The University of Avalon
A Harry Potter UNIVERSE/ Sasporilla Bucket Fan Fiction
by Darren Kelly
Chapter 14
Sasporilla Bucket and Angelo Lazarus walked across the snowy quad carrying their bags for their Christmas trip to Hogsmeade. Sassy had one last exam to complete and then they would be on their way.
"I can't believe Professor Foxx was the famous witch Marie LaVeau!" Angelo said in amazement.
"The dean said she was reported to have died in the 1880's but legends about her from the Louisiana swamps, continued for the next century! Even a famous muggle song! Apparently she had to escape, so she came here." Sasporilla said.
"And now the Royal guard have taken her to the Witch Queen." Angelo snorted with derision.
"I'm sure she'll be dealt with, within the law." Sasporilla said surprised. "Surely?"
"Sassy?" Angelo said surprised. "Professor Foxx, Marie LaVeau, is one of the witch Queens advisors. She may have been fired from the university, but I guaranty you she was welcomed with open arms at the palace. Nothing will be done to her."
"That's just not right." Sasporilla said. "She hurt people like Jess! She has to be held accountable!"
"A lot of people in that palace have to be held accountable." Angelo said as they turned up the walkway to the arts and design building. "One day, we just might see it that dream come true, with Lyra in charge."
"Dare to dream Angelo Lazarus." Sasporilla said kissing her boyfriend and handing off all but her shoulder bag. She pulled the pink wand journal from inside. "Wish me Luck."
"You don't need luck Sasporilla Bucket!" Angelo smiled. "You're bloody brilliant!"
Taking a deep nervous breath, Sasporilla walked inside the building and headed upstairs to arts classroom where the practical exams were held. Christin came dancing out of the classroom carrying a large painting. She was smiling from ear to ear dancing with her painting, to a tune only she could hear, lost in a world of extreme happiness, oblivious to the world around her.
"Christin!" Sasporilla laughed before her German friend bashed her painting into her. "You seem happy?"
"The professor Loved my painting!" Christin said holding the picture up for Sassy to look at.
Sasporilla tried to take in what was a very detailed and intricate forest scene. It was clearly a close up of a tree and some branches with moving leaves. Very realistic, and very pretty. Then Sassy noticed them. It wasn't the tree, but what was in the tree, on the tree, around, in and through the tree. Christin had captured the trees living ecosystem in a painting! A bird flew in grabbed one of a multitude of species of insects and flew off. A squirrel played on a distant branch. A bowtruckle stuck it’s tongue out at the viewer playfully and disappeared into the leaves. A spider built her web on the lower part of the tree as sap ran down the trunk. Leaves were just beginning to show that change from green to that hint of fall colour. A few leaves turned over to signify the coming days rains.
"Christin this is brilliant!" Sasporilla cheered.
"Thank you so much Sassy." Christin smiled and bear hugged her smaller English friend. "I'm so happy you like it! I worked so hard on it! I think it is the best I have ever done!"
"I like everything you do but this is very impressive." Sasporilla gasped. "I take it the Professor gave you a passing grade?"
"She said it was the best she had ever seen in any first year final." Christine grinned proudly. "She actually asked me to display it in the lobby!"
"Good for you!" Sassy smiled. "I'm so proud of you and so happy for you!"
"Sasporilla Bucket?" A voice called from within the class room into the hall.
"I know you will do great too!" Christin said as she headed down stairs. "You'd best get in there!"
"Yes." Sassy said holding up her wand journal. "I'm next."
Sasporilla walked in to the quiet space that was usually alive with the chaos of learning. Professor Splatterpalette sat at a table smiling.
"Ms.Bubbles the bar has been raised! I am expecting you to knock my socks right off." The whacky professor said putting both feet up on the table showing that she had clearly came prepared. "As you can see, I'm wearing twenty-seven pairs! Think of all house elves we could free with these? How many bras could be stuffed or ..."
"My journal Professor?" Sasporilla asked handing over the book praying her teacher’s train of thought would derail, and go no further.
"Ah wonderful." Professor Splatterpalette said sitting forward taking the pink Journal. "I take it the little pink sticky note tabs sticking out are the ten pages of designs you wish me to review?"
"Yes mam." Sasporilla smiled nervously.
Professor Splatterpalette pressed the pink gem in the center of the ornate pink leather journals cover. The gem glowed as the journal unlocked and opened for her perusal.
Sassy could do nothing but stand there nervously as the professor flipped through her designs making "Hmmmm" and "hunhhhh" sounds, a self-writing quill taking and making notes as she looked on with pursed lips and furled brow. After the tenth design, professor Splatterpalette picked up the journal, leaned back in her chair and sighed disappointedly.
"Ms.Bucket." the professor said. "Colour me… …. …. unimpressed."
"Professor?" Sasporilla said all colour draining from her face, her heart broken.
"You work was just what I asked for, ten wand designs. Including woods and materials, magical cores, lengths etc. You get a passing grade. It's just that your work is uninspired! Look!!!"
The professor opened the journal to her first design. A rather plain straight wand with beveled edges. Cherry wood, unicorn hair core, Twelve and a half inches.
"BORRING!" Professor Splatterpalette yelled.
The next was a more natural wand of Apple wood capturing the free flow of the gnarled wood branch. Ten and three quarter inches, Bowtruckle spine core.
