#David Petter

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

12/4/2024- Transfer of Power :: Clay Bennett

* * * *

Governing is hard . . . as Trump is about to find out

December 10, 2024

Robert B. Hubbell

I am circling back to events that occurred late last week and over the weekend. Others have discussed these developments fully, especially Donald Trump's first “sit down” interview as president-elect. See, for example, Jay Kuo on Substack, Status Kuo, The Interview. I recommend Jay Kuo’s article for a detailed analysis of Trump's lies during his first formal interview as president-elect.

As Kuo describes in his essay, Trump touched on five major topics:

He vowed to end birthright citizenship under the US Constitution.

He is still exploring “concepts of a plan” to replace the Affordable Care Act;

He acknowledged that his threatened tariffs might contribute to inflation;

He threatened the January 6 Committee members with imprisonment while pledging to pardon January 6 insurrectionists;

He threatened to “send them all back,” referring to ten million immigrants whom he believes are subject to immediate detention and deportation.

Trump's threats outlined above will cause tens of millions of Americans to experience fear and anxiety and will inflict financial and emotional hardship on innocent family members. While that damage must never be minimized, we must also recognize that Trump's threats--collectively and individually—portend a disastrous start to his second term.

If he is stupid enough to follow through on his threats (and he is), they will provide Democrats, Independents, and shell-shocked Republicans with a common platform to resist and obstruct Trump's agenda, and punish his party.

Although NBC published a post-interview fact check and Kristen Welker pushed back against many of Trump’s falsehoods, Welker and NBC gave Trump plenty of airtime to repeat his outrageous lies.

Giving Trump that platform is journalistic malpractice—one that the major networks and cable outlets commit again and again. Readers sent me several dozen copies of David Pepper’s criticisms of the NBC interview: See Pepperspectives (on Substack), Platforming Disinformation - by David Pepper.

David Pepper prescribes the only rational approach to interviewing Trump (an approach not followed by Kristen Welker):

I’ll re-make the simple suggestion I made [when NBC interviewed Trump over a year ago]: Never move on from the FIRST lie until Trump acknowledges it’s a lie. NEVER. Literally….end the interview rather than moving onto the next topic. Why does this matter? Because Trump and other dishonest subjects go into these interviews KNOWING they can get away with endless lying, for two reasons. First, in many cases, most of the lies are not even fact-checked. Second, even if they are fact checked, the liar KNOWS that the interviewer’s goal is to get through a long list of questions. That list of questions, more than truth itself, becomes the goal of the interview.

David Pepper is absolutely correct! Unless journalists are willing to do the real work of holding Trump accountable for his lies, they are providing a platform for those lies.

Back to my thesis: Each of Trump's threats mentioned during the NBC interview will sow the seeds of MAGA’s defeat. For example, Trump wrongly claims that he can “end” birthright citizenship—a right explicitly guaranteed in the 14th Amendment. His proposal has been met with derision and scorn by legal scholars, who have described Trump's theory as a “lunatic fringe argument” and akin to believing in “unicorns.”

But that won’t stop Trump from issuing an unconstitutional executive order that will immediately cloud the status of legal residency, employment, Social Security benefits, healthcare, and unemployment insurance for tens of millions of Americans. Many millions of those American citizens likely voted for Trump in the mistaken belief that his lunacy would be directed at other people.

Trump intentionally ratcheted up the fear factor by saying that his termination of birthright citizenship should not “break up families.” Instead, Trump proposes to deport everyone in the family in which only some members have birthright citizenship.

Deportation based on ��guilt by association” is extraordinarily unlikely to happen, but it did not stop Trump from making the threat during the interview and frightening millions of American families in which some, but not all, of the family members are US citizens by birth.

The same cruelty is embedded in Trump's massive deportation plan, which he has previously acknowledged will sweep in US citizens or legal residents entitled to remain in the US.

Even Trump knows he went too far in his interview bombast. He was forced to acknowledge during the interview that his tariffs “might” contribute to inflation—a statement that is as close as Trump ever comes to an admission that he is wrong.

Moreover, on Monday, a Trump spokesperson went further in attempting to “walk back” one of Trump's statements about jailing members of the January 6 Committee. The unusual move by Trump came after some of Trump's stalwart allies in the legal world blasted Trump for claiming that members of the January 6 Committee should be imprisoned.

Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington School of Law and a frequent defender of Trump during impeachment hearings, said the following on Fox “news”:

The fact, however, is that there is no viable criminal case to be made against the J6 Committee members for their investigation or report. We need to move beyond the rage rhetoric if this country is going to come together to face the tough challenges ahead.

Trump spokesperson Jason Miller tried to dispute the clear implication of Trump's threat against the J6 Committee members by saying that Trump only wants “the law to be applied equally to everyone” and that the decision would be left up to law enforcement officials, including Kash Patel.

Of course, Jason Miller did not acknowledge that Kash Patel (nominee for FBI) has a political enemies list that includes every prominent member of the January 6 Committee.

If Trump follows through with his threat to pursue that January 6 Committee, his effort will crash and burn—even if it makes its way to the compromised and corrupt Roberts’ reactionary majority. The work of the January 6 Committee is absolutely protected by the Speech and Debate Clause of the US Constitution.

Finally, Trump's pledge to pardon the January 6 insurrectionists is a lose-lose proposition for Trump. If he pardons all of them (unlikely) he will pardon dozens of insurrectionists who attacked and inflicted serious injuries on dozens of law enforcement officers. If Trump pardons fewer than all of the insurrectionists, he will be viewed as having broken his promise and betrayed his most violent supporters among the January 6 mob. As I said, lose, lose.

Here's my point: Trump is in the “talking tough, consequence free” portion of his post-election fantasy tour. As soon as he attempts to act on any of his anti-democratic, “lunatic fringe,” family-busting threats, the consequences of his cruelty will dominate the airwaves non-stop. And that will horrify Americans and weaken Trump politically.

I expect that many readers will disagree with my analysis. But the Trump team has already seen this train coming down the tracks, which is why Jason Miller has started to walk-back some of Trump's comments and Trump has himself acknowledged that tariffs will raise prices in the US.

I believe that Trump has overplayed his hand. Yes, he will carry through with some of his threats and will inflict pain on millions of Americans. That tragic state of affairs will be our opening to convince the majority of Americans that Trump and his party of enablers are toxic to democracy.

[Robert B. Hubbell]

[wheel-of-fish]

my favorite creepy deliveries of "you try my patience," ordered to become increasingly more unhinged

[singeratlarge]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PETER NOONE, the great singer/actor/musician and front man for the uber-successful British Invasion pop band, Herman’s Hermits. Their run included 3 feature films, countless TV appearances, tours with The Beatles and The Who, and 60 million records sold, with songs written by Sam Cooke, Ray Davies, Goffin-King, and Graham Gouldman. Originally from Manchester, Peter was 12 years old when he entered showbiz. Davy Jones (also from Manchester) told me that when Peter was a “teen idol” on magazines he still had to take the trash out as he was still living at home with his folks. Beyond the 60s, Peter kept on making records, intersecting with Bruce Johnston (Beach Boys), Tom Petty, Phil Seymour, and David Bowie—who produced and played on Peter’s cover of “Oh You Pretty Things.” I also recommend The Tremblers, Peter’s New Wave rock band from 1979. Meanwhile, Peter is still on the trail with the current Hermits line-up, crooning “Mrs. Brown,” “There’s a Kind of Hush” and his other hits. I crossed paths with Peter on the road many times, and I admire the way he avails himself to his fans. Meanwhile, here’s “Today’s the Day,” a Peter Noone/DavyJones collaboration from 1998. HB PN and thank you for the years of musical joy you’ve given to us.

