The University of Avalon
A Harry Potter UNIVERSE/ Sasporilla Bucket Fan Fiction
by Darren Kelly
Chapter 16
The sound of the Daily Prophet thumping against the front door broke the morning silence in the quiet predawn house. Sasporilla Bucket's eyes fluttered open. It was early Christmas morning. Sassy lay warm and snug in Karry's over stuffed guest bed. Feeling safe in the strong loving arms of her true love Angelo Lazarus.
Sassy ran her hand down Angelo's thin muscular forearm and placed her hand in his. She felt him gently squeeze her fingers.
"Happy Christmas Ms.Bucket." Angelo said kissing the pink haired witch on the back of the neck.
"Happy Christmas Mr.Lazarus." Sasporilla stretched and rolled over to face the ceiling. "Still a bit early, but I wanted to get an early start on the day."
"Just a big kid at heart?" Angelo laughed. "Want to rip off the shiny wrappings and get at your presents?"
"Well, yes." Sasporilla laughed. "But I want to go visit some old friends down at the lake in the forest. You up for the hike?"
"Just try and stop me!" Angelo smiled. "Where you go, I go!"
"I'm going to have a shower." Sassy smiled playfully.
"Oh ok," Angelo yawned and stretched as Sassy walked into the guest bathroom. Suddenly Angelo had a realization. "Oh!!!!"
***********************************
Once showered and dressed Sasporilla and Angelo descended the stairs. Some how without Karry, Zac and little Kam around, Karry's house seemed empty and lifeless despite the magic of her Christmas decor. The sparkle of the faerie lights, the over sized tree that had far to many decorations on it and the garland that simply swaged everywhere.
"Excuse me young miss." Angelo tapped Sassy on the shoulder. "But it seems you're standing under the mistletoe."
"Why young sir! Really?" Sasporilla giggled kissing Angelo warmly. "I thought you'd have had just about enough of me by now?"
"I don't think that day will ever come Sasporilla." Angelo said looking deep into her eyes.
Sasporilla felt things get very serious just then. She smiled but felt nervous. Why? Was it all to soon?
"Shall we open our presents?" Sassy smiled.
"Great idea!" Angelo said leading her over to the tree. "I really hope you like what I got you!!!"
Angelo handed Sasporilla a rather small box, about the size of a shoe box, wrapped in shiny paper that sparkled with multi-coloured snow flakes. Sasporilla Pulled her wand and levitated the gift for Angelo out from under the tree. It was a similarly smallish box, but wrapped with much less flashy muggle paper.
"You open yours first." Sasporilla said to Angelo.
"No!" Angelo insisted. "You open yours first!"
Sassy knew they would sit here all day stubbornly insisting the other go first, so she smiled politely and pulled open the ribbon on her present. As the bow fell away the package began to play "We wish you a Merry Christmas!"
Sasporilla reached deep inside the box and felt something furry. She pulled out a full-length red fur coat trimmed with white fur. There was a matching White fur hat and white muff fir her hands.
"I got it at Madam Malkin’s for you!" Angelo smiled. "It's made from Alaskan Horned Anaconda fur."
"Oh!" Sassy smiled. "So it's shed fur, rather than killed for its fur!"
"Exactly!" Angelo said. "I knew you wouldn't approve otherwise. Do you like it? You can change the colour to suit you."
Sassy levitated the coat into the air and cast "EXPERIATUR". The coat, hat and formed themselves onto her from head to toe as she spun around to model them for Angelo. A small tag hanging from the cuff had some instructions from Madam Malkin for changing the colour to suit ones tastes. A very simple spell.
"FARBE PINK!" Sasporilla said as the main colour of the coat changed from red to pink.
"That's more like it!" Angelo said. "A little less Mrs.Clause a little more Sasporilla Bucket!"
"Madam Malkin insisted I get you something classical as 'the Bucket women aren't fashion plates! They are sensible, and make do with what they have for many, many years.' But I wanted something very good Quality as well."
Thank you Angelo I do love it so!" Sasporilla insisted. "Ok now you!"
Angelo pulled off the paper and opened the box. Inside was a simple white box, but Angelo knew what it was immediately.
"No!" The young wizard said getting very excited, as he pulled out the white box and opened it to reveal the slim black glass and metal gift inside.
"They're all the rage amongst the technomancy and engineering students." Sasporilla smiled. "They're muggle devices called SMART PHONES."
"Yes I know but how did you know I wanted one?" Angelo asked.
"Kathleen suggested it to me!" Sasporilla smiled at his obvious delight. "She hooked me up with a spell that put you on a multi world network. Apparently there are something called WAPP's for wizards and witches to use for Technomancy, magical engineering, potions making, etc."
"I will definitely be downloading some of those!!!" Angelo smiled.
"I'm just happy you like it." Sasporilla beamed. "You play with it, maybe call your dad and wish him a Happy Christmas and I'll fix us a quick breakfast. Then we'll be off."
*************
Arm in arm Angelo and Sasporilla strolled down the quiet snowy early morning main street of Hogsmeade and headed out towards the forbidden forest. Sassy looked stunning in her new coat and hat. Angelo slipped his hand into her fur muff to hold hands with her as they walked.
"I always loved walking between Hogsmeade and Hogwarts." Sasporilla smiled. "Especially this time of year. It was almost always so very peaceful."
"In many ways I wish I'd been sent to Hogwarts now." Angelo sighed. "Imagine if we'd met here?"
"Yes." Sasporilla hung her head sadly trying not to think of the original Melvin, the decisions and choices she was forced to make. Choosing to follow her heart and believe that she made the right one. "Just imagine."
Passing by the castle Angelo took in every aspect of its architecture and design. It was truly a marvel of ancient times. A huge sprawling castle and institute of learning built upon a complex series of tunnels and vaults, with many magical secret places.
"A brilliant feat of magical engineering." Angelo Lazarus applauded in admiration.
"I'm sure the founders are taking bows on the other side." Sasporilla smiled.
"Well all but Salazar." Angelo said.
"He ca hardly flip you off with missing digits now can he?" Sassy laughed.
The young couple laughed all the way to the edge of the Black lake.
"Cover your ears." Sasporilla warned as she pointed her wand to her throat.