"Looks like something my oldest made in nursery school!!!" The Professor sniffed with disdain as she flipped the pages harshly.
"Trite, pedestrian, boozgeois, common as a plastic prize in a muggle happy meal! Ms Bucket where is my Ms. Bubbles? Where is the sparkle? Where is the bubble? Where is the POP? WHERE IS THE ART???"
Sasporilla Bucket started to cry.
"Now, now dear." Professor Splatterpalette said rushing to the upset witch’s side. "The designs aren't bad. In fact they are highly acceptable and not unlike those in the classic styles of Olivander, MagGovern and even O'Caelighie, but where is BUCKET? HMMMM?"
Professor Splatterpalette through the journal onto the table to hug the sobbing young witch. The journal fell open to a silly sketch Sasporilla had started of Jorje that evolved, sheerly out of bordem, into a strange pink flamingo umbrella wand design. The handle of the wand was a flamingo’s head. Something she had laughed about, alone in her room one night, thinking of Hagrids wand. Sixteen inches, red oak and water oak with hippogriff feather and crystal core.
"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings Ms.... Buck...et... but.... what is this?" Professor Splatterpalette asked letting Sassy go and picking the open journal back up. "Why was this not one of the ten designs you put forward? Why hold out on me?"
"It was just a doodle." Sassy sobbed.
"Well it's BRILLIANT!" Professor Splatterpalette smiled. "Look how the three toes allow it to stand for itself! Does it open?"
"Yes." Sassy sniffed calming down. "It's meant to be a fully functioning umbrella, and the toes point in together to form the tip of the wand when in use."
"Brilliant, Brilliant, BRILLIANT!!!" Professor Splatterpalette laughed as she took Sasporilla’s hands and danced. "It's more than just a wand, it's art! You've done it Ms.Bubbles! I am most impressed. Let me have a quick boo through your other designs. I will guarantee you that though your first designs are the most common and commercial it will always be those most outrageous like this that will attract the most attention to your shop and your talents. ART my dear. ART!"
"I was just thinking of my Mail bird Jorje and Hagrid's Umbrella when I doodled it." Sassy let out a pathetic laugh wiping away the last of her tears.
"She Doodled the best wand design to ever come through this department!" The professor chuckled. "Just as your friends brilliant painting was just something she did while working on her real painting! I swear you girls are playing some grand joke on me! You bring me one thing to show me and hold back the best work! No Ms. Bubbles, I see real genius in some of these designs. Angel winged wands that fly! Phoenix feather core wands made of fire crystal that allow you to see the burning flame within! What are these numbers? Here on this page?"
"An idea professor, that's all." Sassy said humbly. "I'm trying to balance the length and type of wood, plus materials of the wand versus the Arithmancy of tuning of the core of the wand balanced to the biorhythmic signature of the witch or wizard against the fabric of magic."
"All I heard was blah blah blah nerd blah blah... what do they mean?" Professor Splatterpalette asked.
"If I can get the numbers to quantify as Angelo says," Sassy smiled, "they could help me change wand making forever and save the fabric of magic."
"And your young man is helping you stay up late nights quantifying calculations?" The professor asked with a straight face.
"No professor." Sassy answered honestly. "Most of the time we kiss."
"Good for you!" Professor Splatterpalette smiled. "I mean I want to see you get your work done, but this is university and your both healthy young good looking... oh! Yes your project!"
The professor flipped through the pages landing back on the Pink Flamingo Umbrella.
"This." The professor pointed her finger into the book. "For your final project, for your final exam for next semester, you will fully design this on that retched box thingy..."
"The Abbicum with multiphasic mirroscope" Sasporilla said. "The Ponyo 3400."
"... yes, and produce me a working version of it for end of year! Wonderful!"
"Yes Professor." Sasporilla agreed.
"Now as you were my last exam, I am now free to go home for the Christmas Holidays and forget all about you beastly little monsters for a week. Do you have any plans Ms.Bubbles?"; The professor asked.
"Angelo and I are invited to Hogsmeade to spend Christmas with my friends Karry and Zac." Sasporilla smiled. "Angelo's actually waiting downstairs for me, we're catching the afternoon shuttle out and tomorrow mornings Hogwarts Express in. Figure we'll spend the night at the Leaky cauldron."
"Well this is fortuitous!" Professor Splatterpalette clapped her hands. "Hold your arms out."
Sassy did so.
"Move them up and down." The professor said taking a step back.
Sasporilla felt a bit silly but did as she was asked.
"No, try doing it faster, put a bit more bend in your arms." The professor said cupping her chin and considering all possibilities."
Sassy did so and started to feel like she was being pranked.
"Now say WHOO WHOO." Professor Splatterpalette said.
"Did you want me to deliver something for you professor?" Sasporilla asked, stopping the obvious owl impersonation.
"Ah!" The professor smiled. "I knew it, you are a natural born owl. Yes! I would like it if you would A) deliver this package to Professor Rubeus Hagrid at Hogwarts and this letter to your friend Karry Curtiss. It's a thank you for the wand from the vault and some information on it. Also a pretty a big warning, though I'm sure they know all about the curse by now."
"Curses mam?" Sasporilla asked.
"Oh yes!" The miserable old sod Salazar Slytherin cursed every item he sent out. I don't know if every one had the same kind of curse but I'll lay bets that the crafty old devil went after anyone with pure blood and sent them a Horcrux like he did me."
