Post by Alesia on Oct 9, 2005 18:17:05 GMT -5
Hello All - I can't say this is a particularly great story but I kept getting to a point in the plot where it just made my skin crawl so I had to regroup. There are couple of paragraphs (one in particular) that are supposed to make you feel that way but not the whole story! ;D I just hope it isn't too creepy.
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Apollyon Pringle, the previous caretaker for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, had warned him; warned him not to get on the wrong side of the indigenous residents of the castle. According to Pringle, indigenous residents included the Ghosts, the portraits, the suits of armor, the pets of both the professors and the students, and most importantly - Peeves the Poltergeist. These indigenous residents, Apollyon said, knew more about the comings and goings in the castle than anyone else, including any Headmaster. They could help spot trouble and miscreant students before things got out of control. Two years ago, when he had been hired by the newly christened Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, Apollyon had agreed to stay on for a one more year to help him familiarize himself with the workings of the castle. Befriending the indigenous residences of the castle was Pringle’s first piece of advice to the trainee caretaker and the last thing he said before leaving the castle for the final time.
Unfortunately Argus Filch wasn’t one to really listen…to anyone. Growing up a squib in a completely magical family had isolated him, bringing out the more obnoxious aspects of Argus’s personality. One of those aspects was a tendency to ignore well meant advice, hence the continuing war between Hogwarts’ resident Poltergeist, Peeves, and Argus Filch.
His obsession with cats was another more bizarre aspect Filch’s personality which stemmed from his somewhat deviant childhood. Argus’s mother was exceptionally good at three things: charms, having children and raising champion long haired Persian cats. Argus was the youngest of thirteen children, and, of course, the only squib. When living in his mother’s house, there was never a time when Argus wasn’t surrounded by at least one cat, normally several cats. The cats assisted his mother in keeping her brood in line. The prevailing theory among his brothers and sisters was if you did something wrong and one of her cats saw you, you were caught just as if mother had seen it herself. Mrs. Filch’s children were all sure their mother had some psychic connection with her beloved cats. When Argus was discovered to be a squib, what little of his mother’s love and attention the last of her thirteen children had received, was transferred from her youngest child to her cats. Argus endeavored to help her care for her cats in an effort to spend sometime with his mother.
As an adolescent, Argus discovered his predilection for the silky feel of a cat’s soft smooth fur under his fingers, the calming sound of a contented purr and the way it resonated from their bodies to his as he held them lovingly, the enticing way their claws dug into his skin while they kneaded his arm, the tingling sensations made by their sandpaper tongues when they licked his face. With the passing of his ancient mother, Argus finally left home. The sorrow he felt at leaving his family - not the people, but the pride of cats, nearly broke his heart. Argus’s oldest brother allowed him to take only one of the many cats with him. Argus’s connection between a dusty female, whom his mother dubbed Mrs. Norris, was the strongest so naturally he chose her.
During his first two years at Hogwarts, Argus Filch had made it his business to identify and befriend all of the pets currently residing within the castle. He ignored the owls and other birds, as they were merely prey anyway. Argus managed to learn the names of all of the reptiles, particularly popular among the Slytherins, along with the few rats and toads there were. Of course he really only did this so he could learn about the felines in residence. While Argus treasured Mrs. Norris, he missed the constant presence of many cats; one just wasn’t enough for him.
After awhile Argus had been successful in his quest with all but one. She was a lusciously sleek and proper grey tabby with intriguing black markings. She’d only begun to appear over the last few months. He never caught her in the dungeons or lower reaches of the castle. Normally Argus only spotted her on the first floor or in the Professors’ wing. Argus’s mysterious target could never be found sitting or lounging like most of the castle’s cats. This tabby was always in route to or from somewhere and always late at night. He would often try to follow her but his quarry would always disappear just before he would round the corner. Argus had become so obsessed with his overwhelming need to hold and cuddle the sphinxlike grey tabby; he had altered his normal night patrols in an elaborate plan to finally capture the elusive puss.
A series of irate meows and loud hisses rang out as Albus Dumbledore glided down the hall of the Professor’s Wing. He turned the corner to find Argus Filch with his arms full of a very upset grey tabby cat, black markings around her beautiful green eyes. Albus recognized the distressed feline immediately. He knew he had to free her from Argus as soon as possible; the repercussions of what she might due to him were he to not act quickly so were to terrifying to contemplate. Apparently Filch was attempting to roll the cat on her back so he could stroke her stomach and chest. The tabby was having none of this and doing her best - all sixteen claws extended, to communicate that to the caretaker.
“Argus, I do believe Tabby is rather miffed with you.” The startled caretaker ceased his ministrations at the sound of the Headmaster’s voice. The tabby took advantage of the ease in her capturer’s grip, swatted the nearest section of the man’s arm, jumped to the floor, and scurried toward the Headmaster.
