Child Of Grace: Chapter 40 - Child Of Fate (Part 2)
ZeldaQueen: And here we are, ready for round two! We're joined by Zyn and Leah today, so let's give them a warm welcome!
Zyn: Thank you
Leah: Let's get this over with
ZeldaQueen: Before we begin, I ran Holly through the Mary Sue Litmus Tests again. On this one, she went from her previous score of 102 to a score of 140. On this one, she went from a score of 221 to a score of 243. Yikes
Projection Room Voices: Starting Media in 3...2...1...
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Child of Fate (Part 2)
"So," Sirius asked from just behind her shoulder, "what do you think?"
Leah: It'll linger
Holly stared up at the three-storey
ZeldaQueen: ...Um, there's no "e" in "story", m'dear
Victorian, practically gaping. When she had imagined Sirius' house, this hadn't been it.
ZeldaQueen: She had been imagining a large mansion, filled with shrieking portraits, magical vermin, and a grumpy House Elf
Zyn: She was most pleased to see that her attempts to Sue-ify his home had succeeded
She had expected something a bit... well, not dirtier but less kept and clean. This was the same house he'd had before Azkaban, and no one had taken care of it in the interim as far as she knew. Even with an army of house-elves, which he most certainly lacked, Sirius would have had to put in a lot of work.
ZeldaQueen: Because nothing of the Sue's can be less than shiny and perfect
His house was a cheerful yellow with bright blue shutters. All right, perhaps that was pure Sirius. But the lawn was neatly trimmed with well-kept flowers and rose bushes. The house itself has nice; there was no other word for it. The windows practically sparkled they were so clean. There was even a white-picket fence out front.
ZeldaQueen: And June Cleaver was in the kitchen, baking an apple pie
Leah: Jesus Christ, this is Bella and her fairy tale cottage all over again!
ZeldaQueen: Or Jenna and the House That Link Built
Zyn: It is a Mary Sue's nest
Leah: It's bullshit
Zyn: *wrinkling nose* How...eloquent
It was all astonishingly normal. Almost Muggle. Especially when compared with the monstrosities she had seen in Hogsmeade proper.
Leah: Yeah, the suethor really couldn't wait to get rid of his canon home, could she?
Zyn: Why would a home from an Old Name, pureblood family with very racist tendencies have a Muggle-like home?
ZeldaQueen: I'm trying to figure out why Sirius has a home in Hogsmeade and why it wasn't sold or confiscated by the Ministry when he got his life sentence in Azkaban
Behind her, Sirius shifted from foot to foot. Anxious since she still hadn't said anything. It was clear that he wanted her approval.
Zyn: As nothing may exist in this story that does not meet with the Sue's approval
ZeldaQueen: What would he have done if she didn't like it?
Leah: Eh, probably bought an entirely different place, just to suit her wants
Holly had a feeling that they had side-long Apparated and not just Flooed inside for this very reason.
ZeldaQueen: What, does Floo powder not let you leave the house now? And how does she know about side-long Apparation? Harry didn't learn about it until the sixth book. Suethor, remember what you have and haven't introduced!
"I love it," she murmured and turned to face him. "I love it. It's wonderful." Her smile was unsurprisingly genuine.
Leah: (Sue) "I love it! Really! Now I can really suck canon from you, now that we're living together! And the angst possibilities are endless!"
ZeldaQueen: "Unsurprisingly" my ass. Stop going on about how happy and selfless your Sue is, suethor. I won't believe it!
If he were in dog form, Holly would have seen his tail wag with excitement. "Just wait until you see the inside." He grabbed her wrist and then, pulling her along
Leah - by the hair
and up to the blue front door.
ZeldaQueen: A blue door? Is this some weird feng shui thing?
It was unlocked, swinging open at their approach.
ZeldaQueen: *singing* He's got friends on the other side...
Holly only had a moment to wonder at that before she was tugged into the foyer.
Zyn: Yes, she has spent three years in a magic world, with many different ways to move something without a person being visibly there, and she is amazed
Again, everything was normal enough aside from the moving paintings in the hallway. The sitting room was a repeat of the same, tastefully decorated and clean but not Petunia-ish. It lack the electronics found in most Muggle homes, but the girl recognised a magical radio and a few other things. Sirius even had a clock like Molly Weasley with things like Mortal Peril, Hogwarts, Prison, and Dead in place of the numbers. However, there were only four hands on the clock instead of nine.
ZeldaQueen: *starts beating head on wall*
Leah: Wow, never pegged Sirius for a 1950s homemaker
Zyn: I myself am quite amazed at how blatantly the suethor is trying to replace the Weasleys. A magic radio? Of course! A clock that tells where the house's occupants are? Why not? Never mind the fact that it was implied that such a clock was possibly the only one of its kind, oh no.
Holly walked over to peer at the names. Remus, Sirius, herself, and...
ZeldaQueen: Lupin's living with them? Shippage AHOY!
Leah: Eh, after Edward and his motorcycle compensation thing, that sort of stuff's old news
Zyn: Likewise.
Leah: When was there any of that in your canon?
Zyn: The butler my dearest mother abandoned my brother and myself for was ruggedly handsome and yet had gone for twenty years before taking a female lover. I have a feeling that he was not simply waiting for mother
"Dobby?" Her head whipped around so fast that she had a crick in her neck. "The house-elf?"
ZeldaQueen: ... Seriously? After how dismissive and rude she was to him?
"Yeah," Sirius replied from beside the fireplace, undoubtedly the Floo connection. "After you freed him, Remus tracked him down. Said that it would be easier than buying one. Not to mention cheaper and 'the moral thing to do.'"
ZeldaQueen: Oh, that's nice! They're just using him for a cheap source of labor! And yeah, I know he wanted to go back to work, but all this talk about convenience and cost, just...ugh!
