Ms. Carnahan, a couple of things I'd like to discuss with you if you wouldn't mind. Please get back to me at your earliest convenience.
SS
SS
Dear Professor Snape,
It would be my pleasure. Would you care to join me for tea this afternoon in my flat (Odin House, room 108)?
Very sincerely,
Evelyn Carnahan
It would be my pleasure. Would you care to join me for tea this afternoon in my flat (Odin House, room 108)?
Very sincerely,
Evelyn Carnahan
[He raises his brow at the invitation. He's not quite used to being invited into people's homes, especially those he doesn't know too well. It's not a habit that he keeps. However, he'll accept.]
Very well, Miss Carnahan. I finish working at Asclepius at four. I will make my way to Odin district immediately following.
I must inform you, however, that I will be accompanied by an emu. Will this be a problem?
SS
Very well, Miss Carnahan. I finish working at Asclepius at four. I will make my way to Odin district immediately following.
I must inform you, however, that I will be accompanied by an emu. Will this be a problem?
SS
[Well, they've got to chat somewhere, and tea's as good a time as any.]
Dear Professor Snape,
I'll look forward to seeing you then. The emu is welcome provided it's house-trained and generally behaved.
Very sincerely,
Evelyn Carnahan
Dear Professor Snape,
I'll look forward to seeing you then. The emu is welcome provided it's house-trained and generally behaved.
Very sincerely,
Evelyn Carnahan
[When Severus finishes for the day at Asclepius, he makes his way from Baldr district to Odin district, Steven stalking along behind him. Suffice it to say, they both get some rather strange looks from people: a tall man dressed in all in black, complete with a long black robe, being followed around by a six-foot tall emu is, after all, quite a strange sight to behold.
He finds his way to the address Miss Carnahan had supplied him with and he knocks on the door. While he waits for the door to be answered, he stands with his hands behind his back. Steven loiters behind him, rubbing the side of its face against Severus' shoulder, to which Severus tries very hard to ignore. The blasted bird has been attempting to endear itself to him all day.]
He finds his way to the address Miss Carnahan had supplied him with and he knocks on the door. While he waits for the door to be answered, he stands with his hands behind his back. Steven loiters behind him, rubbing the side of its face against Severus' shoulder, to which Severus tries very hard to ignore. The blasted bird has been attempting to endear itself to him all day.]
[Evy opens the door to Professor Snape and, thankfully, manages to keep a straight face when she spies the bird behind him. Aside from the raised eyebrows, that is.]
You weren't joking about the emu...[That bit's muttered, and the rest is pitched at normal volume.] Come in, Professor Snape, it's lovely to see you.
[She's set up a table in her bedroom, on which is a teapot and associated tableware, as well as a plate of scones and clotted cream.]
You weren't joking about the emu...[That bit's muttered, and the rest is pitched at normal volume.] Come in, Professor Snape, it's lovely to see you.
[She's set up a table in her bedroom, on which is a teapot and associated tableware, as well as a plate of scones and clotted cream.]
[Quiet though her mutter is, he hears it.] I'm not a person who tells jokes, Miss Carnahan.
[At her invitation, he unclasps his hands from behind his back and steps over the threshold into the room. The emu plods in after him and immediately takes to pecking curiously at the light switch. The light turns off and on a couple of times as a result.]
Steven. Enough. [The emu stops and looks at him, and Severus points to a clear spot of floor large enough for the bird to sit down.] Sit down. Behave yourself.
[The emu lowers its head as if apologising and begins to plod off to where he was told to sit. But not before he approaches Miss Carnahan, inquisitively eyeing her.]
[At her invitation, he unclasps his hands from behind his back and steps over the threshold into the room. The emu plods in after him and immediately takes to pecking curiously at the light switch. The light turns off and on a couple of times as a result.]
Steven. Enough. [The emu stops and looks at him, and Severus points to a clear spot of floor large enough for the bird to sit down.] Sit down. Behave yourself.
