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"If only you were here to see this."

Tori (internally):

Me the first, second, third etc. time I hear him saying this:

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was Natty amd Mara's divorce a long time coming type of thing? If so, what was the straw that broke the camel's back?

(Also, I love your new profile pic 😍)

Yeah, unfortunately. Natsai (even being surrounded by the culture of MACUSA and the war) is still a better person at heart than Amara. And Amara has a whole downward spiral as she gains power within her division. She’s a paranoid, power hungry, bloodthirsty menace who thinks that if she just works a little harder, it’ll counteract all the evil she’s done to get to this point. Ambition is the end all be all for our little werewolf, who deep down still thinks she’ll be exposed and sentenced to death any day now. Natsai isn’t too pleased with yknow.. her wife running MACUSA as her own personal army/business.

She loves Natsai and her little family she’s fostered, but once their children are out on their own the little dynamic really starts to crumble. I think that was the moment it was over and there was no reason for them to stay together. Much like a lot of real families unfortunately

+ thank you so much! 💕🐺

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DIVORCE QUESTION: Post-split does Natty start seeing anyone new and if she does, how does Amara take it? (Not well... I would guess?...) 👀

It’s actually the other way around! Natsai is more fulfilled I’d say. Like she has her family, her work, her friends. She’s still devastated about the whole thing and my version of her isn’t the type to start seeing anyone new quite just yet. Maybe give it ten plus years and she’s chatting up other little old lesbians.

Amara is the boss that sleeps with the pretty young aurors in her division who want her bad (aka ME IN MY DREAMS) because she’s the one who’s really torn up and needs constant stimulation and distraction. Wow Amara it’s almost like you did this to yourself, homegirl.

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What year does the divorce happen, and is it an actual divorce proceeding or something else?

Amara and Natsai were both 51, so about mid 1925. And yes, it's an actual full-blown divorce with legal proceedings. The drama. The spice. The scowling at one another from across the room. Neither of their (now adult) children are there and maybe that's for the best LMAO.

Amara of course, dresses up to every proceeding like it's the red carpet. Unfortunately it doesn't matter how hard she tries, she's still giving very much 'divorced middle aged man dad rock enthusiast'

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okay natsai and amara divorce masterpost is coming soon, i need to cook up art for it. in the meantime, all questions will now be answered, if one desires 👀

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Matilda Weasley

I personally always thought Professor Weasley was really quite pretty and wanted to see her younger self - so here she is! I Think she looks around 35 here maybe?

I lifted sagging skin areas and deep wrinkles from the face model and adhered to the natural face shape she has to keep it accurate, then I removed the deep wrinkles from her face texture without compromising the other details.

I'm not sure if I will post her for download, but I figured I would share regardless 🙂‍↕️

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my most controversial (lukewarm) take is that Sebastian will always care more about his sister than the mc and its kind of bonkers how sidelined she is

is anne particularly fleshed out? not as much as she should've been (this is a huge caveat of mine for most of the cast, even fan favorites like Seb). and it's odd her story doesn't have a real conclusion, especially with the players ancient magic and Isadora's ability to "heal"

but like. that's his twin sister. he's beyond obsessed with saving her life, perhaps the last real bastion of family he has that he earnestly cares about. are yall not seeing the joy/misery of playing with doomed siblings (especially if she doesn't survive). OR THE ANGST OF HIM SEEING THE MC AS A REPLACEMENT FOR HIS SISTER TO START. guys. there's so much here to play with. the anne/mc parallel is right there

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Friendly reminder that it is not your “job” in fandom to be a content farm.

I’m talking specifically to the writers here, but fandom is not about gaining readers and stroking your ego. It’s not a comparison or popularity contest, and it is not about who can market their fics better.

Fandom engagement works both ways. You cannot keep putting out expecting others to support you when you don’t support others by reading what they’ve created and mutually encouraging each other.

If you go into fandom expecting people to flock to you because of something you’ve made without ever having engaged with others, you have missed the point of community.

