#'Sowguards' Does Not SeemPlausible

[asheewrites]

Would you mind writing about the Raphael meeting Severiel thing? I'm always a sucker for Raphael thoughts and opinion on people.

When the least stressful thing to do after the latest meeting with the Metatron was gardening, of all things, he should have assumed something was wrong. He tried to think back and say ‘yes, there had been something in the air’.

… but who was he kidding, really. This stuff was random. And all he could do to cope with it is keeping a level head.

“For fucks sake.” Which probably meant he had failed step one.

He thunked his head against a… castle wall? Apparently?

Diving into a different universe became somehow more unnerving, now that it didn’t leave him that unsettled anymore.

A quick check of his own self that nothing major had changed about himself. Still a male corporation with long silver hair. Still able to conjure up wind strong enough to lift said hair and regain control over the headache that started to form.

As far as limitations went, it was bearable.

When he opened his eyes, picture frames to the side of him… mumbled?

He turned his head and frowned. Why.

The people within the pictures… moved. And looked at him suspiciously.

After the motions did not repeat itself after two minutes of staring, he straightened his back, smiled gently, nodded towards the pictures – no one else was there to judge – and said: “Hello madams and sirs” – the period clothing seemed to indicate that might be right? - “Can I alleviate any concern?”

“Well! You, young man, were cursing in those hallowed halls!” A portentious female exclaimed and actually walked towards the picture frame, which… was astounding, but miracles can do a lot, maybe it was one? Or technology? The AI got that much better?

“… and I regret doing so, ma’am. I did not intend to intrude and am at a bit of a loss. Could you tell me how I could leave the premises and relieve you of my uncough presence?” That was a positive about the whole universe hopping, he could definitely travel a bit around.

“Hmph!” She emphasized. Sure. “You can’t just go in here! You at least have to speak to the head master! He will see what to do with you!”

It seemed Raphaels presence was deemed undignified and wrong. Which… was a fair assessment. He nodded again: “I shall happily subject myself to their judgement. May I ask for directions?”

“No! But you can follow me.” The lady said and apparently left the picture frame… to appear in the next one. That. Certainly was… “The hallowed halls of Sowguards are not easy to navigate.”

... Sowguards? Something tried to knock at the back of his mind. For some reason, it did not feel good.

“I… who… is the current headmaster?” – it did not hurt to ask, he supposed.

“That would be Professor Severus Snape,” she said primly, skirts waving behind her. Raphael wanted to stop and stare and frown.

At least he hadn't completely forgotten a name. It was just... similar. And... if he looked around with that information, he could remember the layout from some video games he played. It was a bit uncanny.

“I look forward to meeting him,” he bit out. Still reeling a slight bit. Now, would this would be a book or a movie version? Was it related at all? It was a bit insane.

Following her with less urgancy (he knew now where they were going, apparently he had appeared near the kitchens. Which might answer something else), he tried to remember whatever he could about 'Severus Snape' he could. Not that it's a good basis, it might be completely unrelated, but well... not too much upset for the status quo would be a good idea.

She abruptly stopped in her tracks, staring over to ‘the guest’ and seemed disappointed he was not breathing heavily, unlike her: “You… now you… you go straight, then left, then two right… then use the stairs and then you go to the gargoyle.”

“Thank you very much, lady. I wish you a good day”

“Hmpf”

Ah, it was fine. The gargoyle was easy to be found – even with the wrong instructions, she mixed up left and right. And when he whispered ‘lemon sherbert’ to it, the creature did actually blink and look at him, with a frown: “Not been used since ages, mate. What’cha want?”

“Speaking to headmaster Snape, apparently, I wish to leave the premises.” He was… slightly baffled by the stony creature moving and talking, but well, the pictures were a good precursor.

The creature closed its eyes. Ideal to study the wing structure on it’s back: completely nonsensical. After a minute the theoretically unseeing stone slabs ‘unblinked’: “Not the right name, fossils're a bit loopy, but he’ll be there in a minute”

Raphael nodded and straightened his casual wear – jeans and T-Shirt are barely presentable, but he didn’t need to be, not really.

As promised, the man showed up, the gargoyle stepping aside. He was actually dressed in wizard robes. And, wrong name or not, he seemed to be… the movie version.

Which was a little bit uncanny. And a little too close to his own Metatron, face-shape-wise. But… that was… not of import. He might be a completely well-adjusted person, here. The niggling voice that said ‘fat chance’ was… ignorable. Somehow.

The man looked down with the strict expression his movie self had usually worn as well.

“Ah. Good evening. My name is Severin Prince. I am the headmaster and protector of this school. Care to explain what brought you here?” – he gestured towards the now-open doorway behind the gargoyle.

Mh. That was only a conditional threat. Which… maybe was justified. Raphael nodded and took a step inside. A quasi-Metatron in 'Sowguards'. It was… an odd feeling.