*coughs* I've just seen 'Matrix Reloaded' so expect there to be a few of the doctrines that were released within the movie (and the first - you had to have been paying attention though) to reflect here. But don't worry - there are no spoilers.
Oh and for some reason ff..net decided to delete my entire profile. I don't suppose that the sad idiot who couldn't comprehend the big words could own up could they? I mean I have to congratulate you for your ingenious don't I. And really I would like to find your point in all of this?
And 10 points if anyone knows the white cat joke and can recite it. And a further ten if you can spot the Export reference! Export Gold for those of you that need more of a hint. Might help if you were a Kiwi also.
Thanks: Georgina. You did it again. Kudos chicky. And to Karen. You cleared the Babylonia bit. Waaahooo! Rock on you! Pssst - if you don't agree with this bit here then talk to Karen. But be warned... She bites.
Disclaimer: Nope. Nada. Sorry. Still ain't mine.
And "doddering old fool". I've seen that term somewhere before. I'm sorry I lifted it, but it was necessary. And I borrowed the definition of chaos from the Lotus Smart Suite reference section. And I may have lifted Pratchett's stuff in regards to Vimes. I'm not quite sure on that point but better safe than sorry right?
I-cias.com/ e.o/ mesopotamia. htm and i-cias.com/ e.o/ babylonia. htm for referencing stuff. You'll see. Its fairly obvious as to what I'm talking about, but unless the synapses refuse to fire today then I'm talking about the Babylonian bit. And in order to reach those two web sites, make sure you do the whole http etc bit, just in case you didn't know.
Shout Out: To the readers and reviewers of this fic. Wow - you guys have been great and I can't believe people are actually enjoying this! Thanks a lot guys.
_
Chapter Three: All Together Now!
Part B
"Yes Mister Dumbledore? Do you plan on coming in or do you plan on standing outside the classroom door a little longer?" the Patrician asked.
The children were long gone, dismissed by the Patrician at least half an hour ago. So far he had been biding his time before saying anything to the headmaster of Hogwarts. One part of him wanted to see how long the man was willing to wait and the rest was annoyed that the man felt it necessary to intrude on his lesson with the children. Yes, they had not seen him but that was not the point. A fine line of trust was to be walked and so far the headmaster was unwilling to walk it.
The man was a doddering old fool and those that seemed to know it, were destined not to be able to do anything about it.
"Good afternoon your Lordship." Dumbledore replied cheerfully. "I just thought I would see how things were within the class. After all..."
"Yes of course Mister Dumbledore." replied the Patrician as he cut the much older man off before he could finish preaching his usual sermon of love and equality for all. "This is a subject that not all feel comfortable with."
The older man smiled brightly again. A thought of passing consequence came to the Patrician. Never trust a man that smile far too much for his own good... He obviously has something unpleasant planned which you do not want to be a part of...
And then it came.
"I thought perhaps you might like to join us for the evening meal. We are having a banquet tonight and it would be a symbol of great importance if you attended. It would show unity between our worlds."
In other words, Dumbledore had decided to take it upon himself to preach the values of life to all the students and convince them to follow his true path unequivocally. Interesting and yet amusing at the same time. The Gryffindors would be fawning over every word the headmaster said, the Hufflepuffs (especially the seventh years) would no doubt be looking everywhere else but the head table, the Ravenclaws and the Slytherins were slightly harder to judge. Perhaps a blank stare of nothing while pretending to listen - similar to what young Quirrell had on his face before he spoke at the presentation he and Evans had done together. For that sight alone of voidness, the offer was tempting... The Slytherins he could see outright ignoring everything around them and continuing on as if this event was merely just another dinner at Hogwarts.
"I am afraid I must decline your offer Mister Dumbledore. I have things that I must attend to as you would understand. Thank you for the offer however."
"Anytime your Grace. The offer is an extended one."
"Of course it is Mister Dumbledore. Of course it is."
~
"Tell me something children, what would you like to begin with today? Would you like to begin with more discussion on the theory of chaos or would you like to continue with what Mister Ashlon bought up in class?"
A timid Hufflepuff hand went up.
