A/N. First lemme make it clear that all characters belong to J.K. Rowling, except the ones that don't (i.e. Vivianne, Cathriona, their family). This is just a little idea...I won't continue this unless reviewers ask me too. I mean, this hasn't even been by my beta reader yet (sorry Uni!). So if you like this fic and want me to post the next chapter...please say so!
Spoken Words on Unspoken Matters
(summer following book four)
"And why can't Hogwarts keep a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?" the young professor questioned hesitantly.
The other professor looked straight into the glittering eyes of the inquirer. "People who teach Defense Against the Dark Arts live dangerous lives. Sometimes it catches up with them."
The young professor let the words hang in the air a moment, as if to take in their full meaning. This was entirely out of respect for the other, greatly admired professor. "However, Defense is not my field of specialty, as we have already discussed. I am a Charms teacher. Although I know no one can take the place of Professor Flitwick's expertise, it is only for a few months. When did you say he will be returning?"
"In late January. But did you intend on leaving straightaway upon his return? I could use an assistant myself. I have heard you are also gifted in Transfiguration."
The young professor's lowered eyes stated the unspoken humility. "I can only do as well as my memory can recollect. What kind of time would you be talking about, Professor?"
"January to the end of term." Silence. "I would greatly appreciate a new approach from someone whose focus remains...unfogged by the mist of so many years," the elder's voice was warm with conviviality and good humour.
"I accept."
~*~Burgandy, France~*~
Annette Tessyiur moved to sit with her daughter, Lillian, at the kitchen table. She smiled fondly as her daughter's hair fell over her eyes again. Instinctively Annette reached out and tucked the stray strands behind Lillian's ear before moving to sit beside her. "I hear Maria will be coming to visit us this fall," Annette began the conversation. Lillian looked up from her cup of tea to listen more intently. Her mother continued. "You haven't seen your sister in a long time, though she constantly begs you to come and visit her in Wales."
Lillian gave her vivacious mother a tired smile. "Yes, she won't let me forget it, either."
"Poor dear," Annette gazed softly at her Lillian, "you should take something for that illness of yours. You have dark circles under your eyes."
"I didn't get much sleep last night. I'm worried about Cathriona, and anxious about Vivianne's job interview. She wants that job so badly."
"With Vivianne's skill and aptitude, she'll be accepted at whatever school she wishes to apply for. After all, the Deputy Headmistress and I are old friends. Surely Minerva will see Vivianne's potential."
Lillian relaxed for the first time. "You're right of course, Mother. Professor Vivianne Tessyiur. It's interesting that she chose to keep my maiden name."
"It's a good name," Annette replied, smiling all the more, "and I'm not surprised, since she and her father...never got on," she finished delicately. Yet the dislike for Lillian's ex-husband showed itself in full measure before Annette had even thought to censor it. "Thank God for Robert," she finished lightly.
Lillian smiled, thinking of her husband of the past ten years. They had just celebrated their tenth anniversary less than a month ago. Annette liked Robert Gemly. As a matter of fact everyone liked Robert, including Lillian's two children, Vivianne and Cathriona. "I'm so glad he finally got the job in the Ministry of Magic he wanted so badly. It'll be nice to move back to England. While Beauxbatons Academy is a wonderful school, I believe Cathriona will get the best education at Hogwarts."
"Why of course she will! I remember when I was at Hogwarts...most stimulating years of my life." Annette's eyes shown with a mother's pride as she said, "...and I remember your first day at Hogwarts. You sent home a tear-streaked owl post saying you had been put in Ravenclaw, when you so wanted to be a Gryffindor like me."
Lillian smiled at the memory. "Yes, but I soon grew to love Ravenclaw."
"That's because you were among people like yourself," Annette pointed out helpfully.
"I remember," and now it was Lillian's turn to shine with a maternal glow, "when Vivianne was Sorted into Ravenclaw. She sent me an owl...telling me how thrilled she was to be in her mother's old house." Her dark brown eyes saddened. "Vivy was so heartbroken when we moved, transferring her to Beauxbatons upon the completion of her fourth year at Hogwarts." Lillian paused and made a soft tsk. "Now Cathriona is gutwrentched about leaving Beauxbatons. She and her old friends were going to have so much fun in their sixth year."
