Dia sat quietly at the kitchen table, heart pounding as she worked to reign in the hot flush that had swept through her body following her tired apprentice's surprising entrance. By the gods, that witch…
Moreover, Hermione hadn't seemed to realize the nature of yet another revealing swimsuit - this one black with an artful wrap that revealed an ample amount of tanned chest and back. Smoothing her immaculate hair, Dia briefly considered how the woman's complete obliviousness had made her all the more enticing...
... before swiftly quashing the thought.
Sighing, she rose and glided over to the refrigerator feeling her tired muscles protest the early hour. Guiltily, Dia knew that her apprentices' half-asleep greeting was a clear indication that the witch was running on close to empty. The last two days had been challenging for the both of them, but Dia knew that the coming weeks would only increase the pressure. She would have to keep a close eye on her charge.
Dia swiftly doled out a portion of yogurt and fruit for herself before returning to the table with a sigh, making a mental note to use up all the vegetables that seemed to have appeared overnight.
Returning to her correspondence, she tried to focus on a formal document from the Mediterranean trade commission, but quickly set it aside upon spying a letter with a familiar scrawl. Opening it with a smile, she read quickly.
Aunt,
To be honest, I thought my sister was bluffing when she first proposed to invite you and your new apprentice over for dinner this weekend, but Yiayia has assured me that your uncharacteristic overture is sincere… I must say, I've been caught by surprise, but naturally would love to make the acquaintance of such a promising new student. (So long as she hasn't bewitched you entirely, eh? The children have yet to see you unhinged!)
All joking aside, dear aunt, Melina and I would be happy to invite you both… perhaps Sunday?
Either lunch or dinner would be agreeable for us… and to be honest, we'd appreciate a reprieve from the children. I do warn you that Ioannis will attempt to monopolize your time. He's been badgering us for a month attempting to convince us that apprenticing beneath you should take precedence over preparations for school. We haven't seen much of Kyveli over the summer, though the Elves indicate she's working her way up to something good. Perhaps you can extract it from her before something else explodes in the attic.
We look forward to your response and in the meantime I'll prepare the track. I assume you'll want a bit of spectacle?
All my love, dearest Dia. We've missed your presence.
Your favorite nephew,
Konstantinos
Dia quickly summoned Hermes as she penned a reply, assuring her nephew that the coming Sunday would serve just fine and that he could expect the both of them for lunch. She left it implied that Hermione's instruction would begin that same afternoon, along with a subtle indication that she preferred the sessions to remain both private and discreet.
Rolling the parchment and tucking the letter into Hermes' carrier, Dia gave the beautiful black owl a few of blueberries and thorough feather stroking before sending him on his way.
As soon as the owl had carefully exited the window flap, she sat back and took another sip of coffee while trying to ignore the tremulous bundle of nerves that had anchored itself to the pit of her stomach.
She'd woken early this morning with a rush of anticipation and been unable fall back asleep. A short flow of yoga had helped in stemming the tide of anxiety that grated upon her composure, but as the morning continued to unfold, Dia found herself increasingly agitated and unable to concentrate.
Her mind alternated in floating back and forth between events that had occurred twenty years ago and the events of the past several days. Dark thoughts emerged as did a number of grave questions. Nothing will answer itself this morning, Diamantina, she thought with deep sigh. Though perhaps you will receive the information you need this afternoon…
Abruptly banishing her barely-touched breakfast and the neat piles of letters, Dia stood and quickly made a choice. She wrote a short note to Hermione explaining her absence and left it on the table before turning on a heel and returning to her chambers with purpose.
It had been far too long since she had meditated in earnest.
Filius' head ached as the din in the Assembly Hall grew less and less civil. A glance to his right saw his colleague's thoughts hidden behind an impenetrable mask as Minerva watched the unfolding debate with rigid attentiveness. From the tightness in her lips he surmised that she was both incredibly angry and perhaps a bit apprehensive. It is her Society after all...
A loud crash echoed through the ovular hall as two large brass gongs on the Assembly Floor were rung by four attachés in gold robes. A few moment later, the voices began to subside and the noise level trickled back down to a few disgruntled mumbles.
"Order! Order! That is enough!"
Supreme Mugwump, Babajide Akingbade possessed a loud, clear voice, but even with a Sonorous, he had been unable to quell the tide of angry debates. Thus far the convocation had unfolded without requiring much discussion, but as they drew towards the end of the first session, a debate had broken out regarding the ICW's request to convene a Quorum of the Transfiguration Society.
