A/N. Sorry it took so long to post. Life is very busy, but I'll be able to get back into my usual writing schedule around August 10th. Write a review, read friendly!
5. A Conversation Over Tea
"Pardon me for bothering you, Vivianne; I know you want to see your sister safely back to Three Broomsticks. However, before you go there is a matter of importance I would like to discuss with you," Headmaster Dumbledore intoned kindly.
For a brief moment Vivianne wondered how Dumbledore had known she and Rio were staying at Three Broomsticks, but then she dismissed it as irrelevant. Why shouldn't the Headmaster keep tabs on his new teachers?
Dumbledore stalled the conversation a moment by making tea appear. As he generously poured a cup for the three of them, most of the remaining teachers left. When Vivianne looked to her left she saw that only Rio, Hagrid, and Professor McGonagall remained.
Vivianne's attention was drawn back to their little circle by the sound of Dumbledore asking Snape if he wanted sugar in his tea.
"No thank you, I drink it straight," the potions master replied smoothly. Vivianne fought the smile that tugged at the corner of her mouth. Was she the only one who found that response amusing? After all, it wasn't entirely impossible the icy professor had just make a pun? Half over her wanted to say she'd like her tea on the rocks, but she resisted when Dumbledore asked her her preference a moment later.
After everyone was served Dumbledore initiated the conversation again. "You are a bright young lady, Miss Tessyiur," Dumbledore began, impervious to her blushing, "and you seem very interested in matters concerning my moves to prevent the second rising of Voldemort." He stirred his tea tranquilly as Vivianne met his gaze. Though his expression was gentle, his eyes went right through her. "May I ask the motivation behind this interest?"
Was Dumbledore rebuking her? By his tone and expression he did not appear to be, but there was a seriousness wrapped about this entire conversation like a shroud. Vivianne elected to weigh her answer carefully. "I believe we are all interested in what your reaction to You-Know-Who's resurgence to power will be," she began guardedly. Though she was not facing him, she could feel Snape's eyes scrutinizing her facial reactions over his teacup. This was like being questioned about a crime scene, Vivianne thought vaguely. "Everyone is either wondering if the rumours are true, or panicking over what they know of the truth. My interest is in the whole truth, from the severity of the situation to the preventative steps being instigated against You-Know-Who...and you seem to be the only one taking such steps," she paused, waiting to see if her answer had been enough, or whether she would have to continue.
"A thoroughly diplomatic answer," Snape said silkily, his glittering eyes piercing hers. And yet there was something else beyond the nonchalance in his unblinking stare. It was almost like uncertainty.
Dumbledore's eyes moved only briefly to Snape, then back to her. "What I'm asking is are you sufficiently moved by this rising to take a hand in its prevention as well?" he asked almost mildly, raising the tea to his lips.
'That was a bold question too,' Vivianne thought, banishing Snape's cool retort from her mind. Dumbledore was a direct person by nature, but she had to wonder what he was driving at. The most obvious answer seemed preposterous. She fidgeted by stirring her tea, which allowed her to drop her gaze for a moment and get her bearings. "I...I should think so. If not for a more common good, then at least for more personal reasons." She swallowed, thinking of Rio on the other side of the room, speaking with Hagrid. Dimly, Vivianne was aware that Professor McGonagall was leaving the room. Retaining her focus, she decided to make her answer more obtuse. "No one wants to stand aside and watch their friends and family be butchered in the name of gratuitous murder."
Dumbledore smiled a sad, appreciative smile and Vivianne felt rather than saw Snape's attention revert to him. The look that Snape gave the Headmaster was one of questioning and reservation. She watched him as he laid his teacup (only half empty) on the round table in front of them, then leaned back into the armchair, impassive as ever.
Dumbledore drew a breath calmly and said, "Very well put. Then perhaps you would be so kind as to join my campaign against Voldemort yourself...despite the obvious dangers."
His clear, blue eyes laid Vivianne's inner turmoil bare. Nonplused, her jaw dropped a little, wiping her face blank. 'You look stupid,' she reminded herself quickly, and shut her mouth.
A long, thoughtful silence ensued. Vivianne's shock had blocked everything else from her mind, even the penetrating gazes of her colleagues. Because she was so deep in thought, Vivianne did not realize what it meant that the room was utterly silent. Then a voice right behind her answered softly, "I will."
