JK Rowling wrote and owns the magic
They are not mine, Harry & CO
I have no rights, I make no money
This verse is just, so you know
Andolyn
A Jar At The Door
"This", said Ari vehemently, "is absolute rubbish!"
With a bang Ari threw the thick leather-bound volume onto the Headmasters desk, while the man himself smiled at her with those summer blue eyes. It landed with a puff of dust coming from the papyrus pages, twinkling in a sunbeam before it settled on the bureau filled with tarts, teacups and sandwiches.
Disgustedly Ari flopped down in one of the two chairs in front of the desk, and explained.
"To start with, the title! 'Basic Muggle life, a study into the weirdness of the mundane!"
"Part one." Added the Headmaster. Ari harrumphed.
"All I read in that book is that Muggles are somewhat simple creatures, easily deceived by magic and dangerous in mobs."
"They are," Dumbledore countered mildly, hinting at the mob-part.
"Yes, -we- are!" Ari said, refusing to become the Muggle-who-was-different-from-the-rest-because-they-knew-her.
"But there is a lot more to us than -only- primitive witch hunters, war mongers and traffic controllers! As every wizard who has come from a mixed background probably can attest to! And I find nothing here-", she slapped the book with a flat hand, "that would teach a child even to use so much as a light switch, let alone cross the street! Whatever anthropologist -wrote- this, was more of an historian with an extremely -distorted- and -narrow- view! Truly- If you want to give your students -any- idea of what life outside your world is like, you will have to give them history lessons from," Ari hesitated before she spat out the word, "Muggle books, have -somebody- write a kind of how-to manual, have the kids read Muggle papers and organise fieldtrips!"
"I take it you would rather -not- become Professor's Hominoid's assistant in Muggle Studies, then?"
"If your Professor Hadrian Harincourt Hominoid the IIX, is the same as the one who -wrote- this drivel, then no. I am very grateful for your offer, Sir. God knows I could do with the job! But I cannot see any possible way to work with a man so filled with prejudice. At least, that is what he seems to -me- if I am to judge him on his work- allow me not to make the same mistake towards -him-. I imagine my role in his classroom would be little more than a tamed beast on display! And I would never gain any respect of the students."
The headmaster frowned and nodded as if troubled with an old problem.
"I cannot say I disagree with you there, Filch has something of the same problem with them."
"How is he? I have not seen him, or his cat for that matter, all day. Has he been even more effected by yesterday than I was?"
Dumbledore shook his head.
"Oh, no, my dear. Argus Filch -is- a wizard, he was about as much effected as I. But unfortunately his magical capabilities are small and to my shame I must admit he does not always feel comfortable around other wizards. He keeps very much to himself, given half the chance. Have some tea."
Ari sagged back in the chair.
"I can imagine how he must feel."
"But," said Dumbledore, "that idea of a practical 'how-to' manual, sounds inspired. And not only for the students', we could -all- benefit from such an handbook."
"Daily Muggle Life for Dummies * '" Ari muttered.
"Exactly!" he said enthusiastically.
"Perhaps, if there is time," Ari asked, "I could come up with a course in English literature? It would help and I am sure many of the students would enjoy it?"
Dumbledore shook his head.
"The workload of all of our students is a weighty one. Even that of the first years, in comparison. A course such as what you are proposing would have to be an optional one and I fear I know only one student who might have taken the extra workload with glee. And she is a fifth year."
"What of art classes? Teaching the children about -Muggle- art, I mean? They would only have to consist of interesting lectures, and more importantly, could be interwoven with field trips to Muggle musea. There could be a practicum in which children could learn to draw and paint- even images that do -not- move. Most children -like- to do that anyway."
"That sounds like a -very- attractive idea. But you would have to work together with Professor Hominoid on the field trip part."
"To be frank, Sir, working together sounds a -lot- better than assisting!"
"And if you have problems with discipline?"
"I'll threaten the children I'll ask Professor Snape to sit for them. Somehow I have the feeling they'll be mightily quiet and diligent if they would have to paint -his- portrait."
