Ceccere Manor is a pompous baronial building in the region of the southern Scottish Ayr. The manor itself is found in the more northern surroundings of the county and built out of tailored marble bricks which are ivory-white in colour. Characteristic for this beautiful building is the romanesque style which was used to design the manor's outer walls. Reaching almost three stories tall, the manor is covered in beautiful long and round arches as well as steadfast yet fine pillars made from clean stone. Over the time being, the house may have changed its owner a lot of times, but never its state of condition, not a single crack can be found in this magically altered works of masonry ever since it was first declared finished in the 19th century.
The walls of the magnificent building are covered in curtained windows, set deeply into the stone and therefore making them look almost sunken into the hard surface. They are additionally shown off with exquisite frames, providing proof for the wealth that this family is said to own. Astoundingly each of the upper chambers seem to be built with a broad glass facade, most of which are looking right into the courtyard of the house. This especially applies for the room of Flavio himself which is the one facing the entrance of the estate on the most left hand side of the building. The clear glass front though, is often darkened by the curtains that hang over it.
Adding onto that, the manor stretches wide across the hill it was built on and is gabled a few times, creating elegant niches in the walls which can easily be used to provide space for activities that have to be done outside. The Cecceres might not be a folk of adventurers or sportsmen, but they sure made the best they could out of this extra space. So looking around the house you can find a broad patio, covering the ground in fine stone plates, on which multiple tables were placed. They can be used for the most varying of activities. May it be a celebration with barbecue in the evening, where you dine outside and watch the stars reveal themselves slowly, while soft lights fill the garden and slow music embraces the attendants, inviting them to dance, hand in hand - face to face. Or maybe you could invite the neighbours for a game evening, layering out cards and enjoying the coziness as the still wind breezes over the estate.
One of these long tables that reside on the stones in front of the curtained panorama wall with a broad sliding door even has a chess board integrated into its plate and is flanked by two rather big armchairs. It's seemingly the most used of all tables, mostly because the entire family Ceccere uses to play chess competition games together on internal game nights, one of the highlights of the weeks for family reunions or holidays at which Flavio and Lexanna are home. Especially then, these games provide a challenge for parents and children alike. Sadly their former champion, Logan isn't there to defend his title anymore but this will hopefully turn for the better soon.
Going further around the brick walls, you will find a small and yet somehow charming gravel-path, which is accompanied by small lanterns on fence-posts every couple feet ahead of you. The thin path is meant to guide you through a rather magical compartment of the enormous garden and leads you forward to see a few of the best pieces of masonry that the Cecceres have to offer. While these small statues shaped like different creatures or people, aren't as magnificent as the two monstrous sculptures of Owls that can be found at the entrance to the courtyard, they do have a bit of a magical flair themselves. The knowledgeable history-lover will quickly notice that the statues seem to be inspired by the Romans and are almost exact replicates of the works that countless slaves put their life into, in the roman era.
Guiding one to the back of the estate reveals a rather large area plated in clean stone. While keeping its romanesque aesthetic, this part of the property appears a little more modern, than what is shown to the passersby. Next to a big sliding door made of enchanted glass in the back wall is a small shelf for shoes and slippers, things deemed rather unnecessary when entering the exquisite pool, adorned with pillars made from high skilled masonries, that is spread across a majority of the plot. The only things flanking it are a couple of extravagant sun loungers and parasols which have the Cecere Crest embedded on their shield.
Leading away from the walled manor of the Cecceres and deeper into the dark and dense forest, is a small paved way , the only light provided comes from small enchanted lanterns which are placed loosely along the way, creating a very mysterious and magical atmosphere. Before one realizes, the path widens and turns into a garden-like area, with all sorts of plants growing on the floor, climbing their way up the trees, spreading colour across the place. Between trees and flowers are countless stone statues of people that have passed within the last 100 years. It's the Cecere’s memorial grove, a place where members of the Ceccere family honour their fallen friends and loved ones. Because once you have achieved friendship with a Ceccere, they are loyal till the end and beyond. After the second wizarding war, one could find statues of people like Tonks and Lupin there, commissioned and placed there by Flavio himself.
