0322: Through Darkness and Light - Professor Calrheane Elessar "Callie"
Due to the vagarities of my schedule, we have another early-Sue.
TITLE: Through Darkness and Light
PERPETRATOR: LtSonya
SUE-O-METER:
(awful)
FULL NAME: Professor Calrheane Elessar, called 'Callie'.
SPECIES: Half-Elf/Witch. As Lupin observese: 'Not just a house-elf, but one of the Ancients!'
HAIR: 'her blonde hair fell past her shoulders to her waist'
EYES: not described
MARKINGS: none mentioned
POSESSIONS: a pet wolf named 'Shra' (no mention of a corresponding 'Hman' wandering around, though), and 'a large silver pendant in the shape of a star on a silver chain'
ORIGIN: Who knows? Is at Hogwarts to teach 'The Study of Elvish Magic'.
CONNECTIONS TO CANON: Gave the light of Earendil to Sirius. No, really. Makes friends with Lupin. Snape seems to like her. Summary implies she'll end up with Sirius.
SPECIAL ABILITIES: Elf stuff - 'being all mysterious and otherworldly'. Talks to animals. Is 2821 years old, precisely. I wouldn't have figured Elves kept track. Making Snape kiss her hand.
NOTES: She keeps talking about 'the Valor'. This is not a typo... it's used repeatedly.
SAMPLE:
Disclaimer: Don’t own Harry Potter, but it’s nice to borrow him. Also all topics and conversations about Valinor, the First Age, Eldar, etc are works of J.R.R. Tolkien’s.
Through Darkness and Light
Chapter 2
Staring across the sea of pointed black hats, Remus Lupin swallowed the nausea circling his stomach. The Great Hall shone with the school’s colors, all four banners waving proudly on a magical wind.
The Sorting Hat’s song rang through the hall, but Remus didn’t hear any of the words. They passed over him in a wordless tune, carrying him to days long gone, when he had been sitting in those exact same tables, with his three closest friends. The memory turned bitter, even as he saw Sirius throwing a piece of cake through Nearly Headless Nick to hit some Ravenclaw girl in the hair.
“Traitor,” he thought. “You had better pray the dementors find you before me.”
Gripping his goblet of wine, Remus took a gulp, hoping to force away the bile he tasted on his palate. He needed to get a hold of himself, especially if he was planning on teaching a full year. Glancing at Dumbledore, Remus still couldn’t believe that he had hired him. No one ever trusted a werewolf, but Dumbledore had, just like all those years ago. Now he would be teaching when no one else wanted him to.
Remus’s heart lifted as he saw Harry walk through the grand doors with the young woman who had been with him on the train. He just couldn’t seem to tear his eyes off Harry, the dark hair and thin face.
“James,” thought Remus. Oh how long he had mourned to see his friend again, listening to his laugh and retelling brave stories of his Quidditch’s matches. Eyes misting slightly, Remus took a deep breath.
Glancing at all the teachers, Remus felt ashamed to be sitting with them and their pristine robes. Snape glared at him across the room, and his greasy hair shone from all the candlelight. After all these years, Snape still hated him. Remus wasn’t too surprised by that, all those curses and jinxes James and Sirius had put on him. “He still hasn’t learned to grow up. Still holding childhood grudges,” thought Remus. It would be such a joy to work with him this year, especially since he’d be doing everything to get him fired.
Remus just smiled at the thought, causing Snape’s scowl to reach further down his face. It would be an interesting year.
That’s when Remus noticed the seat next to him was still empty. Who was supposed to be there? For the life of him, Remus couldn’t remember who the other teacher was. Professor Sprout had told him just before the ceremony, but it had completely slipped his mind.
Just then Dumbledore rose up from his seat, causing silence to settle over the hall. “Welcome to another year at Hogwart’s! I have a few things to say to you, and one of them is very serious. So I think I’ll get it out of the way so you can enjoy the lovely feast…”
Taking a sip of his wine, Remus concentrated on keeping his face neutral as he stared blankly back at Snape.
“We are currently playing host to a few of Azkaban’s guards, dementors, as some of you saw on the train. They are here on Ministry of Magic business. Please do nothing to provoke them; they don’t understand pleading or excuses. I look to the school prefects to make sure no student runs afoul with them,” he said.
Harry shared a look with the girl and the red-haired boy sitting next to him. They were not likely to forget the encounter on the train. However, the good thing was they understood the danger, and hopefully it would keep them in line. He’d heard of the adventures the three of them had in their first two years. Remus couldn’t help but smile. The boy was more like James than he realized.
“On a much happier note,” Dumbledore continued, “I am pleased to welcome three new teachers to our ranks this year.” Shocked expressions filled all the student’s faces. They had only been expecting one new teacher, not three.
“First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.”
Remus smiled to the students, noting the enthusiastic clapping from those who had been with him on the train. He felt his heart leap to his throat when he saw the look on Harry’s face, complete adoration. Never in his life had he felt so privileged at this moment. To be teaching at Hogwart’s was such a tremendous honor for him, but to be teaching Harry…James’s and Lily’s son.
Remus took another deep breath to calm his shaking hands. Some Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher he was, couldn’t even get his emotions under control. But still, he was happy. The first, in a very long time. He barely registered Dumbledore announcing Hagrid’s job as Care of Magical Creatures.
However, right at that moment, the doors to the Great Hall swung open. All the students turned in their seats, shocked by the disturbance. Remus perked up in his seat as well, realizing that this must be the third teacher who had yet to appear.
“Ah yes,” Dumbledore said merrily, “this is Professor Calrheane Elessar, our newest addition to the curriculum.”
A woman stood in the doorway. She held her head high, while her blonde hair fell past her shoulders to her waist. She wore a simple, white dress with a silver sash. Her sleeves came to her elbows, but the train extended several inches past her hand.
Silence cloaked the hall. The candles began to flicker, as if they had a life of their own. Several of the students stood up in their seats to get a better view.