#peternoone #hermanshermits #thetremblers #raydavies #grahamgouldman #manchester #davyjones #monkees #brucejohnston #beachboys #tompetty #philseymour #davidbowie #prettythings #seanmcguire #phillipthornalley

[bloodmaarked]

➸ reading list

just added:

home fire, kamila shamsie

hits different, tasha ghouri + lizzie huxley-jones

someone who will love you in all your damaged glory, raphael bob-waksberg

how to solve your own murder, kristen perrin

the octopus man, jasper gibson

kim jiyoung, born 1982, cho nam-joo

brotherless night, v.v. ganeshananthan

gold rush, olivia petter

bittersweet, susan cain

beyond the door of no return, david diop

[operafantomet]

Here it is, the most secretive and stubborn Phantom production I know of: That of Kristianstad, Sweden.

It premiered in early 2020, was closed down, set its repremiere for 2021, was closed down, set its repremiere in 2022, was closed down, and finally got its full run in 2023. Produced by Emil Sigfridsson, and directed by David Rix, it had scenography by the producer and director as well as Filip Hällefors, and costumes by Fia Persson. Conductor was veteran Julian Biggs, and Nils-Petter Ankarblom. Revamped deformity and mask was by Thomas Foldberg.

The original cast featured Joel Zerpe as the Phantom and Sara Ollinen (redhead) as Christine. The final run had John Martin Bengtsson as the Phantom, and Hanna Ulvan (blonde) as Christine. Jonathan Böiers was principal Raoul for all cast combos.

Due to the topsy-turvy run I don't think a full photoset was ever shared anywhere. Bits and bobs was used in promo work, some was shared by cast members, some by newspapers, some in the souvenir brochures, but finding good photos of all scenes has been near impossible. Here's a best of, with the majority taken by Amanda Sigfridsson (first auction set one is mine).

[lufykun]

Which carpet i choose for my kitchen floor?

Petter: Hi David, How are you? David : I'm doing well, what about you? Petter: "I'm not doing very well. I'm a little bit confused these days." David :I'm sorry to hear that. Do you mind sharing what's causing your confusion? Petter: Of course, actually I'm planning to innovate my kitchen. The interior work is already completed, but the problem is the floor covering. I don't know which flooring tiles I should use in my kitchen.  David : Hey! I got you. So you're planning to innovate your kitchen, but you're stuck on which flooring tiles to use in your kitchen. I get it. Don't worry. Petter: oh i believe you know the answer! David: yes bro i know, Use woven vinyl floorings as your floor covering in the kitchen. These floorings are great for durability, style, and easy maintenance—even for a high-traffic area like a kitchen. Petter: OH! that great to know, Thanks Buddy this information very use full for me David : hey don't mention that, whatever after the work you just ask me i want to see what type of tiles you are using Petter : ok bro Definity i contact you David : ok bye i have to go Petter: yep nice to talk with you bye

[wastelandmoony]

Déjà Vécu: Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen : It Ain't Easy

Summary: Sirius turns 13.

Characters: Remus Lupin/Reader, Sirius Black/Reader (no use of y/n), James Potter, Petter Pettigrew, Regulus Black, Marlene McKinnon

Warnings: Minors DNI, 18+ only!, angst, anxiety/overwhelming feelings, language, mentions of death and self harm, mentions of abuse, mentions of drinking.

Read on AO3

Companion Playlist

Déjà Vécu Masterlist

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 3rd, 1972

“—Let the children lose it!”

“Let the children use it—“

“—“Let all the children boogie!”

Sirius and James were perched on top of the table in the Gryffindor Common Room, scream-singing along to Starman while the rest of them watched in amusement. 

She leaned towards Remus on the couch beside her, “I’m beginning to regret buying him his own copy of Ziggy Stardust…” 

“You’re not the one that has to live with him—“ Remus deadpanned, watching carefully as Sirius launched himself off of the table, leaping gracefully onto the rug by the fireplace. His 13th birthday fell on a Friday this year, meaning the party in Gryffindor Tower was bound to be an all-night affair. School proverbially kicked her ass the past week, but she knew that Sirius needed all of them to be there tonight, whether he wanted to admit it or not. 

A week prior she had watched as Sirius approached Regulus about coming to his birthday party. They had some free time in-between classes, and took to lounging on the South Lawn in the unseasonably warm afternoon air. Mid-conversation, Sirius visibly checked out, staring off towards the castle. She caught his change in demeanor, following his eyes to find Regulus chatting with two other Slytherin first-years near the open courtyard door. 

She tapped him with her foot, “Go talk to him.” 

Sirius gave her a look, turning his focus back to the textbook in his lap. 

“Siri, he’s your brother—“

“—yeah and he’s made it abundantly clear he doesn’t want to associate with the ‘stain’ on the Black Family name,” the bitterness in his voice was palpable. 

She rolled her eyes; were all purebloods this dramatic?

“You’re gonna have to speak to him sometime, mate, Christmas holiday is coming up,” Remus didn’t even look up from his book. Sirius pretending to ignore him. 

 She tipped the front of his textbook down to get his attention, “Why don’t you invite him to your party? Tell him to bring his friends!”

Sirius glanced back over towards his younger brother, thinking the notion over. 

“What d’you have to lose?” She leaned back on her elbows again, closing her eyes and basking in the warmth of the sun. 

The sound of his book falling onto the grass caused her to look up, watching as he briskly made a beeline over towards Regulus. They were too far away to hear the conversation, but when Sirius turned back around, the expression on his face said everything she needed to know. As he sat back down beside her, she glanced back.

The two first-years were laughing in Sirius’ direction, Regulus standing stone-faced in-between. 

“What’d he say?” Remus asked.

Sirius picked up his discarded textbook, “I’d rather not repeat it.”

———

The morning of his birthday, Sirius received a roaring rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ at breakfast, eventually growing into an entire Gryffindor House serenade. As red as his face was, you could tell he loved the attention. He hadn’t received so much as an owl from his family, something she was already expecting, which led her to bring his birthday gift to breakfast rather than waiting until later that night. Ziggy Stardust had been released that summer, and after listening to the first track she knew Sirius would love it. He tore open the brown paper ravenously, and when he saw the name David Bowie emblazoned on the cover, his blue eyes flashed to hers. 

“I could kiss you right now—“

She made a face at him from across the table, “Please don’t, I’d love to keep my food down.”

Smirking, she went back to her breakfast, while Sirius handed the album to Remus for him to inspect. His excitement was short-lived, because the next time she glanced across the table he was staring longingly at Regulus. 

While she had stacked classes all day, the Gryffindor boys had a free day after morning Transfiguration. Remus let her know later that day that Sirius had apparently been blasting his new record over and over much to the disdain of Lily Evans, who’s record player he had completely commandeered. 

Ziggy was the soundtrack to the night, Sirius becoming more and more erratic as the party went on. Everyone seemed to be having a fun time, but she couldn’t help but worry about him. After a particularly sloppy rendition of It Ain’t Easy, Sirius flopped beside her on the couch by the fireplace, smiling ear to ear as he leaned his head back. She didn’t say a word as she watched his eyes close, humming along to Star.

