Don't own no nothing
Did not create the hit
J.K. Rowling does
Because she did
Andolyn
Inside
And for the second time that day, Ari's jaw dropped. Two paces inside the building and she stood frozen in her tracks. Wide eyed, both hands before her mouth and totally speechless, Ari gaped at her surroundings. Her two companions walked two strides without her, stopped, turned, stared at Ari and her bafflement and exchanged surprised and somewhat worried glances.
The cool hall was humongous. Even now, while the summer sun was still bright outside, huge torches lit the stone walls, for there were no windows and the ceiling was so very far above, Ari could scarcely make it out. Right in front of her was a marble staircase leading to other floors, all around her were oak doors, gorgeously framed by lovely sculpted medieval arches. Priceless tapestries and paintings of various ages hung from the walls and gave the otherwise imposing cold stone a cheerful multicoloured appearance.
Lupin broke through Ari's bewilderment by clearing his throat. "Where did you say you went to school exactly?"
"I didn't. Oxford."
Black frowned and asked an equally befuddled werewolf: "You know of a school or university in Oxford?"
Suddenly Ari shouted and pointed upward.
"That painting! It -moved-!"
Now it was the turn of the canine couple to gape.
"Right." said Black, stretching the word, coming to a certain conclusion about Ari.
"Is it?" asked Lupin. "I fear this is -far- from right."
"But it moved!" Ari exclaimed enthusiastically. "That blond nineteen century colonel up there with the red jacket and the white breeches- He bowed to me!"
Black grinned, while crossing his arms. "Can you imagine -Snape- of all people, forced to travel around with one of -her- kind…"
Ari spun round, eyes blazing. "And what exactly do you mean with one of -her kind-!"
Black's eyes sparkled very amused when she faced him. He was a handsome man, with sharp features and eyes that made you want to trust him. The lines around his eyes and the creases above his brow told Ari of a troubled life, his stance of confidence and strength. He could do with a bit more meat on his bones, but other than that, the robed animagus was quite impressive.
"Temper, my dear," Black chuckled and smiled disarmingly. Ari shivered. There was a hint of a condescending undertone in the man's voice that made her skin crawl.
Lupin stepped forward and took her by the arm, tugging gently.
"It is just that your being a Muggle is a bit unexpected. Especially in the company of Severus."
Ari found herself liking this mild mannered werewolf. He was nothing like the ferocious creatures she used to read about, and she inexplicably found she could trust him. Like him even.
"You know, I do not know if I should feel praised or insulted by that remark."
Lupin smiled, Black laughed out loud.
"Please do not be insulted by my somewhat brusque manners," he said. "I've spent a long time on my own at a place were social pleasantries were not exactly an item. And, well- the idea of Snape locked in a car and having to depend on you, on anyone for that matter, is quite hilarious to me. And I find it quite unexpected that he should choose you to help him."
The latter was said with a nasty edge to Black's voice, as if condemning Snape's actions.
Tugging Ari along with him, Lupin seemed to reprimand his friend for his remark.
"Sirius, we've heard of and seen a -lot- of unexpected actions from Severus of late. Although I -must- disagree with his decision to involve you in our troubles," he nodded at Ari. "There are a -lot- of implications, you see."
Somehow Ari got the impression Lupin was talking about something else than Black was, as if he was trying to steer the conversation in a kinder direction. Black was talking about teaming up with a Muggle, Lupin about endangering one. There was a world of difference between the two points of view- And neither was correct.
"Sev had no choice."
"Sev?!" the two men burst out simultaneously. The looks and grins they gave each other made Ari wish she had -not- used the little nickname so carelessly.
Lupin steered her towards the stairs now, and while climbing it, she explained how she had found Snape struggling for his very life and helped both him and Harry escape.
Her mentioning the Dementors was definitely the way to wipe all smiles of the men's faces.
"And since I had no interest in becoming the next victim of those creeps and Harry and Snape needed a driver, we had no choice but to come down here like we did. Oh my!"
Through a hallway and around a corner. Ari had the dizzying feeling she had walked right into an Esher painting. She found herself confronted by a splendorous staircase, but the stairs ran in odd angles and everywhere. It was quite dizzying -and- while she watched it, one of the stairs started to move.
