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shadow_princess (shadow_princess) wrote in rippledtime_rpg, @ 2015-07-06 10:16:00

Who: Gellert and Ariana
Where: Stables
When: Dylan moon 28
What: Finding each other on Ari's first day
Rating: g
Status: closed, complete



Gellert had been working hard to keep up with the various events in the summer. He wasn't of age to apparate but he could do all of the riding classes, and he was having a lot of fun wandering the grounds. Right now he was seated by the horse he had taken riding, occasionally offering him a bit of apple or sugar as he read his book. Quidditch was over for him until the next set of games and so the books and riding were going to have to be sufficient for the time being.

He was so engrossed in his book that he didn't notice the people wandering around him. It was quiet in his head and he was very well able to ignore sounds around him. What did catch his attention though was a momentary blockage to the sun shining on him. He lifted his head from the book and froze entirely. He knew her. Not personally, but he had seen what she looked like. Ariana Dumbledore. What should he do? He wasn't sure at first, but instinct quickly took over and he plucked a flower from a nearby bush. "Welcome, M'lady." His voice was soft- he didn't know when she was from. She might hate him, and rightly so. He didn't know what to expect really.

This place was everything that Ari had dreamed it would be for years. One day Merlin would whisk her away from the world that she had been so broken in and take her to Hogwarts with the promise that she would be better here, able to be normal here. And while he didn't promise that out loud, per say. He was Merlin and he could do anything.

So when he gave her the journal, placed the sorting hat on her head and then sent her off to Gryffindor, Ari first had to take a detour around the school. While she had heard story upon story about the place from her brothers, Ari had never seen it in person. It was truly magical. Portraits spoke,

After a small time of exploring, Ari happened upon the stables. Immediately, she was drawn to the horses and started towards them, not noticing the boy there until the familiar voice drew her attention. Gellert... Fear and horror at his reaction to her built up until she noticed the flower and the sweet smile that was on his lips. Did he seem younger? ‘Gellert...” She spoke softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Was she dreaming? No, the flower felt real in her hand as she took it from him and lifted it to her nose to smell. “Thank you good sir.”

Gellert watched her face as she responded to him. He didn't see disgust or hate or fear. That was a good thing. That meant he hadn't done her any harm. That was a worry. He didn't ever want to hurt her here. She deserved better than that, the girl had too much difficulty in her life without adding the memory of him hurting her. He could do right by her here. He was doing what he could to be a good man. He could be what she deserved here and protect her as he should have, instead of hurting her.

"Your brother... Albus is here." His voice was soft. Albus didn't hate him either, though both rightly should. He looked into her face and his lips twitched into a more real smile as he scooted slightly to the side. "Would you like to sit down, Ariana?" Because that was the polite thing to ask, and he honestly wanted her companionship- even if he didn't deserve it at all. His eyes met hers almost shyly, hoping to be joined for a bit in his sitting and reading.


Seeing Gellert and watching him be just as sweet to her as he always was did quite a bit to alay her fears and thoughts about what had only happened a short time before. He knew of her attacks now and didn't seem phased. No, more than that, he seemed quite gentle and welcoming. Stepping towards him, she gave him a nervous smile.

“He is? Where?” There was a slight tinge of worry there. Albus would be upset at her for the attack and probably annoyed at her for taking up Gellert's time. But her elder brother didnt seem to be here where she could see at least. Instead she focused back on Gellert and smiled. “Alright, thank you.” She said before carefully taking a seat feeling even more giddy and shy due to the look he gave her, hopeful and shy. Did he really wish her here?
“I was just... exploring. You know how much I've always wanted to come to Hogwarts and now... well now I am here and it's everything I've dreamed of and more. “

"He is probably back in the castle with his friend, I should assume. Miss Rowena is away, so he will not be working with her right now." Gellert ran his hand through his hair and looked thoughtful. She didn't know about Albus fancying men he was sure, so he would not elaborate more on that. It was not his place to talk on his friend that way.

A smile curved his lips when she sat by his side and he absently plucked another flower, twisting it in his hand as he looked at her. "I never attended Hogwarts in my time. My father sent me to Durmstrang. It was not nearly as welcoming as this place. I was expelled from there...well, soon after I came here, actually. Has this place been explained to you yet?"