Leah: Hell, with three people living there, why would they even need a servant?
Holly could tell that was a direct quote.
Zyn: Yes, thank you, the quotation marks would never have given me a hint
"He's always popping all over the place, not that I mind. But the clock helps us keep track of him," the Animagus went on. "It was Remus' idea."
Leah: (Sirius) "We also surgically implanted a tracking device in his bloodstream, along with some electrodes, in case he tries to make a break for it"
ZeldaQueen: None of you look horrified, you know it's true!
She considered that but said nothing. Sirius seemed to take that as silent permission to show her the rest of the house.
Zyn: (Sue) "Why yes, indentured servitude meets with my approval. Carry on!"
It had the usual rooms. Kitchen. Dining room. Another parlour with a second fireplace. A study that she suspected belonged to Remus. A small library that was still easily three-times the size of her room at the Dursleys. Apart from the library, the upstairs was mostly bedrooms as far as she could tell, though why her godfather would need so many was beyond her.
ZeldaQueen: I DON'T CARE! STOP TELLING ME WHAT A CHARMING AND OUT OF CHARACTER HOUSE SIRIUS HAS!!!
But then, he hadn't built the house. It had been a gift from his uncle.
ZeldaQueen: Wow, Muppet flashbacks!
Leah: Didn't his uncle leave him gold, and get disowned for that?
Remus had his own room, as did Sirius himself. Her bedroom was next to his at the end of the hall, and she hesitated outside the doorway, eyeing the inscribed nameplate. She glanced at him, unexpectedly nervous, but her godfather merely grinned. With a slightly shaking hand, she turned the knob and walked inside.
ZeldaQueen: Yet again, folks, she dedicates this much detail to the house, yet can't properly describe the Heir of Hufflepuff
Leah: Well, she clearly - wait, Heir of who?
Zyn: Do not bother asking, my dear. I fear we need our brain cells as intact as possible for the rest of this chapter
Holly gasped. Somehow, she ended up in the middle of the room without knowing how she got there.
Leah: Wow, this chick is even more clueless than Bella Swan!
Turning a full circle as she tried to take it all in.
Zyn: With fragments the entire way
"Is this for me?" she asked, voice full of awe.
ZeldaQueen: Don't forget the shock! *raises cattle prod
The walls were green but not the Slytherin shade. More like the colour of new leaves. And there was some very intricate stencilling
ZeldaQueen: *bored* One "l" in "stenciling", dearie
of leaves and ivy along the top, corners, and the edges by the windows. Upon closer inspection, they extended onto the walls proper and were even animated, swaying as if in an imaginary breeze. The furniture was in various wood shades, both dark and light. Somehow matching perfectly with everything else. A rich oak desk by the windows. A lighter wardrobe off to the side. A much darker bed opposite. And dappled light crossed over everything. Furthering the sensation of being in a forest glade. Especially with the deep green carpeting and the painted clouds that drifted across the ceiling.
ZeldaQueen: Oh my God, My Inner Life didn't have this much scenery porn! If she reminds us that a room is furnished, I quit!
Sirius rubbed the side of his face with embarrassment. "Remus did that by the way." He indicated all the stencilling.
Zyn: And there is this "stencilling" thing again. Perhaps the suethor does not have spellcheck?
Leah: Perhaps she doesn't have a brain
"He always was a good artist. And Flitwick did the charmwork. Made it extra special since you're his favourite student."
ZeldaQueen: Okay, okay, what is this weird obsession with Professor Flitwick that the suethor has? Holly isn't in his house and we never see any evidence of Charms sticking out as a subject that she particularly likes or is talented in, yet we keep getting junk about how he's the teacher they always want to go to, how he's always doing favors for her, and so on. What, did the suethor want Charms to be Holly's Special Class, like Harry had Defense Against the Dark Arts? Because, as I said, we see no evidence of her being at all better in it than anywhere else!
Leah: *nodding to above sentence* And that right there is just favoritism. It's not even something affiliated with school, and the guy has no connections with her outside of Hogwarts, like Lupin does
ZeldaQueen: Right. It makes no sense! Which is on par for this fic, really
"Professor Flitwick was here?" Holly questioned as she came out of her daze.
"And Dumbledore. They helped with the warding and then restricting Floo access."
ZeldaQueen: OH MY GOD, THIS IS SO MARY SUE I WANT TO SCREAM!
Zyn: You are screaming
ZeldaQueen: I WANT TO SCREAM MORE!!!
His eyes traced over the room. "They and the house-elves helped me clean and fix everything."
Holly was puzzled. "House-elves?"
Leah: Yeah, you know, those guys you treat like servants, unlike Harry who actually respected them?
"From Hogwarts," he clarified. "Useful little creatures. And so friendly. They get bored during the summer without the students to keep them occupied. They were more than happy to come over and help." Sirius chuckled. "Dumbledore had so many volunteers that they had come on rotating shifts so that everyone would get a chance to work."
ZeldaQueen: (Sirius) "Ha ha, isn't it charming how I'm using magical creatures as a cheap source of labor? I mean, it's not like my in character self would enjoy a challenge and want to do the work myself!"
Zyn: The House Elves work in a large castle. Even during the summer months, I am sure there is plenty for them to do
Holly nodded. She didn't say anything, simply went back to gazing at her room. A small smile played across her lips.
ZeldaQueen: (Sue) "Who cares about the servants? I get cool stuff!"
And no, I'm not letting that point go. Harry stood up for House Elves and really cared about them, so it wasn't so bad when he asked Dobby for help with a few things. This Sue has shown no signs of really caring about the House Elves and we all remember how she treated the freeing of Dobby as a joke.
