Disclaimer: No, I don't own them. *sigh* But they are fun characters to play with teehee XD
A/N: I've always found a certain someone to be hilarious - and have always begrudged that in the books she isn't taken seriously... I intend to rectify that by making her the star of this chapter! If you can't guess who, you'll find out soon enough - when I shut up! teehee :D
I am trying to follow canon somewhat here. We shall see. ^^ Please tell me if anything is wrong XD I don't mind at all and will totally credit you! :) (Oh, and comment on Sybil's age if you like. Personally, I like to make her older since she always seemed wise in an elderly, experienced way, to me. Her everyday comments carry more weight than her predictions, of course. But to me, that's what makes her a great character. She does have awesome lines! Her age is probably the most AU part of this chapter... Probably. No guarantees.) XD teehee
Oh and I just looked it up - 1 September 1970 was a Tuesday... So I will go back and recheck my earlier chapters. Sorry - I really should have looked this up before LOL. So we/I am going to say it was 1 September 1970, a TUESDAY, when the following events happened. ^^ We're all good? *looks around* YAY! :P hehe
Also, sorry for the bad puns. If you don't get it... yeah... I couldn't think of anything *sigh*
Special thanks to Future Starkid Member for once again being that wonderfullest of betas! :) Couldn't have done this without you! xD Ever since your drunk Albus comment I have wanted to do this chapter. :D
Again, any suggestions/ideas welcome! I still have no idea where this is all going. ^^ Enjoy! (Or not...) :)
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Chapter Four: The Best Night Ever
aka The Leaky Cauldron: What REALLY Happened
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It was wonderful! For the first time in a long while, (she wouldn't dare think exactly how long it had been!), she had had an amazing evening. For once, she hadn't stayed at home after a long day of work. Although, come to think of it, she probably could not recall the last time she had ever had a full day's work. But as that has nothing to do with this story, she didn't even consider that thought for much more than a fleeting second, if at all.
It was an important day and she marked it on her calendar as soon as she had gotten in the door.
On 1 September 1970 - a TUESDAY, mind you, - one self-proclaimed seeress had had a date.
Well, maybe not a date. But she had had a great time. It was all prearranged and it couldn't have gone better.
What happened was this.
For the fifth time, she had applied for the job of Divination Professor at one Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Although she had been rejected four times in the intervening years since her graduation from said school, Hogwarts, she was not one to give up. She had Seen in her crystal ball that she would have the post. And her crystal ball never lied.
Her crystal ball had been her great-great-grandmother's. Cassandra had been a True Seer - the kind who used to be burned at the stake by ignorant Muggles and was shunned by her fellow witches and wizards. She was always envied and disliked because all of her prophecies were true. She wielded great natural power and all types of people had begrudged her for it. Cassandra had also been blamed for a lot of things – all of which Sybil harbored as wrongs done to her.
Sybil thought fondly of her great-great-grandmother. Although she had never known Cassandra personally, (Cassandra had passed away many years before Sybil was born), Cassandra's life was part of the Trelawney history Sybil would never forget.
If anything, Cassandra represented the martyr-styled life Sybil was willing to carry out – despite the lack of talent. But, of course, Sybil did not see her own lack of talent. (And anyone who thinks Sybil incapable – watch out! She's still quick enough to throw a crystal ball at you for your insolence!)
With a sigh and a rapid fluttering of her eyelashes, Sybil fell into a conveniently placed beaded chair, remembering her amazing night out.
It had started because of her job application. She had applied in June of 1970, probably around the 10th. Yes, it was her fifth time. She would not give up, not after hearing Professor Claire, who had taught her in her last school year, was leaving. It had been a couple of years since Professor Claire had last declared her retirement – and had rescinded almost as soon as she had declared it! On Dumbledore's pleading, of course. But Sybil didn't involve poor Albus in such a scandal. No, to her, it was entirely Professor Claire's fault.
Dear Albus was such a nice man! He really ought to be given much more praise, she thought. But anyway, to get on with the story.
Albus had sent her a reply owl about two and a half months later asking if she'd be willing to meet. She had hastily written, "Yes! I would love to! Thank you!"
Her prompt reply earned her three words: "Great. Next week?"
She sent back: "I'm free. Where?"
Albus responded, "Leaky Cauldron. Dinner?"
Sybil's stomach growled. Yes, a dinner at the Leaky Cauldron would be wonderful! And, the best part, Albus was paying! Tom, the barman and proprietor of that fine establishment knew everyone. And everyone knew Albus Dumbledore was one heck of a generous man. Sybil quickly scrawled, "Perfect! Time?"
Albus wrote, "I'll owl you tomorrow."
Excited, full of anticipation and as nervous as she had been on her first date, (she will not reveal how long ago that was!), Sybil could barely sleep.
The next morning she was awoken by a particularly stubborn owl that was pecking her nose.
"Ouch! Get off me, you stupid bird!" she had growled, especially grouchy due to her lack of sleep. Or rather, the little amount she had allowed herself to get.
Sitting up, it took her about five minutes to find her glasses – she was really near-sighted, poor dear.