Calrheane strode past the student’s long tables, eyes never wandering. The swoosh of her dress and the flickering of candles were the only sounds that Remus could hear. Until, the shocked gasp the students let out.
A large timber wolf, gray fur flecked with white, trotted at her side. Its golden eyes scanned the students, as if daring them to come near.
“Professor Elessar has kindly agreed to begin a new program at Hogwart’s. She will be teaching Study of Elvish Magic.”
Finally noticing the curved tip on the end of her ear, Remus’s jaw dropped. He vaguely registered the collected shrieks and gasps from the students. Even several of the teachers had been shocked by this. “She’s an elf,” Remus thought in awe. “Not just a house-elf, but one of the Ancients!”
Ignoring the surprise from the students and teachers, Calrheane walked up to Dumbledore and smiled, before turning to the students and giving them a slight nod of her head.
The wolf brushed against her dress, its ears straight up, as if smelling out any danger from the hall.
“As you can see,” continued Dumbledore, “she is an elf, but only half-elven. A rarity in this age, but I assure you they do exist. I expect you treat her with the same respect as you would any other teacher.”
Taking this for her cue, Calrheane walked to Remus and sat in the chair next to him. She gave him a small smile, before averting her eyes back to Dumbledore.
It was then that Remus realized just how nervous she was. Her face was pale and he could see that her hands shook slightly when she reached for her goblet. She didn’t seem so mighty then, as she first did when she entered with an authority all her own. “Half-elven, but half human too.” Now that she was closer to him, he noticed a large silver pendant in the shape of a star on a silver chain.
Dumbledore concluded his speech and the students started digging in, well those who weren’t staring buck-eyed at the half-elf sitting next to him.
Looking at his food, Remus tried to convince his stomach that he was still hungry. It had been such an emotional day for him, but he just wanted to go to bed, even though he hadn’t seen this much food in years. Sure he was excited (and more than a little curious), but there were some memories lingering, and they were too difficult to handle all at once. Especially in addition to everything that’s happened today. He should have eaten some chocolate with the students when that dementor walked into their train car. Now that he thought about, he did have a pretty crazy day. He definitely wasn’t expecting to talk face to face, or at least face to cloak, with a group of dementors. Of course he should have expected that would have happened. Dumbledore did inform of the dementors presence at Hogwart’s and it was only natural for them to want to check out the train out. He knew better though, those vile creatures were drawn to the emotions, not looking for Sirius Black.
“It is hard for you to be back here.”
Hand freezing in mid-air, Remus looked at Calrheane. How did she know? He had thought he was doing a decent job masking his emotions, well except for when Harry walked in. He took a deep breath before placing his hand on his lap. “Am I being that obvious?”
As if sensing his uneasiness, Calrheane blushed. “I’m so sorry,” she stammered. “That’s my great-grandmother speaking. Being all mysterious and other-worldly. It just sort of comes out sometimes.”
Feeling his face relax, Remus smiled. “If your intention was to not do that, then you failed miserably with your entrance.”
Calrheane’s eyes widened as she saw the entire student body casting glances at her. “Oh, valor.” She reached for her goblet and took a large chug.
Remus laughed. “They’ll be talking about you for months, might as well get used to it.” He extended his hand, “I’m Remus Lupin by the way.”
Placing the goblet down and she shook his hand. “Please, call me Callie.” She picked up her silverware and cut into the chicken leg on her plate. “I didn’t mean to be so late. I actually seemed to lose the time for a moment. Dumbledore had me dealing with the dementors, at least the ones who were still angry about being forced to stay outside the school.”
“Really? I’m impressed. No one wants to deal with those, including me. And I’m the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.”
“Trust me,” she said after she swallowed a bit, “I’d prefer to be no where near them. But it can’t be helped. Besides, I heard you already had your fill of them today. It was a good thing you were on that train. Otherwise, I’d hate to think what would have happened. Those kids were not trained how to handle those wraiths.”
“I hate them, but who doesn’t? But you’re right though, it would have been much worse. Some of the students, didn’t, react well as it was.”
“I had heard.” She smiled at him and cut a piece of blueberry pie. “Would you like some?”
He waved his hand, “no thank you. If I eat any deserts that will be the only thing I eat tonight.”
“I just can’t believe that they had the nerve to stop the train.”
Remus sliced off a piece of his steak. “I heard Dumbledore was furious. I’m almost glad I only had dementors to deal with.”
“Yes, he was very, grumpy to put it lightly. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so angry.”
“Really? But I can’t say I’ve been privy to his famous temper before myself. How did you meet Dumbledore?”
Callie smiled at her wolf and offered it a piece of chicken which the wolf gingerly took from Callie’s hand. “Not too long ago actually. I had known of him for many years, at least since I sailed back from Valinor, which was about thirty years ago. But it was probably about fifteen years ago that I introduced myself. And once he saw that I was an elf, well, he’s been pestering me ever since to take up a teaching position here.”
“Well you can’t really blame him, it’s not everyday that one meets an Ancient.”
“Eldar, actually.”
“What?”
“Eldar, it’s what we refer ourselves as. The more formal term instead of ‘elves.’ Just another part of history that’s been forgotten throughout the years.”
“I never knew that. The wizarding world just comes up with explanations and names that have been lost. It’s good that you’re here to change a little of that.”
“I’m actually looking forward to it. Re-teaching what was lost.”
Remus smiled and glanced at some of the other teachers. They were clearing envious of him and his dinner companion, always shooting side-long glances at him. He couldn’t really blame them though; she was literally a living legend. Sort of what he had always seen Dumbledore as. Dumbledore then took that moment to smile at him, and raised his goblet just slightly. Remus nodded his head in greeting. It was good to be back, even if Snape was still the same snotty child he remembered. And of course, there was Harry who was talking with nearly Headless Nick. However, it was the girl next to him that was staring at the table with a determined look on her face. He wouldn’t be surprised if she were one of brightest students in her class. It was just the way she held herself, especially with such a mystery sitting at the teacher’s table.
