A/N. Check out this big, fat, 6-page installment! Whoo-hoo! Btw, if you read this and have an opinion on it...*wails* PLEASE REVIEW!!
6. Crucial Acquaintances
Rio was still simmering over the argument she'd had with Vivianne. Though Hagrid showed her all around the grounds, and told her about the fascinating creatures in the Forbidden Forest ("Though ya shouldn't be goin' out there, ya hear?"), she simply couldn't banish the resentful thoughts from her mind. They had made her feel useless, infantile, and inept. Not to mention Rio was still smarting from Snape's closing statement. Not understand the peril? Not the way experience lends understanding, but in theory she grasped the situation. That was no better than Vivianne could do, she thought spitefully.
Hagrid had fallen silent as he lead Rio up to his hut. He had decided to let her keep her silence, knowing her cloud would blow over. Since she had been staring at the ground, Rio was nearly on top of the hut before she saw it and heard Fang the boarhound's booming barks. That brought her out of her trance.
"Ah! Professor Hagrid! What's that?!" Rio asked tightly, squeaking a little.
"That's jus' Fang, he wouldn't hurt a fly," Hagrid said reassuringly, then, to Rio's horror, he pulled the door wide.
A great, hairy animal leapt out the door and crashed into Rio's chest, sending her sprawling. "ERG!" she managed, her arms shielding her face from the assailing tongue of the great boarhound.
"See?" Hagrid said, beaming, "gentle as a puppy."
"Erg," Rio repeated dispiritedly, heaving Fang off of her and trying to wipe the drool off her robe front. She stood up and stumbled inside after Hagrid, Fang in hot pursuit, snuffling Rio's heels.
A fire was leaping merrily in the hearth, and the wooden hut had a charmed, rustic feel about it. Rio immediately decided she loved it here. At Hagrid's entreaty, she seated herself in front of the fire while he made tea and treacle fudge. Fang laid his massive head on Rio's knee and continued to drool placidly.
Fifteen minutes later found Hagrid seated across from Rio, tea and fudge on the table, and the lap of Rio's robes soaked through. Hagrid smiled warmly at Rio, who had spent her time staring into the fire. The angry spark was gone from her eyes, and a dull disappointment had taken its place. However, her smile was genuine when he offered her tea. "Thank you, Professor."
"Now, now," Hagrid fussed good-naturedly, "I won' have ya callin' me 'professor'. It's jus' Hagrid, a'righ'? That's what ev'ryone else calls me."
"Then that's disrespectful. You ARE Care of Magical Creatures teacher, and therefore are a professor." Rio glanced at the fudge, about to take a piece, but upon seeing its consistency she changed her mind.
Hargid shifted uneasily. "No, not really. There's a reason why I'm not a professor." Rio lifted her eyebrows inquiringly, so Hagrid continued. "I was expelled in me third year over an interestin' critter I let run loose in th' castle." He smiled sheepishly.
Rio grinned back. "So this love of magical creatures goes back a long way. Well, despite the fact you never graduated, you seem fully qualified to teach the Creatures class. Outside lessons I will call you Hagrid, as you requested," she paused, eyes gleaming with mischief, "but in class, I will call you Professor. No, don't argue," she added authoritatively as Hagrid opened his mouth to object, "It won't do any good. Cheers to you," she finished, raising her tea to toast him.
Hagrid smiled slowly, "No...I s'pose it won't. Down the hatch," he added cheerily, for he had spiked his own tea with Firewhiskey.
Just then a knock sounded at the door. Fang burst into song, and Rio exclaimed "Bleh!" while spitting tea across the table in her surprise.
"Ten points for distance," Hagrid murmured distractedly, rising to get the door and grab Fang's collar.
It turned out to be Professors Dumbledore, Snape, and Tessyiur. From her seat at the table, Hagrid heard Rio mutter, "Oh great, the envoy."
"Please come in Professor Dumbledore, Professor Snape, Professor Tessyiur," he bowed each of them cordially in, blushing slightly as Vivianne smiled at him.