Finally, after much pecking and stares of annoyance from the bird, Sybil Trelawney was ready to read her fate.
Slowly opening the letter, she read out loud to the owl:
"Miss Sybil Trelawney,
I am free the night of 1 September, 1970 if you are inclined to join me.
We can meet for dinner at the Leaky Cauldron around 8PM.
If you are unavailable, we can arrange another time.
Please respond as soon as you are able so I can make arrangements with Tom.
Regards,
Albus."
Sybil excitedly jumped up and down in her bedroom, knocking over all manner of things from her night stand table and her bureau.
The barn owl glared at her disapprovingly, though his stare lightened when she offered him several more pieces of toast.
She wrote back, "1 September 8PM. See you then!"
Sybil had a dire problem: what would she wear for her date?
She did consider it a date. Albus was asking her to dinner at a location far removed from Hogwarts. He had not mentioned her job application, (at least not directly), and he seemed more interested in dinner with her than anything else. What else was she to draw from the present situation than that he was interested in her?
Sybil kept up with the latest gossip – of course, having Entertainment Wizardly, The Weird Sisters, The Seer's Network, and Time Turner helped. But most of her gossip came from Dagon Alley and her friends at the bar who frequented Hogsmeade. Though she herself stayed away from Hogwarts and its surrounding area, she had her network and used it generously throughout the year.
The most recent gossip going around was the relationship between Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall. Everyone knew Minerva McGonagall. She was a famed witch in the streets of London, both for her work at the Ministry, (even though she had only been there for two years), and her job at Hogwarts.
Of course, it was very believable gossip. Minerva had only been working at Hogwarts for four or five years by now, (Sybil could not be sure), and yet she had been promoted twice. First to full-time professor of Transfiguration, a very tricky branch. (Of course, Sybil did not lament not being able to have taken her Transfiguration N.E.W.T. because of her low O.W.L. score.) And, secondly, as Head of Gryffindor House and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. (Although, taken independently, those were three promotions. But Sybil was too envious to think logically about Minerva.)
Sybil was envious of Minerva – partly because the younger witch seemed to have many attributes Sybil herself did not receive recognition for. From everyone who spoke of Minerva, even those known to have been associated with dark wizards, (Sybil would not speak the name of Grindelwald lightly, having known many who were killed), Minerva McGonagall was a force to be reckoned with.
And she was amazing. Stunningly beautiful, fiercely courageous, loyal to all who stood for Righteousness and All the Goodness in the world. She really was akin to the goddess for whom she was named. It made Sybil's blood boil at the weakness of her own powers. She paled in comparison with so perfect a woman!
Sybil sighed, and tried to recapture the glory of the evening out.
It had been marvelous! The most fun she had had in – well, in a long while. To return to her fashion dilemma.
She had decided at once to clean up her small house. It was a three room affair on the first floor – a parlor, living room, and dining room combined with a kitchen. On the second floor were two bedrooms and a bathroom.
Once her house was sparkling clean, (it took a while since Sybil's magic was not strong), Sybil then upended her wardrobe and the resulting chaos meant it was a very good thing she had remembered to clean up her house this time. The last time she had upended her wardrobe, about three or fourth months prior to this "date", she had ended up creating a mess that needed physical labor. A mistake she was not going to repeat again! Physical labor did not suit her "frail, Seer physique", as she would have put it.
After going through every possible outfit, (it was now Saturday; she had last owled with Albus on Wednesday,) Sybil sighed and collapsed onto her now clear bed. She had dumped all her "useless" clothes back into her numerous drawers and closets. She utilized both bedrooms, despite the fact that normally the second bedroom would be reserved for guests. Thankfully for Sybil, she never had guests.
It was decidedly time for Sybil Trelawney to once again visit Madam Malkin's robe shop. That prominent center of fashionable robes for all occasions truly had done wonders to her wardrobe in the past.
Arranging for a trip the following morning, she spared no expense.
The result was pure bliss – the electric blue dress was exotic and exciting. It was the perfect outfit Sybil needed in order to make a statement. She also knew Albus's tastes in fashion and she was assured that he would enjoy this dress. It was a very pompous, glaring statement for a dress robe, but it was the best for the occasion, or so Sybil believed.
Had Sybil confided in Madam Malkin, she probably would have received better guidance. But, as she wanted to "play her cards" so no one should hear of her designs, Madam Malkin merely thought Sybil needed something special to go out, so she didn't comment.
A pity, since Madam Malkin intricately knew Albus Dumbledore's fashion tastes and style like the back of her hand. Indeed, Albus Dumbledore paid Madam Malkin every three months for at least one new robe, depending on the occasion. Sometimes three. It all depended on what he needed for the Board meetings, his meetings with the Minister, or just every day wear.
Sybil left very content, and Madam Malkin was twenty galleons richer.
Sybil's complete purchase included shoes, an over robe, a new shawl, and a new string of beads.
Other than her expenses adding up to fifty-five galleons, Sybil was very happy with her purchases.
Trying on her outfit once she arrived home, it was a delightful Sunday evening and Sybil could not be persuaded that Tuesday night would come soon enough.