"He turned the wand of Godric Gryffindor into s HORCRUX???" Sasporilla gasped.
"He certainly did." The professor laughed. "As if I wouldn't have suspected or detected it. Silly old fool."
"Karry's husband Zac received a ring!" Sassy said urgently.
"Surely he didn't do anything foolish like wear it?" Professor Splatterpalette asked.
"Not only did he do so," Sasporilla grimaced, "he's a blood heir to Slytherin."
"Sasporilla listen to me." Professor Splatterpalette said very seriously grabbing her by the shoulders. "I will arrange for the midnight special Hogwarts express. It's a rare over night service only for emergencies. I have pull, I know people. You get to Kings Cross by eleven p.m. and it will be waiting for you. You must get to Hogsmeade and get that ring off your friends husbands finger then destroy it. Do you know how to destroy a Horcrux?"
"I know Harry Potter used a basilisk fang and Longbottom used the Sword of Gryffindor." Sassy said.
"Good." The professor said shoving Sasporilla out of the room into the hall. "Use one of those then. Happy Christmas."
The door closed, locked and the lights shut out.
Angelo was quite shocked when Sasporilla came running out of the Arts and Design building, throwing open the doors yelling, "We have to get to the station NOW!"
"What's wrong?" Angelo asked.
"Zac's in danger." Sasporilla said. "The things sent out from the chamber of secrets vault were cursed. They were Horcrux's! And Zac is wearing one! Karry said in her letter he's been acting odd! That's why!"
"Hold on tight." Angelo said gathering the bags. "We'll apparate. How'd you do?"
"As God as my witness I will never understand ART!!!" Sasporilla chuckled shaking her head. "I passed."
"That's my girl." Angelo said as they spun out of sight with a pop.
The young couple apparated in just inside the main concourse of Majesty station. Angelo held tightly to Sasporilla who still hadn't got the hang of couple’s apparition. One case, a muggle sports bag that Angelo preferred to use, was accidentally splinched and he lost some clothes.
"Oh no!" Sasporilla said.
"Better the bag than one of us." Angelo shrugged giving Sassy's hand a reassuring squeeze. "There was nothing in it that can't be replaced. I should get a magical bag designed to withstand magical travel anyway."
"Dropping hints for Christmas?" Sasporilla smiled coyly.
"Normally I'd say no underwear or socks but as it turns out, I need them!" Angelo laughed.
Christmas carols echoed through Majesty station as Sasporilla and Angelo hurried through to catch the last late Afternoon shuttle to London Heathrow. Thank goodness they had packed reasonably light. Taking creatures, animals and beasts through British customs was truly a nightmare. Sassy had left Jorje and Flossy in Corina and Jess's care over the Holiday. Neither girl was going home for Christmas and were happy to look in on the creatures. Sassy was sure Corina was actually looking forward to a holiday dance party with Jorje!
The young couple rushed their way up the elevator to the shuttle platform, through check in and screening and as the clock ticked six pm they squeezed through the shuttle doors and took their seats.
"We made it!" Sasporilla let out a heavy sigh of relief.
"Just barely." Angelo said. "By the time we arrive it will be ten p.m. We'll have an hour to make it to Kings Cross."
"No problem." Sasporilla smiled as the shuttle took off, slipping effortlessly through the shimmering purple mist and between worlds. "I packed my broom."
The shuttle appeared at Heathrow on time at ten p.m. sharp. Sasporilla swore she would never get used to the time differences between there two worlds. Sassy reached deep into her bag and pulled out her Triumphant twelve hundred X broom. As they stepped outside of the terminal Sassy finished securing the bags on the back of the broom. Mounting it she scooted forward slightly and looked at Angelo playfully.
"Climb aboard sir, and prepare for the ride of your life!"
Angelo hopped on just behind Sasporilla. It was a snug fit between her and the luggage, but they would make it work.
"All set?" Sassy smiled looking over her shoulder.
"Yes." Angelo said nervously. "I was never fond of brooms."
"I'll take it easy on you." Sasporilla said and cast "Occasum Pallium Calor!"
A bubble of warmth protected them from the winter cold as they faded from muggle view.
Sassy took off into the night sky over London. The city below sat alight like fire flies in pixie dust as the flew above the streets and building tops. Angelo occasionally opened his eyes to peek at Gunnersbury field, and Wormwood Scrubs. Sassy lowered her altitude to skim the treetops as they broke past and flew back over the city. Sasporilla enjoyed flying through Queen Mary's Rose Gardens but there was little time to enjoy today. They flew east until they reached Kings cross railway station. A trip that normally took one hour or longer on the M4 or just about as long by tube took Sasporilla and Angelo twenty-two minutes by broom.
"That was terrifying but brilliant." Angelo said kissing Sasporilla.
"I took it easy on you." Sassy smiled. "Let's gets these bags off this broom and catch the train!"
The Hogwarts Midnight Express was waiting for them on platform nine and three Quarters as promised. A ticket was waiting for them with the conductor upon their arrival.
"Yes of course I have your ticket right here." The conductor said. "The Bucket's, State room A."
"State room?" Sasporilla asked.
"Why yes." The conductor smiled. "The midnight express is an overnight train with full over night service. Including a private sitting, dining car, bedroom and private loo."
