The unexpected

[Jareth Wardwin]

The Great Hall was filled with the usual volume of noise and students stuffing food into their faces before their first lessons of the day. The atmosphere was not dull, nor exciting. It just 'was'.

Jareth Wardwin was munching on some toast with one of his gloved hands when he noticed the post arriving.
He had been at Hogwarts for a few weeks now and had received no post as of yet.
But that was all about to change..

"You see," Jareth mumbled through buttered toast to a fellow first year, "I get to wear what I want because I have an eye for fashion unlike yourself."
A large brown owl with dark feathers, bright orange eyes and a letter round it's leg landed neatly in another first year's cereal.
The boy groaned, looked at the name on the letter and pointed towards Jareth.
Jareth's heart leapt.
Finally some post he thought happily to himself as the owl walked over, stepping in everyone's breakfast and nibbling the corners off of Jareth's toast.

His eyes scanned the page.
His hold face fell. Jareth stared at the letter in disbelief.
The owl let out a hoot of satisfaction and took of, a few of its feathers falling from its wings and onto the food below.
By now, Jareth had gained quite a large audience which he'd normally be more than happy with.
But right now, Jareth wanted to scream and cry.
He was part-goblin.

 

[Artemis Tuuri]

Artemis tumbled down the steps and into the Great Hall. Breakfast was wrapping up, and there was no jam left at the Ravenclaw table. She was used to arriving late and getting the dregs of breakfast, but she really couldn’t miss out on the strawberry today. The day had started off badly with being pushed and jostled in the hallways as people didn’t notice the tiny girl running around. Those who did simply sneered at what they thought was a first year, to which Art replied with a good stamp to the foot. Heated arguments ensued, which had Art picking up the offending boy by the collar and shaking him above the disappearing stair on the staircase.

She patted down her hair and peered over to the stack of toast, or lack of. “Bugger!” she bellowed, attracting many stares. What a horrid day! Art swung her bag over her shoulder and made her way over to the Slytherin table. She literally climbed onto the bench and sat with her legs swinging a foot above the ground, as usual. Typical morning. “Scuse!” said Art to the boy next to her. He looked quite ill, pale in the face as though he had received a great shock. Oblivious for the moment, she continued. “Would ‘ye mind passing me that last piece of toast, there?”

 

[Jareth Wardwin]

Jareth snapped back to life.
He felt sick to his stomach and noticed the girl sitting beside him.
She wasn't a Slytherin, Jareth knew that much.
He picked up the plate of toast and passed it to the small girl, colour still drained from his face.
Jareth dropped the letter onto the table as he covered his face, his eyes watering.
The letter slipped along the tabled and settled on the plate of toast before the girl.
It was not folded up and anyone could easily read it.
Jareth held in his sobs but his face slowly transformed into a waterfall of tears which began to leak through his pale hands.

 

[Artemis Tuuri]

Instead of catching the toast, Art caught the letter. The toast plate clattered to the wooden table and toast went flying, but she hardly noticed. Instinctively she read what was before her, and contrary to his distress she was filled with elation. Well, would you look at that! A part-goblin, sitting right beside me this very moment! She supposed it would be rude to mention it to him, seeing as how she hadn't meant to read the letter, but Art was taken aback as the boy burst into tears.

"Oh! Oh my, are you alright? 'Ye look dreadful, what on earth happened?"

Naive little Art had no idea that finding out that you were a part-goblin could be upsetting news. In her own case, she had been delighted, although saddened that she wouldn't grow any taller. It dawned on her then that this boy may not be so pleased as she was. Oh, perhaps I can help him! thought Art as she beamed. Why, he must be so lost and unsure!

"Ye're a part goblin then?" said Art gently, trying not to seem rude. "'Ye ought not to look so sad. Ye're not alone here at Hogwarts!"

 

[Jareth Wardwin]

Jareth looked up from his hands as the girl spoke.
She had obviously noticed the letter.
Jareth nodded at her question. He was part goblin and he would have to learn to live with it.
But surely this would mean an end to all his plans? Surely no-one would take him seriously anymore? Surely he could never be self confident and happy again..
But then the girl added something to the conversation.
Jareth turned to look at her fully.
She was quite small but she was very good looking and seemed to be pretty happy.
Jareth didn't want to jump the gun but.. "Y-you're one too?" He asked in a shaky voice.