Annette quickly put a stop to this nonsense. "Darling, Cathriona will make new friends...and I promise you, she will love Hogwarts. By the end of the first month, she'll be raving about all her new housemates and Hogwarts activities. Think what fun she'll have at Hogsmeade!"
Lillian smiled what was at once a conceding and comforted smile. "Mother knows best!"
~*~Hogsmeade, England~*~
Dear Mum,
Congratulations on the new house in Surrey! I hear that's where the famous Harry Potter's Muggle relatives live. And of course Mr. Potter attends Hogwarts, which brings me to my own piece of news...
I got the job! I'll be filling in for Professor Flitwick as Charms teacher for the next four months (through the Christmas holidays)! This way, not only will I get to teach at my own beloved Hogwarts, but Rio will have a familiar (and familial) face at the staff table come September!! Tell her it's my birthday present to her ;)
Prof. Minerva McGonagall was quite inviting and made me feel very much at home. She's a lot nicer than I remember her from my student days! In fact, she was so kind as to offer me a job as her assistant to finish out the school year. Of course I accepted! (Look at all the exclamation points in my letter.) Send all my love to Grandmum, Robert, and Rio...is it true Grandmum might be moving back to London as well? Please send Iris back to me with Rio when she comes next week!
love always,
Vivianne
Prof. Vivianne Tessyiur folded up her letter and began tying it to her tawny owl, Iris. Iris looked up at Vivianne with big blue eyes that made her smile. "Alright, Iris...across the English Channel you go. Rio will bring you back."
Iris hooted fondly and rubbed her beak against Vivianne's hand before soaring out the open window of the Three Broomsticks. Vivianne had chosen to rent a room and meet her sister at the Three Broomsticks, since there was no way Rio could miss the friendly pub.
When Iris disappeared from sight, Vivianne moved from the small four-poster bed to the dressing table. She picked up a comb and began absently brushing her shoulder length red hair, thinking about Hogwarts and lesson plans. "Splended job, my dear," the mirror's matronly voice praised Vivianne's striking locks, "but you really do look tired. Get you to bed, love."
~*~five days later~*~
Cathriona Tessyiur stood at the threshold of the Leaky Cauldron, Iris on her shoulder (it was a new French trend to have one's owl on one's shoulder rather than in a cage), and her wand lazily pointed at the trunk she was floating along beside her. Rio eyed the shabby exterior of the restaurant critically while Iris tried to detangle herself from a lock of Rio's black hair. "Ouch, Iris!" Rio yipped, as the tawny's leg pulled at her earring.
Carefully detangling Iris, Rio continued to stare at the facade of the Leaky Cauldron. "Are you sure this is it?" she asked the owl. Iris gave a confidant hoot, then alighted atop the trunk, obviously preferring it to Rio's shoulder. Rio scowled faintly, then opened the door to the Leaky Cauldron. She floated her trunk in and then followed it, moving through the light crowd which whispered quietly as she passed. Ignoring this, Rio moved up to the bar where the bartender stood looking politely surprised at her sudden appearance with a floating trunk and owl outside it's cage. Rio smiled at him. "Excusé moi monsieur, but could you tell me where I might find the Three Broomsticks?"
A few heads turned her way at the sound of her light French accent. But the looks she received (Rio thankfully noticed) were merely of curiousity, not scorn or suspicion. The bartender smiled back. "Are you looking for Vivianne Tessyiur?"
Rio was surprised, and it showed. "How did you know?"
"Professor Tessyiur mentioned that she was expecting a sister from France, who might need some directions to her lodgings."
"Oh...well, I'm the girl you were expecting then...is the Three Broomsticks far from here?"
"No, not at all--" the bartender paused to think, "--I could send someone with you to guide the way."
"I'll take her to Three Broomsticks," a friendly, if somewhat squeaky voice called out. It belonged to a little man who barely came up Rio's shoulder. She turned to smile at him. "Sorry, but I couldn't help but overhear your conversation...I'm Professor Flitwick," he introduced himself with a gallant nod of his head, "your sister is filling in for me at Hogwarts this fall term."
