Journal entry the thirty-fifth
Good evening, my dear one. I know not what state you find yourself in after our time together, but I can honestly say that I feel like a new man. For a brief moment, upon my awakening, I thought that our encounter was little more than a very vivid dream, but then I saw your clothes scattered around the room in fragments, and where despair rose for a moment instead rose a perhaps not unfounded hope. I can live out the rest of my days now with relative peace of mind, secure that I am not as delusional or senile as I thought I was. Indeed, as I made my way downstairs that following morning to commence my new routine of tourist-baiting and trying to drink every last drop of chocolate in Switzerland, I apparently wore a very uncharacteristic silly grin that was remarked upon by my friend. Fortunately for us all, he is rather perceptive, not to mention the possessor of a heightened sense of smell, so he asked no questions and instead gave me a warm smile to show how pleased he was. Thanks to a few potions I took before my descent, I was almost feeling halfway decent, and in a moment of uncharacteristic compliance I entered the main lobby in full view dressed in my rock star ensemble, complete with glamours. I actually laughed a bit when the entire room fell silent, and I could tell that Vyrrinas was chuckling behind his hand, so I began my usual routine of parking myself in a chair with a good book and my now ever-present hot chocolate. Almost as one, the crowd went from silence to a loud buzzing about my incredibly rare appearance, yet not a one approached. Finally, one very nervous and starstruck parent sent her very young daughter over to me with a pen and a copy of my only album. The child, of course, had no fear, despite my body language screaming that I wished to be left to my book and chocolate, and went right up to me and politely tugged on my sleeve. After a brief staring match between the two of us, we both began to chuckle and I took the CD and pen from her to give one of my only signatures. She looked at me once more and held out her hands like she wanted to be picked up, so of course I lifted her and sat her on the arm of the chair, supporting her of course, and she began to braid my hair with gusto as I resumed my reading. No one else was able to figure out what had exactly happened between the two of us, but it surely threw them for a loop that, when one would tentatively approach, my erstwhile hair stylist would glare at them and loudly declare that I didn't want to see them. I'm sure there was a huge smile on my face, for she was exactly right, how I don't know, but I learned that little kids often perceive things that their elders fail to see, and probably saw more of my true nature instinctively than I had thought. She even glared at her mother, proudly declaring that she was safe with me and that she wouldn't leave until she was done. With what, I'm still not sure, but the look on her mom's face was priceless. Everyone gave us a wide berth, and the little girl began rambling to me about all types of things while trying some rather creative braids and knots with my hair as I sat and listened to her, sipping my chocolate occasionally. What can I say, I may be a rather intimidating personage when interacting with adults, but children can more or less walk all over me, as long as they do no harm.
This continued for a while, but eventually she began to get tired, so I summoned what strength I had and rose, picked her up and took her back to her hotel room. Her mother was still rather stunned that she was receiving such a frosty reception from me while her daughter was trying to burrow her head under my arm, but took the girl back with at least some dignity. I quickly retreated back to my respective corner, cloaking device in place once more, but in a much more positive mood than I have been in for quite some time. I like to think that I'm still basking in the afterglow of our night together, and if I can keep it up I might just enjoy the last dregs of life that I possess, rather than just staying the course, building up to one big bang. Ah Sev, I will admit that I did not think that you would take the chocolate, but I am profoundly elated that you did. You may be a true Slytherin, but what you did involved some of Godric's bravery. Try and deny it all you like, but I know the truth. You, Severus Snape, are just one big snuggle bunny under that tough exterior, and I couldn't be happier that such is the case. If my suspicions prove to play out, gleaned from the bits you told me, well I think that now I have something to strive for beyond my original goals. I won't go into more details, for fear of jinxing myself horribly.