He also had a lot of questions he wanted to ask Callie, some of them though, he had a feeling she may not want to answer right away. For starters, why was she really here, back with the humans. He remembered from his own studies that when the elves left these shores it was for good, never to return. But yet, she had clearly stated that she came back from that place. She definitely had a story, but that was expected considering how old she probably was.
Remus was surprised he felt comfortable with her, which was unusual. He was normally very wary of women. It was too dangerous for him to get close to anyone, just in case something ever happened during the full moon. It had always been a risk he had been unwilling to take, and for that matter, no woman had ever been willing to take that risk. “So tell me, how did you know, that I, ah, felt that way? About being back at Hogwarts?”
She scrunched her nose, as if trying to recall that part in the conversation. “It’s uh, complicated I guess. You see, I could sense it all around you. Every person touches the world in some way.”
He gave her a confused look so she continued.
“You leave an imprint of yourself on the air current, on the ground, or even through fire, of how you’re feeling. Because I’m an elf, I’m connected to the physical world, but also the invisible one.” She thought for a moment before adding, “The spiritual side of life. I’m in the boundary, and so am tied to the Valor’s creations.”
Nodding, Remus couldn’t believe what she was saying to him. He had never heard of any wizard being able to wield that kind of power. And to think, these students would be learning this new different form of magic. “It almost makes me wish to be fifteen again. Just so I’d get the chance to learn your magic.”
Callie laughed and took another sip of her drink. “You wouldn’t be saying that if you had an idea what I plan on putting them through this year. There is so much they don’t know.”
Glancing at Snape, Remus was thrilled to see the man still glowering at him. Probably was furious that he didn’t get to sit and chat next to the elf. Dumbledore probably figured she’d have run out if she’d been forced to sit next to him. “I’m actually really shocked to see you. I didn’t know elves were allowed to return to the mortal world.” To hell with diplomacy, he was far too curious. Anything was better than thinking of dementors, or even worse, Sirius.
Callie sat silent for a few minutes, taking her time to chew her chicken. The wolf stared at him, and for some reason Remus got the feeling he was being tested. The wolf’s ears moved back and forth, as if trying to decide whether or not to feel threatened or relaxed. Strange how he was able to read so much from the animal, but that might have to do with his own werewolf condition. Perhaps that was why the wolf couldn’t decide if he was safe or not for his companion, he must have a very strong werewolf scent. The wolf yawned, like it had reached a decision and then laid down on the ground, tucking its tail against its body.
Callie took a sip of wine, which had magically refilled itself. “You’re not wrong. Elves aren’t supposed to leave from Valinor, but I chose to anyway. It’s sometimes hard to be here, remembering what everything was like. But even when I was born most of the elves had already left and only a handful remained.”
From the way it sounded, she hadn’t left on the best of terms, but that was something Remus didn’t need to pursue right away. She would tell him if she wanted, if she trusted him enough. If anything, it was extremely interesting what she was saying. He hoped the wizarding world would utilize all the information she had, to fill in the missing holes of their own history. “Few stories have survived of the elves, which I find such a shame. Did you know there were even debates about whether or not your kind had actually existed?”
“I can’t really say I’m surprised. We’ve become more of a legend now than anything else, as I’ve quickly learned throughout the years.” She glanced at Hagrid who quickly turned away, as if afraid to be caught looking at her. She gave him a smile and nodded. “But that couldn’t be helped. The Valor called the elves back at the end of the First Age, to forsake the shores of Middle-Earth and sail to Valinor.”
Remus’s eyebrows shot up towards his forehead and she laughed at the expression on his face. “You lost me there. I actually don’t know where.”
“I keep forgetting that you’ve lost the old history. It’s a long story, one not to begin in the evening. But the long and short of it, all the elves left when the call of the ocean became too great.”
“And what about you, when did you leave?”
“Me.” She stared at her food for a few moments. “I was one of the last to leave. I was the only one of my family to sail away, and I went with my father’s close friend, Legolas Greenleaf.”
Remus noticed the sadness in her voice, whatever had happened it was clear it still bothered her, even if was thousands of years ago. “Wait a second, how old are you exactly?”
She smiled. “Isn’t that one of the biggest ‘no-no’s’ to ever ask a woman?”
Remus scratched the back of his head. “Yes, you’re right. But you aren’t exactly a normal woman. In fact, I’ll wager you’re not nearly as temperamental as the witches I’ve met.”
“Try me, I do have my moments, but are you sure you want to know old I am?”
“We will be teaching to together, and I have no idea how to reference you in this ‘history’ you spoke of.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’m 2, 821 years old.”
Remus felt his jaw drop. He hadn’t expected her to be that old. “Well, I must say my lady, you’re looking quite well.”
“Thanks, I guess that’s as good of a compliment I could expect.”
Remus took a bite into his own chicken, good food, good wine and good company. It had sure been awhile. What was really nice though was how relaxed she was acting with him, and he knew Dumbledore told all the teachers about his condition. But, Remus guessed he could expect just about anything from a half-elf, especially since the wizarding world knew close to nothing about their magical predecessors. “So what made you decide to teach?”
Callie sat back in her chair with her arms folded across her lap. She looked out at the students, and didn’t say anything for several minutes.
Remus thought she hadn’t heard the question, and was just about to repeat it when she answered in a whisper, “The world is changing. It is no longer as you remember it.”
A chill settled over Remus’s body. That was a rather odd thing for her to say. But coming from her, somewhere deep inside him told him it was no laughing matter. “What do you mean?”
Callie’s eyes slowly traveled too his own, and she stared at him for a few heartbeats.
Remus’s world began to shrink and all he saw was the brown eyes staring at him. A fear crept in his heart, and he realized that something was happening, something he couldn’t even begin to comprehend.