'Oh please. What is it about redheads?' Rio thought, agitated once more.
If Dumbledore had heard Rio's envoy comment, he showed no sign of it. He smiled warmly at the embittered teenager, who had refused to rise to greet their company. "I do hope Hagrid has made everything pleasant for you, Miss Cathriona," Dumbledore inquired kindly.
'Peachy,' was what went through Rio's head first. But then she remembered that Dumbledore had never attacked her; he even seemed willing to listen to her...treat her like an adult. "Yes, I've thoroughly enjoyed my time on the grounds, thank you Headmaster." Rio managed a small smile.
"I'm glad to hear that," he said genuinely. "I'm sure Hagrid will be glad for your company and assistance. However, it's getting late, and your sister is anxious to see you safely to the Three Broomsticks."
"I'm certain," Rio sneered coldly before she even thought about her words. She snapped her jaw shut and stared up at Dumbledore, expecting a tirade about her behaviour from one of the teachers. Hagrid moved forward, a sad expression on his bushy face. He moved behind her chair and turned to face the others. Rio couldn't believe it--he was going to defend her.
"Please don' be offended Headmaster Dumbledore and professors. I wish you coulda seen her this evenin'; darn miserable with herself the entire time. She jus' wants ter help."
Rio stared avidly at the floor. 'What a pretty floor,' she thought numbly. Why was he doing this for her?
"Yes, Hagrid, I understand that her heart is in the right place," Dumbledore acknowledged sympathetically, causing Rio to look up. Then addressing her, "But you must understand that you cannot join us now, Cathriona. It would be a pointless waste of your promising young life. You must understand that I do not do this to spite you, or because I think you are incapable of handling yourself in a dangerous situation, but because it is not necessary to risk you. Enough people are dying as it is," he finished heavily, and for the first time Rio saw his point.
She sighed, raking a hand through her thick mane. Her golden eyes reflected the fire as she gathered her thoughts. "I understand," she whispered truthfully. "Your point is made. But if you ever have need of me," and at this sparks seemed to fly off her eyes where the firelight refracted, "don't hesitate to let me know."
Dumbledore smiled, twinkling at her once again. "I knew you would understand if it were just put to you the right way. Good evening to you, Miss Cathriona, Vivianne," he inclined his head to them both as Rio moved to stand beside Vivianne at the door.
"Good evening Professor Dumbledore," Rio and Vivianne chorused. They grinned at each other. "Jinx," Rio added smugly, grinning at her sister.
"I'll jinx YOU if you don't hurry up," Vivianne warned playfully. She nodded to all the professors and moved out the door.
"Goodbye Professor Hagrid," Rio grinned impishly, "Professor Snape, Headmaster," she finished, winking roguishly at Hagrid who had sputtered in protest at stubbonly being called 'professor'.
Out in the chill evening, Vivianne was waiting, medallion Portkey at her feet.
~*~
"Today, SUPPLIES!" Vivianne called enthusiastically as Rio struggled to catch her up. It was the day before term started, and Rio was finally going to get her supplies in Diagon Alley. "What's on your list?" Vivianne asked briskly.
"Erm," Rio stumbled, trying to read and jog after her sister at the same time. "Transfiguration, Level Six, by Miranda Goshawk."
"Into Flourish and Blotts!" Vivianne threw the words over her shoulder as she swept into a shop. Rio followed her, finally catching her as she joined the line to the counter, Transfiguration book already in hand.
"How'd you do that?" Rio asked incredulously, flushed and panting.
"Do what?" Vivianne returned cheerily, "oh, find the book so fast? I remember exactly where they keep the books in this shop."
Rio cut her eyes to one side, then back to Vivianne. "Then shouldn't we get the rest of the textbooks on the list before we check out?"
Vivianne looked cowed a moment, then laughed, "Why yes, of course, what's up with me anyway?"