Fandom is fun. Fandom is sharing. And I promise if you as a writer also try to read what others have written, you will find more enjoyment when we support each other instead of running yourself ragged over content creation.

It was never meant to be one-sided.

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THE DISTURBANCE [part 11] END

Description: After all, as Ida, Sebastian IS disturbed

[part 10]

THE END

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amara "doomed yuri" ambrose

natsai and amara have a seemingly decent (albeit with some trials) normal relationship that spirals out of control in their forties and leads to some ultra mega divorced fwb shenanigans

amara and marie chatman have that rivals to lovers, doomed yuri, still weird tension as adults, puppetmaster x pawn freaky ass thing

amara and anne never had a chance. because amara never said anything out of fear when they were both teenagers, and then (atleast in my canon) anne dies anyways.

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amara the type of girl to just bite people. not even just in like a hickey way (that too but i digress) feral woman. stop fuckinf biting people

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DIVA DOWN

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I came across a comment like this on one of my Sebastian × Sakurako works. It broke my heart.

I’ve always been proud of making Sakurako a fully Japanese character. But now I can’t help but think, “Maybe I shouldn’t have made her Japanese.”

There have also been other comments on my Seb×Sakurako pieces, like

“Where’s XXX (another artist’s very popular OC)?” or

“I thought XXX was Sebastian’s partner.”

They keep showing up.

I know it’s all because I wasn’t able to create an OC who feels worthy of standing beside Sebastian.

But lately, when I draw the character I love so much, Sebastian, I feel more pain than joy. I feel cornered.

Honestly, I’ve even thought about quitting creating altogether in this fandom.

(Though deep down I know I’ll keep going… because I still love Sebastian and Ominis so much, and there are so many things I still want to draw.)

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In memory of Lin @dwightschrute11-deactivated2025 a brilliant light and talented artist who brought joy and laughter to all. Left April 2025.

(Who I hope is well and returns someday)

Salutations to Calypso

Word count: 822

Unedited

Author’s note: To everyone who doesn’t know she deactivated I apologize. I hope it’s okay I included your mcs as I saw her interact with you the most.

