(1939-09-20) A Taste of Djinn
Details for A Taste of Djinn
Summary: Samira sneaks up on Anthony, and the pair talk, in the library
Date: 1939-09-20
Location: Hogwart's Library
Plot: Headmaster from Hell
Related:
Characters
AnthonySamira

Library 3rd Floor
Sat Sep 20, 1939 ((Sat Sep 20 18:44:08 2014)) (Hogwarts Castle)

The Hogwarts Library consists of books filling shelf after shelf in a large sequence of twisting corridors that culminate at the hallowed Restricted Section. Books that cover a variety of topics no muggle could ever dream of, from Potions to Magical History to all manner of obscure, fantastical and abstract magical disciplines and creatures. Amazing as all these are, what knowledge is held in the restricted section is only spoken of in whispers. Books float across from one shelf to another, rearranging themselves back to where they belong as students never return them properly. Tables are positioned at reasonable intervals to provide students with a place to consume the vast knowledge found here, or to study whatever assignment they've waited until the last minute to complete.

Anthony is working patiently along a particularly dusty row of books, "Hogwarts… a history. I doubt it. But lets have you.." And a book is extracted. "Now, there must be others.."

As Samira enters the library, she rises up onto her tiptoes, looking around like a little meerkat. She continues off into the twisting corridors of book shelves, peering down this way and that. Most students have gone off to Hogsmeade by now, so the library is even more quiet than usual.
Samira pauses when she catches sight of an older Ravenclaw boy pulling a large book from its shelf. Hands clasped behind her back, the girl slinks close in utter silence. She almost seems to materialize at Anthony's elbow. "Hello."

Anthony spins, in surprise, "What…. " Okay, he did actually reach for his wand. Must have been more startled than you'd have expected. Or more on edge. Or perhaps both. When he sees who it is, however, he relaxes. "Price, isn't it? What can I do for you?"

Samira's dark gaze shines with impish mirth as she grins up at him. "Prince. Yes. That's my surname. You are a Ravenclaw. I was wondering if you'd seen Mulciber in here."

Anthony ponders this, "Not since breakfast, I'm afraid. Was it in regard to something in specific?" He's nothing but polite, but then, he _is_ from one of the Sacred Families

Samira shakes her head. "No. Just looking for her." Slipping her hands into her pockes, the little Slytherin continues to grin up at Anthony. "Tell me your name?"

Ah, of course, yes. He's the perpetual wallflower, and he gives a slightly rueful smile, dusts his hand and shoves it out, "Oh, sorry! Tony Rowle, Miss Prince."

Samira's dar gaze flits to the offered hand. She accepts his hand with secure grip. "Rowle. Or Tony? Which do you prefer? I like to be called Samira better."

You say, "Oh, I answer to either. Tony is fine, then, Samira. It was you that came in from… Egypt, wasn't it?"

"Tony," repeats Samira with a nod. "And yes. I have transferred from the Heka School of Ancient Magic. It's located in a secret oasis in the Egyptian desert."

Anthony whistles, "That must have been _fascinating_." He leans in and says intently, "Did you have any papyri with spells recorded in heiroglyphs?"

Samira's grin widens at Anthony's sudden interest. The pair stand together down a particularly dusty row of books. "Of course. We learned to read heiroglyphs in first year. Heka is rather keen on tradition."

Anthony gives a nod, "That's fascinating. Must have been very helpful. I had to teach myself to read them, and I'm not at all sure I'm right most of the time." There's a little smile there. "But you know…. it's interesting in its own right."

Samira tilts her head, peering up at Anthony with interest. "You taught your self? Ah- Yes, you are a Ravenclaw. I shouldn't be surprised." Hands in her pockets, she rocks back and forth a bit on her heels. "What else extra have you studied?"

You say, "Well, the language aspect of it wasn't _that_ hard, because of course, the Rosetta stone has Ancient Greek on it too, and that makes it a relatively accessible language, if you have the patience. Doesn't it?" He shrugs, "Languages are a bit of a thing for me. And the tie in between Heiroglyphs and Ancient Runes are fascinating."

Samira nods, but doesn't seem too interested in getting into a long conversation about the intricacies of magical linguistics. Instead, she glances at the book in his arms. "What are you looking for here?"

Anthony looks down, and says, blandly, "Oh, you know. Historical details about this place. It's a really thorough history. You know? It's one of these things I've only skimmed, and as I leave this year, I really ought to make the effort!"
"And yet, you almost reached for your wand when I said hello," says Samira, studying his features with that wide smile of hers.

You say, "Well, of _course_." He lowers his voice, "Hadn't you heard about some of the odd things that have happened here? Students vanishing?" He's not a great liar, but it's possible you might fall for it, "Or so on?"

Samira arches a brow at him. "Or so on? No. I can't say I have. Were you frightened I was a little monster come to spirit you away?"

Anthony considers this, and then says, firmly, "Concerned. Surprised." There's a tightness about the jaw. Control.

Samira's eyes linger on is clenched jaw. "Aah. So you are only concerned by monsters." Grinning up at him a bit too wide, she holds up her hands and wiggles her fingers like claws. "Rawr. Of me, you should be very, very cautious."

Anthony's lips twitch. Slight amusement, and he asks gravely, "Are you the Sphinx, come from the desert with a riddle for those who pass, at peril of their lives?"

Samira shakes her head with a smile of impish mischief. "No. I am more akin to the djinn. I might be wicked, I might be good. Or, I might not care at all. But, you can't ever quite be certain."

Anthony gives a slow nod. "Hence the sorting. I see." He takes a breath. "Well, it will be quite a tonic for us all. So, you can be a Djinn and tonic." The joke delivery is _terrible_.

Samira blinks, but when his joke registers, she squints at him. She doesn't say anything. She just peers up at him. He should be ashamed of himself.

Anthony mutters half to himself, "Gin…. Djinn…" He gives up on that one. "Still, I shall bear it in mind!"

Samira nods. "You shall. I am also still curious of why you almost reached for your wand." Clasping her hands behind her back, she rocks back and forth on her heels for a moment. "I will tell you a riddle. If you get it right, I will leave you be and keep looking for Phae- Mulciber. But, if you can't figure it out, you have to tell me." Her smile widens. "Should not be so difficult for a Ravenclaw."

Anthony's lips twitch slightly, "It does not seem a very good reward for me, actually. But ask anyway."

Samira's smile brightens. "Brilliant. This is an ancient one. I think you will like it. There is a house. One enters it blind and comes out seeing. What is it?" The little Slytherin girl tilts her head, watching Anthony with keen interest.

Anthony gives a faint smile, and gestures around him, "If you would seek their monument, look around you." That sounds like an allusion to something or other.

Samira tilts her head back. "Of course a Ravenclaw would get it." Shaking her head, she giggles impishly. "Ah well. Keep your secret then."

Anthony gives a slight bow. "A pleasure to meet you, Samira." And he starts running a dusty finger once more along the stack of books.

Samira lifts a hand before she turns on the spot and scampers down the row of books to resume her search.

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