Orla of Ravenclaw House
Chapter 2 of 7
Wahoo and WesleyanneOrla has an unhappy Christmas surprise. A Dictionary Challenge response about a little-known canon character.
ReviewedDisclaimer: We don't own it, J. K. Rowling does. Good on her!
~o~
Many thanks to my wonderful beta, the most noble Ladyinthecloak.
A Dictionary Drabble Challenge
Words, Definitions & Challenge rules follow story
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Chapter 2
Orla of Ravenclaw House
Professors Snape and Flitwick both kept a watch on Orla Quirke over the next months. The teasing about her hair died down with the introduction of Miss Delacour, whose magical beauty was attracting a lot of attention from the older students. At first some children mentioned it to Orla, telling her she no longer had the prettiest hair in Hogwarts.
"I never did," she would reply artlessly. "Ginny Weasley has always had the most beautiful hair in the school." Orla's lack of anger or vanity soon put an end to that avenue of teasing. The child was not the least envious of the Veela girl.
~o~
Under Cho's protection, Orla was popular. Her long hair became a source of pride for the other Ravenclaw girls. Draco noted this and it angered him, but Professor Snape had punished the girls who tore off Orla's school robes on Hallowe'en. Draco didn't want any letters sent to his parents, so he left off teasing Orla, at least where there were any teachers or prefects to hear.
He continued to observe her, though. She knew charms that would braid her hair up in seconds. She didn't make a show of it, but sometimes she'd have her hair down, and then, with a few words of that vile Manx language, it would be neatly plaited or twisted and wrapped around her head, magically held out of the way for whatever class she was going to. Draco despised her, but hid his pugnacious attitude from his Head of House.
~o~ ~o~ ~o~
Professor Flitwick was fascinated by Orla's Manx Charms for managing her long hair. She could tell it to untangle itself, and the strands of hair would begin to work themselves free of any snarls that had formed. It looked as if unseen hands were delicately grooming the child. She often sat in the library or common room studying as her hair rid itself of any tangles acquired during the day.
The afternoon of Orla's last exam before Christmas, she fell asleep in the library while waiting for a friend to finish her test. Twenty minutes later her friend found Orla asleep with her head on the table, one long plait neatly severed and lying on the floor. The horrified shrieks of the two girls alerted the entire library.
An hour later, when Cho Chang angrily accompanied a woebegone Orla into the Great Hall for dinner, all conversation ceased. Cho glared accusingly around the Hall. Orla stood next to her, a long braid hanging on one side of her head and hair cropped off under her ear on the other.
Even Professor Snape, who generally paid little attention to the students at dinner, noticed the caesura in the noise and looked over to see Miss Chang and one of his favourites, little Miss Quirke. Professors Snape and Flitwick gasped in unison.
~o~ ~o~ ~o~
Professor Snape looked sternly at Draco Malfoy. The importunate boy had been arguing for ten minutes that he was innocent of any complicity in the case of Miss Quirke's hair.
"I know you told your camarilla you wanted Miss Quirke humiliated," Professor Snape said gravely. Draco looked up in guilty alarm.
"How?" he gasped out.
"It was no afflatus, nor was it Legilimency," the professor replied. "Your thoughts give you away, Draco. I can read them like an essay. You have incited your friends to harm a pureblooded witch from an ancient and influential family."
"Her father is a farmer," Draco protested. "And I never met them. How influential can they be?"
"Just because her parents perform honest work does not make them less magical nor less influential," said Professor Snape. "She is not from Great Britain; Man is its own country. The wizards there are wild. They have no Ministry, only an ancient stone circle where they convene. And that stone circle is on the Quirke family farm."
"However, even if she was Muggle-born, you have no right to attack her. We have certain standards of behaviour in Slytherin House: Respect the ladies, don't fight anyone younger than yourself, and don't get caught!" Professor Snape loomed menacingly over Draco.
"You have disregarded those rules," he continued as the boy cowered. "Your detentions shall be served with Mr. Filch after your return. Your partners in crime, when caught, shall be joining you."
Draco opened his mouth for one more argument, noticed the fire in Professor Snape's eyes and snapped it shut again.
