The Witch Queen of Avalon
A Harry Potter UNIVERSE/ Sasporilla Bucket Fan Fiction
by Darren Kelly
Chapter 20
"I can't believe you turned down your picture on the money!" Kathleen laughed.
"Not my style." Sasporilla said adjusting her mortarboard. "Let's face it, the new symbol of the tree of life on both sides of the world is better than my silly old face any day."
"Your Masters thesis was quite impressive!" Christin smiled. "The disadvantages of traditional wand core damage on the fabric of magic vs. non traditional wand cores. Ground breaking!"
"They had trouble understanding it," Sasporilla said, "but they had to bring in the elven weaving professor to judge the finer points. That saved me."
It was graduation day. Four years of hard work and study culminated in one day to take pride in before the terror of moving on to the rest of your life.
The commencement speaker was none other than new Speaker of the Council of Avalon. The person, who keeps the peace, controls fair speaking times and rules in the Avalon Council of Democracy chamber.
"And in conclusion, if hurding cats is what you enjoy and politics is your major then Speaker of the council might just be for you, but what ever your choice of profession my advice is this. Love it. Love ... what ... you ... do. If you do not love what you do then you will waste your life! You will spend the next forty-five years sweating and scraping to make money, to pay bills, to be responsible, but will you be happy? Not as happy as THOSE WHO LOVE WHAT THEY DO! Ever seen those people? They laugh and sing, even in the rain. They always know the answers and run to help. They are the best people to work with and for! That is who you want to be! Don't get stuck being the other one. Thank you."
The graduating class applauded as The Speaker of the Democratic Council stepped back Dean Silversnow stepped up to the podium. There was a wave of applause for the tough, but fair Dean. He smiled and raised his hand to silence everyone.
"Thank you graduates and guests. I am Geiyrwald Silversnow, Dean of the University of Avalon. Most of you have never seen me. It is usually only the students that cause or bring trouble to our hallowed halls that get my attention."
The Deans gaze into the crowd brought laughter from most of the crowd. Just a gulp and an uneasy blush from...
"Sasporilla!" Christen laughed elbowing her with glee in the ribs. "I think he was looking right at you!"
"Really?" Sasporilla said feigning surprise. "I thought perhaps he meant you?"
"Me?" Christen said turning beat red suddenly self-conscious and mortified.
"Oh I'm kidding silly sit up." Sassy chuckled. " Of course he meant me."
"You, the graduating class of 2005 are the future of our Wizarding World!" Dean Silversnow said. "And might I say it's a much better world now than it was a few years ago. Fair trials of corrupt officials have been brought to justice. Victims of the old Monarchy have been compensated generously for the horrors they faced. The old Royal palace has been donated to the University. The main castle becoming a museum for the World cultures of Avalon. Freedom and democracy are ours and whom do we have to have to thank for this? Ultimately ourselves!"
The crowd murmered. Those around Sasporilla looked truly shocked and looked to the figurehead Witch Queen who nodded in agreement.
"You see WE as a newly freed people were given a choice or rather a chance. A chance to govern ourselves. To make more of our selves than what we were. Cowering, sniveling, complacent and unworthy of the chance we were given. At any time this population could have stood against a single witch, no matter how powerful, and defeated her. What did we do for four hundred years? Hope for better next time. Shame on us. Shame on our lack of spine. May you, the next generation of Witch's and Wizard's have spines as rigged as your wands, but minds and hearts as flexible as our Witch Queen. Thank you Sasporilla Bucket, for every thing you've done for us."
Dean Silversnow started to applaud her and the people joined in with a standing ovation.
When everyone returned to his or her seats Dean Silversnow smiled and spoke. "Now I will ask the Department heads to come up, to present the diploma's to your individual graduates. Starting With Arts and Design, Professor Splatterpalette."
The crowd clapped politely, much to the Professors dismay. The arts and design crowed hooped it up properly, but seriously, that's the best the rest could do? Well!
"I would like to congratulate everyone who survived the Arts and design program and maintained their sanity." Professor Splatterpalette laughed madly then suddenly stopped. "However I would like to especially congratulate those who not only went through the rigors of the normal course but took their education all the way to the top! Masters of Arts and design! Our top of the top! Bravo to you Three!"
