Chapter 4 - Preparations and Prayers
"Please allow me to see your packing lists, Misters Weasley."
The twins and Ron surrendered their packing lists at the Saturday afternoon Crete Trip Planning Meeting.
Britomartis silently read the lists then commented, "I'm glad you all remembered clothes amid the dungbombs, whoopie-cushions, fake vomit, and comic books."
"D'oh!" George - or was it Fred? - exclaimed, slapping his forehead. "I forgot the silly-string!"
"No problem!" the other twin said. "I'll just nip up and -"
"Get suspended for the first semester!" Snape proclaimed.
"Or not," he finished, sitting down.
Britomartis brushed her hair back from her face. "I'm glad you three are getting into the spirit of the vacation, but this is still a scholastic- centric trip. I want you to be studying something in relation to the island's center of magic - whether for the mixing of various magic cultures, the melding of Muggle and Wizard communities due to the UN, the use of both Western and Eastern ways of magic, any of the religious practices of magic, the fantastic beasts of the island - and write your research paper on whatever you chose. I chose two weeks during the early summer since this is the busy time of year for almost everything." She looked up to see Glynis Ryper and Oliver Wood making faces at each other. "You all have read the orientation packet I designed for you, correct?"
Several mumbled affirmatives, although Hermione raised her hand. "Professor Vox, I have many questions to ask you in relation to the packet."
"Will it require a bit of time?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Then we'll discuss it later. As you all know, both Professor Snape and myself will be your chaperones. We'll all be traveling and lodging together - "
"What?" Draco exclaimed.
"And we'll be staying in my family home while on Crete in the city of Knossos."
Elizabeth Humphries perked up, looking more awake than she had been. It was no secret the Third-Year Slytherin idolized her House Mother.
"Question," Glynis stated. "How are we getting there?"
"We'll be taking the Express to London," Britomartis explained. "Then take another train to South Hampton, then sail out."
Ron's face turned slightly green. "Oh, great. Going to get seasick all over the place ... "
Professor Snape snorted. "If there is any whining whatsoever, I will not hesitate in tossing any of you into the ocean."
"Question," Glynis stated. "What are the rules in relation to this trip?"
"Anyone who acts like a prefect has to clean up after the bulls," Britomartis announced.
"Good thing Percy's not going, then," Fred remarked.
"He'll never get over it," George agreed. "At least he'll be busy at the Ministry of Magic."
"Points and such practices will not be used," she continued. "This is merely students and chaperones on a field trip. Continue to be polite to each other, respect us, and no silliness will be tolerated."
"What's the definition of 'silliness' this season?" Ron asked.
Her head turned to face Glynis and Oliver, both of them now glaring at each other. "My definition of 'silliness' results in me having to make calls to parents concerning why we won't pay bail or hospital fees. So behave."
All four Weasleys nodded in understanding.
"Good. Now, I suggest you study for next week's exams and pass them ... just to make sure you have no obligations preventing you from going. Dismissed."
The ten students filed out of her office, leaving Britomartis and Severus. She leaned back in her chair and allowed Snookie-poo to slither up over her shoulders. "I'm wondering if I should have done this at all, Severus."
He settled on the corner of her desk nearest her, folding his arms over his chest. "I prefer my own summers as far away from students as possible."
"But it's only for two weeks. Besides, I do love all of them dearly ... even Lucy's boy, despite what a pain he is."
Severus laughed. "You're a masochist - no wonder I've always liked you." He became somber again, watching her stare at the Snake Goddess statue on her desk. "Britomartis?"
"Hm?"
"Are you sure you want me along? We'll be going to your home ... where your family ... "
She looked up at him. "It's for that reason I do want you along, Severus. I'd feel better with you with me. Besides, I need the support when facing my parents."
"They know you exist?" he asked.
"Surprise. And they won't let me forget they realized it." She sighed. "Come on, Snips, I need a relaxing soak. You can scrub my back."
"I don't think so, Spirals."
"Weenie."
* * *
Professor Snape wandered up and down the aisles between student desks as they scratched answers down for their Potions Final.
A week's worth of exams, grading every night, then getting ready for the trip. With the weirdest the school had to offer. For that reason, he knew the trip was not going to be quiet.
And the real thing that was bothering him was the fact that he may not be able to control the urge to slam Martis' parents against walls for what they did to her. Granted, he would have preferred to have her parents over his own - her parents merely ignored her existence while his father beat the crap out of him every time he turned around - but Martis was the one who was hurt. She was worthy, she needed love more than he did.
'Snape, you idiot. You were in love with her even as far back as then. Why else did you place her welfare above your own?'
And why he devoured any affection she offered in childhood friendship.
'Bloody hell, I have a test to watch after.'
"Quills down," he announced. "Place your work on my desk as you leave. Don't get in trouble over the summer, I'll see you next year, now get out of my classroom."
Students scrambled out of the dungeons as they deposited their papers on his desk, leaving him alone in less than thirty seconds.
Severus sighed, collapsing into a student's chair and letting his eyes wander ...