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On the appointed day, Sybil took her time. She had a luxurious bath, complete with bubbles and that special perfume-infused aromatherapy soap that was always great for her skin. She carefully washed her hair, making sure to comb out all the tangles. She took extra care to make sure she looked immaculately clean and well put together, as one might say. She also made sure to put on some makeup in order to make herself look younger. She tried to look more in her twenties rather than her thirties.
Although Albus was much older, she believed he fancied young witches. Sybil had always wondered at his being celibate. Although, it had occurred to her that he might be conducting affairs away from Hogwarts, but she quickly dashed that idea. If he was, then they were either short-term or meant more for fun than a serious relationship.
At any rate, she finally declared herself ready for her dinner date at 8PM. She was laced up in her elegant dress robes, complete with shawls, beads and necklaces. She felt like twenty-one and was ready to go!
She not so promptly apparated to Diagon Alley, entering the Leaky Cauldron at 8:45PM, fashionably late.
Albus Dumbledore looked up after checking his watch for the umpteenth time. He sipped his now cold tea and wondered if he would be better off ordering brandy or firewhiskey.
Just then, Sybil Trelawney arrived. It was quite a dramatic entrance that hurt his eyes. But of course, she didn't know that.
What Sybil did know is that she caught everyone's attention. Her obliviousness was helped by the fact that tonight she did not wear glasses.
Unfortunately, this meant that she tripped into everything before arriving at the table Albus had ordered near the fireplace.
"Albus!" she called as she approached.
Standing up, setting his tea cup carefully back on the table, Albus smiled the best fake smile he could muster. "Sybil. A pleasure."
Albus was the true gentleman: he pulled out her chair for her and ordered drinks promptly.
They talked for a few minutes, and then Albus kindly ordered dinner.
The roar of the pub meant they had to talk loudly to hear each other, but it concealed Sybil's stomach, which was growling ferociously. She hadn't had a good meal for a few days, due to her expenditures, (namely, her dating clothes recently purchased.) But, she was now very much up to tucking in to a nice meal.
Albus was the perfect image of what a gentleman should be. He didn't comment at her huge appetite, nor did her say anything about her alcohol. If Sybil didn't know any better, she would have accused Albus of drinking before she arrived. Of course, that was preposterous. Albus Dumbledore was NEVER drunk. Wasn't he?
Sybil would never know. Her logic had up and left the table hours ago.
She only knew that Albus was the best friend in the world for two reasons. One, he listened to all her woes and problems sympathetically. And, best of all, he kept her glass full.
What better symptoms for love could there be?
Sybil completely forgot she had offered to do readings for Albus. Under the influence of alcohol, she was laughing along to Merlin knows what, singing whatever song she felt like, and, at some points, she referenced Divination with a smirk, then shook her head in disgust.
Albus, for as much as she could tell, was completely inebriated.
Ironically, Sybil had drunk much more than Albus, so she was not the best judge. But she would never admit to herself that she had lost control. She'd only say that Albus had given her something a little bit too strong. Or, that Albus had coaxed her into drinking.
She didn't even remember that she had leaned in over the table and kissed Albus. Although, she had only kissed his cheek because he had turned his head. She thought he had thought she was trying to speak, so he turned his ear to hear her. But in reality, Albus had turned his head, not wanting to kiss her, but not wanting to mortify her, either.
A tricky business, but it clearly worked.
Sybil Trelawney prided herself on having kissed Albus Dumbledore. Imagine that!
She, great-great-granddaughter of Cassandra, kissing Albus Dumbledore! Ooh, if only they could see her now! They wouldn't be laughing now, would they? If only Minerva had seen!
Sybil sighed. Well, it didn't seem like she'd be getting anywhere tonight.
"Sho, Albush, do ya shinks I hash a shanse at gettin' zhe gob?" she drunkenly asked, slur clear. (She had a very slithery voice, consonants becoming wispy and "S"-like. She drawled her vowels, holding them for longer than normal.
"I am sorry, Sybil. I have no position to offer you now. I hope you enjoyed dinner," Albus replied. His voice was clear to her ears. He sounded completely free from the influence of alcohol.
Not suspecting anything, Sybil patted his arm congenially.
"S'all's right, friend," she yawned. "Here, give me your palm."
Roughly, Sybil took Albus's hand in her own.
After examining his right hand for five minutes, and then, briefly, his left hand, Sybil withdrew a card deck from an inside pocket.
"Here. Take thish. S'not jinxed. I promish. T'will sherve you well, I hopesh. I thinks sho. Used ta be me great-great-gram's deck. Not much fer ma. Not doin' fer me, t'either. T'ain't no hopesh shore ya can."
Sybil became incoherent, even to herself.
Before she passed out, she handed the tarot card deck to Albus.
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Sybil Trelawney woke up on the morning of 2 September 1970 around 7:30AM. She was pleasantly rested and could not at first remember the night before. It seemed to be a hazy dream.
But as she concentrated, she recalled bits and pieces of her wondrously fantastical date.
And then, quite slowly, a small smile spread across her face.
Yes, it would be a night to remember for a very long time.