"Yes Mister Bones."
"Could we start with chaos this time and then perhaps move on too society and its combined meaning with Political Ideology in the next class?"
"Excellent idea Mister Bones. Do the rest of you concur?"
"Yes sir."
The Patrician raised an eyebrow. For the first time, they all sounded genuinely excited about a topic to be studied in this class. "As you wish children." he responded. "Now tell me. Last week we discussed how there can be a balance with chaos. If we think about this in relative terms - what does chaos mean? Why is it necessary to have chaos do you think?"
A few hesitant hands went up in the air and then feel back down. Two remained solid though. Remus Lupin and Severus Snape.
"Ah I see we have two ready to broach this next question. Mister Snape, you take the first part and Mister Lupin you take the second. Miss de Boer, I want you to summarise their points together. Do you find yourself able of this task?"
"Yes sir."
He was waiting for an answer that resembled something of a philosophy from Snape. The boy had a talent for things and he knew it.
Snape stood and cleared his throat. "Chaos can mean a different variety of things. It originates from the Greek word khaos which means unformed matter. Or in other words, chaos means a great disorder or confusion or the disordered state which is held to have existed before the ordered universe. It is also said that chaos can sometimes be represented as a person than rather a thing. In the terms that I believe his Lordship is referring to - chaos is more of a metaphoric symbol for everyday life within the sphere that we live in. Chaos need not be seen to be understood or felt by people. As they say, every action has a reaction and chaos can be one of many. In relative terms of today's current society, chaos means the disorder we have within our current system, or lack thereof at the moment. This concludes my section."
His Lordship noted the solid silence and lack of any psychical response of any sort from both halves of the classroom. It was surprising to say the least - he had expected some sort of emotional reaction to the last comment that the boy had made. Nevertheless, he was proud that they had achieved this level of understanding.
Not everyone believed the same thing.
"Thank you Mister Snape. Mister Lupin?"
The quiet Gryffindor stood up and resumed the topic of conversation for the day. "I think that it is necessary for chaos to exist lest we have ultimate perfection. There is so much about each and everyone of us that makes us individuals and if that is destroyed then we'd all be the same. I don't think that we are ready to make that transition over as of yet. We need chaos to cope with what we face in our everyday lives. We need the option to be there - we expect it."
The Patrician nodded at the boys answer. It was succinct and flowed well with the answer Snape had provided. "Thank you Mister Lupin. Now Miss de Boer."
Young Narcissa stood and took a moment to pause before speaking. "I believe that Lupin had it right when he said that we need chaos to be there for us and we expect it as not all life is perfect." she began in a soft tone, almost as if she regretted what she had to say at first and then warming up as she went along. "This relates to what Severus spoke of about the disordered state and a form of confusion or disorder with an individual or in relation to a group. We expect this form of continuity in our lives."
"Thank you Miss de Boer. Now tell me class, what is Political Chaos? and how does it affect the people?"
This time Pettigrew was the only one that put his hand up. "Political Chaos, according to what Snape, Remus and de Boer said, is confusion in amongst those that lead us. Political Chaos is bad for the people as the state is disordered and so then the people have no reliable functioning government to look towards."
Pettigrew was developing something close to a spine... How amusing, thought the Patrician. "Well done Mister Pettigrew. The first time you choose to show initiative in this class you come out with a more than profound statement. Congratulations Mister Pettigrew."
The boy was stunned into confusion. He didn't know whether to take this as a compliment or to take it as the offensive statement that it sounded like it was supposed to be. He smiled. "Th-thank you sir." he eventually came out with. "I just wanted to do my best."
"And that you did." replied the Patrician in a dry tone he usually reserved for the likes of those similar to the disposition of the headmaster and the grounds keeper.
Again the comment was wasted as the boy continued to smile happily, oblivious to even the odd stares which he was getting from the small group of Hufflepuffs - which was a shock within itself as noted by the Ravenclaws who were valiantly trying their best not to burst into something akin to laughter and tears combined.