"Oh-, "chuckled Dumbledore, "I don't know about that. Taking the frequency in account his face features in illicit caricatures wandering the school, he might be a grateful subject to ask anyhow. Some are quite funny, too. But field trips can only be organised when the floo-network is up again. It may take some time."
Ari nodded. "I see."
"About that interview you proposed-
Ari perked up. She so wanted to get Harry's name cleared.
"Yes Sir?"
"Having you dead to the world and alive in the papers is not exactly the right combination, I fear."
"I realise that- but Voldemort and his henchmen can do the math, I trust. Car dashing into the street, kid getting out- And regardless of whom wrote that article Rajiv red yesterday, it is -known- Harry is alive. It was -my- car he escaped with. Or did you plan you make the world think of Harry as deceased too?"
The headmaster shook his head.
"It would be too hard.."
On whom he did not say.
"Now, especially after reading -that-, Ari pointed at the book, "I understand that I, at least for a while, must disappear from the Muggle world. But it is no use to hide me from your own. And to Harry, it would be quite damaging if I was unable to come forward."
"Very reluctantly, I must agree. I will, off course, sent my sentinels to guard your relatives. Without them knowing."
Ari sighed. "Thank you."
"There are quite a few journalists who call themselves serious. We will set something up with one of those. Before that, you will have to have your story straight."
"Well, if nobody informed Vodie- erm, demort, about Snape and his Dementors, than it seems fairly easy. I just came home from work, during a blackout- saw what happened to Dudley, had Harry jump in and for the rest, followed his lead."
"But why would you accept the word of a fifteen-year old?"
"Because- erm- because he showed me the magic to prove it? Because on the road he had a hunch something dangerous would happen and we had barely time to leave the car, before it got destroyed? So we had to hike to the nearest town and move on by train or something?"
"The best we probably will be able to come up with, I agree, while not mentioning Severus. Most people would find his role totally unbelievable anyway. I shudder to think what Voldie would do to him if he found out."
Ari chuckled. "Voldie?"
The old wizard took off his hat absentmindedly and stood.
"Did I say that? I must watch myself then. Ridicule is as dangerous as fear, in some aspects. We must never allow ourselves to underestimate our foe."
It was about four O'clock in the afternoon. Ari had spent most of the day reading that foul book Dumbledore had given her, on a bench near the lake, only disturbed twice. Once when a giant squid had surfaced, apparently outraged towards a wet girlish ghost who zoomed round it's head twice while he flapped his tentacles at her in vain before she sped back through the summer sky towards the castle. The squid had paid Ari no attention at all and had crabbily sank back into his lake.
No boat trips for her, Ari had thought.
The second time was when Harry and Black in his dog form came to collect her for lunch. The headmaster asked her to come to him around teatime to discuss her position at Hogwarts and Ari was very pleased to learn he understood her misgivings about merely staying there, without her even starting on the subject, and making her a job offer. But after reading the book, she simply had to decline.
Dumbledore took his teacup and spiked his with some of the whiskey he was brewing. Ari looked both amused an a bit worried at this. It was only afternoon, after all.
"Don't look at me like that, please! I am in enough trouble with Minerva as is for this little vice of mine."
Ari raised her brow, but said nothing.
"Now," he said, resuming his seat, "about organising open house. The plan is to have -all- teachers back mid August, so that every-one who wishes can visit us, even spend the night here or at Hogsmeade, and be thoroughly introduced or re-introduced with the school, the curriculum and the teachers. Harry -will- be here and helping. Poor boy. He utterly dislikes being singled out the way he has been. In the mean time, you will have to prepare your lessons, learn all you can about us, Hogwarts and certain key people on both sides of the struggle. Some of the teachers will feel rather awkward in aiding you, others like myself, Minerva and the other Professors you saw last night, you can always count on."
"I'll be asking Severus for pointers, then."
"No."
"Excuse me?"