This is very sensitive for me to post but I think it’s needed. We shall not forget one of our own.

~~~~~~ ❤️‍🩹

Something happens when someone leaves suddenly. People pretend to move on but no one sees them clinging to the pieces left behind by that precious person. Looking over the old pictures over and over. Crying and laughing while reading through every old message. They catch themselves thinking “oh I can’t wait to tell so and so this!”

They question themselves if they did anything wrong or was there something they could have done that they didn’t. Could they have noticed it, could they have made them stay?

That’s where Johanna found herself, broken and tear stained.

She’d gone for a visit. It had been a month since she’d seen Calypso and she wanted to check in and surprise her. She could imagine how her dear friend's eyes would dance and how she’d shriek with so much enthusiasm. Perhaps she would have convinced Jo to watch a horror movie and they would have screamed and laughed together.

But what she found when she knocked on her door was silence. The house was completely empty and devoid of the life Calypso usually had. There were no flowers in the windows, no music playing. Not a sign of her precious camera or scrapbooks, or a drawing utensil in sight. Not even a note.

She went to Carollota first, one of Cal’s many girlfriends, and she even didn’t know. They checked all her old haunts, everywhere she would have gone. But there was no sign of her. The girls sat together in sadness on the porch and talked about life, the things they might have shared with Calypso.

Auri was the next one to have Johanna haunt her doorstep. She answered the door cursing only to pause when she saw her grave face. Auri didn’t have many friends but Calypso had won her over. So she let Jo in and offered her a drink. Why was it everyone she ever loved left? Johanna wondered too.

They drank until they fell asleep.

Auri had just seen Cal hours ago.

Avania was next. Johanna held the taller girl as she wept. What more was there to say? No one knew what to do.

One by one Jo told everyone and one by one they eventually accepted it. However they couldn’t go on without remembering her, not with everything she did and how bright she shone. They gathered together on the first day of May, her birthday.

The location was a flower filled meadow overlooking the ocean, which were two of Calypso’s favorite places to go.

And how fitting that it was snowing, Calypso loved the cold.

Sally and Clora set up a little tea party and the girls all sat around pleasantly visiting and sharing their favorite moments with the white haired, green eyed, sunshine like Calyspo.

Siobhan spoke on how she loved to rest among her wild curls and play ratatouille. Lorrain recalled the days spent taking photos and collecting flowers for Cal's scrapbook. Inger and Lyssa choked back tears as they laughed with Jo about the time she turned Sebastian into a chicken and made flower crowns. Millie, Eloise, Violette, Lamie, Aura, Lyla and Clora about how she wanted to steal them from Sebastian. Evelynne and Johanna chimed in that it was the same with Ominis, Gwyn and Inger said the same about Garreth.

“Practically everyone from everyone,” commented Amara.

Many tears, laughter and memories were shared by the time evening came. A line of Sebastian’s plus the other partners waited for them to finish up and come home. Yet they weren’t done yet. With heartfelt words of love they left something special. A hair clip, a stuffed animal, flowers, a line of polaroids, and a scrapbook full of unfinished drawings, and stories. A shrine to Calypso, a shrine of their love for her.

They hugged goodbye and parted ways, promising they would all stay in touch. They knew friendship was eternal. No matter what, Calypso would still be their friend until time ended. Even if there were no more tea parties, no more sabotaged dates, no more frolicking in meadows, or ice skating in the snow.

Soon it was just Jo left, shivering in the cold wind blowing up from the ocean to toss her chocolate waves around her face. She didn’t know if the salt she tasted came from that or from what her tears left behind.

Ominis wordlessly wrapped a coat around her and took her hand, leading her towards a lonely floo flame, back to their warm home. Her ever steady rock.

He let her pause by the shrine, and she pulled a tube of red lipstick from her pocket, placing it amid the pile of treasures. “In case you feel like crashing my wedding someday. Goodbye for now.”

Yes people move on, but the heart never really does. The memories blowing around like pictures in the breeze. And with someone as good a friend as Calypso, the wind never stops.

The end….

~~

MCS in order of mention

@ladyofsappho Carlotta

@rypnami Auri

@starry-slithers Avania

@siboom777 Sally

