Chapter 116 - Gobbledegook (2/2)
Both Xeno and Pandora seem to contemplate Rowan's answer, before saying, ”An acceptable answer.”
Andrew Abbot merely blinks in bewilderment as if to say, ”I have no idea, what is going, but I'm glad it's over.”
Rowan glanced over at Xeno and said, ”And you are?”
Pandora blinks and says, ”Oh, where are my manners!?” Flustered, she gestures to herself and Xeno. ”I'm Pandora Ravine, a second-year Ravenclaw. And this here is Xenophilius Lovegood, a fourth-year Ravenclaw.”
”Pleased to meet you, both,” Rowan said as she points to herself. ”I'm Rowan Prince, a second-year Slytherin.”
”Interesting,” Xeno murmured as he glanced over at the figure next to her.
Andrew blinks at realizing they are all staring at him. ”I'm Andrew Abbot, a second-year Hufflepuff,” Andrew introduced himself. ”And it's nice to meet all of you.”
Before any of them can reply, the door swings open to reveal a short wizard with dark hair in a sharp suit. Professor Flitwick is followed by a stack of books that quickly form a stand for him to stand on in order to be seen.
Clearing his throat, Professor Flitwick says, ”It's an absolute honor and pleasure to be teaching Gobbledegook. Please open your books, we shall begin by learning how to say a simple hello in goblin.” A guttural harsh rasping sound can be heard as Professor Flitwick repeats the words several times, ”Maal'duun.”
Rowan frowns as she tries to make more guttural sounding noises but still falls short of the harsh rasping. She may have a talent for human languages, but not necessarily for magical ones. Glancing over, Rowan sees Severus seemingly having an easier time. Well, he was a genius after all. Turning back to Professor Flitwick, she continues to practice as she makes detailed notes on how to properly clench her throat and flicked her tongue.
The rest of the class passes by rather quickly as they all learn the goblin alphabet and the following phrases hello, goodbye, that was quite rude, how much is that, and where is my money. By the end of the classroom, Rowan has a headache and her voice is feeling quite sore. Gathering her things, Rowan says goodbye to the three in a raspy voice and heads over to Severus and Lily.
”I don't know about you two, but I'm starving,” Rowan said in a hoarse voice.
”I think I'm thirstier than anything else,” Severus croaked.
”We sound like toads,” Lily grumbled earning sharp barking laughter from the twins.
The three of them head down to the Great Hall to get a bit to eat. On the way there, Rowan huskily commented, ”Perhaps, it be best we pick up some smoothing cough drops from the infirmary to suck on during class.” Lily and Severus nodded in agreement rather than speaking as their voices were quite sore.
Waving silently goodbye, Lily headed off to the Gryffindor table, while the twins return to their own house, where their friends were waiting for them. Feeling their throats, a bit tender, the twins select a soup and dinner rolls for dinner. Noticing the twins weren't speaking, Bethanie is the first to say, ”I guess your throats must be pretty sore, huh?” Severus and Rowan nod their heads as they take a sip from their spoon.
”Well, I think it 'great!” Terry playfully taunted. ”Now, neither of you can insult me back.” Severus and Rowan both smirk as they give him a two-fingered salute in reply. Terry chokes as Silvia a little forcefully pats him on the back.
”Well, I've got a batch of cough drops in my room,” Bethanie offered at seeing the twin's wince as they swallow every now and then. ”Since you must be utterly exhausted, how about the two of you share, and go to see Madame Pomfrey on the morrow?”
The twins nod their thanks as Tiffany jumps in and continues to chatter about the latest gossip. Apparently, Lucius Malfoy was to be officially betrothed with Narcissa Black, but as her father had unexpectedly passed away, the official engagement ceremony would not be until after Yule. And as for the wedding, it was to be postponed for a year until the official period of mourning had passed by. The Slytherin couple would not be wedded until the following late spring or early summer. And much to Tiffany's delight more than one girl was heartbroken at the thought of the handsome Malfoy heir to be betrothed. It was quite literally a most envious shock to the unwed female population of the wizarding world.