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Tweak says, "SUGAR RUSH!!!"

Salazar Slytherin (serpent_kiss) wrote in sapientiae_rpg,
@ 2008-01-07 21:02:00

Current mood:	curious
Entry tags:	charlie weasley, salazar slytherin

The Interview
Who: Salazar Slytherin, Charlie Weasley
When: January 07
Where: Castle Slytherin
Why: Salazar interviews Charlie for the position he advertised
Rating:PG-13 at most
Complete: Yes

Salazar wondered what sort of person Charlie Weasley was, to respond to a advertisement at Castle Slytherin. A Gryffindor most likely, he decided, for only one of Godric's House possessed the daring - or foolhardiness - to venture into the very sanctum of one whose reputation as a Dark Wizard had most certainly persisted over the centuries.

He ascended the stairs leading up from his chambers, having checked his clothing for the the dozenth time. A first impression was vital in a circumstance such as this, and it was vital to Salazar that he establish the proper tone for their meeting. Once on the main floor of the castle, he headed for the library, where he found Ophion draped on his usual perch.

"I do hope Mr. Weasley arrives soon," he hissed absently.

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charlieweasley
2008-01-08 01:10 am UTC (link)

Charlie took hours to prepare, this wasn’t just any interview, this was with Salazar Slytherin, one of the founders, and as far as he was concerned the most intimidating. He made sure to get up extra early, to shower, and prepare his clothing. He chose a more dated suit, something a bit old fashioned, something more regal then he would wear otherwise.

It didn’t take him long to reach the castle, it wasn’t that far of a walk from his home. He decided that walking would be his best bet, in case there were charms on the castle’s grounds to prevent one from apparating onto the grounds. He thought over in his mind how he would try to present himself, and tried to come up with answers to any and every question he thought he may be asked.

He approached the castle cautiously, walking up to the entrance to the grounds. He wondered if he should try to just walk on inside, but decided to hang back and wait a few moments to see if he would be greeted first. He didn’t want to seem overly bold, or uncouth as to just barge into the home of such an infamous figure in wizarding history. Truth be told, he was more then a little bit intimidated.

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	serpent_kiss 2008-01-08 02:08 am UTC (link)
	The wards alerted Salazar to the arrival of a visitor - the young Mister Weasley, no doubt. As per his habit, he plucked Ophion from the perch, draped him over his shoulders, and left the library to greet his guest. Out in the entrance, he opened the doors to his castle with a wave of his hand, sending some light out into the evening beyond. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

charlieweasley
2008-01-08 02:17 am UTC (link)

Charlie heard the sound of the large gates of the castle as they opened, and turned his head to see the light peeking out from the castle ahead. He took a deep breath to collect himself, placed a smile on his face, and made his way to the entrance to greet his potential new employer. He couldn't yet see him, but he could make out the outline of a figure standing in the entrance.

The old man certainly knows how to make an entrance.

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serpent_kiss
2008-01-08 02:25 am UTC (link)

As he watched the guest approach the entrance, Salazar schooled his face into a fairly neutral expression, allowing the merest of smiles to play upon his lips so as not to appear too dour and unapproachable.

Ophion raised his head and gazed towards the entrance, his own interest no doubt piqued by the impending appearance of the guest, whilst Salazar did his best to ignore the flutter in his stomach. For centuries, he had kept to himself within the familiar boundaries of his castle and his grounds. Yet over the past few weeks, he had entertained more people in his home than he could recall ever having done throughout his previous time in the afterlife.

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charlieweasley
2008-01-08 02:51 am UTC (link)

Charlie climbed the stairs to the entrance, each step heavy with purpose and determination. Galloping gargoyles, please let this go well, he thought as he now saw Salazar in plain view, with Ophion draped majestically around the neck and shoulders of his master.

