Chapter 7: That Familiar Dance
Ozone hung heavily in the air in Canterlot Castle. Princess Celestia, Diarch of the Dawn, Alicorn of the Sun, Ruler of the Day was, by default, a morning pony. Some ponies might believe that the fictional Power Ponies had saved an impossible number of lives. Celestia's credits included an entire planet for more than a millennium. After all, without the cycle of day and night, almost everything would die. It was supposed to be her time to shine.
The dark, pre-dawn hour was the time that her day normally started. Despite her reputation for poise and grace, she could be caught off guard, especially before her first cup of coffee. The proof was in the state of her mane. Under ordinary circumstances, it was the stuff of legend -- beautiful, ethereal, and flowing. There were few hair styles that would not enhance her already exceptional grace. Dandelion was one of them. Somehow, her mane now shot out in all directions. All that was needed to complete the illusion was the addition of a red rubber ball on the end of her nose.
“I’m sorry,” said the transparent mare floating in front of her. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“Bwah?” said Princess Celestia. “Wha? Gha? Real? How?”
“I’ve been getting a lot of that lately,” commented the specter.
Princess Celestia shook her head. “And here, I thought Luna was yanking my tail when she woke me last night.”
“I’m sorry. Would you like me to leave?”
“Wha . . . No.” The Princess shook her head again, her mane refusing to take on its proper appearance. “I apologize; you caught me off guard.
I’m sorry,” said the ghost. “I was just wandering, lost in my thoughts. I didn’t mean to float through you like that. This is just so strange, and nopony wants to stay around to talk to me.”
“Ah,” said Princess Celestia. “I’m afraid they are going to take some time to get used to you. Angel Down, was it?”
“Yes, your highness.”
“Well,” said the Princess of the Dawn, “as surprising as your presence is, you are welcome here.”
“Thank you, your highness.”
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I hear a nice warm roaring fire calling my name.”
“I understand.”
The stench of failure perfumed the passenger compartment of the decrepit government sedan. Janice had been down that road before far too many times. Her bad day had gotten worse. She hadn't had a good day since . . . since the accident. If she were an optimist, she would have said that the whole world was against her. She knew better; the whole of miserable reality was conspiring against her. She had no one who was on her side -- no friends, no family, no one. She was alone.
The incident at her previous home hadn't been her fault. To those fostering, that didn't matter; they'd labeled her a troublemaker from the start. That made her a convenient scapegoat. After all, no one would believe her.
No one cared.
She was alone.
The familiar routine of being shuffled around hardly fazed the seven-year-old girl, even though this time, her stay in limbo had been surprisingly short. It hadn’t taken a full day before a new home had been found for her. She would be the first resident of a new facility.
She wondered how long that would last.
No one really cared.
She had long since learned to keep the tears inside.
The drive had transpired in silence. It hadn’t been too long before they had arrived at an ancient building.
It was another orphanage.
“The Love Farm” according to the sign overhanging the entrance gate.
They were going to abandon her there.
Typical.
The matron actually met the car in the drive as it pulled up. A wide smile of greeting spread across the woman’s face, framed by a wreath of lovely auburn hair. Janice was jealous; her own hair was a stringy black mess.
No one had bothered to teach her how to properly take care of it.
She was alone.
The matron didn’t wait for Janice to open the door herself. With surprising enthusiasm, the woman yanked open the obstacle and reached down to pull Janice into a hug, somehow unlatching the seatbelt in one smooth motion.
Janice merely squeaked as she found her face buried in the envied hair. This was not new. This was a distant memory, almost lost, yet always cherished.
The woman who held her let out a shuddering breath. “I could feel your pain from a mile away. Leave it behind. It will not be needed here.”
Confusion flowed through Janice’s body, even as she sank into the curiously warm embrace. Where was the expected stern taskmistress? Could this one actually care?
“We are so ecstatic to have you,” the woman continued. “I’m sure you’ll be happy here. The only thing we really want from you is your love.”
Confusion fled, replaced by hope.
Janice had found her Home.
In an unremarkable hallway in Hogwarts, a group of boys stood around and waited as they had been instructed.
