#Also he is like the perfect character for me to larch on to.

[nerdnag]

I just love how they build up for the introduction of my special boy before we even meet him ✨

[the-gay-prometheus]

AU Segment - What’s In A Name (Parts 1 and 2 Combined!)

Oh hey, hi, hello. I finally finished this bit! I’m not sure how I entirely feel about it, but considering all of these segments are still just ‘test runs’ for this AU, that’s kinda to be expected. No warnings needed for these to my knowledge, just wholesome silly stuff and a bit of heartfelt moments thrown in. Just some notes before I share this full segment: 1. You’ll notice that unlike the last segment I posted, the creature is simply called Creature with a capital c rather than “the creature.” There is a reason for this! The narrator, although omniscient, has a bias toward Victor and his point of view about this character. The name of said character changes along with Victor’s view of him - from being a mess of all kinds of nasty things (’beast,’ ‘monster,’ ‘demon,’ etc.), to simply being ‘the creature, then to being more of a formal name ‘Creature,’ and finally to his actual name. In moments where Victor is particularly upset with this character, the title used by the narrator may change to reflect that. 2. This is veeeery very long considering it’s both parts 1 and 2. Knowing tumblr, formatting may get all screwed up, but I’m hoping for the best! 3. Both parts will also be posted to ao3 in their own works, so if you’d rather have links to them there so you’re not endlessly scrolling through a massive wall of text, feel free to ask! 4. I’m still practicing my ‘not-so-angsty’ writing, so some parts may be a little wonky because the wholesome silly stuff is not quite where my skills lie yet 😅 5. Special shout-out to @fergus-reid! The name ‘Percival’ suggested in part two that Victor rejects because it is a ‘name that he heavily considered’ was 100% influenced by his incredible podcast “The Marksbury Incident” - a beautifully written and acted modern/cross-over type AU where Victor is also a trans man (and canonically considered the name Percival for himself)! It’s a really neat story and I totally recommend checking it out! As always, likes, reblogs, and comments of any kind are appreciated! Without further ado, I present ‘What’s In A Name?’