It was funny how life reorganised its chapters like this. Almost as if it was Chaos Theory in action. The unexpected was happening as the class was moving. He wondered how many others had caught on to this fact. Judging from the snide looks of contempt on the faces of those who he expected to have a fair indication of what was going on, and the dim light bulbs flickering slowly as synapses after synapses fired and brain waves connected on the lesser mentally inclined of the class...
All in all, about three students were left sitting in the room with the white cat after the lights when out. Which in considering whom the Patrician was dealing with, was an astonishing fact in itself. Not surprising to his Lordship however. There were some things that although they were not running along a principle of certainty they were in fact predictable to the trained eye.
And if anything, Havelock Vetineri had an eye for detail.
"Without using the current state of affairs in the wizarding world as reference, can anyone else name a time when Political Chaos could be seen in the world, be it wizarding or outside?"
Lily put up her hand. "Yes Miss Evans?"
"The fight against Grindelwald sir. There are similarities between the two that can be seen."
"How very astute of you Miss Evans. Anyone else?"
"What about the decline in strength and importance during the eleventh century in Ancient Babylonia sir?" asked Snape. "That lasted for about two hundred years I believe. Most Muggle historical documentation believes this to be of a Muggle origin, when in fact it was a wizarding concern. The so-called Mecca of the wizarding world in Mesopotamia was shifting in perspective further towards the west at this point and thus Babylonia suffered from this removal of central power."
"Interesting point to put forward Mister Snape. How much do you know of the Muggle side of this?"
"A little sir. I wasn't all that interested in the Muggle perspective but what I do know is that according to Muggle history; after King Nebuchadnezzar the first came to power circa eleven twenty - Babylonia was revived for the first time since the seventeenth century and the Kingdom attacked Elam and Assyria who were a continual threat to Babylonian society. After his death of course, Babylonia fell into a system of Political Chaos. I do know for a fact that King Nebuchadnezzar had strong magical ties. Perhaps this is the reason why Babylonia was so successful during his rule."
The entire class caught the implied meaning behind that last statement by Snape. It seemed as if the fragile bridge over the river Ankh had weakened under the unique odour and ominous looking ooze which claimed to be a form of water once upon a time.
"Out of curiosity Snape, do you ever get tired of hearing yourself talk?"
All eyes swung round to the person that had spoken. The Patrician smiled and rested his chin on his clasped hands. This should be interesting, he thought.
"Feeling suicidal much Lupin?" retorted Snape, a dagger in his voice. "Because it seems to me that you ought to keep your mouth shut about subjects you know nothing of."
"And it seems to me Snape, you ought to refrain from inferring things about which you can only have a biased opinion about."
The normally calm and collected Snape, with features paler than a cold winter's day - heated up, his face turning a brilliant shade of deep red.
"How dare you!" he blustered. "Nothing but impertinence from nothing more than just another Gryffindor Bestia trying to pose as a student!"
Lupin turned whiter than a sheet, Lily and Peter were looking at him anxiously - an almost frantic look in their eyes. Lily turned her head to the Patrician and the man remained stoic in his calm, cold reserve.
"Mister Snape, that is enough. Mister Lupin I shall see you after class, Mister Pettigrew take this to the headmaster and Miss Evans - not a word. This will be dealt with on my terms and no others."
The Patrician made a point of levelling a glare across the classroom before resting his eyes on the Slytherin that had caused such disruption.
"Now Mister Pettigrew."
The boy fled. Scurrying away like a vermin escaping from its natural predator.
"Are you quite finished with your little outburst Mister Snape?"
"Yes sir." he replied, averting his gaze.
"Excellent, we shall continue this class in silence. A reflection if you will."
About ten minutes later, Pettigrew came back with a reply from the headmaster. The Patrician snorted after reading the response and then looked over at McKinnon. "An Incendio spell if you please Mister McKinnon."
Something devilish lit up in the Irish boy's eyes. The lilt of his baroque accent becoming just that much stronger than usual.
"My pleasure sir."
You could almost hear the dark chuckle turning into an evil laugh of maniacal devastation... Then again, this was just McKinnon being his finest.
A showy blue flame exploded into life on the Patrician's desk. It lazily consumed the note returned, before extinguishing itself.
"Have you learned anything at all class?"
