hp_worldcup_bets | Paying my debt: Hoyotoho!

Entry tags:

debts paid

Paying my debt: Hoyotoho!

Recipient:

tetleythesecond
Title: Hoyotoho!
Author:

pale_moonlite
Characters: Amelia Bones, Minerva McGonagall, Rolanda Hooch
Prompt: Opera
Word Count: 1,189
Rating: General Audiences
Warning: There wasn't time enough to get this beta'd (and it was supposed to be less than 500 words anyway). So if you spot any glaring mistakes, please give me a holler.
Summary: Amelia and Minerva visit the Bayreuth wizarding festival theatre to see a production of Wagner's Die Walküre.
Author's Notes: Dear Tetley, I let you know that it was completely the fault of your fascinating prompt that I nearly missed the deadline. Imagining wizarding productions of The Ring was simply too much fun, and not just a little bit distracting. Congratulations on winning the pool, and I hope you enjoy your prize!

"I'm not sure I appreciate Hunding and his men wearing uniforms with Grindelwald's sign upon their chest." Minerva spread out a tartan blanket and settled gracefully down on it.

Amelia sighed as she joined her best friend on the blanket, crossing her legs and lighting a cigar. "Would you prefer them wearing bearskins and helmets with horns?"

Before Minerva could answer, a house-elf popped up on the lawn in front of them, wearing the colours of the Magisches Festspielhaus Bayreuth. Amelia ordered bratwurst and beer for two, then returned to the topic at hand.

"Dressing the bad guys to look like soldiers of Grindelwald's Army is the director's answer to the history of this place." She made a gesture in direction of the festival theatre that sat inconspicuously on top of the Green Hill. Only a silvery shimmer surrounding it indicated that there was more to the Muggle structure than met the eye.

The house-elf cracked into existence again, carrying a tray. "Bitte sehr, meine Damen. Zum Wohl."

"Dankeschön," Minerva said, and Amelia was surprised at how well she managed the umlaut.

For a while, they were busy with their bratwursts, discussing the best way to eat them. Amelia sipped her beer and enjoyed the warm September evening. Still under the spell of Wagner's powerful music, she started to hum the leitmotif of Nothung, the magic sword, reliving the moment when hero Siegmund pulled it from the tree to embrace his destiny (and his buxom twin sister, beautiful Sieglinde).

"It's true of course, history must be addressed."

Minerva's voice startled Amelia out of her reverie. She must have looked like an idiot, as evidenced by the fact that Minerva continued with the tone reserved for particularly dull-witted Hogwarts governors.

"We mustn't forget that Grindelwald founded the Bayreuth wizarding festival theatre to worship his idol, a Muggle composer whom he, against all evidence, declared to have been a wizard. Of course it should be remembered that Grindelwald misused Wagner's work to celebrate his own bloody regime."

Amelia nodded emphatically, tapping the rhythm of the Hunding motif on her beer mug.

"I just don't think that having the villains wear Grindelwald's uniform has much of an impact any more," Minerva said in a thoughtful tone. "It has become a cliché over the years."

"What do you suggest?" Amelia upended her beer mug and drained it.

"Death Eaters," Minerva said briskly.

"What?" Amelia sputtered, imagining the scandal. "You must be joking."

Minerva gave her a sly smile. "Maybe. But it makes a lot of sense, if you think about it."

The ticket stub in her pocket started to vibrate before Amelia could think of an answer. There was barely enough time to Banish the remains of their picnic and Transfigure the blanket back into a handkerchief. Minerva had just tucked it into her purse when she got whisked away. Holding on to the ticket stub that acted as a Portkey to her loge seat, Amelia followed Minerva on the wild ride through the air. Only seconds later, she landed on the red velvet chair next to her.

For several minutes, the plop-plop-plop of the returning audience drowned out the sounds of the orchestra warming up. Amelia took in a deep breath, savouring the atmosphere of the theatre. She loved the smell of perfume and dust. To listen to the cacophony of the instruments filled her with eager anticipation, and she enjoyed the chorus of whispers from hundreds of witches and wizards in elegant evening robes.

The lights went out and the orchestra fell silent. Amelia was just as excited as she'd been all those years ago, when her parents took her to Covent Garden for the very first time. She couldn't wait to meet her favourite heroine again -- Brünnhilde, the brave woman who had stood up to her all-powerful father to do what she knew was the right thing, and who was to face bitter consequences now. But before Amelia could immerse herself in Brünnhilde's world, she had a mission to fulfil. There was a reason she'd invited her best friend to see Die Walküre tonight.

She turned to Minerva, who sat in motionless expectation, her back slightly bent forward and her hands folded in her lap.

"Have a close look at the first Valkyrie," Amelia whispered, slipping a pair of opera glasses into Minerva's hands. "I'm sure you'll like what you see."