Angelo stuck his fingers deep in his ears as Sasporilla opened her mouth. Sounds that came out were horrid growls and roars that split the Christmas morning air and made large ripples on the Black Lake. Within seconds the great lake churned and with and with a vast splashing the Giant squid broke the chilly surface.
"Hello old friend." Francis, the giant squid said. A tentacle slithering ashore to embrace his pink haired witch friend.
"Happy Christmas Francis." Sasporilla said. "It's wonderful to see you."
"Is it Christmas?" The squid asked. "Such Time passes without meaning in the lake. One day passing into the next passing into infinity. Of course by that I mean, Happy Christmas Sasporilla Bucket. Who is the young man who looks at us in questionable terror?"
Sasporilla turned to see Angelo standing with his wand drawn, a look of concern and confusion on his face.
"Oh my Angelo I am sorry!" Sasporilla apologized. "Please put your wand away, Francis is no danger to me. He's a dear friend. Francis, lord of the Black Lake may present to you my boyfriend Angelo Lazarus."
"Boy friend?" The squid roared with delight. "Well I must say it's about time! I know Grindylows that have bred three generations since you started first year at Hogwarts! How soon until we see little Buckets?"
"Oh umm.." Angelo stammered wide-eyed.
"Francis!!" Sasporilla laughed. "Really?"
"I'm sorry." Francis sighed. "I forget the subtleties. The differences between the ways we live."
"That's ok." Sasporilla said. "It's been a long time since you walked in the wizarding world Francis. We're going into the forbidden forest, but I couldn't go without stopping by and saying hello to you."
"I'm happy you did." Francis said. "I think of you often. Especially when I catch a pink capped jellyfish to eat. They're very sweet, in a tasty sort of way."
Sasporilla laughed as Francis waved a giant tentacle goodbye and slipped off below the surface of Black Lake.
"That was very," Angelo stammered, "interesting?"
"Francis is very sweet." Sasporilla said. "He's also a very powerful friend to have and not one anyone would want as an enemy!"
"So I'd best watch my P's and Q's with you then young miss." Angelo smiled.
"Well," Sassy bit her lower lip smiling coyly, "perhaps just your Q's?"
Laughing they walked off into the forbidden forest. It was no real surprise the forest was dark, even in mid day. Little snow had made it's way down to the forest floor. The forest smelled dank of leaf rot and the worst bits of natural waste.
The eyes of all life within the forbidden forest were upon them. Sasporilla could feel them, but didn't fear them as she once had. She reached out with her feelings enjoying her time with Angelo but becoming the forest around them too. Those creatures with less than good intent were held at bay or frightened off by mysterious actions of a forest come suddenly alive.
They walked for hours, hand in hand, heart in heart. Sasporilla Bucket and Angelo Lazarus enjoyed each others company as they walked the quiet dark paths of the dark forest. To Angelo's ears Sasporilla began speaking gibberish. "The heavens open as Mercury rises in the east and mars crosses the path of the noon day sun."
The path gave way to a large clearing with huts sewn amongst the trees. Centaurs peeked out from door ways. A single adolescent galloped up excitedly and hugged the pink haired witch.
"In the great retrograde of Jupiter we rejoice!" Sasporilla laughed.
"By the tides of Luna I have looked to the stars for signs." Gintani smiled.
Sasporilla turned and touched her wand to Angelo's Ear and cast "TRANSFERENDUM!"
"There." Sassy smiled. "Now you can understand everything being said. Gintani this is my man Angelo. Angelo this is Gintani foal of Ferenz."
"It is an honor to meet the man of the war chief." Gintani said.
"I am still war chief?" Sassy said surprised. "I would have thought you'd have replaced me by now?"
"There has been no need." Gintani smiled. "Since you lead our people against the wizards we have been at peace."
"You what?" Angelo gasped.
"It's a long story." Sassy smiled.
"She was brilliant!!!" Gintani laughed. "Though Magnus still pushes that HE should be war chief."
"As far as I'm concerned he can have the job." Sasporilla said. "It's not fair I be war chief and not be here to defend the people."
"He would not Defend the people Sasporilla Bucket." Gintani sighed. "He would lead us in many unnecessary wars for greed in which many of us would die."
"Speaking of which where is everyone?" Sasporilla asked.
"Magnus lead a raiding party against the old elf’s cabin earlier." The adolescent centaur said. "Father took another group to stop them."
"Weerlo?" Sasporilla gasped. "What could he have done to upset the centaurs? He lives in peace an harmony with the forest."
"Magnus sees him as an intruder on our territory. Though that land is not ours. He would see him and all like them killed." Gintani frowned sadly.
"Right!" Sasporilla said reaching into her bag and pulling out her broom. "I've bloody heard enough. I remember why Magnus used to get my back up!"
"What are you going to do?" Angelo asked.
"I'm going to do my job as war chief." Sasporilla said to Angelo mounting her Triumphant 1200x. "Hop on, and hold on bloody tight."
Sasporilla shot off through into the sky, the trees opening the heavy canopy of leafless branches before her. The sun hung high in the noon time sky as Sassy and Angelo zoomed across the tree tops towards the middle of the forbidden forest. The Triumphant 1200x, not normally a fast broom, was being pushed to its limits this day. Two riders at a high speed, faster than it was intended to go, was straining its very core. A distance that would take hours to walk was traveled in minutes.
Through the trees Sasporilla saw Ferenz and the centaurs charging forth down the forest path. Sasporilla opened the treetops and swooped in beside him.
"War chief Sasporilla." Ferenz smiled. "You have picked an opportune time to rejoin the tribe. "I came to wish you all a Happy Christmas, I take no joy in having to swat down some of our own."
"As wise as ever." Ferenz said. "Lead us to battle."
The centaurs lead by Magnus, dragged Weerlo from his small hut and through him to the leafy forest floor. The old house elf spit with disdain.
"Hope you what to accomplish?" Weerlo spat. "No match for me, all of you are not? Your entire tribe is not! And you are not the voice of your tribe Magnus Redhoof!"
"We will finally rid this forest, our home, of the intruders who try to make it their own." Magnus said proudly gathering cheers from his armed centaur warriors. "You are just another intruder in long line of unwanted vermin this forest needs purging."
"And one to do it is you?" Weerlo sneered.
"Who better?" Magnus chuckled. "No other centaur dares organize or lead our army as would I! Like a true leader!"