“There are other evils in this world,” she answered quietly. “Ancient ones that have been sleeping since the First Age.” She turned back to stare at the students.
The wolf stood up and rested her head on Callie’s lap. The wolf tilted her head slightly and her golden eyes held Remus’s. It almost felt like she was seeking his help. Remus would have asked the wolf what she meant if he believed the wolf would actually answer. This night really was getting strange.
“I made a promise, long ago to teach.” Callie absently ran her hand along the wolf’s head, “a promise to Harry Potter.”
Remus felt the food he had just swallowed become lodged in his throat. He discreetly pounded his chest with a hand to keep from choking. Harry, how could she have known Harry? That had been the last response he would have expected from her. She held up his goblet, concern in her eyes. He gratefully took the cup and swallowed. “Thank you. You caught me a bit off guard. Harry? How do you know Harry?”
Remus couldn’t help but glance at Harry, who was currently laughing away with his friends. At that moment Harry looked up at Remus, as if he could feel his eyes on him. Remus gave Harry a reassuring smile before turning his attention back to Callie.
Her mouth fell. “Oh valor I did it again didn’t I? Remus, I’m so sorry.”
This she-elf was more than he could handle, he just couldn’t get any sort of grounding. “About what?”
She waved her hands in the air. “That whole ominous voice thingy. Like I said earlier, it just sort of comes out sometimes. Yes, I meet Harry once, before his parents were killed. Your friend was there as well, Sirius Black.”
Remus felt like someone had just punched him in the stomach, which was the only way he could describe his loss of breath. Sirius, before he had betrayed them all. “Sirius?” It was the last name he had been expecting to hear at the dinner table. She had met Sirius? “You are full of surprises tonight. It feels like by the time I get myself adjusted you throw another sidewinder. Maybe you should have sat with Snape, it would have been interesting to seen him all riled up.”
She laughed, “You’re right of course. Maybe I should just learn to keep my mouth shut, or at least stick to polite dinner conversations.” She took another bite out of her chicken. “Yes, Sirius was there. I don’t think he really understood who I was, but I don’t think Lily or James did either. Dumbledore had advised me to remain low-key, at least until the threat of Voldemort was over with. But no matter how many times I think of it, I find it very hard to imagine that Sirius was a Death Eater. He seemed, so happy. I felt the love he had for James, it was all around him.”
Her words seemed to pull at Remus’s pain, but also his ignorance. All those years, and he never saw it coming. Knowing that Sirius was out there now, more than likely headed to Hogwarts, hurt more than knowing he was locked away in Azkaban. “He deceived us all.”
She looked at him, eyes challenging before turning to her food. “Maybe.”
Remus cleared his throat. It was a good time to change the subject. He glanced at the wolf who was begging one of the professors he hadn’t yet been introduced too, for food. “So, what is the wolf’s name?”
Callie turned and looked at the wolf, and her face pinched together. She bated its head, and spoke quietly, “V us sentient diiir eriol.” The wolf’s shoulders slumped before lying back down. “You’d think she had better manners than this. Her name is Shra. She found me a couple years ago while I was in Alaska doing some research. I haven’t been able to get rid of her since.”
She had in spoke a language Remus had never heard of before. However, it wasn’t just the language she had spoken to Shra, but that she understood Callie. He never knew elves had the ability to communicate with animals, at least not to that extent. He’d thought they would have some sort of understanding or bond, being the elemental creatures that they were, but to talk to each other? “That’s truly amazing. Will you be teaching the students to talk with animals?”
“Yes, along with being able to manipulate the natural world without the use of wands. But that won’t come until much later. It’s all based in the language, and the state of a person’s heart. I don’t expect the older students to pick up anything, or even retain after the year is over with, but the younger ones, with several years they may be able to rely on it along with their wands. You know, we should go for a walk one day and I’ll be more than happy to explain everything to you. Mind you though, it’ll have to be a long one.”
Remus felt his face smile without even thinking. “Done.” It was so good to be able to talk with someone, without sensing their fear of being near him. Who knows, maybe she could shed some light on his own condition.
A shadow passed over the table and Remus looked up, a feeling of dread in his stomach. Snape towered over them. He completely ignored Remus and instead gave Callie his best smile. The sight of Snape smiling caused the bile in Remus’s stomach to rise up his throat. The man really did look terrible; it’s no wonder why he’d been such a snot growing up. Callie gave Remus a pointed look, catching on to both male’s dislike for each other.
Snape offered her his hand. “I’m charmed to meet you Calrheane. Severus Snape. It is such an honor to have one of your status teaching at Hogwarts.”
Callie turned her frown into a sweet smile and extended her hand. “Thank you. Though being an elf is no greater than being human.”
Snape held her hand in his, before leaning down and planting a kiss on her fingers. “Of course. If you ever need anything, please, feel free to stop by and see me.” His greasy hair looked even worse up close and Remus could sense Callie cringe as a strand touched her hand. She quickly retracted her hand, but not fast enough where it would appear her action was rude. Remus almost wished she had done that, would have been a great slap in the face for his old school-mate.
Remus also noticed that Callie hadn’t insisted on Snape calling her ‘Callie.’ Just another little victory he would tuck away for himself.
“Thank you Professor Snape, I’m sure I’ll take you up on that offer if I ever find the need.” She placed her offended hand on her lap, tightly gripping the other over it.
Snape nodded his head and turned to Remus. “I see you’ve managed to get yourself a job.” Snape didn’t try to hide the sneer in his voice or push down his curling lips that looked more like a snarl than a smile.
“It’s good to see you too Snape. But from what I heard, you’ve been trying to get this job for years.”
Callie at that moment decided to pipe up. “Really? I’m sure Albus has his reasons, but what is it you teach now?”
“Potions,” Snape answered with barely contained resentment. “Though I am the acting substitute for Defense Against the Dark Arts. I’ll see you both around some time.” With that Snape turned on his heel and headed back to his dinner spot.