PART 1: “How about… hm… Gabriel?” Victor and Creature trekked along the mountain trail, Victor taking the lead so Creature wouldn’t go too far ahead. “That’s a good name, don’t you think?” Creature shrugged his shoulders, pausing to inspect the nearly white bark of a silver fir, tracing along the jagged edges with curiosity. “Is that a no?” Victor asked, somewhat out of breath as he turned to check on his creation. “Yes, that is a no,” Creature mumbled as he looked upward toward the top of the tall conifer. “Oh! I know! How about Luca? It means light!” Creature turned toward him with a disappointed frown. “Perfect, because surely I am the light of your life,” he remarked with clear sarcasm. For a moment Victor was almost impressed; after all, this was the first he had heard him make any kind of obviously sarcastic… joke? Was it a joke? “Well, no, that would be Henry,” Victor replied, turning back toward the trail and motioning for Creature to follow. “But you were born of lightning, so it would at least have some sentimental meaning?” The creation shook his head. “I would rather not be consistently reminded of my origins.” The two continued along the trail, Victor staying quiet as he tried to think of another name that might work. As they walked, they came along a portion of the trail with a steep, rocky cliff that harbored the continuation of the trail on top. Victor, being the stubborn person he was, insisted that he could climb up himself, but each time he tried to scrabble up, he would lose his hold or lose his footing and fall back down. Though he continued to insist he could do it, Creature lifted him up and set him on the top of the stone. Victor shot him a nasty look, brushing off his clothing as if where he had touched him was somehow now dirty, but Creature ignored it and hoisted himself up to the top with ease. “Then how about Adam?” Victor suggested, turning and starting his way down the trail once again. Creature stood at the cliff edge, staring at his creator. “After all, you came up with that one yourself.” “I… I do not want a name that I came up with,” Creature began. “I would much rather it come from you.” Victor gave him an odd look. “What does it matter? A name is a name, right? I named myself and you don’t see me complaining about it,” he retorted, crossing his arms. He glanced off to the side, then frowned. “Well… I suppose Henry technically helped- but I’m the one who chose it.” Creature crossed his own arms and gave him the kind of look that said ‘well, there’s the answer to your own question.’ Victor stared at him, then dramatically waved his arms and spun around. “Fine! Fine. Alright. What if I said I was giving that name to you because I thought it fit you and not because you came up with it? I mean, it is rather fitting considering-” “Then you missed my entire point of what I had said when I brought that name up,” Creature cut him off. Victor looked back to him. “Then what were you saying?” “I said I ought to be your Adam but… that it was not who I actually was to you. It was…” He hesitated. “A painful moment for me, Victor. To come to the realization that everything I should have been was everything I never would have had the chance to be.” Victor sighed, hanging his head. “Well, what if it’s who you are to me now?” he asked, his voice sincere. Creature shook his head. “That makes no difference. Once again it would simply be a reminder of such dreadful memories. I would rather live my life without being constantly reminded of my past simply by someone calling me by my name.” Victor didn’t answer, opting instead to take a step and continue onward. Creature hesitated, but followed all the same. “Gilbert?” Victor called out as he walked. Creature couldn’t help but chuckle. “Well that was out of nowhere.” “But is it a no?” “Yes, it is a no.” Victor made a grunt of disappointment, then looked around, pointing to a tall conifer with beautiful vibrant orange needles. “What about Larch? Like the tree?” he asked. His creation paused, looking at the tree and others of its species around them. “It is certainly a beautiful tree,” he remarked simply. “Though I am not sure it is a good name.” “Come on, it’s a great name!” Victor exclaimed, turning back to the trail and clambering his way up a boulder that blocked the path. “I will… give it some thought,” Creature promised with a slight smile, hopping over the boulder as though it were only a mild inconvenience. “That doesn’t sound like a no to me,” Victor proposed, grinning. “It is not a no, but it is also not a yes,” Creature explained, reaching up and plucking a handful of the orange needles from one of the trees and inspecting them closer. “Then it’s basically a no and I should keep going,” Victor suggested. Far ahead, the trees cleared and open sky above distant ridgeline could be seen - signifying they were nearly home - and Victor let out an exasperated sigh. “I told you I’d have a name for you by the time we got home. You’re making this more difficult than it has to be.” “And I told you that these things take far more time than what one walk will procure,” Creature countered. “Not that you listen to me, of course.” He continued onward, passing Victor, who watched as he walked by. “I don’t listen to anyone,” Victor called to him as he watched him walk. “I thought that would’ve been fairly obvious by now.” “Oh, it is certainly obvious, but that does not make it - or you, for that matter - any less irritating, Victor,” his creation answered from ahead. Victor frowned. “Hey- Hey! Wait up!” He scrambled as he broke into a run, tripping over a stone and nearly falling but somehow miraculously not falling flat on his face. “What was that supposed to mean?” Creature kept walking, pausing to lift a bough that crossed in front of the path and ducking beneath it, holding it away from the trail so Victor could pass without walking into it. “I was simply stating a fact,” he mentioned, letting the branch go once Victor was through. “Hmph.” Victor strode past him, ducking his way through the last tangle of branches before emerging to the ledge where their little hut stood. “Could’ve kept it to yourself,” he grumbled as he straightened his vest and brushed off his coat. “I will keep that in mind,” Creature stated, emerging beside him with at least one twig sticking awkwardly out of his long black hair. Victor looked up at him, staring at the twig in his hair with narrowed eyes until Creature got the hint that there was something there, then started making his way back toward their home with his shoulders drooped and his eyes on the ground. Grumbling something about how ungrateful his creation was, he made his way to the door, reached for it, and then- whack! The door flew open, hitting Victor directly in the face and knocking him backward. He clutched at his nose with a yelp of pain. Creature couldn’t help but chuckle - this was at least the third time this had happened in the past week alone. It was Henry who had opened the door, and who had promptly let out a sharp gasp of surprise upon seeing his boyfriend dramatically writhing around on the ground with his hand over his face. “Good lord Victor!” he exclaimed, dropping to the ground to check if he was ok. Victor sucked in a breath and hissed it out through his teeth, slowly removing his hand from his nose and blinking his eyes back open. Upon seeing Henry, directly above him, he managed a half smile. “You’re lucky I love you,” he sneered, pushing himself up onto his hands. Henry grinned, planting a kiss on Victor’s lips, which Victor gladly reciprocated. As he pulled back, Henry stood, offering a hand to help his boyfriend up from the ground. “I know I am,” Henry answered Victor’s original statement with a smirk. “Not that he poses much of a threat regardless,” Creature quipped from behind them. Victor rolled his eyes and Henry snickered. “Well, threat or not,” he began, wrapping his arm around Victor, “How’d it go? Did you two finally figure out a name?” “No, we didn’t. That one is too stubborn,” Victor complained, pointing to his creation. “I simply did not relate to any of the names you suggested, Victor. That is not stubbornness, that is…” He paused, thinking of how to word it. “Well… I suppose it could be stubbornness.” Henry shook his head. “Not stubbornness at all. A name is an important and meaningful thing, so if you have yet to hear one that you feel fits you, then it just doesn’t fit and that’s all there is to it,” he explained with a kind smile. Victor gave him a side-eyed glance, then sighed. “Alright, sure. Not stubborn. Just irritating,” he retorted, giving Creature a sneer. Creature stared at him for a moment, then shrugged. “Well, you did create me, after all.” Henry tried to hold back a laugh, and couldn’t help but let it out as Victor pushed him away with a scoff. “I am not irritating!” he announced, earning even harder laughter from Henry. He spun on his heels to face him, crossing his arms. “It’s not funny! I’m not irritating!” “Pfff- Yes you are!” Henry exclaimed through his laughter. Victor wanted to be angry, but Henry’s laughter was contagious as always and he found himself starting to snicker along. “No I’m not!” he repeated, though much less seriously. “You most certainly are,” Creature mentioned, starting to chuckle a bit himself. “I- I am absolutely not,” Victor reiterated, trying to make himself sound very serious but only making himself - as well as Henry and Creature - laugh even harder. “Yes you are!” Henry teased, reaching out and flicking Victor’s nose. Victor flung his hand up and stumbled back. “Ow! Henry that’s still sore!” he exclaimed reaching out to flick him back. Henry jumped out of the way and took off toward the open land of the ridge just beyond their hut still laughing as he gave his boyfriend a look that seemed to say ‘just try to catch me.’ Victor smirked and ran off after him, shouting “You sly bastard- get back here!” Creature watched them chase one another, his laughter slowly subsiding to a smiling sigh. Name or no name, he felt like he was finally so much closer to the life he wanted - a loving family of sorts, though a strange family it may be. He watched as Henry switched directions and came up from behind Victor, tackling him to the ground. Though he couldn’t make out what they were saying, he could hear as their own laughter turned to quiet words, and then to quiet as Henry silenced Victor with another kiss. A content expression on his face, Creature lay back, sprawled out on the ground, and watched the clouds as they passed through the sky. PART 2: The afternoon was fair-weathered and peaceful, blue sky hardly obscured by a few fluffy clouds with the sun casting its brilliant light evenly over the mountains. Creature had spent just about the entirety of the last few hours still lying on the ground, the first half watching the clouds that passed by while considering each shape they took as they changed with the wind, and the second half so well at peace that he had fallen asleep. That was, of course, until the feeling of something being dropped on his chest caused his eyes to snap open. Above him stood Henry, who was looking down at him with his arms crossed and a smile on his face. Creature managed an awkward smile in return, and looked down at what had been dropped on him. He recognized the small leather bag and gently plucked it off his chest, reaching up to drop it back into Henry’s now waiting outstretched hand. “Fancy a game?” Henry asked with a grin, shaking the bag and causing the contents inside to clink and rattle. Creature chuckled and slowly lifted himself upright. “Of course, though you could have woken me in perhaps a less startling manner,” he replied. “Where’s the fun in that?” Henry joked, tossing the bag back and forth between his hands. “Will Victor be joining us?” Creature inquired as he rose to his feet and brushed the dust and dirt from his cloak and pants. “Begrudgingly, yes,” came a flat voice from behind him. He turned to find Victor standing there, looking almost entirely unamused - almost, though Creature could tell he was actually looking forward to it. Henry was the first to jog over to their typical outdoor playing spot, a fairly flat length of stone close to the edge of the ledge, and emptied the contents of the bag onto the ground. An array of clearly non-professionally made dominos, all somewhat unevenly cut with a yellow-stained tint (the clear sign of being made with real bone), clattered down and Henry quickly flipped any that fell right-side-up over so that only the blank sides were facing. Creature arrived and sat down carefully, knowing the drill by now and beginning to choose his five tiles. Victor flopped himself down beside Henry, faking an annoyed sigh as he started to pick his tiles. Henry caught the fake sigh and snatched one of the tiles Victor was about to pick before he could take it, resulting in the two in the two of them giving each other mock-mad looks before they both devolved into a small fit of giggles. As the two of them continued to pester each other while picking their tiles, Creature picked up his own tiles to see if he had managed to pick up a doubles tile. “All-threes as usual, correct?” he mentioned above their antics. Henry looked up at him with a nod. “Yes, unless you wanted to try something different today?” Creature thought for a moment. “No, I am content with the usual.” “Well that’s perfect,” Victor quipped as he looked at his tiles, his expression brightening. He set one of his tiles down, one with six pips on both ends. “Twelve points for me,” he mused, picking up a small splinter of stone and scratching twelve tally marks down beside him on a bare spot of the stone ground amongst a multitude of other scratched-over tallies from games past. “Perfect for me too,” Henry teased, placing a tile with six pips on one end and none on the other. “That’s twelve points for me also.” Victor shot him a clearly sarcastically scathing glance, which Henry countered with a smirk as he reached for the stone splinter Victor had been keeping tally with to tally his own points. “It seems we are starting this with a tie,” Creature examined, placing a fully blank tile beside the one Henry had placed down before picking up a much larger splinter of stone beside him and carving out twelve tallies for himself. Victor gave him a disappointed glance before checking his own tiles and finding one he could place, though it would earn him no more points. Henry placed his next tile and the turn was passed to Creature, who managed to score another twelve points. “Hey Victor, I think I figured out what name we should give him,” Henry mentioned with sarcasm as Creature scratched down his tallies. Creature glanced upward, listening carefully. Victor didn’t answer, but instead rolled his hand in a motion that meant ‘go on.’ Henry snickered as he placed down a tile of his own. “I think we should call him Victor the Second because at this rate you’re going to lose your winning streak.” “No, I think we should call him Henry,” Victor countered, voice dripping with sarcasm as he played his own next tile and scratched down six points for himself. “I am not taking either of your names,” Creature muttered with a slight smile as he placed his next tile down and etched twelve more points on his tally. “That would be far too strange.” “Fair enough,” Henry replied, checking his tiles and realizing he needed to draw from the free-pile in order to place one down. “How about… Ah! I’ve got it!” he exclaimed. “How about Hector?” Both Victor and Creature gave him an odd look. “Hector?” Victor repeated, raising one eyebrow as he also picked up a few tiles from the free pile in order to find one to place down - which he did, and scratched in three points for himself. “Henry, Victor,” Henry explained, raising one hand with each name. “Hector,” he finished, clapping his hands together. Victor couldn’t help but let out a snort of laughter, and Creature chuckled softly as well. “Amusing and sweet, Henry, but I do not think that is the name for me,” he replied, placing his final tile down. Checking over the playing area again, he grinned. “And I do believe that is a win.” Victor shot his glance down. “What?!” He looked at what had been put down. “How? Are you already out of bones?” Creature nodded. “Indeed.” “Ha!! The unbeatable Victor finally tastes defeat!” Henry exclaimed, ruffling his fingers through Victor’s hair - Victor, who flicked his hand away to take a closer look at the spread as if somehow that would make it change. “No, no - not possible. Absolutely impossible.” He looked up at Creature and squinted. “You cheated somehow.” Creature gave him a confused look. “I… do not believe it is even possible to cheat at this game?” “Don’t mind him, he’s just being a sore loser,” Henry reassured him, bumping Victor in the shoulder with his elbow. Victor gave a huff and crossed his arms. “Rematch?” Creature nodded. “If you are both so inclined.” Victor glanced away, trying to hold back a smile. Truth was, he actually was very much enjoying himself. “... Fine,” he said at a length, beginning to flip and mix the tiles. They each plucked their dominos from the pile. “Anyone have a double six?” Henry asked as he looked at his tiles. Victor and Creature both looked at each other as if asking each other the same question, then both shook their heads. Creature looked back down at his tiles, then placed down a double five. “Good enough.” “How about Daniel?” Victor asked as Henry played a tile. “Do you have a reason for that name?” Creature responded as Victor played his next and scratched a new tally of three. “Not particularly. It’s just a nice name,” Victor replied, gesturing that it was his turn. “I see.” Creature placed a tile, and scratched a six for himself, which prompted a quiet ‘scheisse!’ from Victor. He couldn’t help but smile at the reaction. “I would have to say no.” “Does it have to be a name with meaning?” Victor asked as he watched Henry play his turn. “I would prefer it to, if possible.” Victor thought for a moment as he placed his next tile. “Percival is a good name,” Henry suggested with a smirk toward Victor. Victor gave a thoughtful look, then furrowed his brow and gave Henry a look of flat annoyance. “He can’t just have the name I didn’t take,” he muttered. “You had considered naming yourself Percival?” Creature inquired as he picked up a tile from the draw pile and placed it down, etching a twelve in his tallies. “Considered it, yes,” Victor grumbled in reply. “I… do like the sentiment of taking on your unused name,” Creature mentioned, thinking it through more as he watched Henry play his next turn. “Well- you can’t have it,” Victor responded, picking up two tiles and placing one down. “What about Prometheus? I fancied myself to be like him while I was making you, so there would be some meaning to it.” Creature took a moment to think, then shook his head. “I feel I really do not want something that relates in any way to my creation. Not… that I resent being created, mind you, but I have tried to put the past behind me as much as possible, as you know,” he explained as he set down his next tile. Victor sighed heavily, resting his elbow on his knee and his chin on his hand as Henry played his turn and scratched a twelve down for himself. They continued their turns in relative silence, until finally as the sun was beginning to set in the sky it was Victor who placed his final tile. Though he felt like he should be celebrating that, instead Victor felt… defeated. He got up, muttering, “Good game, both of you,” before sulking off back to the cabin. Henry watched him go with a concerned gaze. “Have I… said something wrong?” Creature asked quietly, suddenly beginning to worry that he had hurt his creator in some way. Henry sighed. “No, you’re fine,” he reassured him as he began collecting the tiles and placing them back into their holding pouch. “You coming inside?” Creature shook his head. “I… think I will stay out here for the time being.” Henry smiled at him and gave him an understanding nod before making his way to the cabin. As he stepped inside, he set the pouch down on the side table by the door and made his way into what they considered the ‘common space,’ where Victor sat by the fireplace which only softly glowed with a freshly started fire. “Are you alright, love?” Henry asked gently, sitting beside him and wrapping an arm around him. Victor heaved a shaky sigh and rested his head on Henry’s shoulder. “I just… I feel like I can’t do right by him,” he mumbled, pressing himself closer to his boyfriend. “Nothing I’ve ever done has been… right.” Henry listened carefully as he spoke, holding him tighter and resting his head against Victor’s. “Well, you’re trying, aren’t you?” he suggested softly. “I think he’s just happy that you’re trying.” “Trying isn’t enough,” Victor stated, sitting upright and staring into the small, flickering flames. “After all I’ve done and all I’ve said, trying isn’t enough.” “Then let’s change our approach,” Henry recommended with a smile, reaching out and gently turning Victor’s face toward him to give him a tender kiss. Victor exhaled softly and leaned into it, then slowly pulled back. “How so?” “We could start by doing what we did when we chose your name.” Victor’s eyes widened. “Oh!” he exclaimed, clapping his hands together. “Henry, you’re a genius!” “I’m flattered, but that honor belongs to you, love,” Henry quipped with a grin. “Come on - let’s start reading.” The two of them scoured the collection of books that Henry had brought up with him, picking out names and sounding them off to each other one by one. They went through book after book until the sun disappeared and the sky went dark, either one of them occasionally throwing a new log into the fire to ensure they had plenty of light and warmth. After a few hours, Victor stared down at a page, and uttered, “I think I’ve got it.” Henry looked up from his own book and set it down, swiftly moving over to him. Victor pointed a word out to him. “That one.” Henry gave him a quizzical look. “Are you sure? That’s hardly a name.” Victor looked up at him. “I know, but think about the meaning! It’s perfect!” Henry thought for a moment, then wrapped his arms around him with a smile. “With a bit of tweaking, I think you might be right,” he murmured, planting a kiss on his cheek. “You really do mean it, don’t you.” Victor glanced back at him. “Hm?” “You’ve really come to care for him, I mean,” Henry explained, releasing his grip. Victor hesitated, but then nodded. “I have - genuinely. I just… hope this will be enough to prove it.” “I’m sure it will be perfect.” Creature was sitting out near the edge of the ledge, resting his weight on his hands as he stared up at the stars as they glittered above. Victor took a deep breath as he stepped outside and breathed out slowly. You can do this. It’ll be fine, he thought to himself as he walked over as quietly as he could. He sat beside his creation, and tilted his head back to look upward as well. Creature turned his head slightly to look at him, then returned to his stargazing. “Agape,” Victor said suddenly. “...What?” Creature asked, once again looking over to him. Victor kept his eyes on the stars, but smiled slightly. “Do you know what it means?” Creature stared at him, thinking, then returned his gaze upward. “It is… Greek.” “That’s right.” He thought some more, racking his brain for memories of the word. “One of the… three Greek forms of love, correct?” Victor nodded. “Indeed.” He glanced away as he continued to think. “...If I recall correctly, it is considered the highest form of love. A deep, profound respect. Some define it as… the mutual love between God and man, and between man and God.” Victor’s smile grew - his creation’s intelligence still continued to amaze and fascinate him. “That is also correct. Though… I think I’d like to propose a more general definition.” Creature looked over at him. “What definition would that be?” Victor took a moment, then closed his eyes. “The mutual love between a creator at his creation, and between a creation and his creator.” Creature’s eyes widened, and for the sake of trying not to immediately shed a tear by thinking about that statement, he stared back up to the heavens. “That is… a definition I could approve of.” “How about a name?” “A… name?” “Is it a name you could approve of?” Victor reiterated, opening his eyes and looking over to see that Creature was now once again staring at him, though this time clearly not trying to hide the tears in his gleaming yellow eyes. His silence disturbed him, and he looked away. “...No, no nevermind - forget it. Forget it.” “Victor I,” Creature began, his voice soft and shaken. “That is so much more of a meaningful name than I could have ever imagined.” Victor glanced back at him. “Are you sure?” Creature nodded, smiling wide as tears streamed down his face. “I have scarcely been more sure.” Victor swallowed back tears of his own and smiled back to him. “Then consider it finalized, Agape.” He paused, then leaned forward and embraced him as tightly as he could. “Agape Frankenstein, my first and only…” he paused, thinking for a moment, then smiled contentedly, “son. My first and only son.” Agape didn’t know how to react at first - he was overwhelmed with so many emotions; relief, hope, joy. The most he could do was wrap his arms around his creator - his father - and finally take in what it really meant to be loved.