Charlie dropped down on his knee, bowing in greeting to his greater. “Master Slytherin, it’s an honor to meet you finally,” he said in greeting with a smile. He looked up at the elder man in front of him, taking it all in, the old, noble and fine robes, the styling of his beard and hair. It wasn’t hard to tell he was from a time long since past. Damn, though it looks amazing. Wish I could pull something like that off

His glance caught sight of Ophion and a huge, joyous grin rushed over his face. “It’s an honor as well to meet such a stately serpent, truly a king amongst your own kind no doubt,” he said with enthusiasm. He looked up at Ophion, looking directly into his eyes. What a magnificent specimen, he’s breathtaking. "I would be honoured to know his name."

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serpent_kiss
2008-01-08 03:03 am UTC (link)

Charlie Weasley, it turned out, was a truly magnificent specimen of a wizard, Salazar mused in his thoughts as he watched his guest kneel and bow before him. He had the body of a man accustomed to physical exertion, with a fetching smile and hair a lovely shade of red.

The Moirae take me for my penchant for such a type, he thought. "His name is Ophion," he said, gesturing for Charlie to stand.

"Thank him for the compliment," hissed Ophion.

"T'would seem you receive them with some regularity," Salazar teased.

"Deservedly so, Salazar."

"Your humility is remarkable." Salazar smiled at Charlie. "Please, forgive me for speaking with Ophion; he wishes me to thank you for the compliment you paid him."

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charlieweasley
2008-01-09 12:04 pm UTC (link)

With permission to stand granted Charlie climbed to his feet, and watched, completely enthralled as Salazar and Ophion spoke amongst themselves. What an amazing gift, what I would give to be able to speak with them...

He hoped that whatever was being said was beneficial and complimentary. Now that he was here he couldn’t think of a job better suited for him to take on. “No need to apologize Lord Slytherin. Being a parselmouth must be incredibly useful. It’s fascinating to watch you both converse,” he admitted. Charlie turned to face Ophion, wanting to pay him the proper respect. There was no need to not make eye contact, and if anything at all he figured it showed his familiarity, and comfort with snakes. Aside from that he never had the chance to converse with a snake before, and since the opportunity was there, he was going to take it. “I’m glad my compliment was well received Ophion, I was worried you may chalk up my compliment to simply trying to score points in my favour, when I assure you it was quite genuine” Charlie said with a chuckle.

Charlie turned back to face Salazar, trying to regain a little bit of his professionalism, not wanting to appear as some over optimistic young man who would be ill suited for the job. “How many serpents are here at the castle?” he asked.

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serpent_kiss
2008-01-09 01:09 pm UTC (link)

"They dwell in caves behind the castle proper," Salazar replied. "I keep three dozen on hand, of 15 different species. I shall take you to them, if you would follow me."

He turned back and headed towards the rear of the entrance hall, turned and strode past the door to his bedroom through the side door beyond. Torches flared to life as he strode the length of the small corridor which led to a smaller exit. Outside once more, he cupped the palm of his left hand and held it out from his body as a small ball of eldritch fire glowed to life an inch above the skin, its flames illuminating but casting no heat.

Behind Castle Slytherin stood a wall of rock with a large cave entrance. He moved towards it, careful to keep his pace even enough for Charlie to follow comfortably. The night air carried soft hisses to his ears, and Salazar smiled.

"What magical creatures are you particularly skilled and accustomed to working with?" he asked as he entered the cave, lighting the torches on the walls with a wave of his right hand.

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charlieweasley
2008-01-09 07:51 pm UTC (link)

Charlie grinned, it was a better answer then he could have ever hoped for. It was such an impressive number, and variety to potentially work with. He walked closely behind Salazar, enjoying the quick view of the inner sanctum of the castle. Some wizards really know how to live, he thought to himself as they briefly strode through the castle, and headed outside.

He had to admire Slytherin’s mastery of magic. Ever since arriving in the afterlife, Charlie has been at a loss without his wand. Not that he was ever anything other then average in his skills, but on occasion when trying to use a spell, he felt somewhat at a lost without a wand to focus his attentions on. He watched intently, wishing he knew how to so easily cast such a brilliant light, and hold the fire, containing it with such ease. It was a trick he hoped he could perhaps someday learn. It would definitely come in handy in his nighttime excursions.