Also, the fact that the Hogwarts staff elves are being used for personal, non-Hogwarts things just smacks of blatant favoritism, like everything else here
Sirius just watched her, hand on her shoulder squeezing tight. "I'm glad that you're here, Holly," he said in her ear. "Welcome home."
Leah: Gag me
Lunch later was an interesting affair. Dobby bounced around all over the place, doing his utmost to not throw his arms around her legs again in a demented hug. Sirius seemed to find his behaviour hilarious and did little to stop it. Holly put up with it in good grace, in too happy a mood to be annoyed.
ZeldaQueen: You see? You see what I mean?
Leah: So she finds it annoying that the guy is grateful for her freeing him? Wow
ZeldaQueen: And way to flanderize Dobby's behavior! He did not bounce everywhere. And "demented"? I...no! Just...gah!
The two of them unpacked her things afterwards, while Dobby cleaned up their meal and went out to tend the garden. Sirius had all but ordered him out there, wanting to spend more time with his goddaughter alone.
Leah: Dude, Dobby's not a leach! He'd go if he was told
With magic, it didn't take them very long. Organising everything lasted a bit longer, especially since they chatted the entire time.
Zyn: This is far too boring. How did the suethor manage to make this so boring?
Holly got to hear all about the house and the surrounding property. They were situated on the far outskirts of a Muggle village, which explained the decor, not too far from Godric's Hollow.
ZeldaQueen: And I'm sure that won't be at all convenient for when it's time for the Deathly Hallows story arc
Most of the original spellwork had been done by Sirius' uncle and then later Sirius and his friends. Thankfully, Pettigrew hadn't helped them,
Zyn: Because the suethor had read ahead
not being trusted with anything more difficult than tying his shoelaces most days.
ZeldaQueen: Yet again suethor, stop wildly exaggerating things! It's really, really annoying!
Dumbledore had added warding during the war and then again just before she had arrived.
Leah: 'Cause he had nothing better to do than tend to the bratty Sue
There obviously wasn't blood protection like she had with Petunia, but they were under Fidelius and quite a number of other spells. Sirius was their Secret Keeper at the moment, though he was considering a transfer to either Holly herself or Dumbledore for added protection. The girl suggested Tom since very few people knew of his existence and even fewer of his relation to Voldemort. But Sirius didn't think the spell would work due to his lack of a corporeal form. Fidelius didn't work with ghosts or spirits.
ZeldaQueen: Hopefully the suethor has finished taking her crap all over the theme of family love and protection. And yes, I'd feel quite safe knowing that an insane memory of the past self of a genocidal maniac is guarding me
The afternoon passed in good cheer, and shortly, they were sitting down to dinner. Remus joined them a little beforehand, coming out of the Floo without a single stumble. Holly greeted him warmly enough. But she kept a hint of distance.
Leah: What, did he forget to kiss her hand?
This was the first she'd seen the werewolf since just before he had resigned from Hogwarts, and she wasn't exactly pleased that he had left without even a goodbye.
Leah: *rolling eyes* Of course
Zyn: This girl is unhealthily obsessed with grudges
ZeldaQueen: Hey, I could accept that if it was a character flaw. But we're supposed to agree with her
However, her coolness mostly evaporated as their meal progressed. Particularly after he apologised, a sheepish expression on his face.
ZeldaQueen: OH YES, SHE ONLY FORGIVES HIM AFTER HE SHEEPISHLY APOLOGIZES! WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BET THAT IF HE DIDN'T, SHE'D NEVER SPEAK TO HIM AGAIN?
Conversation drifted after that. Yet, soon enough, it went to the topic on every Quidditch fan's mind.
ZeldaQueen: Holly never really struck me as a Quidditch fan, thus far. Harry had his teams he supported and played in his spare time. I get the feeling that Holly only plays on the team for attention
"Excited about the World Cup, Holly?" Remus inquired as he took a sip of water.
Leah: Oh, really? What's that, suethor? You never brought that up before
She nodded fiercely. "I've been following the playoffs on the Wireless. Bulgaria is definitely going to be in the finals; Krum sounds amazing." The Slytherin paused to set down her fork. "Draco swears Ireland will make it instead."
Leah: *rolls eyes again* Yeah suethor, your character is just so much smarter than Harry!
ZeldaQueen: *snarling* That bit about thinking Krum is amazing is actually foreshadowing. I won't say more, but it's disgusting
Golden-brown eyes flickered to her.
Zyn: For heaven's sake, stop describing people by their eyes!
"You're going with Draco then?"
ZeldaQueen: Erm, no. When did she ever imply that
At the head of the table, Sirius hesitated as those eyes went to him.
Leah: With the Summoning charm executed perfectly, Sirius managed to remove the Sue's eyes. He crushed them under his heel, effectively removing her source of power. Freed from her spell, he killed the angsty Lupin doppleganger and escaped
"Both Blaise and I. Draco's father got tickets for us," Holly said. "Dante has them, too, but the Malfoys will be in the top box.
ZeldaQueen: Oh, that's great! That's really great! Who wants to bet that the entire trip is extravagant and full of expensive things and is clearly meant to show up the Weasleys taking Harry?
Leah: If that's the case, then the Malfoys still suck. Arthur got his tickets through working to help someone out. Lucius bribed someone
ZeldaQueen: Yeah, but I have a nasty feeling that the suethor will ignore that
Leah: *snorts* Point still stands
I think Dante is going to take Belle and Lexie instead.
Zyn: How lovely! Who are they?
He might have an extra ticket since Eren doesn't want to go; someone needs to stay with the baby, after all."
ZeldaQueen: Suethor. I. Don't. CARE!
Remus shifted in his seat. Something flashed across his face, but it was gone in an instant. His forehead and lips tightened.