The people applauded along with professor Splatterpalette who clapped wildly for her proudest three students.
"Millicent Dregsfielder!" Professor Splatterpalette clapped. "Master Cape and Cloak Designer!"
"Is she the one that designed your Coronation cape?" Kathleen asked.
"I'm not sure." Sasporilla said. "I hope so. I need a new cloak. I should ask her about a quote after the ceremony."
The young witch came up and was handed a scroll by Professor Splatterpalette. An official picture was taken followed by a great big hug.... crumpling her diploma.
"Oops, sorry." Professor Splatterpalette cringed as the girl walked off shaking her head. "Christin! Get on up here!"
Christin walked up on stage. Her friends and family cheered when she took her Diploma and walked off stage.
"And last but not least, Sasporilla Bucket. Come on up here girl." Professor Splatterpalette called.
Sassy stood up and walked up the aisle. She gave Christin a High five as they passed each other. Sasporilla walked up on stage and held out her hand for her diploma. Professor Splatterpalette tipped it back an turned back to the podium.
"Oh what fresh hell is this?" Sassy giggled.
"Ladies and Gentlemen these three young ladies have been my greatest delight to teach. The greatest of my teaching career! I have inspired and shaped these girls into the greatest free thinking design machines in any world! They themselves are now WORKS OF ART, and I am so proud of all of them!"
The arts and Designs professor lead another round of a standing ovation for the girls.
"Now of all of them I have had a great time getting to know Sasporilla. Sassy, I'm not just happy and proud to present you with your Master of Wand arts and design Degree, but I'm proud and bloody lucky to call you my friend."
Sasporilla wiped a tear from eye as she took the scroll from her professor’s hand but before the camera could even snap its picture Sassy stepped forward and hugged the ecstatic professor.
"Dina we will remain friends long after this day ends." Sasporilla said hugging not just her professor, but her friend.
Stepping back Sasporilla held up her diploma over her head victorious! She had beaten every challenge Avalon had thrown at her.
**********************************
Angelo had agreed to pick up Sasporilla at the dorms at eight p.m. His magical powered vehicle, driven by rather ticked off looking house elf, pulled up exactly on time. The wide back door of the town car opened magically on it's own and Angelo stepped out dressed in a fine black suit, with black shirt and purple tie. Sasporilla stepped through the Dorms front doors dressed in a wondrous pink strapless dress and a light pink and purple floral wrap. Woven by elven weavers, the dress gave off an aura of pink myst, not unlike a faery dragon or a pink patronus.
"You look beautiful." Angelo mooned.
"Ya I clean up all right." Sassy laughed. "You are exceptionally handsome this evening."
Sasporilla took a moment to kiss her young man. They could have stood there all night just locked in the moment of each others embrace but they had made plans to go to the graduation party.
"After you Madame." Angelo said showing her to the town car as the back door opened for her and she stepped in. Angelo climbed in on the far side.
"Ok driver." Angelo smiled. "University Graduation Party at the Old Royal Palace please. "
"Yes sir." The elf sneered.
He was obviously a nasty old elf with some axe to grind. Sasporilla could get into a political discussion with him and possibly even a fight... or just enjoy her evening for once. She chose the later taking Angelo's hand as the magical town car drove off.
The grad party was held at the old Royal palace. There was no live band to dance to. These days the Wizarding World danced to the sounds of artists like DJ Doxy Dox who had the trax spinning and the beats thumping when Sasporilla and Angelo walked through the Rose trellis into the courtyard.
Jorge was the hit of the party dancing up a storm on the dance floor with anyone and everyone who would join him. The girls from the dorm shook their stuff without abandon with the exception of Kathleen who sat at the table playing a portable muggle video game, letting it all hang in. Sasporilla had to laugh with delight at seeing everyone so happy.
"Do you want to dance?" Angelo asked?
"Sure!" Sasporilla hollered back.
Sasporilla Bucket was a master wand maker, but a horrible dancer, and she knew it. She tried to pretend to dance like the others but that third time she snapped her fingers the music changed to something both more her tastes and more her speed. 'DANCE YOUR FINAL DANCE' by the Weird Sisters dropped on the DJ's platter, much to his surprise, but he rolled with the slow dance.
"Ah." Angelo smiled as Sassy stepped into him. "Well that was convenient."