"I am sorry, Ariadne, but for all intend and purposes you and Severus must have as little to do with each other as possible, starting from the moment we let the parents in! To keep up appearances, Severus cannot be your friend, or even a companionable colleague. He is the head of Slytherin House. Many of the children in Slytherin, and Ravenclaw for that matter, are being raised to loath Muggles and to despise wizards of mixed Muggle and Wizard blood. They have devised both colourful and despicable names for the last category of people, like for instance Mudblood, meaning being tainted. If Severus is seen acting like a friend towards you, it will endanger him. It will endanger all of us. If we are to keep these children safe, if we are to keep these children at all, his role as Voldemort's man within my fortress must -not- be compromised. "
For a few long moments, Ari said absolutely nothing.
"Tea?" prodded Dumbledore again.
Ari's eyes flashed over the collection of tubes and burners, and held out her cup.
"I'd appreciate something a little stronger than sugar or lemon, please."
Evening. The Astronomy Tower, or so she had been told. Sun setting slowly in the west, another evening turning to gold. Had it been only two evenings before? Before her world had been turned upside down? Odd the sun was still setting in the same blazing colours it had always done. Ari felt she had stepped through the looking glass without actually doing so. Finding herself in a world next to hers, interwoven with her own. But not so enormously different, as far as people and their peculiarities went. It smelled differently, tasted more spicy and exiting-
But too much spice could give a person heartburn.
There were footfalls behind her. Quick and light. She turned expecting Harry and was not disappointed. He smiled happily.
"Hedwig is back! She found me!
"Who?
"My owl! She's in the owlery for now, hooting happily with the others and doing fine!"
"Did the Headmaster talk to you about that interview we are supposed to give? About the open days here?"
The boy nodded. "I'm not looking forward to it." He said.
"Neither am I." Ari answered.
"I don't -like- all the attention. It is different with Quidditch, you know."
"Not really," answered Ari gently.
"Well, I told you I'm the Griffindor seeker, right?"
Ari nodded.
"And if the seeker catches the snitch, my team has a very good chance of winning the game. If I catch the snitch, I've done something good, something to be proud of. Something I choose to do!"
"Not some role you're pushed into by people who expecting you to perform?"
"Yeah. That is it exactly. It is wonderful, when we win a match. I like it when people call my name, then. For something fun that I am good at. For something that I really am. It is weird, you know- " Harry's voice became thick, as if he had a lump in his throat that would not be swallowed away. "if you save the world, nobody notices it, or thinks a lot of you that is not true. But Quidditch, that is only a game, now that is real!"
"Oh Harry," Ari said, and before the hapless boy knew it, he found himself in a tight hug. He shivered, relaxed a moment and let go, smiling.
"Thanks."
Ari smiled back. "Any time, Harry. Glad Hedwig is okay. You must have been so worried."
The boy nodded and backed away, still smiling. "Yes- it's good to know she is safe."
Harry left the tower as quickly as he had come.
Dinner had been splendid, meal wise. Conversation again had been calm. All those not bound through work to the school had left during the day, and the building had a somewhat deserted feel about it now.
She had not been sitting next to Sev- Severus. Professor Snape. Black had been -very- quick in seating himself beside her. Sirius and Remus had been joking like they apparently always did. Snape had not said a word, merely filled his stomach and left without waiting for desert or giving excuses.
Ari's father had always been very fond of the Beatles. Playing the old records until they were scratched and grey. Always telling everybody the scientific sound of compact disks could never compare to real vinyl. But he had been happy with being able to buy the old music anew.
And while Ari stared out over the lake and the dark forest, one of those old songs kept playing in her mind. About a woman who nobody knew, died, and 'was buried along with her name'.
Wait at the window
Wearing the face that she keeps in a jar at the door
Who is it for
Like Snape. Who knew that man? Who really knew him? Who was really allowed to look behind the veneer he showed the world? When, if ever, was he allowed to let go of his mask? During their little sojourn to Hogwarts she -had- seen something of the man. And he had seen her. She was sure of it, he had definitely seen her. She -never- wore a mask, not ever! Hated it, not to be able to show herself for whom she was. Hated it with a passion. Would be devastated if she had to live a lie for years. It would tear apart her soul.