ZeldaQueen: (Lupin) "My God, I was being brainwashed by another Mary Sue! How did that happen? I must act natural and try to escape at the first opportune moment!"
"I think that Arthur Weasley won the Ministry draw for top box tickets," Sirius inserted unexpectedly. "I could have sworn Dumbledore told me that." He took a bite of his potato.
Zyn: That was not at all pointless and awkard
ZeldaQueen: Um, no, suethor. No. They got the tickets from Bagman, after Arthur helped him out of a jam. Whatever. At least the Weasleys are getting the top box tickets, although I'm sure the run-in with the Malfoys will just be used to show how obnoxious the filthy buggers are
Zyn: The Weasleys or the Malfoys?
ZeldaQueen: The suethor will intend the former, we'll get the latter
Remus ignored him. "Are you staying with the Malfoys at the Cup?" the ex-professor questioned, an odd note to his voice.
ZeldaQueen: (Lupin) "Let's see, if she's gone for long enough, maybe I can get Sirius to snap out of it and we can escape"
The other man glanced at him over the table but discreetly shook his head. His hand tensed around his glass, and there was a gleam in his eyes that Holly couldn't quite name. Like a silent and nearly gestureless conversation passing between the two adults that she couldn't completely decipher.
ZeldaQueen: Okay, it's official, they're gay. That's my bet and I'm sticking to it - that the suethor is a Lupin and Sirius shipper and will have it that Holly Has Two Daddies. Any Tonks and Lupin shippers can feel free to express outrage if that is indeed the case. And no, I don't mind slash, but I don't trust this suethor to write any canon characters into relationships and handle it at all well
"No," Holly answered instead, missing nothing.
Zyn: As she is Just So Clever
"With Dante and Blaise. We'll meet up with Draco and his parents there."
A feeling of almost relief appeared in the air.
Leah: (Lupin) "Great! I can get a decent head start!"
Remus sat back in his chair, hands resting in his lap. Sirius simply watched him for a minute before focusing on his food.
ZeldaQueen: They are going to have hot wolf tiger sex, I just know it
Link: *through the door* Don't you ever use the phrase "tiger sex" again! *runs before he can be caught and dragged inside*
"Good, good," Remus finally put in.
ZeldaQueen: Gah!
Leah: Bet you regret that innuendo now, huh?
"I'm sure you'll have a great time with them."
ZeldaQueen: But not as good a time as he and Sirius will be having
Zyn: When did your mind become so perverted?
ZeldaQueen: THIS IS WHAT THIS FIC HAS DONE TO ME!
Holly gifted him with a strange look
Leah: And I gift you a punch in the face
but decided to change the subject.
ZeldaQueen: I just realized how incredibly not curious this chick is. Harry was always questioning everything, but she's always ignoring stuff, no matter how odd or suspicious it is. Why's that? It's frigging annoying!
"You mentioned that Dumbledore has been over this summer. Has he had any luck finding a new Defence teacher?"
Zyn: Yes, a M.A.R.Y.S.U.E sporker. You shan't survive
Sirius smirked.
ZeldaQueen: STOP SMIRKING!
"Oh, he has someone in mind. And I do believe that you'll like him Holly. A very devious mind."
Leah: Holy hell, Zyn, looks like you were right!
Zyn: Imagine that
"What he means is a paranoid mind," Remus inserted
ZeldaQueen: - into
Leah and Zyn: *gag her with pillow*
and took another drink of water. "Brilliant but paranoid. Sees evildoers everywhere."
Leah: Yeah, this isn't at all heavy handed foreshadowing, nope!
"Well, he was an Auror during not one but several wars. I'd say he saw loads of them," Sirius shot back amicably. He bit into his roast with a flourish.
Zyn: He then twirled it on his fork as if it were a baton and set it on fire
The werewolf shook his head. "But Alastor now thinks that children and grandmothers are out to get him.
ZeldaQueen: *spitting out pillow* Great, suethor. Just completely spoil the mystery of Moody's character. Not even his first name is left for Holly to wonder about!
Did he ever tell you the story of what he did to the witch who said 'Boo?'"
Leah: No? Well, I get the feeling it's going to be spoiled in a really unfunny way
Sirius waved a hand. "She deserved it. Jumping out at him in a dark alley with a mask on. And the day after that really nasty raid."
Zyn: Yes, she completely deserved to be attacked for an April Fool's Day prank
Holly could tell that Remus fought not to roll his eyes. She had to stifle her own laugh.
ZeldaQueen: SHE IS LAUGHING AT A STORY ABOUT SOMEONE BEING INJURED! HOW IS THIS RIGHT?
"Three weeks in a Saint Mungo's intensive care ward is rarely deserved, Padfoot." Remus inhaled nosily. "And the mask was green, not white or silver. They were right outside Gringotts in broad daylight."
Leah: Love how they're casually talking about someone being attacked
ZeldaQueen: I love how Lupin is being treated like a fussy killjoy for not laughing at someone having been attacked
"In an alley outside Gringotts just before a thunderstorm," Sirius retorted. "He wasn't being paranoid. Merely cautious and watchful of his surroundings."
ZeldaQueen: Which totally excuses attacking someone enough to put them in intensive care!
"Besides," Holly added, "it's not paranoia if they really are out to get you." Her lips twitched.
ZeldaQueen: THIS IS NOT FUNNY!!!
Leah: Oh yeah, they really are out to get you, little girl. The sporkers are on their way!
The Animagus pointed at her with his fork. "That's my girl. She gets it."
Zyn: These characters are supremely unlikeable
Remus lost the battle and rolled his eyes.
ZeldaQueen: Lupin does not roll his eyes!
