Title: Complementary Colours
Author: Dark-Fox
Brief Summary: A new professor arrives at Hogwarts, and Hooch's interest is sparked…..
Rating: R
Pairing: Madam Hooch/Professor Valerian (Original Character)
Warning: If girl/girl relationships bother you, you probably won't like this story! If you choose to read on, I take no responsibility if you are offended and you have no right to flame me for it. I warned you…….oh, and there might be some spoilers since I've set this in the timescale of Chamber of Secrets. But then if you have only read the first Potter book, shame on you……..
Disclaimer: Ok, here it is folks. I don't own Harry Potter, Hogwarts, or any of the magical and wonderful people and creatures related to them. If I did, I'd be rolling in it! I'd be paying people to write these little fics for me, and I'd have my own house with winding staircases and little turrets……I'd have my own horse and carriage to take me everywhere, even just shopping in town. I'd wear fresh-cut rare orchids in my hair every day, and pay someone to file my nails for me……but now I'm drifting into the world of fantasy, what was my point? Oh yeah, Harry Potter and gang aren't mine. Credit for that goes to the almighty goddess J K Rowling. Long may she reign! The only thing I own here is Professor H. Valerian. She's all my own work and I love her, so don't say a word against her! LOL. All other characters are the property of dear Ms. Rowling. Any assumptions that I have made about their character, sexuality, appearance etc that is not in the books is purely conjecture.
This story is written in parts, from alternating points of view. One chapter Valerian, one chapter Hooch etc. Just one more point – I know there's a big dispute about Madam Hooch's first name, sources indicate that it's either Xiomara or Rolanda. Since there's no official word from J K herself, I'll choose to use Xiomara 'cause I like it better. And because it's shortenable to Mara, which is a lovely name!
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1 Complementary Colours
1.1 Chapter the First – The New Girl
Valerian's POV
I'm so nervous, my hands on the broom-handle feel numb. True, that could be partly to do with the cold. It's only 3am and I'm skimming over the cloud surface on a cold September morning. I love flying at night, or at least I normally do. The feel of the wind in my hair, and my robes streaming out behind me as I loop and dive – all under the light of a silvery full moon. It's beautiful. I wish I could be taking more notice of the splendid cloud formations, but truth to tell I'm really quite nervous. It's my first day, of my first term, of my first teaching job. I was so proud to be offered the position at Hogwarts, especially since Illusion is a new subject on their syllabus. When I graduated as a Professor, it was with a hope of getting to teach at my old school, and now finally the dream has come true for me! Dumbledore was reluctant to add in a new subject - saying that the students' timetables are crowded enough as it is – but apparently I'm one of the wizarding world's top authorities on the subject of illusions. I'm sure I'm not, I'm only in my mid-twenties so I can't be that famous! I think it was just a complement.
Dawn is beginning to break over the horizon now, I love that first pale, watery light that starts to bathe everything at this time. Checking behind me to make sure my trunk is following – I put a quick navigating charm on it before I left – I dive down under the clouds for a second to check where I am. I could be wrong, but it looks like I'm somewhere over the Midlands. *sigh* A few more hours flight to go then……
The Sun is fully risen now, and above the clouds its strong light is almost dazzling. Another quick duck below cloud-level and I can see the tracks that the Hogwarts Express will run along in a few hours time. Since I'm nearly in Hogsmeade, it'll be OK if I fly down here for a bit – I don't have to stay above the clouds to hide from muggles.
Checking my watch, I can see that it's nearly 7 in the morning – I've made pretty good time. My touch-down on the Hogwarts lawn could have gone better, I think I lost a few twigs to that rose bush…. Oh well, at least there's no one out to see me. With a wave of my hand I send my broom off to rest in the sheds by the Quidditch pitch, I don't think I'll be needing it for a while. It's not long before my trunk drops down rather inelegantly next to me, and I – in company with my luggage – am heading up to the great heavy oak doors of Hogwarts Castle. This brings back memories. That's odd……there's no answer at the door. No welcome party for me then. Oh well. I push the door open and peer around into the entrance hall, half expecting to be challenged by Filch for trespassing or something. Shrugging off my cloak to reveal my robes of dark purple underneath, I leave it on the cloak- rack by the main door with my luggage. The letter I was sent said to leave my things there and the house elves would sort them out. The castle is un- nervingly quiet, actually…..