"That's what I'd like to know," Rio muttered as Vivianne plucked the list from her fingers and bustled off into the shop. "Barking," Rio breathed, catching her breath.
"She reminds me of my older brother, Percy," a voice behind Rio chimed in wearily. Rio turned to find herself standing next to a tall boy with flaming red hair and freckles. He grinned at her. "Hi, I'm Ron. Getting your school supplies?"
"Yeah, and I take it you're doing the same?" Rio inquired politely.
"Exactly. What's your name and what year are you in?"
Rio answered a little hesitantly, hoping he wouldn't ask too many more questions. She didn't like the publicity that came with being new. "My name is Cathriona, I'm a sixth year, and you?" Rio heard her accent begin to surface, as it always did when she was nervous. 'Oh no, not now!' she cried inwardly.
Ron didn't appear to notice. "I'm a fifth year Gryffindor...I'm sorry I didn't catch what house you were in."
'Sod!' While this boy Ron was very nice, he was fast getting on her nerves. What to say? "Umm," Rio stalled for time.
"Wait, don't tell me, let me guess," Ron said excitedly, assuming a thoughtful pose. Rio exhaled. This was at least a little better. "You're not a Slytherin, that's obvious," he said, sounding as though that was a great relief, not only for him but for her sake. "Not a Hufflepuff, you're not...placid enough. Your eyes are far too lively..."
Rio caught the friendly flirting. A wry smile tugged at the left corner of her mouth. "So," Ron continued, "you're either a Ravenclaw or a fellow Gryffindor. I give up, which are you?" he grinned.
"Are you certain you can't guess?" Rio pushed him, forcing the pleading tone and French accent out of her voice.
"Well...I'm...guessing you're a Ravenclaw," he finished confidently.
Suddenly Rio saw her way out. "I suppose you'll find out for sure tomorrow, won't you?" she smiled coyly.
Ron was about to answer when Vivianne reappeared in a whirl of robes and pages. "Here they are!" she said happily, as though Christmas had come early. Then she saw Ron. "Oh, you're a Weasley, aren't you?" Vivianne sounded delighted.
"What did you just call him?" Rio asked.
"A Weasley, dear, one of Arthur and Molly Weasley's children," she explained impatiently, "Arthur works for the Ministry of Magic with Robert."
Robert Gemly, Vivianne and Rio's step-father, was the reason they had moved back to England. He had been offered
his dream job by the Ministry in Sociological Research, comparing the lifestyles of wizards living in a wizarding community as opposed to a Muggle society. He had been working closely with Arthur Weasley these past few weeks.
"I'm Ron Weasley," Ron introduced himself, "the youngest boy in the family. Hogwarts fifth year."
"I'm pleased to meet you Ron. You're a Gryffindor, aren't you?"
Ron smiled proudly. Rio thought she'd like to be in Gryffindor.
"Oh good," Vivianne sounded relieved, "then if Rio's made a Gryffindor, you'll show her around, won't you?"
Ron looked puzzled, and Rio swore in beautiful native French slang. Vivianne gave her sister a stern glance. "I don't think I follow..." Ron began quizzically.
"Rio's new here." Vivianne launched into an explanation directly, despite Rio's moans of embarrassment. "We moved from England when I was a fourth year, finishing my education at Beauxbatons in France. Though Rio was born here in Keswick, we moved when she was five, so she's transferring to Hogwarts."
Something strange almost like recognition flashed through Ron's eyes, but then it disappeared to be replaced by the infernal curiousity Rio loathed so much. "So you're actually not sure which house you're in yet?" Ron turned to Rio.
She sighed, "No, I'm not."
To her surprise, Ron seemed thrilled. "Great, maybe you'll be a Gryffindor! I can introduce you to my older brothers, Fred and George, and their best friend Lee Jordan; they're all seventh years."
"Oh...yes. Well, thank you," Rio stammered. She had not expected so good a reception.