@choccy-milky Clora

@wrongcog Siobhan

@heylorrain Lorrain

@ethniee Inger

@silvyadrakkon Lyssa

@the-ozzie Millie

@myokk Eloise

@syaolaurant Violette

@lamieboo Lamie

@morelikeravenbore Aurelie

@keri-mcberry Lyla

@libellule-ao3 Evelynne

@pierrot-dokki Gywn

@boxdstars Amara

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I'm on my grind

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now tell me why i come off of hiatus and everyone is dead and gone (not really but gawd damn where’d everyone go)

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Poptavia's first date!

"I think you may be putting too much thought into this, Via.."

Imelda commented, as she sat on Octavia's bed watching her friend pace back and forth as she tore through her wardrobe. Octavia, on the other hand, turned to face her with wide, nervous eyes.

"Of course I am! Why wouldn't I? This is our first date, Imelda. This is very, very important!" She said adamantly.

She set down a potential outfit across the surface of her bed, careful not to wrinkle the fabric. Imelda shook her head incredulously.

"have you finally decided on an outfit?" She asked, shifting to face her friend.

Octavia tapped her index finger against her chin in consideration.

"I don't know, what do you think?" She asked, her green eyes shifting from the clothes to the Quidditch captain.

"Well, knowing Sweeting, she's not looking for anything flashy. You're best chance is this shirt, paired with.. these trousers- and those boots, and lose the jacket," Imelda instructed, rising to her feet taking the jacket Octavia had arrived to Hogwarts in and setting it back in the wardrobe.

Octavia stared at the outfit, considering her fellow slytherin's words, before she nodded. Grabbing the clothing in her arms, she turned to make her way towards the bathroom to change.

"Thank you, Imelda!" She called as she hurried out of the room.

Imelda chuckled and shook her head, before speaking.

"yeah, yeah just hurry up. It's almost time," she warned as she glanced towards the clock that grew nearer and nearer to six in the afternoon.

Octavia returned, smoothing her white button-up shirt and running her palms down her dark brown trousers.

The slytherin tugged her index finger at the black string tie bow that laid under the collar of her shirt.

"How do I look?" She asked anxiously.

Imelda studied her appearance, her chin resting between her thumb and forefinger.

"Hmm, y'know, you know how to pull off an outfit, Grace. You look great- I'm sure Poppy will looove it," the Quidditch captain teased.

Octavia's cheeks flushed slightly.

"Imeldaa," she huffed out, embarrassed.

Imelda let out a hearty laugh.

"I'm serious, Poppy will be thrilled. You know she likes you a lot, Grace. It doesn't matter what you wear," Imelda encouraged. Octavia sighed slightly.

"I know, I'm just- nervous," she murmered as she looked in the mirror scanning for imperfections.

Imelda patted her on the back "I know, just be yourself and blah blah blah, all that stuff," she chuckled.

Octavia nodded appreciatively "thanks, that helps," she says as she glances at th clock.

"I need to be going," she says moving towards the door. Imelda gave her a little whoop "good luck, Grace!" She called out, which made Octavia blush from embarrassment as she passed by a confused Nerida and Violet.

_____________________________________

Octavia walked the dimly lit streets of Hogsmeade, the cool air that blew through her hair reminded her that the end of summer and beginning of winter was approaching. Luckily, it was still warm enough for her to go without a coat.

She stood outside the large, double doors of the Three Broomstick. Anxiety creeped through her as she tried to focus on her breathing to calm her nerves. She went through the dates plan one more time in her head as her hand rested on the door handle.

"Grab a butterbeer, go for a stroll, walk her back to her common room, simple."

With a final deep breath she pulled open the heavy oak door, and stepped inside. The young witch was immediately hit with the smell of fresh butterbeer, the Three Broomsticks, and the patrons themselves.

She stepped inside scanning the rather large crowd for Poppy. The Three Broomstick's seemed much busier than usual, but it was the weekend, which always seemed to draw everyone out and to the local bar. Maneuvering her way through the crowd of mingling locals and patrons was no easy feat, as she bumped and pushed passed a group of tall men.

The slytherin glanced over towards Sirona, who was busy taking orders and serving drinks. The bar keep glanced up her eyes landing on Octavia, who offered her a polite nod. Sirona gave her a quick smile in reply before turning her attention to a group of Hogwarts students who were vaguely familiar to Octavia, possibly having seen them in the halls a few times.