"Yes, sir," he said meekly.
~o~ ~o~ ~o~
The next morning at breakfast Draco deliberately sat facing away from the Ravenclaw table. The entire Great Hall was buzzing with rumours about Orla's attack. She had been hexed, or hit on the head from behind, some maintained; others said Peeves had snipped off her braid. Some claimed Vincent Crabbe had been seen sneaking out of the library just before the screaming started.
Most of the students felt sorry for the inoffensive child. They shared the latest rumours and wondered if she would cut the other side of her hair to match. Most agreed that cutting only half of her hair off, forcing her to choose to cut the rest was even nastier than cutting it all off would have been.
~o~
Later that morning, the older Ravenclaws walked their younger housemates to Hogsmeade Station in a show of solidarity. Orla was not allowed to be alone; the normally voluble first year was still in a state of shock.
Many of the students who were staying for the Yule Ball would be returning to their homes afterwards for the rest of the Christmas Holidays. Robert Quirke would certainly return home after the Ball. He was only staying because Orla insisted he not miss it.
Robert had sent two Owls winging towards Man the night before, warning that Orla's hair had been cut off for a cruel prank. One letter was for their parents and the other for the Fennoderee.
To be continued......
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Dictionary Challenge rules and list for April 12
Rules:.
1. Use some or all of the following words in a drabble (doesn't have to be 100 words--anything under 1k is fine)
2. Word list changes every Saturday
3. Upload your drabbles here or at the Petulant Poetess under the Potter Place Fun Categories (any other archive is fine as well). Remember, SH has a Potter Place Category.
4. Have fun, baby! Whoot!!
It should be interesting to see what we can come out with using dictionary.com's daily words while boosting our vocabulary. Teehee
The word list (swiped from the past week's list):
camarilla
importunate
woebegone
voluble
caesura
afflatus
pugnacious
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Words with definitions below:
camarilla \kam-uh-RIL-uh; -REE-yuh\, noun: A group of secret and often scheming advisers, as of a king; a cabal or clique.
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importunate \im-POR-chuh-nit\, adjective: Troublesomely urgent; overly persistent in request or demand; unreasonably solicitous.
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woebegone \WOE-bee-gon\, adjective:
1. Beset or overwhelmed with woe; immersed in grief or sorrow; woeful.
2. Being in a sorry condition; dismal-looking; dilapidated; run-down.
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voluble \VOL-yuh-buhl\, adjective:
1. Characterized by a ready flow of speech.
2. Easily rolling or turning; rotating.
3. (Botany) Having the power or habit of turning or twining.
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caesura \sih-ZHUR-uh; -ZUR-\, noun; plural caesuras or caesurae \sih-ZHUR-ee; -ZUR-ee\:
1. A break or pause in a line of verse, usually occurring in the middle of a line, and indicated in scanning by a double vertical line; for example, "The proper study || of mankind is man" [Alexander Pope, An Essay on Man].
2. Any break, pause, or interruption.
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afflatus \uh-FLAY-tuhs\, noun: A divine imparting of knowledge; inspiration.
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pugnacious \puhg-NAY-shuhs\, adjective: Inclined to fight; combative; quarrelsome.
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Latest 25 Reviews for The Fennoderee's Favourite
33 Reviews | 8.76/10 Average
I wondered if Orla and Draco were going to "get together" I think its better this way, his always wondering.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
I was concerned that people would not like the ending; I'm so happy you understand it. Thank you for reviewing and following this little opus to the end.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
I was concerned that people would not like the ending; I'm so happy you understand it. Thank you for reviewing and following this little opus to the end.
I think this is a brilliant summary “I cannot say with certainty that you are contrite,” said Professor Snape. “However, I do believe you are convinced that having nothing more to do with Miss Quirke is quite the safest course of action.” Well whatever their motives I am glad Roger & Orla will be free from harassment.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Thank you for reviewing! You are so kind. I hope the story will continue to please you! I rather like Professor Snape in this tale. He only loosens up once, a little bit, to compliment Orla on her hair, then back into character, to scold her about her hair. But once is enough, I think.