To Filius' dismay (and likely Minerva's), the ISOS violations had predictably incited a wave of panic across the Assembly, particularly after preliminary reports divulged very little surrounding the attacks themselves. The ICW was working in conjunction with affected countries to carry out five separate investigations, but beyond that, there was little for the General Assembly to do but wait for the formal reports, lift the general Wizarding populace to a Yellow Alert, and see to the budget regarding relief measures.
However, as soon as the dangling carrot of the Quorum had been presented, several had jumped at the opportunity for added information and Filius had been incensed by the large number of delegates demanding that the event be held publicly within the General Assembly.
The implications were astounding and far-reaching, not to mention idiotic in his opinion. To out the highest members of an entire discipline? It was close to sacrilege.
Holding back a sigh, Filius struggled not to shift in annoyance as yet another violet robed figure stood to have their say.
"The Assembly recognizes Madam Nyzette Castledine of the United States," Akingbade sat smoothly as across the Hall, a tall dark-skinned woman rose, already shaking her head as she looked across the grand space in disdain.
Filius sat forward slightly at recognizing the witch, eager to hear the opinion of their international colleague, the Headmistress of Ilvermorny.
"Honored members of the General Assembly, I beseech you - please, do not engage in these foolish notions of self-serving acquiescence. At the risk of sounding quaint, I believe we should all consider the saying, 'better safe than sorry'. Recent Dark events amongst our brethren in Europe should only serve to remind us all that inaction is the first step on the path toward destruction."
Madam Castledine turned to ensure her message carried across the chambers, her clear voice issuing challenge as she continued.
"I remind you that you seek to threaten the lives of some of the highest Masters in the discipline of Transfiguration simply because it will assuage our immediate concerns. You forget that the majority of these people are scholars and researchers who do not necessarily have equal capabilities in the realm of dueling and defense. I find it a deplorable notion that our governing body seeks to throw these reputable people under the broom for the sake of expediency and selfish information-gathering."
Madam Castledine sat in a flourish of violet as Filius nodded in approval. He heard a number of other people call out in agreement. Minerva sat stoically, typically appearing unmoved one way or another.
A moment later, a stout wizard with a flyaway patch of blond hair stood, flourishing a hand lightly as Akingbade made the introduction.
"The Assembly recognizes Monsieur Pridbjørn Bang of Denmark."
Filius attempted not to react when the high nasally voice assaulted his ears.
"I am astounded that certain members of the Assembly continue to jump toward such exaggerated and fantastical declamations of assault and world disorder. Have we not concluded from reports that there has been little to tie the ISOS violations together beyond rough estimates of time and unfinished assessments? Will we continue to engage in this charade of… supposed mass hysteria? This is a waste of our time and resources." The pompous man slammed a fist onto his desk.
"Demand the Quorum convene for the sake of transparency and it shall reveal without a trace of doubt that these are separate events that are undeserving of our energy and resources. It is the most expedient and most prudent option under the circumstances. I will hear no more blasphemy concerning apocalyptic predictions that have no basis in fact!"
Filius shook his head and sniffed even as a number of angry voices rose to agree with the Danish wizards' remarks, surprised a moment later when Minerva shifted and rose swiftly before the other wizard even finished sitting.
"The Assembly recognizes Madam Minerva McGonagall of Great Britain." Akingbade peered at his colleague over gold spectacles even as she returned the gaze coolly through hers. Unlike the previous two speakers, Filius watched with narrowed eyes as Minerva glanced around the chambers and waited for the Hall to acknowledge her presence before speaking.
"I agree with Monsieur Bang in his assessment that our efforts to discern the nature of the ISOS violations remain incomplete. As such, it is difficult to make a prudent threat assessment where none can currently exist," she nodded politely to the Danish wizard who acknowledged her with a stiff nod of his head.
She continued in a softer voice, "However, it disturbs me greatly at how quickly the Assembly wishes to disregard centuries of trust regarding the intensely intimate and private nature of the Mastery Societies. I make no secret that it is my Society we hold in question at the moment, however…" Minerva gazed across the Hall coldly as her eyes met several eyes of the dissenting party.
"I should ask that you consider the safety and privacy of those who have devoted their lives toward the furtherment of Magic. The very Acropolis in which we now sit is a testament to my discipline along with several others, as is Aetherion… as is Atlantis itself!"
Minerva paused and lifted her chin as a number of people shifted uncomfortably.
