What the Heck -Open-

[justinlaw]

Justin knew that whatever he was telling her was making her more confused all the more. He was beginning to feel confusion also; he wasn’t exactly the type of person who would make his explanations elaborate; he preferred being straight to the point. He could see that Prudence was looking at him in a different light, and that it wasn’t exactly good. He wondered whether he should have just not explained himself if it would only cause her confusion. “I think instead of enlightening you, I managed to make you want to bang your head on the wall or anything for that matter,” he said as he could already infer that she really wanted him to reveal it already.

“I guess I should not delay the truth any further, and I would not make this go on for hours,” he finally said. He already ascertained that she already have the right to know. He took a deep breath and sighed deeply. “You know me simply as Justin Law, yet I am not really the ordinary student, as it seems. I have just replaced my father as a baron. The real reason I am acting like so is because I wanted to adapt my father’s personality: the kind of person whose substance cannot be determined,” he then began, suddenly remembering his father, who just died recently, and whom he hasn’t felt anything good towards him. “I am pretty much like a phantom and I intend to stay this way. There were some instances where in people were asking how my parents disciplined me or taught me, because I was indeed a different case, that how did I end up this way,” he finally added. He hoped that she would finally understand his thoughts regarding the matter. “Regarding that, Helena knew it first before you did. She was just as confused as you were now,” he then said. He then placed his hands inside his pockets and sighed again.

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence was, indeed, very confused. But, somehow, she understood his point. He was a very unpredictable person. There was nothing wrong with that. Actually, she found it fascinating and it even drew him closer to her. “No, no, I think I’m starting to get your point.” She said softly. She thought it was nice of him to explain himself. His revelation rendered her speechless. A lot of things about him made sense. His regal way of speaking… Him being confusion personified… His nice clothing style… “Thank you for being honest with me.” She said with a smile, feeling both happy and sad. Happy for he told her about his real identity and sad because Helena was the first one to know. However, the fact that he told her something that he told Helena, a girl he liked, in confidence made her smile. At least he trusted her.

She was about to talk when she heard light footsteps. Aurors. That thought reminded her, once again of the murder she just witnessed. She felt guilty for trying to think through her confusion while the body of the person who just died lay in their midst.

In a matter of seconds, aurors showed up and crowded over the body. Prudence watched as they wrapped the young person and apparated her dead body out of the site. Dear God. She felt like wanting to cry again and leaned on Justin for support. One moment the person was alive and in just one instant… her life was snuffed out. “I still believe any of these.” She gestured widely, her voice cracking. She gasped as an auror started approaching the two of them.

[justinlaw]

Justin just smiled sheepishly as he knew that his explanation did render some form of assurance on her. “I’m glad that it seemed to fit into the picture now,” he said, smiling at her. For some reason, he felt like she was scrutinizing him from head to foot and that he could see a look of disappointment on her face. He of course did not know the reason why and he figured that it would be best to leave it out. “As I said, you were the second person to know and I guess I really trust you very much to be able to hear it from me,” he added, still smiling that same lopsided smile.

Suddenly, he could hear footsteps approaching their direction. He then realized that they were Aurors who came for the dead body. Silently, he watched them wrap away the body of the dead girl and take it away. He could feel Prudence leaning on him for support and he just let her do so, knowing that it was quite an ordeal for her. “I know it’s hard to believe. Please just lean on me and take heart,” he then whispered to her. He was already used to seeing such sights, as he even had to do the unpleasant job of overseeing that the Aurors at his disposal would do their job effectively.

His face then showed mild surprise as an auror started to approach them. He knew that they would be questioned regarding the events that led to the girl getting killed. He instinctively went in front of Prudence and whispered, “Leave this to me.” He then approached the auror and began talking to him. After a few minutes, the auror nodded, tipped his hat to him and called for the others to pick up the suspect, who was still petrified and apparated him out of the crime scene. He then turned to her and said, “Everything’s okay now.”

