|
Post by blossom on Sept 25, 2008 12:20:25 GMT -5
Teddy grinned at Sydelle's wide-eyed awe, but didn't reply as he was now eating chops with almost indecent enthusiasm. Rafael snorted in amusement, then sobered when Sydelle's eyes turned on him and he realised it was his turn to explain.
"My family were in the Great War too. Only they fought for the Dark Lord. Dad's in Azkaban still, for life. Azkaban's the wizard prison," he added by way of explanation for Sydelle. Glancing over his shoulder at his brothers again, he said, "All my family were in Slytherin. My brothers ... well, it was expected that I would be ..."
"Evil, like the rest of your family," the older girl next to Sydelle muttered darkly.
"What was that?" Teddy spoke up, an edge to his voice, while Rafael flushed again.
"The Levys are all evil," the girl repeated, more loudly. A few other Gryffindors sat around paused in their conversations and turned to watch. "Everyone knows that - they're blood purists and dark arts fanatics. Zephyr and Samael abuse their prefect privledges to bully the younger students and muggle-borns."
"And the Head of Slytherin won't bother to check them, because that's just the Slytherin way," another girl added spitefully.
"Yeah? Well Rafael's not in Slytherin, is he?" Teddy pointed out.
"So?" said the first girl, "The Sorting Hat's been wrong before."
"It's not!" Rafael protested, "I'm nothing like my brothers!"
|
|
|
Post by twilightblade on Sept 25, 2008 19:25:33 GMT -5
Deylani couldn't wait anymore. "You sound more like Slytherins than he does, for certain. After all, aren't those of Gryffindor supposed to be good friends, brave, and honorable?"
She set down her fork to focus more directly on the girl. "I suppose you and your family have perfect pasts? It doesn't matter where you were born, it matters what you do with your life!"
|
|
|
Post by jessimyre on Sept 26, 2008 0:26:51 GMT -5
"Rafael's not evil." Sydelle added, and then she turned her back on the older girl who snorted in disgust.
"Anyway, I think..." she stopped mid sentance. Teddy's hair had changed colour, and was now a shocking magenta with purple tips. It made him look like a junior rock star. She gawked at him in amazement.
Teddy winked at Rafael and an expression of concentration appeared across his face for an instant and then before Sydelle could wonder at it, suddenly Teddy was gone and a miniature Hagrid sat beside her.
A few giggles and whistles were heard as other Gryffindors realised what was happening. Teddy concentrated again, and his Hagrid appearance vanished to be replaced by Sydelle's identical twin.
"Oh wow!" Sydelle breathed for the third time in ten minutes.
|
|
|
Post by blossom on Sept 26, 2008 8:07:21 GMT -5
"Thanks guys," Rafael murmured, overwhelmed by his new friends' support.
He laughed along with Sydelle and the other Gryffindors at Teddy's antics, grinning when Teddy winked at him. Metamorphagi were rare even in the wizarding world, and even those students who knew what Teddy was had, for the most part, never seen one. The rest of the Gryffindors, particularly the muggle borns, stared at Teddy in wide-eyed wonder.
"How ... how is doing that?" one of the first years, a girl with curly red hair, asked.
Rafael couldn't answer for laughing as Teddy became McGonagall and gave the third year that had given Rafael a hard time a piercing stare.
"He's a metamorphagus," said a voice behind them. Rafael turned to see the round-faced Professor Longbottom, looking torn between disapproval and amusement.
Teddy grinned sheepishly and returned to his regular, purple-haired appearance.
"Teddy, if you want to impress your school-mates, please don't do it by impersonating the teachers," Professor Longbottom continued, "And especially not the headmistress."
|
|
|
Post by jessimyre on Sept 27, 2008 19:20:44 GMT -5
"Yes, sir." Teddy agreed, a twinkle in his eye.
Before long the feast was over and the students were dismissed to their beds. The first years were asked to follow their prefects up to the dorms. They climbed endless staircases, some of which moved when one was half-way up them. There was a vanishing step in one, suits of armour that waved cheerily as they passed and most suprisingly to Sydelle, the portraits were alive! Many greeted them cheerily, the animals simply ignored them and several of the young ladies curtsied politely.
By the time they reached yet another long corridor Sydelle was exhausted. They came to a portrait of a fat lady who smiled warmly at them all and asked; "Password?"