Lovely! We get to know the Fennoderee a little better. Again, you delight with the fairy-tale quality of the tale, and the words were so gently applied that I had no idea which words were supposed to be used--even after I did the same challenge :) Each chapter is like a small, wrapped sweet, looking so simple, and then you unwrap it and marvel at the colours of it, admiring the swirling pattern, and then ... oh... you eat it and everything just gets better and better! All the senses have been encouraged to stand to attention... and all from something that appeared small. Sorry... waxing lyrical. Still sad that the story ends with the next chapter *sigh*. I shall have to content myself with the the other stories that you've written.Thank you for this story, it is wonderful.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Oh, my gosh! Thank you. What a poetic review! Better written than the story.
I'm so happy you like this little opus. I can't begin to express how grateful and humble your reviews make me feel. I can only say, once again, thank you.
-Wahoo
Oh Orla is truly a sweet girl. I hope things go better. The Fennoderee was a real kick. I loved how he was so respectful to Severus. 
Good job. I'll be sorry to see this end.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Thank you for liking this story! There are 2 chapters left and both are already written. I'm a little sorry it's over, too, although I have written the tale I set out to write. I am thrilled at your kind reception.
Why doesnt Orla want to know who cut off her braid? I would think she would like the change to yell at him at the very least.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Orla is a very forgiving person who was raised in a kind and loving home. She has never faced this sort of situation before, when someone hurt her from malice rather than carelessness. She doesnt want to be angry at whoever cut her hair; she would rather forgive and be friends. Yet she knows that if she knew who it was, she might be angry. That would make it harder to forgive as start over as friends.
This sort of reaction is based on my daughters character. At age eleven she was very forgiving to someone who maliciously endangered her. I hope she never reads this response! She hates to be praised by me.
Response from MollysSister (Reviewer)
Ah so it is just me, old and jaded that wants the revenge. I can live with that! I look forward to the next instalment!!
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
No one who enjoys the whimsical magic of HP fanfiction can be all that jaded in my humble opinion. Thanks for your kind support! - Pookah
I think it very unlikely that Draco will fess up and try to explain his hair envy in a manly way. ((giggles))
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
hair envy! how funny! Thank you for all your wonderful reviews!
No fair this is the shortest chapter yet! I am on the edge of my seat waiting for Draco revenge!
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
So sweet of you to review each chapter even though you have other chapters ahead of you! Thank you.
What or who is a Fennoderee? I am hoping little Orla will put Draco in his place. Firmly.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
The Fennodoree question will be addressed after I finish the tale. However, since you asked me nicely, I e-mailed you some information about the Fennoderee.
As for putting Draco in his place. The story will end to Orlas satisfaction. I hope it will also be to yours.
Response from MollysSister (Reviewer)
Thank you for taking the time to email me privately. I appreciate it!! 
Okay next chapter I am going to skip down to the AN and read the definations first. I think that will help me make more sense out of it! Thank you for improving my vocabulary!!
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Perhaps I ought to put the words and definitions at the beginning of the story. Do you think that would be better?
P. S. Dont thank me! Thank the clever Dictionary Challenge.
Response from MollysSister (Reviewer)
Well it makes it easier for me to understand the story. Then again perhaps others have a better vocabulary and do not need the definitions? Either way an intrepid reader can figure it out. 
This is very enjoyable so far! Can't wait to read more. :)
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Thank you for reading and reviewing! I'm delighted you like my story.
Little Orla's hair is geting out of control! She even reminds me now of Crystal Gayle! Anything longer than waist length is ridiclous in my book - I mean, hows she going to get anything done with it dragging along behind her. Do you kknow how heavy hair is?What did Draco manifest? Ok, still enjoying the show!
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Thank you for such a sensible review, considering the actual logistics of hair care!
Ah, hair. Yes, I do know how much hair weighs. That’s why I was careful to put into the story that Orla has charms for untangling her hair and also braiding it, unbraiding and twisting it up around her head and holding in place. And that was before it got so godawful long. (And I even had Snape tell her it was growing at a dangerous rate.) There will be more about her hair later.