She chuckled. This should serve as an eye-opener to Minerva, who was so clever, and could still be infuriatingly naive when it came to matters of her heart.

Mission accomplished, Amelia adjusted her monocle and turned to the stage, forgetting everything else around her.

Starting in B minor and slowly gathering power, the music of The Ride of the Valkyries rose from the orchestra pit. The curtain opened to reveal a Quidditch pitch.

Wearing the black and white gear of the German national Quidditch team, the Valkyries swooped up and down the pitch on their broomsticks. While they dodged Bludgers and passed the Quaffle among themselves, the stands slowly filled with the ghosts of fallen warriors.

Hoyotoho! Hoyotoho!

The Valkyrie closest to the goal posts circled the hoops impatiently, waving to her sisters to pass her the Quaffle already. She had yellow eyes like a hawk, and her short silver hair stood in spikes.

"Oi, Potter, look out!"

Flying in circles high above the Quidditch pitch, Rolanda Hooch was supervising Gryffindor team practice. With her spiky hair and those fascinating hawk eyes, she looked exactly like last night's Valkyrie. The resemblance was striking. And Amelia had been right, Minerva did indeed like what she saw.

Minerva lowered Amelia's opera glasses. She'd forgotten to return them, but that wasn't what bothered her. What was she doing in the Quidditch stands at this ungodly hour of the morning, ogling Rolanda as if she'd never seen a woman on a broomstick before? And it wasn't the first time, either. In the three weeks since the start of the school year, Minerva had watched every single Gryffindor practice session, and occasionally, those of the other Houses, too.

It dawned on her that Amelia had noticed something that Minerva herself realised only now. It was a disconcerting thought. In the past weeks, Amelia had visited no more than twice. If she had figured it out, Minerva could imagine the staffroom gossip. Hadn't Poppy winked at her over breakfast? And Pomona had patted her back encouragingly after the staff meeting on Monday. Minerva sighed. There was no way to deny it any longer, her interest in Rolanda was much more than that of a colleague.

Practice was over, and Rolanda swooped down, stuttering to a halt in front of Minerva's box. "That Potter boy's not bad. Improves Gryffindor's chances quite a bit," she said with a broad grin.

Minerva nodded absent-mindedly. Her fingers closed around the opera glasses, willing them to work like a good-luck charm. It was ridiculous, she didn't even believe in nonsense like that. She thrust them into her pocket and stiffened her spine. Then she plucked up all her Gryffindor courage and started the courtship dance.

"Do you like opera?"

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oh wow, and it's completely your fault if I miss the Minerva Fest Deadline because I was absolutely going to write! Thank you so, so much! This is all sorts of perfect, so wonderful, romantic, meta, imaginative – I love their interaction and discussion, Minerva who is so slow on the uptake, Poppy and Pomona who aren't, and yay for matchmaking!Amelia.

And I totally want YOU to produce the next Bayreuth Ring! (Will I get a free ticket?)

"I'm not sure I appreciate Hunding and his men wearing uniforms with Grindelwald's sign upon their chest." -- Beethoven move over -- what an opening! The problems of modern-day Regietheater in a nutshell (or on a picknick blanket) – hilarious! And in the ensuing discussion, Minerva takes the words right out of my mouth. /g/

Amelia sighed as she joined her best friend on the blanket, crossing her legs and lighting a cigar. -- She's still single at the end of this fic? I mean, just asking.

For a while, they were busy with their bratwursts, discussing the best way to eat them. -- Sorry about that, girls. This will have to be done the hard way.

Nothung, the magic sword, reliving the moment when hero Siegmund pulled it from the tree to embrace his destiny (and his buxom twin sister, beautiful Sieglinde). -- come to think of it, I think that Nothung and bratwurst fit extremely well together, as motives. And isn't it funny how Nothung somehow always crops up when Frau Minne comes over the various second- and third degree relatives in this opus?

"... a Muggle composer whom he, against all evidence, declared to have been a wizard." -- Well, Wagner did picture himself the son of Parsifal, and he did have a Dumbledorean streak to him. /g/

"Death Eaters," Minerva said briskly.
"What?" Amelia sputtered, imagining the scandal. "You must be joking." -- Ah, you really should ...

And I simply love your description of the minutes between intermission and curtain. I love the feeling; it never fails to give me goosebumps. I wouldn't have minded the loge with the velvet chairs, either.

The curtain opened to reveal a Quidditch pitch.
Wearing the black and white gear of the German national Quidditch team, the Valkyries swooped up and down the pitch on their broomsticks. While they dodged Bludgers and passed the Quaffle among themselves, the stands slowly filled with the ghosts of fallen warriors. You MUST! You simply MUST direct the next Ring!