“Miss Rowena?” That was not a name she knew, but of course her brother didn’t always tell her about his friends. Ever since their mother's death, he'd been closed off from her since coming home. But this wasn't the place to think about such things. No, so far this was everything her heart had ever desired handed to her on a gilded plate.

His comment caught her a bit off guard. “I know you haven't Gellert. You told me a bit about Durmstrang before after all. And how did you come here? You were at Godric's Hollow, where we met.” He asked if the place had been explained. “Merlin said I was coming here to heal and have a chance to be who I am meant to be. What more was there to be explained.” Had the great mage said more, she stopped paying attention, instead focused on him and the world around them.

"Ravenclaw. I suppose they didn't explain this place well." Gellert frowned slightly at this. He could explain it but it would be jumbled and complicated and he would have to figure it out for her. He had to tell her what was going on in a way she would get, and he didn't know if he could. It was too confusing still even now.

"This is Avalon, Ariana. I have not yet reached the time at home where we know each other. I know you only through Albus." And books. But he knew enough. "I know though that we know each other in my future, and I believe I must have cared for you, as I know I feel that when I think of your existence." Which was something he guessed. It meant something.


Ariana gave him a somewhat sheepish smile. “He might have explained things but I also was a bit too excited to listen to everything he said.” The fact that she was before Merlin and in Hogwarts was her greatest dream, but honestly she'd started to give it up as a childish dream. To have it come true when she needed it most just seemed to make all the bad parts of the world disappear, at least for the moment.

“So you're a younger Gellert...” But even if he did not know her, then he did not know of her attacks. That meant that he could know her as a normal young witch. After all, Merlin was going to heal her. “You did care for me, and I do for you. I hope we can be as close her as we are there Gellert. “ She gave him a shy smile before leaning towards him slightly.”So, what are you doing out here?”

Gellert hated the fact that he had so much to hide from her. He hated lying. But how could he ruin this excitement? It wouldn't be fair. He didn't have the courage to do it. He was no Gryffindor. He nodded though and smiled. "It is quite lovely here, and it was rather a shock, running from my kitchen and directly into Merlin's office." If she knew about him, she would likely know why he had to do that, but if not he didn't need to explain really.

"Not exactly. I have been here for quite some time, so if I am younger at all, it is but a few months." Because he had been sixteen at his expulsion and so it would have likely happened by now. "I would very much like that, Ariana. You must tell me about the time we have spent, so I can know you." And in response to her query, "I was just settling in for a while after a ride, to relax."

Ari smiled at that. “You ran through a kitchen and Merlin brought you here? That would be a bit confusing. I was... having a bad day and wished that somehow I could just get away from it. And here I am.” She had wished that she was normal, that she wasnt so broken, but Ari had no intentions of ever telling Gellert that. Here, he had no clue about her strangeness and it would be gone, she was sure of it.

“You seem a bit younger, but not much. Where I am from, you've been friends with Albus and the family for a bit of time. As for telling you about the time we spent together, wouldn't you just rather make new memories? They're better that way after all.” Though she smiled at him before glancing back at the horses. “You ride? I did not know that. Is it fun?” She said, debating if she should reach out to try and pet the horse's muzzle.

"I ran out of the kitchen. I was talking to my mum and father came and interrupted us." Which had never ended well, not once in his life. He looked at her for a moment and reached to touch her cheek, offering a smile. "I hope I can make bad days better for you here, Ariana. I do not wish you to have them."

A nod at her indication that he looked slightly younger. It made sense, he guessed. It also meant that for certain she knew nothing of what he ended up doing. "I wish to know about you though. You will have to tell me some things, ja?" And did he ride. "Ja, I have ridden horses since I was small. Father took me out for hunts. I can teach you, if you like. Shadow here is quite gentle." He took her hand, silently offering to help her pet the horse.

The gentle touch surprised her for a moment before Ari immediately leaned into it, feeling the soft warmth from his hand. She had to be dreaming this now. The world just seemed too good to be true. Merlin, Hogwarts, and Gellert. The soft blush rose on her cheeks. It felt all too real though. The touch of skin to skin as she looked up into his blue eyes and smiled. “I am sure that I will never have another bad day again.