Ari went a bit green in the face while she looked at the deep gap she somehow had to cross, for one of the stairs went all the way down to a cold and dark place where one could only expect dungeons.
"This will take some getting used to." She muttered.
A deep booming voice answered her.
"It will grow on you."
Ari turned toward the voice, but all she saw was an old somewhat rusted armor. The armor turned it's helmet towards her, the visor blinked and Ari stared at the dark emptiness it contained. As if it was nothing, the empty knight turned away and froze.
Ari swallowed and followed Black and Lupin, who were already climbing, apparently knowing exactly were they were and were they went. She did not look down.
"Moving paintings, live armory, any ghosts I might expect?"
"Lots." Lupin answered without looking back. He sounded a little absentminded, but absolutely serious.
"Great." Muttered Ari.
Finally in yet another corridor, Lupin and Black came to a halt before a large and ugly gargoyle. An elderly woman stood before it, deep in thought and rather frustrated. She wore emerald green robes, a hat so pointed she could poke your eye out with it, square glasses and her hair, what Ari could see of it at least, in a greying tight bun. She was slapping her wand rhythmically in her hand. For some reason she reminded Ari of an irritable cat, flaying it's tail.
"Something wrong, Minerva?" asked Lupin.
"Why," she sighed, "does he -has- to change the password every other day! This had to happen once, you know."
Black chuckled. "You forgot it?"
The witch turned at the men and smiled ruefully. "I forgot it. Me! I'm supposed to -never- forget. You look -good-, Sirius."
Black made an elegant bow, holding the sides of his new robes so they fanned out a bit.
"With the compliments of the headmaster."
"Just arrived, Minerva?" Lupin asked.
"Remus!" the witch spoke. "O how good it is to see you again." She stepped up to him and clasped his hands for a moment. The werewolf smiled too.
"Just arrived, just like you. Sirius and I came down no less than half an hour ago. I tell you, flying a Hippogriff as long as we have at a stretch, is no longer funny. O, and by the way, the password is cinnamon candy-cane."
The Gargoyle sprung obediently aside. Ari stared at the wall behind it, what now reviled a slit and a secret passageway.
In mild surprise the woman asked: "How on earth did you know?"
"Well," answered Lupin, "it is the Thursday of an uneven week of an even year. And it's my favourite candy."
The woman looked baffled into Lupin's suddenly very neutral countenance.
"Besides," continued Black with the same bland expression, "I told him,"
"Yes, that helped too," admitted Lupin, quickly disappearing inside the gap.
The witch adopted a somewhat sterner expression, but her eyes twinkled.
"Boys!" she exclaimed, while Black winked at her and followed Lupin. It was only now the witch noticed Ari.
"Well come along, dear, be quick now. Otherwise the door will close again."
Ari walked past 'Minerva' and found herself back on a spiral staircase and nearly lost her balance when he damn thing started to move, not unlike an escalator.
"Watch it dear- are you alright?"
"Yes- I am fine- It is just-." Ari stuttered.
The witch smiled ruefully. "Quite new to out little game of conspiracy, are you not? Well, don't mind. We -all- are afraid. But not so much when we are together. I am Minerva McGonagall."
The witch reached up and Ari down and took her hand.
"Ariadne Philpot." Ari introduced herself.
McGonagall looked at her appraisingly.
"Very nice Muggle costume, dear. Exactly like the real thing."
"Yes, well, there is a reason for that."
Before McGonagall could ask, the end of the spiral staircase was reached. Ari could see a gleaming oak door ahead, with a brass knocker in the shape of a proudly prancing unicorn. McGonagall sighed.
"He keeps changing that thing too, you know. Last time I visited, it was a teacup."
The door stood ajar and Ari heard voices. She sighed as she recognised the sarcastic yet satin tones of Snape and followed them to what could only be the headmasters offices.
***************************************************************************
HELEN I ABSOLUTELY ADORE YOU!!!!!
Why this cry of adoration you might ask? Because this lovely lady draw my attention to the fact that on Dutch television one of the most wonderful Rickman-movies, Truly Madly Deeply, will be shown this week. Too busy with too many other things I might have missed it (aach!) if she had not told me by means of a review.