The sound of charging hooves and breaking branches filled the air bringing a smile to the old elf’s face. "Oh my. You are in trouble now."
The centaurs lead by Sasporilla Bucket and Ferenz burst into the clearing.
"I think you'll find Magnus that History has made more leaders, than leaders have made history." Sasporilla Bucket said hopping off her broom. "Harry Belafonte said that. Very wise muggle, and talented and I'm not going to let you do the same sort of thing to beings of this forest that the wizards of the ministry tried to do to you!"
"But this was not their home!" Magnus growled. "This is outs! Our forest! Our land! Our territory!"
"To share with the native creatures and those who belong." Sasporilla said. "You've lived in peace with them for centuries, why...:
"Enough!" Magnus yelled. "We do not follow you. I am War chief now!"
"What right do you have to call yourself war chief Magnus Redhoof?" Ferenz demanded charging forwarded meeting raised bows.
"In the absence of a war chief our warriors chose a new one." Magnus sneered.
"Very wise." Sasporilla said agreed. "I would have suggested that very thing, but you are obviously the wrong choice for war chief Magnus."
"And just why is that?" Magnus laughed.
"Because WAR is what you want." Sasporilla sighed. "What a war chief should want is PEACE! What they should be good at is war, with as few casualties as possible!"
"You are draining." Magnus said. "But like it or not I am their WAR CHIEF."
"Sasporilla Bucket is our War Chief Magnus Redhoof!" Ferenz insisted. "You have made no challenge!"
"Challenge?" Angelo asked.
"Any centaur may challenge the current war chief for the honor." Sassy smiled confidently. "Only one Worthy of War chief will win the competition. Do you challenge me Magnus, even though I find you unworthy?"
"You are a witch!" Magnus insisted. "What chance does a lowly centaur such as I have against you as long as you carry a wand?"
Sasporilla took off her new coat and hat. She handed them and her wand to Angelo and kissed him.
"Sasporilla what are you doing?" Angelo pleaded.
"Saving lives." Sassy smiled. "Don't worry. I Have a plan.
Sasporilla turned, becoming a bit cold in the chilled winter air, and glared at Magnus and his men. "Well I'm unarmed are you challenging me Magnus the unworthy, or do concede and stand down?"
"Now that you're without a wand," Magnus snarled, "I'll gladly challenge you to a fight to the death."
"I do not wish to kill you," Sasporilla insisted or any of our tribe. "Fine, then a fight until the other yields."
"Agreed." Sasporilla said.
Magnus drew a large knife from a sheath on his side and held it out in front of him. The Centaur waved it playful as he approached Sasporilla who stood firm. With a quick slash Sassy jumped back.
Angelo gasped and stepped forward drawing his wand but Weerlo grabbed his hand. "Interfere you mustn’t boy."
"I can't let that beast hurt my Sasporilla." Angelo said.
"Worry not." Weerlo smiled. "More than a match for him she is."
"Do you fear a bit of sharpened steel girl?" Magnus laughed.
"No more than you fear a wand." Sasporilla said circling. "Of course both are just tools, one no more dangerous than the other in the hands of a person not trained to use it properly."
"Take them!" Magnus called.
Two centaurs grabbed Weerlo and Angelo from behind. They fought to break free but the centaur’s powerful grips were far to strong. The centaurs drew knives and held them to the necks of the old elf and the love of Sasporilla's life.
"Let them go." Sasporilla insisted. "The fight is between you and I Magnus. "Don't involve them."
"They are just another tool in my bag of tricks to force you to yield." Magnus laughed. "If you don't they suffer. Suffer and die, unless... you.... yield."
"Then you leave me little choice." Sasporilla said hanging her head. With a smile she looked up and winked at Weerlo and snapped her fingers. Angelo and Weerlo vanished from the centaur’s grasp.
"What is this!" Magnus protested. "I said no magic!!!"
"No you said no wands!" Sasporilla sneered. "You forgot I'm an elf blood of natural origin."
Sasporilla through up her hands, fingers spread wide, taking full command of the forest. The limbs and vines shot forward entangling Magnus’ warriors. Vines encircled their throats and crushed against their rib cages making them gasp for air and whinny.
"Yield Magnus or would you have me kill you army?" Sasporilla asked.
"War chief no!" Ferenz pleaded.
Sasporilla held up a hand to silence him.
"I don't care." Magnus laughed. "Kill one. Kill two. Kill them all. Prove yourself a murder of our people."
"I don't need too." Sasporilla said releasing the Centaurs from their bonds. "You've just proven to them that you are exactly that. Uncaring of your people. One, or two or all."
The centaurs, once again one tribe, surrounded Magnus bows drawn back.
"Magnus Redhoof." Ferenz said. "By rules of the challenge for War chief I will let Sasporilla Bucket decide your fate. Know that if it were I who decided, you would be best used to feed the elder gardens."
Sasporilla stepped before her opponent and looked at him with disdain tempered with compassion.
"Magnus Redhoof," Sasporilla Bucket said snapping her finger and taking his knife from him. "With heaviest of hearts I sentence you to a fate worse than death."
Sassy bent down, placed the blade under her boot and pulled up. With a snap of her finger she snapped the blade magically and handed the hilt back to the angered centaur. "You are outcast from the heard, banished from the tribe. You are without family, without honor and will wander other lands until the day of your death. May you live a long healthy life."
With a snap of her fingers Magnus vanished in a flash of shimmering light.
The centaurs raised their arms and crossed them over their chests too honor their war chief.
"We apologize." The senior warrior said. "We followed as we must."
"Yes." Sasporilla gritted her teeth. "Just following orders. Many an army, many a warrior, many a coward has used that excuse. Ferenz I leave you to choose their punishment."
"That is a matter of the War Chief." Ferenz said.
"Yes it is." Sasporilla smiled. "And I choose you to be my successor as war chief of the tribe."
"Why would you choose me?" Ferenz asked.
"You want peace." Sasporilla smiled. "and I know you don't really want the job, so you will wisely choose the next war chief."
"A wise decision then Sasporilla Bucket." Ferenz said. "We must return with the news to the village. Where have you sent Magnus?"
"A world away." Sasporilla said. "Someplace he will be no more of a threat to here. The Wilds of Avalon."