"Oh I see!" Sasporilla said looking at Angelo a bit embarrassed.
"An' happy I am abou' it too!" The big booming voice of Hagrid said coming from behind them as he passed his ticket over there heads to the conductor. "I was in th'a Leaky Cauldr'n, hav'n a bowl a fire bean soup, wonder'n just where I was go'nna find a bed'd fit me fer the night? Seen as the Leaky Cauldr'n was full up'n all. Then they makes an announcement there's a Midnight special express to Hogwarts, well Lucky me! I gets me a ticket right fast and..."
Hagrid stood there smiling looking at Sasporilla and Angelo.
"It's wonderful to see you Hagrid." Sassy said giving the giant a big warm hug.
"Ah it warms my ol' heart tah see you as well Sasporilla Bucket!" Hagrid said. "Hogwarts is so much Quieter without ya around, that's fer sure!"
"I'm sure Karry still keeps things lively enough for the two of us." Sassy laughed.
"Indeed she does, some days. Are ya gonna intra'duce me tah yer young fella?"
"Of course," Sasporilla smiled taking Angelo's arm. "Hagrid this is my Boy friend Angelo Lazarus. Angelo, this is..."
"Perfesser Rubeus Hagrid." The Giant man said holding out his hand anxiously. "Keeper a groun’s an' keys at Hogwarts an' teacher a' introduction ta magicsl creatures."
"Pleased to meet you sir." Angelo said shaking the gigantic mans hand. "My Sasporilla speaks very fondly of you."
"Does she?" Hagrid's smile broadened. "Aw tha's nice tah hear!"
"Oh Hagrid!" Sasporilla said reaching into her bag, "One of my Professor's, Professor Splatterpalette asked me to deliver this package to you!"
"Fer me?" Hagrid said surprised. "I wonders what it could be?"
Sassy pulled the long thin box wrapped in plain brown paper and handed it to Hagrid. The simple brown twine had a magnificent pearlescent tag marked with the official logo of Professor Splatterpalette. It read "To: Professor Rubeus Hagrid: Hogwarts"
Hagrid wasted no time ripping open the unexpected gift. Beneath the paper was a simple white box. With a letter wrapped around it.
Hagrid unwrapped the letter and took a quick look, then handed it to Sasporilla. "I hates to ask, but I fergots my readin' spec. Can you read that to me while I has a look?"
"No problem Hagrid." Sasporilla smiled. "It says, Dear Professor Hagrid. It has come to my attention that you have recently passed your NEWTS at the Ministry of Magic’s Department of Education offsite Exam center. Congratulations! I know you worked very hard in Madame Marian Swain's night classes for older Witches and Wizards. Hagrid that's Wonderful news!!!" Sasporilla smiled looking up at the giant of a man who looked into the box with a joyful tear in his eye. Sassy continued. "I also understand that your recent trip to Olivander's to have your wand serviced was less than productive and as I know you will be needing a new wand, please accept this wand I crafted for you. It's a more wand sized than your umbrella but still maintains that pink umbrella look and feel of your original. It is my sincerest hope that it serves you well. Professor Dina Splatterpalette - Department Head of Arts and Design Avalon University, All around fantastic Witch and Amazing Person, Infinity."
As Hagrid held up the wand magical energy flowed through him. His hair lifted in the air and his beard rustled.
"I think that says it all." Hagrid smiled.
"The wand has definitely chosen the wizard." Sasporilla smiled.
The great steam whistle of the Hogwarts express blew as the conductor yelled "All aboard!"
Angelo grabbed took Sasporilla by the hand as she waved good bye to Hagrid, who ran up the track to his car, and they all climbed aboard the Hogwarts Midnight Express. The young couple found their State room and sat down in their private seating car.
"Wow!" Angelo gasped putting down the bags. "This is beautiful! They really do the old girl up for midnight travel!"
"Yes, it was like this pretty much, when we traveled to Geneva for the Dueling championships." Sasporilla smiled.
"Should we order some dinner?" Angelo asked.
"Are you hungry?" Sassy smiled coyly.
"Well not really," Angelo wondered why Sasporilla was giving him that look, "just thought you might be? Long day and all."
"I had other thoughts." Sassy said taking Angelo's hand in hers, locking the cabin door and kissing the young wizard very passionately.
"I've always wanted my first time to be special." Sasporilla said looking a bit scared and vulnerable into Angelo's chocolate brown eyes. "What could be more special than with you on the Midnight Special of the Hogwarts Express."
Angelo could hardly contain the smile of surprise that spread across his face.
"Really? Me? Are you sure?" Angelo asked.
"Never more sure of any one ore anything in my life." Sasporilla said biting her lower lip.
Angelo kissed Sasporilla with love and passion then pulled away to look at the girl whom he'd always known was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen, and lifted her into his arms.
"I love you Sasporilla Bucket." Angelo said looking very deeply into her eyes.
"I love you Angelo Lazarus." Sasporilla said kissing her man as he carried her off into their train cars bed chamber. The door magically closed behind them. By the time the Hogwarts Express entered the Snowy English country side they were well on there way to Heaven and Hogsmeade.
Sasporilla Bucket and Angelo Lazarus walked across the snowy quad carrying their bags for their Christmas trip to Hogsmeade. Sassy had one last exam to complete and then they would be on their way.
"I can't believe Professor Foxx was the famous witch Marie LaVeau!" Angelo said in amazement.