This film has about the same theme as 'Ghost', guy dies and comes back, but emotionally it runs a -lot- deeper. Sometimes the film is referred to as 'Ghost for adults'. Mind you, love the film Ghost too!
For the other Rickmaniacs out there who are capable of receiving Dutch television, it will be shown at: Nederland 1, January 3 at 23.55 h. Get those videotapes rolling people!
And for the rest of us, browse the net a bit. I do believe the DVD of this film has become available late December 2001, but I am not quite sure where. I have not yet found it in stores in the Netherlands.
**************************************************************************
Damiana, thanks for the compliment on my English!
Asprosdracos, I'll try to keep up and keep you hooked! I've read the first chapter of Black-Winged Angel and I like the style! Poor child : (
Clio, well ain't I a stinker (grin). Where the influence from the book ends and the film begins, I do not really know. The visuals were so stunning and close to the books, I cannot help but applaud (and pinch) them. My Hogwarts receives the added bonus of having seen a lot of castles and ruins in my part of Europe. (Netherlands, Germany, Belgium). The inspiration for the descriptive parts of the castle, come from 'The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets -and- the film.
Llarian, about the relationship between Remus, Sirius and Severus- well, it's no smooth sailing in my story, but they -are- adults, comrades in arms and under the direct influence of the great man Albus Dumbledore. So I won't have them at each others throats. Well, not much (evil grin). Besides, being a spy is risky business and Severus -does- deserve some respect by now, I think.
Thanks orla potter, Miracle (Frozen -does- seem to have been written for a man like Snape, now doesn't it?), Ozma, Sophie W. (Hi Sophie W.!!), Rosmerta (Dumbledore coming up in the next chapter, I promise) Strega Brava, life0ca, ieasu (did I already tell you I love your Star/Voyager crossover?) and slyteherin girl ( Hi slytherin girl!)
I am sorry to say that it will be a few days until my next posting. This story really wishes to push itself out of me, but alas, both work and study will be claiming a lot of my time.
Again, a wonderful 2002. See you!
Did not create the hit
J.K. Rowling does
Because she did
Andolyn
Inside
And for the second time that day, Ari's jaw dropped. Two paces inside the building and she stood frozen in her tracks. Wide eyed, both hands before her mouth and totally speechless, Ari gaped at her surroundings. Her two companions walked two strides without her, stopped, turned, stared at Ari and her bafflement and exchanged surprised and somewhat worried glances.
The cool hall was humongous. Even now, while the summer sun was still bright outside, huge torches lit the stone walls, for there were no windows and the ceiling was so very far above, Ari could scarcely make it out. Right in front of her was a marble staircase leading to other floors, all around her were oak doors, gorgeously framed by lovely sculpted medieval arches. Priceless tapestries and paintings of various ages hung from the walls and gave the otherwise imposing cold stone a cheerful multicoloured appearance.
Lupin broke through Ari's bewilderment by clearing his throat. "Where did you say you went to school exactly?"
"I didn't. Oxford."
Black frowned and asked an equally befuddled werewolf: "You know of a school or university in Oxford?"
Suddenly Ari shouted and pointed upward.
"That painting! It -moved-!"
Now it was the turn of the canine couple to gape.
"Right." said Black, stretching the word, coming to a certain conclusion about Ari.
"Is it?" asked Lupin. "I fear this is -far- from right."
"But it moved!" Ari exclaimed enthusiastically. "That blond nineteen century colonel up there with the red jacket and the white breeches- He bowed to me!"
Black grinned, while crossing his arms. "Can you imagine -Snape- of all people, forced to travel around with one of -her- kind…"
Ari spun round, eyes blazing. "And what exactly do you mean with one of -her kind-!"
Black's eyes sparkled very amused when she faced him. He was a handsome man, with sharp features and eyes that made you want to trust him. The lines around his eyes and the creases above his brow told Ari of a troubled life, his stance of confidence and strength. He could do with a bit more meat on his bones, but other than that, the robed animagus was quite impressive.
"Temper, my dear," Black chuckled and smiled disarmingly. Ari shivered. There was a hint of a condescending undertone in the man's voice that made her skin crawl.