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence just smiled, glad that she was finally starting to unravel his unfathomable personality. For some reason, she reckoned that his unique self originated from his Barony heritage. She wondered where she would be if her father had not decided to forego his so called ‘stupid title’. Suddenly, Prue was really glad he did, she now sort of understood what titles could do to people. She gave Justin a somewhat sad smile. “Me too…” Sighing, she raked her hands through her hair and licked her lips. “I’m glad you trust me. I completely understand the gravity of what you just told me. I swear, your secret’s safe with me.” She smiled at him, meaning her words. “Why do want to kept it a secret, anyway?” Prudence was kind of amazed at the way he was carrying his title, most people were being arrogant about it.

His words snapped her out of it. “You sounded like father.” She eyed him, quite impressed at the way he was carrying himself. It was obvious though that it was not his first time to see such a scene and Prudence could not help but wonder if he so used to seeing corpses being taken away. She made a mental note to ask him later.

Her heart stopped beating as she watched the auror got closer. She did not know what she was going to say to him if he started interrogating her. When Justin stepped forward, she nodded feebly at his words and stepped back. She allowed him to speak first for as much as possible, she wanted to lay low, but if it turned out that Justin did not witness what she did, she was going to step up and talk. She did not care if the murderer heard her testimony, she was going to say what needed to be said and make sure that he rotted in jail. “Good evening, may I have a word with the two of you?” The auror said politely.

[justinlaw]

Upon hearing her tell him that his secret identity would not be revealed, Justin just smiled right at her. “Thanks for understanding. You see I’m not really exactly proud of my title,” he then said. “You see, I really did inherit my father’s title rather reluctantly, as no one besides me would be able to succeed him. So I was thrusted into a world of responsibility not entirely my own. I had to grow up fast,” he added, as he was beginning to remember bits and pieces of his past life. He was then curious as to why she was interested in his being a baron, although he then inferred that maybe because she saw it as quite unusual.

As they were observing the whole process of removing the corpse, he tried to keep a straight face. He knew that Prue would be counting on him for support. He just smiled once more as Prue commented on how much he sounded like her father, which made him think that he was also part of nobility. “Wait, you mean your father was a noble before?” he then asked, his curiosity was awakened. As if on cue, he then said, “You know in our case, it’s not really unusual to see corpses being taken away and all. I had to personally attend to such affairs.”

Justin then realized that even though he managed to talk the other Aurors into apparating the suspect out of the scene, it would be inevitable that they would be questioned again, especially Prue. Although he was worried about Prue, he knew that she would be able to provide more details about what happened than him, since she was the only possible witness. As the other Auror approached them and asked if they may have a word with him, Justin apparently sensing her anxiety, instinctively held her hand and said, “It is perfectly alright with us, good sir.” He then leaned towards her and whispered, “I guess we should prepare ourselves for the questions. It would be rude on our part to just run away.”

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence just smiled at him, still could not fully believe that a big part of his behavior was because he had to grow up fast to be the next baron. She had theories about his unfathomable behavior but him being enthroned as a baron at a very tender age did not even enter her mind. “That must have been hard. I could not say I completely understand but I have to say I feel for you.” She told him sincerely. “I mean, I’m an only daughter and I can feel my parents’ heavy eyes on me… What more if you’re a baron?” She shook her head. No wonder some nobles forego their positions… “Have you ever thought of running away instead of facing your responsibilities?” She asked without thinking blushed. “Sorry, I’m just curious.” She eyed him sheepishly.

Prudence silently watched the events that had been happening around them, her feet rooted on the spot. She could not help but realize how many things could happen that was beyond her control. It was only then that she realized that even though she was a seer, she could not save everybody. What if I could not save Lars? She shivered. When Justin spoke, she almost did not catch what he said. “My father? A noble? What made you say that?” She eyed him, wondering if he knew her grandfather… “So you watch corpses being taken all the time?” Prudence gasped. “I thought only Aurors do that…” She trailed of, apparently surprised.