“I am sorry, Headmaster, sir. I didn’t realize she was yours.” The deep blue eyes of Albus Dumbledore twinkled. Albus bet over and scooped up the cat, which began to purr as she settled into the older man’s arms. He looked into the eyes of the cat and spoke in soft tones, as he tenderly stroked her ruffled fur.
“Alas, my Tabby is very independent. I would never claim to own her.” Albus raised his eyes to meet those of Filch. The old wizard’s voice turned stern and cold as he spoke directly to the caretaker. “However, I do consider her in the highest regard and care for her very deeply. I would be exceptionally upset with anyone who put her in any type of distress. I trust I will never come across a scene similar to the one I just witnessed, with this or any other pet calling this castle home.” Swallowing at the very thinly veiled threat, Argus Filch nodded his consent than muttering an excuse of needing to check the Astronomy Tower for students headed down the corridor.
Once Albus was sure Filch was gone, he turned the opposite direction, making his way to Professor McGonagall’s rooms. Speaking the password and slipping inside, Albus set the tabby on the couch.
“Are you alright, Minerva? Did he hurt you, my dear? Why didn’t you just transform?” Albus’s confusion and concern for her well being evident in his voice. In the next instant he understood why. Minerva McGonagall was covered in only the thinnest of green silk robes. It was quite shear in a number of places, much to Albus’s delight, but clearly not something she would have been wiling to be seen in by Filch. Minerva’s fright was still visible on her face. Albus drew her into his arms, caressing her back and kissing her hair.
“Thank you for coming to my rescue, Albus. He snuck up behind me. I am afraid I was bit distracted reliving our wonderful evening together and didn’t hear him.” She gazed at her lover with wide eyes and flushed cheeks.
“My love, I am quite glad I woke when your warmth left my bed and saw your glasses on the night stand. I was attempting to return them to you when I came upon you and Filch just now.” She snuggled further into his embrace when he mentioned the encounter with Argus. “Minerva,” he waited for her to meet his eyes before he continued, “Minerva, in the two years you have been my deputy I have grown to depend on you more then I ever thought I could depend on any other individual.” She smiled broadly at his words. “I know we have only been courting a few short months but I am afraid having you travel the halls late at night is clearly unacceptable.”
“Albus, what are you saying?” Minerva suddenly frightened he was attempting to end their burgeoning relationship. Albus kissed her soundly on the lips.
“What I am saying, my love,” He kissed her cute nose. “is that it is time for me to have a little discussion with the castle about connecting our rooms. That is if you are agreeable? Minerva, will you be willing to live with me?” Her only response was to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him soundly.
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Apollyon Pringle, the previous caretaker for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, had warned him; warned him not to get on the wrong side of the indigenous residents of the castle. According to Pringle, indigenous residents included the Ghosts, the portraits, the suits of armor, the pets of both the professors and the students, and most importantly - Peeves the Poltergeist. These indigenous residents, Apollyon said, knew more about the comings and goings in the castle than anyone else, including any Headmaster. They could help spot trouble and miscreant students before things got out of control. Two years ago, when he had been hired by the newly christened Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, Apollyon had agreed to stay on for a one more year to help him familiarize himself with the workings of the castle. Befriending the indigenous residences of the castle was Pringle’s first piece of advice to the trainee caretaker and the last thing he said before leaving the castle for the final time.
Unfortunately Argus Filch wasn’t one to really listen…to anyone. Growing up a squib in a completely magical family had isolated him, bringing out the more obnoxious aspects of Argus’s personality. One of those aspects was a tendency to ignore well meant advice, hence the continuing war between Hogwarts’ resident Poltergeist, Peeves, and Argus Filch.
His obsession with cats was another more bizarre aspect Filch’s personality which stemmed from his somewhat deviant childhood. Argus’s mother was exceptionally good at three things: charms, having children and raising champion long haired Persian cats. Argus was the youngest of thirteen children, and, of course, the only squib. When living in his mother’s house, there was never a time when Argus wasn’t surrounded by at least one cat, normally several cats. The cats assisted his mother in keeping her brood in line. The prevailing theory among his brothers and sisters was if you did something wrong and one of her cats saw you, you were caught just as if mother had seen it herself. Mrs. Filch’s children were all sure their mother had some psychic connection with her beloved cats. When Argus was discovered to be a squib, what little of his mother’s love and attention the last of her thirteen children had received, was transferred from her youngest child to her cats. Argus endeavored to help her care for her cats in an effort to spend sometime with his mother.
As an adolescent, Argus discovered his predilection for the silky feel of a cat’s soft smooth fur under his fingers, the calming sound of a contented purr and the way it resonated from their bodies to his as he held them lovingly, the enticing way their claws dug into his skin while they kneaded his arm, the tingling sensations made by their sandpaper tongues when they licked his face. With the passing of his ancient mother, Argus finally left home. The sorrow he felt at leaving his family - not the people, but the pride of cats, nearly broke his heart. Argus’s oldest brother allowed him to take only one of the many cats with him. Argus’s connection between a dusty female, whom his mother dubbed Mrs. Norris, was the strongest so naturally he chose her.