While romanesque building style wasn't that common in the 19th century, it was asked by the commissioners to set the flame of this very poetic and smooth style ablaze once more. It is said that the two lovers that gave the order to build it, were a young couple from Ireland. A noble man, who was more a boy than a man and a house maid of his estate, fleeing together from the former's father, a man who went furious about the betrayal of his own flesh and blood. They were hiding in the very house the Cecceres inhabit, living to the end of their heavenly days, hidden from the wrathful Irish noble.
This is one of the few occasions I decided to write a fic. Why? Because I felt like, doing what I missed out on with Flavio. Creating content. So anyways, have fun with my HPMA Disasters!!
Warning: As one of the many not primarily english speaking users in this fandom, I want to apologize for obvious grammar or vocabulary errors! <3
It's been quite some time, since his eleventh birthday has passed. The days of July and August flew by and finally the day has come on which another young and rather innocent student has to begin his more than adventurous journey at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Platform 9 ¾ was rather crowded today, a few staff members were struggling to bring order in the chaos as countless pure-blood, half-blood and muggle-born families were making their way through the masses to get to the old and used train that brought the students to the castle in the scottish highlands.
A blonde pureblood wizard was seen, that was lifting tons of suitcases and bags into the train, while his apparent daughter was striding around as if the entire station was owned by her. Her high and squeaking voice was a glass shattering sound, that broke through the, now somehow grouped amount of people. But nobody really granted her attention, so she just threw her long charming blonde hair back and judged the people passing by with her glares.
On the other side of the platform, there was a tired student, his dark reddish almost auburn hair was hanging onto the old and weathered pages of a book. Even though, his eyes were unable to see anything other than the inked lines of the yellow and at some points teared paper, he managed to evade any collisions with others. A remarkable talent that was mostly known by only one other wizard alive.
Just in time, a last kid came through the magical portal and onto the platform itself. A slight rumble ensued as the family was making its way to the train, nearly crashing into countless innocent children. The boy that was accompanied by his parents looked rather sickly, towering above the other first years. There only were a few that could compete in a test of height. One of them, with beautiful short black hair...and strange looking teeth...another one...more fish than human. This year, was sure to be extraordinary.
The boy’s parents were a mix of serious mentality and free spirited youth. His father looked like an escaped hell hound. He was a steady man, tall and masculine, but not muscular. He had medium long brown hair, hanging down the sides of his head, a red glowing eye that was scanning the surroundings for potential danger, while the other one was covered by a black eye-patch. While his body was hidden beneath a trenchcoat and some old fashioned clothes. On his coat was a badge positioned which belonged to a high ranked member of the Ministry of Magic Curse Breaking Department. This insignia alone granted him respect in the eyes of some parents and disgust in the ones of others.
His mother on the other side, was a pure ray of sunshine. Her smile was charming and a representation of the purity of her soul. She had long curly blonde hair, that fell down from her angel-like face, making a slight curve around her small snub nose and over her shoulders. Her emerald green eyes were always directed towards her little eleven year old son, while her hands where shoving the cart towards the Hogwarts Express. To protect herself from the autumn typical temperature, she wore a pinkish wool pullover under a overall jeans. She almost looked like a farmer’s girl if she wasn't known to be one of the more successful wandmaker apprentices under Ollivander.
The boy himself, wasn't that sparking of attention. Just before he took his first step into the old and rusty train, he turned around, looking at his parents with tears in his eyes.
“M-Mom...Dad...Why can’t I stay home and be homeschooled by Uncle Flavio like before?” The nervous voice of the youngster made its way to the ears of his parents. His mother got on one knee before him, laying both hands on his shoulders, sending off some warmth and confidence.