She remembered breakfast and his leg brushing hers- the pleasant shock that had went through her, his velvet voice, rumbling in her ear while he bent her over that car-
This was bad. She had it bad.
Without realising it Ari sang, softly, hoarsely and missing the high notes, some of the lines of the song that kept playing through her mind. They drifted eerily towards the fading light, while in the forest birds started their twilight concert.
All the lonely people, where do they all come from
All the lonely people, where do they all belong
Ah- look at all the lonely people…
While her voice died away, she could swear she heard a gentle swoosh-. Turning fast, she only caught a mere glimpse of the dark hem of a robe, vanishing in the shadowy gate towards the staircase.
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* The 'for Dummies'comment is pinched from the title of a series of very practical manuals, published by Addison Wesley, mostly on how to operate a wide variety of software.
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Cissy, the name is the same, but that is all. I just thought, well, Muggles keep giving their children names like Mary and John over the centuries, why would wizards not use old names of heroes and saint like figures too (grin)?
Crimsonthorne, The Howling, very nice!
Thanks, sara, Juniper Holly (hope you're not too disappointed with Ari's new job), Moon Angel, MajamieMe (thanks for putting in favs), Crydwyn (THANKS. That is a big compliment), Ozma (hope to read from you soon!), sombra de severus (never forgetting when Snape was dead, he (grin), Sophie W. (Hi Sophie W.!), slytherin girl (say hi to angie from me), asprosdracos (some things are meant to remain hidden…), Troy, Trish, Irene, Rynye, Lataradk (Ms Norris on speed! Now that is a picture I would like to keep in my minds eye), warlise (you are very kind, thanks!), JJ (not really- no more or less then is revealed in this tale. Yet.) SuNnY GuRL (Ron the death Eater??!! - Have to read more about that one.), Lila Mae (Voldemort in -pink- slippers? Poor guy, you are -evil- girl (grin)), twirlgirl04 (thanks!), Little she-bear (swoon indeed, sigh, -stops writing, looks at various AR pictures as Snape downloaded from the net, comes back-), Kamali, and Strenga Brava!
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Following little lecture is in answer to Xara Oaken's question. It is a bit of a background on why I chose the name 'Livia' for a strong Slytherin female, too. Please forgive me for putting it here, but I do not have Xara Oaken's e-mail.
All my knowledge of the historical Livia comes from the book 'I Claudius' by Mr Robert Graves and the marvellous BBC TV Series based on that book, by the same name. Caligula was a creepy character indeed, outright bonkers. If I would go in detail about his misdeeds, my story would have to be immediately placed in the NC-17 category, and somewhere in a double Horror division. Think of those two combined- nuff said. In the series Caligula was excellently portrayed by the actor John Hurt. Remember Mr Ollivander? One and the same. Well, with about twenty-five years in between roles that is. Both the book and the series are based on the writings of yet another emperor, a historian called Claudius. Claudius succeeded Caligula and was Caligula's uncle. He wrote down all the sordid details of his family's history and times, which is why -we- know so much about them.
The historical Livia was Claudius's grandmother and Caligula's great-grandmother. She was the second wife of the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar, and, if both the book and the series are to be believed, the driving force behind his career and his decision to remain in power. Somehow, in a wide variety of ways, the lady murdered quite a few of the emperor's fiends, all of his heirs and last but not least the man himself. Many by means of poison, others through intrigue and treason. All this so she could manipulate the Senate into electing her son Tiberius the next emperor, so -she- could rule trough -him-, and keep, in her mind at least, the Empire from becoming a republic again and falling apart with the following struggle and civil war. In spite of all the work she really did do for the empire, she remained invisible to most men around her because, after all, she was but a woman (yes, I -am- being sarcastic here!). Which gave her the perfect niche to plot in. And after decades and countless ruined lives, she succeeded.
Sián Phillips played Livia in the series. In it, she is wonderfully on edge, sarcastic, diplomatic, poisonous, scheming and very powerful. The perfect Slytherin dame to me!
