompanied by Vasilisa's guard, Janine.

Justin was quite surprised to hear the information Janine had about Adrian. It was not really in his nature to attend ceremonies like this. He then figured out that maybe he wanted to show his father some support for after all, he would be next in line to his father as the next heir. However, something was definitely not up, he just didn't know what it is. He just nodded at Janine and said, "Please stay with Vasilisa for now. I'm sure Emil has already oriented you about it." He gave Emil a knowing look and he nodded proudly. "As for the seats, I have already assigned you a seat of your own, Prudence. You would be seated at the upper box, far away from the crowd. You would be able to watch the ceremony clearly from there. And I will assign a guard to accompany you there," he then said to Prudence. "Don't worry, there is even a lesser probability of you being seen there," he then assured her.

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence smiled sheepishly at Justin’s serious expression. It was good that he did not take offense at her correction and it was also good that not many people were in the room when she spoke up without thinking. She eyed Vasilisa and sighed, still unable to believe she could be influenced so greatly by someone younger than her. It had been Vasilisa’s presence that made stick her tongue out at Justin like that. The surprised look he gave her almost made her want to hit her head with a pillow. However, she was relieved when he just laughed. Both girls ended up laughing at Prudence’s awkwardness with Justin.

Prudence watched Vasilisa converse with Justin. Vasilisa’s maturity suddenly surfaced and Prudence could not help but be glad. Her younger cousin seemed mature enough to handle the situation and at that very moment, she knew Justin made the right decision. “That’s great. Everyone’s safety must be top priority…” Vasilisa then trailed off and from where Prue was seated, it was obvious that Vasilisa was worried. “Janine, could you please find Adrian and ensure that he’s safe?” Little Vasilisa turned to her guardian, looking hopeful. “I can’t go find Adrian and leave you here unprotected, Vasilisa.” Janine replied instantly with finality and politeness in her tone. Vasilisa sighed, knowing that arguing with her guard about this kind of things was going to be useless so she turned to Justin. “That is exactly what should happen. This ceremony must be postponed. We can’t risk everyone’s safety just to protect father’s feelings.” Vasilisa pointed out in a diplomatic sort of way. No trace of whiny childish Vasilisa anywhere.

“Yes, he did.” Janine nodded respectfully at Justin and smiled at Emil. It was evident that Vasilisa’s guard respected Emil. Justin’s announcement about her seating situation to be made Prudence’s jaw drop on the floor, figuratively. She had really been anticipating how she would stand along the sidelines and acting like a mere wall paper in order to not be noticed. “You reserved a seat for me? Very assertive of you. Thank you.” Prudence beamed at him, impressed that in the middle of all his responsibilities he still managed to do very little things like that. “Are my parents going to sit there too? Did you tell them that I’m here?” Prudence asked, recalling Justin’s warm welcome to her parents.

[justinlaw]

Justin could not help but feel very at ease with Prudence. He did not know why, but ever since he ruined his chances of courting Helena, he had been acting awkward when he was around with girls. Girls absolutely loved his easy going nature and his sense of humor yet, after a good party, he still felt miserable. Prudence was actually the only girl he ever known who developed quite an aversion to him even though they were in the same year. It was a good thing they were already at ease with each other.

Justin then listened as Vasilisa asked her guard Janine to look for her brother. When he heard Janine’s reply, he was not exactly surprised, for guards are supposed to be at the noble’s side at all times. He could not blame Janine for insisting to stay by Vasilisa’s side. It was a good thing that Rovilson managed to enter the second sitting room and reported that the ceremony was due to start at fifteen. Justin merely nodded to show his affirmation. “I see. Rovilson, I want you to do something for me. Please track down Adrian Dolohov and bring him here immediately. Should he refuse, you are free to do anything to make him come, but don’t hurt him,” he then said. The guard bowed respectfully and disapparated out of the room. Justin smiled, for Adrian loved to spar with the guards, and it would definitely serve as a challenge of sorts to him. “Vasilisa, I know that we cannot risk the safety of all the nobles present here, but please I do not want controversies to mar this important ceremony. Besides, the murderer would easily be apprehended, because I have deployed my Advance guards to maintain security,” he then said to her in a deathly serious tone. “I know you are just concerned but I guess you can chastise me should anything untoward happens to your cousin,” he now added in a calmer manner.

“Good. I guess I can count on your cooperation then,” he then said to Janine, smiling. “Do not worry; ensuring Vasilisa’s safety would be your top priority. I am not forcing you to participate in a meaningless battle, if ever that erupts,” he added for good measure. It was standard protocol for guards that the safety of their masters would be their topmost priority, although it is also natural for them to band together with other guards to ensure the safety of a large group of nobles. He then focused his gaze at Prudence and smiled. “Well, I have ensured that all those arrangements have been taken cared of accordingly. And well…your parents would be seated at the main forum, with the viscount and soon to be heir. They still did not know that you were here,” he then said, suddenly turning pale. Should anything happen to their precious daughter, he would surely be blamed accordingly, although he was ready to lay down everything for her sake. “Do you want me to inform them that you are present?” he then asked.