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Onward to: Chapter 40: Child of Faith (Part 3)
Back to: Chapter 40: Child of Faith (Part 1)
Return to: Table of Contents
Zyn: Thank you
Leah: Let's get this over with
ZeldaQueen: Before we begin, I ran Holly through the Mary Sue Litmus Tests again. On this one, she went from her previous score of 102 to a score of 140. On this one, she went from a score of 221 to a score of 243. Yikes
Projection Room Voices: Starting Media in 3...2...1...
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Child of Fate (Part 2)
"So," Sirius asked from just behind her shoulder, "what do you think?"
Leah: It'll linger
Holly stared up at the three-storey
ZeldaQueen: ...Um, there's no "e" in "story", m'dear
Victorian, practically gaping. When she had imagined Sirius' house, this hadn't been it.
ZeldaQueen: She had been imagining a large mansion, filled with shrieking portraits, magical vermin, and a grumpy House Elf
Zyn: She was most pleased to see that her attempts to Sue-ify his home had succeeded
She had expected something a bit... well, not dirtier but less kept and clean. This was the same house he'd had before Azkaban, and no one had taken care of it in the interim as far as she knew. Even with an army of house-elves, which he most certainly lacked, Sirius would have had to put in a lot of work.
ZeldaQueen: Because nothing of the Sue's can be less than shiny and perfect
His house was a cheerful yellow with bright blue shutters. All right, perhaps that was pure Sirius. But the lawn was neatly trimmed with well-kept flowers and rose bushes. The house itself has nice; there was no other word for it. The windows practically sparkled they were so clean. There was even a white-picket fence out front.
ZeldaQueen: And June Cleaver was in the kitchen, baking an apple pie
Leah: Jesus Christ, this is Bella and her fairy tale cottage all over again!
ZeldaQueen: Or Jenna and the House That Link Built
Zyn: It is a Mary Sue's nest
Leah: It's bullshit
Zyn: *wrinkling nose* How...eloquent
It was all astonishingly normal. Almost Muggle. Especially when compared with the monstrosities she had seen in Hogsmeade proper.
Leah: Yeah, the suethor really couldn't wait to get rid of his canon home, could she?
Zyn: Why would a home from an Old Name, pureblood family with very racist tendencies have a Muggle-like home?
ZeldaQueen: I'm trying to figure out why Sirius has a home in Hogsmeade and why it wasn't sold or confiscated by the Ministry when he got his life sentence in Azkaban
Behind her, Sirius shifted from foot to foot. Anxious since she still hadn't said anything. It was clear that he wanted her approval.
Zyn: As nothing may exist in this story that does not meet with the Sue's approval
ZeldaQueen: What would he have done if she didn't like it?
Leah: Eh, probably bought an entirely different place, just to suit her wants
Holly had a feeling that they had side-long Apparated and not just Flooed inside for this very reason.
ZeldaQueen: What, does Floo powder not let you leave the house now? And how does she know about side-long Apparation? Harry didn't learn about it until the sixth book. Suethor, remember what you have and haven't introduced!
"I love it," she murmured and turned to face him. "I love it. It's wonderful." Her smile was unsurprisingly genuine.
Leah: (Sue) "I love it! Really! Now I can really suck canon from you, now that we're living together! And the angst possibilities are endless!"
ZeldaQueen: "Unsurprisingly" my ass. Stop going on about how happy and selfless your Sue is, suethor. I won't believe it!
If he were in dog form, Holly would have seen his tail wag with excitement. "Just wait until you see the inside." He grabbed her wrist and then, pulling her along
Leah - by the hair
and up to the blue front door.
ZeldaQueen: A blue door? Is this some weird feng shui thing?
It was unlocked, swinging open at their approach.
ZeldaQueen: *singing* He's got friends on the other side...
Holly only had a moment to wonder at that before she was tugged into the foyer.
Zyn: Yes, she has spent three years in a magic world, with many different ways to move something without a person being visibly there, and she is amazed
Again, everything was normal enough aside from the moving paintings in the hallway. The sitting room was a repeat of the same, tastefully decorated and clean but not Petunia-ish. It lack the electronics found in most Muggle homes, but the girl recognised a magical radio and a few other things. Sirius even had a clock like Molly Weasley with things like Mortal Peril, Hogwarts, Prison, and Dead in place of the numbers. However, there were only four hands on the clock instead of nine.
ZeldaQueen: *starts beating head on wall*
Leah: Wow, never pegged Sirius for a 1950s homemaker
Zyn: I myself am quite amazed at how blatantly the suethor is trying to replace the Weasleys. A magic radio? Of course! A clock that tells where the house's occupants are? Why not? Never mind the fact that it was implied that such a clock was possibly the only one of its kind, oh no.
Holly walked over to peer at the names. Remus, Sirius, herself, and...
ZeldaQueen: Lupin's living with them? Shippage AHOY!
Leah: Eh, after Edward and his motorcycle compensation thing, that sort of stuff's old news
Zyn: Likewise.
Leah: When was there any of that in your canon?
Zyn: The butler my dearest mother abandoned my brother and myself for was ruggedly handsome and yet had gone for twenty years before taking a female lover. I have a feeling that he was not simply waiting for mother
"Dobby?" Her head whipped around so fast that she had a crick in her neck. "The house-elf?"
ZeldaQueen: ... Seriously? After how dismissive and rude she was to him?
"Yeah," Sirius replied from beside the fireplace, undoubtedly the Floo connection. "After you freed him, Remus tracked him down. Said that it would be easier than buying one. Not to mention cheaper and 'the moral thing to do.'"
ZeldaQueen: Oh, that's nice! They're just using him for a cheap source of labor! And yeah, I know he wanted to go back to work, but all this talk about convenience and cost, just...ugh!