I suppose the best thing to do would be to go to the Great Hall, that's usually where everyone is. They'll be preparing the school for the students when they arrive later this evening. Sure enough, as I gingerly push open the doors, there is Professor McGonagall directing a gaggle of house elves with a pot of table-polish. She's just as I remember her from my school days! The dear old witch doesn't seem to age a bit – she must be going on 70 now.
"Ah, Professor Valerian! We were wondering when you would be honouring us with your presence." She gestures to one of the little creatures who runs obediently to her side. "Run and tell Professor Dumbledore that our second new member of staff has arrived…" she directs it. Nodding fervently, as if nothing could possibly have pleased it more, the elf trots off through the door and into a distant corridor.
"I'm the second? Who else is joining the Hogwarts team this year, Professor McGonagall?" I enquire, anticipating the answer before McGonagall even opens her mouth.
"You're a Professor here now, you can call me Minerva like everyone else. The other teacher? We have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor,"
– as is the yearly tradition, I remember –
"…Gilderoy Lockhart. I expect you've heard of him…."
Oh yes, I've heard of him. My sister practically worships the slimeball. Personally, he's not my type. Too blond, arrogant and has his head stuck up his own arse. Can't stand him. Oh well, if he's going to be a work colleague I suppose I'll have to learn to tolerate him. But McGonagall is already beckoning me through the door at the back of the hall.
"The rest of the teachers are up in the lounge in the staff wing. Come on, I'll introduce you. I think the elves can manage here for a bit."
I follow McGonagall up a thin, winding flight of stairs and onto a landing where I've never been before. So, this is the staff wing. It's odd, I actually feel quite naughty being up here….. I still have to get used to being a teacher here – not a student. At the end of a long corridor with rooms off to the side – each one has a name plaque on the door, I'll have to find mine this evening - is the lounge that Minerva mentioned. It's a cosy room, despite its high ceiling and stone walls, which are hung with tapestries depicting various famous witches and wizards throughout the ages. Arranged in an assortment of armchairs and sofas are my new work- mates. They all rise as Minerva and I enter, looking at me quizzically. I recognise Lockhart at once, that smug smile that graces the cover of so many of my sister's beloved books.
"Professors, may I present to you our new teacher of Illusions – Professor Hazell Valerian. Be nice to her, show her around and make her feel welcome,"
It's just like being the new girl in a muggle school! I cough politely, letting Minerva know that I wish to mention something.
"Actually, I'd prefer to be called Ella if you don't mind." Minerva looks almost hurt that I hadn't mentioned it before now.
"Right. Sorry. Ella it is then. Ella, I'd like you to meet everyone…." She leads me around the room to shake hands with everyone. It's a little embarrassing, but at least I'm not being ignored.
"Filius Flitwick, Charms…"
I bend down to shake hand with the little charms teacher, who even though he was stood on the edge of a sofa still stands only just about level with my chest.
"Poppy Pomphrey, medical wing…."
A friendly, matronly looking woman in a nurses' robes. The school nurse, obviously.
"Severus Snape, Potions…."
The man looks like the walking un-dead! Standing a good few inches above me, and almost glaring at me down his hooked nose, he takes my hand in a vice-like grip that is more threatening than welcoming. His thin hands are like ice. This must be the infamous potions master I've heard so much about.
"Professor Vector, Arithmancy…."
A thin, boney sort of witch looks at me over tiny, silver-rimmed glasses as she shakes my hand lightly.
"Professor Sinistra, Astronomy…"
A younger witch, with bright, twinkling eyes smiles in a friendly way at me.
"Gilderoy Lockhart, Defense Against the Dark Arts…."
I force a polite smile as he shakes my hand vigorously.
"Charmed, Ella. As I'm sure you are. Can't be every day you meet a wizard like me….." He flashes me that boyish smile that makes my stomach turn and I do my best not to grimace.
"Sibyll Trelawney, Divination…"
Another witch, with thin hands greets me, the rows of bracelets and charm pendants on her person make her jangle as she shakes my hand.
"Professor Sprout, Herbology…."
A plump witch with fly-away hair shakes my hand energetically, dropping a few clods of earth onto the floor from her sleeve. A smell of earth and grass clippings hovers around her.
"Professor Binns, History of Magic…."
I would shake his hand, but he looks distinctly transparent. I'm guessing it would be a pointless effort to even hold out my hand. I just smile and nod instead.
"Professor Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster…." The kindly old wizard shakes my hand with a glint in his eye that seems to show he is remembering me as a little girl, running about the Hogwarts corridors.