Just then a voice outside the shop called for Ron. "Coming!" he answered. He turned back to Vivianne and Rio, already backing toward the door. "I've got to go," he explained, "Nice to meet you guys, and I'll see you at Hogwarts, Cathriona." With that he turned and dashed out the door, where a girl with bushy hair was tapping her toe impatiently.
After a few moments of silence, Rio rounded on Vivianne. "Viv, why did you tell him I was new?"
Vivianne looked surprised by this question. "Well, I would have thought it was obvious; you need people to show you around, and besides, it won't remain a secret forever. Tomorrow at the Sorting you and I will be announced, so by the end of tomorrow the whole school will know."
"What?!" Rio was incredulous. "Oh, no!"
Vivianne would have patted her sister on the shoulder to comfort her, but her arms were full of books. "It's alright, Rio. You'll probably be very popular." When Rio said nothing, Vivianne turned to another topic. "Look, after we pay for these books and get you fitted for Hogwarts robes, we'll be done shopping. I've checked the list and you already have everything else. The Hogwarts curricula is not that different from Beauxbatons in the sixth year because both have to take their O.W.L.s , or the equivalent thereof."
This at least seemed to comfort Rio a little. After paying, Vivianne shrank the books to the size of thumbnails and put them in her satchel.
They were moving down the street toward Madam Malkin's Robe Shop, when Rio spotted a small, dark shop on the corner. 'Ollivander's Wand Shoppe,' the peeling sign read. "Oo, Viv, can we go into Ollivander's?"
Vivianne paused and looked back at the shop. "The wandmaker's? But you already have a wand."
"Yeah, but this place is famous. At least I could have my wand checked for damage here, couldn't I?"
Vivianne sighed. Rio took that as a 'yes' and dashed off into the wand shop. Muttering about Rio's wand being in perfect condition, Vivianne followed her sister inside.
It took a moment for Rio's eyes to adjust. Behind her she heard Vivianne come in and close the door. The only furnishings besides rows and rows of shelves with wands, were a desk and an old chair which looked as though it had nearly been broken. "Good afternoon," came a voice behind Rio. It sounded as though it, too, had a layer of dust over it from disuse. She turned to face the speaker, and saw an old man with pale, luminous blue eyes staring back at her. "I am Mr. Ollivander. I do not believe I have seen you before, but I recognize Miss Tessyiur. She bought a wand from me thirteen years ago. Unicorn hair and holly, eight inches, an excellent wand for complicated charms as I recall."
Vivianne smiled. "Exactly. I've been taking very good care of it, Mr. Ollivander. It serves me well."
"I'm glad to hear that. Now, who is this young lady...a relation it would seem?" Mr. Ollivander's large eyes shifted to Rio. It was somewhat unnerving.
"Yes, this is may sister, Cathriona," Vivianne gestured loosely at Rio.
"Cathriona, is it? Your mother picked such lovely names for her children. What brings you here, Cathriona? Are you in need of a wand?"
"No Mr. Ollivander, but you and your wands are very famous. I was hoping you might check my wand for damage while I'm here," Rio ventured timidly.
A smile that did not extend beyond his lips edged across the wandmaker's face. "I'd be glad to check your wand, Miss Cathriona. Let me see it." Rio took her wand out of her sleeve and handed it to him. His nocturnal eyes scanned the wand grip to tip, as he muttered aloud, "Nine inches, cherry. Whip-like, and good for dueling. And what's this in the core? Sphinx mane? Very unusual indeed." He looked up at Rio a moment. "Made by Leila Vinande, I believe; the only female wandmaker in eastern Europe. The way the shapes the grip of her wands is quite distinctive." He fell
silent for a moment, flipping various spells off the wand. Then he added, "The only thing this wand needs is a little polishing," as he handed Rio back her wand.
"Thank you, Mr. Ollivander," Rio said as Vivianne tugged her toward the door surreptitiously.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Ollivander," Vivianne added in her most polite tone.
"Welcome to back to England, Miss Cathriona; and good luck at Hogwarts," the wandmaker called in his gravelly voice as he disappeared into the shadows.