[The emu lowers its head as if apologising and begins to plod off to where he was told to sit. But not before he approaches Miss Carnahan, inquisitively eyeing her.]
[No, Snape doesn't come off as an especially jokey person. But Evy still wasn't certain she really ought to expect an emu. Much less an emu called Steven.
When it approaches her, she gingerly reaches for its head to give it a pet. It's a funny, gangly thing, but it does seem tolerably well-behaved.]
If Steven's settled, perhaps we should take our tea. How do you prefer yours?
When it approaches her, she gingerly reaches for its head to give it a pet. It's a funny, gangly thing, but it does seem tolerably well-behaved.]
If Steven's settled, perhaps we should take our tea. How do you prefer yours?
[The emu nuzzles into the touch. He's a strangely affectionate emu.]
Black. No sugar. A twist of lemon if you have it.
[Meanwhile, the emu notices Miss Carnahan's earrings. They look potentially tasty. Hovering in closer, the emu looks about ready to peck at her right earring.]
Black. No sugar. A twist of lemon if you have it.
[Meanwhile, the emu notices Miss Carnahan's earrings. They look potentially tasty. Hovering in closer, the emu looks about ready to peck at her right earring.]
[Evy nods and pours him a cup, as well as one for herself (splash of milk, one lump sugar). She doesn't notice the emu's approach until she feels it brush against her skin--at which point she jumps, nearly dropping the teapot, and wrenches her head out of the way.]
Oh, you're as bad as a camel!
[But there's laughter in her voice as she says it.]
Oh, you're as bad as a camel!
[But there's laughter in her voice as she says it.]
Steven. Enough. [Severus says this an awful lot to Steven. The bird is already starting to get a little sick of it.
But it looks over at Severus all the same, a little sheepishly, and when he points for the bird to head to the middle of the floor and sit down, it relents and does as it's told.]
My apologies for his behaviour. [Though she's making the tea, he's still rather formally standing in the room; he's not one for simply making himself comfortable in another's home. But he does make attempt at conversation.]
So, you lived in Egypt, then?
But it looks over at Severus all the same, a little sheepishly, and when he points for the bird to head to the middle of the floor and sit down, it relents and does as it's told.]
My apologies for his behaviour. [Though she's making the tea, he's still rather formally standing in the room; he's not one for simply making himself comfortable in another's home. But he does make attempt at conversation.]
So, you lived in Egypt, then?
Thank you for contacting me, Miss Granger; I was about to do the same for you. I think introductions might be the best place to start here. With what areas of literature and non-fiction are you most familiar? Or, if you prefer, which collections would you like to work on?
I'm familiar with, as a rule, most parts of non-fiction that was available at my school - that is magical based, of course. I know that doesn't really mean as much here, given the loss of our powers, but it's still relevant. As for literature, my spare time was spend on what are regarded as muggle 'classics' - that is Austen, Shakespeare, Dickens, the Brontë Sisters and so on and so forth. I am really quite happy to work on anything you'd like to give me to do - any book is worth taking care of, no matter it's content.
It's all right. He doesn't realize he's a bit of a nuisance. [It's said with some fondness--that silly overgrown ball of feathers, et cetera. She glances over at Snape, surprised to find him still standing where she left him, as though he might make a break for it at any moment.] Why don't you, er, take a seat?
[At the question, she brightens considerably.] I did! It's as much home for me as England is. Have you ever been?
[At the question, she brightens considerably.] I did! It's as much home for me as England is. Have you ever been?
OH GOD I'M SORRY I DIDN'T MEAN TO LIBRARIAN ALL OVER THIS
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
proudofwhatiam
2013-11-21 03:02 am (UTC)(link)
My own specialty is ancient Egypt; it sounds as though we'll have our work cut out for us in other subject areas! Why don't we put you in charge of magical works of all sorts? This will be something of a stretching exercise for both of us, when it comes to the other subject areas we need to cover. We'll have to divide them up by interest (or lack of utter antipathy, unless you're especially fond of sport).