Tapping her finger against her chin, Callie just shrugged. “Pleasant man.”
“You have no idea.”
TITLE: Through Darkness and Light
PERPETRATOR: LtSonya
SUE-O-METER:
(awful)
FULL NAME: Professor Calrheane Elessar, called 'Callie'.
SPECIES: Half-Elf/Witch. As Lupin observese: 'Not just a house-elf, but one of the Ancients!'
HAIR: 'her blonde hair fell past her shoulders to her waist'
EYES: not described
MARKINGS: none mentioned
POSESSIONS: a pet wolf named 'Shra' (no mention of a corresponding 'Hman' wandering around, though), and 'a large silver pendant in the shape of a star on a silver chain'
ORIGIN: Who knows? Is at Hogwarts to teach 'The Study of Elvish Magic'.
CONNECTIONS TO CANON: Gave the light of Earendil to Sirius. No, really. Makes friends with Lupin. Snape seems to like her. Summary implies she'll end up with Sirius.
SPECIAL ABILITIES: Elf stuff - 'being all mysterious and otherworldly'. Talks to animals. Is 2821 years old, precisely. I wouldn't have figured Elves kept track. Making Snape kiss her hand.
NOTES: She keeps talking about 'the Valor'. This is not a typo... it's used repeatedly.
SAMPLE:
Disclaimer: Don’t own Harry Potter, but it’s nice to borrow him. Also all topics and conversations about Valinor, the First Age, Eldar, etc are works of J.R.R. Tolkien’s.
Through Darkness and Light
Chapter 2
Staring across the sea of pointed black hats, Remus Lupin swallowed the nausea circling his stomach. The Great Hall shone with the school’s colors, all four banners waving proudly on a magical wind.
The Sorting Hat’s song rang through the hall, but Remus didn’t hear any of the words. They passed over him in a wordless tune, carrying him to days long gone, when he had been sitting in those exact same tables, with his three closest friends. The memory turned bitter, even as he saw Sirius throwing a piece of cake through Nearly Headless Nick to hit some Ravenclaw girl in the hair.
“Traitor,” he thought. “You had better pray the dementors find you before me.”
Gripping his goblet of wine, Remus took a gulp, hoping to force away the bile he tasted on his palate. He needed to get a hold of himself, especially if he was planning on teaching a full year. Glancing at Dumbledore, Remus still couldn’t believe that he had hired him. No one ever trusted a werewolf, but Dumbledore had, just like all those years ago. Now he would be teaching when no one else wanted him to.
Remus’s heart lifted as he saw Harry walk through the grand doors with the young woman who had been with him on the train. He just couldn’t seem to tear his eyes off Harry, the dark hair and thin face.
“James,” thought Remus. Oh how long he had mourned to see his friend again, listening to his laugh and retelling brave stories of his Quidditch’s matches. Eyes misting slightly, Remus took a deep breath.
Glancing at all the teachers, Remus felt ashamed to be sitting with them and their pristine robes. Snape glared at him across the room, and his greasy hair shone from all the candlelight. After all these years, Snape still hated him. Remus wasn’t too surprised by that, all those curses and jinxes James and Sirius had put on him. “He still hasn’t learned to grow up. Still holding childhood grudges,” thought Remus. It would be such a joy to work with him this year, especially since he’d be doing everything to get him fired.
Remus just smiled at the thought, causing Snape’s scowl to reach further down his face. It would be an interesting year.
That’s when Remus noticed the seat next to him was still empty. Who was supposed to be there? For the life of him, Remus couldn’t remember who the other teacher was. Professor Sprout had told him just before the ceremony, but it had completely slipped his mind.
Just then Dumbledore rose up from his seat, causing silence to settle over the hall. “Welcome to another year at Hogwart’s! I have a few things to say to you, and one of them is very serious. So I think I’ll get it out of the way so you can enjoy the lovely feast…”
Taking a sip of his wine, Remus concentrated on keeping his face neutral as he stared blankly back at Snape.
“We are currently playing host to a few of Azkaban’s guards, dementors, as some of you saw on the train. They are here on Ministry of Magic business. Please do nothing to provoke them; they don’t understand pleading or excuses. I look to the school prefects to make sure no student runs afoul with them,” he said.
Harry shared a look with the girl and the red-haired boy sitting next to him. They were not likely to forget the encounter on the train. However, the good thing was they understood the danger, and hopefully it would keep them in line. He’d heard of the adventures the three of them had in their first two years. Remus couldn’t help but smile. The boy was more like James than he realized.
“On a much happier note,” Dumbledore continued, “I am pleased to welcome three new teachers to our ranks this year.” Shocked expressions filled all the student’s faces. They had only been expecting one new teacher, not three.
“First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.”
Remus smiled to the students, noting the enthusiastic clapping from those who had been with him on the train. He felt his heart leap to his throat when he saw the look on Harry’s face, complete adoration. Never in his life had he felt so privileged at this moment. To be teaching at Hogwart’s was such a tremendous honor for him, but to be teaching Harry…James’s and Lily’s son.
Remus took another deep breath to calm his shaking hands. Some Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher he was, couldn’t even get his emotions under control. But still, he was happy. The first, in a very long time. He barely registered Dumbledore announcing Hagrid’s job as Care of Magical Creatures.
However, right at that moment, the doors to the Great Hall swung open. All the students turned in their seats, shocked by the disturbance. Remus perked up in his seat as well, realizing that this must be the third teacher who had yet to appear.
“Ah yes,” Dumbledore said merrily, “this is Professor Calrheane Elessar, our newest addition to the curriculum.”
A woman stood in the doorway. She held her head high, while her blonde hair fell past her shoulders to her waist. She wore a simple, white dress with a silver sash. Her sleeves came to her elbows, but the train extended several inches past her hand.
Silence cloaked the hall. The candles began to flicker, as if they had a life of their own. Several of the students stood up in their seats to get a better view.