"Happy Christmas Sasporilla Bucket." The centaur smiled as the herd reared up and galloped off into the forest.
"Also to wish me a Happy Christmas you came to Wish?" Weerlo said coming out of his small hut followed by Angelo who crawled after him carrying their wands in his teeth.
Angelo stood up and ran to Sasporilla grabbed her up and spun her around. "Oh my god, you are the most amazing witch I have ever seen!"
"All of this was, in some ways my fault, for not coming to visit sooner." Sasporilla frowned.
"You can't blame yourself." Angelo said.
"I was in charge." Sasporilla said. "They are my tribe. I was their War Chief. The buck stops with me. Had I been here or at least paid more attention to the tribes needs I would have known this was happening and would have been able to stop Magnus without destroying his honor."
"You spared his life." Angelo said.
"Yes." Sassy sighed taking back her coat and putting it on. "Right about now, he's wishing I'd rather not done so."
"Like a true leader, Spoken!" Weerlo said.
"Agreed!" Drooble Hogwarts head house elf smiled stepping out of the hut followed by Dwindlley the receptionist elf of St.Mungo's.
"It's so nice to see you all!" Sasporilla smiled "Happy Christmas!"
"Happy Christmas Sasporilla Bucket." The elves smiled. "and Happy Christmas Angelo Lazarus."
"Happy Christmas." Angelo smiled. "You all know my name?"
"Of course they do." A taller than average house elf said, dressed in long white gossamer robes said walking out of the shadows of the forest. "You are the consort of Sasporilla Bucket. Next in line for the Elven throne."
"Who are you?" Sasporilla asked.
"I am the Coriniel." the elf said. "She who carries the burden and the honor to find the next Queen or King Lead the worker elves."
"I'm only half elf." Sasporilla said. "Hardly worthy of the throne."
"From what saw we," Weerlo said, "more deserving are you than any who've come before you for many years."
"Agreed." Dwindlley smiled. "You will make a fine Worker Elf Queen."
"But I wish other things of my life." Sasporilla said. "To be a wand maker. To be married... some day. Have a family."
"And if we as your people were to fall to the nefarious forces that seek to harm us while you chose this path?" The taller elf asked.
"I would never forgive myself." Sasporilla said.
"You can be the Worker Elf Queen and STILL attend your University." The elves insisted. "We have no castle for you, nor great lands to speak of. You would be a queen of Slaves. We meet where you choose and when. You make the decisions that govern us. Our futures. Your uncle was going to sell our people into permanent slavery to the wizards for gold."
"Then I assume that is why he was.." Sasporilla began but was interrupted.
"Assassinated." The elf frowned. "It was not by the hand of a worker elf that he died."
Sasporilla walked into the center of the clearing and looked up into the forest canopy above. It seemed that no matter how hard she tried, leadership followed her in life and was forced upon her. She could ignore this but would it go as bad as the centaurs? Would another Elf Queen ir King do something horrid to her people. She imagined her Mom and Miss Daisy standing there on either side of her. They smiled at her. Mom with her red whispy hair and thick bottle glasses and Miss Daisy looking up at her from under her big floppy yellow hat. Their smiles were loving and reassuring. They instilled her with confidence. As they faded she saw Angelo staring at her with the same reassuring smile of confidence. The smile that reminded her that she could do anything she put her mind too.
"I accept the responsibility." Sasporilla said humbly.
"Where would you do your coronation my Queen?" The Coriniel asked.
"Here is fine." Sasporilla said. "No need for great deals of fuss, pomp or pageantry. We are simple people. Humble people."
Dark patches of the forest started to sparkle with flashes of fire fly lights and the glow of faeries that had come to pay homage. Frogs and toads croaked an ancient tune in time with natural beats of the forest. The house elves waded forward from between the trees encircling the area, singing a song of joy, as Sasporilla Bucket took a knee before the Coriniel a thin gold crown appeared in her hands. A simple gold band, with a risen diamond shape in the front was lowered to down onto Sasporilla Buckets pink hair. She felt it tingle a bit as the air about her glowed with radiant light. The elves gasped with joy as the elder crown accepted their new Queen and formed to her head comfortably.
"Arise Queen Sasporilla of the Worker Elves." The Coriniel said. "All bow to our new Queen!"
"No!" Sasporilla commanded as she stood and then bowed to all if them. "I bow humbly to all my people and pledge my life, my love and my allegiance. I will do all I can to serve you faithfully. To never see you harmed. To bring justice to those who would harm one or all. My greatest dream is to one day see the contract of bondage between us and the Magi be ended. My family got you into this, perhaps I can lead you out! But not without a plan! Not into purposeless lives!!! I promise you!!! Most of all I will never be a Queen who demands you bow before me! I am your equal! No better, no worse than any of you! We are all one from now on!"
Quite shock and admiration erupted into a fervor of excited cheers as Sasporilla stood and took the hand of Angelo who kissed her passionately.
"God save QUEEN SASPORILLA BUCKET!" the Coriniel lead the cheer echoed by the worker elves. "And long life to ANGELO LAZARUS, the Queens Illyarnveru!"
******************
Snow wafted down through the rafters of the great hall disappearing above the tables decorated for the Christmas feast. Bells jingled amongst the trees trimmed in festive glass balls and lights as Professor Flitwick conducted a makeshift group of carolers who filled the great hall with song. Students and professors alike, who could not go home for Christmas, for whatever reason, shuffled in and sat at tables amongst guests invited from near and far.
Sasporilla and Angelo strolled in moments before dinner was to begin and were greeted by Hagrid and Headmistresses McGonagall.
"Happy Christmas Everyone!" Sassy and Angelo waved as they entered the front hall. "Happee Chris'mas ta you two... too!" Hagrid stumbled and laughed a bit embarrassed.
"Well Ms.Bucket!" The Headmistress smiled. "I'm glad to see you accepted my invitation."
"I wouldn't miss one of Droobles Turkey dinners for the world professor." Sassy smiled.
"That's fer sher!" Hagrid smiled patting his tummy, "Him an' his elves put out a delicious spread!"
"And they appreciate that you appreciate them for it Hagrid!" Sassy smiled taking off her coat.
"That's an interesting head piece you have miss Bucket?" Headmistress McGonagall noticed.
"That would be a gift bestowed upon me by the house elves." Sassy smiled. "I'll talk to you all about it after dinner. It has been a very big Christmas day and frankly I'm famished."
