Orla of Man
Chapter 3 of 7
Wahoo and WesleyanneOrla returns to Hogwarts. Draco whinges.
A tale of a little-known Canon character.
This is a response to the Potter Place Dictionary Challenge. The rules, word list for April 18, and their definitions follow the chapter.
Thanks are due to my kind and helpful Beta, Ladyinthecloak
Chapter 3
Orla of Man
The Isle of Man was supposed to be salubrious. Certainly the score or so of Wizarding children who had just spent three weeks there looked rosy and healthy. It struck Draco as odd that an island so under-populated and unimportant should have such a disproportionate number of children at Hogwarts. He’d asked his parents and discovered that many British Wizards emigrated to Man to be free of unnecessary government interference. The percentage of Wizarding folk there was much higher than in Great Britain.
Draco had been blissfully unaware of the Isle of Man until he met the irritating Orla Quirke. Now he knew more than he wanted to know about it. He was disgusted with the sissy, Orla, who'd cried when her hair had been cut. Such a troublemaker, she was.
Disgusted or not, Draco sidled closer to the roistering crowd of Manx children. By eavesdropping he discovered that they had all Flooed into the Leaky Cauldron and boarded the Knight Bus there for the short trip to King's Cross. Some of them were talking about a ferry.
I don’t suppose Man is civilised enough to be on the Floo system, Draco thought scornfully. They must have had to come over on a common Muggle boat. Muggle transport or not, the children all seemed to have enjoyed their peregrinations.
Draco spotted Vincent and Gregory waving at him from a window of the train. They motioned for him to come inside. He hadn’t spotted Orla yet, although he was certain she was somewhere in that barbaric crowd of foreigners. He hurried to join his friends on the train.
~o~
“Mother gets more clingy every year,” Draco whinged as he entered the compartment his friends had appropriated. “It’s worse than ever this year because I stayed at Hogwarts until after the Yule Ball.”
“I don’t think Professor Snape wrote my parents about that little contretemps before Christmas,” he continued. “Father didn’t beat me, at any rate. That’s a good sign.”
”Snape wrote me a note wishing me a happy New Year and reminding me of my detentions with Filch in January. But not a word to my parents,” Vincent said enthusiastically. He had been the lookout when Orla’s hair was cut.
“Same here,” agreed Gregory. He had done the actual cutting. He was less worried about a beating. His parents hadn’t spanked him for years and hadn’t ever given him the sort of beatings Draco and Vince described.
“Yeah, I got detentions, too,” Draco admitted rather sheepishly. “Snape says I’m a bad influence on you two.”
“Slytherin House has certain standards of behaviour,” he said, standing up and glowering in his best imitation of their Head of House. “Respect anyone richer or more powerful, don’t harm anyone who can help you, and don’t – get – caught!”
~o~
On the platform, a small strange grey cloud suddenly appeared. Everyone leapt out of the way except the four Quirkes who smiled as the roiling miasma approached them. Once it surrounded them it all but disappeared, transforming into pure light and a palpable sense of benign magic.
”What’s that?” Gregory cried, staring. Vincent, seemingly stricken with some sort of magical abulia, gaped out of the window beside him. By the time Draco got to the window, the grey cloud had disappeared, but his attention was captured by the sight of Orla Quirke standing with her family. Her hair hung in two plaits, not only past her knees but just brushing the ground.
“So they used a charm or a glamour,” Draco said with a shrug. “Everyone knows it’s not real. Even hair growth charms can’t make the hair as thick and strong as naturally-grown hair. Otherwise half the girls at Hogwarts would have hair as long as Orla Quirke’s.” Draco managed to pack a great deal of scorn into his comments. The other boys nodded absently, accustomed to Draco’s constant objurgation of Orla.
Blaize and Pansy joined the boys, who left the window.
“Did Snape write your parents?” Pansy asked.
“No,” Draco replied. “I don’t flatter myself that I was able to inveigle Professor Snape into letting us off. I believe he didn’t make it public because of the honour of Slytherin House.” He smiled winningly at Pansy.
“But for whatever reason, our parents didn’t hear of it; that’s the important thing!” Draco concluded.
~o~ ~o~ ~o~
It was nearly time for the Hogwarts Express to leave. No one from Draco’s compartment saw the elder Quirkes embrace their children and slip them some extra pin-money. Nor did they see Mr. Quirke remove the Glamour from Orla’s hair before she boarded the Hogwarts Express. Barely anyone watching noticed the scintillating cloud of magic accompanying Orla on to the train; they were all too busy gaping at the girl’s hair. But Orla felt the magic board with her and knew that the Fennoderee was on his way to Hogwarts.
To be continued…
~o~ ~o~ ~o~
Author’s Note
Regarding the Wizarding population:
Although there were 40 people in Harry’s entering class at Hogwarts, I am assuming that that particular year was not a popular one to have babies due to Voldemort’s rise to power. JKR said there were ‘about a thousand students’ at Hogwarts; later she reduced the number to around 600. Other classes must be considerably larger than Harry’s for there to be 600 or a thousand students there.
About two dozen students from the Isle of Man is a very high percentage, indeed, but in my ‘reality,’ Wizards move to Man to be free of the Ministry. Wouldn’t you?
~o~
Dictionary Challenge rules, word list, and definitions for April 19th
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):
objurgate
miasma
pin money
roister
abulia
salubrious
inveigle
-----------------------
Words with definitions below:
objurgate \OB-juhr-gayt\, transitive verb:
To express strong disapproval of; to criticize severely.
----- ----- -----
miasma \my-AZ-muh; mee-\, noun:
1. A vaporous exhalation (as of marshes or putrid matter) formerly thought to cause disease; broadly, a thick vaporous atmosphere or emanation.
2. A harmful or corrupting atmosphere or influence; also, an atmosphere that obscures; a fog.
------ ----- -----
pin money \pin money\, noun:
1. An allowance of money given by a husband to his wife for private and personal expenditures.
2. Money for incidental expenses.
3. A trivial sum.
------- ----- -----
roister \ROY-stur\, intransitive verb:
1. To engage in boisterous merrymaking; to revel; to carouse.
2. To bluster; to swagger.
------ ------ -----
abulia \uh-BOO-lee-uh; uh-BYOO-\, noun:
Loss or impairment of the ability to act or to make decisions.
------ ------ ----
salubrious \suh-LOO-bree-us\, adjective:
Favorable to health; promoting health; healthful.
----------- --------- --------
inveigle \in-VAY-guhl; -VEE-\, transitive verb:
1. To persuade by ingenuity or flattery; to entice.
2. To obtain by ingenuity or flattery.
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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.