Hm, I wonder where my mind should ramble now, which part of my past I have yet to cover. I think that I have done quite a thorough job describing my time as Harry, and I've covered most of the relevant parts of my life as Salazar, so I find myself somewhat at an impasse. It could be some of the clouds returning, but I find myself staring at the page, wondering what I should write to one that I care so deeply for. Oookay, I'm starting to sound like a prepubescent girl, not sure if I like this latest development. Then again, I am technically in a teenage body. Hm, well, it's not like I've ever really cared about what people think about me personally, I think I'll run with it and see what happens. Plus, if anyone dares call me on it, they literally will not know what hit them. Suffer fools, I do not, nor have I ever really. Speaking of which, I think that I'll work in yet another prank, but it won't be what everyone will likely expect, especially since I know about your present houseguests. It's just not fair that they were exempt from all the fun, after all. I'm amazed that you haven't gained any gray hairs from their antics, truly I am.
The more I think about their presences, I believe that I might be piecing together their intentions, and if they manage to pull off what I think they will try, then I'm not sure the Wizarding World will ever be quite the same, but for the better. My mind has little else to do than ponder what their course of action will likely be, and it's not surprising that they formed such an alliance. As friendly as I became with Anubis, I never thought that he would take such a personal interest in me as he has. Really, I'm not that special, my skills are just a mixture of blood gifts that I had no control over, after all. Hm, slightly disturbing that I actually think that, I think I still carry around more of Harry's life than I thought. While the vengeance I wreaked upon the individuals responsible for such horrid conditions has by now been enacted, I find it to be an almost hollow victory, for even in the end I'm sure that they never thought they did anything wrong. The point of punishment is to force the people to realize that they messed up so that they could try to change that part of themselves and grow as a person. The whole system is shot to hell if they still think that they were in the right to treat a young child worse than a slave. Not to mention that the damage is done, and no amount of mea culpas will ever change that. Never really saw the point of apologies, really. Yes, it is good to know that someone genuinely wishes to change, but a simple apology, to me at least, is not the all-forgiving balm that so many others seem to perceive it as. Ah, Sev, I seem to be under a melancholy cloud at the moment, very much like the aforementioned teenage girl, but all I need to banish it is to remember how you held me in your arms, tenderly yet with strength, as we lay sated in bed and talked about all those sweet nothings. As fantastic as the sex was (and you were incredible Sev, quite so), I think that was my favourite part of the night, for it erased the fear that all that existed between us was this incredible chemistry. Ah, much better, now instead of gloomy and morose I'm smiling like a fool and getting hornier by the second. It's not like anyone can see me really, I could give myself a good wank right here in the lobby and the only commentary I would get would be Vyrrinas passing me a bottle of lube with a wink and all-too-knowing grin. You know, for a while I toyed with the idea of becoming his apprentice, he always said that I had the knack for artificing, not to mention the artist's eye necessary to create really great works. The world would have turned out quite a different way if I had accepted his generous offer, but I would not for the life of me change my mind about that.
I think that someone's been doctoring my hot chocolate, either that or I'm just a bit more susceptible to the aphrodisiac properties of it at the moment, for that idea of wanking in the lobby is starting to sound more and more appealing. Mmm, that would be rather kinky, screaming your name as I erupt all over the coffee table while all the rich tourists and ski bunnies go about their regular business with no bloody clue. It is possible to penetrate my SEP field, but they would need to have strong willpower and a sharp mind with razor-like focus to sense me instead of their mundane, self-centered thoughts. Just as well, it works out wonderfully for me.
I know that my entries into this journal keep growing in length, but I think that I will cut this one somewhat shorter, for it's very hard to write with one hand and do far more pleasurable activities with the other, and I'm starting to become clouded by lust. I think I'll aim for the businessman sitting across for me, he's far too smug for my taste, not to mention that the beautiful blond woman sitting practically in his lap is not his wife. It always astounds me, that even though a lot of humans find a well-suited mate they still screw around like that. Sure, it was okay back when the human population was not that large or stable, but now there are far too many humans around, and the need to mate with many different partners to further the species is no longer applicable. For all their noble talk about how far removed they are from the 'animals', they are little better than rutting fools, willing to screw just about anything that crosses their path with little if any remorse. Saying this, I know that you would never do such, Sev, that if you were in a relationship with one that you truly cared for that they would be your one and only. Known that from the moment I met you, I have. I may be many other things, but I like to think that I'm a fair judge of character. Sev, my mate, take care of yourself, for the future might not be the certainty that we have previously resigned ourselves to. Take care, love. Now to work on my target practice.