The sound of the Daily Prophet thumping against the front door broke the morning silence in the quiet predawn house. Sasporilla Bucket's eyes fluttered open. It was early Christmas morning. Sassy lay warm and snug in Karry's over stuffed guest bed. Feeling safe in the strong loving arms of her true love Angelo Lazarus.
Sassy ran her hand down Angelo's thin muscular forearm and placed her hand in his. She felt him gently squeeze her fingers.
"Happy Christmas Ms.Bucket." Angelo said kissing the pink haired witch on the back of the neck.
"Happy Christmas Mr.Lazarus." Sasporilla stretched and rolled over to face the ceiling. "Still a bit early, but I wanted to get an early start on the day."
"Just a big kid at heart?" Angelo laughed. "Want to rip off the shiny wrappings and get at your presents?"
"Well, yes." Sasporilla laughed. "But I want to go visit some old friends down at the lake in the forest. You up for the hike?"
"Just try and stop me!" Angelo smiled. "Where you go, I go!"
"I'm going to have a shower." Sassy smiled playfully.
"Oh ok," Angelo yawned and stretched as Sassy walked into the guest bathroom. Suddenly Angelo had a realization. "Oh!!!!"
***********************************
Once showered and dressed Sasporilla and Angelo descended the stairs. Some how without Karry, Zac and little Kam around, Karry's house seemed empty and lifeless despite the magic of her Christmas decor. The sparkle of the faerie lights, the over sized tree that had far to many decorations on it and the garland that simply swaged everywhere.
"Excuse me young miss." Angelo tapped Sassy on the shoulder. "But it seems you're standing under the mistletoe."
"Why young sir! Really?" Sasporilla giggled kissing Angelo warmly. "I thought you'd have had just about enough of me by now?"
"I don't think that day will ever come Sasporilla." Angelo said looking deep into her eyes.
Sasporilla felt things get very serious just then. She smiled but felt nervous. Why? Was it all to soon?
"Shall we open our presents?" Sassy smiled.
"Great idea!" Angelo said leading her over to the tree. "I really hope you like what I got you!!!"
Angelo handed Sasporilla a rather small box, about the size of a shoe box, wrapped in shiny paper that sparkled with multi-coloured snow flakes. Sasporilla Pulled her wand and levitated the gift for Angelo out from under the tree. It was a similarly smallish box, but wrapped with much less flashy muggle paper.
"You open yours first." Sasporilla said to Angelo.
"No!" Angelo insisted. "You open yours first!"
Sassy knew they would sit here all day stubbornly insisting the other go first, so she smiled politely and pulled open the ribbon on her present. As the bow fell away the package began to play "We wish you a Merry Christmas!"
Sasporilla reached deep inside the box and felt something furry. She pulled out a full-length red fur coat trimmed with white fur. There was a matching White fur hat and white muff fir her hands.
"I got it at Madam Malkin’s for you!" Angelo smiled. "It's made from Alaskan Horned Anaconda fur."
"Oh!" Sassy smiled. "So it's shed fur, rather than killed for its fur!"
"Exactly!" Angelo said. "I knew you wouldn't approve otherwise. Do you like it? You can change the colour to suit you."
Sassy levitated the coat into the air and cast "EXPERIATUR". The coat, hat and formed themselves onto her from head to toe as she spun around to model them for Angelo. A small tag hanging from the cuff had some instructions from Madam Malkin for changing the colour to suit ones tastes. A very simple spell.
"FARBE PINK!" Sasporilla said as the main colour of the coat changed from red to pink.
"That's more like it!" Angelo said. "A little less Mrs.Clause a little more Sasporilla Bucket!"
"Madam Malkin insisted I get you something classical as 'the Bucket women aren't fashion plates! They are sensible, and make do with what they have for many, many years.' But I wanted something very good Quality as well."
Thank you Angelo I do love it so!" Sasporilla insisted. "Ok now you!"
Angelo pulled off the paper and opened the box. Inside was a simple white box, but Angelo knew what it was immediately.
"No!" The young wizard said getting very excited, as he pulled out the white box and opened it to reveal the slim black glass and metal gift inside.
"They're all the rage amongst the technomancy and engineering students." Sasporilla smiled. "They're muggle devices called SMART PHONES."
"Yes I know but how did you know I wanted one?" Angelo asked.
"Kathleen suggested it to me!" Sasporilla smiled at his obvious delight. "She hooked me up with a spell that put you on a multi world network. Apparently there are something called WAPP's for wizards and witches to use for Technomancy, magical engineering, potions making, etc."
"I will definitely be downloading some of those!!!" Angelo smiled.
"I'm just happy you like it." Sasporilla beamed. "You play with it, maybe call your dad and wish him a Happy Christmas and I'll fix us a quick breakfast. Then we'll be off."
*************
Arm in arm Angelo and Sasporilla strolled down the quiet snowy early morning main street of Hogsmeade and headed out towards the forbidden forest. Sassy looked stunning in her new coat and hat. Angelo slipped his hand into her fur muff to hold hands with her as they walked.
"I always loved walking between Hogsmeade and Hogwarts." Sasporilla smiled. "Especially this time of year. It was almost always so very peaceful."
"In many ways I wish I'd been sent to Hogwarts now." Angelo sighed. "Imagine if we'd met here?"
"Yes." Sasporilla hung her head sadly trying not to think of the original Melvin, the decisions and choices she was forced to make. Choosing to follow her heart and believe that she made the right one. "Just imagine."
Passing by the castle Angelo took in every aspect of its architecture and design. It was truly a marvel of ancient times. A huge sprawling castle and institute of learning built upon a complex series of tunnels and vaults, with many magical secret places.
"A brilliant feat of magical engineering." Angelo Lazarus applauded in admiration.
"I'm sure the founders are taking bows on the other side." Sasporilla smiled.
"Well all but Salazar." Angelo said.
"He ca hardly flip you off with missing digits now can he?" Sassy laughed.
The young couple laughed all the way to the edge of the Black lake.
"Cover your ears." Sasporilla warned as she pointed her wand to her throat.
Angelo stuck his fingers deep in his ears as Sasporilla opened her mouth. Sounds that came out were horrid growls and roars that split the Christmas morning air and made large ripples on the Black Lake. Within seconds the great lake churned and with and with a vast splashing the Giant squid broke the chilly surface.