"The dean said she was reported to have died in the 1880's but legends about her from the Louisiana swamps, continued for the next century! Even a famous muggle song! Apparently she had to escape, so she came here." Sasporilla said.
"And now the Royal guard have taken her to the Witch Queen." Angelo snorted with derision.
"I'm sure she'll be dealt with, within the law." Sasporilla said surprised. "Surely?"
"Sassy?" Angelo said surprised. "Professor Foxx, Marie LaVeau, is one of the witch Queens advisors. She may have been fired from the university, but I guaranty you she was welcomed with open arms at the palace. Nothing will be done to her."
"That's just not right." Sasporilla said. "She hurt people like Jess! She has to be held accountable!"
"A lot of people in that palace have to be held accountable." Angelo said as they turned up the walkway to the arts and design building. "One day, we just might see it that dream come true, with Lyra in charge."
"Dare to dream Angelo Lazarus." Sasporilla said kissing her boyfriend and handing off all but her shoulder bag. She pulled the pink wand journal from inside. "Wish me Luck."
"You don't need luck Sasporilla Bucket!" Angelo smiled. "You're bloody brilliant!"
Taking a deep nervous breath, Sasporilla walked inside the building and headed upstairs to arts classroom where the practical exams were held. Christin came dancing out of the classroom carrying a large painting. She was smiling from ear to ear dancing with her painting, to a tune only she could hear, lost in a world of extreme happiness, oblivious to the world around her.
"Christin!" Sasporilla laughed before her German friend bashed her painting into her. "You seem happy?"
"The professor Loved my painting!" Christin said holding the picture up for Sassy to look at.
Sasporilla tried to take in what was a very detailed and intricate forest scene. It was clearly a close up of a tree and some branches with moving leaves. Very realistic, and very pretty. Then Sassy noticed them. It wasn't the tree, but what was in the tree, on the tree, around, in and through the tree. Christin had captured the trees living ecosystem in a painting! A bird flew in grabbed one of a multitude of species of insects and flew off. A squirrel played on a distant branch. A bowtruckle stuck it’s tongue out at the viewer playfully and disappeared into the leaves. A spider built her web on the lower part of the tree as sap ran down the trunk. Leaves were just beginning to show that change from green to that hint of fall colour. A few leaves turned over to signify the coming days rains.
"Christin this is brilliant!" Sasporilla cheered.
"Thank you so much Sassy." Christin smiled and bear hugged her smaller English friend. "I'm so happy you like it! I worked so hard on it! I think it is the best I have ever done!"
"I like everything you do but this is very impressive." Sasporilla gasped. "I take it the Professor gave you a passing grade?"
"She said it was the best she had ever seen in any first year final." Christine grinned proudly. "She actually asked me to display it in the lobby!"
"Good for you!" Sassy smiled. "I'm so proud of you and so happy for you!"
"Sasporilla Bucket?" A voice called from within the class room into the hall.
"I know you will do great too!" Christin said as she headed down stairs. "You'd best get in there!"
"Yes." Sassy said holding up her wand journal. "I'm next."
Sasporilla walked in to the quiet space that was usually alive with the chaos of learning. Professor Splatterpalette sat at a table smiling.
"Ms.Bubbles the bar has been raised! I am expecting you to knock my socks right off." The whacky professor said putting both feet up on the table showing that she had clearly came prepared. "As you can see, I'm wearing twenty-seven pairs! Think of all house elves we could free with these? How many bras could be stuffed or ..."
"My journal Professor?" Sasporilla asked handing over the book praying her teacher’s train of thought would derail, and go no further.
"Ah wonderful." Professor Splatterpalette said sitting forward taking the pink Journal. "I take it the little pink sticky note tabs sticking out are the ten pages of designs you wish me to review?"
"Yes mam." Sasporilla smiled nervously.
Professor Splatterpalette pressed the pink gem in the center of the ornate pink leather journals cover. The gem glowed as the journal unlocked and opened for her perusal.
Sassy could do nothing but stand there nervously as the professor flipped through her designs making "Hmmmm" and "hunhhhh" sounds, a self-writing quill taking and making notes as she looked on with pursed lips and furled brow. After the tenth design, professor Splatterpalette picked up the journal, leaned back in her chair and sighed disappointedly.
"Ms.Bucket." the professor said. "Colour me… …. …. unimpressed."
"Professor?" Sasporilla said all colour draining from her face, her heart broken.
"You work was just what I asked for, ten wand designs. Including woods and materials, magical cores, lengths etc. You get a passing grade. It's just that your work is uninspired! Look!!!"
The professor opened the journal to her first design. A rather plain straight wand with beveled edges. Cherry wood, unicorn hair core, Twelve and a half inches.
"BORRING!" Professor Splatterpalette yelled.
The next was a more natural wand of Apple wood capturing the free flow of the gnarled wood branch. Ten and three quarter inches, Bowtruckle spine core.
"Looks like something my oldest made in nursery school!!!" The Professor sniffed with disdain as she flipped the pages harshly.
"Trite, pedestrian, boozgeois, common as a plastic prize in a muggle happy meal! Ms Bucket where is my Ms. Bubbles? Where is the sparkle? Where is the bubble? Where is the POP? WHERE IS THE ART???"
Sasporilla Bucket started to cry.