[seventh-line]

Team 7 Harry Potter Wands

Including Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke and Kakashi. Yamato and Sai will be in a seperate post.

Naruto Uzumaki

Cedar wood with a dragon heartstring core, 13” and an unbending flexibility.

“Strength of character and unusual loyalty” are things I’d use to describe both Naruto and this wand.

Naruto is nothing if not determined to succeed and loyal to his friends.

While in some aspects, cedar is not a perfect fit, I certainly felt this was the closest.

In Rowling’s cedar blurb another thing that stood out is the part where she mentions how cedar carriers have the potential to be “frightening adversaries”, and that it often comes as a shock to their opponents.

I went with dragon heartstring here.

In a way I thought of the dragon heartstring being the equivalent of Kurama in an HP AU. Naruto struggles to learn how to control his wand, as dragon heartstring can produce the most powerful yet difficult to control magic.

But when Naruto does end up properly bonding with his wand, they become a deadly pair, tapping into both their potentials.

His wand length indicates him being more extroverted than the average person.

Unbending flexibility. Need I explain more?

Naruto’s wand is definitely a little rugged looking, with many nicks and scratches. He still makes an effort to take care of his wand the best he can.

His wand has a more natural looking shape to it, not perfectly straight, but not like a stick either. It almost looks homemade.

Has the Uzumaki symbol careved into his wand handle.

Sakura Haruno

Cherry wood with a unicorn hair core, 12¼” and a hard flexibility.

I was deciding between larch and cherry, but I honestly couldn’t help myself here.

Though J.K specifically mentioned that dragon heartstring and cherry require the most discipline to master, I believe it to be true of all cherry wands.

I believe Sakura has also shown great mental strength and self control throughout the show.

Sakura’s unicorn hair core represents her naïveté, her willingness to give others second chances (Sasuke), and her loyalty and caring to those that mean the most (Sasuke, but also Naruto).

Unicorn hair is also the most consistent in terms of magic, which I find parallels nicely with her chakra control in the show.

The unicorn hair core’s passivity conflicts with the wood’s more volatile nature, making for an interesting combination.

The core helps to tame the wood’s aggressiveness, its magic more consistent than the average cherry wood wand, though I believe it would also lessen the oomph behind the spells she casts.

Her wand length indicates an average amount of introversion and extroversion.

A hard flexibilty indicates her toughness and uncompromising ideals and belief.

Her wand is elegant and slim, though not heavily ornamented.

The wand tapers into a nice choke point to separate handle and shaft.

Wand has a chrysoprase at the base of the wand, like an ornamental pommel.

Sasuke Uchiha’s First Wand

Fir wood with a dragon heartstring core, 11½” and an unyielding flexibility.

Sasuke Uchiha is most certainly a survivor, fending for himself from a young age.

Fir wands demand “staying power and strength of purpose”.

While yes Sasuke is one of the most powerful characters, strength of purpose certainly hit the spot.

Sasuke is consumed with the idea of vengeance against Itachi. He is completely focused on this one singular goal that defines the core of his being.

Fir also favours owners who are focused and of an intimidating nature, which also fit Sasuke really well.

I felt that dragon heartstring fit best with Sasuke.

Perhaps the wand core was drawn to Sasuke’s potential, while in turn Sasuke was intrigued by the core’s considerable power.

Sasuke does extremely well with this wand, he’d particularly like the fact that dragon heartstring wands are more inclined to the Dark Arts and how quickly he can learn new spells.

I made Sasuke’s wand shorter to represent that there may be less facets of his personality on display, as well as his more introverted nature.

His wand’s unyielding flexibility here represents his unwillingness to back down and his stubbornness.

Sasuke takes good care of his wand, though more than anything he sees it as a tool to reach his ultimate goal.

His wand is plain, and sturdier than most, partly due to the flexibility. It breaks during his final fight with Itachi.

Kakashi Hatake

Yew wood with a phoenix feather core, 12” and a reasonably supple flexibility.

I was debating giving Kakashi cypress instead, but I’m saving it for someone else. I thought yew would ultimately make a more interesting combination.

Yew wood carries a fearsome reputation, as notorious as Hatake himself.

I find how yew wands are said to be dark and fearsome, but that they may also be fierce protectors an interesting fit for him.

It may have taken a while for this wand to become loyal to Kakashi, and vice versa, given both wand and owner are quite detached.

Perhaps Kakashi once had a similar view about his wand as Sasuke does, which changed as he grew, suffering losses and learning the importance of loyalty and his friends.

Phoenix feather felt right for Kakashi. The core seeks an owner with quality of character, as it seeks a wood of the highest quality.

Though it may have taken a while (years even) to properly become in sync with each other.

His wand length is average, performing well in most areas of magic.

The wand length also indicates stable, and perhaps not as flashy magic.

Reasonably supple represents an adaptability Kakashi has. He is unwilling to change his core and important beliefs, but may be more compromising in other ways.

(I may have read into this wrong) This wand is suited to any kind of fighting, which mainly comes from the wood. In turn the wood’s powers are argumented by core.

Kakashi’s wand is plain and simple, he has no need for any decorative flair. Despite this, both wand and owner carry an unmistakable presence on the battlefield.

Oh my god. That took way longer than is should have. I feel like I’ve drained half my soul into a funnel with holes. I’d like to thank my good friend @hatake-no-sharingan for her help with this. I couldn’t have done it without her. Seriously, thank you so much. 🙏

I would also like to thank @cloverywands. I used their blog’s incredibly helpful resources in my decision making and writing here, and I hope that’s ok. If not, then I apologize and sincerely hope you can forgive me.