I've been considering the classification system that would work best for this project; unfortunately, I think the ones I used most often at home are too specific and complex for schoolchildren to quickly grasp. Dewey's decimal system might have to be the tool around which we base the collection. He's an American, but his divisions of knowledge are rather useful:
0 General.
100 Philosophy.
200 Theology.
300 Sociology.
400 Philology.
500 Natural Science.
600 Useful Arts.
700 Fine Arts.
800 Literature.
900 History.
I propose we append another 'century' to the end of it so that we don't have to decide whether magic is best filed under Useful Arts, Fine Arts, or Theology. Which would bring us to 1000, Magical Arts. There are subdivisions within all these categories, but we'll have to play those somewhat by ear. Dewey didn't exactly plan them for worlds other than Earth!
With Magical Arts appended, that brings us to eleven major subject areas, nine of which are up for grabs after the aforementioned Magical Arts and History are handed out to you and me. Why don't you choose at least one more that might be within your realm of interest and begin to plan out the books needed? You're welcome to take more than one more, but I shouldn't like to overwhelm you.
I found a copy of Dewey's guide to the subject, and I'm happy to lend it to you if you haven't read it before. How much experience with librarianship have you got, by the way? I don't want to move too fast through these areas if they're new to you.
As far as fiction goes, I must admit that it's been a very long time since I read anything that could be called children's literature. If you have, we'll place you in charge of that section, and I will manage the adult fiction we shelve. You are, of course, welcome to assist in the selection of classics there.
As I hope you can see, Miss Granger, I prefer to run a tight ship when it comes to the organization of the library. Every book in its rightful place, or no one will ever be able to make proper use of the collection. If you feel you can uphold that same sentiment in your own work, I'd be happy to have you aboard.
I've been considering the classification system that would work best for this project; unfortunately, I think the ones I used most often at home are too specific and complex for schoolchildren to quickly grasp. Dewey's decimal system might have to be the tool around which we base the collection. He's an American, but his divisions of knowledge are rather useful:
0 General.
100 Philosophy.
200 Theology.
300 Sociology.
400 Philology.
500 Natural Science.
600 Useful Arts.
700 Fine Arts.
800 Literature.
900 History.
I propose we append another 'century' to the end of it so that we don't have to decide whether magic is best filed under Useful Arts, Fine Arts, or Theology. Which would bring us to 1000, Magical Arts. There are subdivisions within all these categories, but we'll have to play those somewhat by ear. Dewey didn't exactly plan them for worlds other than Earth!
With Magical Arts appended, that brings us to eleven major subject areas, nine of which are up for grabs after the aforementioned Magical Arts and History are handed out to you and me. Why don't you choose at least one more that might be within your realm of interest and begin to plan out the books needed? You're welcome to take more than one more, but I shouldn't like to overwhelm you.
I found a copy of Dewey's guide to the subject, and I'm happy to lend it to you if you haven't read it before. How much experience with librarianship have you got, by the way? I don't want to move too fast through these areas if they're new to you.
As far as fiction goes, I must admit that it's been a very long time since I read anything that could be called children's literature. If you have, we'll place you in charge of that section, and I will manage the adult fiction we shelve. You are, of course, welcome to assist in the selection of classics there.
As I hope you can see, Miss Granger, I prefer to run a tight ship when it comes to the organization of the library. Every book in its rightful place, or no one will ever be able to make proper use of the collection. If you feel you can uphold that same sentiment in your own work, I'd be happy to have you aboard.
Picking up the Dewey system in Asgard seems like a wonderful idea to organise things, especially for a school based environment. I spent a lot of time in the library at my own school at home and so I've almost memorised the order of things there - both magical and muggle (that is, non-magical) in nature. I think that can transfer itself over to here quite well and I can assure you my organisational skills are very high. You can ask for references if you like, seeing as my friends often got very irritated with my lists.