"Godric." the prefect answered clearly. The fat lady smiled again and the portrait swung open revealing a hole in the wall and beyond that a warmly lit room. The students all scrambled through into the most comfortable and homely room imaginable. The Common Room had several desks with comfy looking chairs. Squashy armchairs, almost threadbare with age were grouped around a fireplace which was lit, throwing dancing shadows on the walls.
Several portraits of Gryffindor students past called greetings from the walls and here and there little dens, nooks and crannies of the room plus bookshelves, cupboards and a funny little potted plant in the corner made the place look simply delightful.
"Boys, upstairs on the left, girls on the right." the Prefect called to them. "You will find your names on your dorm door, this will be your dorm for the entire duration of your schooling at Hogwarts. Now good night everyone, I will expect lights out at 9 and I don't want to hear a word from any of you after that." the Prefect finished and then turned and headed upstairs to his own room.
Sydelle glanced at her wrist-watch. It was 8 now, so an hour before they had to sleep. She was tired though, and dying to see how her room would look if this Common Room was so cozy.
The students dispersed, Teddy nodded to the girls, "See you in the morning." he said as they boys turned toward the stairs.
"Come on." Sydelle said to Deylani and headed up after the other girls. The flight of stairs wound upwards in a spiral. On the first landing, were five doors. It seemed these were the third-year students. She kept climbing up, higher and higher. Eventually they realised that the first years were going to be at the very top of the tower this year and Sydelle was pleased, dying for it to be light so she could see the view from the windows.
"Here." she said, pointing to where her name and Deylani's were listed on a door with two others. She pushed open the door to reveal a small but cozy room with four large four-poster beds, trunks at the foot of each and crimson curtains pulled across large windows.
|
|
|
Post by blossom on Sept 29, 2008 11:23:06 GMT -5
Rafael was ready to collapse on top of his bed by the time he and the other first year boys had treked all the way to the top of the spiral staircase that led off to the boys' dormitories. He and Teddy were sharing a room with two other boys; one, Sean, a muggle born like Sydelle, had never heard of Rafael's family and was eager to make friends with the others. Their fourth roommate, Leon, was from a wizarding family. Initially he gave Rafael a very cold reception, but was soon influenced by the famous Teddy Lupin and found he shared a lot in common with the Levy boy.
The dorm itself was a reasonably sized, round room, with four large four-poster beds and two massive wardrobes. The boys' trunks had already been brought up and were sat the foot of each bed, uniforms, complete with ties in Gryffindor red-and-gold, were laid out on each.
Tired after the long day's travel and full stomachs making their eyelids droop, the four boys didn't talk for long. Rafael was soon tucked up in bed, curtains drawn. He had thought he would be too excited or nervous to sleep during his first night at Hogwarts, but as soon as his head hit the pillow Rafael drifted off into a deep, dreamless slumber.
|
|
|
Post by twilightblade on Oct 14, 2008 15:07:35 GMT -5
Deylani had stared with the others when Teddy Lupin had begun changing to distract them from a potential fight. She was glad Sydelle had spoken up, though...she'd let her temper get away from her again. Things settled down further when Professor Longbottom came over, and by the time they were all done eating, Deylani was ready to drop from weariness.
She followed along with the others as they navigated halls, stairways that moved, armor that seemed alive, pictures that waved at them...and...she closed it away from her mind as it threatened to overwhelm her fragile mask of calm. This was everything she had hoped and more, and if she let go of her indifference, she would be crying... Not tonight.
Deylani slipped through into the Gryffindor common room after the others, registering a sense of comfort and welcome, but focused instead on the subtle design in the carpet at her feet. She was so tired. She barely listened to the prefect's words, but when Sydelle said "Come on.", Deylani followed her up and up a flight of stairs that only ended near the top of the tower, and peered throught the door that Sydelle opened.
She first noticed the crimson drapes at the windows, then the trunks at the foot of each bed. She could see a fold of her duffel poking out of one trunk and thought it would be safe to assume that the bed above it was hers. "This is very comfortable," she remarked, "but I do wonder who our roommates are..." She twisted to smile at Sydelle. "I'm glad you're in here with me."
|
|
|
Post by jessimyre on Oct 15, 2008 1:27:36 GMT -5
"Yeah, I'm glad you're here too." Sydelle grinned back, and hopped onto her bed. It was a nice firm mattress, just as she liked it with a collection of large downy pillows and the bed had already been turned down. She wondered briefly who the staff were that had prepared all this for them. As she gazed around, the door opened again and two more girls peered around the door.