"It's an honour to be working for you, Professor" I smile, hoping to make a good impression.
"With me, Ella, working with me. " he smiles back, his warm eyes make me feel welcome and comfortable at once.
"Irma Pince, Librarian…."
I bid her good morning pleasantly, beginning to think that the list of staff here goes on and on…..
"Rubeus Hagrid, Groundskeeper…."
Sweet Hecate, the man is huge! I reach up to shake his hand, afraid that I might just get mine shaken off! "Pleasure ta meet yer, Professor Valerian." he grins broadly. Seems like a gentle giant….
"…and finally, Xiomara Hooch, Flying and Quidditch Referee…."
A witch about 10 years older than myself, with short, spiky silver hair steps forward to shake my hand. She seems very friendly, smiling widely as she takes my hand. Her eyes smile as well, and she has such gorgeous eyes! Vivid, hawk-like yellow and glittering with warmth and strength. Her hands are soft – not what I would have expected from a sports teacher – and she looks at me in such a way that I can't help smiling back.
"I look forward to working with you, Ella." She tells me, seeming reluctant to break eye contact with me. I must admit, I'm no more keen than she is. There is something compelling about those eyes…..
McGonagall's voice breaks me out of my thoughts and back to the assembled crowd.
"Well Ella, I expect you'll be wanting to un-pack your things. The house elves have put them in your room – you'll find it easily enough, there's a plaque with your name on it on the door. If you'll excuse me, I have to go and see to those elves and that tin of polish…." She sweeps out of the room, leaving me alone with the crowd of staring eyes. Just as the silence is getting awkward and I'm desperately trying to think of something appropriate to say before i leave, the spiky-haired witch speaks up.
"Well, we'll all be in here until the feast this evening, so if you want to come back when you're done un-packing then you won't be on your own."
"Thank you, I will." I smile, "…now I'd better go and see what sort of mess those elves have made of my things…" I make my exit quickly, but not without grace, and make my way down to the door with the gold plaque reading "Prof. H Valerian".
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Well folks, what do you think? A bit long, but then I do love writing! Please review, tell me what you'd like to see happen in the future because I only have a few ideas up my sleeve….Next chapter being written now, should be up very soon!
~ Dark-Fox
Author: Dark-Fox
Brief Summary: A new professor arrives at Hogwarts, and Hooch's interest is sparked…..
Rating: R
Pairing: Madam Hooch/Professor Valerian (Original Character)
Warning: If girl/girl relationships bother you, you probably won't like this story! If you choose to read on, I take no responsibility if you are offended and you have no right to flame me for it. I warned you…….oh, and there might be some spoilers since I've set this in the timescale of Chamber of Secrets. But then if you have only read the first Potter book, shame on you……..
Disclaimer: Ok, here it is folks. I don't own Harry Potter, Hogwarts, or any of the magical and wonderful people and creatures related to them. If I did, I'd be rolling in it! I'd be paying people to write these little fics for me, and I'd have my own house with winding staircases and little turrets……I'd have my own horse and carriage to take me everywhere, even just shopping in town. I'd wear fresh-cut rare orchids in my hair every day, and pay someone to file my nails for me……but now I'm drifting into the world of fantasy, what was my point? Oh yeah, Harry Potter and gang aren't mine. Credit for that goes to the almighty goddess J K Rowling. Long may she reign! The only thing I own here is Professor H. Valerian. She's all my own work and I love her, so don't say a word against her! LOL. All other characters are the property of dear Ms. Rowling. Any assumptions that I have made about their character, sexuality, appearance etc that is not in the books is purely conjecture.
This story is written in parts, from alternating points of view. One chapter Valerian, one chapter Hooch etc. Just one more point – I know there's a big dispute about Madam Hooch's first name, sources indicate that it's either Xiomara or Rolanda. Since there's no official word from J K herself, I'll choose to use Xiomara 'cause I like it better. And because it's shortenable to Mara, which is a lovely name!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
1 Complementary Colours
1.1 Chapter the First – The New Girl
Valerian's POV
I'm so nervous, my hands on the broom-handle feel numb. True, that could be partly to do with the cold. It's only 3am and I'm skimming over the cloud surface on a cold September morning. I love flying at night, or at least I normally do. The feel of the wind in my hair, and my robes streaming out behind me as I loop and dive – all under the light of a silvery full moon. It's beautiful. I wish I could be taking more notice of the splendid cloud formations, but truth to tell I'm really quite nervous. It's my first day, of my first term, of my first teaching job. I was so proud to be offered the position at Hogwarts, especially since Illusion is a new subject on their syllabus. When I graduated as a Professor, it was with a hope of getting to teach at my old school, and now finally the dream has come true for me! Dumbledore was reluctant to add in a new subject - saying that the students' timetables are crowded enough as it is – but apparently I'm one of the wizarding world's top authorities on the subject of illusions. I'm sure I'm not, I'm only in my mid-twenties so I can't be that famous! I think it was just a complement.