 

[Artemis Tuuri]

"Sure am, love!" replied Art as she smoothed her dress down. "As I said, don't look so forlorn, mate. Just think. Yer wicked clever, got an eye for cash and..."

Well, she didn't want to scare him, but had he not noticed how strong he was for his size? Perhaps it was just an odd trait that he'd attributed to green veggies or something. Art leaned over to the cutlery piles and picked up a large dessert spoon that was twice as big as her hand. "Look!" she said as she pressed her thumb against the shining metal. Like molding plasticine, Art bent the spoon into a knot. "Strength disproportionate to size." Despite her jolly, rough English accent, she was just as well educated as any Ravenclaw.

"But boy howdy...who in 'ye family did 'ye get your blood from?"

 

[Jareth Wardwin]

Jareth's eyebrows raised and the colour slowly came back to his face.
At least they were in this together.
It was true though; Jareth could tell how many galleons someone had just by looking.

Jareth had never considered his strength before.. But he was very strong.. He'd been able to carry his luggage easily and.. well, the more Jareth thought about it, being part goblin didn't seem so bad.
"My grandfather.. I've never actually met him though."

 

[Artemis Tuuri]

“Aye? Mine was my great great aunt. Bad luck for a throwback, innit?” laughed Art, but a touch of sadness crept into her voice. Being part-goblin was wonderful, of course. It was magical and mysterious, and she could travel through the Forbidden Forest freely without risk of offending a centaur. They recognised what she was. Even so, as she watched every other Ravenclaw get together and fall apart with a new person every week, she couldn’t help but feel angry at their pettiness. Relationships seemed so easy for them to handle. Art hadn’t even been looked at twice by a boy, being such a sprout. No-one took her seriously (unless she slugged them in the gut).

“Well ye’ll have fun in Care of Magical Creatures, if ‘ye take it. Professor Fletcher likes talking to mixed-blooded kids like us, or maybe a part Veela or giant. Goblins are amazing- and look, you’re already taller than me!” she grinned at him with a dimple appearing on her left cheek. “But maybe you don’t have-” she began, and lifted her hand to her ear.

Art’s ears were pointed. She couldn’t see his own ears through his pale hair. “I don’t know. The blood ran true in my case,” except for the fact that she didn’t look much like a goblin – just a very tiny person. “Anyway I’m Artemis, a Ravenclaw. What your name?”

 

[Jareth Wardwin]

Jareth smiled. It was the first true smile in years.
This girl was cheering him up a lot.
"I'm Jareth Wardwin," he introduced himself, "I'm a Slytherin first year."
His eyes lit up. Jareth felt weird.
He was happy. It was not something he was used to.
"I hear they have a ball here every year for everyone to attend.." Jareth added to the conversation.

 

[Artemis Tuuri]

"Aye, that's the Yule ball. It used to be tradition that only the older grades could attend, but now everyone can come. You take partners if you want, but either way you still get to wear a pretty dress." smiled Art as she explained. Art beamed at the way he had cheered up and smiled. Unbeknownst to her, this was a rare occurrence in his life. Perhaps that's why she liked it so much.

"There, it's not such a bad thing after all. Even though there's only us two in the school, it's not half as rare as people think. No need to feel so sad like that anymore." she added. "Do you mind if I look?" asked Art as she lifted a piece of his hair to see if he had pointed ears like her. "I don't mean to be forward, but after all I haven't seen another like me yet. None of my brothers or sisters are like this."

 

[Jareth Wardwin]

Jareth felt a bit awkward but let Artemis lift his hair to reveal the pointed ears he had grown his hair long especially to hide.
His ears wiggled a little as he looked down with his eyes.
"I never knew why I had them.. But I got bullied a lot when I went out to places and wizarding families would stare at me, roll their eyes and tut and I never knew why.. Will.. Will I be any less good at magic.. I mean, as I'm not completely 'human'?"
Jareth's eyes spoke his concern.

 

[Artemis Tuuri]

"On the contrary," answered Artemis with a smile that sparkled with an otherworldly air. "Ye will be even better than 'ye dreamt of. Even if 'ye find that ye're not good at transfiguration or divination or one or two subjects like a normal person, there is a mysterious powerful touch that all of us intelligent others have. 'Ye, who can converse with centaurs freely without fear, who can work metal at will, and a strange serendipity that will never leave 'ye poor.We share a part of an amazing race that few humans know."