End Notes: To Uni, Viv, and Sparrow t'ankie for beta-reading!
6. Crucial Acquaintances
Rio was still simmering over the argument she'd had with Vivianne. Though Hagrid showed her all around the grounds, and told her about the fascinating creatures in the Forbidden Forest ("Though ya shouldn't be goin' out there, ya hear?"), she simply couldn't banish the resentful thoughts from her mind. They had made her feel useless, infantile, and inept. Not to mention Rio was still smarting from Snape's closing statement. Not understand the peril? Not the way experience lends understanding, but in theory she grasped the situation. That was no better than Vivianne could do, she thought spitefully.
Hagrid had fallen silent as he lead Rio up to his hut. He had decided to let her keep her silence, knowing her cloud would blow over. Since she had been staring at the ground, Rio was nearly on top of the hut before she saw it and heard Fang the boarhound's booming barks. That brought her out of her trance.
"Ah! Professor Hagrid! What's that?!" Rio asked tightly, squeaking a little.
"That's jus' Fang, he wouldn't hurt a fly," Hagrid said reassuringly, then, to Rio's horror, he pulled the door wide.
A great, hairy animal leapt out the door and crashed into Rio's chest, sending her sprawling. "ERG!" she managed, her arms shielding her face from the assailing tongue of the great boarhound.
"See?" Hagrid said, beaming, "gentle as a puppy."
"Erg," Rio repeated dispiritedly, heaving Fang off of her and trying to wipe the drool off her robe front. She stood up and stumbled inside after Hagrid, Fang in hot pursuit, snuffling Rio's heels.
A fire was leaping merrily in the hearth, and the wooden hut had a charmed, rustic feel about it. Rio immediately decided she loved it here. At Hagrid's entreaty, she seated herself in front of the fire while he made tea and treacle fudge. Fang laid his massive head on Rio's knee and continued to drool placidly.
Fifteen minutes later found Hagrid seated across from Rio, tea and fudge on the table, and the lap of Rio's robes soaked through. Hagrid smiled warmly at Rio, who had spent her time staring into the fire. The angry spark was gone from her eyes, and a dull disappointment had taken its place. However, her smile was genuine when he offered her tea. "Thank you, Professor."
"Now, now," Hagrid fussed good-naturedly, "I won' have ya callin' me 'professor'. It's jus' Hagrid, a'righ'? That's what ev'ryone else calls me."
"Then that's disrespectful. You ARE Care of Magical Creatures teacher, and therefore are a professor." Rio glanced at the fudge, about to take a piece, but upon seeing its consistency she changed her mind.
Hargid shifted uneasily. "No, not really. There's a reason why I'm not a professor." Rio lifted her eyebrows inquiringly, so Hagrid continued. "I was expelled in me third year over an interestin' critter I let run loose in th' castle." He smiled sheepishly.
Rio grinned back. "So this love of magical creatures goes back a long way. Well, despite the fact you never graduated, you seem fully qualified to teach the Creatures class. Outside lessons I will call you Hagrid, as you requested," she paused, eyes gleaming with mischief, "but in class, I will call you Professor. No, don't argue," she added authoritatively as Hagrid opened his mouth to object, "It won't do any good. Cheers to you," she finished, raising her tea to toast him.
Hagrid smiled slowly, "No...I s'pose it won't. Down the hatch," he added cheerily, for he had spiked his own tea with Firewhiskey.
Just then a knock sounded at the door. Fang burst into song, and Rio exclaimed "Bleh!" while spitting tea across the table in her surprise.
"Ten points for distance," Hagrid murmured distractedly, rising to get the door and grab Fang's collar.
It turned out to be Professors Dumbledore, Snape, and Tessyiur. From her seat at the table, Hagrid heard Rio mutter, "Oh great, the envoy."
"Please come in Professor Dumbledore, Professor Snape, Professor Tessyiur," he bowed each of them cordially in, blushing slightly as Vivianne smiled at him.