Another beautiful instalment. The words were incorporated wonderfully, and I love the simple and effective way you use external events to define Draco's character even more, rather than merely spoon-feeding us with the direct answer. The bond existing between Orla and the Fennoderee has just taken on a more sinister aspect since reading this chapter--I thought about my daughter and the numerous dicky-fits that she has, and that led on to the rather disturbing thought of her having some powerful avenging creature ready to ease her pique. *Shudders* Just hope that Orla knows how it all works.I enjoyed reading this very much, and I can't wait for the next chapter
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
What a lovely, thoughtful review! thank you. I think you will be pleased with Orla’s behaviour in the next installment. I hope it isn’t too predictable. I suppose that was why Draco’s reactions played a part in this tale from the beginning. I think that subconsciously I realized that a story about a very predictable person is dull, and I fear Orla is predictable rather than exciting. Exciting things DO happen around her, though.
Rock on! This is a neat tale you are spinning here.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
I am so happy that you're enjoying it! Thanks for reviewing.
I am now officially hooked... that was so enticing! The bringing in of different characters keeps adding to the mounting suspense; almost like the gathering of armies. Can't wait for the next chapter... thank you.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
I'm so happy you like my story! (Does happy dance!)Thank you very much. The next chapter is in queue.-Wahoo
Response from sweetflag (Reviewer)
I've just come across the wonder of 'bookmarking'; now, I will know when you update. I am more than happy with the story, and after writing two within this category, I also have an idea of some of the struggles (potentially of course, you may be utterly brilliant and not break a sweat... lol) associated with writing in this manner. *hopes queue moves swiftly*
Hmmm... certainly not a Disney adaptation! lol... that was almost sinister; I felt a shiver. I loved the way you set out the Slytherin creed, putting emphasis on the last criterion... superb. And the Fennoderee? I'm intrigued... feel the need to Google. Another wonderful chapter, and the use of the words was just stunning. Off to the last...
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Thank you for your kind words! I'm so flattered.
That was beautiful. I'm not a particularly good reviewer; I never know what to write, so please forgive me as I ramble through this review. You kept using terms relating to fairies, and it struck me that the whole story came across as a fairy tale... The Princess Bride sprang to mind as I read through it. The selected words were also so smoothly inserted that the whole thing seemed effortless and graceful. I enjoyed it very much... off to read the next one.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
You strike me as a very good reviewer! You have certainly given me a very good review and I thank you. I'm delighted you enjoyed it.
This story is quite good already! I admire people who can start out so strong in their stories. I myself have trouble starting off stories, because I just can't think of a good way to get things off the ground. Draco is fantastic! I love the way he doesn't like Orla because of her hair. Hilarious! And Severus. Oh, Severus! It's so. . . dare I say cute? . . . the way he's sort of like a hidden guardian angel, keeping his Slytherins away from her.This story first caught my eye because I recognize the name from Mugglenet Fanfiction Beta Boards. The caption for one of the sub-boards goes something like 'need help with little first-year Orla Quirke's adventures in the Ravenclaw common room?' I was wondering when I started the story if you got the name from there, but when you cited your sources, it seemed like you just came up with it yourself. I was just wondering if you got the idea or the name from there, or if you just came up with it yourself and it's a crazy coincedence!Anyway, thank you for gracing this website with this giggle-inducing story!~Katie
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
I'm so happy you like this! Thank you for reviewing!Orla Quirke is one of JKR's own characters, mentioned in GOF sorting scene, so we only know her approximate age and that she is in Ravenclaw. I decided to make her Manx for personal reasons, as I mentioned in my author's note. I'm gratified that you approve of my handling of Draco and Severus. I hope you enjoy the rest of the story.-Wahoo
I think you have a wonderful start here and I like that she's a Ravenclaw instead of a Slytherin.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Reviews! Reviews! I got reviews! Thank you for my very first review on PP! I'm glad you like the start of this story. I have chapter 2 in queue and chapter 3 is being repaired (after I made an egregious canon blunder.)Thank you for reviewing, and thanks for liking this. I hope you will enjoy the rest. Orla is Ravenclaw because she is a canon character, mentioned as a first year at the sorting ceremony in GOF. Perhaps Draco would have liked her better if she'd been sorted into Slytherin?-Wahoo