Lastly, should I do Team Asuma or Team Kurenai next? Let me know please.

[hogwartshavocsidesau]

More Wand Types For HH Characters

It’s a new day so I’m going to try to find wands for other characters in Hogwarts Havoc now that I have a bit more time on my hands!

Chelsea - Ash, phoenix feather, 9 1/2 inches, solid

I briefly considered aspen, which is ‘suited for the determined revolutionary’, but it’s also ‘great for aspiring duelist’, and Chelsea prefers using her words to fight over wands (though she will if she absolutely needs to). So I went with the ash that I initially considered for Roman, which is ‘ideal for those who are stubborn and courageous, but not arrogant or crass’.

Paige - Alder, unicorn hair, 9 1/4 inches, quite flexible

I went through a few different wands for her, but I ultimately decided on alder, as it ‘prefers owners that are helpful and considerate, and is best suited for non-verbal spellwork’. Given how loyal Paige is to her friends (especially Era), it felt like the best fit for her out of the options.

Elliott - Larch, dragon heartstring, 10 1/2 inches, unyielding

It was actually pretty easy to find a wand wood for Elliott. They would have larch, which is ‘tricky to handle and harder than most to please, and will gravitate to those that might not realize their considerable talents’. Elliott is a bit rough around the edges, but once you get close to them you’ll find a kind, talented person who is a very good fit for this wand.

Shane - Dogwood, dragon heartstring, 11 inches, quite flexible

It seemed like the wood used in Patton’s wand would work best for Shane as well. Dogwood wands are ‘known to perform outstanding spells under pressure’ but also ‘have a playful nature and are drawn to the quirky and mischievous’. Shane can be laid back and fairly joker-y most of the time, but if the situation calls for it, he can turn serious and be a fairly fierce foe.

Remy - Red oak, phoenix feather, 10 3/4 inches, unbending

This one took a bit longer to figure out, but red oak felt best for him. These wands are ‘perfect for dueling, as Red Oak responds well to those that are quick-witted, light of touch, and reactive’. While we haven’t seen Remy duel in the series, he does seem particularly quick-witted and reactive, so red oak felt like a good choice for him.

Renilda - Pear, dragon heartstring, 9 inches, unyielding

Briefly considered rowan for her, as rowan wands ‘have an affinity for the pure-hearted and a protective nature’, but ultimately pear, which ‘performs best when in the hands of the generous and wise’ and ‘are extremely resilient and capable of splendid magic’ seemed to fit her better. She serves as a good mentor character to her sons and their friends, but if she needs to be, she can be a very formidable witch.

Rembrandt - Rowan, phoenix feather, 10 3/4 inches, solid

I decided to give Renilda’s brother the rowan wand in the end. Again, rowan wands ‘have an affinity for the pure-hearted and a protective nature’, and Rembrandt is very protective of both his wife and son as well as his younger sister, even if he hasn’t had much of chance to show it until the past few years.

Helena - Fir, unicorn hair, 8 3/4 inches, rigid

Virgil’s aunt (as well as Rembrandt’s wife and Remy’s mother), seemed best suited to a fir wand. Fir wands are ‘suited for Transfiguration’, and ‘favor wielders that are focused and have strength of purpose, rather than the indecisive’. 

Emile - Sycamore, unicorn hair, 11 1/2 inches, slightly springy

I thought about hazel, as hazel wands are ‘best for those who can manage their feelings’ and ‘incredibly tuned to their owners’ emotional states’, but I thought sycamore fit better. Sycamore wands are ‘eager for adventure, and an owner that is curious and vital. Sycamore wands will lose their brilliance if used for mundane tasks.’

August - Spruce, phoenix feather, 9 1/2 inches, unbending

I figured spuce would fit him best. Spruce wands are ‘not for the nervous or cautious’, and ‘work best with a bold spellcaster with a firm hand’. Out of the triplets, I feel that August best embodies this, especially when he stands up for his friend who was attacked.

Seth - Poplar, phoenix feather, 9 1/2 inches, pliant

I figured I’d make his wand to some extent similar to August’s, but make it so it contained its differences as well. Poplar wands are ‘known for their reliability and consistency, and prefer owners with a clear moral vision’.

Toby - Vine, unicorn hair, 9 1/4 inches, unyielding

I thought about making his wand a willow wand like Virgil’s, as Toby clearly shares similarities with Virgil, but decided on vine instead. Vine wands are ‘less commonly used’ and ‘match well with those that have hidden depth and seek a greater purpose’. Given his desire to stand apart from the other two triplets (despite remaining loyal to them), this seemed to fit.

Linus - Ebony, phoenix feather, 11 1/4 inches, rigid

I thought about yew for him, as it is the stereotypically evil one ‘finding its ideal match with the unusual and notorious, and are reputed to give its user the power of life and death’...but no, Linus’ brand of evil prefers to work in the background. For him I picked ebony, which are ‘suited for combative magic, as well as Transfiguration, and serve those who hold fast to their belief’.

Delilah - Fir, dragon heartstring, 10 inches, brittle

I considered ebony for her as well, as she certainly holds fast to her beliefs, but I ultimately went with fir. Fir wands ‘favor wielders that are focused and have strength of purpose, rather than the indecisive’, and she certainly has both of those, even if her chosen purpose stands directly opposite of what the majority of the protagonists stand for.

Please feel free to let me know if anyone got missed who you might like to see! I think I covered the majority of the major and minor characters (as did Koko), but given the sheer number of characters, it’s not at all hard to believe that I may have missed someone (and possibly even someone obvious >.> <.<). Regardless, I hope you enjoy!

[scriptflorist]

Character Description

Name: ᠴᠠᠭᠠᠨ /Culuu (means Stone, and not known until mid-story)

Nickname: ᠣᠳᠤ/ Od, Star,

Alternate identity:

Birthday: August 2, 1249.

Zodiac:

Birthplace: Khangai Mountains

Dwelling place: Karakorum (as teen), Khanbaliq/Dadu (as adult). Ulaanbaatar then Texas (modern day)

How do they live: With father, preparing and going to war.

Modern - Alone or with friends, attempting to return home at first, then settled down for life in modern day.

Appearance: Normal historical Mongolian clothing, usually brown in colour. Mid-back long braided hair, full beard/moustache Modern - t-shirts, shorts, earring, bracelets. Shoulder length hair or in manbun, short trimmed beard, glasses.

What’s in their bag/pockets: Bow/Arrow, Sword.

Species: Human

Features of the species:

Name of parents: Mod/ᠮᠣᠳᠤ (meaning tree). Mother unwritten.

Name of siblings: none

Others next of kin:

Not-in-blood-but-in-bond-family:

Family history: His father, Mod, is the fictional adopted son of the historical general Jebe.

Favourite colour: white, black, red

Favourite animal: horse

Favourite book: anything that portrays his family/Mongol Empire

Favourite film/show/series: anything that portrays his family/Mongol Empire, Arrow.

Favourite genre:

Favourite food:

Favourite place to be: Back home at war, on the grasslands practising martial arts/archery. Modern - Practicing martial arts/archery at a horse ranch, in his bed/couch reading historical texts, watching historical movies/tv.

Personality: Strong-willed, stubborn, doesn’t take no for an answer, keeps promises, dedicated, occasionally distressed or moody due to being unable to return home, stupid at romantic gestures,

Misc: Speaks Mongolian then learned Chinese. Learned English in modern day. He’s an archer but highly prefers traditional Mongolian archery, does not actually use modern bows, etc, no matter what he watches. Story plot - disappeared in middle of battle in Xiangyang 1272 to modern day Mongolia.

______

Hi C!

Another Friday, another character – here we go! I hope you'll find this useful!

Name: Culuu (means Stone)

There is a plant called Lithops, also known as living stone because it well, looks like a stone. It doesn't have any meaning though.

stonecrop – tranquillity

alyssum (sweet) – worth beyond beauty // known as Steinkraut in German, translates to stone weed more or less

Nickname: Star

star of bethlehem – reconciliation, purity, idleness, let us follow Jesus, atonement

starwort – afterthought

starwort (american) – welcome, welcome fair stranger, cheerfulness in old age

Khangai Mountains

ash mountain – prudence, with me you are safe

laurel (mountain) – ambition

pink (mountain) – aspiring, you are aspiring

rowan tree – talisman // also known as mountain ash

preparing and going to war

achillea millefolia – war

goosefoot (grass-leaved) – I declare war against you

indian cress – warlike trophy, resignation

milfoil – war

myrtle (wax) – discipline, instruction

nasturtium – a warlike trophy, patriotism, resignation, conquest, victory in battle

rhubarb – advice

ruellia – fortitude

tansy – I declare war against you, resistance

thorn's (branch of) – severity, rigour

yarrow – war, to cure, a cure for the heartache, cure for a broken heart, cure for heartache

Dwelling place: Texas (modern day)

The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet.