'Oh please. What is it about redheads?' Rio thought, agitated once more.
If Dumbledore had heard Rio's envoy comment, he showed no sign of it. He smiled warmly at the embittered teenager, who had refused to rise to greet their company. "I do hope Hagrid has made everything pleasant for you, Miss Cathriona," Dumbledore inquired kindly.
'Peachy,' was what went through Rio's head first. But then she remembered that Dumbledore had never attacked her; he even seemed willing to listen to her...treat her like an adult. "Yes, I've thoroughly enjoyed my time on the grounds, thank you Headmaster." Rio managed a small smile.
"I'm glad to hear that," he said genuinely. "I'm sure Hagrid will be glad for your company and assistance. However, it's getting late, and your sister is anxious to see you safely to the Three Broomsticks."
"I'm certain," Rio sneered coldly before she even thought about her words. She snapped her jaw shut and stared up at Dumbledore, expecting a tirade about her behaviour from one of the teachers. Hagrid moved forward, a sad expression on his bushy face. He moved behind her chair and turned to face the others. Rio couldn't believe it--he was going to defend her.
"Please don' be offended Headmaster Dumbledore and professors. I wish you coulda seen her this evenin'; darn miserable with herself the entire time. She jus' wants ter help."
Rio stared avidly at the floor. 'What a pretty floor,' she thought numbly. Why was he doing this for her?
"Yes, Hagrid, I understand that her heart is in the right place," Dumbledore acknowledged sympathetically, causing Rio to look up. Then addressing her, "But you must understand that you cannot join us now, Cathriona. It would be a pointless waste of your promising young life. You must understand that I do not do this to spite you, or because I think you are incapable of handling yourself in a dangerous situation, but because it is not necessary to risk you. Enough people are dying as it is," he finished heavily, and for the first time Rio saw his point.
She sighed, raking a hand through her thick mane. Her golden eyes reflected the fire as she gathered her thoughts. "I understand," she whispered truthfully. "Your point is made. But if you ever have need of me," and at this sparks seemed to fly off her eyes where the firelight refracted, "don't hesitate to let me know."
Dumbledore smiled, twinkling at her once again. "I knew you would understand if it were just put to you the right way. Good evening to you, Miss Cathriona, Vivianne," he inclined his head to them both as Rio moved to stand beside Vivianne at the door.
"Good evening Professor Dumbledore," Rio and Vivianne chorused. They grinned at each other. "Jinx," Rio added smugly, grinning at her sister.
"I'll jinx YOU if you don't hurry up," Vivianne warned playfully. She nodded to all the professors and moved out the door.
"Goodbye Professor Hagrid," Rio grinned impishly, "Professor Snape, Headmaster," she finished, winking roguishly at Hagrid who had sputtered in protest at stubbonly being called 'professor'.
Out in the chill evening, Vivianne was waiting, medallion Portkey at her feet.
~*~
"Today, SUPPLIES!" Vivianne called enthusiastically as Rio struggled to catch her up. It was the day before term started, and Rio was finally going to get her supplies in Diagon Alley. "What's on your list?" Vivianne asked briskly.
"Erm," Rio stumbled, trying to read and jog after her sister at the same time. "Transfiguration, Level Six, by Miranda Goshawk."
"Into Flourish and Blotts!" Vivianne threw the words over her shoulder as she swept into a shop. Rio followed her, finally catching her as she joined the line to the counter, Transfiguration book already in hand.
"How'd you do that?" Rio asked incredulously, flushed and panting.
"Do what?" Vivianne returned cheerily, "oh, find the book so fast? I remember exactly where they keep the books in this shop."
Rio cut her eyes to one side, then back to Vivianne. "Then shouldn't we get the rest of the textbooks on the list before we check out?"
Vivianne looked cowed a moment, then laughed, "Why yes, of course, what's up with me anyway?"
"That's what I'd like to know," Rio muttered as Vivianne plucked the list from her fingers and bustled off into the shop. "Barking," Rio breathed, catching her breath.