One of them flashed a smile as she came in, the other smiled briefly also. Both girls quickly found their own trunks and so established who's beds belonged to whom and began rummaging in their trunks for their pyjamas.
"Hey, Im Sydelle and this is Deylani." Sydelle said cheerily as she hopped off her bed again.
"Ingrid Weasley." said the red-haired girl with a grin, pausing to shake hands with them both.
"Zephyr Noble." The small mousey girl with big brown eyes peering out from behind her glasses.
Very little more was said as the girls got ready for bed, each tired out from a long day. Before long they had all settled for the night.
"How do we turn the lanterns off?" Sydelle asked from her bed, staring hard at hers, trying to find a switch or knob to turn the brightly burning wick down.
"Like this!" Ingrid clapped her hands twice and darkness fell.
"Cool." Sydelle answered. She clapped her hands twice and the lanterns came back on again. Ingrid promptly put them out. Sydelle lit them once more and Ingrid clapped them out again almost immediately, giggling.
She couldn't help it, with a grin Sydelle clapped the lanterns on again for the third time.
|
|
|
Post by blossom on Oct 15, 2008 8:40:21 GMT -5
Rafael was up when the morning dawned, Teddy with him (with lime green hair this morning), both well rested from the night's sleep and eager to start their first day at Hogwarts. They speculated cheerfully on what subjects they might have first, and what they thought the teachers would be like - either from appearance or reputation. Teddy knew more about them, having listened to Professor Longbottom gossip with his godfather, though Rafael had heard bits and pieces from his brother.
Their chatter didn't wake either Sean or Leon, so it was without their roommates that the two boys descended to the common room, making last adjustments to their ties and shrugging their full bags into more comfortable positions on their shoulders.
The common room was mostly empty, the Gryffindors that were up having already gone down to breakfast. The paintings greeted Rafael and Teddy politely as they made their own way down to the Great Hall from Gryffindor Tower - though even some of them displayed the prejudices against the Levy family, as did one or two of the ghosts they passed on the staircases.
"Why, Master Lupin," cried Nearly-Headless Nick after Teddy almost walked straight through, "why on earth are you walking with a child of the Levy family!?"
"Because he's my friend," Teddy replied in a thoroughly insolent tone, sticking his tongue out. Nick made as if to cuff him, but Teddy dodged the ghost's hand and grabbed Rafael's wrist, dragging him into the Great Hall where they collapsed at the Gryffindor Table, shaking with laughter.
"Did you ... did you see ... his face?" Teddy gasped when he could, and Rafael only nodded in reply.
Both boys were still snickering when Professor Longbottom's shadow fell over them. "Should have I told you not to tease the ghosts yesterday as well?" he asked wryly, shuffling a sheaf of parchment he held.
"Sorry Ne - er, Professor Longbottom," Teddy grinned.
The professor only shook his head as he gave two sheets to the boys. "Timetables."
Rafael and Teddy were instantly absorbed.
"Defence against the Dark Arts, first," Teddy read, "Brilliant!"
"Then Transfiguration," Rafael added, "and double Herbology and Flying this afternoon!"
|
|
|
Post by jessimyre on Oct 15, 2008 17:25:44 GMT -5
Sydelle woke up quite early and was absolutely delighted that dawn had come. She scrambled out of bed and dashed to the window to see the view. As suspected, it was breathtaking. The Gryffindor tower was very high up and the views over the lake and surrounding mountain countryside were breathtaking. A eagle wheeled on a thermal above the glittering expanse of water and ripples suggested the giant squid was close to the surface enjoying the warmth.
Zephyr, Deylani and Ingrid were all awake, and chattering excitedly the girls got dressed and packed their school bags ready for the day. They descended the stairs quickly, calling thanks to the paintings for offering directions on the quickest way to the tower - nobody wanted to be late.
As they came into the entrance hall, Professor Mcgonagall called to Ingrid, a stern look on her face.
"Miss Weasley, a moment if you please." she said, indicating a side door that seemed to lead to a smaller room.
"You guys go," Ingrid told the others, "I won't be long."
"I'll stay with you." Zephyr said quietly and the four girls parted ways, Sydelle shooting curious looks at the Headmistress. Surely Ingrid wasn't in trouble already?