Prue’s breathing stopped when Justin held her hand. Much too her surprise, his hand was warm compared to her ice cold hand. She took a deep breath and tried to focus on the scene. At that moment, she knew she had feelings for Justin and knew that it was inappropriate to think about it at the moment. “I’m not going to run away,” She whispered back, and she was happy he was not going to run away either. “Are you acquainted with the victim in any way?” The auror in charge patiently waited for their answers.

[justinlaw]

Justin merely nodded, apparently surprised that she was quite interested in his affairs as a baron. Nevertheless, he was glad that she was one of the few people who immediately understood his predicament. As he listened to her tell him about comparing the attention he was receiving as a baron to the attention she was getting from her parents, being an only child, he couldn’t help but sigh loudly. “I’m an only son too and I guess I was already used to the attention, it’s only that other than my mother, there are other people who are looking out for me,” he said as he remembered his mother suddenly and he really missed her. When she asked him whether he tried to run away from his responsibilities as a baron, he just stifled a laugh and smiled broadly at her. “Well about that…I guess I did every now and then. However, when I think about the responsibilities that I’ve left behind, I couldn’t help it but I go back and face it. I just couldn’t bear to leave unfinished work behind,” he explained, his gaze now on the floor.

He then continued to watch her as the Aurors continued their operation. He could feel that she was really anxious and that for some reason, whatever she witnessed was having a big impact in her life. When he heard her question regarding what made him say that her father was a noble, he then placed his hand on his chin and thought hard on that, trying to run into his mind the nobles that he knew. “I really don’t know why I asked it though…it seemed to me that if not your father, you might have some relatives who once belonged to the nobility,” he then said. “Or was I mistaken?” he added, apparently aware that he may be wrong. “Well, it was one of my unpleasant jobs as a baron, and in the place where we came from, the aurors were directly under my jurisdiction. That is why I had to oversee them all the time, and I guess I was already used to it,” he said in response to her question regarding if he was watching corpses being taken.

As he held her hand, he could feel its coldness and he knew that she was really anxious at that point. It couldn’t be helped since they would about to be questioned regarding the murder that had just happened. For some reason, he felt that he couldn’t leave her behind and that he had to support her in every way he can. He just smiled as she told him that she would not run away. “We are not acquainted with the victim at all, it was just unfortunate that we were at the wrong place at the wrong time,” he then answered in response to the first question the Auror asked. As he was speaking, he gazed at Prudence in case she had something else to say.

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence wondered how one can not simply crack under a number of people’s heavy gazes. Again, she found herself admiring him for his poise and self-esteem and she could not help but thank her father for foregoing his so-called stupid title. To Prue, titles of nobility were not stupid, it was more of a way to respect persons of authority. But, after hearing about how people look at you if you hold a certain title, she could not help but agree with her father. Titles kill the buzz. “It is hard to leave unfinished work behind. Whenever I do, I can’t find peace within myself. You know what I mean?” She raised an eyebrow at him, quite certain he got her point.

Prudence kept looking at him, searching his face in wonder why he suddenly said such a thing. She did not look like some part of nobility, not at that moment and not ever. Since her father gave up the title long before she was born, she never knew how to act like a noble. “No, you aren’t mistaken. My grandfather is the retired viscount…” She said with a sigh. Her father and her mother didn’t talk about it much but it was not a secret for a lot people still knew her father and what he did to his title. “But, my father isn’t a noble anymore. He bid his title goodbye when he married my mother.” She told him truthfully. “Ugh. That’s horrible. I mean, having to see corpses all the time.” She added, a look of disgust on her face.

Prudence calmed down and focused. For some reason unknown to her, she felt like she needed to tackle the situation with confidence if she wanted to help justice come through. “Yes. We do not know the victim sir.” She paused, knowing that what she was going to say next will certainly make her land at the auror headquarters for questioning. “But, I saw what happened to the victim.” She added, looking at the auror in the eyes. The auror nodded and gazed at the two teenagers. He focused on the male teenager and asked. “Did you also witness the murder?” His gaze never left the face of the male teenager.