“Why are we just standing here?” asked Ralph.
“Because Diamond Tiara told us to,” Spike said matter-of-factly.
“Why are we listening to her?” was Ralph’s next question.
Spike sighed and looked at Draco. “I’m still not helping you with her.”
“Then why are you hanging out with us?” Draco countered.
“Because I’m not suicidal enough to hang out with the Crusaders,” Spike answered.
“So,” Ralph ventured, “is this one of those herds they were talking about?”
“No!” snapped Draco and Spike simultaneously.
“Are you sure?” Ralph asked.
“Just don’t sign anything Diamond Tiara asks you to,” Spike said.
“She’s going to ask?” Ralph raised an eyebrow.
“Don’t sign anything Diamond Tiara tells you to.” Draco corrected as Vincent and Gregory grunted their agreement.
“Words to live by,” Spike commented.
Without warning, a door opened and Diamond Tiara stuck her head out. “Get in here,” she commanded.
“That’s a girl’s loo.” Draco protested.
“Get in here!” Diamond Tiara repeated, disappearing back into the room.
“She really doesn’t know how to ask for anything,” Ralph said as he followed after the rest of the boys.
“Woah!” Draco cried out. “What’s that?”
“It’s a hole,” Diamond Tiara said flatly.
“Um,” said Spike. “Where’s Silver Spoon?”
“In the hole,” Diamond Tiara stated.
“Oh,” Ralph said. “And Daphne?”
“In the hole.” Diamond Tiara stated.
“And Pansy?” Ralph asked.
Diamond Tiara gave him a dirty look.
“Right.” Ralph relented. “In the hole.”
“They fell,” Diamond Tiara said.
“Do we even know what this is?” Spike asked. “It could be an interdimensional wormhole.”
“Or a gateway to Hell,” Ralph added.
“Don’t be daft,” Draco said. “That’s a pipe, by the looks of it, a sewer pipe.”
“I’ll bet the girls are wishing it were a gateway to Hell instead,” Ralph mused.
“I suppose we should go down and see if they’re okay,” Spike said.
“Do we look like Gryffindors?” Draco asked.
“We can’t just leave them down there,” Ralph objected.
“I just saw the Gryffindors were right down the hall,” Gregory offered.
“Well, go get them,” Diamond Tiara said, frowning as the large boy rushed out of the loo.
“Isn’t it stereotyping to expect our classmates to jump in a hole just because they are Gryffindors?” Ralph asked, keeping two steps away from the edge.
“Yes,” said Spike.
“Doesn’t mean we’re wrong though,” Diamond Tiara added. “So,” she said, looking at Draco while nodding her chin at Spike. “Ravenclaw?”
“I was thinking Hufflepuff myself,” Draco said, still peering in the hole.
“He is loyal,” Diamond Tiara agreed.
“I am standing right here, you know.” Spike complained.
“So you are,” Draco said. Spike glared at him for a full minute before the door to the loo reopened.
“What cha want?” Apple Bloom demanded as she stomped in leading her herd.
“Hello,” Diamond Tiara said. “We’ve had a bit of an accident. A hole appeared under the sink, and Silver and the girls fell in. We were wondering . . .”
“Cutie Mark Crusader Rescuers!”
“Scootaloo, wait!” Harry called out.
“Does anyone know the cushioning charm?” asked Hermione. following in unicorn form.
“Let those of us with wings go first!” cried Parvati as she transfigured and went into a power dive.
“Don’t worry, we’ll save them!” Dean declared.
“I’ve been practicing that spell since the whole greenhouse debacle.” Ginny called out as she went, her horn already glowing.
“Bloody hell.” Neville stated as he moved.
“Wheeee!” said Luna.
“You took the words right out of my mouth.” Abigail joined her
“And I just lost my soap.” Lavender complained as she jumped.
“Don’t whine so much!” Ron leapt as he transfigured.
“Wait here, Magah.” Sweetie Belle ordered.
“Gwaaaaaah!”
“Or don’t,” Seamus followed.