"Who'd have thought this would start playing in the middle of another tune?" Sasporilla surmised as the young couple started slow dancing.
Angelo liked the way Sasporilla slow danced. Like an elegant waltz but close enough to rest her head against his cheek as they danced. At least until DJ Doxy Dox started to add a beat to it and pick up it's pace!
"Woo!!!" The crowd cheered!
"Well that settles that." Sasporilla pouted.
"Let's face it," Angelo sighed, "it IS sort of weird that it was your first slow dance with Myron also?"
"Ya!" Sassy had to agree as they both started laughing. "Let's find a QUIET table."
Not to either of their surprise, other than casting a SILENCIO spell, there really was no quiet spot to be found at the party. Sasporilla, though she would love to spend time, dancing the night away with her friends, tonight she just wanted to spend with Angelo. Biting her lower lip she looked around and saw just what she was looking for, a stack of boxes next to the north court yard wall. She grabbed Angelo by the hand and hurried him through the dizzying crowd out of sight behind the boxes.
"Why Ms.Bucket?" Angelo said in fine southern belle accent. "What will the other girls say about my innocence?"
"Frankly my dear..." Sasporilla smiled. "I should'n say tha'!"
Sasporilla pulled her wand and traced an outline between the bricks.
"What are you doing?" Angelo asked.
"If I have the right spot..." Sasporilla said casting, "OPEN SESAME!"
A gold shaped glow formed between the bricks as a magical door appeared and opened.
"Awesome!" Angelo smiled.
"An elf named Xolly showed it to me once." Sassy smiled. "Being Witch Queen had its advantages."
The young couple slipped through the magic door from the main courtyard into a quiet hallway of many doors.
"How do you feel about the council voting on no longer needing the Witch Queen." Angelo asked. "Even as a figure head?"
"Relieved." Sasporilla sighed. "I can leave Avalon knowing that it's safe in it's own hands."
Sasporilla counted two doors forward one door to the left and cast "ALOHAMORA." The door unlocked and swung open into a lovely courtyard. Area was strung with dozens of strings of white and pink lights. A single table sat near the old golden cherry tree that stood in the court yards center.
"It looks like we were expected?" Angelo said.
"You could say that." Sasporilla smiled. "I knew the party would be loud. I knew it would be crazy. I knew we might want to get away for a bit of quiet. I do still have SOME pull around here, so I arranged this spot."
"It's perfect." Angelo nodded looking around.
"If you decide you want to invite a couple of friends in..." Sassy said. "You can."
"I'd like to talk to alone about something first." Angelo said.
"Uh oh." Sassy said. "That sentence rarely starts anything good."
Rimppoli, a rather tall thin house elf stepped in carrying a tray with some glasses of water.
"Mum?" Rimppoli asked. "Are you ready to start your dinner?"
"Yes Rimppoli." Sasporilla smiled. "We can talk over dinner. Yes?"
"Yes. Of course!" Angelo agreed.
Rimppoli placed the water on the table then sat Sasporilla first then the gentleman as he was taught to do.
"Tonight," Rimppoli smiled excitedly, "we will start with a nice fresh small Caesar salad, the we have prepared for you a wonderful Fettuccini Alfredo with meatballs, and for dessert... well that is a surprise! Bon appetite!"
Rimppoli snapped his fingers and whisked away.
"All my favourites?" Angelo asked.
"Maybe?" Sassy said coyly. "Now what did you want to talk about?"
"Sasporilla, we have been seeing each other a long time." Angelo said.
"Four years." Sassy said. "Sort of longer."
"I graduated before you." Angelo continued. "In the last few years I've gone on to take what I've had and make a name for myself. I've patented invention after invention! From the magic gardener to the ever-sharp kitchen knife to the Lazarus portable Life Support system for Wizard and Witch Emergency Services." Angelo said.
"And I'm so very proud of you for all of them!" Sasporilla smiled taking his hand across the table.
"What I'm trying to say is I've made more than enough, just off my patents, for a family to live comfortably. Buy a home. Open a shop."
"That is a lovely thought." Sasporilla said looking off dreamily.
"Salad's!" Rimppoli shouted. "Fresh, nice Caesar salads!"
"Oh wonderful!" Sasporilla smiled giving some polite applause.