"Now, now dear." Professor Splatterpalette said rushing to the upset witch’s side. "The designs aren't bad. In fact they are highly acceptable and not unlike those in the classic styles of Olivander, MagGovern and even O'Caelighie, but where is BUCKET? HMMMM?"
Professor Splatterpalette through the journal onto the table to hug the sobbing young witch. The journal fell open to a silly sketch Sasporilla had started of Jorje that evolved, sheerly out of bordem, into a strange pink flamingo umbrella wand design. The handle of the wand was a flamingo’s head. Something she had laughed about, alone in her room one night, thinking of Hagrids wand. Sixteen inches, red oak and water oak with hippogriff feather and crystal core.
"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings Ms.... Buck...et... but.... what is this?" Professor Splatterpalette asked letting Sassy go and picking the open journal back up. "Why was this not one of the ten designs you put forward? Why hold out on me?"
"It was just a doodle." Sassy sobbed.
"Well it's BRILLIANT!" Professor Splatterpalette smiled. "Look how the three toes allow it to stand for itself! Does it open?"
"Yes." Sassy sniffed calming down. "It's meant to be a fully functioning umbrella, and the toes point in together to form the tip of the wand when in use."
"Brilliant, Brilliant, BRILLIANT!!!" Professor Splatterpalette laughed as she took Sasporilla’s hands and danced. "It's more than just a wand, it's art! You've done it Ms.Bubbles! I am most impressed. Let me have a quick boo through your other designs. I will guarantee you that though your first designs are the most common and commercial it will always be those most outrageous like this that will attract the most attention to your shop and your talents. ART my dear. ART!"
"I was just thinking of my Mail bird Jorje and Hagrid's Umbrella when I doodled it." Sassy let out a pathetic laugh wiping away the last of her tears.
"She Doodled the best wand design to ever come through this department!" The professor chuckled. "Just as your friends brilliant painting was just something she did while working on her real painting! I swear you girls are playing some grand joke on me! You bring me one thing to show me and hold back the best work! No Ms. Bubbles, I see real genius in some of these designs. Angel winged wands that fly! Phoenix feather core wands made of fire crystal that allow you to see the burning flame within! What are these numbers? Here on this page?"
"An idea professor, that's all." Sassy said humbly. "I'm trying to balance the length and type of wood, plus materials of the wand versus the Arithmancy of tuning of the core of the wand balanced to the biorhythmic signature of the witch or wizard against the fabric of magic."
"All I heard was blah blah blah nerd blah blah... what do they mean?" Professor Splatterpalette asked.
"If I can get the numbers to quantify as Angelo says," Sassy smiled, "they could help me change wand making forever and save the fabric of magic."
"And your young man is helping you stay up late nights quantifying calculations?" The professor asked with a straight face.
"No professor." Sassy answered honestly. "Most of the time we kiss."
"Good for you!" Professor Splatterpalette smiled. "I mean I want to see you get your work done, but this is university and your both healthy young good looking... oh! Yes your project!"
The professor flipped through the pages landing back on the Pink Flamingo Umbrella.
"This." The professor pointed her finger into the book. "For your final project, for your final exam for next semester, you will fully design this on that retched box thingy..."
"The Abbicum with multiphasic mirroscope" Sasporilla said. "The Ponyo 3400."
"... yes, and produce me a working version of it for end of year! Wonderful!"
"Yes Professor." Sasporilla agreed.
"Now as you were my last exam, I am now free to go home for the Christmas Holidays and forget all about you beastly little monsters for a week. Do you have any plans Ms.Bubbles?"; The professor asked.
"Angelo and I are invited to Hogsmeade to spend Christmas with my friends Karry and Zac." Sasporilla smiled. "Angelo's actually waiting downstairs for me, we're catching the afternoon shuttle out and tomorrow mornings Hogwarts Express in. Figure we'll spend the night at the Leaky cauldron."
"Well this is fortuitous!" Professor Splatterpalette clapped her hands. "Hold your arms out."
Sassy did so.
"Move them up and down." The professor said taking a step back.
Sasporilla felt a bit silly but did as she was asked.
"No, try doing it faster, put a bit more bend in your arms." The professor said cupping her chin and considering all possibilities."
Sassy did so and started to feel like she was being pranked.
"Now say WHOO WHOO." Professor Splatterpalette said.
"Did you want me to deliver something for you professor?" Sasporilla asked, stopping the obvious owl impersonation.
"Ah!" The professor smiled. "I knew it, you are a natural born owl. Yes! I would like it if you would A) deliver this package to Professor Rubeus Hagrid at Hogwarts and this letter to your friend Karry Curtiss. It's a thank you for the wand from the vault and some information on it. Also a pretty a big warning, though I'm sure they know all about the curse by now."
"Curses mam?" Sasporilla asked.
"Oh yes!" The miserable old sod Salazar Slytherin cursed every item he sent out. I don't know if every one had the same kind of curse but I'll lay bets that the crafty old devil went after anyone with pure blood and sent them a Horcrux like he did me."
"He turned the wand of Godric Gryffindor into s HORCRUX???" Sasporilla gasped.
"He certainly did." The professor laughed. "As if I wouldn't have suspected or detected it. Silly old fool."
"Karry's husband Zac received a ring!" Sassy said urgently.
"Surely he didn't do anything foolish like wear it?" Professor Splatterpalette asked.
