Disclaimer: All is as before. Seth belongs to me.
A/N: New chapter for y'all. Don't have much to say.....anyone who has been reading my other fic 'Credo' may recognise the new character in this chapter.....you might have to think a little, though. If anyone's curious about the chapter name, it's a Russian folk song, the English translation being 'Dark Eyes'. I have absolutely no idea why I've titled the chapter this though.....
Chapter 5- Ochie Chornye
The teasing by Mara Parkinson continued over the next few days, particularly in Herbology, which they had with the Slytherins.
"So what's new, Quirrells? Get any help on your homework lately? I heard Flitwick was nipping up to your dorm with the Charms exam yesterday afternoon, Emmanuel."
"That was weak, Parkinson," snapped Eve. "so shut your mouth if you don't have anything hard-hitting to say."
Mara glared at them, darkly, her pale blue eyes sparking. "I could say alot more, Eve. I know things that would kill you if you knew....."
"All talk, no substance you are, Mara." said Portia loudly, digging a spot in her soil tray.
"Don't be so sure, Riley." Mara said, before taking her wand, pointing it at her own hole and producing a burst of Fighting Fungi spores.
"Well until I hear something Earth-shattering about Manny and Eve, I'm inclined to agree with her," said Jude.
"Alright students.....can we have a bit of peace? Miss Parkinson, I think that's enough for now." said Professor Longbottom, producing a piece of chalk and proceeding to write out the magical properties of Fighting Fungi for his students. Emmanuel and Eve were not comforted by the fact that Longbottom had gone a shade paler when Mara had been talking.
"Don't judge all of us Slyths by one fool's voice." a boy's voice wafted over Eve's shoulder.
"Why not?" Eve found herself murmuring.
"Meet me outside the Greenhouse after this lesson finishes. Bring your brother with you."
Eve nodded, and resumed taking notes from the board.
*********************************
Eve and Emmanuel were first out of class and with promises of joining their friends later for afternoon tea, waited outside the greenhouse. They successfully ignored Mara Parkinson's spiteful glance and nodded politely to Professor Longbottom, who, still pale, smiled back.
"Glad you decided to meet, Eve, Emmanuel."
The twins turned around to see a boy, leaning against the greenhouse wall. He looked older than the other first-years, and they certainly didn't remember him from the Sorting Feast. He stood taller than them, with black hair and matching dark eyes. There was a faint white streak through his hair. In fact, even if they didn't remember him personally, the cold stare he was giving them seemed very familiar.
Emmanuel lowered an eyebrow in suspiscion. "Who're you?"
He straightened up and offered his hand to them, the faint Russian in his accent apparent. "I'm Seth. Seth Chistiakov."
Emmanuel nodded in greeting as he shook the proferred hand. "I don't remember seeing you at the Sor-"
"No, you wouldn't. I'm actually a third-year Slyth, but I missed out on a bit of Herbology in my first and second years. So I'm doing the course from scratch. Professor Longbottom has been very good about it."
"Oh, so how'd you know us, then?" asked Eve.
"I don't think there's a soul in Slytherin who hasn't heard of you," smirked Seth. "Mara Parkinson's fault of course. Hoping to drum up a bit of publicity for herself by talking about what a smart-arse she's been towards you both. Most choose to ignore it though, you'll be pleased to know."
"Really?" said Eve, brightening up a bit. "Well nice to know that. Is that all?"
"No! No.....I had some things to tell you both."
"We're listening," said Emmanuel patiently.
"Ok.....first off, ignore what Parkinson says about you. Seriously, do. She can talk."
"What do you mean by that?"
"She doesn't even know who her father is. Her father left her mother because she was carrying on with another man." replied Seth, looking around cautiously. "Not that her father is the most honourable of wizards either, for that matter." he murmured as an afterthought, looking around again.
"Anything else?" asked Emmanuel, now interested.
"Yes, your father. A word of advice to you. I know someone who went to Hogwarts with your Dad, and he's told me that your Father was a great guy to be around. That's all you need to know. Ignore what Parkinson says about your Dad. It's not worth it, believe me."
Eve was unconvinced, but kept her reservations quiet. "You're not Russian, by any chance?"
"My Mother is English, and my Father is Russian. I've never met him though. He died shortly after I was born." he said softly, digging his shoe into the soft dirt. "It's not a big deal. My Mother has plenty of money in her job in Russia and we're happy."
"Fair enough," said Emmanuel quietly.
"Well I'd best be joining those Slytherins that are withstandable. Remember what I said you two. It's important." he said seriously, turning to leave.
As they walked off, Eve couldn't resist asking another question.
"What's up with the white streak in your hair?"
He stopped, looking over his shoulder. "Family trait." he called back, before turning away again.