[justinlaw]

As he kept his gaze on Prudence, Justin was still wondering what suddenly piqued her interest in his life as a noble. He knew that she did not really mean to ask such questions but he could see that there was a part of her that was tainted with the nobility. He could sense that either her family actually belongs to the nobility or they descended from noble ancestors. He made a mental note to ask her about it later on. His thoughts were then interrupted by Prudence affirming what he had just said earlier. He just nodded in response and folded his arms once again.

What he was thinking about earlier was then confirmed as she shared that her grandfather was the retired viscount. He then racked his brains once again and realized that the viscount she was talking about was none other than the viscount of the house of Campbell, one of the most feared and respected noble families. He then realized at once that he once heard his father talk about the retired viscount disowning his only son and heir apparent to the title, though he did not reveal any details about it. “Now I understand,” he then said slowly, now realizing that the story was already making sense. “My father was good friends with the viscount and even though he disowned his own son, he was still talking about him fondly,” he added, still locking eyes with her. He then wondered to himself what it would be like when she became part of the nobility once again. He smiled, and then shook the thought out of his head. “Well, I guess I was just already used to doing the job so it doesn’t really matter anymore,” he replied to her tell him how horrible his job seemed.

Justin was genuinely shocked when he heard her statement. He knew that she really wanted to help but he felt that she might get shaken by the questioning that was about to be launched onto her. However, he tried to mask the surprise he felt and tried to appear calm and collected. He then felt the auror’s gaze right at him and he realized that he was asking him a question also. He then shook his head. “No, I did not see anything, although I saw the murderer was about to attack her,” he said, gesturing towards Prudence. “And so I had no choice but to save her from him or else she would have been killed,” he added, looking the auror in the eye.

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence eyed him curiously, wondering what was going on in his head at that moment. His face always held a lot of unanswerable questions for her and for everybody else. It was what made her like him and hate him at the same time. He had that unique ability to make captivate her and make her curious.

When she saw a look of realization in his face, she could not help but smile. At least she could read some of his facial expressions. His next words caught her off guard. “That, I did not know.” She told him honestly. “I don’t know anything about my father’s father. Truth is, I never met him.” She said casually. Up until then she did not know if it was better if the two of them met. “Since he disowned dad and he decided to retire just recently, the nobility of the ‘House of Campbell’ is gone now. I believe it will be transferred to my father’s oldest first cousin, Macon Dolohov.” She made a face, the Dolohovs’ opinion on things are different from her family’s. She could not imagine her stern, arrogant and cold-hearted uncle Macon being the Viscount.

Prudence had been hoping Justin witnessed what she saw and felt her shoulders slumped when he said he did not. She now knew she was all alone in all this now. Despite this knowledge, she did not regret telling the truth. The person who died needed justice and she did not plan on withholding it from her. “What he said is true, sir. He saved me from the girl’s murderer.” She eyed the auror in the eyes. The auror nodded at teenage boy’s words and was convinced even more when the girl confirmed his statement. “In that case, you would have to come with me to the auror headquarters young lady. As for you,” He paused, his gaze on Justin’s face contemplative and calculating. “I will personally come to you if your testimony would be needed. But before I take care of a few case matters over there, I would need your names. Both of you from Hogwarts?” The auror glanced at the two teenagers, waiting for their response.

[justinlaw]

Justin kept his gaze on her once more, wondering what was on her mind right now. Apparently, he could see that she had already taken an interest on him. He seemed very interested in her too; however, at that moment in time he could not afford to let his guard down just like that. They are currently trapped in a series of events beyond their control. Perhaps when the ordeal was over he would be able to get to know her better.