I know this man far too well now, for the thought of him pleasuring himself in a heavily public place to the point of completion no longer shocks me. I would have been surprised if the idea had not crossed his mind, come to think of it. I will confess, upon my return I treated myself to a nice, long encounter in the shower, screaming his name as visions of his debauched body rose in my mind. This apparently amused my houseguests greatly, although I wish I knew where the french maid's outfit came from in that span of time, let alone why Anubis thought to squeeze into it, stretching that fabric in ways that I am sure it was not designed for. I can say for near certain that such an outfit was not designed to be worn while rolling back on the floor laughing like a hyena on nitrous. Perhaps it is not such a good sign that such sights do not instantly invoke the headaches that they once did, for to be accustomed to such an... unusual situation does not bode well for my state of mind. Since my return, however, I seem to be in a lighter mood than I have experienced for quite some time, to the point where almost all my colleagues are avoiding me like the plague, certain that I have something up my sleeve, and the students gaze at me with an odd mix of fear and girlish glee. Surprise, the greasy git himself can actually smile once in a while, it's not as if it is one of the signals of the Apocalypse. I'm reasonably sure that my hard-won reputation is shredded beyond recognition, but I cannot find myself to care about such trivial things. Instead, I find myself preoccupied by flights of fancy, wondering what the world would be like if even a couple of my suspicions come to fruition. I'm far too much of a cynic still to believe in happily-ever-afters, and have no solid reason to expect such, but I can't help but feel that the true end of this saga has not yet come to pass.
In the meantime, I have little time to overly dwell on such topics, for I still have to play host to two of the most chaotic, mischievous, and devious creatures to ever walk the earth, a task that would make Sisyphus cringe. I have surrendered on certain subjects, such as the tortured and now multicoloured snow cone machine, realizing that my sanity and occasional moments of quiet are worth the strange clankings and bumps that occur when they attempt to work on it. In exchange, Anubis will wear at least some clothing covering the important bits when out in public, which is a rather large concession for him. The crow, well, I had absolutely no control over him before, so that situation remains relatively unchanged. I'm sure that many think that I have developed quite a drinking problem, for almost every night there is at least one empty bottle, and very few believe me when I glare towards the smug, preening crow. I can understand their skepticism, for the sheer volume of liquid should not be able to be retained in an avian body, no matter how oversized. He seems to have developed some level of respect and/or friendship with me, so at least my robes remain unstained. Of course, I have no idea as to the true nature of the thoughts running through their heads, since only a fool would try to use legilmency on either notable personage, but I have little choice now but to roll with the metaphorical punches. At least they aren't nearly as out of control as when both first arrived, indeed Anubis has become something of a celebrity within the student populace, with most of the females and a sizable number of males treating him as if he were the latest teen heartthrob. I doubt if they know his true nature, but I am not entirely sure that it would change their attitudes anyway. Well, at least their hormonal attentions are focused on the ultimate unattainable being, alleviating the inevitable teenage dramas that usually arise within such an enclosed environment. I think that Anubis seems to relish the attention, probably a trait leftover from the days when he had temples and priests worshiping him unconditionally. Whatever keeps his attention focused away from what is left of my belongings and quarters is more than fine by me. Considering the culture and time gap, he's actually adjusted rather remarkably.