*********************************
Seth wandered aimlessly down the corridors, chewing sullenly on the the ginger biscuits he'd pocketed from the house elves for afternoon tea.
He wished he'd been wrong about everything he'd said to the twins.
He wished he had proper Slytherin friends, not just classmates who sneered at him. He wished that Emmanuel and Eve's father wasn't dead. He wished his own father wasn't dead.
Passing the potions classroom, he slipped into the next room. Professor Snape's office. Seth found him and his assistant Professor Rimmer, mulling over an old parchment of some sort. Upon entering, the pair looked up at him.
"Good morning, Seth." said Snape. He looked to his assistant, and nodded for her to leave. She did so, greeting him as she passed.
Snape gestured to the chair in front of his desk. "Take a seat."
Seth slumped into the chair, taking comfort in the soft green velvet.
"Did you do as I asked?"
"Yes. I told them what they needed to know." he sighed, finishing off the last of his biscuits and leaning back in the chair. His miserable countenance did not go unnoticed by the Potions Master.
"Spit it out, boy. You're obviously brooding over something...."
Seth sighed again. "I wish I could've told them the whole truth......I mean, Mother was so adamant about them knowing, and I know you are."
"As important as it is to tell the twins the truth about their father, I'm afraid it's their Mother's truth to tell to them. Not mine, not yours, not your Mother's or Mara Parkinson's."
"You were the one who dared to tell me the truth about my Father." said Seth, narrowing his eyes at Snape.
For the first time, Snape looked like he was lost for words. There was a brief silence before he spoke again.
"You had to know, and seeing that your Mother refused to tell you, your Grandfather asked me to. Those twins....their Mother is putting it off. She'll tell them eventually. These things will take time, Seth."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. It's out of your hands now, Seth. But I'm glad you're concerned for them. Quite observant of you, for someone your age."
"Funny, isn't it? Sometimes I feel like I could see just see how someone is for real, just by something they do....."
Snape raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Really? Hmm....you take divination, don't you? Do you like it?"
"Yes...it's one of my favourite subjects." said Seth, looking at the older man strangely. "Why do you ask?"
"Oh, no reason. I have some books at home that you might be interested in."
The sound of footsteps came strolling down the corridor. Students on the way to class.
"Hmm, have Charms now. Best be going." Seth said, rising out of his chair.
"Alright then. Off you go." said Snape, waving him away.
*********************************
That afternoon, after classes finished, Eve went to see her Mother. Emmanuel had decided not to, instead going off to watch Quidditch tryouts with Jude and a few other Ravenclaws, so Eve adjourned up to the Astronomy tower by herself, finding her Mother there, having a cup of tea.
"Hi Mum," Eve murmured, shuffling forward and seating herself at her feet.
"Nice to see you, Eve." her Mother said, her hand light on Eve's hair.
"Mum...." Eve trailed off, wondering whether to ask or not. "what was Dad like?"
Celly laughed. "I've told you so many times what your Father was like..."
"Yeah, but what he was *really* like....what did he do, and stuff...."
Eve noticed her Mother's face momentarily crease in worry, before she spoke.
"Your Father taught here about 16 years ago. He taught Defence Against the Dark Arts, and he was good at what he did. He was also.........how will I say this......yielding. He tended to submit to other people quite a bit. Like a servant, almost....it was only towards the end of his....well, life that he began to stand up for himself....." she trailed off, staring into her half-empty tea cup.
"Uh, it's alright Mum.....you don't have to say anything else if you don't want."
Celly looked down with fondness at Eve. Wilton's consideration for others did show through in Eve sometimes. When she felt like it.....
"I knew you were going to ask something like that eventually. There's so much about your father that you don't know right now, Eve. But some day, you will know your father and love him the way that I did."
The silence that ensued was interrupted by Nic dashing into the tower, out of breath and pink.
"I....think......you two better come down," he said, not only exhausted but also worried-looking. "Emmanuel's been knocked out."
*********************************
Emmanuel felt like he was floating in a grey mist. It was like he was standing up on nothing. Then, he remembered....of course! The bludger had somehow been attracted his way, and he wasn't quick enough.
Then, out of the mist, he could see a figure coming. Emmanuel watched as the man stopped in front of him, taking in his appearence. He stood a little taller than Emmanuel, with brown eyes and hair. He was looking at Emmanuel with great surprise and interest.
"My goodness," the man finally said, fidgeting. "so you're Emmanuel Felix."
"Yeah," replied Emmanuel, regarding the man curiously. Why was he so familiar to him? "who are you?"