Octavia made her way towards the seating area that was nestled near the fireplace. Her eyes scanned the area, before they landed on exactly who she was hoping to see.

Poppy sat at a table for two nestled in the corner, her head turned as she gazed into the fire. She held a butterbeer in front of her on the table. She looked lost in thought as the firelight reflected off her honey brown eyes.

Octavia couldn't move. She was stunned in place just by how.. beautiful the hufflepuff looked. The shorter girl's short brunette hair had two small braids that ran along the back of her head and met in the middle leaving a small ponytail draped over the hair that covered her neck. She wore a light cream colored blouse and a black plaid skirt that went down to her calves. Her boot tapped against the ground as she waited.

Octavia's heart threatened to burst from her chest from how fast it was beating. Her cheeks buzzed with warmth as she felt how flushed they were becoming. She felt silly, why was she reacting this way?

It's just Poppy she tried to remind herself, but the truth was that she felt this way because it was Poppy. Poppy made her feel things she had never felt with anyone before. These feelings were new, scary, and exciting all at once, it threatened to become overwhelming.

"Excuse me, lass."

Octavia blinked, she glanced over her shoulder as an older gentleman shimmied past her to return to his table where his friends waited.

She had realized, with terrible embarrassment, that she had been standing there like a fool while other patrons tried to make their way past her.

"Merlin, help me," she thought, squeezing her eyes closed for a moment and inhaling to regain her composure.

Finally, she was able to move her legs (that had felt like jelly). She walked over to the table where Poppy waited, patiently.

"Hi," she greeted, softly, catching the hufflepuffs attention. "Sorry to keep you waiting," the slytherin apologized as she took her seat across from Poppy.

Poppy's eyes lit up once she saw her.

"Oh no, don't worry! I only arrived a few minutes ago," she reassured, smiling at the girl across from her. Her smile was bright, but an air of nervousness laid behind it.

Octavia returned her smile with her own, as she tried to hide the jittery feeling she still felt in her gut.

"There's quite many people here," Poppy pointed out, her eyes glancing around the inn at the various customers in the Three Broomsticks that evening.

Octavia nodded, as her hands rested neatly in her lap. "There are, I've never seen it this packed before. I am sure Sirona is having fun," she joked.

The tension she felt melted off her shoulders slightly when Poppy laughed softly. She loved hearing the hufflepuff laugh freely and seeing her smile.

"I'm sure she is, I am also sure she's ready to throw everyone out so she can have some peace," Poppy replied as she traced the rim of her tankard slightly with her finger.

Octavia glanced down at her butterbeer, noticing the contents of the tankard were reaching their end. She also realized she had neglected to get a drink of her own, which made her feel like an idiot.

She cleared her throat a little. "Would you- would you like another drink?" She asked, gesturing to Poppy's near empty cup.

Poppy's eyes glanced down to her to her tankard "oh, yes, that'd be lovely," she smiled appreciatively.

Octavia smiled back, before standing up from her seat. "Wish me luck," she said, nodding her head towards the hoard of customers gathered around the bar.

Poppy chuckled "good luck, and please, do hurry back, Grace," she teased slightly, as she looked up at the taller girl through long lashes.

Octavia felt her cheeks flush, but she nodded trying to feign confidence, and not let on how much her stomach rolled at the hufflepuffs not so subtle teasing.

"No promises," she replied with a small smirk.

She turned forward towards the bar, beginning to make her way through the crowd towards it. She could still feel how hot her face had become.

She still found herself quite looking forward to the rest of the evening.

_____________________________________

The two witches walked down the now dark streets of Hogsmeade. The streets were quite empty and quiet beside the occasional hoot of an owl, or the meow of an alley cat.

Octavia's skin buzzed slightly, as the effects of the butterbeer took its hold on her. She was nowhere near what one may call drunk, but her head felt light enough to let her know she definitely wasn't completely sober. At least being tipsy helped her not to freeze up when Poppy's hand would occasionally brush against her own as they walked passed the main entrance to Hogsmeade.

"The stars are quite beautiful tonight," Poppy commented, as she tilted her head back slightly to face the clear sky above.