Dawn is beginning to break over the horizon now, I love that first pale, watery light that starts to bathe everything at this time. Checking behind me to make sure my trunk is following – I put a quick navigating charm on it before I left – I dive down under the clouds for a second to check where I am. I could be wrong, but it looks like I'm somewhere over the Midlands. *sigh* A few more hours flight to go then……
The Sun is fully risen now, and above the clouds its strong light is almost dazzling. Another quick duck below cloud-level and I can see the tracks that the Hogwarts Express will run along in a few hours time. Since I'm nearly in Hogsmeade, it'll be OK if I fly down here for a bit – I don't have to stay above the clouds to hide from muggles.
Checking my watch, I can see that it's nearly 7 in the morning – I've made pretty good time. My touch-down on the Hogwarts lawn could have gone better, I think I lost a few twigs to that rose bush…. Oh well, at least there's no one out to see me. With a wave of my hand I send my broom off to rest in the sheds by the Quidditch pitch, I don't think I'll be needing it for a while. It's not long before my trunk drops down rather inelegantly next to me, and I – in company with my luggage – am heading up to the great heavy oak doors of Hogwarts Castle. This brings back memories. That's odd……there's no answer at the door. No welcome party for me then. Oh well. I push the door open and peer around into the entrance hall, half expecting to be challenged by Filch for trespassing or something. Shrugging off my cloak to reveal my robes of dark purple underneath, I leave it on the cloak- rack by the main door with my luggage. The letter I was sent said to leave my things there and the house elves would sort them out. The castle is un- nervingly quiet, actually…..
I suppose the best thing to do would be to go to the Great Hall, that's usually where everyone is. They'll be preparing the school for the students when they arrive later this evening. Sure enough, as I gingerly push open the doors, there is Professor McGonagall directing a gaggle of house elves with a pot of table-polish. She's just as I remember her from my school days! The dear old witch doesn't seem to age a bit – she must be going on 70 now.
"Ah, Professor Valerian! We were wondering when you would be honouring us with your presence." She gestures to one of the little creatures who runs obediently to her side. "Run and tell Professor Dumbledore that our second new member of staff has arrived…" she directs it. Nodding fervently, as if nothing could possibly have pleased it more, the elf trots off through the door and into a distant corridor.
"I'm the second? Who else is joining the Hogwarts team this year, Professor McGonagall?" I enquire, anticipating the answer before McGonagall even opens her mouth.
"You're a Professor here now, you can call me Minerva like everyone else. The other teacher? We have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor,"
– as is the yearly tradition, I remember –
"…Gilderoy Lockhart. I expect you've heard of him…."
Oh yes, I've heard of him. My sister practically worships the slimeball. Personally, he's not my type. Too blond, arrogant and has his head stuck up his own arse. Can't stand him. Oh well, if he's going to be a work colleague I suppose I'll have to learn to tolerate him. But McGonagall is already beckoning me through the door at the back of the hall.
"The rest of the teachers are up in the lounge in the staff wing. Come on, I'll introduce you. I think the elves can manage here for a bit."
I follow McGonagall up a thin, winding flight of stairs and onto a landing where I've never been before. So, this is the staff wing. It's odd, I actually feel quite naughty being up here….. I still have to get used to being a teacher here – not a student. At the end of a long corridor with rooms off to the side – each one has a name plaque on the door, I'll have to find mine this evening - is the lounge that Minerva mentioned. It's a cosy room, despite its high ceiling and stone walls, which are hung with tapestries depicting various famous witches and wizards throughout the ages. Arranged in an assortment of armchairs and sofas are my new work- mates. They all rise as Minerva and I enter, looking at me quizzically. I recognise Lockhart at once, that smug smile that graces the cover of so many of my sister's beloved books.
"Professors, may I present to you our new teacher of Illusions – Professor Hazell Valerian. Be nice to her, show her around and make her feel welcome,"
It's just like being the new girl in a muggle school! I cough politely, letting Minerva know that I wish to mention something.