Lupin stepped forward and took her by the arm, tugging gently.
"It is just that your being a Muggle is a bit unexpected. Especially in the company of Severus."
Ari found herself liking this mild mannered werewolf. He was nothing like the ferocious creatures she used to read about, and she inexplicably found she could trust him. Like him even.
"You know, I do not know if I should feel praised or insulted by that remark."
Lupin smiled, Black laughed out loud.
"Please do not be insulted by my somewhat brusque manners," he said. "I've spent a long time on my own at a place were social pleasantries were not exactly an item. And, well- the idea of Snape locked in a car and having to depend on you, on anyone for that matter, is quite hilarious to me. And I find it quite unexpected that he should choose you to help him."
The latter was said with a nasty edge to Black's voice, as if condemning Snape's actions.
Tugging Ari along with him, Lupin seemed to reprimand his friend for his remark.
"Sirius, we've heard of and seen a -lot- of unexpected actions from Severus of late. Although I -must- disagree with his decision to involve you in our troubles," he nodded at Ari. "There are a -lot- of implications, you see."
Somehow Ari got the impression Lupin was talking about something else than Black was, as if he was trying to steer the conversation in a kinder direction. Black was talking about teaming up with a Muggle, Lupin about endangering one. There was a world of difference between the two points of view- And neither was correct.
"Sev had no choice."
"Sev?!" the two men burst out simultaneously. The looks and grins they gave each other made Ari wish she had -not- used the little nickname so carelessly.
Lupin steered her towards the stairs now, and while climbing it, she explained how she had found Snape struggling for his very life and helped both him and Harry escape.
Her mentioning the Dementors was definitely the way to wipe all smiles of the men's faces.
"And since I had no interest in becoming the next victim of those creeps and Harry and Snape needed a driver, we had no choice but to come down here like we did. Oh my!"
Through a hallway and around a corner. Ari had the dizzying feeling she had walked right into an Esher painting. She found herself confronted by a splendorous staircase, but the stairs ran in odd angles and everywhere. It was quite dizzying -and- while she watched it, one of the stairs started to move.
Ari went a bit green in the face while she looked at the deep gap she somehow had to cross, for one of the stairs went all the way down to a cold and dark place where one could only expect dungeons.
"This will take some getting used to." She muttered.
A deep booming voice answered her.
"It will grow on you."
Ari turned toward the voice, but all she saw was an old somewhat rusted armor. The armor turned it's helmet towards her, the visor blinked and Ari stared at the dark emptiness it contained. As if it was nothing, the empty knight turned away and froze.
Ari swallowed and followed Black and Lupin, who were already climbing, apparently knowing exactly were they were and were they went. She did not look down.
"Moving paintings, live armory, any ghosts I might expect?"
"Lots." Lupin answered without looking back. He sounded a little absentminded, but absolutely serious.
"Great." Muttered Ari.
Finally in yet another corridor, Lupin and Black came to a halt before a large and ugly gargoyle. An elderly woman stood before it, deep in thought and rather frustrated. She wore emerald green robes, a hat so pointed she could poke your eye out with it, square glasses and her hair, what Ari could see of it at least, in a greying tight bun. She was slapping her wand rhythmically in her hand. For some reason she reminded Ari of an irritable cat, flaying it's tail.
"Something wrong, Minerva?" asked Lupin.
"Why," she sighed, "does he -has- to change the password every other day! This had to happen once, you know."
Black chuckled. "You forgot it?"
The witch turned at the men and smiled ruefully. "I forgot it. Me! I'm supposed to -never- forget. You look -good-, Sirius."
Black made an elegant bow, holding the sides of his new robes so they fanned out a bit.
"With the compliments of the headmaster."
"Just arrived, Minerva?" Lupin asked.
"Remus!" the witch spoke. "O how good it is to see you again." She stepped up to him and clasped his hands for a moment. The werewolf smiled too.
"Just arrived, just like you. Sirius and I came down no less than half an hour ago. I tell you, flying a Hippogriff as long as we have at a stretch, is no longer funny. O, and by the way, the password is cinnamon candy-cane."