"Thank you." Angelo sighed as the elf placed the small bowl down in front of the young man.
"You were saying?" Sasporilla asked picking at the leaves of her salad with her fork looking for the best spot to start.
"What?" Angelo asked rather derailed. "Oh yes. I've made enough money to raise a family with."
Sasporilla refused to speak with her mouth full. She simply smiled and nodded politely. Angelo was clearly getting frustrated. Sasporilla had to give him a break.
"Sweetheart," Sassy asked, "as much as I appreciate you're loaded with galleons, just what are you trying to say?"
"I'm trying to say," Angelo smiled, "you wanted to wait for us to be financially responsible before we even thought of marriage."
"And you being loaded..." Sasporilla said.
"Comfortable." Angelo corrected.
"Sorry," Sassy said, "YOU being COMFORTABLE makes US financially stable does it?"
"Sasporilla," Angelo said, "I'm not a complete moron. You've drawn a salary, for the last three years, for your roll as Witch Queen. It was approved by the Council and it is more than enough to not only by a home, but a shop, stock the shop, build the wand machine in full, hire core weavers and pay them for ten years. Shall I go on."
"Busted." Sassy smiled. "So, what next?"
"Fettuccini Alfredo with meatballs!" Rimppoli smiled bringing out the big tray and putting down a nice bowl of pasta before each of them.
"Extra cheese for either of you?" Rimppoli asked.
"No thank you Rimppoli." Sassy smiled.
"Yes please." Angelo asked.
Rimppoli snapped his fingers and Parmesan cheese grated itself above his dish until Angelo was satisfied.
Angelo twirled the pasta onto his fork, and popped a meatball onto the end. Taking a big bite Angelo savored the taste of the buttery cream sauce and the herbs of the meatball.
"Is it good?" Sasporilla asked.
"It's perfect." Angelo said. "It reminds of the pasta I had as boy. Like my Nona made."
"It's her recipe." Sassy said. "I sent to your Dad for it."
"You are resourceful." Angelo smiled reaching into his jacket pocket.
"Yes I am." Sasporilla said laying her wand across his hand. "Did you know that the spell Professor Phenix found allowed much more than just the reversal of Baba Yaga's gorgon stare? It could reverse all the damage she did! Every dirty little curse. Every dirty little spell. The bomb that split my darling Melvin Lazarus into oh so many. Including you."
"Sassy?" Angelo's voice quivered when she stood and stepped away from the table. "Every dirty Asensionmorphosus Ritual the Witch Queen did for the rich and powerful, like the one she did for Madrigal Neelander. The one that robbed me of Korry Curtiss' love! How many lives could be changed? How much could be made better?"
Angelo's face dropped and he pulled his hand out of his pocket empty. "You're right. If you had to get rid of me to make your life perfect, then I would gladly do it."
"And that Angelo Lazarus is why I say yes." Sasporilla Bucket said.
"What?" Angelo was clearly confused.
"The ring in your pocket. The same one from the lost city. I told you then to hang on to it for a better time, when all this Witch Queen stuff was over and we were in a better place. When I grabbed the staff and was shown all those multiple paths I was not just shown tonight..."
"Which explains the perfect setting and menu." Angelo smiled.
"But it also showed me the result of using that spell to undo all Baba Yaga had done. Undo her Asensionmorphosus Ritual, another would have done for them and Madrigal would still have gotten Korry. Undo the Bomb, and I'd have lost Melvin two years later to a groupie on a tour in Demoins Iowa. Then I wouldn't have you. I also never would have been introduced to the life I know my invention and would have gone on to be an ok wand maker in a small shop, alone. So go on Angelo Lazarus, ask me already, so I can say yes!"
"Well I don't know as I want to ask you now!" Angelo said. "The romance of moment has past."
Sasporilla picked up her wand and tipped it up into a dueling salute. "You leave me no choice then."
"Ok! Ok!" Angelo Lazarus laughed walking over to Sassy and kneeling before her in the hard stone ground, pulled the ring box from his pocket and opened it revealing a beautiful pink diamond engagement ring. "Sasporilla Imaginarium Bucket, will you marry me and spend the rest of our lives as witch and wizard together, in mad passionate love and warm comfortable love."