“Don’t ya worry none; we’ll git your friends.” With those words, a red bow followed the yellow filly down the hole.
“Next time, at least let me finish speaking first!” Diamond Tiara called out after them.
“Well, you weren’t wrong,” Ralph admitted.
“We probably should get a teacher,” Spike said.
“You’re right,” Diamond Tiara said with a nod. “Hufflepuff.”
“That was AWESOME!” Rainbow Dash called out as she bounced out of the minecart.
“It wasn’t that bad last time.” Twilight groaned.
“She sits in the back on the way up,” the goblin guide gargled.
“Fine by me,” Rainbow chirped. “Just go faster.”
“One speed only.” The goblin groaned.
Sirius snorted. “I’m positive that took a third of the time the last trip took.”
“That was fun,” Pinkie said, lifting a reflex camera in her hands. “And I got pictures. You have got to love moving pictures.”
“Because everypony wants to see us screaming silently,” Twilight said.
“It wasn’t that bad,” Rainbow retorted. “Why are we here again?”
“I wanted to show you your allowance vaults,” Sirius said, trying to pry himself out of Twilight’s grasp.
“Allowance?” Rainbow asked. “We’re not fillies, you know.”
“True,” Sirius said. “But you are ladies of the House Black. Certain things are expected. Besides, I’m going to need help spending the Black fortune.”
Rainbow stared at Sirius in horror for a few seconds before wailing. “Sweet Celestia! I’m a kept mare!”
Professor McGonagall stormed into the lavatory; a scowl plainly visible on her face. “What are you boys doing in here? This is a girl’s . . . good lord, what’s that?”
“It’s a hole,” Diamond Tiara stated.
Professor McGonagall looked around in horror. “Where’s Miss Spoon?”
“In the hole,” Diamond Tiara said.
“Miss Parkinson?” Professor McGonagall asked.
“In the hole,” Diamond Tiara said.
“Ditto on Daphne and the Gryffindors.” Ralph spoke up, drawing the attention of everyone in the restroom. “What?” he asked. “We’ve already been over this, and I wanted to move things along.”
“Right then,” Professor McGonagall said, stepping over the ledge and disappearing.
“Did she just?” Spike asked in disbelief.
“Well, she is the Head of Gryffindor House.” Draco stated.
Diamond Tiara turned to Vincent and spoke. “Go get Professor Flitwick; he’s a Ravenclaw.”
Princesses Celestia and Luna were walking down the palace hallway in search of their prey. After rounding a corner, they stopped to look at the three pegasi clinging to the ceiling, eyes and wings spread wide open. There was also a small potted tree shaking suspiciously up against a wall, possibly due to the earth pony maid attempting to hide in its branches.
“'Twould appear she hast passed this way,” Princess Luna commented to her sister.
Princess Celestia just sighed. “You get the guard stuck in the vent; I’ll pry the other one out of the waste bin.”
“What’s the emergency?” Professor Flitwick asked as he and Professor Babbling rushed into the girl’s lavatory following Vincent. “Mr. Crabbe was quite insistent that we come with him imme . . . My word, what’s that?”
“It’s a hole!” Ralph blurted. “The girls are in the hole. The Gryffindors are in the hole. Even Professor McGonagall is in the bloody hole!”
“Don’t mind him; he’s impatient,” Draco said.
“I see,” Professor Babbling said. “Mind your language Mr. Godfrey.”
“But . . . but . . .” Ralph sputtered. “Isn’t anyone going to take this gaping hole seriously?”
“There are all sorts of secret passageways in the castle,” Professor Flitwick stated. “This one just appears to be on the filthy side. Professor McGonagall is more than capable of handling anything it might throw her way.”
At that point, Dean flew out of the hole, lazily flapping his wings. “Hey, Diamond Tiara, come on down. There’s a big door down here that Hermione thinks you might be able to open since you are the Slytherin Primus and all.”
“I think not.” Diamond Tiara said dryly. “I like my robes clean.”
“Use the laundry,” Dean said, swooping behind her and giving a good shove.
“Eeeeeeeeeeee!” came the cry from the hole.