They are not mine, Harry & CO
I have no rights, I make no money
This verse is just, so you know
Andolyn
A Jar At The Door
"This", said Ari vehemently, "is absolute rubbish!"
With a bang Ari threw the thick leather-bound volume onto the Headmasters desk, while the man himself smiled at her with those summer blue eyes. It landed with a puff of dust coming from the papyrus pages, twinkling in a sunbeam before it settled on the bureau filled with tarts, teacups and sandwiches.
Disgustedly Ari flopped down in one of the two chairs in front of the desk, and explained.
"To start with, the title! 'Basic Muggle life, a study into the weirdness of the mundane!"
"Part one." Added the Headmaster. Ari harrumphed.
"All I read in that book is that Muggles are somewhat simple creatures, easily deceived by magic and dangerous in mobs."
"They are," Dumbledore countered mildly, hinting at the mob-part.
"Yes, -we- are!" Ari said, refusing to become the Muggle-who-was-different-from-the-rest-because-they-knew-her.
"But there is a lot more to us than -only- primitive witch hunters, war mongers and traffic controllers! As every wizard who has come from a mixed background probably can attest to! And I find nothing here-", she slapped the book with a flat hand, "that would teach a child even to use so much as a light switch, let alone cross the street! Whatever anthropologist -wrote- this, was more of an historian with an extremely -distorted- and -narrow- view! Truly- If you want to give your students -any- idea of what life outside your world is like, you will have to give them history lessons from," Ari hesitated before she spat out the word, "Muggle books, have -somebody- write a kind of how-to manual, have the kids read Muggle papers and organise fieldtrips!"
"I take it you would rather -not- become Professor's Hominoid's assistant in Muggle Studies, then?"
"If your Professor Hadrian Harincourt Hominoid the IIX, is the same as the one who -wrote- this drivel, then no. I am very grateful for your offer, Sir. God knows I could do with the job! But I cannot see any possible way to work with a man so filled with prejudice. At least, that is what he seems to -me- if I am to judge him on his work- allow me not to make the same mistake towards -him-. I imagine my role in his classroom would be little more than a tamed beast on display! And I would never gain any respect of the students."
The headmaster frowned and nodded as if troubled with an old problem.
"I cannot say I disagree with you there, Filch has something of the same problem with them."
"How is he? I have not seen him, or his cat for that matter, all day. Has he been even more effected by yesterday than I was?"
Dumbledore shook his head.
"Oh, no, my dear. Argus Filch -is- a wizard, he was about as much effected as I. But unfortunately his magical capabilities are small and to my shame I must admit he does not always feel comfortable around other wizards. He keeps very much to himself, given half the chance. Have some tea."
Ari sagged back in the chair.
"I can imagine how he must feel."
"But," said Dumbledore, "that idea of a practical 'how-to' manual, sounds inspired. And not only for the students', we could -all- benefit from such an handbook."
"Daily Muggle Life for Dummies * '" Ari muttered.
"Exactly!" he said enthusiastically.
"Perhaps, if there is time," Ari asked, "I could come up with a course in English literature? It would help and I am sure many of the students would enjoy it?"
Dumbledore shook his head.
"The workload of all of our students is a weighty one. Even that of the first years, in comparison. A course such as what you are proposing would have to be an optional one and I fear I know only one student who might have taken the extra workload with glee. And she is a fifth year."
"What of art classes? Teaching the children about -Muggle- art, I mean? They would only have to consist of interesting lectures, and more importantly, could be interwoven with field trips to Muggle musea. There could be a practicum in which children could learn to draw and paint- even images that do -not- move. Most children -like- to do that anyway."
"That sounds like a -very- attractive idea. But you would have to work together with Professor Hominoid on the field trip part."
"To be frank, Sir, working together sounds a -lot- better than assisting!"
"And if you have problems with discipline?"
"I'll threaten the children I'll ask Professor Snape to sit for them. Somehow I have the feeling they'll be mightily quiet and diligent if they would have to paint -his- portrait."