The air was cool and crisp, just as he preferred it to be. It kept his wits sharp, and his attention firmly on the task at hand, getting this position. “Dragons actually, you name the breed, I’ve worked with them. Well worked with as much as any wizard can. They are temperamental creatures, aside from magnificent and fierce. They really fill you with a sense of awe, no matter how many years you have been dealing with them. I worked in Romania for most of my life, Dragon Keeping was my passion. Creatures magical or otherwise have always intrigued me,” he answered as they entered the cave, trying his best not to ramble needlessly. His work was something he loved to talk about, but he didn’t want to bore Salazar with senseless details, chances are he already knew a great deal, he was a founder after-all.

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serpent_kiss
2008-01-09 08:37 pm UTC (link)

Salazar stepped inside the cave. "I bring a guest," he hissed to the serpents within, "a wizard who wishes to aid me in your care and maintenance. I trust you shall treat him accordingly."

Inside the main area, he waved to light the torches that ran around the room, casting light on the the serpents within. "I have not had much opportunity to see dragons," he said. "Recently, I was speaking with another about whether or not Parseltongue was etymologically related to their language, for I assume they must have a method of spoken communication."

If he hired Charlie Weasley, Salazar might have the opportunity to test out that theory. The prospect was quite thrilling, he admitted to himself, as he made his way to the centre of the cave and stopped, gesturing to a silver-backed serpent in the far corner of the space. "I would like a demonstration of your skills. Please bring that serpent to me."

The specimen, a male Icelandic Deathfang, was shy of humans and would thus serve as an appropriate test of the younger wizard's skills.

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charlieweasley
2008-01-10 12:24 am UTC (link)

“Really? There are actually quite a few living up here in the mountains; you just have to know where to look. Surprisingly they keep mostly to themselves. I think this environment, the afterlife, whatever it may be, has made them more docile. Still a bit testy, but they are used to seeing me. Your quite right though, they certainly do have a language all their own, it more guttural then parseltongue from what I have heard of it, but they may be compatible. I would love to find out, actually,” he said as he took a look around the cave, spotting the Icelandic Deathfang immediately. The silver coloration of its scales was shining brilliantly, caught in the light of the torches around the room.

A challenge, a chance to prove himself, and so soon, Charlie was nearly beside himself. “Of course, Lord Slytherin” he said politely as he made his way forward, cautiously and quietly. The breed was not unknown to him, but just how shy he would be, well that was usually as far as he was concerned a case by case basis. He hummed a familiar tune, soft and gentle as he made his way forward. He paused only for a moment to quietly cast a calming spell on the male specimen.

Casting the spell and knowing for certain it had worked was one thing. Deciding to play it safe he slowed his pace as he approached, eventually stopping to crouch down on his haunches before the snake, finding it keeping quite still. “Handsome fellow you are,” he said softly. “We all should be so lucky,” he said with a kind smile. “I’m Charlie by the way. Sorry for the intrusion into your home mate, it would seem that we might be spending some time together; I am hoping to be your caretaker. So here is what I am going to do, I’m going to extend my hand, so you can better catch my scent” he said softly, and knowingly, as he extended his hand towards him, letting the serpent catch his scent with it’s forked tongue.

The Deathfang inched closer now, feeling at ease, and seemingly finding nothing alarming about his scent. Charlie hummed softly for a few moments, letting the serpent slither up to his leg, before he moved to pick him up. “Your master, Lord Slytherin wants me to bring you to him, so please forgive me for picking you up soon after our meeting, we really shouldn’t keep him waiting,” he said as he listened to the passive hiss of the serpent as he picked him up gently, allowing him to crawl upward to rest upon his shoulders. “Make yourself comfortable,” he said assuring him, as he gently stroked the top his head, and Charlie softly climbed to his feet.

The serpent was not by any means as large as Ophion, and Charlie had no trouble heading back towards Salazar. He walked forward, stopping directly in front of Salazar, and extended his arm to allow his passenger a path to take, to move towards his master. “Sorry for the delay, I suppose some things take time my Lord,” he said looking Salazar directly in the eyes. “He’s remarkable, shy and cautious. At the same time I know he was as curious about me, as I was about him.”