“Theo. Uncle Flavio sadly can’t homeschool you anymore. He has to work more than usual since the small outbreaks of chaotic wizards that need the attention of Obliviators...and Hogwarts is just about fine! It's one of the most renown Wizarding Schools!”
“Yeah because of its dangerous and murderous tendencies!” Theo interrupted her promptly, his eyes were now filled with some kind of logical anger. It was clear that Hogwarts wasn't fine. It was never fine. Everyone who had studied there was either insane or dead now. “I have read about the dangers uncle had to endure during his time at school! Cursed Vaults-”
As soon as these words were finished, the Curse Breaker cleared his throat. “You don't need to be scared of the Vaults anymore Theo. We got that handled years ago. Your uncle and I, made sure that nobody opens up one of them ever again and since Voldemort’s thankfully gone, there is nothing that could harm you anymore.” he tried to calm his son down, without much success. It was clear that Theo believed none of it. There was no calm and secure year at Hogwarts, that’s what he learned from History.
Meanwhile other students tried to board the train to Hogwarts but were stopped because some tall kid, with cedar brown hair was blocking the entrance. A few of the parents thought about asking him to clear the way for their kids but as soon as their eyes caught the intimidating figure of a man, standing next to the boy they decided not to bother them.
Before anyone could have said anything, Theo was pushed into the train by an impatient young girl anyways, causing a massive pushing and jostle in the crowd of students. Theo was forcefully moved away from his parents sight and deeper into the train. The last thing his eyes could see was the black bob cut of the girl that was pushing him before everything in front of him became empty.
He never had been alone, without his parents in a unfamiliar place. He looked around and the walls began slowly moving towards each other, threatening to crush Theo between them. Everything seemed to become blurred. It was almost as if Theo got dizzy. The young boy closed his eyes and shook his head in disbelief. As soon as he opened his eyes, everything was normal again.
Now he stood in the middle of the train. It was fairly high and wide, so Theo had no trouble walking in his usual posture. He decided to move deeper into the train, since fighting against the stream of first years slowly boarding the train would have been idiotic. The inside of the train was actually pretty astonishing. You wouldn't have imagined it this big from the outside.
On the left and right were compartments with enough spots for the entire school to find a seat. Some were already taken by excited looking kids, laughing and playing with each other. It seemed like they were on the best way to become friends. Yeah… friends. Something Theo used to have, but since the accident… Well, Theo wasn't in the mood for social interaction anyways, so he wandered around, looking for an empty cabinet.
A few minutes passed and the train was about to start moving as Theo had found a small compartment for himself. The door was easy to open, as the more or less weak looking student stepped inside. He gently sat down on one of the red bolstered seats and put his shoulder bag right beside him. The bag itself looked rather weathered and used, flicked a few times, even without magic.
Theo carefully opened the zipper and took out a book that obviously was not new at all, it had a lot of scratches and tears all over it. Nothing that an entitled brat would even touch. The leathery smelling novel with golden ornaments was called “Belle et la Bête” and had engraved the golden letters of his surname on the back, symbolizing that it was one of the few remains of the first Ceccere’s that were located in France. This family heirloom has been given to countless generations and now it belongs to Theo.
A few hours passed by and the train rolled over the rails with a confident speed. It had done this track over a thousand times and today it won't be any different, will it? The beautiful nature of Scotland was rushing by the window with an unimaginable speed.
The world around Theo got blurry. The roads were turning in his head and soon, he wasn't sitting in a train anymore. The loud rattle of the wheels on the rails were drowned out by the giddy and happy sounds of two children that were running in the forest, laughing and giggling, like there was nothing to worry about in this world.
The kids, a young boy with brown hair and amethyst coloured eyes and a girl with beautiful blonde braids and brown cubicles of creativity as eyes were playing outside. The chill wind of autumn was playing with their hair as they ran through the thicket. For the moment, they were in their own little world. He was a brave knight fighting against a feisty dragon in this enchanted woods to save the princess.