Vivianne whipped her head around, hands clenching the arms of the chair, already fearing she knew who the speaker was. Behind her, Rio's golden eyes flashed. For a moment no one said anything at all. Finally Vivianne found her voice. "Cathriona, how long have you been listening to our conversation?"
Rio shrugged, her eyes blazing defiantly. "Long enough to know what's up here." She looked at Dumbledore, whose brows were drawn with sudden concern, though nothing else belied his tension. Rio continued, "Headmaster, I know this is hardly my business, but I merely have to ask...are you ranging a war against Voldemort?" Though she did her best to hide it, Rio choked over the last word, still barely able to say the name.
Dumbledore's blue eyes searched hers, almost scathingly. "Miss Tessyiur, I don't believe you understand the weight of what you're asking me to tell you. This is a matter of the utmost secrecy." His gaze then moved to Hagrid, who stood meekly behind Rio, as small as he could make himself without shrinking into his own skin. "Hagrid, why did you not inform me that you and Miss Tessyiur were listening to our discussion?"
The half-giant shifted uneasily. "Well, Professor Dumbledore," he began awkwardly, looking at everything but the Headmaster's face, "I didn't hear your conversation 'cause we were talkin' about the endangered Welsh Green Dragon in Britain, and she rather got me on a roll. While I was talkin', apparently she was listenin' ter you and Professor Tessyiur," he swallowed, about to continue.
Rio cut him off. "Don't blame Professor Hagrid, Headmaster. I made every appearance of listening to him, at least until you asked Vivianne if she wanted to join you in banding against Volde-ah," she tripped over the evil wizard's name, grimacing impatiently with herself, "You-Know-Who. I know what you're asking her is dangerous...life-threatening...and that's exactly why I spoke. I don't want Vivianne to go it alone if she does agree."
Normally Vivianne was very patient and sympathetic with her sister, but the slight implacation that she couldn't handle this alone had worn out her tether. Vivianne rose from her chair abruptly, flinging an icy stare into Rio's face. "You think you can protect me, do you? Sometimes Cathriona Euphrase I believe you forget how dependent and naive you are. This is not child's play, therefore I must ask you to leave this conversation and ask no further questions on the subject."
"You think I am no better than a child?" Rio snapped back, surprised at her own anger but helpless to control it, "And that I am fit for no better than a child's game? I'm on the threshold of sixteen, Vivianne, and you are not superior to me in every aspect of magic comprehension. There are things even you cannot manage single-handedly. You-Know-Who is one of them."
"You dare think I presume to tackle You-Know-Who alone? Don't be thick, Cathriona, I'm insulted by your lack of insight. As I said before, this is a topic that does not concern you. You are far too young--"
"You-Know-Who concerns everyone!" Rio hissed vehemently.
"Cease this cat-fighting immediately!" a cold voice demanded over the squabbling sisters. It was Snape. The girls had been too busy combating each other to notice that both professors had risen to their feet. Snape's eyes were narrowed scornfully as he spoke to Rio. "Don't be a fool, girl. Professor Tessyiur is right, and you have no place interfering in a peril you do not even understand." He had not spoken above conversational volume, but his deep voice held an authority that got his message through.
Rio had gone rigid with anger and pain. Did no one trust her? Why didn't they believe she could make a difference, albeit a small one? Her breathing became ragged, but her eyes did not moisten as she stared into the potion master's black stare. Slowly she drew a shaky breath and responded to the glare that bore down upon her. "Still," she said slowly, her voice barely audible, "I maintain that no one's efforts are useless. However, I know where I am not wanted." She turned slowly to Hagrid. "Professor, will you lead me to your house where I am to meet you come September?"
Silently, Hagrid put a large hand on Rio's shoulder and lead her out of the staff room. Three pairs of eyes watched them go. As the door shut behind them, Vivianne let out an exhausted sigh, turning apologetically to her colleagues. "I'm...sorry for my sister's behaviour. She's head-strong and reckless sometimes. The move to Surrey must be stretching her nerves, because she is not usually so tactless," Vivianne finished bitterly. This could not only lose her the chance to fight Voldemort but also her new job at Hogwarts. She had dreamed of this job, and she couldn't let it slip away now.
Dumbledore looked at Vivianne gently, a deep sadness in his eyes. "Such strength in sense of cause is rare at her age. I hate to slap her down like this," his voice faded a moment, then he continued, "but there is absolutely no way she can become involved. I commend your sister for her bravery, Vivianne, but as you know, her young life is too precious to risk."