The desk itself caught his eye, the wood seeming to be scratched in several places. Peering closely, he discovered graffiti scratched into the surface:
'BORED' (You're no Goldilocks Lunkhead yourself.) 'Snape is a fine specimen!' (Probably from one of those silly teenage girls that have been annoying him the past several years.) 'Potions suck gas.' (He laughed at this one.) 'I love - ' (This was followed by at least eight names scratched out, the last one being his own.) 'Eye of newt, lizard spleens, etc' (several potion ingredient lists) 'Gods, this guy is nuckin' futs!' (Yes, thank-you for noticing, you form of amoebic dysentery.) 'Snape's a vampire!' 'Is this a surprise?' (I only play one on stage.) (several combinations of girls and boys names, most of them with hearts around them and denoting the vandals were females) 'Dumbledore bee scurrilous knave.' (Severus was impressed, since it was in Old English and written in quite ornate calligraphy. Plus they knew how to spell 'scurrilous'.) 'Wanna sleep ... snore ... snore ... ' (The fact he knew this particular individual was because this individual did indeed snore in class.) 'Slytherin's House Ghost is a Bloody Idiot!' (I suspect Peeves was down here.) 'Snake handlers have firm asps.' (He had no comment for this one.) 'What about the third toe of the Frog God, Snape?' (He's not a potion ingredient, you miserable prat.) 'Minerva loves Albus - 1935' (Please, Gods, let that be a coincidence!) 'He's a Super Freak - Super Freak - Super Freaky - Yow - ' (Yes, most of you are.) 'This is not cheating.'
This last one turned out to be an enchantment and, upon breaking it, the desk was covered with test answers. Looking over the responses, Severus murmured, "I don't remember making out a test like this." He studied the handwriting - and found it was his own. "I don't remember cheating on this particular exam, either. Oh, well, youth and stupidity."
* * *
Britomartis stood before the altar in the student chapel, feeling the presence of some twenty students on the benches behind her, all of them meditating or quietly participating in her evening ritual.
There were everyday things to pray on - in thanks for a particularly productive day, for a restful night, for students to be safe - in addition to the special things for this time of year like students succeeding on their exams and having a quiet, safe summer.
But Britomartis added more to her petition -
'Great Mother, grant me the compassion to forgive my parents, grant me the strength to not fall apart upon the shrine of my children, grant me the patience to survive this trip to my homeland with my students and my dearest friend. May the Goddesses open my eyes, mind, and heart to lessons I am to learn, and may I profit by their teachings. By the Serpent of Mystery and the Labrys of Transformation, I offer myself to the wisdom of the Crone Goddess.'
No one save Snookie-poo saw the tears streaming down her face. The snake lifted her head and licked them to comfort the High Priestess.
"Please allow me to see your packing lists, Misters Weasley."
The twins and Ron surrendered their packing lists at the Saturday afternoon Crete Trip Planning Meeting.
Britomartis silently read the lists then commented, "I'm glad you all remembered clothes amid the dungbombs, whoopie-cushions, fake vomit, and comic books."
"D'oh!" George - or was it Fred? - exclaimed, slapping his forehead. "I forgot the silly-string!"
"No problem!" the other twin said. "I'll just nip up and -"
"Get suspended for the first semester!" Snape proclaimed.
"Or not," he finished, sitting down.
Britomartis brushed her hair back from her face. "I'm glad you three are getting into the spirit of the vacation, but this is still a scholastic- centric trip. I want you to be studying something in relation to the island's center of magic - whether for the mixing of various magic cultures, the melding of Muggle and Wizard communities due to the UN, the use of both Western and Eastern ways of magic, any of the religious practices of magic, the fantastic beasts of the island - and write your research paper on whatever you chose. I chose two weeks during the early summer since this is the busy time of year for almost everything." She looked up to see Glynis Ryper and Oliver Wood making faces at each other. "You all have read the orientation packet I designed for you, correct?"
Several mumbled affirmatives, although Hermione raised her hand. "Professor Vox, I have many questions to ask you in relation to the packet."
"Will it require a bit of time?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Then we'll discuss it later. As you all know, both Professor Snape and myself will be your chaperones. We'll all be traveling and lodging together - "
"What?" Draco exclaimed.
"And we'll be staying in my family home while on Crete in the city of Knossos."
Elizabeth Humphries perked up, looking more awake than she had been. It was no secret the Third-Year Slytherin idolized her House Mother.
"Question," Glynis stated. "How are we getting there?"
"We'll be taking the Express to London," Britomartis explained. "Then take another train to South Hampton, then sail out."
Ron's face turned slightly green. "Oh, great. Going to get seasick all over the place ... "
Professor Snape snorted. "If there is any whining whatsoever, I will not hesitate in tossing any of you into the ocean."
"Question," Glynis stated. "What are the rules in relation to this trip?"
"Anyone who acts like a prefect has to clean up after the bulls," Britomartis announced.
"Good thing Percy's not going, then," Fred remarked.
"He'll never get over it," George agreed. "At least he'll be busy at the Ministry of Magic."
"Points and such practices will not be used," she continued. "This is merely students and chaperones on a field trip. Continue to be polite to each other, respect us, and no silliness will be tolerated."
"What's the definition of 'silliness' this season?" Ron asked.