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serpent_kiss
2008-01-10 12:42 am UTC (link)

Pleased, Salazar's smile warmed and reached his eyes. He gently took the Deathfang from Charlie's hands. "Tell me, my friend, what do you think of him?" he asked.

"I . . . I felt no threat from him," the Deathfang answered in his own, more clipped and yet lyrical dialect of Parseltongue. "He is confident, though, and I like that. Too often, humans are too cocky. This one, he knows what he is doing and is comfortable with risk."

"Thank you." Salazar lowered the Deathfang back to the ground, where the serpent slithered back to the corner. He turned and looked at Charlie. "The Deathfang speaks quite highly of you," he said, "and as such, I shall take his recommendation and welcome you to my household staff."

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charlieweasley
2008-01-10 12:52 am UTC (link)

Charlie felt as if he may be grinning like an idiot, and quickly tried to keep his emotions reigned in. “Thank you so much, I’ll not let you down, you have my word,” he said as he extended his hand to shake Salazar’s, to seal the deal. “And if it interests you to attempt it, I can bring you sometime to where the dragons dwell. You can try and see if they respond to Parseltongue, though I can’t make any promises on that. I can however assure you they won’t try to maul you, Lord. Not as long as you’re with me, someone familiar to their kind.”

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	serpent_kiss 2008-01-10 12:57 am UTC (link)
	Salazar grasped Charlie's arm at the elbow and shook it. "Excellent. I am glad to hear it, and I look forward to the experiment. T'will be interesting to see if Parseltongue is effective, and if so, it could give rise to an entirely new body of scholarship." He gestured to the cave entrance. "After you." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	charlieweasley 2008-01-10 01:02 am UTC (link)
	"It would be fascinating to say the least. Imagine the tales they could tell, the stories that could potentially be recorded. Worth dying for, if you ask me" he said excitedly, as he made his way out of the cave, to start the trek back to the castle. "How often would you like me to come and tend to things? My schedule is open to whenever you like." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

serpent_kiss
2008-01-10 01:07 am UTC (link)

Salazar walked back to the castle, again using the small plume of eldritch flame in his palm to light the way. "Once per day, I should think at first," he replied. "Then, if you find it unnecessary, you may adapt the schedule to what you think is best - whether the visits would be more frequent or less so. Whichever you find suitable, once you have become familiar with my serpents, their needs, and their habits."

He stopped outside the door and turned to face Charlie once again. "Forgive me for not inviting you in again, but the hour grows late and there are some tracts I must copy before I retire. I bid you good evening, and I shall see you tomorrow. Safe journey to you, Charlie Weasley."

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charlieweasley
2008-01-10 01:13 am UTC (link)

"That sounds perfectly reasonable. I have to develop a kinship of course with the serpents, and that takes time," he said as he followed Salazar back to the castle doors.

It had gotten late quickly, time had flown by much faster then he had expected. "No problem at all, it is late and I should head back. Thank you once again, and I look forward to returning tomorrow," he said, feeling rather pleased with himself and at how things had turned out. He waved goodbye, and headed back towards home, eager to write about his new found job in his journal before heading off to sleep.

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serpent_kiss
2008-01-10 01:22 am UTC (link)

Salazar watched Charlie take his leave and depart, the smile still playing upon his lips.

"You are aware, I assume, that you are still watching him?" Ophion asked.

"You are aware, I assume, of my inability to ignore an attractive, well-muscled wizard?"

Ophion's dry serpentine laugh rattled as Salazar strode back into the castle. "Especially if they sport red hair."

"Be silent." The tone was more teasing than abrupt, for Salazar could not fault Ophion for his observation. How lovely it would be to have such an . . . attractive household addition to observe on a regular basis.

Praising Fortuna for restoring his sight in time to appreciate Mr. Charlie Weasley, Salazar headed towards his Scriptorium. Tonight, he would start transcribing a book of homoerotic poetry from Arabic into Greek.

It seemed, somehow, more appropriate.

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