"Actually, I'd prefer to be called Ella if you don't mind." Minerva looks almost hurt that I hadn't mentioned it before now.
"Right. Sorry. Ella it is then. Ella, I'd like you to meet everyone…." She leads me around the room to shake hands with everyone. It's a little embarrassing, but at least I'm not being ignored.
"Filius Flitwick, Charms…"
I bend down to shake hand with the little charms teacher, who even though he was stood on the edge of a sofa still stands only just about level with my chest.
"Poppy Pomphrey, medical wing…."
A friendly, matronly looking woman in a nurses' robes. The school nurse, obviously.
"Severus Snape, Potions…."
The man looks like the walking un-dead! Standing a good few inches above me, and almost glaring at me down his hooked nose, he takes my hand in a vice-like grip that is more threatening than welcoming. His thin hands are like ice. This must be the infamous potions master I've heard so much about.
"Professor Vector, Arithmancy…."
A thin, boney sort of witch looks at me over tiny, silver-rimmed glasses as she shakes my hand lightly.
"Professor Sinistra, Astronomy…"
A younger witch, with bright, twinkling eyes smiles in a friendly way at me.
"Gilderoy Lockhart, Defense Against the Dark Arts…."
I force a polite smile as he shakes my hand vigorously.
"Charmed, Ella. As I'm sure you are. Can't be every day you meet a wizard like me….." He flashes me that boyish smile that makes my stomach turn and I do my best not to grimace.
"Sibyll Trelawney, Divination…"
Another witch, with thin hands greets me, the rows of bracelets and charm pendants on her person make her jangle as she shakes my hand.
"Professor Sprout, Herbology…."
A plump witch with fly-away hair shakes my hand energetically, dropping a few clods of earth onto the floor from her sleeve. A smell of earth and grass clippings hovers around her.
"Professor Binns, History of Magic…."
I would shake his hand, but he looks distinctly transparent. I'm guessing it would be a pointless effort to even hold out my hand. I just smile and nod instead.
"Professor Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster…." The kindly old wizard shakes my hand with a glint in his eye that seems to show he is remembering me as a little girl, running about the Hogwarts corridors.
"It's an honour to be working for you, Professor" I smile, hoping to make a good impression.
"With me, Ella, working with me. " he smiles back, his warm eyes make me feel welcome and comfortable at once.
"Irma Pince, Librarian…."
I bid her good morning pleasantly, beginning to think that the list of staff here goes on and on…..
"Rubeus Hagrid, Groundskeeper…."
Sweet Hecate, the man is huge! I reach up to shake his hand, afraid that I might just get mine shaken off! "Pleasure ta meet yer, Professor Valerian." he grins broadly. Seems like a gentle giant….
"…and finally, Xiomara Hooch, Flying and Quidditch Referee…."
A witch about 10 years older than myself, with short, spiky silver hair steps forward to shake my hand. She seems very friendly, smiling widely as she takes my hand. Her eyes smile as well, and she has such gorgeous eyes! Vivid, hawk-like yellow and glittering with warmth and strength. Her hands are soft – not what I would have expected from a sports teacher – and she looks at me in such a way that I can't help smiling back.
"I look forward to working with you, Ella." She tells me, seeming reluctant to break eye contact with me. I must admit, I'm no more keen than she is. There is something compelling about those eyes…..
McGonagall's voice breaks me out of my thoughts and back to the assembled crowd.
"Well Ella, I expect you'll be wanting to un-pack your things. The house elves have put them in your room – you'll find it easily enough, there's a plaque with your name on it on the door. If you'll excuse me, I have to go and see to those elves and that tin of polish…." She sweeps out of the room, leaving me alone with the crowd of staring eyes. Just as the silence is getting awkward and I'm desperately trying to think of something appropriate to say before i leave, the spiky-haired witch speaks up.
"Well, we'll all be in here until the feast this evening, so if you want to come back when you're done un-packing then you won't be on your own."
"Thank you, I will." I smile, "…now I'd better go and see what sort of mess those elves have made of my things…" I make my exit quickly, but not without grace, and make my way down to the door with the gold plaque reading "Prof. H Valerian".
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Well folks, what do you think? A bit long, but then I do love writing! Please review, tell me what you'd like to see happen in the future because I only have a few ideas up my sleeve….Next chapter being written now, should be up very soon!
~ Dark-Fox