#poor william

The deed was done. After years of fighting, William took the lives of his and his people's oppressors with his own hands. Ending the lives of Mortimer and Bella Goth was not something William took pride or joy in. It was simply a means to an end. But he knew that end would mean greater things for the country. But had not yet discovered what that meant of the part he would play.

Following the war, rebels went back home to their loved ones, the wounded were tended to, the fallen were properly buried and the upper classes breathed a sigh of relief that they were not also targeted. The country went into a peaceful slumber where everyone did their best to get back to life. Whatever that looked like now. But this wouldn't last long as confusion set in. Without the Goths, who leads now? The country needed answers.

Ophelia: Oh, William. I don't think I could ever express how proud I am of you and what you've done.

William: Thank you, Ophelia. But... I don't feel proud. I took away someone's life. Two lives. I just... can't believe it all led to this.

Ophelia: No one deserved that fate more than those two. By ending their lives, you saved the lives of thousands of others.

William sighs: I know... I just. I don't know. I just wish things could've ended differently.

Ophelia: That's only because you're the type of man who wants the best for everyone. Even if they don't deserve it. What you did took immense courage and strength.

William: Thank you, my love. I'm sorry for being so somber. There's just a lot weighing on me.

Ophelia: I understand. These last few years have been difficult, and you've barely had any time to process what has happened.

William: I know that I wouldn't have been able to get through this without you by my side, Mrs. Smith.

Ophelia: Oh, how I love that. There is no place I'd rather be than by your side as your wife.

William: I know we can weather any storm as long as we are together.

Ophelia: Let us hope that there are no more storms ahead to weather.

Knock on the door

William: Who could that be?

Ophelia: I'm not sure.

Bob at the door: Hello, there. It's me.

William: Bob? Is everything alright?

Bob: I'm sorry for interrupting but your presence is urgently needed at the tavern.

Ophelia: The tavern? Whatever for?

William: Yes, what's this about?

Bob: It's best if you come see for yourself, friend.

In his speech, the monarch said: "Your Royal Highness, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalamu Alaikum.

It is a common greeting among Muslims worldwide, making it very apt for the King to say during a visit to the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.

King Charles, 76, who has long expressed an interest in the religion of Islam and the Islamic world, made the visit to mark the centre's 40th anniversary.

"In this milestone anniversary year, I can only say that it is with enormous pride and admiration that I join you all here today to pay tribute to this remarkable Centre, as it celebrates four decades of unfailing work to broaden our understanding of the Islamic World in the United Kingdom.

"From its humble beginnings in 1985 (when both Dr Nizami and I had slightly fewer grey hairs!), I have seen the Centre grow from a modest hut on St Cross Road into an internationally renowned institution – now housed in these spectacular surroundings – hosting a plethora of fascinating speakers over the years, creating countless opportunities for young and old alike, and forging lifelong friendships along the way.

"The Centre’s ongoing commitment to objective scholarship and international cooperation, underpinned by principles of dialogue, deep understanding and mutual respect, is more imperative than ever in today’s world."

King Charles added: "I need hardly say I am extremely heartened that the Centre continues to play such a significant role in that globally critical endeavour....

Upon a closer look and Will's eventual frustrated pointing at his own mouth while he makes incoherent noises, you realize: somebody cast a Langlock jinx on him. It is unsurprising since not everyone is capable of listening to the prefect for hours on end.

William looks at you stubbornly, pointing at his mouth.

"William....what have you gotten yourself into this time?"

Montrose sighs as the transfiguration text he had been using to brush up on his studies is firmly snapped shut. He turns in his chair, attention now away from his work and firmly fixed in concern towards the Fox's huffing and frustration. When he finds Will can't respond Montrose fights back a teasing smile, in a serious tone he looks back towards Will assessing him.

"Ah, well. Don't know what you said to get yourself into this mess, but more fretting isn't going to un-jinx you. Come here." He can only imagine who it was this time, bets on either Fenwizzle or Sallow occur to him briefly, but he says nothing. Instead, his hands come up to either side of Will's jaw, trying to gently turn him to see just how stuck he is. "Guess a kiss wouldn't help here....but on the plus side, looks like you may be a good study partner for a few hours while we wait this out. Perhaps we can find a counter-jinx in here, then you can tell me all about who jinxed you. We'll plan a nice thank you for them."