"Look," she said once they entered the Great Hall, "There's Teddy and Rafael." and she made her way over to the boys, threading her way between the nearer House tables to reach them. As they approached, Professor Longbottom handed them both class timetables with a smile.
|
|
|
Post by twilightblade on Oct 21, 2008 10:48:22 GMT -5
Deylani hoped her first day would go well. Everything was just moving so fast. She'd woken up a little earlier than usual; perhaps it was excitement, maybe a bit was nervousness, but either way she was wide awake and ready to go when Sydelle was. She'd taken a quick glance out the window before following Sydelle down the stairs to the common room, a little behind the other three girls, and had mused silently on the beautiful countryside she'd seen until she was broken out of her thoughts by Professor McGonagall's call to Ingrid Weasley.
"Look," Sydelle said once they entered the Great Hall, "There's Teddy and Rafael."
Deylani smiled and nodded to them as she followed Sydelle through the tables to where the boys were seated, taking her class schedule from Professor Longbottom with a shy bob of her head.
"What do you all have for a first class?" she queried, unrolling her timetable. She took a quick peek at the listed classes, hoping that it would be something interesting.
|
|
|
Post by jessimyre on Oct 26, 2008 21:05:04 GMT -5
"I've got Defense Against the Dark Arts first." Sydelle answered. "I hope it isn't too hard, I don't know any magic, yet." she frowned worriedly. At that moment, Ingrid and Zephry appeared, Ingrid barely containing her giggles.
"Hey what's up? What did McGonagall want?" Sydelle asked as the girl approached. Ingrid took a seat and spoke up over the murmer of conversation throughout the hall.
"Well, apparently my cousin George heard that I was going to Hogwarts and was so thrilled he sent me a box of merchandise by Owl. Filch intercepted it and well, it was magically protected..." at this point the caretaker entered the Great Hall, his face a bright shade of green with purple spots and Ingrid dissolved into giggles, hands up to her face in a vain attempt to stifle them.
Once they'd subsided somewhat, Ingrid explained to Sydelle that she was the daughter of an accountant, a Weasly cousin that was a squib and that he had married a Muggle girl from the village. They didn't really speak to each other as they had so little in common and nobody realised that Ingrid had inherited magical abilities until her letter arrived back in July. So when her magical branch of the Weasley's found out, cousin George who owned both Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes stores decided to send her a gift - a box of merchandise from his store and unfortunately as the products were banned in Hogwarts, they hadn't quite made it to Ingrid that morning. Hence Filch's odd appearance.
"And so I have to write to George and remind him that his products are banned." she said.
At that moment, a whirring of wings announced the presence of hundreds of Owls, all of different hues and colours and breeds. They streamed in through an open window high in the Hall and Sydelle marvelled at the sight.
The Owls dispersed and flew to various people throughout the hall, some students had received post as well as the teachers. Some Owls only came in to visit their owners briefly before fluttering briefly back out to the Owlery.
|
|
|
Post by blossom on Oct 31, 2008 15:00:17 GMT -5
Rafael and Teddy laughed along with the girls at the explanation of Filch's rainbow appearance, which even without a reason was attracting points and sniggers from nearly everyone in the hall. When Sean and Leon appeared, panting for breath as though they had sprinted down the stairs, Teddy filled them in and they cracked up over their breakfasts of sausages, eggs and bacon.
The entrance of the owls proved more than a distractions. The array of colours and breeds was breathtaking even to those from wizarding families; many of the muggle born students were sat with their mouths open and eyes goggling.
Rafael caught sight of his family's black owl, Igor, and swallowed nervously. He was in no doubt that his older brothers would have written to his mother and she would be as little pleased as them about Rafael's placement in Gryffindor.
Igor swooped over to the Slytherin table first, dropping off The Daily Prophet for Gabriel and letters for the two eldest Levys. Samael fed the owl some of his breakfast, and then Igor glided over to Rafael. The youngest Levy would have sworn the owl gave the table a contemptuous glance, but deigned to give Rafael himself an affectionate nip before sticking out his leg.
When Rafael saw what was attached his stomach seemed to sink to his feet.
"Oh, no," he murmured.
"What is it?" Teddy asked, following Rafael's gaze. He grimaced and clapped his friend on the shoulder. "Rough luck, mate. You'd better get it over with though."
"I ignored one once," Leon added, "It wasn't pretty."
Igor shook his leg impatiently, and it was with extreme reluctance that Rafael reached out and untied the bright red envelope addressed to him.
"What's wrong? Is it something bad?" Sean asked curiously, confused by the reactions to what appeared to him a simple letter.
"It's a Howler," Teddy explained, as Rafael turned the envelope over in his hands. " It's, well ... you'll hear. Rafael, just open it. We're all here for you."