"Do you like opera?" -- Ah! *sigh*

Excuse me; I have to write a letter. To The Wagner Sisters, Green Hill, Bayreuth. Re: Ring Production for Bicentennial Year 2013. Urgent.

THANK YOU SO, SO MUCH FOR THIS!!!

She's still single at the end of this fic? I mean, just asking.
Frightfully sorry, and I don't want this to spoil a beautiful friendship in any way, but I feel it's only right to let you know that I challenged the ius primus noctae you seemed to claim as a mod.

I'm so very happy you enjoyed this! It was such a delight to write, best prompt ever. I simply had to lean back and think of all the possibilities. One day I'll write the history of the Magisches Festspielhaus from Grindelwald's days to the postmodern era. *g*

She's still single at the end of this fic? I mean, just asking.

I was about to ask her on a date. But I see I have close competition.

Apart from the opera or play itself of course, the time before curtain is my favorite time at a theater. The smell alone, and the noise and the excitement. I get uncommunicative and really absorbed.

You MUST! You simply MUST direct the next Ring!

I will -- if I get witch opera singers on broomsticks and two dozen ghosts to fill the stands. I'll invite you to opening night, of course.

Thank you for this wonderful review!

One day I'll write the history of the Magisches Festspielhaus from Grindelwald's days to the postmodern era. *g*
Oh yes, please do! Ghosts as dummies are just delightful.

The smell alone, and the noise and the excitement. I get uncommunicative and really absorbed. ♥

How absolutely perfect! And I'm not even much of an opera-connosseur/seuse. In fact, what I know about opera would comfortably fit the text-space of an icon.

But this!
"I just don't think that having the villains wear Grindelwald's uniform has much of an impact any more," Minerva said in a thoughtful tone. "It has become a cliché over the years." Yes, yes, yes!

the plop-plop-plop of the returning audience drowned out the sounds of the orchestra warming up Brilliant description. You put in all those descriptive details - the mugs, the blanket, everything - with such dexterity!

Wearing the black and white gear of the German national Quidditch team, the Valkyries swooped up and down the pitch on their broomsticks. While they dodged Bludgers and passed the Quaffle among themselves, the stands slowly filled with the ghosts of fallen warriors. Schwarz und Weiss forever! And I think I could really enjoy opera, the way you interprete things. As soon as Tetley has a favourable reply from the Wagner Sisters, I'll book tickets.

Then she plucked up all her Gryffindor courage and started the courtship dance. Merlin, yes!

I adore Matchmaking!Amelia.

Just one minor technical question (since you are a mod of this worldcup thing).
I know the fic is Tetley's (lucky girl!). And she was the first to express her interest. But does that necessarily mean that Single-until-proven-otherwise!Amelia is hers, too? Or can we all move in? And may the best woman win. Who knows, Amelia might be partial to warm, caring Orange.

As soon as Tetley has a favourable reply from the Wagner Sisters, I'll book tickets.
Dear, this is Bayreuth. I've spent years in their queue for tickets aleady. I'm assuming to get in by 2016. So I think the only way to go for the PaleMoonlite!Ring would be free tickets from her. Or, since she'll have her entire friends list pester her for tickets, we'll offer ourselves as double date for Madam B., who now finds herself out of an escort for reasons she has brought upon herself (see above). I wouldn't mind sharing her. She has a big ~~no, I will not write "cigar" and then strike that out~~ heart.

Thank you! I'm thrilled you liked it despite not being an opera buff!

I loved to think of all the details. That's why I enjoy writing in the HP universe so much -- there are so many opportunities, everything is possible.

As soon as Tetley has a favourable reply from the Wagner Sisters, I'll book tickets.

If Eva and Katharina fulfill my few modest requests -- witch opera singers on broomsticks and ghosts to play the fallen warriors -- I'll invite you all to opening night.

Amelia is very sought after, I see. I fancy her a little bit myself, but as Tetley says, she has a big heart ... *g*

Amelia is very sought after, I see. I fancy her a little bit myself, but as Tetley says, she has a big heart
Yeah. I have to hope so. Given that you and TRS are after her as well, my chances are dwindling rapidly. I hope she doesn't read fanfic ...

I somehow doubt that Katharina Wagner would consider finding nine loud women on broomsticks beyond her abilities. Am awaiting her reply. And I look forward to opening night. When we all show up, I doubt anyone will notice that chancellor woman on the red carpet.

And I really, really want to read more about the Magisches Festspielhaus! (Unrelatedly: this probably isn't new to you, but whenever I hear or read about Bayreuth, I have to think of Brigitte Hamann's Winifred Wagner oder Hitlers Bayreuth -- fascinating!)

I hadn't heard about Hamann's book. Thanks for pointing me to it, sounds fascinating. I ordered it immediately. (Will probably even help me to get more insights into the history of Grindelwald's Bayreuth. He's rumored to have had a very close relationship with Siegfrid Wagner.)