“Having a good birthday?” She asked, voice low as Sirius lolled his head to the side. 

His eyes were slightly bloodshot as he grinned, “The best.”

She giggled, “What’re you so smiley for?”

“Wanna know a secret?” He whispered, the tiny glimmer of mischief that she knew very well was prominent in his eyes. 

“Uh…sure?” She was apprehensive when it came to one of Sirius’ ‘secrets’. They were usually something that would get them all in huge trouble, like that time last year when he surprised James with a “secret” pick-up game of quidditch for his birthday. It was all just an excuse to fly around in the invisibility cloak and throw dungbombs at the Slytherin team. 

Sirius grabbed her hand and led her up to the boys dormitory, turning around to shush her dramatically as the door creaked open. Making a beeline for his trunk, he began to dig through piles of clothes and other paraphernalia until emerging with a bottle of brownish-red liquid.

“Ta-da!” He presented it to her like a precious relic.

She took the bottle and read the label: Ogden’s Finest Firewhisky.

“Sirius—“ she whispered, “—are you drunk?”

He grinned devilishly at her, “Nicked it from my parents over the summer. Thought I’d start 13 off with a little bit of fun!”

Her eyes didn’t leave the bottle as she shook her head. 

“Wanna try some?” He quickly grabbed it back, taking a swig of the amber liquor as she watched in mild horror.

“Siri—stop!” She ripped it out of his hands, splashing some onto the floor by their feet.

“What’re you doing!” He glared at her angrily, reaching back for the bottle but ultimately failing.

“Me? What’re you doing?!” Her eyes narrowed as he swayed slightly on his feet.

“I’m trying to have a good time—“ he began to match her energy, adopting a similar prickly tone.

“—no you’re not, you’re hiding,” she tried to speak more calmly; upsetting him on his birthday was the last thing she wanted. 

Sirius scoffed at the accusation, “I’m not hiding, I’m right here, you know exactly where I am.”

“No I don’t…none of us do. Physically yes, you’re here, but mentally you’re—somewhere else that I can’t find you.”

“…what’s that supposed to mean?” His eyes narrowed.

She sighed, “I get it—you’re fighting with Reg, but you don’t need to shut us out—“

“—You don’t know shit about what’s going on with my family,“ his voice rose, a jolt of panic striking her body. 

“Because you won’t let any of us in!” She yelled, the frustration that was Sirius Black finally getting to her. 

“Fine! You wanna hear about my brother? About how poor little Reggie sits in the pocket of my mother, obeying her every command while she moulds him into the perfect little Black heir? Or maybe about my father, of how he pretends I don’t even exist anymore; I’m just a ghost, haunting the upper floors of the house when I’m home on holiday.”

Eyes wide, she watched him grow more irate as he went on.

“—and my mother. Oh, yes, you’d love to hear more about her. The proudest pureblood you’ll ever meet. What a shame she raised a filthy little blood-traitor, who spends his time running around with muggleborns and the lower class—“

“Siri, I—“ 

“—You met her, back in Diagon Alley, remember? Lovely woman, a bit too shrill in my opinion,” his voice was humorless as he smiled, walking closer towards her, “D’you wanna know what happens, when the heir to one of the oldest pureblood families in Wizarding history dares to stray?”

She couldn’t move. Every muscle had turned to stone as she watched Sirius rip his shirt over his head.

Scars, thin silver striations ran across his shoulders, some stretching onto his chest. They were small enough to hide, but those that knew what they were would stop in their tracks.

People like her.

The Lacero curse was mentioned in passing last year in her Defense Against the Dark Arts class, when they briefly discussed Unforgivables. Thought not illegal, cutting curses were very much frowned upon, especially when used against a living being. 

She reached out a cautious hand to touch the faint marks on his right collarbone, “Sirius…did she…did she do this to you?”

He looked at her, and all she could see was a blaze of resentment and anger, “Not just me…” he growled. 

Oh god, she thought, Regulus.

“I’m sorry,” she choked, tears beginning to form as she mapped the scars wrapping over his shoulder. As her hand traveled to his back, she pulled him closer and hugged him. For a moment he didn’t move, arms remaining tense at his sides, but after a few seconds she felt him melt. Sirius gripped tightly onto her, barely audible sniffles quickly turning into heaving sobs as he dug the tips of his fingers into her back. She held him for what seemed like hours, gently scratching down his spine while he let out every single pent up emotion that he’d been harboring since god knows when. 

Finally, as the sobs slowed, Sirius pulled away, eyes rimmed red and sniffling slightly.

“We were supposed to do this together,” he whispered, “Me and Reg. We always talked about what it would be like when we were both at Hogwarts, all of the fun things we’d get up to—”

Her heart broke as the devastation hemorrhaged through his voice.

“—when I went home for Christmas last year, he was…different. Then this summer, he wouldn’t even acknowledge me…” his voice broke as it trailed off.

She ran a hand through his messy black hair, “I’m sorry Sirius—for everything. Maybe…maybe Regulus will come around once he’s been at Hogwarts for a little longer? He’ll see what it’s like—“

He shook his head, “No, he won’t. He’s surrounded on all sides by pureblood elitists and you-know-who sympathizers…”

Her blood ran cold, “You know about him?”

His eyes flicked to hers, “Of course, it’s all my parents talk about. They’re always hosting some ‘secret meeting’ in the dining room, or entertaining foreign wizards in the parlor. I never stick around long enough to hear what’s actually happening though.”

James was right, the Black Family was involved with you-know-who. The thought made her sick, even more so when she looked Sirius in the eye. The normal piercing blue was clouded and dark like a storm. He knew what his parents were involved in, the full gravity of the entire thing, and he was just helpless in stopping it. Sirius was nothing like them, the Sorting Hat had seen that immediately, and up until this moment she hadn’t understood it fully.

He sighed, raking a hair through his knotty hair, “How mad d’you think James would be if I just went to bed?”

“If he wants to be mad at anyone, he can be mad at me. I’ll tell him I forced you to,” she smiled softly at his tired face. 

He stumbled towards his bed, shin making contact with the corner of his trunk.

“Need help?” She laughed as he held up two fingers in response, “Goodnight Siri.”

As she walked towards the door, Sirius rolled to face the wall, curling up under the scarlet quilt, “Goodnight Yellowjacket,” he mumbled as she shut the door.

Trotting down the stairs, the party was still in full swing, save a few first years that were now sleeping on the floor near the fireplace. Remus was leaning against the windows talking to Lily, who smiled as she walked up.

Remus’ eyebrows raised as she handed him the bottle of firewhisky. 

“I’m gonna go back to my dorm,” she said as Lily excused herself to join Mary by the reclaimed record player. 

Still staring at the bottle, Remus gave her a one-armed hug. 

“Please take care of Sirius, he’s asleep upstairs. Don’t tell James,” she whispered, and Remus instantly connected the dots, nodding in agreement. On her way out of the common room she quickly kissed James on the cheek, too enthralled by Lily dancing to formulate a verbal goodbye.

[diegoalvesisgod]

Whumptober 2023

It's over. And it cured my writer's block. And it was amazing.