The envelope was beginning to smoke at the corners. Rafael swallowed, and ripped it open. Immediately his mother's voice, magically magnified and utterly furious, filled the Great Hall.
RAFAEL LEVY! You utter fool! How COULD you get Sorted into Gryffindor!? I tell you it's a good thing your father isn't around to find out about this!! I am the laughing stock of our friends! I hope you're satisfied! I always knew you were a useless idiot but this - this is completely disgraceful!
Conversations died as heads turned their way, and Rafael sunk further and further into his seat, scarlet with embarrassment, as the Howler continued.
As far as I'm concerned you are no longer a part of this family! Don't you DARE ever show your face at this house again! I've told your brothers they aren't to speak to you, so try and show at least a little respect by not dragging them down with you. You will never be forgiven for this Rafael!
Finished, the Howler abruptly burst into flames. The silence in the Hall was profound after the screaming. All that could be see of Rafael above the table was his forehead, which was by now almost as red as the Howler had been.
Teddy glanced at the others over the table, his expression troubled. Maybe it hadn't been best to open the Howler and get it over with after all.
|
|
|
Post by jessimyre on Nov 2, 2008 0:06:57 GMT -5
Sydelle was completely horrified for Rafael. She was shocked, at first - as was most of the school but quickly her pity for her new friend overrode this. She stood up, feeling very self conscious.
"Well?" she challenged the entire hall shrilly, "Stop staring! It isn't his fault!" she snapped, her embarrasment making her cross. Face burning she sat down again and turned to Rafael, eyes glued to his so she didn't have to look at anyone else.
"Don't worry, it'll be OK." she told him, wondering how it could be but determined to stick by her friend. "We'll find a way."
|
|
|
Post by twilightblade on Nov 4, 2008 19:43:01 GMT -5
Deylani hadn't had any idea what was going on, but she did get the idea that it was something Rafael dreaded. On the other hand, those in the know seemed to be urging him on...and then he opened the letter and her heart stopped for a minute.
For an instant, the voice screaming out of the letter was her own mother's voice, then the words penetrated and she stared in horror at the letter as it burst into flames. She was shaking again, as she had once before, but this time it was with anger.
"Sydelle's right. Don't worry about it Rafael," her voice broke into the stillness after Sydelle's challenge. "There are other places to make a home, and it isn't worth worrying about someone who can't see...can't see who you are." She stumbled over the last words, but got them out before her throat closed. She didn't want to cry in front of them, and she didn't want her own feelings to intrude when she knew what Rafael had to be going through. But it would be good if breakfast would be over...soon.
|
|
|
Post by jessimyre on Nov 4, 2008 22:04:08 GMT -5
Gradually the murmer of conversation began again, quietly at first and it wasn't hard to tell what most people were talking about. Sydelle noticed several of the Slytherins sneering or even giggling amongst themselves. Even one or two Gryffindors seemed to be not sure how to take the howler given Rafael's family reputation.
She saw Professor McGonagall emerging from the teacher's table and hoped she wasn't coming down to their table. Sydelle's appetite gone, she wondered what could possibly go wrong now. What a start to their first day!
"Mr Levy, would you please accompany me to my office? You too Ms Solei." Professor McGonagall's expression was softened. "Bring your things, you'll go straight to class afterwards, we won't be long."
Sydelle watched her two friends, knowing they would rather cut off their right arms than disobey the Heamistress.
"It'll be OK." she said in a small voice. Professor McGonagall looked over at the sound of her voice and nodded toward her. "Indeed it will." she answered.
As Deylani and Rafael followed the Headmistress out of the Great Hall, Teddy piped up.
"That is so wrong! I can't believe his mother could do that to him! I'm writing to Gran right away, Rafael can come and stay at my place over the holidays." he decided, his hair now a bright shock of red and orange to match the anger flashing in his eye. He immediately began searching his bag for a quill and parchment just as another Owl arrived in front of him, depositing a letter on his plate. Bacon grease began to seep into the envelope and Teddy dislodged it hurriedly.
"Its from Gran." he told Sydelle and then spoke directly to the Owl. "Here, Sian, hold on I've a letter for you to send back to Gran."
|
|
|
Post by blossom on Nov 5, 2008 9:30:38 GMT -5
Rafael's vision was obscured by tears as he followed McGonagall and Deylani out of the hall. He could hear students whispering as they passed, but it sounded like indistinct buzzing to him. His mother's screams kept echoing in his head ... I always knew you were a useless idiot ... you are no longer a part of this family ... you will never be forgiven for this ...