Leah: Hell, with three people living there, why would they even need a servant?
Holly could tell that was a direct quote.
Zyn: Yes, thank you, the quotation marks would never have given me a hint
"He's always popping all over the place, not that I mind. But the clock helps us keep track of him," the Animagus went on. "It was Remus' idea."
Leah: (Sirius) "We also surgically implanted a tracking device in his bloodstream, along with some electrodes, in case he tries to make a break for it"
ZeldaQueen: None of you look horrified, you know it's true!
She considered that but said nothing. Sirius seemed to take that as silent permission to show her the rest of the house.
Zyn: (Sue) "Why yes, indentured servitude meets with my approval. Carry on!"
It had the usual rooms. Kitchen. Dining room. Another parlour with a second fireplace. A study that she suspected belonged to Remus. A small library that was still easily three-times the size of her room at the Dursleys. Apart from the library, the upstairs was mostly bedrooms as far as she could tell, though why her godfather would need so many was beyond her.
ZeldaQueen: I DON'T CARE! STOP TELLING ME WHAT A CHARMING AND OUT OF CHARACTER HOUSE SIRIUS HAS!!!
But then, he hadn't built the house. It had been a gift from his uncle.
ZeldaQueen: Wow, Muppet flashbacks!
Leah: Didn't his uncle leave him gold, and get disowned for that?
Remus had his own room, as did Sirius himself. Her bedroom was next to his at the end of the hall, and she hesitated outside the doorway, eyeing the inscribed nameplate. She glanced at him, unexpectedly nervous, but her godfather merely grinned. With a slightly shaking hand, she turned the knob and walked inside.
ZeldaQueen: Yet again, folks, she dedicates this much detail to the house, yet can't properly describe the Heir of Hufflepuff
Leah: Well, she clearly - wait, Heir of who?
Zyn: Do not bother asking, my dear. I fear we need our brain cells as intact as possible for the rest of this chapter
Holly gasped. Somehow, she ended up in the middle of the room without knowing how she got there.
Leah: Wow, this chick is even more clueless than Bella Swan!
Turning a full circle as she tried to take it all in.
Zyn: With fragments the entire way
"Is this for me?" she asked, voice full of awe.
ZeldaQueen: Don't forget the shock! *raises cattle prod
The walls were green but not the Slytherin shade. More like the colour of new leaves. And there was some very intricate stencilling
ZeldaQueen: *bored* One "l" in "stenciling", dearie
of leaves and ivy along the top, corners, and the edges by the windows. Upon closer inspection, they extended onto the walls proper and were even animated, swaying as if in an imaginary breeze. The furniture was in various wood shades, both dark and light. Somehow matching perfectly with everything else. A rich oak desk by the windows. A lighter wardrobe off to the side. A much darker bed opposite. And dappled light crossed over everything. Furthering the sensation of being in a forest glade. Especially with the deep green carpeting and the painted clouds that drifted across the ceiling.
ZeldaQueen: Oh my God, My Inner Life didn't have this much scenery porn! If she reminds us that a room is furnished, I quit!
Sirius rubbed the side of his face with embarrassment. "Remus did that by the way." He indicated all the stencilling.
Zyn: And there is this "stencilling" thing again. Perhaps the suethor does not have spellcheck?
Leah: Perhaps she doesn't have a brain
"He always was a good artist. And Flitwick did the charmwork. Made it extra special since you're his favourite student."
ZeldaQueen: Okay, okay, what is this weird obsession with Professor Flitwick that the suethor has? Holly isn't in his house and we never see any evidence of Charms sticking out as a subject that she particularly likes or is talented in, yet we keep getting junk about how he's the teacher they always want to go to, how he's always doing favors for her, and so on. What, did the suethor want Charms to be Holly's Special Class, like Harry had Defense Against the Dark Arts? Because, as I said, we see no evidence of her being at all better in it than anywhere else!
Leah: *nodding to above sentence* And that right there is just favoritism. It's not even something affiliated with school, and the guy has no connections with her outside of Hogwarts, like Lupin does
ZeldaQueen: Right. It makes no sense! Which is on par for this fic, really
"Professor Flitwick was here?" Holly questioned as she came out of her daze.
"And Dumbledore. They helped with the warding and then restricting Floo access."
ZeldaQueen: OH MY GOD, THIS IS SO MARY SUE I WANT TO SCREAM!
Zyn: You are screaming
ZeldaQueen: I WANT TO SCREAM MORE!!!
His eyes traced over the room. "They and the house-elves helped me clean and fix everything."
Holly was puzzled. "House-elves?"
Leah: Yeah, you know, those guys you treat like servants, unlike Harry who actually respected them?
"From Hogwarts," he clarified. "Useful little creatures. And so friendly. They get bored during the summer without the students to keep them occupied. They were more than happy to come over and help." Sirius chuckled. "Dumbledore had so many volunteers that they had come on rotating shifts so that everyone would get a chance to work."
ZeldaQueen: (Sirius) "Ha ha, isn't it charming how I'm using magical creatures as a cheap source of labor? I mean, it's not like my in character self would enjoy a challenge and want to do the work myself!"
Zyn: The House Elves work in a large castle. Even during the summer months, I am sure there is plenty for them to do
Holly nodded. She didn't say anything, simply went back to gazing at her room. A small smile played across her lips.
ZeldaQueen: (Sue) "Who cares about the servants? I get cool stuff!"
And no, I'm not letting that point go. Harry stood up for House Elves and really cared about them, so it wasn't so bad when he asked Dobby for help with a few things. This Sue has shown no signs of really caring about the House Elves and we all remember how she treated the freeing of Dobby as a joke.