“Was that necessary?” Professor Flitwick asked, leaning over to get a better look.
“The slide is actually rather fun. Plus, Professor McGonagall has set up a cushioning charm at the bottom,” Dean said, changing back into human form before following Diamond Tiara.
“So . . .” Ralph turned to Spike. “Into the hole?” He jerked his head in the direction of the orifice.
“Into the hole.” Spike nodded, taking a step forward.
The Princesses entered the servants' dormitory and took in all the overturned furniture before focusing on the lone maid standing amidst the disturbance.
“Hello,” Princess Celestia greeted cheerfully, “what happened here?”
“Hello princesses.” The maid curtseyed nervously. “Sorry for the mess, but everypony ran away, and they weren’t looking where they were going.”
“We assume the ghost passed through here.” Princess Luna stated unnecessarily.
“Yes,” the maid replied. “She was certainly a sight to behold.”
Princess Celestia studied the maid. “You’re new,” she commented.
“Yes, your highness.” The maid curtseyed again for good measure.
“Perchance, would the town of Ponyville be thy home of origin?” Princess Luna eyed the maid in turn.
“Why, yes.” The maid blushed. “I’ve always wanted to move to the big city. How did you know?”
“Lucky guess,” Princess Celestia answered for her sister.
“We’ve been thinking.” Princess Luna said. “Maybe we should construct a training hall there to better prepare our troops. We are thinking a mandatory three-month tour for all the house guards.”
“The bellyaching does not suit you sister.” Princess Celestia snorted. “Now, hurry and get that guard out of the fountain, I think he’s forgot he needs to breath.”
“It shall be done.” Princess Luna said. “but, pray tell, why do they think they can fit in the air ducts?”
“Never fear.” Princess Celestia said. “That is why we stopped in the kitchens.” She floated a tub of shortening in her magic as she trotted towards the room’s aforementioned air duct.
Filthy Rich opened the door to his mansion. Randolph, the butler, had informed him that there was a mare waiting and not taking "no" for an answer. To his surprise, he found a familiar, orange, hat-wearing pony on the other side.
“Hello, Applejack,” he said, smiling at the family friend. “What seems to be the problem?”
The mare wasted no time in explaining the issue. “Y'all should have gotten Diamond Tiara a puffskein,” she said.
Filthy Rich sighed deeply before asking, “How bad is it?”
“Yer going ta want ta sit on the lawn for this,” Applejack replied. "It'll be easier to get the stains out."
“Thank you for coming so swiftly, my faithful student.” Princess Celestia said as the travelers picked themselves up off the ground after debarking the owl's pouch.
“We came just as soon as we got your letter,” Twilight declared. “It sounded urgent.”
“We would not call it urgent,” Princess Luna replied. “Tis merely a vexing and unfamiliar situation. Thy council would be greatly appreciated.”
“Of course.” Twilight stood tall and puffed out her chest. “We’re happy to help.”
“There you are.” A new individual entered the conversation, eschewing the door and floating through a conveniently placed wall instead. “I heard you were looking for me.”
“Oh,” Rainbow Dash looked at the newcomer. “You got yourself a ghost. When did you get a ghost?” She said this with the exact same inflection one would expect when hearing the phrase. “You got yourself a chihuahua. When did you get a chihuahua?”
“Hello.” Pinkie waved. “My name is Pinkie Pie. We haven’t met, so I don’t know your name, and friends should know each other’s names, and I want to be your friend. Would you like to be my friend? I’ve never had a pony ghost friend before. Though I’ve met several human ghosts who said they’ll be my friend. I’m sure you’d like them, and you could do all kinds of ghost things with them once you meet them and become friends, which would be good. Don’t you think?”
“I am so pranking Andi for giving her a pepper-up potion,” Rainbow Dash grumbled.
“That was several days ago,” Twilight said placatingly. “I’m sure it has worn off by now.”
“I am failing to see your point,” Rainbow said.
Princess Luna looked back and forth between the ghost and the quibbling ponies before saying, “Never shall we cease to be amazed at the ability of ponies to become desensitized.”