How could his mother have said those things? Rafael had always known he was a disappointment; not as tall or handsome or talented as his brothers, but he'd still thought his mother loved him. He never would have thought she could cut him off so cruelly. He felt like she had thrust a knife into his heart.
He glanced over at Deylani. She seemed almost as upset by the Howler as he was ... he wondered why. If it had reminded her of something. Maybe her family was more like his than he would have thought.
Catching her eye he smiled shakily though his tears. It was a strange feeling, but even admist his heartbreak over the Howler he felt uplifted that his friends had once again stood by him. He didn't know how he would begin to thank him.
Ahead of them, McGonagall suddenly stopped. Peering around her, Rafael saw a beautifully carved statues of a griffin sat in an alcove in the wall. It was so realistic; Rafael wouldn't have been surprised if it had suddenly flapped its wings and taken off.
"Sherbet Lemons," McGonagall said to the griffin. Rafael looked up at her and wondered if his headmistress was perhaps a little off.
But, to his surprise, the statue leapt to one side to reveal a rotating staircase that disappeared up into the alcove. McGongall looked down at the two first years.
"Come along, Mr Levy, Miss Solei."
She stepped onto the staircase. Rafael glanced at Deylani, then followed.
|
|
|
Post by jessimyre on Nov 5, 2008 21:40:10 GMT -5
Professor McGonagall was furious. It had been a long time since she had been so angry. She had been informed of Deylani's predicament but for Rafael's mother to treat him so poorly enraged her. She hid her anger behind the concern for her students. They were only 11 for Merlin's sake!
She led them into her office. The portraits of Heads past all stirred with interest and settled to watch the proceedings in respectful silence. The Professor sat behind her desk and asked the two students to also sit on the comfortable armchairs on the other side. She smiled wanly at the way both avoided her eyes. She could only begin to imagine what the poor children were going through.
"I would like to say," she began, "How sorry I am for the disgraceful behaviour from Mrs Levy this morning. I did hope that she had learned humility in her final year here at Hogwarts but it seems she has not."
"Now I will be visiting Mrs Levy shortly however, if she remains by her decision to cast her youngest son from her home, we will need to make alternative arrangements for you, at least for the summer holidays between your years here at Hogwarts." she spoke to Rafael kindly. She then turned to Deylani who was sitting in tight-lipped silence.
"Ms Solei I also know about your troubled home life. Under normal circumstances you would both become wards of the Ministry and be placed in Popinjay's Wizarding Orphanage in London until you both come of age. However I am sure, you would like to have a more home-like place to go so I would like to know, do either of you have a reletive whom would take custody of you?" she peered at both young students over her spectacles, waiting patiently for an answer.
Before either child could reply however, there was a flare in the fireplace and an older woman's head appeared in the fireplace.
"Good morning Minerva," the head greeted the Headmistress. Professor McGonagall was pleased to see her friend however she answered, "Good morning, Andromedea, please do excuse me, I am in the middle of something rather imporant." The head rotated to gaze warmly at the two children.
"I believe you are. Teddy just Owled me, luckily I am currently in Hogsmead and got my letter immediately. I believe one of his school mates needs a place to live?"
"That is correct." Professor McGonagall smiled, an inkling of where the question was leading.
"I would be happy to offer him a place in our home." Teddy's grandmother smiled, confirming Minerva's suspicions. "Lord knows Teddy could do with a lad of his own age around the place, and it does sometimes get lonely, just the two of us. I feel I can manage two boys as well as one." her kindly face crinkled with pleasure.
"Thank you, Andromedea. I will visit Mrs Levy at once to determin the extent of her dispicable behaviour toward Rafael however if she remains adamant, I will contact the Ministry and yourself to arrange matters." the Professor answered.
"Good," Andromedea nodded, "I will remain in Hogsmead until it is all sorted, Aberforth has a room for me I daresay. Good day, Minerva, good day children." she then vanished and the fire died down in the grate once more.
"Well, you certainly have good friends, Mr Levy." McGonagall answered.
"Now Ms Solei, did you have any relatives willing to take care of you? I am aware your school fees for the next seven years are paid, but we need somewhere for you at least each summer holidays."
|
|
|
Post by twilightblade on Nov 8, 2008 16:10:04 GMT -5
Deylani couldn't look at Rafael or the Headmistress, her face burning with embarrassment and a hint of anger. Why did everyone have to know she didn't have a home to go back to?! Even Rafael had a place he could go to, if that witch in the fire had her way. She shoved away her feelings, letting her cheeks cool before looking up, gaze direct and a little challenging.