"Hello old friend." Francis, the giant squid said. A tentacle slithering ashore to embrace his pink haired witch friend.
"Happy Christmas Francis." Sasporilla said. "It's wonderful to see you."
"Is it Christmas?" The squid asked. "Such Time passes without meaning in the lake. One day passing into the next passing into infinity. Of course by that I mean, Happy Christmas Sasporilla Bucket. Who is the young man who looks at us in questionable terror?"
Sasporilla turned to see Angelo standing with his wand drawn, a look of concern and confusion on his face.
"Oh my Angelo I am sorry!" Sasporilla apologized. "Please put your wand away, Francis is no danger to me. He's a dear friend. Francis, lord of the Black Lake may present to you my boyfriend Angelo Lazarus."
"Boy friend?" The squid roared with delight. "Well I must say it's about time! I know Grindylows that have bred three generations since you started first year at Hogwarts! How soon until we see little Buckets?"
"Oh umm.." Angelo stammered wide-eyed.
"Francis!!" Sasporilla laughed. "Really?"
"I'm sorry." Francis sighed. "I forget the subtleties. The differences between the ways we live."
"That's ok." Sasporilla said. "It's been a long time since you walked in the wizarding world Francis. We're going into the forbidden forest, but I couldn't go without stopping by and saying hello to you."
"I'm happy you did." Francis said. "I think of you often. Especially when I catch a pink capped jellyfish to eat. They're very sweet, in a tasty sort of way."
Sasporilla laughed as Francis waved a giant tentacle goodbye and slipped off below the surface of Black Lake.
"That was very," Angelo stammered, "interesting?"
"Francis is very sweet." Sasporilla said. "He's also a very powerful friend to have and not one anyone would want as an enemy!"
"So I'd best watch my P's and Q's with you then young miss." Angelo smiled.
"Well," Sassy bit her lower lip smiling coyly, "perhaps just your Q's?"
Laughing they walked off into the forbidden forest. It was no real surprise the forest was dark, even in mid day. Little snow had made it's way down to the forest floor. The forest smelled dank of leaf rot and the worst bits of natural waste.
The eyes of all life within the forbidden forest were upon them. Sasporilla could feel them, but didn't fear them as she once had. She reached out with her feelings enjoying her time with Angelo but becoming the forest around them too. Those creatures with less than good intent were held at bay or frightened off by mysterious actions of a forest come suddenly alive.
They walked for hours, hand in hand, heart in heart. Sasporilla Bucket and Angelo Lazarus enjoyed each others company as they walked the quiet dark paths of the dark forest. To Angelo's ears Sasporilla began speaking gibberish. "The heavens open as Mercury rises in the east and mars crosses the path of the noon day sun."
The path gave way to a large clearing with huts sewn amongst the trees. Centaurs peeked out from door ways. A single adolescent galloped up excitedly and hugged the pink haired witch.
"In the great retrograde of Jupiter we rejoice!" Sasporilla laughed.
"By the tides of Luna I have looked to the stars for signs." Gintani smiled.
Sasporilla turned and touched her wand to Angelo's Ear and cast "TRANSFERENDUM!"
"There." Sassy smiled. "Now you can understand everything being said. Gintani this is my man Angelo. Angelo this is Gintani foal of Ferenz."
"It is an honor to meet the man of the war chief." Gintani said.
"I am still war chief?" Sassy said surprised. "I would have thought you'd have replaced me by now?"
"There has been no need." Gintani smiled. "Since you lead our people against the wizards we have been at peace."
"You what?" Angelo gasped.
"It's a long story." Sassy smiled.
"She was brilliant!!!" Gintani laughed. "Though Magnus still pushes that HE should be war chief."
"As far as I'm concerned he can have the job." Sasporilla said. "It's not fair I be war chief and not be here to defend the people."
"He would not Defend the people Sasporilla Bucket." Gintani sighed. "He would lead us in many unnecessary wars for greed in which many of us would die."
"Speaking of which where is everyone?" Sasporilla asked.
"Magnus lead a raiding party against the old elf’s cabin earlier." The adolescent centaur said. "Father took another group to stop them."
"Weerlo?" Sasporilla gasped. "What could he have done to upset the centaurs? He lives in peace an harmony with the forest."
"Magnus sees him as an intruder on our territory. Though that land is not ours. He would see him and all like them killed." Gintani frowned sadly.
"Right!" Sasporilla said reaching into her bag and pulling out her broom. "I've bloody heard enough. I remember why Magnus used to get my back up!"
"What are you going to do?" Angelo asked.
"I'm going to do my job as war chief." Sasporilla said to Angelo mounting her Triumphant 1200x. "Hop on, and hold on bloody tight."
Sasporilla shot off through into the sky, the trees opening the heavy canopy of leafless branches before her. The sun hung high in the noon time sky as Sassy and Angelo zoomed across the tree tops towards the middle of the forbidden forest. The Triumphant 1200x, not normally a fast broom, was being pushed to its limits this day. Two riders at a high speed, faster than it was intended to go, was straining its very core. A distance that would take hours to walk was traveled in minutes.
Through the trees Sasporilla saw Ferenz and the centaurs charging forth down the forest path. Sasporilla opened the treetops and swooped in beside him.
"War chief Sasporilla." Ferenz smiled. "You have picked an opportune time to rejoin the tribe. "I came to wish you all a Happy Christmas, I take no joy in having to swat down some of our own."
"As wise as ever." Ferenz said. "Lead us to battle."
The centaurs lead by Magnus, dragged Weerlo from his small hut and through him to the leafy forest floor. The old house elf spit with disdain.
"Hope you what to accomplish?" Weerlo spat. "No match for me, all of you are not? Your entire tribe is not! And you are not the voice of your tribe Magnus Redhoof!"
"We will finally rid this forest, our home, of the intruders who try to make it their own." Magnus said proudly gathering cheers from his armed centaur warriors. "You are just another intruder in long line of unwanted vermin this forest needs purging."
"And one to do it is you?" Weerlo sneered.
"Who better?" Magnus chuckled. "No other centaur dares organize or lead our army as would I! Like a true leader!"
The sound of charging hooves and breaking branches filled the air bringing a smile to the old elf’s face. "Oh my. You are in trouble now."