"Oh-, "chuckled Dumbledore, "I don't know about that. Taking the frequency in account his face features in illicit caricatures wandering the school, he might be a grateful subject to ask anyhow. Some are quite funny, too. But field trips can only be organised when the floo-network is up again. It may take some time."
Ari nodded. "I see."
"About that interview you proposed-
Ari perked up. She so wanted to get Harry's name cleared.
"Yes Sir?"
"Having you dead to the world and alive in the papers is not exactly the right combination, I fear."
"I realise that- but Voldemort and his henchmen can do the math, I trust. Car dashing into the street, kid getting out- And regardless of whom wrote that article Rajiv red yesterday, it is -known- Harry is alive. It was -my- car he escaped with. Or did you plan you make the world think of Harry as deceased too?"
The headmaster shook his head.
"It would be too hard.."
On whom he did not say.
"Now, especially after reading -that-, Ari pointed at the book, "I understand that I, at least for a while, must disappear from the Muggle world. But it is no use to hide me from your own. And to Harry, it would be quite damaging if I was unable to come forward."
"Very reluctantly, I must agree. I will, off course, sent my sentinels to guard your relatives. Without them knowing."
Ari sighed. "Thank you."
"There are quite a few journalists who call themselves serious. We will set something up with one of those. Before that, you will have to have your story straight."
"Well, if nobody informed Vodie- erm, demort, about Snape and his Dementors, than it seems fairly easy. I just came home from work, during a blackout- saw what happened to Dudley, had Harry jump in and for the rest, followed his lead."
"But why would you accept the word of a fifteen-year old?"
"Because- erm- because he showed me the magic to prove it? Because on the road he had a hunch something dangerous would happen and we had barely time to leave the car, before it got destroyed? So we had to hike to the nearest town and move on by train or something?"
"The best we probably will be able to come up with, I agree, while not mentioning Severus. Most people would find his role totally unbelievable anyway. I shudder to think what Voldie would do to him if he found out."
Ari chuckled. "Voldie?"
The old wizard took off his hat absentmindedly and stood.
"Did I say that? I must watch myself then. Ridicule is as dangerous as fear, in some aspects. We must never allow ourselves to underestimate our foe."
It was about four O'clock in the afternoon. Ari had spent most of the day reading that foul book Dumbledore had given her, on a bench near the lake, only disturbed twice. Once when a giant squid had surfaced, apparently outraged towards a wet girlish ghost who zoomed round it's head twice while he flapped his tentacles at her in vain before she sped back through the summer sky towards the castle. The squid had paid Ari no attention at all and had crabbily sank back into his lake.
No boat trips for her, Ari had thought.
The second time was when Harry and Black in his dog form came to collect her for lunch. The headmaster asked her to come to him around teatime to discuss her position at Hogwarts and Ari was very pleased to learn he understood her misgivings about merely staying there, without her even starting on the subject, and making her a job offer. But after reading the book, she simply had to decline.
Dumbledore took his teacup and spiked his with some of the whiskey he was brewing. Ari looked both amused an a bit worried at this. It was only afternoon, after all.
"Don't look at me like that, please! I am in enough trouble with Minerva as is for this little vice of mine."
Ari raised her brow, but said nothing.
"Now," he said, resuming his seat, "about organising open house. The plan is to have -all- teachers back mid August, so that every-one who wishes can visit us, even spend the night here or at Hogsmeade, and be thoroughly introduced or re-introduced with the school, the curriculum and the teachers. Harry -will- be here and helping. Poor boy. He utterly dislikes being singled out the way he has been. In the mean time, you will have to prepare your lessons, learn all you can about us, Hogwarts and certain key people on both sides of the struggle. Some of the teachers will feel rather awkward in aiding you, others like myself, Minerva and the other Professors you saw last night, you can always count on."
"I'll be asking Severus for pointers, then."
"No."
"Excuse me?"