“Did I come at a bad time?” asked the ghost, eyeing Pinkie suspiciously.
“Not at all,” said Princess Celestia. “In fact, we were about to discuss the resurrection of a ghost earlier this year, an act that my student here had a hoof in. I was hoping that the feat could be repeated.”
That’s a possibility.” Twilight rubbed her chin. “The first thing to consider would be the condition of her body at the time of death.”
“That could pose a problem.” Princess Celestia grimaced.
“How so?” Twilight asked. “Pinkie, quit poking your hoof through . . . I’m sorry I didn’t get your name.”
“It’s tingly and chilly,” Pinkie commented.
“Angel Down,” said the ghost. “My name is Angel Down.”
“Thy mutilation was quite pronounced,” Princess Luna said, turning to address the ghost. “Thy remains were removed not with a stretcher but with a scraper.”
“Luna,” Princess Celestia said with a warning note.
“Several squeegees were employed.”
“That will be enough.” Princess Celestia said.
“As were a number of mops.” Princess Luna finished.
“Now you’re just being morbid,” Princess Celestia scolded.
“The need for it to be said was evident,” Princess Luna stated.
“I think we are getting a little ahead of ourselves here,” Twilight interjected. “Though the sample pool is admittedly small, I expect the resurrection would return her to a body similar to that displayed by her current form. I’d worry more if she appeared as a formless floating mass.”
“Or like a squished bug.”
“Rainbow!”
“What? I couldn’t let Princess Luna have all of the fun.”
“So, I’d come back exactly like I look now?” Angel Down asked, unperturbed by Rainbow Dash.
“That’s most likely correct.” Twilight beamed.
Angel Down looked over her shoulder and examined herself. “As in, missing a wing?”
“Er . . .” Twilight admitted, “most likely.”
“No thanks,” Angel Down said. “I’m good.”
“You’d rather remain dead?” Twilight gasped.
“I can fly like this,” Angel Down said.
“But, you’re dead,” Twilight countered.
“I can fly like this,” Angel Down repeated.
“But . . .” Twilight sounded like she was talking to an idiot. “. . . you are dead.”
“I can fly.” Angel Down returned the tone.
“You are dead . . .” Twilight pressed. “. . . as in no heartbeat.”
“You’re pushing up daises,” Pinkie helpfully added. “Well, you will be in the spring. There aren’t too many daises growing now with all that snow on the ground.”
“I can fly,” Angel Down repeated.
“You’d rather be dead than ground bound?” Twilight asked incredulously.
“Yes,” Angel Down said.
“I’m going to have to agree with her.”
“Rainbow Dash,” Twilight growled. “You’re not helping.”
“I’m helping her,” Rainbow pointed at the ghost. “It's a pegasus thing; you wouldn’t understand.”
“At least not until you get some wings of your own.” Princess Celestia nodded sagely.
“Foreshadowing achieved,” Pinkie jumped up and down excitedly. “Blatant, but achieved.”
“How is my helping Angel Down foreshadowing?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“WHAT THE BUCK WAS THAT!?”
Somepony might have taken note of the mayor’s uncharacteristic use of language if they hadn’t been preoccupied by the fact that the earth pony was currently doing an impression of a pegasus, hanging upside down from a protruding porch awning in the front of a haberdashery, two stories above the street. They would also have to overlook the reason for that position was that her hooves had gone through that protrusion and the splintered wood was painfully preventing both her fall and her easy extraction.
“That there was Ponyville’s newest resident pet,” Applejack said, looking up to address the hanging mare.
“THAT WAS A PET?!” Mayor Mare screeched. “I THOUGHT WE GOT SCOOTALOO A HARMLESS PUFFBALL FOR A PET!”
“This one belongs to Diamond Tiara.” Applejack shrugged.
“BUT SHE’S NOT A CRUSADER!”
“Doesn’t appear to matter.” Applejack said.
“We have got to get Dinky a puffskein.” Cherry Berry said as she pulled herself out of the snow drift she had flung herself into. “That’s a situational irony waiting to happen that I’d really rather avoid if at all possible. Thank you very much”
“I don’t think she could top THAT!” Taro Root pointed a shaky hoof down the road.