Octavia didn't follow her gaze immediately, instead opting to gaze at the hufflepuff beside her. A smile tugged at her lips.

"Yes, beautiful," she whispered in response.

Poppy tilted her head, allowing her eyes to lock with Octavia's. The slytherin blinked, her eyes snapping down as her cheeks burned with the realization she'd been caught staring.

"We should admire them more clearly," Poppy said, Octavia didn't know if Poppy had noticed that Octavia was gawking or not, and if she had she seemed to have decided not to comment on it.

"Admire them more closely? What does that mean exactly?" The slytherin asked, cocking a curious brow.

Poppy grinned at her. Her eyes twinkled as she grabbed onto her date's gloved hand. The hufflepuff lead Octavia off the path back to Hogwarts, instead dragging the slytherin through a grassy field.

"Wha- Poppy where are you taking me?" Octavia asked through bewildered chuckles. Despite her confusion she allowed the shorter girl to guide her. She always found it easy to place her trust in Poppy.

Poppy glanced at her over her shoulder with a smile that made Octavia feel incredibly warm.

"Shh, just trust me! It's a surprise," she hummed sweetly.

Octavia was very intrigued now.

_____________________________________

Poppy finally stopped in the middle of the field. The only thing lighting their surroundings was the full moon overhead. The wind blew gently, causing the still grass to shift.

Octavia glanced around for any sign of this "surprise" Poppy had spoke of, but as far as she could see there was only grass, a small cottage in the distance, and a dilapidated fence.

"Poppy, I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be looking f-" before she could finish Poppy shushed her once again. Octavia stopped talking.

Poppy turned to face the field. Her index and thumb went to her lips, and before Octavia could wonder what she was about to do- she whistled.

Octavia blinked, she was a bit taken aback by the sudden sharp noise piercing her ears. Something about that whistle made her think back to their first day in beasts class together. Didn't she whistle like that when-

The sound of wings flapping and the cry of a hippogriff caused her to look up at the sky. There, in the distance approaching them was the outline of a hippogriff. The creature landed, and Octavia realized it was-

"Highwing!" Octavia gasped slightly as the hippogriff stepped closer tucking her wings in.

Poppy smiled, stepping closer and holding her hand out, which Highwing happily tilted her head down to nudge her beak into the witch's open palm. She cooed softly at the affection.

"Yes, I got her from the vivarium shortly before i left for the Three Broomstics," Poppy explained, running her hand along the beasts beak. "She is very important for what I had in mind," she added. Highwing seemed to perk after Poppy mentioned her importance.

Octavia took a step forward, running her hand gently along Highwing's soft feathers.

"I'm sure she loves the outdoor time," she said. "But, what does she have to do with the surprise?" The slytherin asked curiously.

Poppy grinned, like she hoped Octavia would ask that question. "You'll see very shortly, but first I must ask-" she said her tone shifting to one a bit more serious, but still laced with that gentleness that only Poppy Sweeting could achieve.

"Do you trust me?"

Octavia stared at her a little dumbfounded. Did she trust Poppy? Of course, of course she trusted Poppy. She trusted her enough to follow her into a poacher den, she trusted her enough to follow her into a dragon's nest to return its egg, she trusted her with the burden of her past, just like how Poppy had entrusted her own past with her. There wasn't anyone else she trusted more than Poppy Sweeting.

Octavia nodded, "of course, I trust you. I trust you more than anyone, Poppy," she admitted sincerely.

Poppy was admittedly a little taken aback by the sudden sincere confession. Octavia's actions always proved she trusted her, but hearing her say it out loud and confirm it caused her heart to thump in her chest.

Poppy gave her a sweet smile. "You really are a charmer, aren't you, Via?" She teased slightly as she began to hoist herself onto Highwing, who bent down slightly to help her climb on.

Octavia blushed, as she chuckled shyly. "I- well, well I wouldn't say that," she said, brushing her white streak of hair from her face and behind her ear.

Poppy hummed, "well, are you just going to stand there?" She asked. Before Octavia could reply, the hufflepuff extended her hand out to her. "Come on, the night is still young!" She chirped.