"Yes my love." Sasporilla smiled biting her lower lip, nodding her head, "I will."
The End
"I can't believe you turned down your picture on the money!" Kathleen laughed.
"Not my style." Sasporilla said adjusting her mortarboard. "Let's face it, the new symbol of the tree of life on both sides of the world is better than my silly old face any day."
"Your Masters thesis was quite impressive!" Christin smiled. "The disadvantages of traditional wand core damage on the fabric of magic vs. non traditional wand cores. Ground breaking!"
"They had trouble understanding it," Sasporilla said, "but they had to bring in the elven weaving professor to judge the finer points. That saved me."
It was graduation day. Four years of hard work and study culminated in one day to take pride in before the terror of moving on to the rest of your life.
The commencement speaker was none other than new Speaker of the Council of Avalon. The person, who keeps the peace, controls fair speaking times and rules in the Avalon Council of Democracy chamber.
"And in conclusion, if hurding cats is what you enjoy and politics is your major then Speaker of the council might just be for you, but what ever your choice of profession my advice is this. Love it. Love ... what ... you ... do. If you do not love what you do then you will waste your life! You will spend the next forty-five years sweating and scraping to make money, to pay bills, to be responsible, but will you be happy? Not as happy as THOSE WHO LOVE WHAT THEY DO! Ever seen those people? They laugh and sing, even in the rain. They always know the answers and run to help. They are the best people to work with and for! That is who you want to be! Don't get stuck being the other one. Thank you."
The graduating class applauded as The Speaker of the Democratic Council stepped back Dean Silversnow stepped up to the podium. There was a wave of applause for the tough, but fair Dean. He smiled and raised his hand to silence everyone.
"Thank you graduates and guests. I am Geiyrwald Silversnow, Dean of the University of Avalon. Most of you have never seen me. It is usually only the students that cause or bring trouble to our hallowed halls that get my attention."
The Deans gaze into the crowd brought laughter from most of the crowd. Just a gulp and an uneasy blush from...
"Sasporilla!" Christen laughed elbowing her with glee in the ribs. "I think he was looking right at you!"
"Really?" Sasporilla said feigning surprise. "I thought perhaps he meant you?"
"Me?" Christen said turning beat red suddenly self-conscious and mortified.
"Oh I'm kidding silly sit up." Sassy chuckled. " Of course he meant me."
"You, the graduating class of 2005 are the future of our Wizarding World!" Dean Silversnow said. "And might I say it's a much better world now than it was a few years ago. Fair trials of corrupt officials have been brought to justice. Victims of the old Monarchy have been compensated generously for the horrors they faced. The old Royal palace has been donated to the University. The main castle becoming a museum for the World cultures of Avalon. Freedom and democracy are ours and whom do we have to have to thank for this? Ultimately ourselves!"
The crowd murmered. Those around Sasporilla looked truly shocked and looked to the figurehead Witch Queen who nodded in agreement.
"You see WE as a newly freed people were given a choice or rather a chance. A chance to govern ourselves. To make more of our selves than what we were. Cowering, sniveling, complacent and unworthy of the chance we were given. At any time this population could have stood against a single witch, no matter how powerful, and defeated her. What did we do for four hundred years? Hope for better next time. Shame on us. Shame on our lack of spine. May you, the next generation of Witch's and Wizard's have spines as rigged as your wands, but minds and hearts as flexible as our Witch Queen. Thank you Sasporilla Bucket, for every thing you've done for us."
Dean Silversnow started to applaud her and the people joined in with a standing ovation.
When everyone returned to his or her seats Dean Silversnow smiled and spoke. "Now I will ask the Department heads to come up, to present the diploma's to your individual graduates. Starting With Arts and Design, Professor Splatterpalette."
The crowd clapped politely, much to the Professors dismay. The arts and design crowed hooped it up properly, but seriously, that's the best the rest could do? Well!
"I would like to congratulate everyone who survived the Arts and design program and maintained their sanity." Professor Splatterpalette laughed madly then suddenly stopped. "However I would like to especially congratulate those who not only went through the rigors of the normal course but took their education all the way to the top! Masters of Arts and design! Our top of the top! Bravo to you Three!"
The people applauded along with professor Splatterpalette who clapped wildly for her proudest three students.