“I swear,” growled Banana Fluff. “If you just pulled a Twilight, you’re going to be the second mare to do a thousand-year stint on the moon.”
“Take a note.” Mayor Mare called down to her assistant. “Immediately procure a puffskein each for Dinky, Rumble, Silver Spoon, Lily Longsocks, Berryshine and Button Mash. Throw in Princess Clouded Hope just to be safe.”
“That’s not going to work,” Applejack said.
“Why not?” Berry Punch demanded.
“They won’t let the foals keep them at the school. Twilight had to go get the ones already there.” Applejack said.
“So, you’re saying that Scootaloo is currently without a pet?” asked Hallowed Candle.
“Eeyup.”
“You know,” said Vanilla Cream, “just because you are Knight Elemental Honesty, instead of, say, Knight Elemental Tact, doesn’t mean you have to keep the two concepts mutually exclusive.”
“Thar ain’t no reason ta beat around the bush,” Applejack said.
“I think you all are overlooking the obvious problem,” Cherry Berry said as she shook herself off.
“How is a giant snake slithering through the town not the obvious problem?” Taro Root snapped.
“You do realize that Fluttershy has unrestricted access to the world the foals are getting their pets from, don’t you?” asked Cherry Berry.
Mayor Mare wet herself at the very concept. That act would not normally have caused any hardship, barring the embarrassment involved; however, she was inverted at the time.
“Bye now!” Fluttershy waved a merry hoof at the retreating ponies she had just helped. “Please remember to take good care of Mrs. Beaver now!”
Alice looked down at her pony companion. “That’s what, your fifteenth adoption of the day?”
“Yes.” Fluttershy nodded happily. “Everypony is opening their hearts and homes to all of my cute critters. It’s wonderful.”
Alice cocked an ear. “Just so you know, I can hear our man laughing for some reason.”
“Let’s go keep him company.” Fluttershy suggested with a sly smile.
“Scootaloo,” Harry called out. “Hedwig is back again.”
“What?” Scootaloo asked. “Again?”
“Are you sure it isn’t your birthday?” Parvati asked.
“I think I’d know it if it were my birthday,” Scootaloo said reaching into Hedwig’s pouch and retrieving a wrapped present, bearing a bow and a tag with her name on it.
“This one has air holes too,” Luna noted.
“Don’t shake this one,” Seamus advised.
“I learned that lesson.” Scootaloo pouted.
“Don’t be like that,” Sweetie Belle scolded. “Hurry up and open it, I want to see what it is.”
“Hold your horses.” Scootaloo smirked.
“Ah wish y'all would stop saying that,” Apple Bloom said. “It don’t sound right at t’all.”
“I can get away with it here,” Scootaloo said, sticking out her tongue.
“Open the box.” Dean commanded. He had a rough-legged hawk perched on his arm and was stroking the bird’s chest feathers.
“Okay, okay,” Scootaloo said, lifting the lid and looking in. “It’s a koala,” she called out to the crowded common room. “Does anyone want a koala.”
“He’s cute,” Angelina said, looking over the smaller girl’s shoulder. “I’ll take him.”
“Be my guest,” Scootaloo said., passing the box over. “I’m still holding out for a vampire bat.”
“Why?” Katie asked. “You’ve got Luna and Abagail”
“Because vampire bats are cool,” Scootaloo answered. “I’m going to get mine a little fez to wear.”
“If you say so,” Terisa said. “Lee! Your beaver is eating the table!”
“Beavers don’t eat wood,” Hermione corrected. “They just gnaw on it.”
“The net result is the same,” Terisa said.
The portal opened, and Fay walked in.
“Why is it starting to look like a zoo in here?”
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I'm more worried about the space octopus.
I have no words but to, next chapter!
Looks like I get to be first.
Aww. Emtu beat me.
First off, thanks for the clearer POVs, so much easier to keep track of things now.