During his first two years at Hogwarts, Argus Filch had made it his business to identify and befriend all of the pets currently residing within the castle. He ignored the owls and other birds, as they were merely prey anyway. Argus managed to learn the names of all of the reptiles, particularly popular among the Slytherins, along with the few rats and toads there were. Of course he really only did this so he could learn about the felines in residence. While Argus treasured Mrs. Norris, he missed the constant presence of many cats; one just wasn’t enough for him.
After awhile Argus had been successful in his quest with all but one. She was a lusciously sleek and proper grey tabby with intriguing black markings. She’d only begun to appear over the last few months. He never caught her in the dungeons or lower reaches of the castle. Normally Argus only spotted her on the first floor or in the Professors’ wing. Argus’s mysterious target could never be found sitting or lounging like most of the castle’s cats. This tabby was always in route to or from somewhere and always late at night. He would often try to follow her but his quarry would always disappear just before he would round the corner. Argus had become so obsessed with his overwhelming need to hold and cuddle the sphinxlike grey tabby; he had altered his normal night patrols in an elaborate plan to finally capture the elusive puss.
A series of irate meows and loud hisses rang out as Albus Dumbledore glided down the hall of the Professor’s Wing. He turned the corner to find Argus Filch with his arms full of a very upset grey tabby cat, black markings around her beautiful green eyes. Albus recognized the distressed feline immediately. He knew he had to free her from Argus as soon as possible; the repercussions of what she might due to him were he to not act quickly so were to terrifying to contemplate. Apparently Filch was attempting to roll the cat on her back so he could stroke her stomach and chest. The tabby was having none of this and doing her best - all sixteen claws extended, to communicate that to the caretaker.
“Argus, I do believe Tabby is rather miffed with you.” The startled caretaker ceased his ministrations at the sound of the Headmaster’s voice. The tabby took advantage of the ease in her capturer’s grip, swatted the nearest section of the man’s arm, jumped to the floor, and scurried toward the Headmaster.
“I am sorry, Headmaster, sir. I didn’t realize she was yours.” The deep blue eyes of Albus Dumbledore twinkled. Albus bet over and scooped up the cat, which began to purr as she settled into the older man’s arms. He looked into the eyes of the cat and spoke in soft tones, as he tenderly stroked her ruffled fur.
“Alas, my Tabby is very independent. I would never claim to own her.” Albus raised his eyes to meet those of Filch. The old wizard’s voice turned stern and cold as he spoke directly to the caretaker. “However, I do consider her in the highest regard and care for her very deeply. I would be exceptionally upset with anyone who put her in any type of distress. I trust I will never come across a scene similar to the one I just witnessed, with this or any other pet calling this castle home.” Swallowing at the very thinly veiled threat, Argus Filch nodded his consent than muttering an excuse of needing to check the Astronomy Tower for students headed down the corridor.
Once Albus was sure Filch was gone, he turned the opposite direction, making his way to Professor McGonagall’s rooms. Speaking the password and slipping inside, Albus set the tabby on the couch.
“Are you alright, Minerva? Did he hurt you, my dear? Why didn’t you just transform?” Albus’s confusion and concern for her well being evident in his voice. In the next instant he understood why. Minerva McGonagall was covered in only the thinnest of green silk robes. It was quite shear in a number of places, much to Albus’s delight, but clearly not something she would have been wiling to be seen in by Filch. Minerva’s fright was still visible on her face. Albus drew her into his arms, caressing her back and kissing her hair.
“Thank you for coming to my rescue, Albus. He snuck up behind me. I am afraid I was bit distracted reliving our wonderful evening together and didn’t hear him.” She gazed at her lover with wide eyes and flushed cheeks.
“My love, I am quite glad I woke when your warmth left my bed and saw your glasses on the night stand. I was attempting to return them to you when I came upon you and Filch just now.” She snuggled further into his embrace when he mentioned the encounter with Argus. “Minerva,” he waited for her to meet his eyes before he continued, “Minerva, in the two years you have been my deputy I have grown to depend on you more then I ever thought I could depend on any other individual.” She smiled broadly at his words. “I know we have only been courting a few short months but I am afraid having you travel the halls late at night is clearly unacceptable.”
“Albus, what are you saying?” Minerva suddenly frightened he was attempting to end their burgeoning relationship. Albus kissed her soundly on the lips.
“What I am saying, my love,” He kissed her cute nose. “is that it is time for me to have a little discussion with the castle about connecting our rooms. That is if you are agreeable? Minerva, will you be willing to live with me?” Her only response was to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him soundly.
! Lucky Albus was there to save poor Min 
