AN: Welcome to the out-takes from "Benefits of Old Laws". I have no schedule for updates for this. When ever I have a scene that fits not into the main story I will upload it here.
If you have a scene that happened of stage in the main story and you want to see it, drop me a review. Maybe my muse takes requests ;)
Thanks to Alxalama for beta reading the out-takes! And now: Have fun!
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Convincing an Owl
Happens between chapters 13 and 14
Marvolo was walking under the light of moon and stars through the silent rose garden over to the small owlery.
He had a long night before him and letters to send, to be delivered by morning.
But which owl to choose? Benjamin had, of course, offered the service of all owls belonging to House Nott. But would they be able to deliver in time? He should consider if it would be wise to get an owl of his own.
Standing, five letters held in his hand by his side, in the entrance, looking up to the owls already returned from their hunt, Marvolo contemplated Severus' reports about the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. Last he had spoken to the potions master about it, it had been under a fidelius. Consequently, he learned nothing of this place during his foray into the man's mind.
It was likely that most owls would not be able to reach anyone behind the wards, that were there in addition to the fidelius.
Swearing silently and about to turn around, he spotted a regal looking snowy owl, gliding into the owlery through a window opposite from him. Henry's owl. A magnificent bird. And the one his son had used to send letters to his friends and godfather in the last few days. Or so he assumed. A bird that had probably been inside these wards, described by Severus as 'adequate'.
Sent with this owl, the letters would reach the intended recipients by morning.
There was still one problem left. How to go about it to get her do his bidding? He opened his mouth to call out to her and closed it again.
What was the bird's name?
Sighing he closed his eyes, searching for this seemingly unimportant piece of information.
It was a female owl, of that he was sure. The name started with 'He'. Helda? No. Hera?
"Hedwig!"
Intelligent amber eyes fixed him, blinking slowly, weighing him. She was holding a dead mouse in her beak.
A little uncomfortable Marvolo held up the letters. "I have a few letters to send. They are for Henry's friends and his godfather."
With a last blink in the wizard's direction, the impertinent owl transferred her prey from her beak to her talons and started to devour her meal.
Huffing in frustration, Marvolo paced a few steps back and forth. He was tempted to hex the bird and force it to take the letters. But as he was trying to win her owner over to his side, he knew that to be a stupid move.
So Marvolo had to convince it. Somehow.
Maybe bribery would work?
"When you are back from delivering these letters, I will give you some nice fat rats, or a rabbit if you would prefer."
He could have sworn the look Hedwig sent him said something along the lines of 'you are stupid human. I can catch my food on my own.'
"Then maybe some bacon? Roasted chicken?" The look did not change. Bribery was obviously not the answer.
While the red eyed man searched for another way to go about this, a young tawny owl fluttered down to him, landing on a ledge right beside his right hand. Sticking out its leg, it hooted expectantly.
"No," Marvolo shook his head, "you would probably not get into the wards. I need her to take them." He stabbed the letters, clutched in his hand, in the white owl's direction.
The blasted owl still ignored him, and he stared at her, himself ignoring the helpful owl fluttering back to the rafters above his head.
"These are invitations for your Master's friends to meet with him." Maybe avoiding the boy's name, Marvolo would not use the name 'Harry' without the boy's permission and the bird might not accept 'Henry' to be the name of her master, and telling of the letters' purpose would sway the bird.
Now finished with her mouse, the owl's gaze remained fixed on the wizard standing with his gleaming shoes in bird droppings.
Maybe attacking her pride would work?
"If you do not feel up to the task, I will have to find different means to deliver the letters." He sighed for effect and turned as if to leave.
He allowed himself a small smirk, hearing the rustle of wings and an impatient screech from behind. So he simply completed the turn until he faced the owl again.
From close up the owl of his son looked even more impressive.
"Will you take these letters to Lord Black and the children?" He asked reasonably polite.
She hooted softly, blinking, but did not stick out her leg.
Uncomprehending, Marvolo stared at the owl in front of him.
With each passing moment her stare got more intense, until the wizard remembered a different female starring at him expectantly, waiting. A faint memory fought its way to the forefront of his mind.
'What is the magic word, Tom?'
Scowling at this unwelcome recollection, Marvolo contemplated if it was worth a try. It should be easy enough.
"Would you please take these letters to Lord Black and Henry's friends?"
He huffed irritated as the smug looking owl stuck her leg out, waiting for him to tie the letters to it. He shrunk them down, conjured some string and secured the missives to the owl's leg. She hooted once and took of.
Marvolo walked back through the rose garden, glad that no one had witnessed how an owl had made him say please. Especially Nagini would have teased him endlessly.
First published: 19th of January 2016