Makes sense that DT would get the basilisk, especially since the piece of Voldemort in Harry's scar was purged so he's no longer a parseltoungue. Hopefully this means they can clear Hagrid's name earlier now.
Also, the Love Farm?
Did Cadence or Chrysalis come up with that?
I don't know why but whenever I think about what kind of pet Scootaloo will get I keep thinking it will be a gigantic thunderbird.
10572665
I knew that sounded familiar!
But man, I laughed out loud during the whole hole debacle.
How is that Basilisk not killing everything that makes eye contact? Even accidental glances should do some damage and i didn't think the glare could actually be turned off.
Also, is Diamond an actual Parselmouth as well as Primus, cuz i forget.
Regardless, most excellent.
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That video is perfect and nice chapter.
Most koalas have syphilis, and all of them are smooth brained
A new chapter! Too bad I have to wait until after work!
It's a stereotype.
I forgot Sombra hasn't returned yet. I wonder what would Sirius' reaction be when that happen.
10572678
I think that that was the orphanage set up by the dying old man several chapters back. The one that was secretly a changeling in disguise.
10572698
And armadillos have leprosy. This could lead to a very sick school tower indeed.
This reads way, way better without any character obfuscation. Good update, I loved the Tom Ska skit reference!
Okay, I started laughing towards the end there and I had trouble stopping. This chapter was hilarious.
10572780
I'm aware of that, I'm just wandering which one, Cadence or Chrissy, chose the blatantly obvious and on the nose name, one that a changeling from another hive or someone familiar with changelings would immediately spot.
10572665
Lmao as soon as they said hole once I knew this was coming.
I wonder how many of those pet's get send back, since they aren't on the list of allowed pets.
10572698
This is an equestrian koala cared for by fluttershy. Its prolly fine. Still stupid i bet though
10572688
Handwave, I think, though the glare should be able to be turned off logically speaking. It'd make for a pretty terrible pet for Salazar or any of his heirs if they could die by accidentally looking it in the eye, given how incredibly hard it is to avoid eye contact.
I'm almost positive you're referencing something here, I can practically hear the humorously ominous sound clip being played after every instance of "hole", but I can't for the life of me remember where the joke came from.
10572964 Well the one I remember was from the 90s with Plucky Duck from "Tiny Toon Adventures" Not the best clip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMUd42n0jXc
10572978
10572964
Not quite. This is the one you're thinking of.
10572665
Fantastic chapter! Loved the references and fun. I can't believe they've already gone through the chamber of secrets. What did tiara name it? The basilisk. Surely it would obey the Primus without question. Why send it to ponyville?
O man, seriously, I fucking love this fic
10572964
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAIbvlobWDM
I have never seen McGonagall act like a stereotypical Griffindor before in any story.
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10573025
This feels like a hybrid of that and the idiot grenade from Mom and Dad Save the World.
Your not wrong Luna.
How did Angel Down lose her wing? Could human wizards grow it back if she was brought back to life?
10572962
I could see Salazar casting some sort of spell on the Basilisk so that Slytherins and/or Pure-bloods would be safe from it's gaze since they're the only ones he considered really worthy of studying magic, but even so it'd still put a lot of the Griffyndor herd at risk.
Even if the Glare could be turned off and on, how did they convince the Basilisk to do such when they first met it? You'd think it'd have it's power activated as a defense mechanism at least and might catch the eye of one or two unaware before it sensed the Primus and shut it off to be safe. Maybe ponies are naturally immune?
I'm all for the Basilisk being brought out in this manner, i just hope we get a plausible explanation in the future of the lack of death other than 'lol random' because i've always found it's Death Stare to be one of it's coolest features and i love seeing how authors get around it.
I really like this story, but part two is almost like a summary of events instead of an actual story.
The Chamber of secrets should have covered a lot more material. Diamond Tiara negotiating with the Basilisk alone should have been worth half a chapter.
There is simply too many plots to do justice to any of them, not unless you're prepared to take your time and do them justice.