"I don't have relatives, but I can take care of myself. I've done it for two years now."
She could sense Rafael just to the side, his face still pale and blotted with tears, and longed to be able to tell him it would be all right, but she knew it wouldn't be. Once your family didn't want you, it became vanishingly less likely anyone else would keep you. At least she, and probably Sydelle and Teddy, would stand by him. He had smiled shakily at her as they had left the hall earlier, so she knew he would find some way to cope. Better than she had, any route.
She studied the Headmistress' face, and decided to chance another sentence. "I might have relatives, but they live out-country."
|
|
|
Post by jessimyre on Nov 8, 2008 20:38:15 GMT -5
"That will not do, Ms Solei." Professor McGonagall said, a hint of steel in her voice. She gazed at the defiant girl, her sources had not told her that Deylani had already been homeless for two years, only that she had been evicted from her home when her Hogwarts letter had arrived. She pursed her lips momentarily.
"Living out of Britain would make it very difficult, nigh impossible to remain attending this school, where your fees are already paid." she began, "We will need to find you accomodation. You are under aged and by both wizarding and muggle law you cannot be without a guardian until you are seventeen. I will owl Popinjay's and make some enquiries, we may even find you a wizarding foster family."
She sighed as the school bell rang, clearly chiming through the castle.
"You may both go straight to class, now." she told them both. "I regret your start to the year has been so rocky. I will provide you both with a note to excuse you for being late." she quickly inked her quill and wrote a brief note to their first teacher.
"Trust in your friends, Deylani." she told her as she passed the note to her. She then nodded in dismissal and sat at her desk.
"Do not let me detain you further." she said with finality.
After the children had both left there was a discussion amongst the portraits.
"Mrmph! Disgraceful cheek! You should have given her detention at the very least, Professor!"
"That will do, Phineas." Professor McGonagal answered the portrait of the first Slytherin headmaster without looking round.
"I have a feeling that the young lady will have a home to go to sooner than she thinks." a gentle voice came from behind her. Professor McGonagall looked around, gazing up at the portrait of her predecessor and dearest friend.
"I hope so, Albus." she replied quietly. She stood up then and crossed to the fireplace. Taking a handful of floo powder she flung it into the fire and called out "Levy residence!" and the fire flared green and roared into life.
"I shan't be long." she told the portraits, and stepped through the flames.
|
|
|
Post by blossom on Nov 9, 2008 13:26:59 GMT -5
Rafael followed Deylani from McGonagall's office in silence, clutching the headmistress' note in his fist. He felt very lost and confused, a myraid of emotions all clamouring for attention; foremost was still despair and sorrow at his mother's disowning of him, though it was now tinged with anger and indigation. Despite that, however, he had felt the irrational urge to defend his mother to McGongall, though the headmistress' fierceness had discouraged him from doing so.
He also still felt an anomalous sense of happiness at having such loyal friends - he was absolutely dumbfounded that Teddy had writtent to his grandmother, and excitement was whispering quietly in his ear that he might finally get away from his abusive brothers. And then, finally, he was confused about and sympathetic with Deylani's plight.
Her tone in McGonagall's office had dared the headmistress to try and baby her, and Rafael sensed that the taller girl was embarrassed, angry and perhaps a little ashamed of her position. He didn't know how she'd come to be alone, but he felt he understood at least a little of what she was going through.
He also sensed that she didn't want everyone else to know though.
"Deylani?" He stopped for a moment, and waited until she turned back to look at him. "Thank you for standing by me today. I don't really know what that was about back there - and I'm not going to ask," he quickly added lest she should be defensive, "But, I understand if you don't want the others to know. I just - I'll keep my mouth shut. Promise."
|
|
|
Post by twilightblade on Nov 13, 2008 18:19:05 GMT -5
A foster family? A wizarding one? It ran through her mind over and over as she hid her frustration behind a polite mask of interest. She took the note McGonnagal offered and walked down the stairs beside Rafael, lost in that same thought. What could be worse, really? She was practically a muggle by most standards, and her father had always hinted that muggles weren't well received.
"Deylani?" Rafael's voice jolted her around to stare at him. "Thank you for standing by me today. I don't really know what that was about back there--and I'm not going to ask," he added quickly, "but I understand if you don't want the others to knwo. I just--I'll keep my mouth shut. Promise."