He listened attentively as she told him about the circumstances surrounding her family. Now, he understood fully. She has not seen the viscount at all and that it would have made a difference once they managed to meet up, even once. When he heard her say that the House of Campbell would be transferred to none other than Macon Dolohov, he just nodded and didn’t say anything for a moment. After a few seconds, he broke the silence. “Macon Dolohov is one of my father’s trusted advisers,” he then said, struggling to remember what he looked like. “Apparently, the Viscount gave his consent to Macon to have the House transferred to him, believing him to be capable enough to uphold the name. It’s quite sad though, the Campbells were one of the main noble families, along with the twelve others,” he added.

Justin then realized that Prudence would be all alone in dealing with the questioning. Much as he would like to lie about seeing the murder just to keep her company, he couldn’t because the aurors would find out anyway and that his title would be in danger. He then wished that he would have been there earlier so that he would have seen for himself. When the auror told him that he would personally come to him if his testimony would be needed, he just nodded. “Just go easy on her sir,” he then said, eyeing Prudence with an apologetic look. “Can’t I really come to accompany her?” he then asked, knowing that maybe she would go all nervous and alarm the aurors. When the auror then asked for their names, he just looked at him quizzically and said, “My name is Justin Law and she’s Prudence Campbell. We’re from Hogwarts sir.”

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence was wondering what his reaction would be to all that she just said. Of course, he managed to surprise her again. “That, I did not know again. If there is one thing in this world that I am clueless about, that would be politics.” She said in a manner of fact tone. It was the truth, Prue and her family never concerned themselves in such affairs. “I guess I’m not surprised though, Uncle Macon might be uh…” She eyed him, knowing that she should not start saying bad things about her relatives to him. Close or not, Macon Dolohov was still her uncle. Justin was still an outsider… If her uncle was going to be the hailed as the new Viscount in the next few days, she ought to keep her mouth shut. “Well, he has a rather unique personality… but, he has a great mind.” Prudence finished, smiling at Justin.

Prudence sighed. The situation they both were in at the moment was probably the stickiest situation she had gotten herself into in her fifteen years of living. She had the urge to owl her parents, they would know what was best for her and her schoolmate. But, she felt like dealing with all of this alone, after all, what would her parents say to the auror? They did not see anything. How can they be of help? Sure, they’d be willing but there was nothing they could do in this situation.

Prudence rolled her eyes at the apologetic look he gave her. She could not really blame him though, she was quite freaked earlier. But now, after deciding to tackle this one alone, without her parents and Justin, she felt like she was ready to face the aurors or anyone else. She was going to ensure that the girl got the justice she so deserved. Despite her reaction to Justin, she was quite touched by his concern. The auror eyed the young man, looking like he was contemplating his request, but after a few moments, the auror just grunted as he took out a small piece of parchment and jutted down the names of the two witnesses. “I will be back in a minute. You will be escorted back to the castle, Mr. Law. Ms. Campbell will be going with you for now.” The auror gave the two students a kind smile. “I will have both of you picked up tomorrow, at 8 in the morning. Be ready.” And with that, the auror turned his back and dissapparated.

[justinlaw]

Justin merely gave her a look that indicated his obvious surprise at her reaction. It seemed that she had a lot to say about Macon Dolohov. He then wondered what it could be. “Do not be afraid, you can tell me something about him though. That would really help greatly regarding on how would I treat him when we meet,” he then said. To be honest, Justin didn’t really like him very much but he was a good strategist and adviser that is why he was a vital asset to his father. They were already acquainted through formal introductions but never got the chance to talk to him personally. “He’s my father’s resident war tactician and legal counsel. Now that he is under my wing now, he serves me for pretty much the same thing. Although that would soon be over once he takes over the House,” he added.

He then realized that even though he might be able to smooth out the issue on his own once his mother finds out but one look at her made him realize once again that she would be the one who would have a difficult time regarding that. After all, she was still under the care of her parents, who might get worried if they knew that she was involved in such a big case. He then thought that he would be the one who would do all the explaining once that happens.