Vivianne found herself staring at the floor, the inevitable remorse for speaking harshly to her sister finally surfacing. She knew she would regret it before she even opened her mouth to rebuke Rio, but Dumbledore was right...what she and Snape had said was absolutely necessary, for if Rio saw an opportunity she would pursue it to the point of exhaustion. There was no taking it back now.
"And Severus," Vivianne heard Dumbledore intone blandly, "please do not harass Miss Tessyiur in the classroom over what happened this evening. She is tired, and I do not blame her for her actions. Though you said only what had to be said, the conflict must not leave this room. We do not want Miss Cathriona feeling as though she cannot turn to us for help if she needs it."
Snape nodded slowly, a resentment in his eyes. "I had no intention of using her outburst against her in the future, Headmaster."
Dumbledore sighed, suddenly looking far older and more care-worn than he had even a few minutes ago. "Thank you," he said quietly, passing a hand wearily over his brow. He turned to Vivianne. "If you don't mind me resurrecting the question, are you or are you not interested in joining my efforts to defeat Voldemort?"
Vivianne met his gaze steadily. Dumbledore thought she looked exactly like her younger sister when she had her mind set. "Yes," Vivianne said firmly, "I will join you. I owe it to you, to Hogwarts, and...to Rio. I wouldn't want her to be disappointed in me."
A shadow of a smile played across Vivianne's mouth, and Dumbledore's eyes twinkled faintly with his usual good humour. "Excellent. You will receive a letter the first weekend of September explaining my immediate plans and the group you will be working with. We have gained a great asset in you, Vivianne Tessyiur."
Vivianne smiled wearily as Dumbledore moved across the room and opened the door for his Charms and Potions teachers. As she walked behind Dumbledore and Snape toward the doors that would lead her onto the Hogwarts grounds, Vivianne wondered exactly what she had gotten herself into in the name of mercy and justice. 'This is pure madness,' she thought, 'and maybe that's why I believe in it.'
End Notes: Hooray for my beta, SPARROW! *big hug* And muchos gracias to Uni and my sister for encouraging and giving helpful hints.
Thanx to my sis, you'll be seeing a new character around the seventh chapter. Can YOU figure out his secret?...
5. A Conversation Over Tea
"Pardon me for bothering you, Vivianne; I know you want to see your sister safely back to Three Broomsticks. However, before you go there is a matter of importance I would like to discuss with you," Headmaster Dumbledore intoned kindly.
For a brief moment Vivianne wondered how Dumbledore had known she and Rio were staying at Three Broomsticks, but then she dismissed it as irrelevant. Why shouldn't the Headmaster keep tabs on his new teachers?
Dumbledore stalled the conversation a moment by making tea appear. As he generously poured a cup for the three of them, most of the remaining teachers left. When Vivianne looked to her left she saw that only Rio, Hagrid, and Professor McGonagall remained.
Vivianne's attention was drawn back to their little circle by the sound of Dumbledore asking Snape if he wanted sugar in his tea.
"No thank you, I drink it straight," the potions master replied smoothly. Vivianne fought the smile that tugged at the corner of her mouth. Was she the only one who found that response amusing? After all, it wasn't entirely impossible the icy professor had just make a pun? Half over her wanted to say she'd like her tea on the rocks, but she resisted when Dumbledore asked her her preference a moment later.
After everyone was served Dumbledore initiated the conversation again. "You are a bright young lady, Miss Tessyiur," Dumbledore began, impervious to her blushing, "and you seem very interested in matters concerning my moves to prevent the second rising of Voldemort." He stirred his tea tranquilly as Vivianne met his gaze. Though his expression was gentle, his eyes went right through her. "May I ask the motivation behind this interest?"
Was Dumbledore rebuking her? By his tone and expression he did not appear to be, but there was a seriousness wrapped about this entire conversation like a shroud. Vivianne elected to weigh her answer carefully. "I believe we are all interested in what your reaction to You-Know-Who's resurgence to power will be," she began guardedly. Though she was not facing him, she could feel Snape's eyes scrutinizing her facial reactions over his teacup. This was like being questioned about a crime scene, Vivianne thought vaguely. "Everyone is either wondering if the rumours are true, or panicking over what they know of the truth. My interest is in the whole truth, from the severity of the situation to the preventative steps being instigated against You-Know-Who...and you seem to be the only one taking such steps," she paused, waiting to see if her answer had been enough, or whether she would have to continue.