Deylani stared at him for a moment longer, feeling her anger flash across her face, struggling to process what he had just said. One part of her wanted to lash out, push him away, deny everything. But... She relaxed her tight shoulders, letting out a slow breath. "Ok. I...appreciate that." She tried to smile at him and didn't quite make it. "And...you're my friend." She decided it was true on the instant. "I don't leave friends."
She turned away quickly, hiding her confusion. "Let's see if we can find our class."
|
|
|
Post by jessimyre on Nov 13, 2008 23:58:14 GMT -5
By the time the first bell chimed, signalling the start of class, Teddy and Sydelle were already on their way to the classroom. The Gryffindor first year students were paired with the Hufflepuffs for Defense, and they all were eager to get started and learn some magic. They entered the classroom and both found a seat in the middle of the class. The other students were filing in quietly and soon all were sitting at their desks, waiting quietly as Professor Higgins, wearing blue robes today watched them settle.
"I hope Deylani and Rafael are alright." Sydelle murmered.
"Me too." Teddy replied.
|
|
|
Post by blossom on Nov 14, 2008 10:49:21 GMT -5
Rafael smiled tentatively at Deylani, wishing that there was something he could do or say to reassure her the way his friends had reassured him. But he understood that she was probably feeling lost, confused and hurt, and that she had to work throught it by herself. He settled on taking the few steps to stand next to her and say,
"I don't leave friends either."
There was a moment of silence and then the hall echoed with the chiming of the first bell. Rafael experienced a moment of panic surging over him - he had no idea where their first class was!
Hurriedly, he scrabbled around with his bag and pulled out the timetable Professor Longbottom had given him earlier. First was Defence Against the Dark Arts, with Professor O Higgins ... but there was nothing to say where the class was! Where did they go?
As Rafael stared at his timetable in mounting horror, he was distracted by the clanking of metal and the sound of someone panting for breath. Looking round, his eyes fell on the picture of a knight who was chasing after a very bored-looking dappled grey pony. The knight paused to wipe his forehead and caught sight of the two children.
"What ho!" he cried, "What's this then? Two young rapscallions not in class?"
"Er, we were with Professor McGonagall, sir ..." Rafael explained.
"Sir Cudogan, m'boy! Then you ought to be running along to class now, you know!"
Rafael flushed with embarrassment. "We, er, we don't know where our class is."
"Ah! A quest, is it?" Sir Cudogan's eyes gleamed with sudden excitement. "Where are you mean to be lad? Eh? Out with it!"
"P-Professor Higgin's class ... Defence Against the Dark Arts ..."
"A-ha! Follow me, young folk! Follow me! Sir Cudogan will save the day and take you to your class!"
Brandishing his sword Sir Cudogan set off, vanishing at the edge of his picture and reappearing in a frame further down the hall, still calling for them to follow him. Rafael glanced at Deylani, shrugged, and set off in pursuit.
|
|
|
Post by twilightblade on Nov 18, 2008 11:40:58 GMT -5
Rafael's footsteps moved up beside her, and she glanced at him enough to see him give her a smile. "I don't leave friends either," he said, then suddenly seemed struck by some thought and began to rummage frantically around in his bag. He pulled out his timetable and stared at it, an expression of mounting horror rising on his face.
Just as she was about to ask what was wrong, a portrait challenged them.
"What ho!" the knight cried, "What's this then? Two young rapscallions not in class?"
Deylani couldn't hide her shock as a portrait began to speak to them--even moving about!--although she figured she shouldn't be the least surprised; not after everything else she had seen.
"Er, we were with Professor McGonagall, sir ..." Rafael explained.
"Sir Cudogan, m'boy! Then you ought to be running along to class now, you know!"
Rafael flushed with embarrassment. "We, er, we don't know where our class is."
"Ah! A quest, is it?" Sir Cudogan's eyes gleamed with sudden excitement. "Where are you mean to be lad? Eh? Out with it!"
"P-Professor Higgin's class ... Defence Against the Dark Arts ..."
"A-ha! Follow me, young folk! Follow me! Sir Cudogan will save the day and take you to your class!"
Brandishing his sword Sir Cudogan set off, vanishing at the edge of his picture and reappearing in a frame further down the hall, still calling for them to follow him. Rafael glanced at Deylani, shrugged, and set off in pursuit.
With a return shrug, Deylani hurried after them, scrambling up a set of stairs. "I...just hope...he knows we can't...go through walls...or...locked doors," she panted as she caught up.
|
|