"Yes sir. Do not be the bearer of news from the headmaster." announced McKinnon as he indicated the look of shock horror on the part of Pettigrew.
"Well done Mister McKinnon. A creative answer for a class that cannot seem to grasp the simple concept that there are trees amongst the forest. Class dismissed. Mister Lupin, we shall continue our discussion at the main gates - I will be with you shortly. Miss Evans be gone from my sight."
Evans and Snape stormed out, only to be confronted with one another at the classroom door. Curses ready on the tips of their tongues, McKinnon was ready with another statement of wit. A Petrificus Totalus spell and a "Take care of your own" later, the entire class was empty - all for the tall, dark man who was composing a note to be sent to the Disc.
A note concerning wolves in sheep's clothing and a simple request.
~
Lupin was torn. They all knew. Seventh years were well versed in Latin and Quirrell was no fool. The headmaster had promised he'd be safe. The headmaster had said he'd sworn Snape to absolute secrecy. He had absolute faith within the kindly old grandfather-like man that insisted on him being at Hogwarts, secured him a place of security within the arms of the most beloved founders, given him a home when his alternate nature was unleashed every month and finally, healed him when the injuries were so great that not even the mediwitch could aid his plight.
Dumbledore's little secret which was left so unguarded and visible that no-one could of ever guessed what Remus J. Lupin really was when the moon was at her fullest and the night was blacker than thunder.
But now they knew.
He kept the real pain inside, show the brave face as he paid for sins he'd never intentionally meant to commit. Because of Black and Snape, he ended up paying his dues double and he had been doing so for the last two years now.
He shifted anxiously, feeling the cold whip through his bones even though it was a warm day. He wondered what the Patrician was going to do to him. He wondered what the headmaster had said. He hoped the older of the two had not finally decided to leave him in the cold and exclude him from something he was so entitled too... As for the younger - he hoped this would not be his last moments of life...
"My apologies Mister Lupin. I had not intended to take as long as I did."
"Quite all right sir." replied the boy.
The Patrician caught the air of sadness even before he had seen the melancholy beast. Second citizen standards for a child that had no control over its own impulses. Lupin, it seemed, was a broken form of curiosity. Smart but not willing to ask to confirm - an attention seeker he was not.
"Shall we depart Mister Lupin?"
Fear flickered through the mind of the werewolf. They were leaving. He had nothing but what he had with him. Everything else was in the Gryffindor Tower - although by now there was no doubt in his mind that his meagre items that constructed his life, were now being burnt to purge his lingering presence. He could see the Patrician aiming a silver-laced crossbow at him and informing him he could run. It was to no avail though. The silver bolt always would strike true.
"Mister Lupin?"
"Yes sir. I'm ready." came the meek reply.
He would not be welcome home and he couldn't impose on the generosity of his friends for any extended period of time. He could be discovered at any moment and be stoned to death... Or worse. Then there was the second option... Give over to the wolf fully and live a further cursed life. At least the death he was now awaiting wouldn't be as slow and as painful.
A carriage pulled up. The time had come. The Patrician entered with grace and then he himself climbed in. He closed his eyes, determined to drown within his memories before life was stolen from his age weary bones. He lost track of everything - only coming too when the halt of the carriage knocked sense into him.
A stiff nod from the Patrician indicated he should exit first. Perhaps he would die in a field of flowers; maybe the Forbidden Forest would be his final resting-place... James, Sirius, Lily and Peter would all move on as time lifted all memory of him...
"Morbidity will get you nowhere." he heard his father's disgusted voice say. "Now be a man and get up before your mother sees this mess."
The disembowelled sheep incident... He evened his breath and opened the door to his fate...
He was not expecting Hogsmeade.
"Sir?" he asked puzzled.
~
Anyone else would have seen this for the simple request it was...
Sam Vimes was not that sort of person when it came to the Patrician.
He was chewing on what used to be the stub of a cigar, now it more resembled a blackish lump of the unknown. Something you'd find on the person (and that was a term in this instance that he used very delicately even though there was a signed legal document) of Nobby.