I'd be more than happy to take part in creating a classical literature section and make sure that we both keep discussions with the teacher at the top of our minds. I'd also be happy to take charge of the children's section, if that's really alright with you.
I am just as dedicated to running a tight library as you are, I believe, so I would be more than happy to give you any and all assistance that you want from me. Just say the word and I'll be there.
I'd be more than happy to take part in creating a classical literature section and make sure that we both keep discussions with the teacher at the top of our minds. I'd also be happy to take charge of the children's section, if that's really alright with you.
I am just as dedicated to running a tight library as you are, I believe, so I would be more than happy to give you any and all assistance that you want from me. Just say the word and I'll be there.
[Well, being she invited him to take a seat… He eyes the table and chairs and steps across to it. Pulling a chair out, he takes a seat, back straight, hands clasped together on his lap.]
Regrettably, no. The opportunity never arose. [He slightly, absently twiddles his thumbs together.] Whereabouts in England are you from?
Regrettably, no. The opportunity never arose. [He slightly, absently twiddles his thumbs together.] Whereabouts in England are you from?
I think the way you've presented yourself is reference enough in your favour. It sounds as though we're of a similar mind on all these matters, and of course, Professor Snape's recommendation speaks for you, too.
Since we're starting from scratch, I think we'll need to put together lists of the core materials we'll need for each section. Why don't we each begin with that and meet in a week or so to compare notes and decide where to go from there?
Are you planning to teach any courses in addition to working in the library?
Since we're starting from scratch, I think we'll need to put together lists of the core materials we'll need for each section. Why don't we each begin with that and meet in a week or so to compare notes and decide where to go from there?
Are you planning to teach any courses in addition to working in the library?
[Evy sets cup and saucer before him and takes a seat across from him.]
Outside of Oxford. And yourself?
Outside of Oxford. And yourself?
I'm not sure that Professor Snape recommended me as much as he was desperate to shut me up and find a use for me, but I'm sure that must account for something.
That sounds like a wonderful idea - I'll see what I can write up and then we can compare notes when we're both free. As for teaching - yes, I will be taking care of the teaching of the History of Magic, actually.
That sounds like a wonderful idea - I'll see what I can write up and then we can compare notes when we're both free. As for teaching - yes, I will be taking care of the teaching of the History of Magic, actually.
Well, I don't think it would benefit either of you to repeat his exact words, but you may rest assured he indicated your skills would be useful.
Well, I suppose we'll see quite a bit of each other; I'm teaching some history courses as well.
Well, I suppose we'll see quite a bit of each other; I'm teaching some history courses as well.
Ah. [He's quite familiar with Oxford - the wizarding realm of Oxford, mostly, which is as much Oxford to him as muggle Oxford would be to a muggle.
Unclasping his hands, he picks up a spoon, dips it into the tea and gives it a brief stir.] I… Well, I highly doubt you'd be familiar with the Britain that I grew up and lived in. But prior to attending what I suppose you'd call a boarding school, I was raised in Lancashire. A small town just north of Blackburn, to be specific.
Unclasping his hands, he picks up a spoon, dips it into the tea and gives it a brief stir.] I… Well, I highly doubt you'd be familiar with the Britain that I grew up and lived in. But prior to attending what I suppose you'd call a boarding school, I was raised in Lancashire. A small town just north of Blackburn, to be specific.
Wouldn't I?
[She's curious at that, assuming it's a matter of his being from the future. That's usually the problem for her here, though she doesn't think it's so insurmountable as others seem to.]
I'm afraid I haven't been to Lancashire specifically, but I'm sure it's lovely.
[She's curious at that, assuming it's a matter of his being from the future. That's usually the problem for her here, though she doesn't think it's so insurmountable as others seem to.]
I'm afraid I haven't been to Lancashire specifically, but I'm sure it's lovely.
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