“Of course. Ask any question and I will try to answer.” Though they may end up as half answers if he brought up her family or why she never went to Hogwarts before now. Ariana had no desire for him to know just how damaged she was. “Riding? Are you sure? Perhaps if we could ride together at first. I am not sure I would be eager to go on alone at first.” But she let him guide her hand. Ari had a natural love of animals and was quite content petting the beauty.

"I hope that is true." Gellert offered with a smile, his thumb stroking along her cheek. She was beautiful, that was not something he could deny, and the fragility he knew was there made him want nothing more than to protect her from anything bad that could possibly happen.

"Tell me a bit about home? I have never spent much time in England." Because he wanted to know that she was happy, at least as much as she could be. "And yes. I would ride with you at first, until you felt secure on your own. If you wish to ride astride though we will have to find you trousers for that." So many girls wore them here that it was becoming something he accepted.

The soft touch of his thumb left butterflies filling her stomach. It was so gentle and caring, the stuff that stories of romance were made of. This was often the time when the prince or knight would lean forward and kiss her, but even perfect dreams like this one would probably not go that far. “With you here I'm certain it is.” She said shyly, not really thinking about the fact that this Gellert had only just met her.

The question about home forced Ari to pause though. “I really only know mostly of my home. I rarely left the village.” She rarely left the house, but did not want to admit that. “ But we have some of the most lovely gardens back home. And back home you are often around and we enjoy walking through them and chatting now and again. You're good friends with my brothers.” But Ari smiled again when he said that he would ride with her. Though the mention of wearing trousers just drew a look of confusion. “That doesn’t seem all that proper Gellert. I'd rather ride like a proper lady.”

Gellert smiled at her words, his hand lingering on her cheek for a moment more before falling back to his side. He didn't want to be improper, after all. She was a lady, and younger than he was, so he knew he would have to take care. "I imagine I will do everything in my power to ensure that this stays the case." If she wanted it. If she ever found out what he did though he imagined that would change.

"Yes, I know that much. You were ill. I imagine Merlin will work to remedy that. He has done as much for some others here." Gellert looked her over and then nodded slightly. "Some women wear trousers here but I can find a sidesaddle at market you can use once you've learned with me." His fingers moved to touch her hair, stroking it very gently. "I believe the horses will become fond of you. Would you like to give her some sugar?"

When Gellert's hand fell away, Ari immediately missed the affectionate touch and wished she'd have it back. But instead she focused on him. “Yes. Merlin will fix everything, so do not even worry on my health. Here I will be better.” She tried to assure him immediately, fearful of just how much he knew about her attacks and her problems.

As he began to pet her hair, she decided to be a bit daring and took a half step towards him daring to get a little closer. “I do have a way with animals. Aberforth's goats always liked me better than him as much as it left him feeling disgruntled. And I'd love to give them a treat. Are you sure sugar is alright for them though?” She asked, a bit concerned.

"I will worry until I am certain you are entirely well." It had never been made entirely clear what was wrong with her and she was obviously frail and delicate. He didn't like that, honestly. It put him in mind of his mother, though because of his mother he also knew that seeming frailty could hide a great deal of strength. He hoped it was this way in Ariana too.

He smiled as she moved closer and nodded. "You are gentle. They would trust you for that. And ja, sugar is fine in a small amount. They are fond of the sweetness." He plucked up a sugar cube and set it in her hand, then guided it to the horse's mouth so she could offer it properly. This was one of the calmer horses and so Gellert was not too worried about this.

The blush on her cheeks grew even darker at the kind words. She wanted him to worry and to care, even if there was nothing wrong. And now that she would be healed, she had a chance at that. “Well you are far too sweet then, but do not worry.”

Watching the horse, Ariana smiled gently and reached up with her free hand to pet at him. “Such a beautiful horse you are.” She cooed softly, smiling as it ate the cube. “I usually feed my brother's goats back home and a stray cat since my mother thought it best that I not have one of my own.” Despite how much Ari had begged, her mother had refused due to worry. “So have you been here long then Gellert? Which house are you a part of?”

Sweet was one way to describe it he guessed. She didn't know. Hopefully she would never know. He didn't want to think of how much she would hate him if that happened. He nodded slightly. "I will, but it is not a problem. Until I know you are well, you have my concern."