"Very pleased to meet you Professor," Rio grinned uncontrollably. He was so little...
"You too, Miss Tessyiur. Your sister is a brilliant witch I'm proud to know."
"Thank you," Rio replied, both surprised and delighted to have met someone who really knew her sister.
"Now, if you'll please follow me, I'll show you to the Three Broomsticks," Professor Flitwick called over his shoulder as he bustled toward the opposite end of the Leaky Cauldron. Iris took to the air above Flitwick as Rio sped herself and her trunk after the diminutive professor.
'So this is Diagon Alley,' Rio thought, impressed. She barely managed to stop herself from lingering in front of a dress robe shop before catching up to Flitwick. She cast her mind about for conversation. "Are you going on vacation, Professor?"
Flitwick didn't look up as he continued to wind his way through the crowds of witches and wizards. "No, not quite," he hedged.
"Searching for new, rarer charms, perhaps?" Rio persisted, feeling rather silly speaking to her guide's pointed hat.
"Ah no, special business for Dumbledore," he answered hastily. He appeared, while not exactly offended, slightly agitated by her questions.
Rio decided to relent. He would, after all, be her teacher next term. "Well, I wish you safe travel, Professor Flitwick."
This seemed to put him back at ease. "Thank you miss. Will this be your first year at Hogwarts? I hear you're transferring from Beauxbatons."
"Yes, that is true. I'm very much looking forward to the beginning of the year," Rio lied. She noticed that the main road had now moved out of the stonework buildings of Diagon Alley to a patch of grassy, hilly land separating another section of town. A rustic-looking, ornately carved wooden sign labeled this part of town 'Hogsmeade'.
Flitwick smiled, "We get very few transfer pupils. I'm sure the Hogwarts students will be very excited; I know the faculty is."
Rio wondered if Professor Flitwick had just contributed his own white lie to the conversation. She had little time to contemplate it though, for Rio could see the sign for the Three Broomsticks pub come into view as they turned off the main street. "Well, I hope you enjoy your stay, Miss Tessyiur. I wish you the best at Hogwarts, and I'll see you again in the spring term."
"Merci beaucoup, Professor!" Rio called out, for the little man had already begun to bustle off into the crowd.
Spoken Words on Unspoken Matters
(summer following book four)
"And why can't Hogwarts keep a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?" the young professor questioned hesitantly.
The other professor looked straight into the glittering eyes of the inquirer. "People who teach Defense Against the Dark Arts live dangerous lives. Sometimes it catches up with them."
The young professor let the words hang in the air a moment, as if to take in their full meaning. This was entirely out of respect for the other, greatly admired professor. "However, Defense is not my field of specialty, as we have already discussed. I am a Charms teacher. Although I know no one can take the place of Professor Flitwick's expertise, it is only for a few months. When did you say he will be returning?"
"In late January. But did you intend on leaving straightaway upon his return? I could use an assistant myself. I have heard you are also gifted in Transfiguration."
The young professor's lowered eyes stated the unspoken humility. "I can only do as well as my memory can recollect. What kind of time would you be talking about, Professor?"
"January to the end of term." Silence. "I would greatly appreciate a new approach from someone whose focus remains...unfogged by the mist of so many years," the elder's voice was warm with conviviality and good humour.
"I accept."
~*~Burgandy, France~*~
Annette Tessyiur moved to sit with her daughter, Lillian, at the kitchen table. She smiled fondly as her daughter's hair fell over her eyes again. Instinctively Annette reached out and tucked the stray strands behind Lillian's ear before moving to sit beside her. "I hear Maria will be coming to visit us this fall," Annette began the conversation. Lillian looked up from her cup of tea to listen more intently. Her mother continued. "You haven't seen your sister in a long time, though she constantly begs you to come and visit her in Wales."
Lillian gave her vivacious mother a tired smile. "Yes, she won't let me forget it, either."
"Poor dear," Annette gazed softly at her Lillian, "you should take something for that illness of yours. You have dark circles under your eyes."
"I didn't get much sleep last night. I'm worried about Cathriona, and anxious about Vivianne's job interview. She wants that job so badly."