End of chapter
Ok, mini-cliffhanger. Sorry to disappoint there. In the next chapter, Emmanuel wakes up (well, duh!), the twins meet the school ghosts and I finally get around to going somewhere with the story! Until then, do R/R and I'll do my best to get the chapter up within the week.~Normandie
A/N: New chapter for y'all. Don't have much to say.....anyone who has been reading my other fic 'Credo' may recognise the new character in this chapter.....you might have to think a little, though. If anyone's curious about the chapter name, it's a Russian folk song, the English translation being 'Dark Eyes'. I have absolutely no idea why I've titled the chapter this though.....
Chapter 5- Ochie Chornye
The teasing by Mara Parkinson continued over the next few days, particularly in Herbology, which they had with the Slytherins.
"So what's new, Quirrells? Get any help on your homework lately? I heard Flitwick was nipping up to your dorm with the Charms exam yesterday afternoon, Emmanuel."
"That was weak, Parkinson," snapped Eve. "so shut your mouth if you don't have anything hard-hitting to say."
Mara glared at them, darkly, her pale blue eyes sparking. "I could say alot more, Eve. I know things that would kill you if you knew....."
"All talk, no substance you are, Mara." said Portia loudly, digging a spot in her soil tray.
"Don't be so sure, Riley." Mara said, before taking her wand, pointing it at her own hole and producing a burst of Fighting Fungi spores.
"Well until I hear something Earth-shattering about Manny and Eve, I'm inclined to agree with her," said Jude.
"Alright students.....can we have a bit of peace? Miss Parkinson, I think that's enough for now." said Professor Longbottom, producing a piece of chalk and proceeding to write out the magical properties of Fighting Fungi for his students. Emmanuel and Eve were not comforted by the fact that Longbottom had gone a shade paler when Mara had been talking.
"Don't judge all of us Slyths by one fool's voice." a boy's voice wafted over Eve's shoulder.
"Why not?" Eve found herself murmuring.
"Meet me outside the Greenhouse after this lesson finishes. Bring your brother with you."
Eve nodded, and resumed taking notes from the board.
*********************************
Eve and Emmanuel were first out of class and with promises of joining their friends later for afternoon tea, waited outside the greenhouse. They successfully ignored Mara Parkinson's spiteful glance and nodded politely to Professor Longbottom, who, still pale, smiled back.
"Glad you decided to meet, Eve, Emmanuel."
The twins turned around to see a boy, leaning against the greenhouse wall. He looked older than the other first-years, and they certainly didn't remember him from the Sorting Feast. He stood taller than them, with black hair and matching dark eyes. There was a faint white streak through his hair. In fact, even if they didn't remember him personally, the cold stare he was giving them seemed very familiar.
Emmanuel lowered an eyebrow in suspiscion. "Who're you?"
He straightened up and offered his hand to them, the faint Russian in his accent apparent. "I'm Seth. Seth Chistiakov."
Emmanuel nodded in greeting as he shook the proferred hand. "I don't remember seeing you at the Sor-"
"No, you wouldn't. I'm actually a third-year Slyth, but I missed out on a bit of Herbology in my first and second years. So I'm doing the course from scratch. Professor Longbottom has been very good about it."
"Oh, so how'd you know us, then?" asked Eve.
"I don't think there's a soul in Slytherin who hasn't heard of you," smirked Seth. "Mara Parkinson's fault of course. Hoping to drum up a bit of publicity for herself by talking about what a smart-arse she's been towards you both. Most choose to ignore it though, you'll be pleased to know."
"Really?" said Eve, brightening up a bit. "Well nice to know that. Is that all?"
"No! No.....I had some things to tell you both."
"We're listening," said Emmanuel patiently.
"Ok.....first off, ignore what Parkinson says about you. Seriously, do. She can talk."
"What do you mean by that?"
"She doesn't even know who her father is. Her father left her mother because she was carrying on with another man." replied Seth, looking around cautiously. "Not that her father is the most honourable of wizards either, for that matter." he murmured as an afterthought, looking around again.
"Anything else?" asked Emmanuel, now interested.
"Yes, your father. A word of advice to you. I know someone who went to Hogwarts with your Dad, and he's told me that your Father was a great guy to be around. That's all you need to know. Ignore what Parkinson says about your Dad. It's not worth it, believe me."
Eve was unconvinced, but kept her reservations quiet. "You're not Russian, by any chance?"
"My Mother is English, and my Father is Russian. I've never met him though. He died shortly after I was born." he said softly, digging his shoe into the soft dirt. "It's not a big deal. My Mother has plenty of money in her job in Russia and we're happy."
"Fair enough," said Emmanuel quietly.
"Well I'd best be joining those Slytherins that are withstandable. Remember what I said you two. It's important." he said seriously, turning to leave.
As they walked off, Eve couldn't resist asking another question.
"What's up with the white streak in your hair?"
He stopped, looking over his shoulder. "Family trait." he called back, before turning away again.