Octavia glanced at her hand then back up at her. Without much thought she took the hand offered to her. She was pulled up by Poppy onto Highwing's back. Sometimes, even she could forget just how strong Poppy was. Most didn't realize that all the extra time spent helping Professor Howin around the beast classroom carrying heavy sacks of beast feed, or helping wrangle an agitated creature helped the hufflepuff build her strength quite considerably. Despite her size, Poppy could easily lift Octavia off her feet if she wanted to.

Octavia adjusted herself to feel more comfortable on Highwing's back. The hippogriff didn't seem to mind the extra weight. Admittedly, she was a little nervous. The slytherin loved flying on her broom, but on the back of a hippogriff was a different story. She had only ridden on Highwing once, and that was when she and Natty had freed Highwing and another hippogriff from the shackles of poachers, and that wasn't exactly the most pleasant experience flying away on Highwing while being shot at.

She tried not to let on about how nervous she was, but it was like Poppy could sense it.

"Don't worry, Highwing and I are safe flyers. Just hold onto me, okay?" She instructed, looking over her shoulder at the nervous girl behind her.

Octavia's brows raised "hold- hold onto you?" She stammered, growing anxious.

Poppy nodded, smiling patiently. "Around my waist, yes. Wouldn't want you falling off now would we," she chuckled.

Octavia gulped, of course they had touched before, but this was a new territory for them. Holding onto Poppy's waist was a huge step from the occasional hug, or brushing of hands as they walked with each other, or the subtle way their knees would brush against each other's when they sat next to one another.

The slytherin inhaled deeply, it wasn't that big of a deal, was it? She shoved her anxieties deep down into her gut, as her arms awkwardly hovered for a moment, before they slowly and cautiously wrapped around the shorter girl's waist.

She couldn't see how Poppy reacted to the contact, but she noticed the subtle rise of her shoulders before they relaxed.

Poppy turned to send her another reassuring smile. "Are you ready?" She asked, gently running her fingers down Highwing's feathers.

Octavia smiled back at her, before she nodded. "I'm ready," she confirmed. Her fears always felt dulled when she was with Poppy.

"You heard her, right girl?" Poppy asked, directing her attention to the hippogriff.

Highwing let out a confident caw, before her large wings spread out. The hippogriff trotted forward getting ready for take off. With one powerful flap she left the ground with a loud whoosh.

Octavia couldn't stop a startled yelp from escaping her mouth as they ascended into the air. Her grip around the hufflepuffs waist tightened slightly praying she wouldn't somehow lose her grip and fall off. Her eyes involuntarily screwed shut out of instinct. She shuddered as the cold wind hit her face. After several tense moments, she could feel that they weren't rising anymore, instead Highwing had found an altitude she wanted to stick to.

Octavia could just make out the sound of Poppy's elated laughter through the sound of the wind against her ears. She mustered up her courage, deciding to peek one emerald eye open.

She could just barely see Poppy's bright grin, as she tilted her head to the left to gaze down at the scenery below. Her honey brown eyes sparkled as they reflected the bright moonlight shining on them. Her hair whipped around freely as the wind ran through it. She looked so happy, so- free.

Octavia felt the air escape her lungs as she took in the sight of her. Beautiful, so effortlessly beautiful.

"Via, look! Down there, the train!" Poppy called out, pointing down as they flew above the Hogsmeade train station.

Octavia peeled her eyes away from Poppy and looked down, spotting the train passing through the station as steam escaped from the top of it. The train blew its horn as they flew overhead, signaling it was leaving the station.

"I love this view," Poppy said gently, as she watched the Scottish Highlands from their place in the sky.

Octavia stared at her. "Yes, it's quite the incredible view," she replied softly. The view she had in mind may have differed from Poppy's.

The slytherin could feel the tension melt away from her body. Despite being many, many feet in the air, with the possibility of falling to her certain death looming in the back of her mind, she felt safe. She leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on Poppy's shoulder as she kept her eyes trained on the view ahead. She could hear the shorter girl's breath catch as she did so.

Octavia wasn't the best at initiating physical contact like this, but she felt emboldened in that moment. It felt like the biggest victory when she felt Poppy lean back against her.

"I'm glad to have met you, Poppy," she whispered softly near the hufflepuffs ear.

Poppy blinked, before a wide grin spread across her face. "I'm glad I met you too, Via," she replied back, matching Octavia's gentle tone.