There was a short pause.

"But apart from that, pointed ears are trippy, and costumes are a blast!" chuckled Art. She let go of his hair of course, fearing that he would be uncomfortable with contact just like her. "If anyone thinks ye're less than 'ye are, 'ye can twist their nose and show them why not." After being told that she was a part-goblin, Artemis found herself searching book and scroll for as much information as possible. As part human and part goblin, she and Jareth shared the best of both worlds. One day, she may even learn Gobbledgook! Either way, now she did not feel so lonesome.

"Look here, if ye're ever unsure, talk to me. And, (though don't tell people I've said this), 'ye can talk to a centaur. They know exactly what I'm talking about and more besides." The only thing Artemis regretted was her no going to the Yule Ball. She'd feel stupid in a long dress that she'd have to get tailored, and she wouldn't have a partner. Jareth was handsome and he could go with any first year he wanted right now. Even so, she smiled at him just as before and took a bite of toast.

 

[Jareth Wardwin]

Jareth was smiling. A lot of things were on his mind but he was smiling.
He began to think back over their conversation..
"If you erm.. If you don't get asked-" Jareth began awkwardly, trying to look cool by resting an elbow on the table (which quickly ended up in a pad of butter, "I mean, you probably have the boys flocking you.. And I know it's not for a few months but if nobody asks you then would you like to go to the Yule Ball with me?"
Jareth's eyes were on Artemis'. They were the only part goblins in the school. They should feel special because that was exactly what they were.

Time was ticking on and the first lesson would be beginning soon.
Jareth only had a few more minutes.

 

[Artemis Tuuri]

"I-" began Art, lost for words. She almost smiled before her mood turned sour. "That's not very nice," she said, thinking he was making fun of her. "Boys flocking me..." she muttered under her breath. Inside of the tough-as-nails exterior, Art was rather hurt. Even though he was a part-goblin like her, how could she take him seriously? No-one ever, ever thought of her as more than a friend. If there was the slightest possibility that he wasn't joking...perhaps she ought to be a bit more accommodating.

"...truly?"

He was free to laugh at his joke being successful. Art could just sock him in the nose. But... she didn't really want to. The bell was about to go any moment, so if she was going to have to punch him, she'd need to do it now. But in the end, all she wanted was for him to be serious. Was he serious? He seemed hesitant enough, but... don't get your hopes up, Art.

 

[Jareth Wardwin]

Jareth was surprised by the sudden change in Artemis' behavior.
She seemed very annoyed at him.. But then she was pleasant again.
Girls.. Jareth mentally rolled his eyes.
Like other boys, he didn't really understand the way girls worked.
"Only if you want to- I mean, should you find someone better looking who asks you then by all means go with them but.. yeah."
Jareth scratched at the back of his head casually.

The bell sounded.
Jareth cast a sideways look at Artemis.

 

[Artemis Tuuri]

Art looked up just as the bell rung. It was time for a quick explanation before they both headed off.

"I thought you were joking," she said as she blushed. "But it appears you're not, so I'd love to go with you." My goodness, she had a date! To the Yule Ball! That means she'd have to get a dress made. Artemis sighed at this. Even so, she was overjoyed. They'd be a sweet couple at the ball.
"But-" she had to add warningly. "If it turns out that you are joking, there will be reckoning."

On instinct, she leaned in and kissed him lightly on the cheek. That was what proper ladies did to thank a gentleman, as she had been taught. Even so, she blushed brighter and grinned at him.
"See 'ye around, then!" Okay, so she had to grab that abandoned toast before she left. She leaped down from the stool and scampered off, springing a little in her joy. Bugger, what colour should I wear?

 

[Jareth Wardwin]

Jareth was surprised how happy it made him to be going to the Yule Ball with Artemis.
She was very upbeat and didn't seem to let anything get her down.
He nodded at her 'threat'.
Jareth turned so red as Artemis kissed his cheek that his the blue turned his vision temporarily red.

He stumbled dazed out of the Great Hall and towards his first lesson.
What had started out as tears had ended up as a kiss.

---

CLOSED​

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