Here's a list of what I created:

blurred - Davide Calabria/Sandro Tonali, "But now this room is spinning while I'm trying just to fill in all the gaps."

sorry - Rasmus Højlund & Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, delirium

alone - Luka Romero & Olivier Giroud, solitary confinement

bruised - Simon Kjær/Alessio Romagnoli, "I see the danger, it's written there in your eyes."

bloody - Ante Rebić/Rade Krunić, aftermath of failure

betrayed - Olivier Giroud/Alexis Saelemaekers, forced to watch

silent - Toni Kroos/Lucas Vázquez, radio silence

saved - Simon Kjær/Kasper Schmeichel, outnumbered

bitten - Matteo Pessina/Salvatore Sirigu, mistaken identity

cold - Alexis Saelemaekers/Paolo Maldini, broken phone

fixed - Lorenzo Pellegrini/Nicolò Zaniolo, captivity

played - Marco Pellegrino/Luka Romero, playing cards

infected - Jens Petter Hauge/Jesper Lindstrøm, infected

sick - Daniele De Rossi & Alessandro Florenzi, "Feed me poison, fill me 'til I drown."

sentenced - Pierre-Emile Højbjerg/Kasper Schmeichel, suppressed suffering

frozen - Paulo Dybala/Nicola Zalewski, shaking

found - Nicolò Barella/Alessandro Bastoni, touch aversion

captured - Patrick Cutrone/Gennaro Gattuso, tortured for information

trapped - Theo Hernandez/Sandro Tonali, "I'll take one final step, all you have to do is make me."

sheltered - Alessandro Florenzi & Daniel Maldini, blanket

sold - Luca Pellegrini/Kevin Trapp, Sergej Milinković-Savić/Luca Pellegrini, restraints

torn - Manuel Locatelli/Matteo Pessina, vehicular accident

saint - Simon Kjær/Viktor Fischer, "It's gonna get me by the end of the night."

taken - Patrick Cutrone & Manuel Locatelli & Davide Calabria, goodbye note

buried - Ciro Immobile/Mattia Zaccagni (past), Ciro Immobile/Luca Pellegrini, buried alive

haunted - Jens Petter Hauge/Filip Kostić, drugging

scarred - Joakim Mæhle/Rasmus Højlund, scars

stabbed - Alessio Romagnoli/Sandro Tonali, "You'll have to go through me."

inked - Matty Cash/Nicolò Zaniolo, scented candle

sheared - Davide Calabria/Matteo Pessina, bridal carry

innocent - Paulo Dybala/Álvaro Morata, reluctant whumper

[burlveneer-music]

My WVUD playlist and stream, 1/22/2024

Acid Twilight - Mystic Sunday Nailah Hunter - Through The Din SQÜRL - Silver Haze Cocteau Twins - Violaine (2024 Remaster) Beverly Glenn-Copeland - Prince Caspian's Dream Melodien - Aulasy Kali Uchis - Te Mata Laetitia Sadier - Panser L’inacceptable United States Of America - The American Metaphysical Circus Dorothy Moskowitz - Metallic Rain Silver Apples & Makoto Kawabata - Future Reminiscence The Lovecraft Sextet - Life Beyond Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer & Shahzad Ismaily - To Remain/To Return D. Rothon - The Wagons Roll at Night Happy Rhodes - If Love Is a Game, I Win Vince Clarke - Passage Moritz von Oswald - Opaco The Crossing & Donald Nally - David Shapiro, Sumptuous Planet (A Secular Mass): XI. Substance. Giant Megalopolis Sinikka Langeland - Row My Ocean Nils Petter Molvær - Simply So Ancient Infinity Orchestra - Equanimity

[motionpicturelover]

Films I've watched in 2023.

(This list will be continously updated. For last year's list, see this post.)

Click on the title to see the post.

1 - 99

January:

🎬 "Duet for One" (1986) - Andrei Konchalovsky

🎬 "The Shout" (1978) - Jerzy Skolimowski

🎬 A Day in the Death of Joe Egg (1972) - Peter Medak

🎬 "Separate Tables" (1983) - John Schlesinger

🎬 "Much Ado About Nothing" (2019) - Kenny Leon (stage dir.)/David Thorn (TV dir.)

🎬 "Høyfeber" (1965) - Jon Lennart Mjøen

🎬 "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" (1966) - Mike Nichols

🎬 "Royal Flash" (1975) - Richard Lester

🎬 "Oliver's Travels" (1995) - Giles Foster

🎬 "Dr. M" (1990) - Claude Chabrol

February:

🎬 "Tim Vine Live" (2004)

🎬 "Rett i lomma" (1998) - Runar Borge

🎬 "Underveis" (1968) - Knut M. Hansson

🎬 "Karl" (1962) - Knut Thomassen

🎬 "The Show Must Go Home" (1984)

🎬 "Twigs" (1978) - Toralv Maurstad

🎬 "Det evige spørsmål" (1962) - Per Bronken

🎬 "Dannede mennesker" (1967) - Kirsten Sørlie

🎬 "Tango" (1967) - Per Bronken

🎬 "Bokhandlaren som slutade bada" (1969) - Jarl Kulle

🎬 "Kom tilbake lille Sheba" (1966) - Jan Bull

🎬 "Geografi og kjærlighet" (1973) - Tore Breda Thoresen

🎬 "Den skallete sangerinnen" (1967) - Arne Thomas Olsen

🎬 "Eyes Wide Shut" (1999) - Stanley Kubrick

🎬 "Liv og død" (1980) - Wam&Vennerød

March:

🎬 "I slik en natt" (1958) - Sigval Maartman-Moe

🎬 "Brødrene Dal og Spektralsteinene" (1982)

🎬 "Ung flukt" (1960) - Edith Carlmar

🎬 "Klokker i måneskinn" (1964) - Kåre Bergstrøm

🎬 "Brent jord" (1969) - Knut Andersen

🎬 "Hjemme hos oss" sesong 1 (1979)

🎬 "Falne engler" (1966) - Magne Bleness

🎬 "Hjemme hos oss" sesong 2 (1980)

🎬 "Peer Gynt" (2006) - Bentein Baardson

🎬 "Lily Savage Live and Outrageous" (1995)

April:

🎬 "Papirfuglen" (1984) - Anja Breien

🎬 "Vellykket liv for 3" (1971) - Kirsten Sørlie

🎬 "Muppet Treasure Island" (1996) - Brian Henson

🎬 "Skulle det dukke opp flere lik er det bare å ringe..." (1970) - Knut Bowhim

🎬 "The Avengers" (2012) - Joss Whedon

🎬 "Jag är nyfiken – en film i gult" (1968) - Vilgot Sjöman

🎬 "Peer Gynt" (2019) - Erik Ulfsby

🎬 "Svarte penger, hvite løgner" (2004) - Jarl Emsell Larsen

🎬 "Kodenavn Hunter" season 1 (2007) - Jarl Emsell Larsen

🎬 "Salmer fra kjøkkenet" (2003) - Bent Hamer

May:

🎬 "Kjærlighetens kjøtere" (1995) - Hans Petter Moland

🎬 "The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert" (1995) - Stephan Elliott