When we all show up, I doubt anyone will notice that chancellor woman on the red carpet.

She doesn't stand the ghost of a chance against us. And if she's walking too slowly, we'll poke her. And Thomas Gottschalk, too.

I can see the headlines...

Bundesbloodbath in Bayreuth:
Demented Director and Devoted Damsels Fire Detonating Dildos at Dragging Dignitaries

Hahahaha -- Excellent! I didn't know Rita was covering the event.

That's what I call multitasking ... given that she was also the Gutrune to Rolanda's Brünnhilde (with Gilderoy as Siggie and Hagrid as Hagen):

Grr...embed code fail.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbekzuSjgd8

I have to say, Hooch is perfect as Brünnhilde, even without Quidditch gear. And Rita is splendid, as is Gilderoy. Who knew they had it in them. *g*

And Matti Salminen as Hagrid -- I DEMAND that someone write HP opera. Philosopher's Stone would be perfectly sufficient. Maybe I should write a letter to Mark-Anthony Turnage. *ponders*

*dies* :o)))))))

When we all show up, I doubt anyone will notice that chancellor woman on the red carpet. :o))))

Loved this! What a delightful use of the prompt. Valkyrie Quidditch is simply an inspired idea. You ought to offer yourself to the opera world as a director, or maybe a set designer/art director/costumer. (Great magical details, too, like port-keying to one's seat.) And of course, I adore all the coven members.

I had a blast of a time thinking about all the possibilities of wizarding opera. Although I doubt it will be that easy to get the divas on broomsticks to do what I want. *g*

Thank you so much!

OK, so I'm generally not fond of the Grindelwald = Hitler comparison ~~mostly because I don't fancy Hitler~~, but I think the uniforms thing were clever (it's a dig at opera productions dressing up people in SS uniforms, right?) and I laughed at this line: a Muggle composer whom he, against all evidence, declared to have been a wizard.

And of course, your characterisations are brilliant, as exemplified by lines like these:

She chuckled. This should serve as an eye-opener to Minerva, who was so clever, and could still be infuriatingly naive when it came to matters of her heart.

And Quidditch!Valkyries -- brilliant! The whole ficlet is, really.

I don't like Grindelwald = Hitler much either. I wouldn't want to write fic about Hitler, really. But Hitler and Grindelwald had a few things in common, and I can imagine Grindelwald idolizing Wagner.

There are quite a few opera productions featuring SS uniforms, some make more sense than others. I remember a Meistersinger production where the stage was set as the Nuremberg Reichsparteitag. This was especially chilling because during the Third Reich, the Meistersinger were regularly performed at the Reichsparteitag.

But I think in many productions, SS uniforms are merely a cliche.

Thank you for your lovely review!

I can imagine Grindelwald idolizing Wagner.

Same here! It fits with my personal fanon for him, that he's fond of everything dramatic and beautiful. :-)

Amazing!

That's all I have to say...any more would highlight my sad little knowledge on all subjects this story broached.

But I loved this story!

Thank you for giving it a try despite not being into opera! And for your lovely comment!

Here's a version of The Ride of the Valkyries, in case you were wondering what I'm talking about.

Oh, this is so wonderful! *swoons* It's my first Wagner, too, as I have refused anything "Wagner" so far - but presented like this, I want more of it and am prepared to even sit through the whole Ring! ;o)

I love the Magisches Festspielhaus and all the gadgets you built into it, like the house-elf service (and Min and Amelia eating Bratwurst *squee* ) and the port-key system. That's awesome!
The discussion about Grindewald and co is brilliant, with all the historic connotations...

and Amelia was surprised at how well she managed the umlaut. *squee again*
to embrace his destiny (and his buxom twin sister, beautiful Sieglinde).
To listen to the cacophony of the instruments filled her with eager anticipation, Oh yes... I haven't been to the Opera or a concert of this kind in far too long, I just realise.
who was so clever, and could still be infuriatingly naive when it came to matters of her heart. Ah yes... ♥
Wearing the black and white gear of the German national Quidditch team, the Valkyries swooped up and down the pitch on their broomsticks. hahaha! brilliant! The whole description of that scene seems to be just the perfect mise-en-scène for me.
And having Hooch look like the Valkyrie... *swoons again* - or is this really just a similarity?
She'd forgotten to return them, but that wasn't what bothered her. What was she doing in the Quidditch stands at this ungodly hour of the morning, ogling Rolanda as if she'd never seen a woman on a broomstick before? *gggg*

I'm thrilled that I could make you interested in Wagner (even if only in the wizarding variety)! *g*

I had enormous fun thinking of all the details, and it's so good to see you had fun, too.

Thank you for this wonderful review!

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Paying my debt: Hoyotoho!

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