"A thoroughly diplomatic answer," Snape said silkily, his glittering eyes piercing hers. And yet there was something else beyond the nonchalance in his unblinking stare. It was almost like uncertainty.
Dumbledore's eyes moved only briefly to Snape, then back to her. "What I'm asking is are you sufficiently moved by this rising to take a hand in its prevention as well?" he asked almost mildly, raising the tea to his lips.
'That was a bold question too,' Vivianne thought, banishing Snape's cool retort from her mind. Dumbledore was a direct person by nature, but she had to wonder what he was driving at. The most obvious answer seemed preposterous. She fidgeted by stirring her tea, which allowed her to drop her gaze for a moment and get her bearings. "I...I should think so. If not for a more common good, then at least for more personal reasons." She swallowed, thinking of Rio on the other side of the room, speaking with Hagrid. Dimly, Vivianne was aware that Professor McGonagall was leaving the room. Retaining her focus, she decided to make her answer more obtuse. "No one wants to stand aside and watch their friends and family be butchered in the name of gratuitous murder."
Dumbledore smiled a sad, appreciative smile and Vivianne felt rather than saw Snape's attention revert to him. The look that Snape gave the Headmaster was one of questioning and reservation. She watched him as he laid his teacup (only half empty) on the round table in front of them, then leaned back into the armchair, impassive as ever.
Dumbledore drew a breath calmly and said, "Very well put. Then perhaps you would be so kind as to join my campaign against Voldemort yourself...despite the obvious dangers."
His clear, blue eyes laid Vivianne's inner turmoil bare. Nonplused, her jaw dropped a little, wiping her face blank. 'You look stupid,' she reminded herself quickly, and shut her mouth.
A long, thoughtful silence ensued. Vivianne's shock had blocked everything else from her mind, even the penetrating gazes of her colleagues. Because she was so deep in thought, Vivianne did not realize what it meant that the room was utterly silent. Then a voice right behind her answered softly, "I will."
Vivianne whipped her head around, hands clenching the arms of the chair, already fearing she knew who the speaker was. Behind her, Rio's golden eyes flashed. For a moment no one said anything at all. Finally Vivianne found her voice. "Cathriona, how long have you been listening to our conversation?"
Rio shrugged, her eyes blazing defiantly. "Long enough to know what's up here." She looked at Dumbledore, whose brows were drawn with sudden concern, though nothing else belied his tension. Rio continued, "Headmaster, I know this is hardly my business, but I merely have to ask...are you ranging a war against Voldemort?" Though she did her best to hide it, Rio choked over the last word, still barely able to say the name.
Dumbledore's blue eyes searched hers, almost scathingly. "Miss Tessyiur, I don't believe you understand the weight of what you're asking me to tell you. This is a matter of the utmost secrecy." His gaze then moved to Hagrid, who stood meekly behind Rio, as small as he could make himself without shrinking into his own skin. "Hagrid, why did you not inform me that you and Miss Tessyiur were listening to our discussion?"
The half-giant shifted uneasily. "Well, Professor Dumbledore," he began awkwardly, looking at everything but the Headmaster's face, "I didn't hear your conversation 'cause we were talkin' about the endangered Welsh Green Dragon in Britain, and she rather got me on a roll. While I was talkin', apparently she was listenin' ter you and Professor Tessyiur," he swallowed, about to continue.
Rio cut him off. "Don't blame Professor Hagrid, Headmaster. I made every appearance of listening to him, at least until you asked Vivianne if she wanted to join you in banding against Volde-ah," she tripped over the evil wizard's name, grimacing impatiently with herself, "You-Know-Who. I know what you're asking her is dangerous...life-threatening...and that's exactly why I spoke. I don't want Vivianne to go it alone if she does agree."
Normally Vivianne was very patient and sympathetic with her sister, but the slight implacation that she couldn't handle this alone had worn out her tether. Vivianne rose from her chair abruptly, flinging an icy stare into Rio's face. "You think you can protect me, do you? Sometimes Cathriona Euphrase I believe you forget how dependent and naive you are. This is not child's play, therefore I must ask you to leave this conversation and ask no further questions on the subject."