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence watched Justin and Vasilisa, still thinking about the possible things that may happen at the ceremony. All she could do at the moment was wait and hope that everything would turn out to be alright. If someone got hurt or was killed, she was never going to forgive herself. Although the murdered was after Justin too for foiling his escape, Prudence had a feeling that the murderer’s main target was her for she was the one who saw the how he committed one of his heinous crimes.

Prudence saw a shadow coming from the door and her head turned immediately to see who it was. Judging by the formal clothes of the guy who entered and the way Justin spoke to him, he was a guard. Prudence saw Vasilisa’s eyes roll at what Justin said to ‘Rovilson’. Once the guard named Rovilson disapparated, Prudence, once again, focused on her cousins. Prudence got Justin’s point very well, however, she was quite swayed by Vasilisa. Before Vasilisa could answer, Prudence spoke up. “I get your point, Justin. However, I could not help but agree with Vasilisa. With me here, the chances of the murderer attacking is greater. Unless I lea-” Vasilisa must have sensed that what Prudence was going to say next wouldn’t help her cause so the little girl suddenly spoke up, cutting Prudence subtly. “Yes.” Vasilisa said as she gave Prudence a one-arm hug. “Prue is right. The risk of an attack is high due to her presence. I understand that you don’t want this ceremony to be tainted with controversies. I don’t want that too, believe me. This ceremony is sort of my father’s ceremony after all. All I’m saying is that it is better to have the ceremony postponed and have it tainted with controversies than to have it now and risk having it marred by an attack or worse, death.” Vasilisa explained calmly and Prudence, along with Vasilisa, turned to Justin and waited for his response. Vasilisa sighed, not believing Justin did not think of playing safe.

“Yes, master.” Janine smiled and nodded at Justin’s direction, glad that he understood that Vasilisa’s safety was her top priority. “Rest assured that nothing will happen to Mistress Vasilisa.” She added, eyeing Vasilisa Dolohov and flashing her a small smile, as Prudence marveled at how everything in the world of politics worked. “Thank you for arranging everything for me.” Prudence looked at Justin gratefully. Before the Ravenclaw managed to answer Justin’s next question, Prudence heard someone come in and she turned toward the door to check out who it was. She saw was a pretty dark-haired girl in a grey formal dress, looking quite apologetic as she stood with poise on the doorway. “Hello Starr.” Vasilisa greeted pleasantly and instantly approached the dark-haired girl. Prudence could not help but smile as Vasilisa did her trademark cheek-to-cheek greeting.

[justinlaw]

Justin could not help but admire Vasilisa’s frankness in pointing out the matter to him. Apparently, it seemed like she could not believe that he would actually try and push through with the ceremony despite the obvious threat on Prudence’s life. However, he had his reasons on why he had to do so. “Vasilisa, listen to me. It’s not that I am not concerned with Prudence’s safety. Believe me, I really am concerned and I guess never before in my life as a baron that I have ever felt so scared,” he began to say, in a cool, almost soothing voice. “However, it’s not just that your father’s position is at stake. I think that luring the murderer to the ceremony would boost our chances of catching him. I know it sounds stupid but I guess this is a much better plan than to just postpone the ceremony without a reason,” he then added, his voice sounding deathly serious, as though his life was at stake too. He then thought that maybe the murderer was after him also for he was the one who had actually stopped him from killing Prudence. “I guess he’s after me too, and if ever you are harmed, I swear that I will have Emil kill me without mercy,” he finally said, catching Emil’s attention by looking at him. Emil, although pained, nodded in reply for it was his duty to obey him despite the odds.

A tense silence has now gone out between all of them. He knew that whatever he said was making everyone uncomfortable, even the guards who were present. Finally, Justin decided to break the silence. “Vasilisa, I know that you are indeed angry at me for I was trying to choose pushing through the ceremony, despite the warning. However, please have faith in me and my guards. Rest assured I will ensure your cousin’s safety. Even if I have to throw my life on the line,” he then said to her. “Emil, Janine, I apologize for my selfishness. I know it would be a tough duty but I guess it is time for the guards to band together and ensure everyone’s safety,” he then added, turning to the two guards. "But Janine, as I have said earlier, you have no obligation to enter this battle. Vasilisa's safety is in your hands." His talk was cut short though when a figure appeared on the archway, looking very posed and regal indeed. He was then surprised upon seeing who it was. He then stood up to get a closer look at her. “Starr, we meet again once more,” he said to her, looking surprised but happy all the same. “I am glad you have graced us here with your presence.”

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