A smile curved his lips at the details about home. "Perhaps we can find you a cat here if you wish to have one. There are often kittens around and once they are weaned they go off on their own." He shrugged at her question. "I have been here for about six months, and I am in Slytherin house. You will hear bad things on occasion but do not let that sway you to dislike - there is no reason to judge on houses."

The mere mention of a cat immediately had Ariana's face beaming. The hope of having her own kitten was fantastic. Giving Gellert a beaming smile, she nodded. “I would adore that Gellert. After all, it is quite normal for a Hogwarts student to have a pet, is it not? An owl or cat of some sort?” Though most people at home had owls just to make the post easier, but it was difficult to cuddle with an owl.

“Slytherin? The house of cunning, correct?” Aberforth had been the one to tell her all about the houses when she had hoped to come and find her place. She often thought herself able to fit in Gryffindor with her brothers, but the houses of Ravenclaw or hufflepuff also seemed likely. Slytherin seemed most interesting though. “If you are there I can hardly see how I might dislike the place.”

"It is custom, yes. Not everyone has one but I imagine you should have one." Because that would not be hard. Honestly the cats and other creatures in the castle were self sufficient to a high degree. It didn't hurt that Miss Rowena tended to leave food for them all around, and there were always mice around.

"Cunning and ambition, ja. That is where I was best settled, the hat decided." A smile and he ran one hand through his hair, moving it from his face. "I trust that I can believe that, though some in my house do not behave as I do. It is rather different, the sort of courtesy you get in my house, from what is offered in others."


The idea of a pet was exciting. And the fact that Gellert thought she should have one just made her happy. After their mother's passing, she'd tried to convince her brothers that a kitten would be a good idea, but ultimately they refused. “We would simply have to get one while here.” She wondered if there were any mother cats having kittens. She'd have to check once she'd gotten the chance.

“I think it is rather fitting actually. You are quite ambitious and intelligent as well. Though I do admit that I'm a bit disappointed we do not share the same house.” It would've been fun to sit in the common room together. “Well you are quite a bit nicer than most people.I will wait to pass judgement though until I meet a few more Slytherins.” Though meeting new people was the one thing that she was nervous about. Too many people around and she got jumpy and anxious. But as long as she stayed close to someone she knew, she should be fine right?

"I shall talk to Miss Rowena. Her kneazles seem to take to the castle cats and so she will know of any potential kittens." Because Rowena tended to the animals and ensured they were fed and kept in milk and mice. It seemed she was often more fond of the creatures than the humans around honestly.

"You will meet them. I believe Albus is close friends with each of the Founders, and speaks to a few others in my house as well." A light way of putting it. He didn't wish to get into too many details, as the girl should talk to her brother about who he was dating, that was not his place.

“She has Kneazles as well?” She was interested in seeing those as well, but there would be time for that later. She'd have to try to talk to Rowena if she ever got the chance to. But she wasn’t all that surprised that her brother made friends with the heads of hogwarts. It was the sort of thing he did. People naturally liked him and thought he was fantastic.

She continued to pet the horse gently and smiled back at Gellert. “Are you planning on reading most of afternoon, or perhaps you might wish to escort me while I go exploring?”

"Ja. All of the founders have pets. Miss Helga has weasels, they are amusing." Because both female founders had pets that should by rights not get along with the pets of their male counterparts and yet they did. It was unique to watch, honestly.

"I would very much like that." Because it would be easier to keep an eye on her if he was with her rather than worrying if she were off wandering by herself.

“Weasels? I would have thought she'd have badgers.” Because with the symbol of the house being a badger, it would only make sense that she'd have a favoritism towards the animals. Maybe she just liked badgers? Or maybe she ended up with one later, or back home. Who knew. “I'll have to see that sometime. I'll have to see everything here.”

Deciding that this perhaps was her chance to be as bold as she always wanted to be, and taking courage from his prior touches, Ari gave a shy smile before offering her hand to him. “Well then, shall we?”

"I think badgers might be less easy to care for in a place with so many." Because they could be tenacious and unpleasant at times he knew. The weasels were relatively docile and friendly from what he had seen, though he imagined they could put up a good fight too - much like the woman herself.

He took her hand and nodded. "Ja. We can walk about and I can show you some of the sights." Because he had learned the place rather well and he knew enough to give a passable, if less detailed than some, tour.