Remarkable, indeed. My greatest fear once I took that infamous chocolate was that, once I experienced what I could have had with Harry if our lives had not been so horribly twisted, I would be overcome with remorse, crushing guilt, and depression. Instead I find my mood lighter, mind somewhat at ease, and the ever-present nightmares have been displaced, despite the fact that I know he won't come barging in here any second, throwing himself at me with that impish grin that I once found irritating, which has now become a fond, playful image. I find myself rather surprised that my reaction is the complete opposite of what I expected, and I will admit that I am somewhat nervous with all the variables that have popped up recently in this elaborate, deadly game. I have always resented being a pawn, regardless of who was calling the shots, but perhaps in this game I am one of the players instead, figuring out the rules as it unravels. Not only this, but all the people surrounding me, with the Terrible Twosome being most notable exceptions, no one even suspects that there is far more going on than they perceive. With Salazar's documents and other fresh evidence coming to light, most people are focused on reconciling their preconceived notions with the irrefutable facts that challenge them and blow all such notions out of the water. Even Tom has moved on somewhat, despite the ever-present loss he feels he is successfully overcoming his own past. It would seem that this new game is not meant for the public to participate in, for the only ones that are even aware of it are my guests and I, and considering the nature of the one it is not hard to figure out what the likely end scenario will be. Like Harry, I am cautious to voice my suspicions out loud, for neither luck nor fate have been kind to me, and it would not do to jinx myself, but I can't help but wonder how the wizarding world would be shaken if my hunch should play out. Far be it for me to guess the agendas of gods and crows, but our meetings did not have any aspect of chance about them.
With all this upheaval, his latest prank almost went unnoticed, for it was far more subtle than his previous efforts, but no less effective of course. Previously, his attention was focused on the student and teaching bodies, since he had no clue about my guests. This time, the focus was entirely on them, and I am grateful that they were such good spirits about it, probably appreciating the quality of the prank more than anything. Like before, a controller appeared, but this time the red button was larger and very sparkly. Most creatures are fascinated by sparkly things, and neither was exempt from this rule, so when I set it down on the endtable they both stared at it with supreme fascination. I've mentioned before that Anubis has rather poor impulse control, so it was inevitable that his finger got closer, and closer, until almost unintentionally he pressed the button. They looked rather confused at first, for it seemed like nothing had happened, but then there was a flash of light and suddenly, where once a god and crow stood, rested a bowl of petunias and a strange-looking black towel. This alone would have been enough to satisfy most pranksters, especially with the tribute to Douglas Adams, but then the towel began to rise off the back of the couch and make a strangely muffled cawing noise. In response, the bowl of petunias began to hop back and forth on the floor in an almost excited way. I will admit that I could not keep up my stoic façade and was laughing heartily at their plight. Just as they started to get oriented to their new forms, the flash of light appeared once more and instead of towel and flowers they now wore the forms of a teddy bear and jack-in-the-box, respectively. Still laughing, a note suddenly appeared in my hand informing me that their shapes would randomly flux like that, shifting to mostly harmless shapes, for a full 24 hours. I read this to them, and I did not think it was possible for a stuffed, pink teddy bear to share such a mischievously malicious glare with a jack-in-the-box, but I was proven wrong. Since both seemed to have problems opening doors, I did them that favour and couldn't help a prankishly evil grin of my own as they began chasing each other, playing silly buggers, throughout the halls of Hogwarts with randomly changing forms. As I write this, they are still out there, probably having the time of their lives as I savour a rare quiet, peaceful moment where I can reflect upon my tender thoughts of the most remarkable individual I have ever met. Harry, Salazar, whomever you are, I hope that you can see your handiwork now. Your efforts were not for naught, and as much as my heart does ache I can accept what you had to do for all our sakes. It would seem that hope's ally, faith, has found its way into my heart, so I will sit back and see how this game unfolds. Even if we are not to be reunited in this life, I hope that in the next fate will not be so cruel. Merlin, now I am the one sounding like a lovestruck teenage girl. I will take that as a sign to retire for the night, after my now usual nightcap of course. Maybe this sappy dialogue that I seem prone to at the moment will find itself removed by the dawn. One can hope, I suppose.
A/N I know that I am not prone to such notes, but rest assured that there are at least two more chapters to go, so for those of you patient with my erratic muse-strikings, merci, and there is far more in store.