"You think I am no better than a child?" Rio snapped back, surprised at her own anger but helpless to control it, "And that I am fit for no better than a child's game? I'm on the threshold of sixteen, Vivianne, and you are not superior to me in every aspect of magic comprehension. There are things even you cannot manage single-handedly. You-Know-Who is one of them."
"You dare think I presume to tackle You-Know-Who alone? Don't be thick, Cathriona, I'm insulted by your lack of insight. As I said before, this is a topic that does not concern you. You are far too young--"
"You-Know-Who concerns everyone!" Rio hissed vehemently.
"Cease this cat-fighting immediately!" a cold voice demanded over the squabbling sisters. It was Snape. The girls had been too busy combating each other to notice that both professors had risen to their feet. Snape's eyes were narrowed scornfully as he spoke to Rio. "Don't be a fool, girl. Professor Tessyiur is right, and you have no place interfering in a peril you do not even understand." He had not spoken above conversational volume, but his deep voice held an authority that got his message through.
Rio had gone rigid with anger and pain. Did no one trust her? Why didn't they believe she could make a difference, albeit a small one? Her breathing became ragged, but her eyes did not moisten as she stared into the potion master's black stare. Slowly she drew a shaky breath and responded to the glare that bore down upon her. "Still," she said slowly, her voice barely audible, "I maintain that no one's efforts are useless. However, I know where I am not wanted." She turned slowly to Hagrid. "Professor, will you lead me to your house where I am to meet you come September?"
Silently, Hagrid put a large hand on Rio's shoulder and lead her out of the staff room. Three pairs of eyes watched them go. As the door shut behind them, Vivianne let out an exhausted sigh, turning apologetically to her colleagues. "I'm...sorry for my sister's behaviour. She's head-strong and reckless sometimes. The move to Surrey must be stretching her nerves, because she is not usually so tactless," Vivianne finished bitterly. This could not only lose her the chance to fight Voldemort but also her new job at Hogwarts. She had dreamed of this job, and she couldn't let it slip away now.
Dumbledore looked at Vivianne gently, a deep sadness in his eyes. "Such strength in sense of cause is rare at her age. I hate to slap her down like this," his voice faded a moment, then he continued, "but there is absolutely no way she can become involved. I commend your sister for her bravery, Vivianne, but as you know, her young life is too precious to risk."
Vivianne found herself staring at the floor, the inevitable remorse for speaking harshly to her sister finally surfacing. She knew she would regret it before she even opened her mouth to rebuke Rio, but Dumbledore was right...what she and Snape had said was absolutely necessary, for if Rio saw an opportunity she would pursue it to the point of exhaustion. There was no taking it back now.
"And Severus," Vivianne heard Dumbledore intone blandly, "please do not harass Miss Tessyiur in the classroom over what happened this evening. She is tired, and I do not blame her for her actions. Though you said only what had to be said, the conflict must not leave this room. We do not want Miss Cathriona feeling as though she cannot turn to us for help if she needs it."
Snape nodded slowly, a resentment in his eyes. "I had no intention of using her outburst against her in the future, Headmaster."
Dumbledore sighed, suddenly looking far older and more care-worn than he had even a few minutes ago. "Thank you," he said quietly, passing a hand wearily over his brow. He turned to Vivianne. "If you don't mind me resurrecting the question, are you or are you not interested in joining my efforts to defeat Voldemort?"
Vivianne met his gaze steadily. Dumbledore thought she looked exactly like her younger sister when she had her mind set. "Yes," Vivianne said firmly, "I will join you. I owe it to you, to Hogwarts, and...to Rio. I wouldn't want her to be disappointed in me."
A shadow of a smile played across Vivianne's mouth, and Dumbledore's eyes twinkled faintly with his usual good humour. "Excellent. You will receive a letter the first weekend of September explaining my immediate plans and the group you will be working with. We have gained a great asset in you, Vivianne Tessyiur."
Vivianne smiled wearily as Dumbledore moved across the room and opened the door for his Charms and Potions teachers. As she walked behind Dumbledore and Snape toward the doors that would lead her onto the Hogwarts grounds, Vivianne wondered exactly what she had gotten herself into in the name of mercy and justice. 'This is pure madness,' she thought, 'and maybe that's why I believe in it.'
End Notes: Hooray for my beta, SPARROW! *big hug* And muchos gracias to Uni and my sister for encouraging and giving helpful hints.
Thanx to my sis, you'll be seeing a new character around the seventh chapter. Can YOU figure out his secret?...