Name of parents: Mod (meaning tree)

almond tree – indiscretion, thoughtlessness, stupidity

ash tree – grandeur

bay tree – glory

birch tree – gracefulness, meekness

bladder nut tree – frivolous amusement, frivolity, amusement

chaste tree – coldness

cherry tree (white) – deception

hand flower tree – warning

judas tree – unbelief, betrayal

linden tree – conjugal love

locust tree – vicissitude, elegance

locust tree (green) – affection beyond the grave

lote tree – concord

nettle tree – conceit

orange tree – generosity

pear tree – comfort

plane tree – genius

plum tree – keep your promises, fidelity

prune-tree – promise

rowan tree – talisman

service tree – prudence

spindle tree – your charms are engraven on/traced upon my heart

strawberry tree – esteem and love, esteem not love, perseverance

tree of life – immortality, old age

tree primrose – inconstancy

tulip tree – rural happiness

yew tree – sorrow, sadness

Favourite colour: white, red

acacia (white) – elegance

balsam (red) – impatient resolve, touch me not

bay (red) – love's memory

bellflower (small, white) – gratitude

bindweed (white) – humility

camellia (red) – unpretending excellence, you're a flame in my heart

camellia (white) – perfected loveliness, adoration

carnation (red) – my heart breaks, my heart aches for you, admiration

carnation (white) – sweet and lovely, innocence, pure love, woman's good luck gift

catchfly (red) – I fall victim, youthful love

catchfly (white) – betrayal, I fall into the trap laid for me

chrysanthemum (red) – I love

chrysanthemum (white) – truth

clover (red) – industry

clover (white) – think of me

columbine (red) – anxious and trembling

daisies (wreath of white) – I will think of it

daisy (red) – beauty unknown to possessor

daisy (white) – innocence

dittany (white) – fire, passion

heather (white) – good luck, protection, wishes will come true

hollyhock (white) – female ambition

hyacinth (red) – playful joy

hyacinth (white) – unobtrusive loveliness, beauty, I'll pray for you

ivy (sprig of white tendrils) – assiduous to please, anxious to please, affection

jasmine (white) – amiability

julienne (white) – despair not, God is everywhere

lilac (white) – youth, youthful innocence,

lily (white) – purity, sweetness, virginity, majesty, it's heavenly to be with you

mulberry (red) – wisdom

mulberry (white) – wisdom, prudence

oak (white) – independence

periwinkle (white) – pleasing remembrances, pleasure of memory

pink (red, double) – pure and ardent love, woman's love

pink (white) – ingeniousness, talent, lovely and pure affection

pimpernel (red) – appointment

poplar (white) – time

poppy (red) – consolation

poppy (white) – my bane! my antidote!, dormant affection, sleep my bane, sleep my heart, consolation

primrose (red) – unpatronised merit

red valerian – readiness

rose (deep red) – bashful shame

rose (red) – beauty, love, I love you, respect

rose (red-leaved) – diffidence

rose (white) – I am worthy of you, silence, too young to love, I would be single, a heart unacquainted with love, innocence, purity, secrecy

rose (white and red together) – unity

rose (white, withered) – transient impressions, death is preferable to loss of virtue

rosebud (red) – you are young and beautiful, pure and lovely

rosebud (white) – a heart that is ignorant of love, heart unacquainted with love, the heart that knows not love, girlhood

salvia (red) – energy

sultan (white) – sweetness

tulip (red) – declaration of love, believe me

valerian (red) – facility

verbena (white) – pray for me

violet (white) – candour, let's take a chance on happiness

water lily (white) – eloquence, purity, purity of heart

zinnia (white) – goodness

Favourite place: grasslands

canary grass – perseverance

citronella (lemon grass) – homosexual love

foxtail grass – sporting

grass – submission, utility

grass (quaking) – frivolity

grass (vernal) – poor but happy

quaking grass – agitation

rye grass – changeable disposition

scorpion grass (mouse-eared) – forget me not

Based on personality

alstroemeria – devotion

bay leaf – I change but in death/dying

columbine (purple) – resolved to win

cudweed (american) – unceasing remembrance

euphorbia – persistence

geranium (horseshoe-leaf) – stupidity

geranium (night-smelling) – melancholy spirit

geranium (sorrowful) – melancholy mind

gilliflower (mahon) – promptness

heliotrope – devotion, devoted attachment, I love you, intoxicated with pleasure, the intoxication of love, infatuation, faithfulness

hepatica – confidence, truth

honeysuckle – devotion, I would not answer hastily, generous and devoted affection, bonds of love, fidelity, affection, the bond of love

larch – boldness, audacity

lavender – devotion, love, mistrust, distrust, acknowledgement

lychnis – devotion, religious enthusiasm

nuts – stupidity

plum tree – keep your promises, fidelity

polyanthus – confidence, pride of riches

poplar (black) – courage

withy – frankness

zinnia (mixed) – thinking about an absent friend

Misc

fir – time, elevation

heath – solitude

imbricata – uprightness, sentiments of honour

laurel – glory, treachery, virtue is beauty, glory and success

lint – I feel my obligations

magnolia – love of nature

mandevilla crassinoda – you are too bold

pine – time and faith, boldness, pity, daring, hope

poor robin – compensation or an equivalent

syphocampilus – resolved to be noticed

spiderwort (virginian) – momentary happiness

Everything we've got in the Chinese flower language tag for a start.

- Mod Jana

Disclaimer

This blog is intended as writing advice only. This blog and its mods are not responsible for accidents, injuries or other consequences of using this advice for real world situations or in any way that said advice was not intended.

[ii-thiscat-ii]

Hmmm, DVD style commentary? That sounds cool! And like an interesting read. Hmm perhaps for the You're Trapped In Here With Me fic? And incandescence? And maybe the Alvie Rosewood Affair? If you got em

Sure, I can do this. It’ll be three different posts though, so I hope you don’t mind that.

You’re Locked In Here With Me

(DVD-style commentary is provided for the author’s own amusement and should never be expected as a given. Please do send requests though.)

The title of this is a reference. If I know TAU right, I know for sure someone’s caught it, because it’s obvious and well-known, but no one has said anything yet.

The idea came about because it is hilarious and @fenerismoon is good at making jokes, and I wanted to put them in a fic. Most of the jokes are his. I still take credit for the words.

“I hereby open the case against Tyrone Larch. Mister Larch, you stand accused of twenty-seven charges of first-degree murder and one charge of cult activity and demon worship. How do you plead?” 

Set the stage immediately. We’re not surprised about the first part, but we are surprised by the second.

Again, Dipper is pretending to be human. This time though, it’s not because he wants to try living a normal life. This time he just wants to fuck with people, which is the perfect setup for a crackfic.

Literally any of the nonsense that usually shows up in crackfic can here be explained away by ‘overpowered demon in a mischievous mood’. It gives me a lot of leeway for crack, crack, and more crack.

I’m not too happy about the courtroom scene to be honest. I like some parts of it, but the whole witnesses thing ould have been handled better, and there were ideas I like that I didn’t manage to fit in. Particularly the part where one of the cops tazed him on the way out of the building, and he just kept laughing, so they kept tazing him.

Still annoyed I couldn’t get that in here.

I do like the fact that Dipper killed a bunch of people with a gun just because he wanted to. Actually, I enjoy the image of Dipper going ballistic with a couple handguns and a slasher smile, laughing all the while. That idea existed long before this fic did.

And of course Dipper fights the charge of demon worship while entirely ignoring the murder part. He’s not ashamed of just having murdered a whole bunch of cultists, but he certainly isn’t a cultist himself!

Oh, if only the judge knew…

And then he goes to jail. Mostly because he finds the idea interesting.

The last thing the prison warden expected early next morning was to have David Halver request to see him on the subject of changing his cell.

I don’t know what Dipper did to David. I don’t know what David tried to do to Dipper. All I know is that whatever you imagine is probably funnier.

I am fond of the prison warden, though. He’s just trying to do his job, and then Alcor the Fucking Dreambender decides to make it more difficult for him.

“Eh,” he shrugged, “I’ve a good sense of taste. Let’s see…” He took a bite of the so-called mystery meat and waved his fork around contemplatingly. “Okay, there’s a lot of mink in here, and definitely a bit of frog, though it’s mostly rat, I think. Maybe some seagull. And oh, nice! Someone’s lost a finger in here!” 

I’m annoyed that I used ‘in here’ twice in the same piece of dialogue. This is why you proofread, people!

Anyways, Dipper’s having fun, and the Circle makes an appearance. One of the things I like best about this universe is that it’s so large in both space and time it’s easy to add whatever laws you want. If I want the relatively harmless circlers to end up in the same place as a 27-times murderer, I can do that. If I later want them to be a completely legit religion, I can do that too. In this one, they’re outlawed, which means Dipper has to clear them out of the way before he can make real shit.

I like to think he does care for them, if only because they’re so devoted to the more human parts of him he can’t help but feel responsible for them. In this fic, that means they don’t get shanked and that’s about it.

He did not say much. A few words here, a carefully disguised insult there, a few insinuations and implications, all said to the right people at the right time. It did nothing now, but he could practically smell the ever-present tensions rising, and he left the cafeteria that day with a full stomach and the sense of a job well begun.

I like this. The more subtle applications of omniscience, if you try, could possibly be to know exactly what to say to the right person at the right time to make them stab someone three days down the line. The implications of this are terrifying, but luckily, this is a crackfic, so no one we care about gets hurt.

The second cellmate was a convicted child molester. It did not end well.

I had to. It’s TAU, after all.

The rest of them nodded, and he opened the door again and yep, curtains. There were also floral sheets on the beds instead of the usual white ones, and a cosy chair with a book open on the armrest in a corner. Larch himself stood by the side table under the window, watering a potted plant. He was supposed to have none of those things.

This part was fun. Dipper might be in prison, but that is no reason he shouldn’t be comfortable, right?

The marijuana plant was for the lols though. Most of what he does here is for the lols, but that one most of all. The guards have already started to understand that nothing he does makes any sense, in context of the laws of nature or the laws of man.

The prison riot. Shooting people in the face is fun. Making people stab each other in the face while he sits and eats popcorn is even more fun, he realizes.

He’s not… entirely sane in this fic. He’s not all the way down, but he is at a point where he finds his own amusement more important than other people’s wellbeing. It might actually be that this incident lets him wind down ehough that he can come back to sanity.