Justin continued to study her face and he realized that she no longer felt anxious. He just smiled and secretly wished her luck on facing the aurors for questioning. He just hoped that they would allow him to accompany her there, maybe just to keep company and encourage her. He then focused his gaze at the auror, who then jotted down their names in a piece of parchment. When he heard what the auror said about being escorted back to the castle, he was about to ask what would happen to Prudence when suddenly, the auror told him that she would be going back with him for the time being. He then breathed a sigh of relief, glad that they would be able to get back together. However, he then glanced back at the auror when he told them that they would be picked up at the castle tomorrow at 8 in the morning sharp and they had to be ready. He just nodded back at him and looked at Prudence again. He knew that it would be quite an ordeal to her. As the familiar sound of the auror disapparating permeated his ears, he just hoped that they would go easy on them both.

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence sighed inside when he obviously busted her for keeping to herself some of the things she knew about Macon Dolohov. The two were obviously acquainted but, judging by the slytherin’s words, Justin did not know her uncle that well. Prudence smiled at the loophole of what he said. “Well, when you meet him formally…” She trailed off to let her intuition take over. “Just be your most polite and formal self. You’ll do fine. And remember to talk no nonsense.” She blushed at her last statement and hastily added, “Not that you talk nonsense.” She listened and nodded when she felt like it as he spoke. Despite her lack of knowledge in politics, she knew her uncle would stop serving the baron when he became the viscount of the house. “Uncle Macon must have been a great War person. I’m sure you may still ask him for advice in war matters when he becomes the viscount.” She smiled encouragingly at Justin. Her uncle may be cold hearted but he was passionate in his job.

Prudence watched as the auror took note of their names. She wondered how much questioning the two of them would get. Despite the good vibes she felt after voicing out her intention to testify, she felt a tinge of a bad vibe after the auror left. Was that really an auror? Were everyone who took the body aurors? Prudence felt a brick like structure settle on her stomach. She had really bad feeling about all this. She shoved everything out of her head and eyed Justin. “Thank you so much for… everything. I promise you, your secret is safe with me.” She smiled at him genuinely; glad to finally have met him. “Are you going back to Hogwarts now? Do you mind if I go now? I don’t feel like staying up and witnessing another murder.” She bit her lip as she waited for his answer.

[justinlaw]

Justin nodded at her and sighed. He knew that he would have quite a lot of things to worry about when he gets home for vacation. Despite the perks that come with being a high ranking member of the nobility, having to attend parties, balls, town meetings were too much of a strain for him. However, since he is now the Baron, he would have to deal with it even more. He laughed as Prudence gave him some advice in dealing with Macon Dolohov. “Well, I guess the first thing I have to do when I get back is to talk to him. I would preside over the turnover ceremony and I guess that would be a good opportunity to talk. Besides, he was already seeking an audience with me, days before I left for Hogwarts but I was too busy to even reply,” he then said. Seeking an audience meant that a noble family wants to forge ties with another noble family; and it was really hard to forge ties with the ruling nobles, especially with the Laws. He just smiled back at her in reply.

As he watched the Auror disapparate, he wondered what would happen to the both of them when they get questioned at the Auror headquarters. However, he turned to look at Prudence and it seemed like she was getting anxious about something. He could not blame her for feeling it because she was the primary witness to the murder and having to be questioned in front of aurors is a major bad feeling. He was surprised as she looked right at him and thanked him. He just nodded encouragingly and smiled. “No worries, it is my pleasure helping you. Don’t worry, they would not harm you, all you have to do is answer truthfully and you’ll do fine,” he then said. When she asked him if he would already go back to Hogwarts, he nodded and said, “Yes, we would have to go back, it’s getting late. I will escort you back to the castle, if it is okay with you.” He knew that he would have to keep her safe for the time being. Justin could not help but feel that there was something more to her than what meets the eye.