Her head turned to face Glynis and Oliver, both of them now glaring at each other. "My definition of 'silliness' results in me having to make calls to parents concerning why we won't pay bail or hospital fees. So behave."
All four Weasleys nodded in understanding.
"Good. Now, I suggest you study for next week's exams and pass them ... just to make sure you have no obligations preventing you from going. Dismissed."
The ten students filed out of her office, leaving Britomartis and Severus. She leaned back in her chair and allowed Snookie-poo to slither up over her shoulders. "I'm wondering if I should have done this at all, Severus."
He settled on the corner of her desk nearest her, folding his arms over his chest. "I prefer my own summers as far away from students as possible."
"But it's only for two weeks. Besides, I do love all of them dearly ... even Lucy's boy, despite what a pain he is."
Severus laughed. "You're a masochist - no wonder I've always liked you." He became somber again, watching her stare at the Snake Goddess statue on her desk. "Britomartis?"
"Hm?"
"Are you sure you want me along? We'll be going to your home ... where your family ... "
She looked up at him. "It's for that reason I do want you along, Severus. I'd feel better with you with me. Besides, I need the support when facing my parents."
"They know you exist?" he asked.
"Surprise. And they won't let me forget they realized it." She sighed. "Come on, Snips, I need a relaxing soak. You can scrub my back."
"I don't think so, Spirals."
"Weenie."
* * *
Professor Snape wandered up and down the aisles between student desks as they scratched answers down for their Potions Final.
A week's worth of exams, grading every night, then getting ready for the trip. With the weirdest the school had to offer. For that reason, he knew the trip was not going to be quiet.
And the real thing that was bothering him was the fact that he may not be able to control the urge to slam Martis' parents against walls for what they did to her. Granted, he would have preferred to have her parents over his own - her parents merely ignored her existence while his father beat the crap out of him every time he turned around - but Martis was the one who was hurt. She was worthy, she needed love more than he did.
'Snape, you idiot. You were in love with her even as far back as then. Why else did you place her welfare above your own?'
And why he devoured any affection she offered in childhood friendship.
'Bloody hell, I have a test to watch after.'
"Quills down," he announced. "Place your work on my desk as you leave. Don't get in trouble over the summer, I'll see you next year, now get out of my classroom."
Students scrambled out of the dungeons as they deposited their papers on his desk, leaving him alone in less than thirty seconds.
Severus sighed, collapsing into a student's chair and letting his eyes wander ...
The desk itself caught his eye, the wood seeming to be scratched in several places. Peering closely, he discovered graffiti scratched into the surface:
'BORED' (You're no Goldilocks Lunkhead yourself.) 'Snape is a fine specimen!' (Probably from one of those silly teenage girls that have been annoying him the past several years.) 'Potions suck gas.' (He laughed at this one.) 'I love - ' (This was followed by at least eight names scratched out, the last one being his own.) 'Eye of newt, lizard spleens, etc' (several potion ingredient lists) 'Gods, this guy is nuckin' futs!' (Yes, thank-you for noticing, you form of amoebic dysentery.) 'Snape's a vampire!' 'Is this a surprise?' (I only play one on stage.) (several combinations of girls and boys names, most of them with hearts around them and denoting the vandals were females) 'Dumbledore bee scurrilous knave.' (Severus was impressed, since it was in Old English and written in quite ornate calligraphy. Plus they knew how to spell 'scurrilous'.) 'Wanna sleep ... snore ... snore ... ' (The fact he knew this particular individual was because this individual did indeed snore in class.) 'Slytherin's House Ghost is a Bloody Idiot!' (I suspect Peeves was down here.) 'Snake handlers have firm asps.' (He had no comment for this one.) 'What about the third toe of the Frog God, Snape?' (He's not a potion ingredient, you miserable prat.) 'Minerva loves Albus - 1935' (Please, Gods, let that be a coincidence!) 'He's a Super Freak - Super Freak - Super Freaky - Yow - ' (Yes, most of you are.) 'This is not cheating.'
This last one turned out to be an enchantment and, upon breaking it, the desk was covered with test answers. Looking over the responses, Severus murmured, "I don't remember making out a test like this." He studied the handwriting - and found it was his own. "I don't remember cheating on this particular exam, either. Oh, well, youth and stupidity."
* * *
Britomartis stood before the altar in the student chapel, feeling the presence of some twenty students on the benches behind her, all of them meditating or quietly participating in her evening ritual.
There were everyday things to pray on - in thanks for a particularly productive day, for a restful night, for students to be safe - in addition to the special things for this time of year like students succeeding on their exams and having a quiet, safe summer.
But Britomartis added more to her petition -
'Great Mother, grant me the compassion to forgive my parents, grant me the strength to not fall apart upon the shrine of my children, grant me the patience to survive this trip to my homeland with my students and my dearest friend. May the Goddesses open my eyes, mind, and heart to lessons I am to learn, and may I profit by their teachings. By the Serpent of Mystery and the Labrys of Transformation, I offer myself to the wisdom of the Crone Goddess.'
No one save Snookie-poo saw the tears streaming down her face. The snake lifted her head and licked them to comfort the High Priestess.