Calrheane strode past the student’s long tables, eyes never wandering. The swoosh of her dress and the flickering of candles were the only sounds that Remus could hear. Until, the shocked gasp the students let out.
A large timber wolf, gray fur flecked with white, trotted at her side. Its golden eyes scanned the students, as if daring them to come near.
“Professor Elessar has kindly agreed to begin a new program at Hogwart’s. She will be teaching Study of Elvish Magic.”
Finally noticing the curved tip on the end of her ear, Remus’s jaw dropped. He vaguely registered the collected shrieks and gasps from the students. Even several of the teachers had been shocked by this. “She’s an elf,” Remus thought in awe. “Not just a house-elf, but one of the Ancients!”
Ignoring the surprise from the students and teachers, Calrheane walked up to Dumbledore and smiled, before turning to the students and giving them a slight nod of her head.
The wolf brushed against her dress, its ears straight up, as if smelling out any danger from the hall.
“As you can see,” continued Dumbledore, “she is an elf, but only half-elven. A rarity in this age, but I assure you they do exist. I expect you treat her with the same respect as you would any other teacher.”
Taking this for her cue, Calrheane walked to Remus and sat in the chair next to him. She gave him a small smile, before averting her eyes back to Dumbledore.
It was then that Remus realized just how nervous she was. Her face was pale and he could see that her hands shook slightly when she reached for her goblet. She didn’t seem so mighty then, as she first did when she entered with an authority all her own. “Half-elven, but half human too.” Now that she was closer to him, he noticed a large silver pendant in the shape of a star on a silver chain.
Dumbledore concluded his speech and the students started digging in, well those who weren’t staring buck-eyed at the half-elf sitting next to him.
Looking at his food, Remus tried to convince his stomach that he was still hungry. It had been such an emotional day for him, but he just wanted to go to bed, even though he hadn’t seen this much food in years. Sure he was excited (and more than a little curious), but there were some memories lingering, and they were too difficult to handle all at once. Especially in addition to everything that’s happened today. He should have eaten some chocolate with the students when that dementor walked into their train car. Now that he thought about, he did have a pretty crazy day. He definitely wasn’t expecting to talk face to face, or at least face to cloak, with a group of dementors. Of course he should have expected that would have happened. Dumbledore did inform of the dementors presence at Hogwart’s and it was only natural for them to want to check out the train out. He knew better though, those vile creatures were drawn to the emotions, not looking for Sirius Black.
“It is hard for you to be back here.”
Hand freezing in mid-air, Remus looked at Calrheane. How did she know? He had thought he was doing a decent job masking his emotions, well except for when Harry walked in. He took a deep breath before placing his hand on his lap. “Am I being that obvious?”
As if sensing his uneasiness, Calrheane blushed. “I’m so sorry,” she stammered. “That’s my great-grandmother speaking. Being all mysterious and other-worldly. It just sort of comes out sometimes.”
Feeling his face relax, Remus smiled. “If your intention was to not do that, then you failed miserably with your entrance.”
Calrheane’s eyes widened as she saw the entire student body casting glances at her. “Oh, valor.” She reached for her goblet and took a large chug.
Remus laughed. “They’ll be talking about you for months, might as well get used to it.” He extended his hand, “I’m Remus Lupin by the way.”
Placing the goblet down and she shook his hand. “Please, call me Callie.” She picked up her silverware and cut into the chicken leg on her plate. “I didn’t mean to be so late. I actually seemed to lose the time for a moment. Dumbledore had me dealing with the dementors, at least the ones who were still angry about being forced to stay outside the school.”
“Really? I’m impressed. No one wants to deal with those, including me. And I’m the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.”
“Trust me,” she said after she swallowed a bit, “I’d prefer to be no where near them. But it can’t be helped. Besides, I heard you already had your fill of them today. It was a good thing you were on that train. Otherwise, I’d hate to think what would have happened. Those kids were not trained how to handle those wraiths.”
“I hate them, but who doesn’t? But you’re right though, it would have been much worse. Some of the students, didn’t, react well as it was.”
“I had heard.” She smiled at him and cut a piece of blueberry pie. “Would you like some?”
He waved his hand, “no thank you. If I eat any deserts that will be the only thing I eat tonight.”
“I just can’t believe that they had the nerve to stop the train.”
Remus sliced off a piece of his steak. “I heard Dumbledore was furious. I’m almost glad I only had dementors to deal with.”
“Yes, he was very, grumpy to put it lightly. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so angry.”
“Really? But I can’t say I’ve been privy to his famous temper before myself. How did you meet Dumbledore?”
Callie smiled at her wolf and offered it a piece of chicken which the wolf gingerly took from Callie’s hand. “Not too long ago actually. I had known of him for many years, at least since I sailed back from Valinor, which was about thirty years ago. But it was probably about fifteen years ago that I introduced myself. And once he saw that I was an elf, well, he’s been pestering me ever since to take up a teaching position here.”
“Well you can’t really blame him, it’s not everyday that one meets an Ancient.”
“Eldar, actually.”
“What?”
“Eldar, it’s what we refer ourselves as. The more formal term instead of ‘elves.’ Just another part of history that’s been forgotten throughout the years.”
“I never knew that. The wizarding world just comes up with explanations and names that have been lost. It’s good that you’re here to change a little of that.”
“I’m actually looking forward to it. Re-teaching what was lost.”
Remus smiled and glanced at some of the other teachers. They were clearing envious of him and his dinner companion, always shooting side-long glances at him. He couldn’t really blame them though; she was literally a living legend. Sort of what he had always seen Dumbledore as. Dumbledore then took that moment to smile at him, and raised his goblet just slightly. Remus nodded his head in greeting. It was good to be back, even if Snape was still the same snotty child he remembered. And of course, there was Harry who was talking with nearly Headless Nick. However, it was the girl next to him that was staring at the table with a determined look on her face. He wouldn’t be surprised if she were one of brightest students in her class. It was just the way she held herself, especially with such a mystery sitting at the teacher’s table.