"Consider how quickly we seek to abandon our allegiance to the Societies that continue to promote peace and security amongst our World. For it is all the Societies we currently threaten with public exposure and I know, as I'm sure many of you would agree, that they will stand united against the Assembly should we allow one to fall," her voice grew dangerously quiet.
A moment later Minerva glanced down at her ledger and removed her spectacles, speaking quickly and with the easy authority of one who was familiar with making decisions.
"As such, I recommend that the Quorum remain a closed-Society event barring the presence of the Council of Security and Defense, as there is a reason we have elected those who are capable and qualified of assessing the magnitude of any threat. The Assembly shall defer to the report made by the Security Council and we may reconvene and reassess the global situation following their complete investigation."
Minerva finished and sat smoothly, earning a subtle nod from Madam Castledine and a smattering of applause from across the hall. Filius smirked inwardly as Monsieur Bang huffed and muttered to a witch from Switzerland.
"I move to call!" A voice rang out from the back.
"Seconded!" Another voice rang out quickly before the motion could be stopped. A wave of protest arose in the Hall and Akingbade gestured toward his attachés who rang the gongs again, bringing another flash of pain to Filius' temples with the sharp sound.
Finally, he thought, quickly sending Minerva a small nod of acknowledgment. She inclined her head tiredly in reply and for a brief moment, Filius' thoughts sparked with concern. His friend looked too tired.
A moment later however, Minerva's focus snapped to the far right to the thin wizard who had made the call.
"Then we shall call a vote. What is the motion?" Akingbade peered over his gold-rimmed glasses at the bald man from Turkmenistan.
"I move to support Madam McGonagall's recommendation. The Transfiguration Quorum shall be convened at the behest of the General Assembly, open to members of the official Society and the twelve representatives of the Confederation's Council of Security and Defense." The wizard bowed respectfully before sitting, even as a number of grumbles passed through the open chambers.
Akingbade glanced at the Assembly Clerk who nodded her confirmation.
"Very well, it is so moved. Please attend to your desks. The majority vote will speak for the Assembly. You have two minutes."
A white sphere bearing his name appeared on the desk before him even as a number of privacy spells sprang into place around him. Filius quickly tapped the small sphere with his wand, changing it to gold before banishing it away.
Abruptly the privacy spells fell away around him and Filius looked to the front of the Hall where the votes began trickling in. The Supreme Mugwump sat inside a floating circular enclave along with a number of clerks, attachés, translators, and security wizards in gold robes. Behind them on either side lay the Voice of the Assembly - two swirling arrangements of iridescent glass that lined the back wall, trapping the votes and allowing them to trickle down into two modern-looking hourglasses that tallied the responses.
The gold spheres signifying "Aye" trickled down the shining loops, slides, swirls, and levers on the right side, while on the left, a number of silver spheres did the same, signifying "Nay."
Filius watched in anticipation as the spheres continued to trickle in, still too even to tell whether or not the Assembly was in agreement.
He hazarded a glance at Minerva saw that she had already completed her vote and was busy writing in her ledger, intently focused on her task and completely ignoring the process unfolding at the front of the room. The side conversations began growing again as more votes were cast and Filius' eyes flicked up to the floating tempus above the Mugwump's seat that was counting down the seconds.
Minerva's option was a compromise, he knew, but anything was better than a mass revelation of a full Quorum and an entire society… even if there was an international threat on the horizon. Secrecy and oral tradition had preserved the Societies for centuries. Filius felt a swell of anger for the politicians and diplomats who failed to validate those facts as assets.
A soft chime echoed throughout the hall, effectively grinding his thoughts to a halt for the moment. To his right, Minerva continued writing diligently, unperturbed.
"Time. The vote is in," Akingbade's rich tones resounded as he turned to accept the official parchment from the Voice of the Assembly. The Hall grew quiet even as the wizard's Sonorous picked up the subtle flicks of the opening of the parchment containing the results.
"The Aye's have it," Akingbade said after a moment as a large cheer went up across the Hall. Filius sighed in relief.
"In a majority vote of 187 to 163, the motion to convene a Quorum of the Transfiguration Society at the behest of the Assembly, attended only by official Society members and the presence of the twelve members of the Confederation's Council for Security and Defense is passed."
"Such a narrow margin," Filius murmured as he looked out across the room with veiled dismay. Violet robes were shifting and twisting everywhere as the entire floor reacted to the news. A good number of faces were visibly upset and he even saw a few scathing looks shot in their general direction. He heard Minerva sigh softly.