They had to pass through three locked doors on their way to his cell. The last door opened to a plain, white room with little more in it than a simple bed. Tyrone Larch was relaxing on that bed, calmly reading a book he was not supposed to have. As the door opened, he looked up at the closest guard. 

“Was there anything you needed?” he asked. 

You can just hear him laughing on the inside. He’s not actually trying to pretend he’s not a demonic trickster god here, he’s just having fun and waiting until they give up.

“Then what is this?” asked the guard, and raised his hand holding the key he had gotten from Larch.

“That’s a banana on a string,” said the warden.

It was.

Case in point. This joke is actually entirely my own and I am very proud of it. Did Dipper intervene and exchange the key for a banana at the last second? Was it a banana all along, and he’d just made it look like a key, or tricked the guards into thinking it was a key? Who knows! Either way is fun.

This is also the point the warden actually gives up and decides to figure out what the fuck is actually going on, after which the fic is more or less over.

All in all, I really like this fic. I think it was just as long as it needed to be, with just the right mood and just the right focus on just the right characters. I can’t promise I’ll ever be able to write crack like this again, but if I get the chance, I’m taking it.

And then he was gone, along with his book and the view from the window. The window stayed, though, now showing some kind of grey void.

And of course the prison gets a memento. Namely, a prison cell they can never use again because it has a portal into the void on a wall.

Sooner or later, someone is going to find out about this, and Dipper is going to have a hell of a lot to explain.

[michaelabct]

Creative Audio A new direction

I’m still pursuing the Lo-fi hip hop genre with the songs I create. However, I want to try dipping into other genres such as trap. I also want to focus more on working with voice samples, remixing and mashups. I also want to do a little symbolism.

All Lofi beats are short simple pieces that have a tempo from around 90 - 120 bpm. So most of the songs I create will be in this range. It's very slow and gives off a sad or calm vibe. All Lo-fi beats also seem to have some sort of white noise or VHS crackle in the background along with an anime gif as visuals to compliment the piece. I will keep all my tracks short and uphold the Lo-fi theme. 

Lo-fi songs that inspire me: 

Alicks - passed, Eisu edit Savior -  Beowulf A light of mine - Kudasai dream of her - Kudasai

your typical lo-fi visuals: 

Remixing and mashups. 

My favourite mashup is: 

https://soundcloud.com/benledger/7-years-latch-lukas-graham-sam-smith

The original songs are Latch by Sam Smith and 7 years old by Lukas Graham. The way the melody from 7 years old supports the vocals from Latch is quite emotional. The build-up and mixing at 2:42 - 3:30 was very impactful for me. It made me see the song Larch in a different way. The original is very upbeat and fun, so to hear it from a different perspective is quite refreshing. I never thought the song could be so emotional and sad. Latch is about being attached to someone whereas 7 years old is about the past, present and future of Lukas Graham. This motivates me to mash up 2 songs that are complete opposites. 

I tried mashing up Cradles by Sub urban and Go fuck yourself by two feet. They both sound similar in a way and I thought it'd be easy to mash them up together. I changed the Pitch for both songs and slowed it. 

My edit: https://soundcloud.com/n0_b0dy_un_imp0rtant/sample-sub-urban-two-feet/s-PpXbr 

I used go fuck yourself in the beginning and cradles for the second half. It was difficult for a beginner like me to mash up songs. The rest of the song sounded damn awful so I cut the entire thing.

Remixing: 

Some of my favourite Lo-fi songs are actually remixed songs from the artist Shiloh Dynasty. As I mentioned before in a previous blog I find his style of singing perfectly for lo-fi beats. 

My favourite remixes of Shiloh Dynasty tracks: 

Imagination by Tsuki ( https://soundcloud.com/t-s-u-k-i/shiloh-wip ) u’re mine by Kina ( https://soundcloud.com/kinabeats/ure-mine-ft-shiloh ) nobody cares by Kina (  https://soundcloud.com/kinabeats/nobody-cares-ft-shiloh ) Tell me why I’m waiting by timmies (https://soundcloud.com/timmiesmusic/tell-me-why-im-waiting-ft) 

I tried remixing a song called brown skin by Shiloh Dynasty ( https://soundcloud.com/shilohdynasty/brown-skin ) It's very short and simple so I figured it would be easy to edit. I was wrong, it was difficult. I did my best to make it sound good but it was a bit difficult to create a loop with the vocals. I tried to remove the acapella using different EQs but it wasn't good enough to use.

I wanted to edit this in the style of Kina, one of my favourite music producers. They’re really good with making lo-fi and trap beats, which is what I'm aiming for now. But sadly I failed.

Voice samples: 

Before working with human voice samples I used the google translate voice. I wanted to replicate heiakim Music. They made songs using the google translate voice and i realy enjoyed it. especially the song called counting ( https://open.spotify.com/track/1fJ5rE3aDhKSUt93KUKghG ) They also made a youtube video of their editing process for “counting” ( https://youtu.be/AiosKUO7oqo ) 

Using this as inspiration I created the song “Ohayo Gozaimasu” ( https://soundcloud.com/n0_b0dy_un_imp0rtant/ohayo-gozaimasu)  with the Japanese translator voice. I made sure to make the vocals stand out and the centre of the song. I used a very simple melody and fewer drums to put more emphasis on the vocals. I felt that keeping it simple who make it more impactful.

DAW for “Ohaiyo Gozaimasu” 

FINAL TRACKS:

I then went looking for vocal samples or random speeches online for free use. I found a website that uses movie quotes. I decided to use vocal samples from the movie Captain America winter soldier and The Lego Movie. I chose these movies because I have some sort of attachment to them.

While editing using these vocals I realized that the voices gave the song a very warm feeling. Whereas using a computerized voice, the song felt cold. Having human voices on a song makes it easier to connect with because of the emotion in their voice. 

The first song I made was with vocals from Captain America. I wanted to create a tribute for the Marvel Character since his story has ended. This is also a tribute to the character black widow as she is no longer in the franchise anymore.  When editing the vocal I wanted to make the audio sound old so it will go with the Vinal crackles in the background. I felt that making it sound like the audio was very old would be a great representation of Captain America as he is from the past. I named this song “Get Out” because that's the main line I use in the song. besides the voice over of captain America saying get out, you can also her “get it” echoing in the background.  song: https://soundcloud.com/n0_b0dy_un_imp0rtant/get-out  DAW:

The visual I used for this is a close up of an animated woman. I wanted this to represent Black widow. Although this song is mainly for Captain America I wanted the cover to represent her because she died in the movie. He didn't. The woman in the image looks like she has passion in her eyes like black widow. So I picked this image.

My final piece I created was with the Lego Movie vocals. It was one of my favourite lines in the movie. I also find that it's a single line that everyone can relate to, “I think I got it but just in case tell me the whole thing again I wasn't listening”. The goal of this song was inspired by the daily struggles of everyday life. That's why I added clapping at the end of the song. It's just to show support to others. You can hear a VHS tape at the beginning and end of the song to represent the day starting and ending.  song:  https://soundcloud.com/n0_b0dy_un_imp0rtant/im-listening DAW: 

The visual I chose for this song represents a ‘journey’. I want to present visually something that says “Just push through the day and keep going” and this image looked perfect.

I feel very satisfied with these last 2 pieces I’ve created. It relaxes me but also makes me bob my head. My aim for these 2 tracks was to create a chill but sad vibe and based on the feedback I received I seemed to have achieved that goal.  My friends listen to my tracks often when studying. I wanted to create something you can listen to in the background while you work and I’ve done exactly that. 

What I mainly used in my edits:  EQ eight, EQ three, personalised drum racks, and a lo-fi sound pack

[moonbelowsea]

Pottermore Wand Test: the Yuri on Ice Main Characters Edition

It just so happens that sometimes my great and nostalgic love for Harry Potter manifests itself yet again in some interesting ways.

 Today, for example, I had the urge to figure out which wands would the Yuri on Ice "main" characters use -- particularly in terms of wand woods, those being the greater variable and also kind of like a horoscope for characters.

 I decided I wanted to try them out at the Pottermore wand quiz before freely assigning them anything, just for fun. Sometimes the Pottermore quizzes are right enough. Sometimes they're really wrong, and there's nothing to do but ignore it.

 Of course, some of the questions don't really have definitive answers. I often play on that uncertainty by looking up the possible results and picking out the more fitting choices.

 I thought I'd share the results I got. Even though Yuuri is giving me a terrible headache.

 SPOILERS for the Pottermore scoring method ahead, in case anyone likes not knowing.

 Pottermore's wand quiz determines the wood by the following three questions: which is one's eye color, which trait out of a given seven one is most proud of, and which path one would choose at a fork in the road. The given seven traits are: determination, imagination, resilience, intelligence, originality, optimism and kindness. The paths available to choose from lead to the sea, a forest or a castle.

  I started with Viktor. His eyes are very much blue, but when I was doing this I seemed to remember a couple of gifs where his eyes were gray. I checked later and it turns out I was wrong, his eyes are always blue (the gifs do exist but were manips), but I'd make a case for using the results for blue/gray anyway since they're oddly fitting. The trait he'd be most proud of in himself would of course be his originality. As for the path he'd pick, after being with Yuuri it'd definitely be the sea! But I'd also like to suggest that he’d pick the castle before that.

 blue + originality + castle = Fir

blue + originality + sea = Elm

blue/gray + originality + castle = Elm

blue/gray + originality + sea = Cherry

 I really like most of those results. Fir is described as a wand for survivors who pass through mortal peril and also for intimidating, focused and strong-minded people, which isn't not Viktor, especially before meeting Yuuri, but I also feel it's not a positive for him either. Elm, however, is an interesting choice, particularly for pre-Yuuri Viktor, since it's described as producing "the fewest accidents, the least foolish errors, and the most elegant charms and spells," and as preferring owners with "presence, magical dexterity and a certain native dignity." How much dignity Viktor really possesses either before or after meeting Yuuri is up for debate, and depends a lot on how you define "dignity," but I feel Elm certainly fits the image of Viktor Nikiforov.