Also, the fact that the Hogwarts staff elves are being used for personal, non-Hogwarts things just smacks of blatant favoritism, like everything else here
Sirius just watched her, hand on her shoulder squeezing tight. "I'm glad that you're here, Holly," he said in her ear. "Welcome home."
Leah: Gag me
Lunch later was an interesting affair. Dobby bounced around all over the place, doing his utmost to not throw his arms around her legs again in a demented hug. Sirius seemed to find his behaviour hilarious and did little to stop it. Holly put up with it in good grace, in too happy a mood to be annoyed.
ZeldaQueen: You see? You see what I mean?
Leah: So she finds it annoying that the guy is grateful for her freeing him? Wow
ZeldaQueen: And way to flanderize Dobby's behavior! He did not bounce everywhere. And "demented"? I...no! Just...gah!
The two of them unpacked her things afterwards, while Dobby cleaned up their meal and went out to tend the garden. Sirius had all but ordered him out there, wanting to spend more time with his goddaughter alone.
Leah: Dude, Dobby's not a leach! He'd go if he was told
With magic, it didn't take them very long. Organising everything lasted a bit longer, especially since they chatted the entire time.
Zyn: This is far too boring. How did the suethor manage to make this so boring?
Holly got to hear all about the house and the surrounding property. They were situated on the far outskirts of a Muggle village, which explained the decor, not too far from Godric's Hollow.
ZeldaQueen: And I'm sure that won't be at all convenient for when it's time for the Deathly Hallows story arc
Most of the original spellwork had been done by Sirius' uncle and then later Sirius and his friends. Thankfully, Pettigrew hadn't helped them,
Zyn: Because the suethor had read ahead
not being trusted with anything more difficult than tying his shoelaces most days.
ZeldaQueen: Yet again suethor, stop wildly exaggerating things! It's really, really annoying!
Dumbledore had added warding during the war and then again just before she had arrived.
Leah: 'Cause he had nothing better to do than tend to the bratty Sue
There obviously wasn't blood protection like she had with Petunia, but they were under Fidelius and quite a number of other spells. Sirius was their Secret Keeper at the moment, though he was considering a transfer to either Holly herself or Dumbledore for added protection. The girl suggested Tom since very few people knew of his existence and even fewer of his relation to Voldemort. But Sirius didn't think the spell would work due to his lack of a corporeal form. Fidelius didn't work with ghosts or spirits.
ZeldaQueen: Hopefully the suethor has finished taking her crap all over the theme of family love and protection. And yes, I'd feel quite safe knowing that an insane memory of the past self of a genocidal maniac is guarding me
The afternoon passed in good cheer, and shortly, they were sitting down to dinner. Remus joined them a little beforehand, coming out of the Floo without a single stumble. Holly greeted him warmly enough. But she kept a hint of distance.
Leah: What, did he forget to kiss her hand?
This was the first she'd seen the werewolf since just before he had resigned from Hogwarts, and she wasn't exactly pleased that he had left without even a goodbye.
Leah: *rolling eyes* Of course
Zyn: This girl is unhealthily obsessed with grudges
ZeldaQueen: Hey, I could accept that if it was a character flaw. But we're supposed to agree with her
However, her coolness mostly evaporated as their meal progressed. Particularly after he apologised, a sheepish expression on his face.
ZeldaQueen: OH YES, SHE ONLY FORGIVES HIM AFTER HE SHEEPISHLY APOLOGIZES! WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BET THAT IF HE DIDN'T, SHE'D NEVER SPEAK TO HIM AGAIN?
Conversation drifted after that. Yet, soon enough, it went to the topic on every Quidditch fan's mind.
ZeldaQueen: Holly never really struck me as a Quidditch fan, thus far. Harry had his teams he supported and played in his spare time. I get the feeling that Holly only plays on the team for attention
"Excited about the World Cup, Holly?" Remus inquired as he took a sip of water.
Leah: Oh, really? What's that, suethor? You never brought that up before
She nodded fiercely. "I've been following the playoffs on the Wireless. Bulgaria is definitely going to be in the finals; Krum sounds amazing." The Slytherin paused to set down her fork. "Draco swears Ireland will make it instead."
Leah: *rolls eyes again* Yeah suethor, your character is just so much smarter than Harry!
ZeldaQueen: *snarling* That bit about thinking Krum is amazing is actually foreshadowing. I won't say more, but it's disgusting
Golden-brown eyes flickered to her.
Zyn: For heaven's sake, stop describing people by their eyes!
"You're going with Draco then?"
ZeldaQueen: Erm, no. When did she ever imply that
At the head of the table, Sirius hesitated as those eyes went to him.
Leah: With the Summoning charm executed perfectly, Sirius managed to remove the Sue's eyes. He crushed them under his heel, effectively removing her source of power. Freed from her spell, he killed the angsty Lupin doppleganger and escaped
"Both Blaise and I. Draco's father got tickets for us," Holly said. "Dante has them, too, but the Malfoys will be in the top box.
ZeldaQueen: Oh, that's great! That's really great! Who wants to bet that the entire trip is extravagant and full of expensive things and is clearly meant to show up the Weasleys taking Harry?
Leah: If that's the case, then the Malfoys still suck. Arthur got his tickets through working to help someone out. Lucius bribed someone
ZeldaQueen: Yeah, but I have a nasty feeling that the suethor will ignore that
Leah: *snorts* Point still stands
I think Dante is going to take Belle and Lexie instead.
Zyn: How lovely! Who are they?
He might have an extra ticket since Eren doesn't want to go; someone needs to stay with the baby, after all."
ZeldaQueen: Suethor. I. Don't. CARE!
Remus shifted in his seat. Something flashed across his face, but it was gone in an instant. His forehead and lips tightened.