He glared at the smug looking pigeon sitting on his desk, which was now pecking at the "thing" his son had constructed (in all honesty - that was the only way one could describe it).
"ANGUA!"
~
"Something the matter Mister Lupin? Were you perhaps expecting a darkened alley or perhaps a remote area of forest?"
"Yes."
"As I suspected. Mister Lupin do you have any idea as to why you are here?"
Not really, the boy thought to himself. I mean why do away with me here? People know me - they'd take me in. Admittedly the population would dwindle after a few months but it would be unlikely they'd ever blame the poor homeless child...
On second thoughts - who was he kidding?
I presume the blank look you currently have showing for the entire world to see, is an indication that you do have an idea but it is so farfetched that you do not know what to believe?"
"Something like that sir." admitted Lupin.
"Were you under the belief that your headmaster had dismissed you from your tutelage because of certain information possibly becoming public knowledge?" asked the Patrician as he started to walk in the direction of the Three Broomsticks. "Did you think of me as your dispatcher for the day?"
Lupin moved forward to open the door for his Lordship - instead of entering, the tall man indicated a figure sitting at the bar. The individual was completely surrounded by people yet it seemed totally and utterly alone.
"Sit down and talk. You might find it interesting and even learn something with her words."
Remus turned to look at the person. There was an air of familiarity he couldn't quite place about her.
"Thank you sir."
~
James and Sirius were pacing, Peter and Lily were watching.
Only one of them was dizzy to the point of being violently ill - quite possibly on the person sitting next to them.
"We've checked everywhere. That man has done something to him. I just know it!"
"James, the Patrician wouldn't harm anyone and I just don't see what you have against him. And in any case, the headmaster..."
"I don't care! That man..."
"This all Snape's fault. That is all there is to it. That Slytherin..." start Sirius before he paused, his mouth open as if he'd seen the Holy Grail itself. "Remy?"
The usually downtrodden look that Remus carried was instead an amber smile that lit up his eyes and the thin lips he bore were turned up for the first time in what seemed to be eternity.
"Have I got something to tell you!"
~
All was calm this night at Hogwarts and its surrounds. So calm in fact, that no one noticed the two boys sneaking up on a third. No one heard the outraged screams and no one saw the fourth boy throwing spells at the first two and then at the third for good measure.
The war of three sides lasted for an hour and three minutes before a truce was declared due to the fact that there was no way their combined rudimentary medical knowledge would undo the chaos that the four had done to themselves.
Decisions made, it was time to go to the mediwitch.
"Lestrange will have your head if he finds out you were with his sister McKinnon."
"Shut up Snape. That goes for you too Black and Potter."
"She's gone."
"And you can't break the charm on the lock?"
"We could wake Lily."
"I am not letting Lily see me like this."
"I don't know. You look better now than you usually do Potter."
"Anything would be an improvement on your face Snape."
~
The Patrician was sitting at his desk when the children entered. He made no indication that they were there - even when three of the four Hufflepuffs cleared their throats in a discrete but loud manner. They relaxed warily and waited.
"Good morning class. I trust this day finds you well."
A definite edge to the man's voice. Angry perhaps, or maybe more displeased and waiting for an apology.
"Good morning sir."
The Patrician put his book down and smiled. An almost feral look gazed out from underneath the neutral smile. "Today we will be looking at Society and Political Ideology."
The edge had turned into a razor blade. The wiser students started to place their affairs in order. Quickly jotting down a few goodbyes and apologies and a list of items they wanted distributed amongst friends and family.
"Mister McKinnon please hand these out and then I want you to all work on this thesis in silence. Perhaps you will learn something about the course of history and how the dictation of man and his thoughts have established a bias on society. Politics is based on current trends of thought and those that have power dictate that thought."
With downcast faces the children set about their task. The minutes resembled hours and when the Patrician looked up finally to capture their attention with nothing but a simple look, it appeared if hours if not years had passed.
"Presuming you managed to make your way through the dissertation and managed to understand the content, you would have noticed that the idea of Political Assassination has become an important factor throughout the history of society and politics. For the next class you will write an essay on this concept." said the Patrician as a small commotion broke out once the words has fully registered. "You are dismissed."