The slytherin smiled, before her eyes fluttered shut taking in Poppy's warmth.

_____________________________________

The two walked in peaceful silence through halls of the basement where the Hufflepuff common room was located. Octavia couldn't stop the smile that tugged at her lips as they walked.

They stopped in front of the entrance to the common room, both making sure to keep their distance so Octavia wouldn't get sprayed with vinegar by the magical defence the entrance had for non-hufflepuffs.

Poppy turned to face her, smiling that beautiful smile. "I had a great time with you, Via," she began softly. Her hand brushed against the taller girls hand, and this time she didn't shy away from the touch.

Octavia felt her cheeks flush. "I did too," she responded, offering the hufflepuff a warm smile.

Their eyes remained locked on one another, and for once, Octavia wasn't hyper aware of the world around her like she normally was. All she could focus on was the girl in front of her. Those honey brown eyes always knew how to draw her in so effortlessly. She suddenly became very aware of just how close they were.

She gulped, her mouth felt dry as Poppy's eyes briefly left hers to stare at the spot just beneath her nose. "I.." Octavia began, but her voice betrayed her as it trailed off slowly.

Poppy took a small, yet hesitant, step forward into Octavia's bubble, which she had no protests against. The hufflepuff glanced back up to look into her eyes. Her gaze was questioning, almost like she was asking for permission. Octavia didn't move away when Poppy leaned up closer into her space. Her mind raced with possibilities. She could see where this was going, but she couldn't quite grasp that it was real. Was Poppy really going to-

Octavia's thoughts halted to a stop once she felt the gentle press of soft lips against her own. Her mind had never felt so silent, and her body had never felt so light. Poppy was kissing her. She was being kissed by Poppy.

A tingle ran down her spine as her cheeks flushed several shades of red. She wasn't quite sure what to do in that moment, but her body seemed to have some semblance of a clue when her brain did not. She leaned down slightly, which allowed Poppy to stop leaning on her toes to compensate for their six inch difference in height. Her eyes fluttered shut, taking in the feeling of Poppy's lips against her own. The slytherin felt slightly smaller hands slip into her own and lace their fingers together perfectly. It all felt like one perfect dream, she almost feared that at any moment she would be ripped away from this and wake up in her bed back in the slytherin dorms. But no, this was no dream, thank Merlin.

Poppy slowly pulled away. Octavia almost leaned forward again, but regained her composure. Her eyes slowly fluttered open, allowing her to drink in the sight of a freshly kissed Poppy Sweeting. They stared at each other for a moment, before Poppy offered her a shy smile.

"S-sorry, if that was- out of the blue, I just-" she slightly stammered before Octavia quickly added on.

"No no, it's okay!" She squeaked out, before clearing her throat. "I- enjoyed that," she whispered, just loud enough for Poppy to catch.

Poppy slowly smiled once more, relieved.

"Good, I'm- I'm glad," she said softly.

"So, I'll see you tomorrow then?" Octavia asked, her voice much lower and shyer than she intended.

Poppy nodded. "Definitely," she assured, giving Octavia's hand a gentle squeeze.

Octavia smiled, as Poppy slowly took a step back. Their hands stayed laced together as long as they could, before the distance grew too wide and their hands slide loose from each other.

"Goodnight, Via," Poppy smiled over her shoulder as she stepped through the entrance to her common room.

Octavia smiled back, giving her a little wave.

"Goodnight, Poppy," she said, wistfully.

And with that the door shut, leaving Octavia standing there with nothing but the contents of the basement around her. Her nerves still buzzed as she turned heel and began making her way back to her dorm. She felt like she was walking on air, as she grinned down at the floor.

"Yes!!" She cheered throwing her arms up, like an excited child.

She glanced to her right, realizing that a few sentient paintings were staring back at her, having seen her display.

"..." her arms dropped back down to her side "Good evening," she greeted calmly.

She quickly walked back to her common room in silence, her initial embarrassment couldn't dampen her feels of giddiness.

She couldn't wait to see Poppy tomorrow.

This was way longer than I thought it would, but I just couldn't stop! Shout out to my dearest Pookie Floof for reviewing and suggesting edits for this. She helped me so much 😭 She helped me format it and the formatting is really growing on me! Anyways, hope you all enjoyed this 😁