"With Vivianne's skill and aptitude, she'll be accepted at whatever school she wishes to apply for. After all, the Deputy Headmistress and I are old friends. Surely Minerva will see Vivianne's potential."
Lillian relaxed for the first time. "You're right of course, Mother. Professor Vivianne Tessyiur. It's interesting that she chose to keep my maiden name."
"It's a good name," Annette replied, smiling all the more, "and I'm not surprised, since she and her father...never got on," she finished delicately. Yet the dislike for Lillian's ex-husband showed itself in full measure before Annette had even thought to censor it. "Thank God for Robert," she finished lightly.
Lillian smiled, thinking of her husband of the past ten years. They had just celebrated their tenth anniversary less than a month ago. Annette liked Robert Gemly. As a matter of fact everyone liked Robert, including Lillian's two children, Vivianne and Cathriona. "I'm so glad he finally got the job in the Ministry of Magic he wanted so badly. It'll be nice to move back to England. While Beauxbatons Academy is a wonderful school, I believe Cathriona will get the best education at Hogwarts."
"Why of course she will! I remember when I was at Hogwarts...most stimulating years of my life." Annette's eyes shown with a mother's pride as she said, "...and I remember your first day at Hogwarts. You sent home a tear-streaked owl post saying you had been put in Ravenclaw, when you so wanted to be a Gryffindor like me."
Lillian smiled at the memory. "Yes, but I soon grew to love Ravenclaw."
"That's because you were among people like yourself," Annette pointed out helpfully.
"I remember," and now it was Lillian's turn to shine with a maternal glow, "when Vivianne was Sorted into Ravenclaw. She sent me an owl...telling me how thrilled she was to be in her mother's old house." Her dark brown eyes saddened. "Vivy was so heartbroken when we moved, transferring her to Beauxbatons upon the completion of her fourth year at Hogwarts." Lillian paused and made a soft tsk. "Now Cathriona is gutwrentched about leaving Beauxbatons. She and her old friends were going to have so much fun in their sixth year."
Annette quickly put a stop to this nonsense. "Darling, Cathriona will make new friends...and I promise you, she will love Hogwarts. By the end of the first month, she'll be raving about all her new housemates and Hogwarts activities. Think what fun she'll have at Hogsmeade!"
Lillian smiled what was at once a conceding and comforted smile. "Mother knows best!"
~*~Hogsmeade, England~*~
Dear Mum,
Congratulations on the new house in Surrey! I hear that's where the famous Harry Potter's Muggle relatives live. And of course Mr. Potter attends Hogwarts, which brings me to my own piece of news...
I got the job! I'll be filling in for Professor Flitwick as Charms teacher for the next four months (through the Christmas holidays)! This way, not only will I get to teach at my own beloved Hogwarts, but Rio will have a familiar (and familial) face at the staff table come September!! Tell her it's my birthday present to her ;)
Prof. Minerva McGonagall was quite inviting and made me feel very much at home. She's a lot nicer than I remember her from my student days! In fact, she was so kind as to offer me a job as her assistant to finish out the school year. Of course I accepted! (Look at all the exclamation points in my letter.) Send all my love to Grandmum, Robert, and Rio...is it true Grandmum might be moving back to London as well? Please send Iris back to me with Rio when she comes next week!
love always,
Vivianne
Prof. Vivianne Tessyiur folded up her letter and began tying it to her tawny owl, Iris. Iris looked up at Vivianne with big blue eyes that made her smile. "Alright, Iris...across the English Channel you go. Rio will bring you back."
Iris hooted fondly and rubbed her beak against Vivianne's hand before soaring out the open window of the Three Broomsticks. Vivianne had chosen to rent a room and meet her sister at the Three Broomsticks, since there was no way Rio could miss the friendly pub.
When Iris disappeared from sight, Vivianne moved from the small four-poster bed to the dressing table. She picked up a comb and began absently brushing her shoulder length red hair, thinking about Hogwarts and lesson plans. "Splended job, my dear," the mirror's matronly voice praised Vivianne's striking locks, "but you really do look tired. Get you to bed, love."