"I am sorry, Ariadne, but for all intend and purposes you and Severus must have as little to do with each other as possible, starting from the moment we let the parents in! To keep up appearances, Severus cannot be your friend, or even a companionable colleague. He is the head of Slytherin House. Many of the children in Slytherin, and Ravenclaw for that matter, are being raised to loath Muggles and to despise wizards of mixed Muggle and Wizard blood. They have devised both colourful and despicable names for the last category of people, like for instance Mudblood, meaning being tainted. If Severus is seen acting like a friend towards you, it will endanger him. It will endanger all of us. If we are to keep these children safe, if we are to keep these children at all, his role as Voldemort's man within my fortress must -not- be compromised. "
For a few long moments, Ari said absolutely nothing.
"Tea?" prodded Dumbledore again.
Ari's eyes flashed over the collection of tubes and burners, and held out her cup.
"I'd appreciate something a little stronger than sugar or lemon, please."
Evening. The Astronomy Tower, or so she had been told. Sun setting slowly in the west, another evening turning to gold. Had it been only two evenings before? Before her world had been turned upside down? Odd the sun was still setting in the same blazing colours it had always done. Ari felt she had stepped through the looking glass without actually doing so. Finding herself in a world next to hers, interwoven with her own. But not so enormously different, as far as people and their peculiarities went. It smelled differently, tasted more spicy and exiting-
But too much spice could give a person heartburn.
There were footfalls behind her. Quick and light. She turned expecting Harry and was not disappointed. He smiled happily.
"Hedwig is back! She found me!
"Who?
"My owl! She's in the owlery for now, hooting happily with the others and doing fine!"
"Did the Headmaster talk to you about that interview we are supposed to give? About the open days here?"
The boy nodded. "I'm not looking forward to it." He said.
"Neither am I." Ari answered.
"I don't -like- all the attention. It is different with Quidditch, you know."
"Not really," answered Ari gently.
"Well, I told you I'm the Griffindor seeker, right?"
Ari nodded.
"And if the seeker catches the snitch, my team has a very good chance of winning the game. If I catch the snitch, I've done something good, something to be proud of. Something I choose to do!"
"Not some role you're pushed into by people who expecting you to perform?"
"Yeah. That is it exactly. It is wonderful, when we win a match. I like it when people call my name, then. For something fun that I am good at. For something that I really am. It is weird, you know- " Harry's voice became thick, as if he had a lump in his throat that would not be swallowed away. "if you save the world, nobody notices it, or thinks a lot of you that is not true. But Quidditch, that is only a game, now that is real!"
"Oh Harry," Ari said, and before the hapless boy knew it, he found himself in a tight hug. He shivered, relaxed a moment and let go, smiling.
"Thanks."
Ari smiled back. "Any time, Harry. Glad Hedwig is okay. You must have been so worried."
The boy nodded and backed away, still smiling. "Yes- it's good to know she is safe."
Harry left the tower as quickly as he had come.
Dinner had been splendid, meal wise. Conversation again had been calm. All those not bound through work to the school had left during the day, and the building had a somewhat deserted feel about it now.
She had not been sitting next to Sev- Severus. Professor Snape. Black had been -very- quick in seating himself beside her. Sirius and Remus had been joking like they apparently always did. Snape had not said a word, merely filled his stomach and left without waiting for desert or giving excuses.
Ari's father had always been very fond of the Beatles. Playing the old records until they were scratched and grey. Always telling everybody the scientific sound of compact disks could never compare to real vinyl. But he had been happy with being able to buy the old music anew.
And while Ari stared out over the lake and the dark forest, one of those old songs kept playing in her mind. About a woman who nobody knew, died, and 'was buried along with her name'.
Wait at the window
Wearing the face that she keeps in a jar at the door
Who is it for
Like Snape. Who knew that man? Who really knew him? Who was really allowed to look behind the veneer he showed the world? When, if ever, was he allowed to let go of his mask? During their little sojourn to Hogwarts she -had- seen something of the man. And he had seen her. She was sure of it, he had definitely seen her. She -never- wore a mask, not ever! Hated it, not to be able to show herself for whom she was. Hated it with a passion. Would be devastated if she had to live a lie for years. It would tear apart her soul.