 I do like to think Viktor himself completely gave up on the trappings of image once meeting Yuuri. And Yuuri definitely changed his life (and certainly his priorities) in some very fundamental ways. Thus the wand most suited to him might change.

 Cherry is of course THE Japanese tree and thus very much something that he'd strongly associate with Yuuri. The description says that cherry wands "possess truly lethal power, whatever the core, but if teamed with dragon heartstring, ought never to be teamed with a wizard without exceptional control and strength of mind."

 Thus I immediately decided that Viktor's core, whatever the wood, is dragon heartstring. That core is said to be "somewhat temperamental," to learn more quickly than other types, and to produce the most powerful wands, which then "are capable of the most flamboyant spells." And... yes. This is definitely Viktor.

  I was going to do Yuuri next but he was quite difficult, so I ended up doing Yuri Plisetsky instead. I'm pretty sure Yurio's eyes are blue-green, and he'd prize his own determination. I don't think he'd pick the forest at all -- he'd either pick the sea because of his association of it with Yuuri or notice that, get pissed, and pick the castle... But here are the possible matches anyway.

 blue/green + determination + sea = Pear

blue/green + determination + forest = Cypress

blue/green + determination + castle = Hawthorn

Neither Pear nor Cypress are really a match at all: pear is for the "warm-hearted, the generous and the wise," and cypress is for the "self-sacrificing, unafraid to confront the shadows in their own and other's natures"... both of which are kind of so unsuited for teenage Yurio it's kind of hilarious.

Hawthorn is pretty great for him, though: it's a wand very suited to both healing magic and curses, meant for "those with a conflicted nature, or passing through a period of turmoil." It's also warned that its wizard should be very talented "or the consequences might be dangerous."

 I was rather divided on which core should Yurio get. Dragon heartstring suits him as well as it does Viktor, and it'd be in keeping with the fact that they sometimes end up parallelled, but I wondered if exactly because it's Viktor's core Yurio might not end up with unicorn hair instead, which would be in keeping with their frequent clashes instead. Unicorn hair wands are very loyal and produce less power but more consistent magic.

  And finally we get to the most troublesome character: Yuuri. This boy took me quite the time, mainly because of his ridiculous choice range. Seriously, Yuuri, what is your eye color? Most Japanese people have "dark brown/black" eyes, but as an anime character, Yuuri's eye color is lighter... and occasionally quite impossible. I think sometimes it looks reddish? Should I then put it down as "other"? Or go for a bit more realism and put it down as just "brown"? I imagine Yuuri would be most proud of his resilience... or would it be his determination?  Would he elect to go to the sea ("home") or to the forest (running away from "home")? (I discarded the castle path due to associating it with people, socialization, and maybe sophistication, all of which Yuuri would almost certainly want to avoid.) Then again, as a friend pointed out, it is just like Yuuri to be like this and give me around eleven possible results, none of which are immediately apparent as his perfect match.

 black + determination + sea = Beech

black + determination + forest = Ebony

black + resilience + sea = Larch

black + resilience + forest = Apple

brown + determination + sea = Fir

brown + determination + forest = Yew

brown + resilience + sea = Laurel

brown + resilience + forest = Rowan

other + determination + sea = Red Oak

other + determination + forest = Rowan

other + resilience + sea = Pine

other + resilience + forest = Dogwood

 Out of Yuuri's eleven possible wands, I'd say only two of them do not fit him at all. Out of the remaining nine, there are two I'd be doubtful about assigning him but see no reason to outright reject. The final seven can all be said to work, and not one strikes me as so perfect no other would do.

 Yuuri wouldn't work well with either beech or dogwood. Beech wands are meant for those "wise beyond their years, or rich in understanding and experience," and, much as I adore Yuuri, I think we can all agree those are not characteristics typical of him. Dogwood is "quirky and mischievous" and looks for a master equally as playful, which are also not defining characteristics of Yuuri.

 Two other possible matches that do not appeal to me but neither do I see great objection to them: red oak and rowan. Red oak prefers a match with unusually fast reactions. "Its ideal master is light of touch, quick-witted and adaptable." Rowan, on the other hand, "is most happily placed with the clear-headed and the pure-hearted." Again, neither of those descriptions are particularly characteristic of Yuuri, in my opinion.

 The long list of maybes is apple, ebony, fir, larch, laurel, pine, and yew.

 Apple is described as "best suited to an owner of high aims and ideals," and its owner will often have "great personal charm, being well-loved and long-lived." I do think Yuuri's natural stubbornness could easily lead into high aims and ideals, depending on how he was taught and his experiences, and although he's often asocial and standoffish, he's very well-loved by those who know him and exceedingly charming in his own way. There's also some evidence to support the theories that, although he sees himself as awkward, people around him interpret his behavior as cool.

 Ebony works best for "those with the courage to be themselves; non-conformist, highly individual, comfortable with the status of outsiders; people who will hold fast to their beliefs despite external pressure and will not be lightly swayed from their purpose." Despite Yuuri's constant assertions of being mentally weak, I believe the truth is that he's very courageous and quite stubborn: he not only deviated from two fairly comfortable possible futures  (helping his family at the onsen; following in Minako's footsteps as a danseur) to follow an exceedingly demanding and expensive dream, he even went so far as to leave his home country by himself for the unknown to better his chances of succeeding... and of course, it's all the more difficult for him since he has anxiety. He also seems very comfortable with the status of outsider.

 Fir demands "staying power and strength of purpose, and favours owners of focused, strong-minded, and occasionally intimidating demeanour." Of course, Yuuri's great stamina is a plot point, and as for the intimidating demeanour, see Minami's POV.

 Larch is a particularly interesting wand wood for Yuuri, as it has a reputation for instilling courage and confidence in the user, which would greatly appeal to someone like him. It is however also very tricky to handle, and seeks out masters that, like the wands themselves, have "hidden talents and unexpected effects." The description furthermore says that the person meant for a larch wand "may never realize the full extent of their considerable talents until paired with a larch wand, but will then make an exceptional match." This might actually be one of my favorite wands for him.

 Laurel wands have a reputation for being honourable, but often their matched owners are involved in a quest for glory, during which lethal magic may sometimes be performed. Laurel wands disdain laziness in their owner, but will actually defend themselves from being stolen from a match that treats them properly, via spontaneous lighting stike. As Yuuri is both hard-working and competitive, he would do quite well with a laurel wand.

 Pine "always chooses an independent, individual master who may be perceived as a loner, intriguing and perhaps mysterious." They're also said to "perform best for owners destined for long lives." Yuuri can be very independent, as seen from him cutting himself off from his family and close Japanese friends for years; and the skating community almost certainly thought of him as quite intriguing and mysterious at times.

 Yew is very rare to find in a wand, and their matches are "unusual and occasionally notorious; heroes as often as villains." The yew wand "never chooses either a mediocre or a timid owner." I know some people will say this wand shouldn't fit Yuuri, to which I insist that "reserved and occasionally shy" is very much not the same as "timid."

 Yuuri's wand core, out of the canon three, can't be other than the phoenix feather, which is "capable of the greatest range of magic, though it may take longer to reveal this." Phoenix feather wands are very picky, as phoenixes are "independent and detached." These wands are "the hardest to tame and to personalize, and their allegiance is usually hard won." Thus, an extremely capable and versatile wand core, but difficult to win over and quite the late bloomer. The many parallels with Yuuri himself are quite clear!

  Here are the complete descriptions!

 https://www.pottermore.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/wand-woods

https://www.pottermore.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/wand-cores

[benedictmaxwell]

Whomst is your favorite character of all time? Top 5 goo

Top 5 of all time? Oh gosh okay. Narcissa Malfoy for one, because her devotion to her son was so awe-inspiring to me. Utterly amazing. She was such a minor character in the grand scheme of it, but she was also so PIVOTAL. If she hadn’t lied to Voldemort Harry really would have been dead. Like, can we please appreciate her for a split second?

I hope this isn’t just for literary characters because I’m delving into video games LOL SORRY NOT SORRY. Sora! My boy! My son!! Little ball of sunshine! Refuses to see the bad in things until there is LITERALLY NO OTHER OPTION. Believes in Santa Claus at age 15!! LIKE. CHILD. So good. I’m love him. I want to protect at all cost.

Dr. Wilbur Larch from Cider House Rules. The doctor who performed abortions on those who needed it and also ran an orphanage. Spoiler alert, he died of an ether overdose. Sorta kinda everything I aspire to be/do? Do good for the sake of doing good and die early. Nice.

Those three are like my ALL TIME favs, but I also have some recent favs that you KNOW I have to discuss any chance I get. Let’s go with Kent Parson first.

This motherfucking boy. I could write the longest meta on him but I’m gonna spare you (and my fingers)!!! He’s basically the entire reason I still read this shitbox comic. The fandom fucking BLOWS and the creator thrives on the drama. Over it. But he’s honestly the perfect antagonist in my opinion. He ISN’T EVIL, and that’s what makes him believable. In-universe he’s known as being very humble. Bitty himself says before he realizes they’re ex’s that Kent’s actually a really nice guy! He’s star struck by him!! Kent is a very realistic person and that’s what, I think, makes him so easy for everyone else to hate. They can see in his character believable problems (AND THE BOY HAS MI CAN WE PLEASE SIT THE FUCK DOWN FOR A MOMENT) and they vilify that because we MUST have something to hate. I’m sorry, I’m rambling.