~*~five days later~*~
Cathriona Tessyiur stood at the threshold of the Leaky Cauldron, Iris on her shoulder (it was a new French trend to have one's owl on one's shoulder rather than in a cage), and her wand lazily pointed at the trunk she was floating along beside her. Rio eyed the shabby exterior of the restaurant critically while Iris tried to detangle herself from a lock of Rio's black hair. "Ouch, Iris!" Rio yipped, as the tawny's leg pulled at her earring.
Carefully detangling Iris, Rio continued to stare at the facade of the Leaky Cauldron. "Are you sure this is it?" she asked the owl. Iris gave a confidant hoot, then alighted atop the trunk, obviously preferring it to Rio's shoulder. Rio scowled faintly, then opened the door to the Leaky Cauldron. She floated her trunk in and then followed it, moving through the light crowd which whispered quietly as she passed. Ignoring this, Rio moved up to the bar where the bartender stood looking politely surprised at her sudden appearance with a floating trunk and owl outside it's cage. Rio smiled at him. "Excusé moi monsieur, but could you tell me where I might find the Three Broomsticks?"
A few heads turned her way at the sound of her light French accent. But the looks she received (Rio thankfully noticed) were merely of curiousity, not scorn or suspicion. The bartender smiled back. "Are you looking for Vivianne Tessyiur?"
Rio was surprised, and it showed. "How did you know?"
"Professor Tessyiur mentioned that she was expecting a sister from France, who might need some directions to her lodgings."
"Oh...well, I'm the girl you were expecting then...is the Three Broomsticks far from here?"
"No, not at all--" the bartender paused to think, "--I could send someone with you to guide the way."
"I'll take her to Three Broomsticks," a friendly, if somewhat squeaky voice called out. It belonged to a little man who barely came up Rio's shoulder. She turned to smile at him. "Sorry, but I couldn't help but overhear your conversation...I'm Professor Flitwick," he introduced himself with a gallant nod of his head, "your sister is filling in for me at Hogwarts this fall term."
"Very pleased to meet you Professor," Rio grinned uncontrollably. He was so little...
"You too, Miss Tessyiur. Your sister is a brilliant witch I'm proud to know."
"Thank you," Rio replied, both surprised and delighted to have met someone who really knew her sister.
"Now, if you'll please follow me, I'll show you to the Three Broomsticks," Professor Flitwick called over his shoulder as he bustled toward the opposite end of the Leaky Cauldron. Iris took to the air above Flitwick as Rio sped herself and her trunk after the diminutive professor.
'So this is Diagon Alley,' Rio thought, impressed. She barely managed to stop herself from lingering in front of a dress robe shop before catching up to Flitwick. She cast her mind about for conversation. "Are you going on vacation, Professor?"
Flitwick didn't look up as he continued to wind his way through the crowds of witches and wizards. "No, not quite," he hedged.
"Searching for new, rarer charms, perhaps?" Rio persisted, feeling rather silly speaking to her guide's pointed hat.
"Ah no, special business for Dumbledore," he answered hastily. He appeared, while not exactly offended, slightly agitated by her questions.
Rio decided to relent. He would, after all, be her teacher next term. "Well, I wish you safe travel, Professor Flitwick."
This seemed to put him back at ease. "Thank you miss. Will this be your first year at Hogwarts? I hear you're transferring from Beauxbatons."
"Yes, that is true. I'm very much looking forward to the beginning of the year," Rio lied. She noticed that the main road had now moved out of the stonework buildings of Diagon Alley to a patch of grassy, hilly land separating another section of town. A rustic-looking, ornately carved wooden sign labeled this part of town 'Hogsmeade'.
Flitwick smiled, "We get very few transfer pupils. I'm sure the Hogwarts students will be very excited; I know the faculty is."
Rio wondered if Professor Flitwick had just contributed his own white lie to the conversation. She had little time to contemplate it though, for Rio could see the sign for the Three Broomsticks pub come into view as they turned off the main street. "Well, I hope you enjoy your stay, Miss Tessyiur. I wish you the best at Hogwarts, and I'll see you again in the spring term."
"Merci beaucoup, Professor!" Rio called out, for the little man had already begun to bustle off into the crowd.