🎬 "Fysikerne" (1988) - Per Bronken

🎬 "Serial Mom" (1994) - John Waters

🎬 "Jeppe på Berget" (1984) - Magne Bleness

🎬 "Looney Tunes: Back in Action" (2003) - Joe Dante

🎬 "It's Love I'm After" (1937) - Archie Mayo

🎬 "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" (1994) - Mel Brooks

🎬 My Cousin Vinny (1992) - Jonathan Lynn

🎬 "Hip Hip Hurra!" (1987) - Kjell Grede

🎬 "Fribillett til Soria Moria" (1984) - Kirsten Sørlie

🎬 "Tolv edsvorne menn" (1981) - Tore Breda Thoresen

🎬 "En annen historie" (1984) - Carl Jørgen Kiønig

June:

🎬 "Herman" (1990) - Erik Gustavson

🎬 "WandaVision" (2021)

🎬 "The Cheap Detective" (1978) - Robert Moore

🎬 "Buddy Buddy" (1981) - Billy Wilder

🎬 "Am I Crazy? My journey to determine if my memories are true (2022 revision)" (2022)

🎬 "Mothers and Molestation: A film about child abuse"

🎬 "Mysteriet Herr Link" (2019) - Chris Butler

🎬 "The Sunshine Boys" (1996) - John Erman

🎬 "Åpen Framtid" (1983) - Svend Wam

July:

🎬 "En passion" (1969) - Ingmar Bergman

🎬 "But I'm a Cheerleader" (1999) - Jamie Babbit

🎬 "Charlies tante" (1995) - Runar Borge

🎬 "Drømmeslottet" (1986) - Wam&Vennerød

🎬 "Adjø solidaritet" (1985) - Wam&Vennerød

🎬 "Small Time Crooks" (2000) - Woody Allen

🎬 "In & Out" (1997) - Frank Oz

🎬 "Mad Max" (1979) - George Miller

🎬 "Presumed Innocent" (1990) - Alan J. Pakula

🎬 "The Addams Family" (1991) - Barry Sonnenfeld

🎬 "Addams Family Values" (1993) - Barry Sonnenfeld

🎬 "Valley of the Dolls" (1967) - Mark Robson

August:

🎬 "Bryllupsfesten" (1989) - Wam&Vennerød

🎬 "Sirkulæret" (1972) - Gerhard Knoop

🎬 "Lille Eyolf" (1983) - Eli Ryg

🎬 "Rosmersholm" (2000) - Terje Mærli

🎬 "Hvem vet –?" (1972) - Sølve Kern

🎬 "Rivalen" (1970) - Hans Dahlin

September:

🎬 Ocean's Eight (2018) - Gary Ross

🎬 "Seks personer søker en forfatter" (1992) - Pål Løkkeberg

🎬 "Over the Garden Wall" (2014)

🎬 "The Country Girl" (1954) - George Seaton

🎬 "Fantastic Mr. Fox" (2009) - Wes Anderson

🎬 "Ofelaš" / "Veiviseren" (1987) - Nils Gaup

🎬 "Salto, salmiakk og kaffe" (2004) - Mona H. Juel

🎬 "Les 12 Travaux d'Astérix" (1976) - Renée Goscinny, Albert Uderzo

🎬 "Av måneskinn gror det ingenting" (1987) - Arild Brinchmann

October:

🎬 "Blind gudinne" (1997) - Carl Jørgen Kiønig

🎬 "Frøken Rosita" (1969) - Per Bronken

🎬 "Tre søstre" (1973) - Sverre Udn��s

🎬 "Alltid noe trist og deprimerende" (1970) - Egil Kolstø

🎬 "Svigerdottera" (1975) - Terje Mærli

[galleriesmagazine]

#NewArtShow 11-01-23 - Sladers Yard - David Inshaw - Welsh Valley SLADERS YARD West Bay, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EL David Inshaw: Moments of Vision. Until Jan 28. Recent paintings with drawings and prints. Petter Southall: Furniture and steam-bent wooden sculpture. Contemporary Art, Furniture and Craft Gallery. Wed-Sat 10-4.30 t 01308 459511 e-m gallery@sladersyard.co.uk  sladersyard  @SladersYard  SladersYard web www.sladersyard.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/p/CnfJXLerN5f/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[f1]

Mick Schumacher reaches emotional Race of Champions final as DTM star Mattias Ekstrom triumphs

Double DTM and FIA World Rallycross Champion Mattias Ekstrom won the Race of Champions for a record-equalling fourth time at Sweden’s Pite Havsbad over the weekend, defeating former Haas F1 racer Mick Schumacher in the Grand Final. Ekstrom out-scored Schumacher – now acting as reserve driver for the Mercedes F1 team – by two heats to nil in Sunday’s showdown on the snow and ice of the frozen Baltic Sea, despite encountering a scare when he had to put out a cockpit fire. READ MORE: Lucas Blakeley beats rival Jarno Opmeer to be crowned eROC Champion 2023 It marked an emotional victory for Ekstrom, who previously won two of his three titles against Mick’s father, seven-time F1 champion Michael, and means he now equals the ROC record also held by French rally legends Didier Auriol and Sebastien Loeb. Earlier in the knockout stages (which separated racing drivers and those with rallying experience) Ekstrom came out on top against extreme sports legend Travis Pastrana, five-time World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson and World Rally star Thierry Neuville in a mixture of identical off-road cars. Schumacher, meanwhile, booked his place in the final after winning a head-to-head with the recently-retired Sebastian Vettel – F1 also represented at the star-studded event through Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard and Valtteri Bottas. Hakkinen and current Alfa Romeo driver Bottas both lost in the Round of 16 stage, while Hakkinen’s former McLaren team mate, Coulthard, dropped out in the Round 1 play-offs. READ MORE: Vettel hints he might try his hand at rallying as he considers his post-F1 plans Before the individual competition, father-and-son duo Petter and Oliver Solberg won Saturday’s ROC Nations Cup for Team Norway, getting the better of a Team All Stars line-up featuring Aston Martin F1 development driver Felipe Drugovich and the aforementioned Neuville. The Nations Cup featured a strong run from Team eRoc, represented by 2022 F1 Esports Series Champion Lucas Blakely and Jarno Opmeer, with the former running Vettel close again (see below) – after the pair scrapped at the 2022 event. “It’s very special to have four wins and even more special to do it in Sweden. I won my first final at the Stade de France in Paris against Sebastien Loeb, then I had two finals with Michael Schumacher in London and Beijing, so to see Mick in the final today was very emotional for me,” said Ekstrom after taking victory. “This is even more special than winning; Michael’s always been one of the guys I admire most in the sport, for his dedication, hard work and talent. I only got to know Michael at the Race Of Champions. We had many battles and I have only great memories with Michael from this event. READ MORE: ‘He deserves a chance’ – Wolff says Mercedes role can help Schumacher get back into an F1 race seat “Michael was always humble with me and I can see Mick is also very humble. Mick is such a huge talent and his time is ahead of him, so I look forward to more battles in the future. I know it won’t take long until I get beaten, but against Mick I would have no problem with finishing second.” via Formula 1 News https://www.formula1.com

[tomorrowedblog]

Friday Releases for November 1

Friday is the busiest day of the week for new releases, so we've decided to collect them all in one place. Friday Releases for November 1 include Juror #2, Here, A Real Pain, and more.

Juror #2

Juror #2, the new movie from Clint Eastwood, is out today.

“Juror #2” follows family man Justin Kemp (Hoult) who, while serving as a juror in a high profile murder trial, finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma…one he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict—or free—the accused killer.