*********************************
Seth wandered aimlessly down the corridors, chewing sullenly on the the ginger biscuits he'd pocketed from the house elves for afternoon tea.
He wished he'd been wrong about everything he'd said to the twins.
He wished he had proper Slytherin friends, not just classmates who sneered at him. He wished that Emmanuel and Eve's father wasn't dead. He wished his own father wasn't dead.
Passing the potions classroom, he slipped into the next room. Professor Snape's office. Seth found him and his assistant Professor Rimmer, mulling over an old parchment of some sort. Upon entering, the pair looked up at him.
"Good morning, Seth." said Snape. He looked to his assistant, and nodded for her to leave. She did so, greeting him as she passed.
Snape gestured to the chair in front of his desk. "Take a seat."
Seth slumped into the chair, taking comfort in the soft green velvet.
"Did you do as I asked?"
"Yes. I told them what they needed to know." he sighed, finishing off the last of his biscuits and leaning back in the chair. His miserable countenance did not go unnoticed by the Potions Master.
"Spit it out, boy. You're obviously brooding over something...."
Seth sighed again. "I wish I could've told them the whole truth......I mean, Mother was so adamant about them knowing, and I know you are."
"As important as it is to tell the twins the truth about their father, I'm afraid it's their Mother's truth to tell to them. Not mine, not yours, not your Mother's or Mara Parkinson's."
"You were the one who dared to tell me the truth about my Father." said Seth, narrowing his eyes at Snape.
For the first time, Snape looked like he was lost for words. There was a brief silence before he spoke again.
"You had to know, and seeing that your Mother refused to tell you, your Grandfather asked me to. Those twins....their Mother is putting it off. She'll tell them eventually. These things will take time, Seth."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. It's out of your hands now, Seth. But I'm glad you're concerned for them. Quite observant of you, for someone your age."
"Funny, isn't it? Sometimes I feel like I could see just see how someone is for real, just by something they do....."
Snape raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Really? Hmm....you take divination, don't you? Do you like it?"
"Yes...it's one of my favourite subjects." said Seth, looking at the older man strangely. "Why do you ask?"
"Oh, no reason. I have some books at home that you might be interested in."
The sound of footsteps came strolling down the corridor. Students on the way to class.
"Hmm, have Charms now. Best be going." Seth said, rising out of his chair.
"Alright then. Off you go." said Snape, waving him away.
*********************************
That afternoon, after classes finished, Eve went to see her Mother. Emmanuel had decided not to, instead going off to watch Quidditch tryouts with Jude and a few other Ravenclaws, so Eve adjourned up to the Astronomy tower by herself, finding her Mother there, having a cup of tea.
"Hi Mum," Eve murmured, shuffling forward and seating herself at her feet.
"Nice to see you, Eve." her Mother said, her hand light on Eve's hair.
"Mum...." Eve trailed off, wondering whether to ask or not. "what was Dad like?"
Celly laughed. "I've told you so many times what your Father was like..."
"Yeah, but what he was *really* like....what did he do, and stuff...."
Eve noticed her Mother's face momentarily crease in worry, before she spoke.
"Your Father taught here about 16 years ago. He taught Defence Against the Dark Arts, and he was good at what he did. He was also.........how will I say this......yielding. He tended to submit to other people quite a bit. Like a servant, almost....it was only towards the end of his....well, life that he began to stand up for himself....." she trailed off, staring into her half-empty tea cup.
"Uh, it's alright Mum.....you don't have to say anything else if you don't want."
Celly looked down with fondness at Eve. Wilton's consideration for others did show through in Eve sometimes. When she felt like it.....
"I knew you were going to ask something like that eventually. There's so much about your father that you don't know right now, Eve. But some day, you will know your father and love him the way that I did."
The silence that ensued was interrupted by Nic dashing into the tower, out of breath and pink.
"I....think......you two better come down," he said, not only exhausted but also worried-looking. "Emmanuel's been knocked out."
*********************************
Emmanuel felt like he was floating in a grey mist. It was like he was standing up on nothing. Then, he remembered....of course! The bludger had somehow been attracted his way, and he wasn't quick enough.
Then, out of the mist, he could see a figure coming. Emmanuel watched as the man stopped in front of him, taking in his appearence. He stood a little taller than Emmanuel, with brown eyes and hair. He was looking at Emmanuel with great surprise and interest.
"My goodness," the man finally said, fidgeting. "so you're Emmanuel Felix."
"Yeah," replied Emmanuel, regarding the man curiously. Why was he so familiar to him? "who are you?"
End of chapter
Ok, mini-cliffhanger. Sorry to disappoint there. In the next chapter, Emmanuel wakes up (well, duh!), the twins meet the school ghosts and I finally get around to going somewhere with the story! Until then, do R/R and I'll do my best to get the chapter up within the week.~Normandie