The Gargoyle sprung obediently aside. Ari stared at the wall behind it, what now reviled a slit and a secret passageway.
In mild surprise the woman asked: "How on earth did you know?"
"Well," answered Lupin, "it is the Thursday of an uneven week of an even year. And it's my favourite candy."
The woman looked baffled into Lupin's suddenly very neutral countenance.
"Besides," continued Black with the same bland expression, "I told him,"
"Yes, that helped too," admitted Lupin, quickly disappearing inside the gap.
The witch adopted a somewhat sterner expression, but her eyes twinkled.
"Boys!" she exclaimed, while Black winked at her and followed Lupin. It was only now the witch noticed Ari.
"Well come along, dear, be quick now. Otherwise the door will close again."
Ari walked past 'Minerva' and found herself back on a spiral staircase and nearly lost her balance when he damn thing started to move, not unlike an escalator.
"Watch it dear- are you alright?"
"Yes- I am fine- It is just-." Ari stuttered.
The witch smiled ruefully. "Quite new to out little game of conspiracy, are you not? Well, don't mind. We -all- are afraid. But not so much when we are together. I am Minerva McGonagall."
The witch reached up and Ari down and took her hand.
"Ariadne Philpot." Ari introduced herself.
McGonagall looked at her appraisingly.
"Very nice Muggle costume, dear. Exactly like the real thing."
"Yes, well, there is a reason for that."
Before McGonagall could ask, the end of the spiral staircase was reached. Ari could see a gleaming oak door ahead, with a brass knocker in the shape of a proudly prancing unicorn. McGonagall sighed.
"He keeps changing that thing too, you know. Last time I visited, it was a teacup."
The door stood ajar and Ari heard voices. She sighed as she recognised the sarcastic yet satin tones of Snape and followed them to what could only be the headmasters offices.
***************************************************************************
HELEN I ABSOLUTELY ADORE YOU!!!!!
Why this cry of adoration you might ask? Because this lovely lady draw my attention to the fact that on Dutch television one of the most wonderful Rickman-movies, Truly Madly Deeply, will be shown this week. Too busy with too many other things I might have missed it (aach!) if she had not told me by means of a review.
This film has about the same theme as 'Ghost', guy dies and comes back, but emotionally it runs a -lot- deeper. Sometimes the film is referred to as 'Ghost for adults'. Mind you, love the film Ghost too!
For the other Rickmaniacs out there who are capable of receiving Dutch television, it will be shown at: Nederland 1, January 3 at 23.55 h. Get those videotapes rolling people!
And for the rest of us, browse the net a bit. I do believe the DVD of this film has become available late December 2001, but I am not quite sure where. I have not yet found it in stores in the Netherlands.
**************************************************************************
Damiana, thanks for the compliment on my English!
Asprosdracos, I'll try to keep up and keep you hooked! I've read the first chapter of Black-Winged Angel and I like the style! Poor child : (
Clio, well ain't I a stinker (grin). Where the influence from the book ends and the film begins, I do not really know. The visuals were so stunning and close to the books, I cannot help but applaud (and pinch) them. My Hogwarts receives the added bonus of having seen a lot of castles and ruins in my part of Europe. (Netherlands, Germany, Belgium). The inspiration for the descriptive parts of the castle, come from 'The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets -and- the film.
Llarian, about the relationship between Remus, Sirius and Severus- well, it's no smooth sailing in my story, but they -are- adults, comrades in arms and under the direct influence of the great man Albus Dumbledore. So I won't have them at each others throats. Well, not much (evil grin). Besides, being a spy is risky business and Severus -does- deserve some respect by now, I think.
Thanks orla potter, Miracle (Frozen -does- seem to have been written for a man like Snape, now doesn't it?), Ozma, Sophie W. (Hi Sophie W.!!), Rosmerta (Dumbledore coming up in the next chapter, I promise) Strega Brava, life0ca, ieasu (did I already tell you I love your Star/Voyager crossover?) and slyteherin girl ( Hi slytherin girl!)
I am sorry to say that it will be a few days until my next posting. This story really wishes to push itself out of me, but alas, both work and study will be claiming a lot of my time.
Again, a wonderful 2002. See you!