Here

Here, the new movie from Robert Zemeckis, is out today.

From the reunited director, writer, and stars of Forrest Gump, Here is an original film about multiple families and a special place they inhabit. The story travels through generations, capturing the human experience in its purest form. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, screenplay by Eric Roth & Zemeckis and told much in the style of the acclaimed graphic novel by Richard McGuire on which it is based, Tom Hanks and Robin Wright star in a tale of love, loss, laughter and life, all of which happen right Here.

A Real Pain

A Real Pain, the new movie from Jesse Eisenberg, is out today.

Mismatched cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother. The adventure takes a turn when the odd-couple’s old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.

Absolution

Absolution, the new movie from Hans Petter Moland, is out today.

An aging gangster attempts to reconnect with his children and rectify the mistakes in his past, but the criminal underworld won’t loosen their grip willingly.

Aftermath

Aftermath, the new movie from Patrick Lussier, is out today.

Trapped on Boston’s Tobin Bridge after a bomb explodes, a former Army Ranger must use his elite training to save his sister and fellow hostages from a group of vengeful ex-military contractors led by an unhinged war criminal.

Blitz

Blitz, the new movie from Steve McQueen, is out today.

Sir Steve McQueen’s “Blitz” follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.

The Gutter

The Gutter, the new movie from Isaiah Lester and Yassir Lester, is out today.

Walt (Shameik Moore) is an unemployed underachiever who discovers a newfound talent for bowling. Encouraged by a barfly named Skunk (D’Arcy Carden), he launches a pro career to save the local bowling alley from foreclosure. With his powerful rolling skills and unconventional style, Walt becomes an unlikely bowling hero – much to the chagrin of legendary champion Linda “The Crusher” Curson (Susan Sarandon).

The Carpenter

The Carpenter, the new movie from Garrett Batty, is out today.

Nazareth, 29AD. A rage-filled fighter becomes an apprentice to a mysterious Carpenter, compelling him to pursue his greatest potential.

The Eye Of The Salamander

The Eye Of The Salamander, the new movie from Pavel Nikolajev, is out today.

A nutty archaeology professor pokes his nose into the wrong Aztec artifact.

Farmagia

Farmagia, the new game from Marvelous and XSEED Games, is out today.

Command an army of monsters in this all-new action game featuring character designs by famed manga artist Hiro Mashima. Take a stand to free the people of Felicidad as a Farmagia named Ten when monster farming, adventure, and hectic battles come together in an epic tale of rebellion and friendship.

Still Praying

Still Praying, the new album from Westside Gunn and DJ Drama, is out today.

You Only Die 1nce

You Only Die 1nce, the new album from Freddie Gibbs, is out today.

[mirandamckenni1]

This Disease is Deadlier Than The Plague All Links, sources & further reading: https://ift.tt/BuYh8Cb This video was made possible through a grant by Gates Ventures. The white death has haunted humanity like no other disease following us for thousands, maybe millions of years. In the last 200 years it killed a billion people – way more than all wars and natural disasters combined. Even today it’s the infectious disease with the highest kill count. But what is this horrible disease? OUR CHANNELS ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ German: https://ift.tt/sizW9f4 Spanish: https://ift.tt/aB4cOzV French: https://ift.tt/KhzlgFR Portuguese: https://ift.tt/clCHd97 Arabic: https://ift.tt/IYMAiCE Hindi: https://ift.tt/yBLifRF Japanese: https://ift.tt/v0JRsLD Korean: https://ift.tt/jJ4tcCg HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT US? ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ This is how we make our living and it would be a pleasure if you support us! Get Products designed with ❤️ https://shop.kgs.link Join the Patreon Bird Army 🐧 https://ift.tt/9Xcw8YH DISCUSSIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ TikTok: https://kgs.link/tiktok Reddit: https://kgs.link/reddit Instagram: https://ift.tt/L3ErzJi Twitter: https://ift.tt/rzJAcHo Facebook: https://ift.tt/7xMtOQy Discord: https://ift.tt/eFNUoX4 Newsletter: https://ift.tt/rI8ACjL OUR VOICE ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ The Kurzgesagt voice is from Steve Taylor: https://ift.tt/JfOevV4 OUR MUSIC ♬♪ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ 700+ minutes of Kurzgesagt Soundtracks by Epic Mountain: Spotify: https://ift.tt/new6PyJ Soundcloud: https://ift.tt/RS3tKZU Bandcamp: https://ift.tt/f7Y1Tgo Youtube: https://ift.tt/xvAdFpP Facebook: https://ift.tt/BLEoxOA The Soundtrack of this video: SoundCloud: https://bit.ly/3xHijno Bandcamp: https://bit.ly/4eDFhMO If you want to help us caption this video, please send subtitles to subtitle@kurzgesagt.org You can find info on what subtitle files work on YouTube here: https://ift.tt/gfOZabS Thank you! 🐦🐧🐤 PATREON BIRD ARMY 🐤🐧🐦 ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ Many Thanks to our wonderful Patreons (from http://kgs.link/patreon) who support us every month and made this video possible: Rick Mildebrath, Uriel Perez Villegas, Nate Pitts, Earth2.0!, Maik Seifert, Richie C, Angela Hartmann, Matthew Deane, Orobas, Crazy Nilo, Z00, Jay Morrow, Nightmare Punches, Sputnik, Aziz A, Justin Silagyi, William porter, Mishell Steel, Michelle Cruz, Mystari Alyssa Endris, UglyBagOfMostlyWater, Nico Holzer, Oekida, Max Castonguay, damir randic, King Pin, Max Santmire, Bishop, schoenbrunn, isaiah watson, Ismael TR, Takuneru, Malek Sabra, H, Jorge Limon-Ramirez, Robbie de la haye, Kasper Bengtson, Dmitry Dimov, Joseph Mixon, Kristian Vizcarra, Pilier51, Logan J McMillan, Maximilian Gruber, Tobias Arlt, Itamar, Gretchen Bonasera, Marco Sawaya, Sinmis077, Tung Vu, Tanya, LukeOnTheBrightSide, Giovanni Rizzo, Dylan Gonzalez, Benjamin Guan-Kennedy, Dan, Sam Hecht, Petter Sælen, Emile Ponson, Dan Sauer, Volo Herzon, The_Party_Octopus, Felix Parey, Dillon Hearne, Peirce Ellis, EstefaníaDelSol, Mick_Holtel, Viz, David Grivel, Christine Gunter, Craig Brennan, Nicolas, BerniNotFound, Nico Cronan, Will Garmon, KatzeLP xx, Tom Bricaud, Zakariaâ Rida, Jessie-Naomi Horsman, Arthur H. Sakamoto, Damien Burley, blarglenarf, William Sharkey, skibur, Blaze Lumini, Generic panda, Ethan Salafsky, Charles Vane, The Scoot, Rachel Alexander, David DeBroux, Carly via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFLb5h2O2Ww

[lesterplatt]

Fackförbundet ST / "Raising the roof" / FLX from Petter Bülling on Vimeo.