He also had a lot of questions he wanted to ask Callie, some of them though, he had a feeling she may not want to answer right away. For starters, why was she really here, back with the humans. He remembered from his own studies that when the elves left these shores it was for good, never to return. But yet, she had clearly stated that she came back from that place. She definitely had a story, but that was expected considering how old she probably was.
Remus was surprised he felt comfortable with her, which was unusual. He was normally very wary of women. It was too dangerous for him to get close to anyone, just in case something ever happened during the full moon. It had always been a risk he had been unwilling to take, and for that matter, no woman had ever been willing to take that risk. “So tell me, how did you know, that I, ah, felt that way? About being back at Hogwarts?”
She scrunched her nose, as if trying to recall that part in the conversation. “It’s uh, complicated I guess. You see, I could sense it all around you. Every person touches the world in some way.”
He gave her a confused look so she continued.
“You leave an imprint of yourself on the air current, on the ground, or even through fire, of how you’re feeling. Because I’m an elf, I’m connected to the physical world, but also the invisible one.” She thought for a moment before adding, “The spiritual side of life. I’m in the boundary, and so am tied to the Valor’s creations.”
Nodding, Remus couldn’t believe what she was saying to him. He had never heard of any wizard being able to wield that kind of power. And to think, these students would be learning this new different form of magic. “It almost makes me wish to be fifteen again. Just so I’d get the chance to learn your magic.”
Callie laughed and took another sip of her drink. “You wouldn’t be saying that if you had an idea what I plan on putting them through this year. There is so much they don’t know.”
Glancing at Snape, Remus was thrilled to see the man still glowering at him. Probably was furious that he didn’t get to sit and chat next to the elf. Dumbledore probably figured she’d have run out if she’d been forced to sit next to him. “I’m actually really shocked to see you. I didn’t know elves were allowed to return to the mortal world.” To hell with diplomacy, he was far too curious. Anything was better than thinking of dementors, or even worse, Sirius.
Callie sat silent for a few minutes, taking her time to chew her chicken. The wolf stared at him, and for some reason Remus got the feeling he was being tested. The wolf’s ears moved back and forth, as if trying to decide whether or not to feel threatened or relaxed. Strange how he was able to read so much from the animal, but that might have to do with his own werewolf condition. Perhaps that was why the wolf couldn’t decide if he was safe or not for his companion, he must have a very strong werewolf scent. The wolf yawned, like it had reached a decision and then laid down on the ground, tucking its tail against its body.
Callie took a sip of wine, which had magically refilled itself. “You’re not wrong. Elves aren’t supposed to leave from Valinor, but I chose to anyway. It’s sometimes hard to be here, remembering what everything was like. But even when I was born most of the elves had already left and only a handful remained.”
From the way it sounded, she hadn’t left on the best of terms, but that was something Remus didn’t need to pursue right away. She would tell him if she wanted, if she trusted him enough. If anything, it was extremely interesting what she was saying. He hoped the wizarding world would utilize all the information she had, to fill in the missing holes of their own history. “Few stories have survived of the elves, which I find such a shame. Did you know there were even debates about whether or not your kind had actually existed?”
“I can’t really say I’m surprised. We’ve become more of a legend now than anything else, as I’ve quickly learned throughout the years.” She glanced at Hagrid who quickly turned away, as if afraid to be caught looking at her. She gave him a smile and nodded. “But that couldn’t be helped. The Valor called the elves back at the end of the First Age, to forsake the shores of Middle-Earth and sail to Valinor.”
Remus’s eyebrows shot up towards his forehead and she laughed at the expression on his face. “You lost me there. I actually don’t know where.”
“I keep forgetting that you’ve lost the old history. It’s a long story, one not to begin in the evening. But the long and short of it, all the elves left when the call of the ocean became too great.”
“And what about you, when did you leave?”
“Me.” She stared at her food for a few moments. “I was one of the last to leave. I was the only one of my family to sail away, and I went with my father’s close friend, Legolas Greenleaf.”
Remus noticed the sadness in her voice, whatever had happened it was clear it still bothered her, even if was thousands of years ago. “Wait a second, how old are you exactly?”
She smiled. “Isn’t that one of the biggest ‘no-no’s’ to ever ask a woman?”
Remus scratched the back of his head. “Yes, you’re right. But you aren’t exactly a normal woman. In fact, I’ll wager you’re not nearly as temperamental as the witches I’ve met.”
“Try me, I do have my moments, but are you sure you want to know old I am?”
“We will be teaching to together, and I have no idea how to reference you in this ‘history’ you spoke of.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’m 2, 821 years old.”
Remus felt his jaw drop. He hadn’t expected her to be that old. “Well, I must say my lady, you’re looking quite well.”
“Thanks, I guess that’s as good of a compliment I could expect.”
Remus took a bite into his own chicken, good food, good wine and good company. It had sure been awhile. What was really nice though was how relaxed she was acting with him, and he knew Dumbledore told all the teachers about his condition. But, Remus guessed he could expect just about anything from a half-elf, especially since the wizarding world knew close to nothing about their magical predecessors. “So what made you decide to teach?”
Callie sat back in her chair with her arms folded across her lap. She looked out at the students, and didn’t say anything for several minutes.
Remus thought she hadn’t heard the question, and was just about to repeat it when she answered in a whisper, “The world is changing. It is no longer as you remember it.”
A chill settled over Remus’s body. That was a rather odd thing for her to say. But coming from her, somewhere deep inside him told him it was no laughing matter. “What do you mean?”
Callie’s eyes slowly traveled too his own, and she stared at him for a few heartbeats.
Remus’s world began to shrink and all he saw was the brown eyes staring at him. A fear crept in his heart, and he realized that something was happening, something he couldn’t even begin to comprehend.
“There are other evils in this world,” she answered quietly. “Ancient ones that have been sleeping since the First Age.” She turned back to stare at the students.