"Indeed. We must not forget this moment," she replied gravely.
Minerva waited for Filius to step through the Trans-Apparative Gateway before declaring her own destination to the attendant. Perhaps she was being paranoid or foolish, but somehow this was a meeting that she wanted to remain private.
Her materials safely lodged in deep violet pockets, Minerva stepped through the Gateway and found herself standing along a shadowed path while a burst of white bougainvillea overflowed from an archway overhead.
Looking around carefully, Minerva decided against changing her official robes completely, instead transfiguring the horrid color to a deep forest green and a more palatable blend of silk. Another glance around told her that she was indeed alone and Minerva plucked a piece of parchment from her pocket, quickly reading and memorizing the address.
39 Via Lo Funno, Anacapri, Naples
A moment later, the weathered brick of the Sorrento alleyway disappeared, echoing lightly as she Disapparated to her actual destination.
A few minutes later, Minerva found herself walking through a quaint Italian village. The Isle of Capri had been an unusual choice in her opinion, but she found herself re-evaluating as the sunshine soaked through her robes and the beautiful scenery rested peacefully upon her eyes.
Despite the slight chill to the air, the island seemed to be in full blossom. Minerva relished in the varied textures of the coast below - the azure waves meeting the white shore, craggy rocks and scrubby olive trees and thin shadows of cypress. Scotland was quickly approaching winter and the brief reminder of spring felt like a balm to her weary heart.
Minerva had briefly been apprehensive when she soon realized that the location she had arrived to was clearly a Muggle town. However, despite what was beautiful weather in her opinion, the majority of locals appeared to be holed up inside. She passed by an older couple wrapped in scarves and cloaks and they had simply smiled at her before hurrying into a small restaurant with haste.
As soon as she had arrived, another glance at the parchment had revealed a second address and Minerva had immediately set off, at once feeling refreshed... and a bit apprehensive.
She slowed down as she reached what appeared to be a dead end before noticing an elegant black wrought iron gate half hidden behind a wall of overflowing grapevines to her right. The small entrance had faded gold lettering, but Minerva managed to identify it with the address she needed.
17 Via Soraveta
Pressing the gate open tentatively, Minerva walked down a narrow alleyway that was pleasantly sheltered by an archway of flowering vines she didn't recognize. The narrow cobblestones gave way before her and she experienced a moment of confusion later as she appeared to be approaching a Muggle house. Where are you leading me, little pony?
Before she could knock, the door swung open and a small Italian man wearing a white apron opened his arms wide in welcome, apparently delighted by her arrival.
"Benvenuta, Minerva! Benvenuta!" He laughed wholeheartedly at seeing her surprised expression, quickly ushering her inside with, "Entra, entra! Non abbiate paura! La tua amica - lei ti aspetta!"
"Grazie, Signore…" she managed, before quickly apologizing for her broken Italian. Briefly her mind worked to recall the language that she had used to manage with decent fluency. This is unexpected to say the least...
"Non c'è problema, Signora! Io sono Giannino. Seguimi, per favore!"
The man called Giannino led her through a lovely house that appeared to offer extra seating in a few rooms, similar to a restaurant. That made her feel slightly more reassured that she wasn't completely being led astray, and a moment later Minerva emerged to a wide open terrace that looked down toward the coastline below.
As she turned to thank the man, Minerva froze as her attention fell on the person sitting at a table off to the right.
Her breath caught and she felt hear heartbeat pounding in her ears...
The petite figure in ivory robes rose and offered a brilliant smile, the sun filtering through the pergola from above, dappling dark curls in a soft glow. Giannino disappeared quickly and Minerva barely glanced at the man's departure, eyes still drinking in the lovely vision before her.
A moment later, the witch extended a delicate hand and Minerva grasped it assuredly, slowly pulling them together even as her eyes continued to devour the woman's lithe figure, her long neck and porcelain features... and finally the light seafoam eyes that smiled up into hers before they embraced in earnest.
Unexpectedly, the familiar action opened an old ache in her chest and Minerva pressed a light kiss against the perfect curls.
"Diamantina Kallas, it has been far too long," she whispered softly.
A/N:
It's been awhile since I've spoken Italian, but I'll check these later.
Benvenuta - welcome
Entra - Come in
Non abbiate paura - Don't be afraid
La tua amica, lei ti aspetta - Your friend, she is waiting for you.
Non c'è problema, Signora - Not a problem, ma'am
Io sono Giannino - I'm Giannino
Seguimi - Follow me