The centaurs lead by Sasporilla Bucket and Ferenz burst into the clearing.
"I think you'll find Magnus that History has made more leaders, than leaders have made history." Sasporilla Bucket said hopping off her broom. "Harry Belafonte said that. Very wise muggle, and talented and I'm not going to let you do the same sort of thing to beings of this forest that the wizards of the ministry tried to do to you!"
"But this was not their home!" Magnus growled. "This is outs! Our forest! Our land! Our territory!"
"To share with the native creatures and those who belong." Sasporilla said. "You've lived in peace with them for centuries, why...:
"Enough!" Magnus yelled. "We do not follow you. I am War chief now!"
"What right do you have to call yourself war chief Magnus Redhoof?" Ferenz demanded charging forwarded meeting raised bows.
"In the absence of a war chief our warriors chose a new one." Magnus sneered.
"Very wise." Sasporilla said agreed. "I would have suggested that very thing, but you are obviously the wrong choice for war chief Magnus."
"And just why is that?" Magnus laughed.
"Because WAR is what you want." Sasporilla sighed. "What a war chief should want is PEACE! What they should be good at is war, with as few casualties as possible!"
"You are draining." Magnus said. "But like it or not I am their WAR CHIEF."
"Sasporilla Bucket is our War Chief Magnus Redhoof!" Ferenz insisted. "You have made no challenge!"
"Challenge?" Angelo asked.
"Any centaur may challenge the current war chief for the honor." Sassy smiled confidently. "Only one Worthy of War chief will win the competition. Do you challenge me Magnus, even though I find you unworthy?"
"You are a witch!" Magnus insisted. "What chance does a lowly centaur such as I have against you as long as you carry a wand?"
Sasporilla took off her new coat and hat. She handed them and her wand to Angelo and kissed him.
"Sasporilla what are you doing?" Angelo pleaded.
"Saving lives." Sassy smiled. "Don't worry. I Have a plan.
Sasporilla turned, becoming a bit cold in the chilled winter air, and glared at Magnus and his men. "Well I'm unarmed are you challenging me Magnus the unworthy, or do concede and stand down?"
"Now that you're without a wand," Magnus snarled, "I'll gladly challenge you to a fight to the death."
"I do not wish to kill you," Sasporilla insisted or any of our tribe. "Fine, then a fight until the other yields."
"Agreed." Sasporilla said.
Magnus drew a large knife from a sheath on his side and held it out in front of him. The Centaur waved it playful as he approached Sasporilla who stood firm. With a quick slash Sassy jumped back.
Angelo gasped and stepped forward drawing his wand but Weerlo grabbed his hand. "Interfere you mustn’t boy."
"I can't let that beast hurt my Sasporilla." Angelo said.
"Worry not." Weerlo smiled. "More than a match for him she is."
"Do you fear a bit of sharpened steel girl?" Magnus laughed.
"No more than you fear a wand." Sasporilla said circling. "Of course both are just tools, one no more dangerous than the other in the hands of a person not trained to use it properly."
"Take them!" Magnus called.
Two centaurs grabbed Weerlo and Angelo from behind. They fought to break free but the centaur’s powerful grips were far to strong. The centaurs drew knives and held them to the necks of the old elf and the love of Sasporilla's life.
"Let them go." Sasporilla insisted. "The fight is between you and I Magnus. "Don't involve them."
"They are just another tool in my bag of tricks to force you to yield." Magnus laughed. "If you don't they suffer. Suffer and die, unless... you.... yield."
"Then you leave me little choice." Sasporilla said hanging her head. With a smile she looked up and winked at Weerlo and snapped her fingers. Angelo and Weerlo vanished from the centaur’s grasp.
"What is this!" Magnus protested. "I said no magic!!!"
"No you said no wands!" Sasporilla sneered. "You forgot I'm an elf blood of natural origin."
Sasporilla through up her hands, fingers spread wide, taking full command of the forest. The limbs and vines shot forward entangling Magnus’ warriors. Vines encircled their throats and crushed against their rib cages making them gasp for air and whinny.
"Yield Magnus or would you have me kill you army?" Sasporilla asked.
"War chief no!" Ferenz pleaded.
Sasporilla held up a hand to silence him.
"I don't care." Magnus laughed. "Kill one. Kill two. Kill them all. Prove yourself a murder of our people."
"I don't need too." Sasporilla said releasing the Centaurs from their bonds. "You've just proven to them that you are exactly that. Uncaring of your people. One, or two or all."
The centaurs, once again one tribe, surrounded Magnus bows drawn back.
"Magnus Redhoof." Ferenz said. "By rules of the challenge for War chief I will let Sasporilla Bucket decide your fate. Know that if it were I who decided, you would be best used to feed the elder gardens."
Sasporilla stepped before her opponent and looked at him with disdain tempered with compassion.
"Magnus Redhoof," Sasporilla Bucket said snapping her finger and taking his knife from him. "With heaviest of hearts I sentence you to a fate worse than death."
Sassy bent down, placed the blade under her boot and pulled up. With a snap of her finger she snapped the blade magically and handed the hilt back to the angered centaur. "You are outcast from the heard, banished from the tribe. You are without family, without honor and will wander other lands until the day of your death. May you live a long healthy life."
With a snap of her fingers Magnus vanished in a flash of shimmering light.
The centaurs raised their arms and crossed them over their chests too honor their war chief.
"We apologize." The senior warrior said. "We followed as we must."
"Yes." Sasporilla gritted her teeth. "Just following orders. Many an army, many a warrior, many a coward has used that excuse. Ferenz I leave you to choose their punishment."
"That is a matter of the War Chief." Ferenz said.
"Yes it is." Sasporilla smiled. "And I choose you to be my successor as war chief of the tribe."
"Why would you choose me?" Ferenz asked.
"You want peace." Sasporilla smiled. "and I know you don't really want the job, so you will wisely choose the next war chief."
"A wise decision then Sasporilla Bucket." Ferenz said. "We must return with the news to the village. Where have you sent Magnus?"
"A world away." Sasporilla said. "Someplace he will be no more of a threat to here. The Wilds of Avalon."
"Happy Christmas Sasporilla Bucket." The centaur smiled as the herd reared up and galloped off into the forest.