"Millicent Dregsfielder!" Professor Splatterpalette clapped. "Master Cape and Cloak Designer!"
"Is she the one that designed your Coronation cape?" Kathleen asked.
"I'm not sure." Sasporilla said. "I hope so. I need a new cloak. I should ask her about a quote after the ceremony."
The young witch came up and was handed a scroll by Professor Splatterpalette. An official picture was taken followed by a great big hug.... crumpling her diploma.
"Oops, sorry." Professor Splatterpalette cringed as the girl walked off shaking her head. "Christin! Get on up here!"
Christin walked up on stage. Her friends and family cheered when she took her Diploma and walked off stage.
"And last but not least, Sasporilla Bucket. Come on up here girl." Professor Splatterpalette called.
Sassy stood up and walked up the aisle. She gave Christin a High five as they passed each other. Sasporilla walked up on stage and held out her hand for her diploma. Professor Splatterpalette tipped it back an turned back to the podium.
"Oh what fresh hell is this?" Sassy giggled.
"Ladies and Gentlemen these three young ladies have been my greatest delight to teach. The greatest of my teaching career! I have inspired and shaped these girls into the greatest free thinking design machines in any world! They themselves are now WORKS OF ART, and I am so proud of all of them!"
The arts and Designs professor lead another round of a standing ovation for the girls.
"Now of all of them I have had a great time getting to know Sasporilla. Sassy, I'm not just happy and proud to present you with your Master of Wand arts and design Degree, but I'm proud and bloody lucky to call you my friend."
Sasporilla wiped a tear from eye as she took the scroll from her professor’s hand but before the camera could even snap its picture Sassy stepped forward and hugged the ecstatic professor.
"Dina we will remain friends long after this day ends." Sasporilla said hugging not just her professor, but her friend.
Stepping back Sasporilla held up her diploma over her head victorious! She had beaten every challenge Avalon had thrown at her.
**********************************
Angelo had agreed to pick up Sasporilla at the dorms at eight p.m. His magical powered vehicle, driven by rather ticked off looking house elf, pulled up exactly on time. The wide back door of the town car opened magically on it's own and Angelo stepped out dressed in a fine black suit, with black shirt and purple tie. Sasporilla stepped through the Dorms front doors dressed in a wondrous pink strapless dress and a light pink and purple floral wrap. Woven by elven weavers, the dress gave off an aura of pink myst, not unlike a faery dragon or a pink patronus.
"You look beautiful." Angelo mooned.
"Ya I clean up all right." Sassy laughed. "You are exceptionally handsome this evening."
Sasporilla took a moment to kiss her young man. They could have stood there all night just locked in the moment of each others embrace but they had made plans to go to the graduation party.
"After you Madame." Angelo said showing her to the town car as the back door opened for her and she stepped in. Angelo climbed in on the far side.
"Ok driver." Angelo smiled. "University Graduation Party at the Old Royal Palace please. "
"Yes sir." The elf sneered.
He was obviously a nasty old elf with some axe to grind. Sasporilla could get into a political discussion with him and possibly even a fight... or just enjoy her evening for once. She chose the later taking Angelo's hand as the magical town car drove off.
The grad party was held at the old Royal palace. There was no live band to dance to. These days the Wizarding World danced to the sounds of artists like DJ Doxy Dox who had the trax spinning and the beats thumping when Sasporilla and Angelo walked through the Rose trellis into the courtyard.
Jorge was the hit of the party dancing up a storm on the dance floor with anyone and everyone who would join him. The girls from the dorm shook their stuff without abandon with the exception of Kathleen who sat at the table playing a portable muggle video game, letting it all hang in. Sasporilla had to laugh with delight at seeing everyone so happy.
"Do you want to dance?" Angelo asked?
"Sure!" Sasporilla hollered back.
Sasporilla Bucket was a master wand maker, but a horrible dancer, and she knew it. She tried to pretend to dance like the others but that third time she snapped her fingers the music changed to something both more her tastes and more her speed. 'DANCE YOUR FINAL DANCE' by the Weird Sisters dropped on the DJ's platter, much to his surprise, but he rolled with the slow dance.
"Ah." Angelo smiled as Sassy stepped into him. "Well that was convenient."
"Who'd have thought this would start playing in the middle of another tune?" Sasporilla surmised as the young couple started slow dancing.