They did that often and it didn't take long until the boy discovered his feelings for his friend. Yet he never told her about them. He was way too shy. So they played on and on and on.
Suddenly Theo got ripped out of one of his usual day dreams by the shout of a inhuman cranky voice, that sounded from another compartment.
“That’s where my mother lives!” This voice reminded him of someone, he had heard it today already. Theo turns to the window and there was nothing else than a giant pond in front of him. A bit further away was a light house with a strayed gravel path to the water. Even though, nobody could have seen him, Theo raised his eyebrow. Surely nobody’s mother could live underwater, could they?. The student leaned back into his soft seat and took up the book again.
He had learned french, only to be able to read this book, so he wanted to use every chance he got. Not that french had not helped him otherwise as well. He was able to talk with his aunt and her brother in french for a bit, even though he did poorly on that.
His tender fingers were slightly creeping over the cover of the book while his purple eyes were scanning the lines cautiously like an owl waiting for a mouse to come of its hole.
Theo was able to get some silence. The train had made its way through the most part of Scotland and it shouldn't take much longer till they arrive at the pompous and more than aesthetically pleasing Hogwarts . He was still feeling somewhat strange. He hadn't been without his parents supervision for so long. Would he even be able endure, entire seven years without them?
The eleven year old nervously knocked with his fingers on the seat next to him. “It’s going to be good...Alice won’t be there..:Nobody will judge you” he told to himself over and over again. Will everything be good though? Or was he just lying to himself, to make him feel better?
The only thing that kept Theo calming company was the silence. But this silence shouldn't be forever.
With a loud shrieking sound, the door of the compartment was shoved open and a young boy was standing in the frame.
He wasn't nearly as tall as Theo but he wasn't bad looking either.
The intruder had short side-parted dark brown hair, which was flowing down his face, covering his left eye a bit. The hair itself looked wild and untamed, as if he hadn't combed it for the last three years.
The boy was pretty well build but had a rather slumped posture, making him look way less elitist than Theo. Yet the most eye-catching thing were the burning bright pink eyes of the kid, that were carelessly observing the room.
“Hiya there”. said the intruder with a smirk on his face. He didn't seem as excited or jumpy as the other 11 year olds that Theo had encountered, yet he had a loud and orotund voice.
Because Theo had not expected anyone else to join him on the last few kilometers to Hogwarts, he was startled by the noise, causing his head to jolt up and hit the back of the seat brutally.
“Ay Fella, everything all right? Seems like you hit your head quite hard? I hope I didn't scare you too much?” Theo hadn't even realized what was happening as he rubbed the back of his head in pain and this guy was already full into a conversation.
To answer his question, Theo just shook his head “No, everything's fine, Thank you for asking. Just...please don't scare me like that again”. The future Ravenclaw’s voice was soft and silvery in comparison.
“May I take that seat off of ya then?” The smaller boy asked. His voice sounded kind of annoying and nosy. Him being in the compartment would make the last bit of the journey hell for Theo. So he decided to say no.
“Well, yes...s-sure...I don’t mind.” What? That was not how it was planned! The other boy threw himself on the seat, leaning back with a sigh. Everything about him radiated such chaotic energy that even Theo hadn’t seen before. The boy’s shoes weren’t tied right, his clothes were in a horrible condition. Unbelievable.
“So, I'm sorry for breakin’ in here like that but I'm searchin’ for some interesting people for donkey’s years in this train. It's gettin' boring with all these rule sticklers and goody two shoes. Ya wouldn't believe it. Every kid seems the same! …. And honestly someone reading the french version of Beauty and the Beast is intriguing enough for me.” The boy leaned forward, holding out his hand to Theo.
“Finnigan my name. Cody Finnigan!” the smirk on Cody’s face hasn't left him once till now. Theo cautiously took his hand, a bit skeptic about his new acquaintance