On the subject of believable characters, let’s talk Eerie Crests. Take your pick, honestly. The damn story is about aliens and hallucinations and a boy who May Or May Not be dead, but like somehow Bell still manages to keep it all almost unsettlingly realistic. It’s odd and I don’t know how they do it. I can’t pick a favorite character from it, I’m sorry, but it’s like… the entire comic as a whole. I think it’s a masterpiece and I’m waiting with bated breath to see how it all pans out.

[torestoreamends]

Wand Headcanons

I’ve seen people speculating about Albus and Scorpius’s wands in light of this post, so I thought I’d dust of my own wand headcanons and join in the fun! 

I’ve actually written fics about all of these, apart from Scorpius’s first wand.  If you’re interested here is little Albus getting his first wand. And here is a two part fic about Albus and Scorpius getting their second wands! I’ve never gone into massive detail about the headcanons themselves though. So, without further ado... here they are! 

Albus’s First Wand 

Blackthorn and Phoenix Feather, 10 inches, reasonably pliant

I loved blackthorn as a wand for Albus because it’s a bit unusual and spiky (’the blackthorn bush, which sports wicked thorns...’), and is suited to a warrior. I think Albus is a fighter, and he certainly has a prickly disposition, so it seems to suit his personality. It’s a powerful wand wood, although the interesting thing is that ‘the wands made from this wood appear to need to pass through danger or hardship with their owners to become truly bonded’.

I really like the idea that Albus’s troubles with magic partly come from the fact that he isn’t really bonded with his wand yet. There are lots of reasons for his problems I think, emotional ones in particular, but this would be an interesting contributing factor. But the thing is, the danger and hardship that would help him bond with it is the encounter with Delphi, so the wand is lost before he has chance to figure it out. 

Exacerbating this difficulty further is the Phoenix Feather core. I didn’t deliberately pick that core because it’s the same as Harry’s, but I like that it is, because imagine it only adding to Albus’s feeling of living in his father’s shadow. Anyway, one of the features of Phoenix wands is that their allegiance is hard to win, they’re difficult to tame and personalise, although eventually they’re capable of a great range of magic. I like the idea that Albus’s wand is full of untapped potential, a potential it will never achieve, although its owner hopefully will. 

I went with a shorter wand for Albus because he’s pretty small in terms of height and build, but also because he’s introverted and quiet, and he contains expressions of his true personality to when he’s around Scorpius. 

I deliberately didn’t want him to have a rigid or inflexible wand, because that isn’t his character. He does grow and change, and he shows willingness to adapt his behaviour (he apologises at the end of the library scene, and I’m sure he’d be determined to learn from the mistakes he made with Scorpius there). In the final scene of the play he talks about trying to be a better son for Harry. He can accept his problems and try to change them. However he is also stubborn and snappish, and I think ‘reasonably pliant’ is a way of capturing all that. 

Albus’s Second Wand 

Larch and Dragon Heart String, 10 3/4 inches, rather springy

I picked larch for Albus’s second wand, because the description of it feels warm and powerful, and I think it’s a nice fit for his future growth as a character. Larch wands have a reputation for instilling courage and confidence in their user, and I want Albus to have confidence in his ability more than anything. I love the idea of him having a second wand that will help him believe in himself, and reach his true potential, as opposed to his tricky, obstructive first wand. 

On the subject of potential, ‘it is often the case that the witch or wizard who belongs to the larch wand may never realise the full extent of their considerable talents until paired with it, but that they will then make an exceptional match’. Albus has so much to give that he’s never discovered before. As he repairs his relationship with his dad, grows in confidence, discovers his abilities and passions, and becomes more comfortable in himself and his position in the wizarding world, I think he’ll discover a lot of talents, and will surprise himself. This seems to perfect wand for him to do that with. 

I went with Dragon as a core because it’s powerful, and fast learning. I love the tendency towards the Dark Arts. Albus has a dark, angsty streak. We see him suggest killing Delphi. He struggles with the idea of his Slytherin side. But of course he’s an ultimately good character, and I love to think of him holding something with the potential for darkness in his hand and choosing to use it for good. I think that would be a really empowering thing for his character. I also love that Dragon is prone to accidents and is a little temperamental. As great a wizard as Albus becomes, I like to imagine he’ll always have a little trouble with magic sometimes. 

I thought this wand should be a little longer than the first, because Albus is coming out of his shell by the end of the play. I imagine him expressing himself more, and I think a longer wand goes hand in hand with his growing confidence. Additionally, he has grown as a person, and is prepared to grow further. I think he’s happier, and more outgoing, hence the springy flexibility. 

Scorpius’s First Wand

Willow and Unicorn Hair, 12 1/2 inches, pleasantly swishy

This is another uncommon wand wood (apparently I like using those? It wasn’t super intentional). I chose it partly because of the healing power, because I like to headcanon Scorpius as becoming a healer when he’s older, but there’s a lot more to it than that. 

‘I have noted that the ideal owner for a willow wand often has some (usually unwarranted) insecurity, however well they may try and hide it.’ I think this applies to Scorpius. He has this issue about being brave, and trying to prove his bravery to his dad, which comes up a couple of times, both within the script, and within the background action onstage. And I think there’s a level of insecurity that comes with being branded the ‘son of Voldemort’, and that comes with being a Malfoy, and the judgement which accompanies both of those things. 

Scorpius is unashamedly himself, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care what people think of him, particularly those who are important to him. And he does seem to question himself and make quiet admissions about his insecurities, although he’s excellent at hiding them away. 

Then there’s the reputation of enabling advanced magic. Scorpius is going to be a great wizard. He’s very smart, and powerful, he works hard in school and loves studying. He has a lot of knowledge, and I’m sure that extends into his spellwork. I think a wand that was ambitious, and wanted an accomplished owner would undoubtedly select Scorpius. 

Alongside this is the fact that willow wands select those of great potential, who have a long way to go. Scorpius has great potential. He’s ambitious, and I’m sure he aspires to be a brilliant wizard. This aspect of willow seems to suit him perfectly. 

Again I chose for Scorpius the same core as is in his dad’s wand. Again it was unintentional, but kind of wonderful, because Scorpius, too, is struggling with father-son issues. However, the real reason I picked Unicorn is because it’s just good. They’re the most difficult to turn to the Dark Arts. They’re faithful and consistent, and prone to light magic. And if anyone is pure and good, and has a kind heart, then it’s Scorpius Malfoy. 

I wanted Scorpius to have a longer, more flexible wand, because he’s tall and skinny and has a big, flamboyant personality. He’s nerdy, and unashamed about it, and he’s an all singing all dancing ridiculous geek, no matter the circumstances he’s in. It shines out of him. And of course he listens and learns, and is adaptable. I can’t imagine Astoria Malfoy raising a son who isn’t capable of taking in and carefully considering new points of view.

Scorpius’s Second Wand

Pear and Phoenix Feather, 11 1/2 inches, nice and flexible

This is a bit of an interesting one, because it isn’t entirely Scorpius’s wand. Someone once suggested to me the idea of Scorpius finding Astoria’s wand after his own is snapped, and it choosing him. It was such a beautiful thought that I couldn’t let it go, so this is a wand which I think fits both of them. 

Pear is essentially a good wand wood, as close to one as you can get. ‘I do not know of a single instance where a pear wand has been discovered in the possession of a Dark witch or wizard.’ I think that’s a pretty beautiful thing for a Malfoy, who’s been previously condemned as the ‘son of Voldemort’. I’ve already mentioned that if there’s any completely good-hearted person in Cursed Child then it’s probably Scorpius. 

This is a powerful, brilliant wand wood, and it gives its best ‘in the hands of warm-hearted, the generous and the wise’. Again, if that’s not a summary of both Scorpius and Astoria (as far as we see her in the play), then I’m not sure what is. The odd thing about pear wands is that their owners are usually popular and well-respected, which Scorpius certainly isn’t in 4th year, but there’s time for him to grow, and I certainly think Astoria would have been both popular and well-respected among those who knew her. 

The other lovely quality of pear is its resilience. Scorpius has an ability to be hit hard over and over again and just keep going. He suffers horrible rumours and bullying, his mother dies, his best friend abandons him without explanation, he finds himself lost and alone in a world where Voldemort rules, he’s tortured by Voldemort’s daughter, he and his best friend are trapped in the past... But still he continues to be himself. He keeps fighting and loving and being irrepressibly geeky and happy and full of the most terrible puns. Scorpius is probably the definition of resilience. 

I’d say the Phoenix Feather core is the most Astoria part of this wand. I think left to his own devices Scorpius would always have a unicorn core. But equally, he’s independent, and strong-willed, and capable of extraordinary magic, so I don’t see any reason why he couldn’t be chosen by a Phoenix wand. 

The 11 1/2 inches again speak to his height and build. Undoubtedly Astoria had a slightly more restrained, controlled personality than Scorpius does, I imagine because of her upbringing and social schooling, but this is still a flexible, expressive wand. As Scorpius grows up he probably does become less flaily and more considered in his words and actions. I don’t think it’s a restraint of personality, but a maturity thing. I can imagine him growing up to be relatively dignified and respectable, but still with a lot of sparkle and fun. And of course he would always keep his ability to learn and grow and embrace new ideas. 

*

So there you go. I’ve spent way too many hours of these, but I had fun. The original ones (Scorpius and Albus’s first wands) were developed in collaboration with @anthonyboyles while we sat in a Starbucks on the day of the Cursed Child premiere, so shout out to her for putting up with me chatting about wand woods for like three hours.