Director: Erik Westerström Producer: Sofia Ferguson Executive producers: Eleanor Andersson & Therese Petersson
Casting: Klara Magneteg Production coordinator: Per Sjöberg D.O.P: Petter Bülling Focus Puller: Alexandra Magnusson Gaffer: David Lebna Gaffer assistant: Michael Korsgren Sound: Annika Thedvall Set design: Rasmus Alexander Set design assistant: Eric Stodart Set design assistant: Robin Nordsten D.I.T: Albin Karlén Make-up & costume design: Anna Göransson Production assistant: Nico Cardassi
Craft: Emil Bibezic Talent: Janna Yngwe, Avedis Ohanian, Luna Zejia Bts: Sascha Beetz

Edit, Grade: Albin Karlén Post: Gabous Production

Sound Design: Hugo Lundgren

Shot on Arri Alexa Mini LF - OG / Paired with Leica R Sumilux

[wastelandmoony]

Déjà Vécu: Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen : Coward

Summary: Remus finds a way to communicate. James finds a way to help a friend.

Characters: Remus Lupin/Reader, Sirius Black/Reader (no use of y/n), James Potter, Petter Pettigrew, Regulus Black, Marlene McKinnon, Mary MacDonald

Warnings: Minors DNI, 18+ only!, angst, anxiety/overwhelming feelings, language, mentions of death and self harm, mentions of abuse, mentions of drinking.

Read on AO3

Companion Playlist

Déjà Vécu Masterlist

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 22nd, 1972

As the days grew closer to Winter Break, the more withdrawn Sirius became. None of them dared touch the subject of his family, though they all knew the unspoken truth of everything. Leading up to day of their departure, they all made it a point to cheer Sirius up at any cost; whether that meant James taking him out for quidditch practice more often, or her and Remus skipping their scheduled library time in lieu of listening to records in the Gryffindor Common Room. Peter found it harder than the rest, trying his best to help distract his friend. The two were like oil and water sometimes, Sirius frequently becoming annoyed with Pete over trivial things such as chess moves, quidditch rules, and (most ardently) opinions on David Bowie (Pete seemed to think he was ‘too flashy’, preferring the likes of Bob Dylan when it came to muggle music). One person that didn’t have a difficult time distracting Sirius seemed to be Mary, of whom he was beginning to spend more and more time with. Mary was sweet, funny, and absolutely gorgeous, so it only made sense that she would set her sights on one of the fittest boys in their year. She began to sit with them during meals, sandwiched between Sirius and her best friend Marlene. When the topic of quidditch came up (which it always did), Mary would sigh and set her golden-brown eyes across the table to her and Remus. The three of them talked about muggle music, books, and movies. Mary was muggle-born as well, and she immediately felt a kinship; it also helped that Mary was extremely opinionated and not afraid to vocalize it, putting Sirius in his place a few times before winter break started. She liked Mary a lot, so why was there a dull ache in her chest whenever Sirius smiled at her?

Going home for Christmas was harder than before, and she could only assume it would get worse as the years spent at Hogwarts went on. It’s not that she didn’t miss her parents, but the muggle world didn’t fascinate her anymore; there was no wonder, or mystery, or…spark. She wanted nothing more than to stay in Scotland, surrounded by the tall castle walls, vibrating with magic stretching back hundreds of years. Jealousy peaked its head in when she thought of her friends getting to go home to magical households, only to be quickly shut away as she remembered the scars Sirius had shown her on his birthday. She thought of Remus’ parents, and the cage they kept him in both metaphorically and physically. At least her parents were supportive, at least they loved her.

As they arrived at King’s Cross, she bid her friends goodbye, lingering back with Remus as he scanned the platform for his parents. She waved at the sight of her dad peaking over a family of young wizards towards the back of the crowd.

“Oh! before you go, I have something for you,” he said, a hint of excitement in his voice as he bent down to rummage through his bag.

“Remus,” her tone was one of faux disappointment, “you really shouldn’t have gotten me anything, I don’t need—“

He thrust a small book into her hands, smiling shyly at her. 

She ran her fingers over the smooth leather cover, flipping it open to reveal its heavyweight cream colored pages. 

“A sketchbook,” she breathed, “Oh Remus, it’s wonderful! Thank you!”

“It’s not just any sketchbook, watch,” he said, pulling out his wand. He tapped a page twice, and the inked words started to appear.

If you ever need me, I’m always within reach. - RL

She looked up at him, mouth hanging open in shock.

“Just write something, and tap twice with your wand,” he held up an identical book, “I’ll get it on my end.”

Her eyes started to fill with tears and she pulled him into a bone-crushing hug, “This is amazing, this is the best gift anyone has ever given me,” she whispered, face buried into the side of his neck.

“It’s just a modified Aparecium charm and—“

“—shut up. It’s perfect,” she cut him off, refusing to allow him to undermine his own genius.

They lingered in the embrace, until Remus caught sight of his parents on the platform. 

“I’ve gotta go—“ he whispered, and she didn’t need to look up to know they were watching. Swallowing the sinking feeling in her stomach, she pushed the need to ask what Remus was so afraid of into the back of her mind. Releasing him, she glanced down at the sketchbook and smiled, “You don’t have an excuse to not write me this time, Remus Lupin.”

———

For the first time in two years, Remus wrote her almost every day. The sketchbook was practically glued to her person, scribbling down responses frantically and giggling softly to hide the correspondence. The constant contact made the Hogwarts-sized hole in her heart a little smaller. 

Maybe she was delusional, or just going mad, but it almost seemed like Remus was opening up more through their new mode of communication. Never one for heartfelt talks, or expressing his emotions openly in general, Remus tended to keep a lot hidden, something she had (for the most part) grown used to. The sketchbook had created a proverbial security blanket, allowing him to feel comfortable enough to begin to share bits and pieces of insight into his mysterious home-life. His mom was sick, something he confided in her on Christmas Day. The doctors weren’t sure what it was, but she had good days and bad.

Christmas was bad. Remus didn’t respond until the following afternoon. 

He said that another doctor came to the house and gave her some medicine to help her sleep, and his dad had left shortly afterwards in a state of anger, something Remus was relieved about. When pressed further, Remus wrote back about how his mother (who she now knew as Hope) was refusing magical intervention, and would only allow muggle doctors into the house. Ever since his accident when he was little, Remus said she had become wary of magic. 

The admission brought her closer to him, hoping that maybe now they would be able to communicate more effectively in the future and avoid any silent standoffs like before. 

In addition to Remus, she also wrote letters to the other three. She only ever heard back from two. 

———

The steam from the engine was making her eyes water as she hung out of the compartment window. Remus, James, and Peter sat behind her, talking amongst themselves as she searched the emptying platform for the final member of the party. A glimpse of black hair caught her peripheral, snapping her head to see Regulus stepping onto the train. Off to the side, was Walburga, arms crossed and lips in her trademark scowl as she watched her youngest son board the Hogwarts Express. 

Sirius was nowhere to be seen.

She quickly pushed back through the window, stepping over Remus’ long legs to scamper out into the corridor.

“Oi!” James called, leaping up to peer out after her.

She pushed through the students lingering outside of the other corridors, looking for the younger Black brother. She didn’t get far before he emerged from the other car, shouldering past her without so much as a glance.

“Reg!” She called, spinning quickly towards him, “Where’s Sirius?” 

Regulus turned around slowly, his grey eyes dissecting her, “He’ll be late.”

What the fuck did that mean? The train left in 2 minutes. 

He turned back around, head cocking over his shoulder as he started walking away, “…and don’t ever presume to speak to me again, mudblood.” 