"She reminds me of my older brother, Percy," a voice behind Rio chimed in wearily. Rio turned to find herself standing next to a tall boy with flaming red hair and freckles. He grinned at her. "Hi, I'm Ron. Getting your school supplies?"
"Yeah, and I take it you're doing the same?" Rio inquired politely.
"Exactly. What's your name and what year are you in?"
Rio answered a little hesitantly, hoping he wouldn't ask too many more questions. She didn't like the publicity that came with being new. "My name is Cathriona, I'm a sixth year, and you?" Rio heard her accent begin to surface, as it always did when she was nervous. 'Oh no, not now!' she cried inwardly.
Ron didn't appear to notice. "I'm a fifth year Gryffindor...I'm sorry I didn't catch what house you were in."
'Sod!' While this boy Ron was very nice, he was fast getting on her nerves. What to say? "Umm," Rio stalled for time.
"Wait, don't tell me, let me guess," Ron said excitedly, assuming a thoughtful pose. Rio exhaled. This was at least a little better. "You're not a Slytherin, that's obvious," he said, sounding as though that was a great relief, not only for him but for her sake. "Not a Hufflepuff, you're not...placid enough. Your eyes are far too lively..."
Rio caught the friendly flirting. A wry smile tugged at the left corner of her mouth. "So," Ron continued, "you're either a Ravenclaw or a fellow Gryffindor. I give up, which are you?" he grinned.
"Are you certain you can't guess?" Rio pushed him, forcing the pleading tone and French accent out of her voice.
"Well...I'm...guessing you're a Ravenclaw," he finished confidently.
Suddenly Rio saw her way out. "I suppose you'll find out for sure tomorrow, won't you?" she smiled coyly.
Ron was about to answer when Vivianne reappeared in a whirl of robes and pages. "Here they are!" she said happily, as though Christmas had come early. Then she saw Ron. "Oh, you're a Weasley, aren't you?" Vivianne sounded delighted.
"What did you just call him?" Rio asked.
"A Weasley, dear, one of Arthur and Molly Weasley's children," she explained impatiently, "Arthur works for the Ministry of Magic with Robert."
Robert Gemly, Vivianne and Rio's step-father, was the reason they had moved back to England. He had been offered
his dream job by the Ministry in Sociological Research, comparing the lifestyles of wizards living in a wizarding community as opposed to a Muggle society. He had been working closely with Arthur Weasley these past few weeks.
"I'm Ron Weasley," Ron introduced himself, "the youngest boy in the family. Hogwarts fifth year."
"I'm pleased to meet you Ron. You're a Gryffindor, aren't you?"
Ron smiled proudly. Rio thought she'd like to be in Gryffindor.
"Oh good," Vivianne sounded relieved, "then if Rio's made a Gryffindor, you'll show her around, won't you?"
Ron looked puzzled, and Rio swore in beautiful native French slang. Vivianne gave her sister a stern glance. "I don't think I follow..." Ron began quizzically.
"Rio's new here." Vivianne launched into an explanation directly, despite Rio's moans of embarrassment. "We moved from England when I was a fourth year, finishing my education at Beauxbatons in France. Though Rio was born here in Keswick, we moved when she was five, so she's transferring to Hogwarts."
Something strange almost like recognition flashed through Ron's eyes, but then it disappeared to be replaced by the infernal curiousity Rio loathed so much. "So you're actually not sure which house you're in yet?" Ron turned to Rio.
She sighed, "No, I'm not."
To her surprise, Ron seemed thrilled. "Great, maybe you'll be a Gryffindor! I can introduce you to my older brothers, Fred and George, and their best friend Lee Jordan; they're all seventh years."
"Oh...yes. Well, thank you," Rio stammered. She had not expected so good a reception.
Just then a voice outside the shop called for Ron. "Coming!" he answered. He turned back to Vivianne and Rio, already backing toward the door. "I've got to go," he explained, "Nice to meet you guys, and I'll see you at Hogwarts, Cathriona." With that he turned and dashed out the door, where a girl with bushy hair was tapping her toe impatiently.