"Also to wish me a Happy Christmas you came to Wish?" Weerlo said coming out of his small hut followed by Angelo who crawled after him carrying their wands in his teeth.
Angelo stood up and ran to Sasporilla grabbed her up and spun her around. "Oh my god, you are the most amazing witch I have ever seen!"
"All of this was, in some ways my fault, for not coming to visit sooner." Sasporilla frowned.
"You can't blame yourself." Angelo said.
"I was in charge." Sasporilla said. "They are my tribe. I was their War Chief. The buck stops with me. Had I been here or at least paid more attention to the tribes needs I would have known this was happening and would have been able to stop Magnus without destroying his honor."
"You spared his life." Angelo said.
"Yes." Sassy sighed taking back her coat and putting it on. "Right about now, he's wishing I'd rather not done so."
"Like a true leader, Spoken!" Weerlo said.
"Agreed!" Drooble Hogwarts head house elf smiled stepping out of the hut followed by Dwindlley the receptionist elf of St.Mungo's.
"It's so nice to see you all!" Sasporilla smiled "Happy Christmas!"
"Happy Christmas Sasporilla Bucket." The elves smiled. "and Happy Christmas Angelo Lazarus."
"Happy Christmas." Angelo smiled. "You all know my name?"
"Of course they do." A taller than average house elf said, dressed in long white gossamer robes said walking out of the shadows of the forest. "You are the consort of Sasporilla Bucket. Next in line for the Elven throne."
"Who are you?" Sasporilla asked.
"I am the Coriniel." the elf said. "She who carries the burden and the honor to find the next Queen or King Lead the worker elves."
"I'm only half elf." Sasporilla said. "Hardly worthy of the throne."
"From what saw we," Weerlo said, "more deserving are you than any who've come before you for many years."
"Agreed." Dwindlley smiled. "You will make a fine Worker Elf Queen."
"But I wish other things of my life." Sasporilla said. "To be a wand maker. To be married... some day. Have a family."
"And if we as your people were to fall to the nefarious forces that seek to harm us while you chose this path?" The taller elf asked.
"I would never forgive myself." Sasporilla said.
"You can be the Worker Elf Queen and STILL attend your University." The elves insisted. "We have no castle for you, nor great lands to speak of. You would be a queen of Slaves. We meet where you choose and when. You make the decisions that govern us. Our futures. Your uncle was going to sell our people into permanent slavery to the wizards for gold."
"Then I assume that is why he was.." Sasporilla began but was interrupted.
"Assassinated." The elf frowned. "It was not by the hand of a worker elf that he died."
Sasporilla walked into the center of the clearing and looked up into the forest canopy above. It seemed that no matter how hard she tried, leadership followed her in life and was forced upon her. She could ignore this but would it go as bad as the centaurs? Would another Elf Queen ir King do something horrid to her people. She imagined her Mom and Miss Daisy standing there on either side of her. They smiled at her. Mom with her red whispy hair and thick bottle glasses and Miss Daisy looking up at her from under her big floppy yellow hat. Their smiles were loving and reassuring. They instilled her with confidence. As they faded she saw Angelo staring at her with the same reassuring smile of confidence. The smile that reminded her that she could do anything she put her mind too.
"I accept the responsibility." Sasporilla said humbly.
"Where would you do your coronation my Queen?" The Coriniel asked.
"Here is fine." Sasporilla said. "No need for great deals of fuss, pomp or pageantry. We are simple people. Humble people."
Dark patches of the forest started to sparkle with flashes of fire fly lights and the glow of faeries that had come to pay homage. Frogs and toads croaked an ancient tune in time with natural beats of the forest. The house elves waded forward from between the trees encircling the area, singing a song of joy, as Sasporilla Bucket took a knee before the Coriniel a thin gold crown appeared in her hands. A simple gold band, with a risen diamond shape in the front was lowered to down onto Sasporilla Buckets pink hair. She felt it tingle a bit as the air about her glowed with radiant light. The elves gasped with joy as the elder crown accepted their new Queen and formed to her head comfortably.
"Arise Queen Sasporilla of the Worker Elves." The Coriniel said. "All bow to our new Queen!"
"No!" Sasporilla commanded as she stood and then bowed to all if them. "I bow humbly to all my people and pledge my life, my love and my allegiance. I will do all I can to serve you faithfully. To never see you harmed. To bring justice to those who would harm one or all. My greatest dream is to one day see the contract of bondage between us and the Magi be ended. My family got you into this, perhaps I can lead you out! But not without a plan! Not into purposeless lives!!! I promise you!!! Most of all I will never be a Queen who demands you bow before me! I am your equal! No better, no worse than any of you! We are all one from now on!"
Quite shock and admiration erupted into a fervor of excited cheers as Sasporilla stood and took the hand of Angelo who kissed her passionately.
"God save QUEEN SASPORILLA BUCKET!" the Coriniel lead the cheer echoed by the worker elves. "And long life to ANGELO LAZARUS, the Queens Illyarnveru!"
******************
Snow wafted down through the rafters of the great hall disappearing above the tables decorated for the Christmas feast. Bells jingled amongst the trees trimmed in festive glass balls and lights as Professor Flitwick conducted a makeshift group of carolers who filled the great hall with song. Students and professors alike, who could not go home for Christmas, for whatever reason, shuffled in and sat at tables amongst guests invited from near and far.
Sasporilla and Angelo strolled in moments before dinner was to begin and were greeted by Hagrid and Headmistresses McGonagall.
"Happy Christmas Everyone!" Sassy and Angelo waved as they entered the front hall. "Happee Chris'mas ta you two... too!" Hagrid stumbled and laughed a bit embarrassed.
"Well Ms.Bucket!" The Headmistress smiled. "I'm glad to see you accepted my invitation."
"I wouldn't miss one of Droobles Turkey dinners for the world professor." Sassy smiled.
"That's fer sher!" Hagrid smiled patting his tummy, "Him an' his elves put out a delicious spread!"
"And they appreciate that you appreciate them for it Hagrid!" Sassy smiled taking off her coat.
"That's an interesting head piece you have miss Bucket?" Headmistress McGonagall noticed.
"That would be a gift bestowed upon me by the house elves." Sassy smiled. "I'll talk to you all about it after dinner. It has been a very big Christmas day and frankly I'm famished."
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/ )