"Not only did he do so," Sasporilla grimaced, "he's a blood heir to Slytherin."
"Sasporilla listen to me." Professor Splatterpalette said very seriously grabbing her by the shoulders. "I will arrange for the midnight special Hogwarts express. It's a rare over night service only for emergencies. I have pull, I know people. You get to Kings Cross by eleven p.m. and it will be waiting for you. You must get to Hogsmeade and get that ring off your friends husbands finger then destroy it. Do you know how to destroy a Horcrux?"
"I know Harry Potter used a basilisk fang and Longbottom used the Sword of Gryffindor." Sassy said.
"Good." The professor said shoving Sasporilla out of the room into the hall. "Use one of those then. Happy Christmas."
The door closed, locked and the lights shut out.
Angelo was quite shocked when Sasporilla came running out of the Arts and Design building, throwing open the doors yelling, "We have to get to the station NOW!"
"What's wrong?" Angelo asked.
"Zac's in danger." Sasporilla said. "The things sent out from the chamber of secrets vault were cursed. They were Horcrux's! And Zac is wearing one! Karry said in her letter he's been acting odd! That's why!"
"Hold on tight." Angelo said gathering the bags. "We'll apparate. How'd you do?"
"As God as my witness I will never understand ART!!!" Sasporilla chuckled shaking her head. "I passed."
"That's my girl." Angelo said as they spun out of sight with a pop.
The young couple apparated in just inside the main concourse of Majesty station. Angelo held tightly to Sasporilla who still hadn't got the hang of couple’s apparition. One case, a muggle sports bag that Angelo preferred to use, was accidentally splinched and he lost some clothes.
"Oh no!" Sasporilla said.
"Better the bag than one of us." Angelo shrugged giving Sassy's hand a reassuring squeeze. "There was nothing in it that can't be replaced. I should get a magical bag designed to withstand magical travel anyway."
"Dropping hints for Christmas?" Sasporilla smiled coyly.
"Normally I'd say no underwear or socks but as it turns out, I need them!" Angelo laughed.
Christmas carols echoed through Majesty station as Sasporilla and Angelo hurried through to catch the last late Afternoon shuttle to London Heathrow. Thank goodness they had packed reasonably light. Taking creatures, animals and beasts through British customs was truly a nightmare. Sassy had left Jorje and Flossy in Corina and Jess's care over the Holiday. Neither girl was going home for Christmas and were happy to look in on the creatures. Sassy was sure Corina was actually looking forward to a holiday dance party with Jorje!
The young couple rushed their way up the elevator to the shuttle platform, through check in and screening and as the clock ticked six pm they squeezed through the shuttle doors and took their seats.
"We made it!" Sasporilla let out a heavy sigh of relief.
"Just barely." Angelo said. "By the time we arrive it will be ten p.m. We'll have an hour to make it to Kings Cross."
"No problem." Sasporilla smiled as the shuttle took off, slipping effortlessly through the shimmering purple mist and between worlds. "I packed my broom."
The shuttle appeared at Heathrow on time at ten p.m. sharp. Sasporilla swore she would never get used to the time differences between there two worlds. Sassy reached deep into her bag and pulled out her Triumphant twelve hundred X broom. As they stepped outside of the terminal Sassy finished securing the bags on the back of the broom. Mounting it she scooted forward slightly and looked at Angelo playfully.
"Climb aboard sir, and prepare for the ride of your life!"
Angelo hopped on just behind Sasporilla. It was a snug fit between her and the luggage, but they would make it work.
"All set?" Sassy smiled looking over her shoulder.
"Yes." Angelo said nervously. "I was never fond of brooms."
"I'll take it easy on you." Sasporilla said and cast "Occasum Pallium Calor!"
A bubble of warmth protected them from the winter cold as they faded from muggle view.
Sassy took off into the night sky over London. The city below sat alight like fire flies in pixie dust as the flew above the streets and building tops. Angelo occasionally opened his eyes to peek at Gunnersbury field, and Wormwood Scrubs. Sassy lowered her altitude to skim the treetops as they broke past and flew back over the city. Sasporilla enjoyed flying through Queen Mary's Rose Gardens but there was little time to enjoy today. They flew east until they reached Kings cross railway station. A trip that normally took one hour or longer on the M4 or just about as long by tube took Sasporilla and Angelo twenty-two minutes by broom.
"That was terrifying but brilliant." Angelo said kissing Sasporilla.
"I took it easy on you." Sassy smiled. "Let's gets these bags off this broom and catch the train!"
The Hogwarts Midnight Express was waiting for them on platform nine and three Quarters as promised. A ticket was waiting for them with the conductor upon their arrival.
"Yes of course I have your ticket right here." The conductor said. "The Bucket's, State room A."
"State room?" Sasporilla asked.
"Why yes." The conductor smiled. "The midnight express is an overnight train with full over night service. Including a private sitting, dining car, bedroom and private loo."
"Oh I see!" Sasporilla said looking at Angelo a bit embarrassed.
"An' happy I am abou' it too!" The big booming voice of Hagrid said coming from behind them as he passed his ticket over there heads to the conductor. "I was in th'a Leaky Cauldr'n, hav'n a bowl a fire bean soup, wonder'n just where I was go'nna find a bed'd fit me fer the night? Seen as the Leaky Cauldr'n was full up'n all. Then they makes an announcement there's a Midnight special express to Hogwarts, well Lucky me! I gets me a ticket right fast and..."