Angelo liked the way Sasporilla slow danced. Like an elegant waltz but close enough to rest her head against his cheek as they danced. At least until DJ Doxy Dox started to add a beat to it and pick up it's pace!
"Woo!!!" The crowd cheered!
"Well that settles that." Sasporilla pouted.
"Let's face it," Angelo sighed, "it IS sort of weird that it was your first slow dance with Myron also?"
"Ya!" Sassy had to agree as they both started laughing. "Let's find a QUIET table."
Not to either of their surprise, other than casting a SILENCIO spell, there really was no quiet spot to be found at the party. Sasporilla, though she would love to spend time, dancing the night away with her friends, tonight she just wanted to spend with Angelo. Biting her lower lip she looked around and saw just what she was looking for, a stack of boxes next to the north court yard wall. She grabbed Angelo by the hand and hurried him through the dizzying crowd out of sight behind the boxes.
"Why Ms.Bucket?" Angelo said in fine southern belle accent. "What will the other girls say about my innocence?"
"Frankly my dear..." Sasporilla smiled. "I should'n say tha'!"
Sasporilla pulled her wand and traced an outline between the bricks.
"What are you doing?" Angelo asked.
"If I have the right spot..." Sasporilla said casting, "OPEN SESAME!"
A gold shaped glow formed between the bricks as a magical door appeared and opened.
"Awesome!" Angelo smiled.
"An elf named Xolly showed it to me once." Sassy smiled. "Being Witch Queen had its advantages."
The young couple slipped through the magic door from the main courtyard into a quiet hallway of many doors.
"How do you feel about the council voting on no longer needing the Witch Queen." Angelo asked. "Even as a figure head?"
"Relieved." Sasporilla sighed. "I can leave Avalon knowing that it's safe in it's own hands."
Sasporilla counted two doors forward one door to the left and cast "ALOHAMORA." The door unlocked and swung open into a lovely courtyard. Area was strung with dozens of strings of white and pink lights. A single table sat near the old golden cherry tree that stood in the court yards center.
"It looks like we were expected?" Angelo said.
"You could say that." Sasporilla smiled. "I knew the party would be loud. I knew it would be crazy. I knew we might want to get away for a bit of quiet. I do still have SOME pull around here, so I arranged this spot."
"It's perfect." Angelo nodded looking around.
"If you decide you want to invite a couple of friends in..." Sassy said. "You can."
"I'd like to talk to alone about something first." Angelo said.
"Uh oh." Sassy said. "That sentence rarely starts anything good."
Rimppoli, a rather tall thin house elf stepped in carrying a tray with some glasses of water.
"Mum?" Rimppoli asked. "Are you ready to start your dinner?"
"Yes Rimppoli." Sasporilla smiled. "We can talk over dinner. Yes?"
"Yes. Of course!" Angelo agreed.
Rimppoli placed the water on the table then sat Sasporilla first then the gentleman as he was taught to do.
"Tonight," Rimppoli smiled excitedly, "we will start with a nice fresh small Caesar salad, the we have prepared for you a wonderful Fettuccini Alfredo with meatballs, and for dessert... well that is a surprise! Bon appetite!"
Rimppoli snapped his fingers and whisked away.
"All my favourites?" Angelo asked.
"Maybe?" Sassy said coyly. "Now what did you want to talk about?"
"Sasporilla, we have been seeing each other a long time." Angelo said.
"Four years." Sassy said. "Sort of longer."
"I graduated before you." Angelo continued. "In the last few years I've gone on to take what I've had and make a name for myself. I've patented invention after invention! From the magic gardener to the ever-sharp kitchen knife to the Lazarus portable Life Support system for Wizard and Witch Emergency Services." Angelo said.
"And I'm so very proud of you for all of them!" Sasporilla smiled taking his hand across the table.
"What I'm trying to say is I've made more than enough, just off my patents, for a family to live comfortably. Buy a home. Open a shop."
"That is a lovely thought." Sasporilla said looking off dreamily.
"Salad's!" Rimppoli shouted. "Fresh, nice Caesar salads!"
"Oh wonderful!" Sasporilla smiled giving some polite applause.
"Thank you." Angelo sighed as the elf placed the small bowl down in front of the young man.
