Serpents and spiders, tail of rat; call in the spirits, wherever they're at…
She had always been good at manipulating. Whether it be the realm of the supernatural, or the realm of the…mundane, it had been hers to bend, hers to command. After all, that was only due to those who possessed power.
Rap on a table, it's time to respond. Send us a message from somewhere beyond.
In this so-called modern age, where women were denied even the same basic rights of men, Leota was indeed powerful. She would never hold office, never cast a ballot, or own property. But spirits harkened to her call, obeyed her whims. And human nature proved to be one of her favorite playthings.
Goblins and ghoulies from last Halloween, awaken the spirits with your tambourine.
It was so easy, so very easy to mold people into what you wanted them to be. The right combination of suggestion and action, the knowledge of which buttons to push… Love and trust could become anger and jealousy, the bravest of men could be reduced to trembling jelly, all with the slightest effort.
Humans were cattle.
Creepies and crawlies, toads in a pond; let there be music from regions beyond!
Leota was different. She was better. Smarter, stronger, quicker. Shouldn't she be entitled to have whatever she wanted? Was it not right? And if she was willing to extend her power, her knowledge, her heart, to someone…shouldn't he respond?
Wizards and witches, wherever you dwell, give us a hint by ringing a bell!
For once in her selfish, power-seeking life, she was willing to open herself up, to give all that she had. She could make Gracey happy beyond his wildest dreams. But the fool! The fool preferred to live in his dreamland with his insipid little bride, whose claim on him was too great for Leota's power to break.
So be it then. If Leota couldn't have him…then she'd make sure that no one could.
I have always found Madame Leota to be a fascinating figure. Who or what is she? Is she a benevolent or malevolent force? What are her dreams, goals, and motives? There are countless interpretations, from fans, Disney cast members, and Imagineers alike. Ultimately, I think, it stems from how we view the Haunted Mansion: comedic, tragic, horrific…
For this fic, I chose to go with "bad" Leota; the jealous fortune teller who desired the master of the manor, and employed whatever ends she had to make him hers…and ultimately destroy him.
I want to thank all of you who have read my "Women of the Haunted Mansion" series. It's been a while in the wrapping up, but I'm glad to finally lay it to rest. Thank you so much!