Hagrid stood there smiling looking at Sasporilla and Angelo.
"It's wonderful to see you Hagrid." Sassy said giving the giant a big warm hug.
"Ah it warms my ol' heart tah see you as well Sasporilla Bucket!" Hagrid said. "Hogwarts is so much Quieter without ya around, that's fer sure!"
"I'm sure Karry still keeps things lively enough for the two of us." Sassy laughed.
"Indeed she does, some days. Are ya gonna intra'duce me tah yer young fella?"
"Of course," Sasporilla smiled taking Angelo's arm. "Hagrid this is my Boy friend Angelo Lazarus. Angelo, this is..."
"Perfesser Rubeus Hagrid." The Giant man said holding out his hand anxiously. "Keeper a groun’s an' keys at Hogwarts an' teacher a' introduction ta magicsl creatures."
"Pleased to meet you sir." Angelo said shaking the gigantic mans hand. "My Sasporilla speaks very fondly of you."
"Does she?" Hagrid's smile broadened. "Aw tha's nice tah hear!"
"Oh Hagrid!" Sasporilla said reaching into her bag, "One of my Professor's, Professor Splatterpalette asked me to deliver this package to you!"
"Fer me?" Hagrid said surprised. "I wonders what it could be?"
Sassy pulled the long thin box wrapped in plain brown paper and handed it to Hagrid. The simple brown twine had a magnificent pearlescent tag marked with the official logo of Professor Splatterpalette. It read "To: Professor Rubeus Hagrid: Hogwarts"
Hagrid wasted no time ripping open the unexpected gift. Beneath the paper was a simple white box. With a letter wrapped around it.
Hagrid unwrapped the letter and took a quick look, then handed it to Sasporilla. "I hates to ask, but I fergots my readin' spec. Can you read that to me while I has a look?"
"No problem Hagrid." Sasporilla smiled. "It says, Dear Professor Hagrid. It has come to my attention that you have recently passed your NEWTS at the Ministry of Magic’s Department of Education offsite Exam center. Congratulations! I know you worked very hard in Madame Marian Swain's night classes for older Witches and Wizards. Hagrid that's Wonderful news!!!" Sasporilla smiled looking up at the giant of a man who looked into the box with a joyful tear in his eye. Sassy continued. "I also understand that your recent trip to Olivander's to have your wand serviced was less than productive and as I know you will be needing a new wand, please accept this wand I crafted for you. It's a more wand sized than your umbrella but still maintains that pink umbrella look and feel of your original. It is my sincerest hope that it serves you well. Professor Dina Splatterpalette - Department Head of Arts and Design Avalon University, All around fantastic Witch and Amazing Person, Infinity."
As Hagrid held up the wand magical energy flowed through him. His hair lifted in the air and his beard rustled.
"I think that says it all." Hagrid smiled.
"The wand has definitely chosen the wizard." Sasporilla smiled.
The great steam whistle of the Hogwarts express blew as the conductor yelled "All aboard!"
Angelo grabbed took Sasporilla by the hand as she waved good bye to Hagrid, who ran up the track to his car, and they all climbed aboard the Hogwarts Midnight Express. The young couple found their State room and sat down in their private seating car.
"Wow!" Angelo gasped putting down the bags. "This is beautiful! They really do the old girl up for midnight travel!"
"Yes, it was like this pretty much, when we traveled to Geneva for the Dueling championships." Sasporilla smiled.
"Should we order some dinner?" Angelo asked.
"Are you hungry?" Sassy smiled coyly.
"Well not really," Angelo wondered why Sasporilla was giving him that look, "just thought you might be? Long day and all."
"I had other thoughts." Sassy said taking Angelo's hand in hers, locking the cabin door and kissing the young wizard very passionately.
"I've always wanted my first time to be special." Sasporilla said looking a bit scared and vulnerable into Angelo's chocolate brown eyes. "What could be more special than with you on the Midnight Special of the Hogwarts Express."
Angelo could hardly contain the smile of surprise that spread across his face.
"Really? Me? Are you sure?" Angelo asked.
"Never more sure of any one ore anything in my life." Sasporilla said biting her lower lip.
Angelo kissed Sasporilla with love and passion then pulled away to look at the girl whom he'd always known was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen, and lifted her into his arms.
"I love you Sasporilla Bucket." Angelo said looking very deeply into her eyes.
"I love you Angelo Lazarus." Sasporilla said kissing her man as he carried her off into their train cars bed chamber. The door magically closed behind them. By the time the Hogwarts Express entered the Snowy English country side they were well on there way to Heaven and Hogsmeade.
PLEASE REMEMBER
I am in no way affiliated with Warner Bros. or with J.K.Rowling. My work is purely that of fan fiction & do not ask for, nor accept money, gifts or other compensation for my work. If you really feel you must do something, donate to J.K.Rowling's charitable foundation LUMOS! Link below! ( https://www.wearelumos.org/ )
I am in no way affiliated with Warner Bros. or with J.K.Rowling. My work is purely that of fan fiction & do not ask for, nor accept money, gifts or other compensation for my work. If you really feel you must do something, donate to J.K.Rowling's charitable foundation LUMOS! Link below! ( https://www.wearelumos.org/ )