Oh what a perfect ending, nothing could be worse for Draco, than to know all he said and did, just didn't matter.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
I am so glad you "get' the ending! Let's hope Draco learned something from all of this. Thank you for faithfully and kindly reviewing each chapter. Thank you for the stars, and for liking this little fable. I am delighted to have brought you some pleasure with my story.-Wahoo
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
I am so glad you "get' the ending! Let's hope Draco learned something from all of this. Thank you for faithfully and kindly reviewing each chapter. Thank you for the stars, and for liking this little fable. I am delighted to have brought you some pleasure with my story.-Wahoo
The difference in attitude between Draco, and Orla is so striking, if something similer had happened to Draco, he would have done everything in his power,to get revenge{ as he did with Buckbeak} and Orla doesn't even want to know who hurt her, in case she wouldn't be able to forgive them, very wise.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Orla has been raised in a family where loving others is very important, not only taking care of family, but learning of the resposibilities of Wizard-folk as very powerful people. towards all mankind. Not the same as Draco's upbringing. Thank you so much for liking my tale!-Wahoo
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Orla has been raised in a family where loving others is very important, not only taking care of family, but learning of the resposibilities of Wizard-folk as very powerful people. towards all mankind. Not the same as Draco's upbringing. Thank you so much for liking my tale!-Wahoo
What a sweet girl Orla is, the Fennoderee is very powerfull, but not vengefull being. I'm sorry this is coming to an end.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
That is the best compliment, being sorry the tale is ending. Thank you! I based Orla's forgiveness and sweet nature on my daughter at the same age. (Even though I hoped she would write this tale with me, it turns out my daughter was not interested. So Wahoo and Wesleyanne is, in fact, only Wahoo.)The Fennoderee would be all to happy to be vengful if either of the Quirke children were hurt. Or if they asked him to.-Wahoo
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
That is the best compliment, being sorry the tale is ending. Thank you! I based Orla's forgiveness and sweet nature on my daughter at the same age. (Even though I hoped she would write this tale with me, it turns out my daughter was not interested. So Wahoo and Wesleyanne is, in fact, only Wahoo.)The Fennoderee would be all to happy to be vengful if either of the Quirke children were hurt. Or if they asked him to.-Wahoo
Let the games begin, speak up Draco.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Thank you reviewing every chapter! I am glad you are enjoying them.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Thank you reviewing every chapter! I am glad you are enjoying them.
Draco is runing full tilt towards the cliff edge, with his eyes shut, in the belief that his "pureblood" will save him.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Yes he is! Isn't it too bad he can't see it? LOL I hope you enjoy his surprise.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Yes he is! Isn't it too bad he can't see it? LOL I hope you enjoy his surprise.
Love the Slytherin Code, just one thing to add, If the Head of House is not happy, NO ONE is happy. Draco should know this without being told. Looking forward to his comeuppence.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
I like your addition to the Slytherin Code. 
I guess Draco thought that because he often got by with harassing Potter, he could harass a mere first-year. Thank you for the pretty stars and the kind review.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
I like your addition to the Slytherin Code. I guess Draco thought that because he often got by with harassing Potter, he could harass a mere first-year. Thank you for the pretty stars and the kind review.
Poor Orla { my granddaughter in-laws name BTW }Draco is a jealous little snot, yea for Cho standing up for Orla. looking forward to the next chapter.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Thank you for reading and reviewing! I am so happy you like the tale so far. Yes, I thought Draco would be jealous. He seemed the type. -Wahoo
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Oh, I forgot to say that Orla is a wonderful name. I couldn't resist making her a blonde, since Orla means Golden. It was an inspiration.
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Thank you for reading and reviewing! I am so happy you like the tale so far. Yes, I thought Draco would be jealous. He seemed the type. -Wahoo
Response from Wahoo and Wesleyanne (Author of The Fennoderee's Favourite)
Oh, I forgot to say that Orla is a wonderful name. I couldn't resist making her a blonde, since Orla means Golden. It was an inspiration.