She remembered breakfast and his leg brushing hers- the pleasant shock that had went through her, his velvet voice, rumbling in her ear while he bent her over that car-
This was bad. She had it bad.
Without realising it Ari sang, softly, hoarsely and missing the high notes, some of the lines of the song that kept playing through her mind. They drifted eerily towards the fading light, while in the forest birds started their twilight concert.
All the lonely people, where do they all come from
All the lonely people, where do they all belong
Ah- look at all the lonely people…
While her voice died away, she could swear she heard a gentle swoosh-. Turning fast, she only caught a mere glimpse of the dark hem of a robe, vanishing in the shadowy gate towards the staircase.
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* The 'for Dummies'comment is pinched from the title of a series of very practical manuals, published by Addison Wesley, mostly on how to operate a wide variety of software.
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Cissy, the name is the same, but that is all. I just thought, well, Muggles keep giving their children names like Mary and John over the centuries, why would wizards not use old names of heroes and saint like figures too (grin)?
Crimsonthorne, The Howling, very nice!
Thanks, sara, Juniper Holly (hope you're not too disappointed with Ari's new job), Moon Angel, MajamieMe (thanks for putting in favs), Crydwyn (THANKS. That is a big compliment), Ozma (hope to read from you soon!), sombra de severus (never forgetting when Snape was dead, he (grin), Sophie W. (Hi Sophie W.!), slytherin girl (say hi to angie from me), asprosdracos (some things are meant to remain hidden…), Troy, Trish, Irene, Rynye, Lataradk (Ms Norris on speed! Now that is a picture I would like to keep in my minds eye), warlise (you are very kind, thanks!), JJ (not really- no more or less then is revealed in this tale. Yet.) SuNnY GuRL (Ron the death Eater??!! - Have to read more about that one.), Lila Mae (Voldemort in -pink- slippers? Poor guy, you are -evil- girl (grin)), twirlgirl04 (thanks!), Little she-bear (swoon indeed, sigh, -stops writing, looks at various AR pictures as Snape downloaded from the net, comes back-), Kamali, and Strenga Brava!
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Following little lecture is in answer to Xara Oaken's question. It is a bit of a background on why I chose the name 'Livia' for a strong Slytherin female, too. Please forgive me for putting it here, but I do not have Xara Oaken's e-mail.
All my knowledge of the historical Livia comes from the book 'I Claudius' by Mr Robert Graves and the marvellous BBC TV Series based on that book, by the same name. Caligula was a creepy character indeed, outright bonkers. If I would go in detail about his misdeeds, my story would have to be immediately placed in the NC-17 category, and somewhere in a double Horror division. Think of those two combined- nuff said. In the series Caligula was excellently portrayed by the actor John Hurt. Remember Mr Ollivander? One and the same. Well, with about twenty-five years in between roles that is. Both the book and the series are based on the writings of yet another emperor, a historian called Claudius. Claudius succeeded Caligula and was Caligula's uncle. He wrote down all the sordid details of his family's history and times, which is why -we- know so much about them.
The historical Livia was Claudius's grandmother and Caligula's great-grandmother. She was the second wife of the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar, and, if both the book and the series are to be believed, the driving force behind his career and his decision to remain in power. Somehow, in a wide variety of ways, the lady murdered quite a few of the emperor's fiends, all of his heirs and last but not least the man himself. Many by means of poison, others through intrigue and treason. All this so she could manipulate the Senate into electing her son Tiberius the next emperor, so -she- could rule trough -him-, and keep, in her mind at least, the Empire from becoming a republic again and falling apart with the following struggle and civil war. In spite of all the work she really did do for the empire, she remained invisible to most men around her because, after all, she was but a woman (yes, I -am- being sarcastic here!). Which gave her the perfect niche to plot in. And after decades and countless ruined lives, she succeeded.
Sián Phillips played Livia in the series. In it, she is wonderfully on edge, sarcastic, diplomatic, poisonous, scheming and very powerful. The perfect Slytherin dame to me!