ZeldaQueen: (Lupin) "My God, I was being brainwashed by another Mary Sue! How did that happen? I must act natural and try to escape at the first opportune moment!"
"I think that Arthur Weasley won the Ministry draw for top box tickets," Sirius inserted unexpectedly. "I could have sworn Dumbledore told me that." He took a bite of his potato.
Zyn: That was not at all pointless and awkard
ZeldaQueen: Um, no, suethor. No. They got the tickets from Bagman, after Arthur helped him out of a jam. Whatever. At least the Weasleys are getting the top box tickets, although I'm sure the run-in with the Malfoys will just be used to show how obnoxious the filthy buggers are
Zyn: The Weasleys or the Malfoys?
ZeldaQueen: The suethor will intend the former, we'll get the latter
Remus ignored him. "Are you staying with the Malfoys at the Cup?" the ex-professor questioned, an odd note to his voice.
ZeldaQueen: (Lupin) "Let's see, if she's gone for long enough, maybe I can get Sirius to snap out of it and we can escape"
The other man glanced at him over the table but discreetly shook his head. His hand tensed around his glass, and there was a gleam in his eyes that Holly couldn't quite name. Like a silent and nearly gestureless conversation passing between the two adults that she couldn't completely decipher.
ZeldaQueen: Okay, it's official, they're gay. That's my bet and I'm sticking to it - that the suethor is a Lupin and Sirius shipper and will have it that Holly Has Two Daddies. Any Tonks and Lupin shippers can feel free to express outrage if that is indeed the case. And no, I don't mind slash, but I don't trust this suethor to write any canon characters into relationships and handle it at all well
"No," Holly answered instead, missing nothing.
Zyn: As she is Just So Clever
"With Dante and Blaise. We'll meet up with Draco and his parents there."
A feeling of almost relief appeared in the air.
Leah: (Lupin) "Great! I can get a decent head start!"
Remus sat back in his chair, hands resting in his lap. Sirius simply watched him for a minute before focusing on his food.
ZeldaQueen: They are going to have hot wolf tiger sex, I just know it
Link: *through the door* Don't you ever use the phrase "tiger sex" again! *runs before he can be caught and dragged inside*
"Good, good," Remus finally put in.
ZeldaQueen: Gah!
Leah: Bet you regret that innuendo now, huh?
"I'm sure you'll have a great time with them."
ZeldaQueen: But not as good a time as he and Sirius will be having
Zyn: When did your mind become so perverted?
ZeldaQueen: THIS IS WHAT THIS FIC HAS DONE TO ME!
Holly gifted him with a strange look
Leah: And I gift you a punch in the face
but decided to change the subject.
ZeldaQueen: I just realized how incredibly not curious this chick is. Harry was always questioning everything, but she's always ignoring stuff, no matter how odd or suspicious it is. Why's that? It's frigging annoying!
"You mentioned that Dumbledore has been over this summer. Has he had any luck finding a new Defence teacher?"
Zyn: Yes, a M.A.R.Y.S.U.E sporker. You shan't survive
Sirius smirked.
ZeldaQueen: STOP SMIRKING!
"Oh, he has someone in mind. And I do believe that you'll like him Holly. A very devious mind."
Leah: Holy hell, Zyn, looks like you were right!
Zyn: Imagine that
"What he means is a paranoid mind," Remus inserted
ZeldaQueen: - into
Leah and Zyn: *gag her with pillow*
and took another drink of water. "Brilliant but paranoid. Sees evildoers everywhere."
Leah: Yeah, this isn't at all heavy handed foreshadowing, nope!
"Well, he was an Auror during not one but several wars. I'd say he saw loads of them," Sirius shot back amicably. He bit into his roast with a flourish.
Zyn: He then twirled it on his fork as if it were a baton and set it on fire
The werewolf shook his head. "But Alastor now thinks that children and grandmothers are out to get him.
ZeldaQueen: *spitting out pillow* Great, suethor. Just completely spoil the mystery of Moody's character. Not even his first name is left for Holly to wonder about!
Did he ever tell you the story of what he did to the witch who said 'Boo?'"
Leah: No? Well, I get the feeling it's going to be spoiled in a really unfunny way
Sirius waved a hand. "She deserved it. Jumping out at him in a dark alley with a mask on. And the day after that really nasty raid."
Zyn: Yes, she completely deserved to be attacked for an April Fool's Day prank
Holly could tell that Remus fought not to roll his eyes. She had to stifle her own laugh.
ZeldaQueen: SHE IS LAUGHING AT A STORY ABOUT SOMEONE BEING INJURED! HOW IS THIS RIGHT?
"Three weeks in a Saint Mungo's intensive care ward is rarely deserved, Padfoot." Remus inhaled nosily. "And the mask was green, not white or silver. They were right outside Gringotts in broad daylight."
Leah: Love how they're casually talking about someone being attacked
ZeldaQueen: I love how Lupin is being treated like a fussy killjoy for not laughing at someone having been attacked
"In an alley outside Gringotts just before a thunderstorm," Sirius retorted. "He wasn't being paranoid. Merely cautious and watchful of his surroundings."
ZeldaQueen: Which totally excuses attacking someone enough to put them in intensive care!
"Besides," Holly added, "it's not paranoia if they really are out to get you." Her lips twitched.
ZeldaQueen: THIS IS NOT FUNNY!!!
Leah: Oh yeah, they really are out to get you, little girl. The sporkers are on their way!
The Animagus pointed at her with his fork. "That's my girl. She gets it."
Zyn: These characters are supremely unlikeable
Remus lost the battle and rolled his eyes.
ZeldaQueen: Lupin does not roll his eyes!
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Onward to: Chapter 40: Child of Faith (Part 3)
Back to: Chapter 40: Child of Faith (Part 1)
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