I said when this first started you should focus on a new core of characters with diversions to cover some of the other situations, but with an attempt to cover then as well as possible with that new cast of core characters. I suggested the focus should be on the Slytherns centering around D.T. She needs to add some more members to her herd if she intends to compete with A.B. And she's pickey. Might be fun if she spread her net out further than just the house of the Snakes.
I really want to see some solid story telling around Spike interacting with his new house, whatever it turns out to be, and their reaction to the fact he's a dragon, and related to Draco. I'm thinking the Draco thing would cause a lot more worry than the Dragon thing.
10573227
The door to the actual chamber (the snaky one, not the toilet) wouldn't have opened without Diamond Tiara, and by that time the basilisk would more likely than not have been aware of the Slytherin Primus. If nothing else, Salazar would have likely given the basilisk a command in the vein of "Don't kill someone who can actually open the door, because they're likely to be me or my heir" to prevent the basilisk from accidentally killing whoever entered.
i.chzbgr.com/full/1539636480/hA85315D9/kitty-go-down-the-hole
I feel as though I should get this reference. But alas, it's just out of reach....
Great chapter. Nice to see the Crusaders at it again. And nice to see that they're not the only ones to cause chaos. But with the basilisk tamed, it looks like their second year will be pretty boring.
And for her husband being in the hospital awaiting an experimental procedure, Applejack seems to be taking things remarkably well. Perhaps the next chapter will give us an idea on how Snape is weathering the situation.
Dreadnought
Where is Discord with a camera when he is needed?
I love Luna and I won't get tired of saying it
On the other hand, I imagine that Diamond Tiara ordered the basilisk to keep its eyes closed.
hilarious chapter, I loved it
10573148
Well it makes sense she'd have to have those tendencies sometime. Though I'd say her being so very pleased to activate all the enchanted armor during the battle of Hogwarts counts, we doesn't do typical Gryydor stuff but deep down I think she REALLY wants to.
10573937
Ah, good point. Admittedly, that was only in the movies, which means it counts less, but yea.
Just how much can fit in Diamond Tiara's hole?
Here's some reference material:
https://www.fimfiction.net/blog/928628/unofficial-hazy-days-and-magical-ways-character-listing-ch-7
https://www.fimfiction.net/blog/928629/unofficial-hazy-days-and-magical-ways-thread-tracker-chapter-7
The ultimate insult.
I mean, at this point, a Hellmouth in Hogwarts wouldn't even be that surprising. Also, Mario confirmed Gryffindor, as if we needed any evidence there.
Also, I do hope someone did something about the whole "death gaze" issue with the basilisk.
Meanwhile, I have to agree that training in Ponyville would do wonders for the Guard.
10574614
Hufflepuffs may not stand out, but they get crap done. They have some of the rarest and most underrated gifts and burdens among wizards: Responsibility, perspective, and above all, restraint. If it weren't for Hufflepuffs, Wizarding Britain probably would've exploded in some blend of foolish heroism, overreaching ambition, and inadvisably applied magic centuries ago.
10572652 Space octopus? How about an indecisive mollusk instead?
10572665 I see your MLP and raise you 40K.
10575212
Cute. I like the mlp version better, not just cuz it's mlp, but the animation and voice. When I first saw it, I didn't know it was a skit. Yep, that sounds like Octavia, and that's how i would expect Vinyl to act. It works.
Students go down the hooooole!
10574729
But still...
Hufflepuff.
In case you're wondering, I'm kidding. I'm a Slytherin myself, so I understand how certain houses get a bad rep. I'm just poking a little fun.
10575212
I see your 40k and raise you MTMTE.
10572665
10575212
10575802
...Ok, someone has to post the original.
It's by TomSka, the same guy that did the asdfmovie series.
Edit: Out of the other versions posted here, I think the MLP one has the best (or at least the smoothest/most consistent) animation. (Also it's the most faithful to the original, and the other two posted here skip the dog joke.)
On further reflection, I think a future chapter should explain the basilisk. Are ponies immune to its death glare? Did they enchant it some way to nullify the effects? Or is it going to be sent south to wipe out the Storm King's army?
10573692
Well there was a vampire bat in Dash's pet search though it wasn't striped like a wasp.