After a few moments of silence, Rio rounded on Vivianne. "Viv, why did you tell him I was new?"
Vivianne looked surprised by this question. "Well, I would have thought it was obvious; you need people to show you around, and besides, it won't remain a secret forever. Tomorrow at the Sorting you and I will be announced, so by the end of tomorrow the whole school will know."
"What?!" Rio was incredulous. "Oh, no!"
Vivianne would have patted her sister on the shoulder to comfort her, but her arms were full of books. "It's alright, Rio. You'll probably be very popular." When Rio said nothing, Vivianne turned to another topic. "Look, after we pay for these books and get you fitted for Hogwarts robes, we'll be done shopping. I've checked the list and you already have everything else. The Hogwarts curricula is not that different from Beauxbatons in the sixth year because both have to take their O.W.L.s , or the equivalent thereof."
This at least seemed to comfort Rio a little. After paying, Vivianne shrank the books to the size of thumbnails and put them in her satchel.
They were moving down the street toward Madam Malkin's Robe Shop, when Rio spotted a small, dark shop on the corner. 'Ollivander's Wand Shoppe,' the peeling sign read. "Oo, Viv, can we go into Ollivander's?"
Vivianne paused and looked back at the shop. "The wandmaker's? But you already have a wand."
"Yeah, but this place is famous. At least I could have my wand checked for damage here, couldn't I?"
Vivianne sighed. Rio took that as a 'yes' and dashed off into the wand shop. Muttering about Rio's wand being in perfect condition, Vivianne followed her sister inside.
It took a moment for Rio's eyes to adjust. Behind her she heard Vivianne come in and close the door. The only furnishings besides rows and rows of shelves with wands, were a desk and an old chair which looked as though it had nearly been broken. "Good afternoon," came a voice behind Rio. It sounded as though it, too, had a layer of dust over it from disuse. She turned to face the speaker, and saw an old man with pale, luminous blue eyes staring back at her. "I am Mr. Ollivander. I do not believe I have seen you before, but I recognize Miss Tessyiur. She bought a wand from me thirteen years ago. Unicorn hair and holly, eight inches, an excellent wand for complicated charms as I recall."
Vivianne smiled. "Exactly. I've been taking very good care of it, Mr. Ollivander. It serves me well."
"I'm glad to hear that. Now, who is this young lady...a relation it would seem?" Mr. Ollivander's large eyes shifted to Rio. It was somewhat unnerving.
"Yes, this is may sister, Cathriona," Vivianne gestured loosely at Rio.
"Cathriona, is it? Your mother picked such lovely names for her children. What brings you here, Cathriona? Are you in need of a wand?"
"No Mr. Ollivander, but you and your wands are very famous. I was hoping you might check my wand for damage while I'm here," Rio ventured timidly.
A smile that did not extend beyond his lips edged across the wandmaker's face. "I'd be glad to check your wand, Miss Cathriona. Let me see it." Rio took her wand out of her sleeve and handed it to him. His nocturnal eyes scanned the wand grip to tip, as he muttered aloud, "Nine inches, cherry. Whip-like, and good for dueling. And what's this in the core? Sphinx mane? Very unusual indeed." He looked up at Rio a moment. "Made by Leila Vinande, I believe; the only female wandmaker in eastern Europe. The way the shapes the grip of her wands is quite distinctive." He fell
silent for a moment, flipping various spells off the wand. Then he added, "The only thing this wand needs is a little polishing," as he handed Rio back her wand.
"Thank you, Mr. Ollivander," Rio said as Vivianne tugged her toward the door surreptitiously.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Ollivander," Vivianne added in her most polite tone.
"Welcome to back to England, Miss Cathriona; and good luck at Hogwarts," the wandmaker called in his gravelly voice as he disappeared into the shadows.
End Notes: To Uni, Viv, and Sparrow t'ankie for beta-reading!