"You were saying?" Sasporilla asked picking at the leaves of her salad with her fork looking for the best spot to start.
"What?" Angelo asked rather derailed. "Oh yes. I've made enough money to raise a family with."
Sasporilla refused to speak with her mouth full. She simply smiled and nodded politely. Angelo was clearly getting frustrated. Sasporilla had to give him a break.
"Sweetheart," Sassy asked, "as much as I appreciate you're loaded with galleons, just what are you trying to say?"
"I'm trying to say," Angelo smiled, "you wanted to wait for us to be financially responsible before we even thought of marriage."
"And you being loaded..." Sasporilla said.
"Comfortable." Angelo corrected.
"Sorry," Sassy said, "YOU being COMFORTABLE makes US financially stable does it?"
"Sasporilla," Angelo said, "I'm not a complete moron. You've drawn a salary, for the last three years, for your roll as Witch Queen. It was approved by the Council and it is more than enough to not only by a home, but a shop, stock the shop, build the wand machine in full, hire core weavers and pay them for ten years. Shall I go on."
"Busted." Sassy smiled. "So, what next?"
"Fettuccini Alfredo with meatballs!" Rimppoli smiled bringing out the big tray and putting down a nice bowl of pasta before each of them.
"Extra cheese for either of you?" Rimppoli asked.
"No thank you Rimppoli." Sassy smiled.
"Yes please." Angelo asked.
Rimppoli snapped his fingers and Parmesan cheese grated itself above his dish until Angelo was satisfied.
Angelo twirled the pasta onto his fork, and popped a meatball onto the end. Taking a big bite Angelo savored the taste of the buttery cream sauce and the herbs of the meatball.
"Is it good?" Sasporilla asked.
"It's perfect." Angelo said. "It reminds of the pasta I had as boy. Like my Nona made."
"It's her recipe." Sassy said. "I sent to your Dad for it."
"You are resourceful." Angelo smiled reaching into his jacket pocket.
"Yes I am." Sasporilla said laying her wand across his hand. "Did you know that the spell Professor Phenix found allowed much more than just the reversal of Baba Yaga's gorgon stare? It could reverse all the damage she did! Every dirty little curse. Every dirty little spell. The bomb that split my darling Melvin Lazarus into oh so many. Including you."
"Sassy?" Angelo's voice quivered when she stood and stepped away from the table. "Every dirty Asensionmorphosus Ritual the Witch Queen did for the rich and powerful, like the one she did for Madrigal Neelander. The one that robbed me of Korry Curtiss' love! How many lives could be changed? How much could be made better?"
Angelo's face dropped and he pulled his hand out of his pocket empty. "You're right. If you had to get rid of me to make your life perfect, then I would gladly do it."
"And that Angelo Lazarus is why I say yes." Sasporilla Bucket said.
"What?" Angelo was clearly confused.
"The ring in your pocket. The same one from the lost city. I told you then to hang on to it for a better time, when all this Witch Queen stuff was over and we were in a better place. When I grabbed the staff and was shown all those multiple paths I was not just shown tonight..."
"Which explains the perfect setting and menu." Angelo smiled.
"But it also showed me the result of using that spell to undo all Baba Yaga had done. Undo her Asensionmorphosus Ritual, another would have done for them and Madrigal would still have gotten Korry. Undo the Bomb, and I'd have lost Melvin two years later to a groupie on a tour in Demoins Iowa. Then I wouldn't have you. I also never would have been introduced to the life I know my invention and would have gone on to be an ok wand maker in a small shop, alone. So go on Angelo Lazarus, ask me already, so I can say yes!"
"Well I don't know as I want to ask you now!" Angelo said. "The romance of moment has past."
Sasporilla picked up her wand and tipped it up into a dueling salute. "You leave me no choice then."
"Ok! Ok!" Angelo Lazarus laughed walking over to Sassy and kneeling before her in the hard stone ground, pulled the ring box from his pocket and opened it revealing a beautiful pink diamond engagement ring. "Sasporilla Imaginarium Bucket, will you marry me and spend the rest of our lives as witch and wizard together, in mad passionate love and warm comfortable love."
"Yes my love." Sasporilla smiled biting her lower lip, nodding her head, "I will."
The End
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/ )