The wolf stood up and rested her head on Callie’s lap. The wolf tilted her head slightly and her golden eyes held Remus’s. It almost felt like she was seeking his help. Remus would have asked the wolf what she meant if he believed the wolf would actually answer. This night really was getting strange.
“I made a promise, long ago to teach.” Callie absently ran her hand along the wolf’s head, “a promise to Harry Potter.”
Remus felt the food he had just swallowed become lodged in his throat. He discreetly pounded his chest with a hand to keep from choking. Harry, how could she have known Harry? That had been the last response he would have expected from her. She held up his goblet, concern in her eyes. He gratefully took the cup and swallowed. “Thank you. You caught me a bit off guard. Harry? How do you know Harry?”
Remus couldn’t help but glance at Harry, who was currently laughing away with his friends. At that moment Harry looked up at Remus, as if he could feel his eyes on him. Remus gave Harry a reassuring smile before turning his attention back to Callie.
Her mouth fell. “Oh valor I did it again didn’t I? Remus, I’m so sorry.”
This she-elf was more than he could handle, he just couldn’t get any sort of grounding. “About what?”
She waved her hands in the air. “That whole ominous voice thingy. Like I said earlier, it just sort of comes out sometimes. Yes, I meet Harry once, before his parents were killed. Your friend was there as well, Sirius Black.”
Remus felt like someone had just punched him in the stomach, which was the only way he could describe his loss of breath. Sirius, before he had betrayed them all. “Sirius?” It was the last name he had been expecting to hear at the dinner table. She had met Sirius? “You are full of surprises tonight. It feels like by the time I get myself adjusted you throw another sidewinder. Maybe you should have sat with Snape, it would have been interesting to seen him all riled up.”
She laughed, “You’re right of course. Maybe I should just learn to keep my mouth shut, or at least stick to polite dinner conversations.” She took another bite out of her chicken. “Yes, Sirius was there. I don’t think he really understood who I was, but I don’t think Lily or James did either. Dumbledore had advised me to remain low-key, at least until the threat of Voldemort was over with. But no matter how many times I think of it, I find it very hard to imagine that Sirius was a Death Eater. He seemed, so happy. I felt the love he had for James, it was all around him.”
Her words seemed to pull at Remus’s pain, but also his ignorance. All those years, and he never saw it coming. Knowing that Sirius was out there now, more than likely headed to Hogwarts, hurt more than knowing he was locked away in Azkaban. “He deceived us all.”
She looked at him, eyes challenging before turning to her food. “Maybe.”
Remus cleared his throat. It was a good time to change the subject. He glanced at the wolf who was begging one of the professors he hadn’t yet been introduced too, for food. “So, what is the wolf’s name?”
Callie turned and looked at the wolf, and her face pinched together. She bated its head, and spoke quietly, “V us sentient diiir eriol.” The wolf’s shoulders slumped before lying back down. “You’d think she had better manners than this. Her name is Shra. She found me a couple years ago while I was in Alaska doing some research. I haven’t been able to get rid of her since.”
She had in spoke a language Remus had never heard of before. However, it wasn’t just the language she had spoken to Shra, but that she understood Callie. He never knew elves had the ability to communicate with animals, at least not to that extent. He’d thought they would have some sort of understanding or bond, being the elemental creatures that they were, but to talk to each other? “That’s truly amazing. Will you be teaching the students to talk with animals?”
“Yes, along with being able to manipulate the natural world without the use of wands. But that won’t come until much later. It’s all based in the language, and the state of a person’s heart. I don’t expect the older students to pick up anything, or even retain after the year is over with, but the younger ones, with several years they may be able to rely on it along with their wands. You know, we should go for a walk one day and I’ll be more than happy to explain everything to you. Mind you though, it’ll have to be a long one.”
Remus felt his face smile without even thinking. “Done.” It was so good to be able to talk with someone, without sensing their fear of being near him. Who knows, maybe she could shed some light on his own condition.
A shadow passed over the table and Remus looked up, a feeling of dread in his stomach. Snape towered over them. He completely ignored Remus and instead gave Callie his best smile. The sight of Snape smiling caused the bile in Remus’s stomach to rise up his throat. The man really did look terrible; it’s no wonder why he’d been such a snot growing up. Callie gave Remus a pointed look, catching on to both male’s dislike for each other.
Snape offered her his hand. “I’m charmed to meet you Calrheane. Severus Snape. It is such an honor to have one of your status teaching at Hogwarts.”
Callie turned her frown into a sweet smile and extended her hand. “Thank you. Though being an elf is no greater than being human.”
Snape held her hand in his, before leaning down and planting a kiss on her fingers. “Of course. If you ever need anything, please, feel free to stop by and see me.” His greasy hair looked even worse up close and Remus could sense Callie cringe as a strand touched her hand. She quickly retracted her hand, but not fast enough where it would appear her action was rude. Remus almost wished she had done that, would have been a great slap in the face for his old school-mate.
Remus also noticed that Callie hadn’t insisted on Snape calling her ‘Callie.’ Just another little victory he would tuck away for himself.
“Thank you Professor Snape, I’m sure I’ll take you up on that offer if I ever find the need.” She placed her offended hand on her lap, tightly gripping the other over it.
Snape nodded his head and turned to Remus. “I see you’ve managed to get yourself a job.” Snape didn’t try to hide the sneer in his voice or push down his curling lips that looked more like a snarl than a smile.
“It’s good to see you too Snape. But from what I heard, you’ve been trying to get this job for years.”
Callie at that moment decided to pipe up. “Really? I’m sure Albus has his reasons, but what is it you teach now?”
“Potions,” Snape answered with barely contained resentment. “Though I am the acting substitute for Defense Against the Dark Arts. I’ll see you both around some time.” With that Snape turned on his heel and headed back to his dinner spot.
Tapping her finger against her chin, Callie just shrugged. “Pleasant man.”
“You have no idea.”