She felt the blood leave her face. If she wasn’t so concerned for Sirius, she might’ve said something, but instead headed back towards her compartment, pale and anxious. 

———

The train ride to Hogwarts was weird. James didn’t know what to do with himself without his best friend to conspire with. Remus was quietly reading for the majority of the ride, only pausing to speak with the others about new developments in the war when James brought it up. 

That’s what they were calling it now: a war.

James told them about the secret meetings being held at his house over the break, the coming and going of powerful wizards including Dumbledore himself. Voldemort was gaining power, apparently amassing more and more followers by the day. Beside her on the bench, Peter shuddered.

“Alright?” She nudged him gently.

He offered a sheepish smile, “Yeah, sorry. Things have been…difficult at home. Mum’s getting called out at all hours of the night, Dad comes home from work so exhausted every day that he’s like a walking corpse. It’s just…scary to hear about everything…”

She passed him her last chocolate frog, a small gesture that she knew couldn’t make up for the fear and anxiety, but it was all she could offer at the moment. 

The carriage ride to the castle consisted of James and Peter’s frantic quidditch analysis, with her and Remus both staring out the rainy window in silence. Once inside the Great Hall, they diverged, forced to separate to their respective house tables. She craned her neck from the opposite side of the hall, trying to see her friends from two tables over. Remus caught her eye, staring back sadly as she noticed the empty seat beside James. 

———

Mollitiam, Remus wrote the Gryffindor password into the sketchbook later that night. She had it open next to her pillow, waiting to hear any word about Sirius. It was the first thing Remus sent after getting back to the common room, he’s not here. Curtains drawn tight, silencing charm cast, she buried into the quilt and cried as the images of his scarred body flashed through her mind. 

That night, she dreamt of Regulus. His silver eyes boring holes into her skull as he hurled curse after curse towards her. Bracing for pain, she felt nothing but the heat of the passing blasts. Looking up, Reg was smirking. From behind, she heard whimpering. 

Slowly, she turned, only to find Sirius laying on the cold stone, surrounded in a pool of his own blood. 

She woke up yelling a name, but unable to remembers who’s. Great heaving breaths tried to calm the still-firing nerves buzzing throughout her body. She looked around her bed, taking note of the small crack of sunlight coming through the part in the curtains; it must be just past dawn. The sketchbook brought back the memories of last night, and she quickly picked it up to read the small message scrawled in the top corner: He’s here. 

She’d never run that fast in her life. Lungs burning, and legs shaking, she yelled the password to the Fat Lady and clambered through the portrait hole to find James, Remus, and Peter in the common room by the fire. 

“Where is he?” She exhaled.

Remus stood up, placing his book down on the table, “Sleeping. He didn’t get in ’til before dawn.”

She looked up at the staircase that led to the boy’s dormitory, “How is he? Did any of you speak to him?”

By the fireplace, James looked solemn. Remus glanced over at him briefly, “He’s—he’s alright. Didn’t seem to want to talk much…” 

There was something else that happened, she could tell by his tone. She was willing to bet Sirius had another outburst at one of their misfortunes. 

She sighed, turning and beginning to jog up the stairs before Remus grabbed her wrist, spinning her to face him.

“Where’re you going? I said he doesn’t want to talk to anyone,” His face was full of concern and exhaustion. 

“I know, and I don’t care,” she smiled sweetly at her friend, pulling her wrist free to continue upstairs. Remus didn’t try and stop her again. 

The door to the dormitory creaked open as she crept inside. Sirius’ bed was the only one with the curtains drawn, and she quietly made her way over, pausing at his bedside table.

“Sirius?” She whispered to the velvet.

“Go away…” a muffled voice came from inside.

“Please, let me in. We don’t have to talk if you don’t want to.” She stood there and stared at the little gold stars on the curtains, listening as soft grumbling came from just beyond the fabric. 

The curtains parted slightly, a silent invitation for her to climb inside his refuge. She sat at the end of the bed, staring at Sirius in the dark. Even in the almost non-existent light, she could see the distinct blue shining back at her. 

“I was worried about you,” she whispered as he crossed his arms like a petulant child. 

“I’m fine,” he grunted. 

She cast him a glare, hoping he could sense her annoyance at his tone through the dark. 

“You know I don’t believe that for a moment, Sirius.”

He shrunk down to lay back against the headboard, “Oh yeah? Why’s that?”

“I spoke to Reg.”

Sirius shot back up, eyes hard as he stared back. They were silent for a minute, until he finally spoke up, voice quieter but still lined with a soft anger, “…and what did that little monster say?”

“When you didn’t show up to the platform I asked him where you were. He said you’d ‘be late’—“ She purposefully omitted the statement that followed, she hadn’t even told the other boys about what Regulus had called her on the train. As much as Sirius talked about hating his family, she knew that didn’t include Reggie, even though he’d never admit it. She’d seen the pain behind his eyes too many times as his little brother ignored him in the corridors.

Sirius let out a dark laugh, “Well? He wasn’t wrong, was he?”

“…the implication was there, Siri. What happened?”

She stared back at him, straightening her spine and refusing to let him deflect. He met her eyes, and she watched them glaze over after a moment. 

“I didn’t think I’d be coming back,” he whispered, voice soft and sprinkled with the leftover remnants of fear, “She intercepted one of James’ letters at the beginning of break, and my owl privileges were taken away, something about preventing me from speaking with ‘blood traitors’ or whatever,” he scoffed, looking down at his hands which were twisting the scarlet sheets tightly, “A few days later, she caught one of yours.”

Her throat constricted as her blood ran cold.

“She doesn’t know your name, only your face from that one run-in in Diagon Alley. When she asked who you were, I lied, said your last name was Addams and you were helping me with a Potions assignment. Reggie—my darling brother—told her the truth. He’s always so eager to please our dear Mummy. She said yours wasn’t a last name she knew, which is just code for ‘nothing worthy of recognition’. I guess she looked up your records, because the next thing I knew, I was being dragged to my father’s study.”

The slimy tendrils of guilt crept their way up her esophagus, clogging her airway as she struggled to take shallow breaths. Sirius didn’t look at her, just continued to stare at his fidgeting hands, hair a dark curtain over his pale face.

“Dad said he was disappointed in me, which is nothing new,” he let out a humorless laugh, “but then he started going on about muggleborns, and how they’re dangerous, how ‘a son of the Noble House of Black shouldn’t be associating with such filth’.”

His tone changed, voice growing smaller, meeker, and she watched as he curled into himself.

“Then my mom came in, she always does his dirty work…” 

His fingers absent-mindedly twitched towards the hem of his shirt, and she wanted to scream. 

Crawling carefully towards him, she unwrapped his hand from the sheets and squeezed it. He leaned back against the headboard again, and she filled in the space beside him. 

“…she said they were looking into ‘other educational institutions’ for me, ones that didn’t ‘pander to muggle sympathizer agendas’. They said if I didn’t shape up and start…honoring the family name, that I’d be sent away. They forbade me from taking the train in, didn’t say a word about if I was even allowed back, not until this morning…” In the absence of sheets, he played with her fingers, voice quiet and tired. 

She didn’t know what to say. I mean…she did. She wanted to tell him that his family was batshit insane, that they were horrible bigots who lived in a delusional world full of hatred and false notions of purity. But at the end of the day—Sirius already knew all of that. What would it help?

So instead of speaking, she laid with him in silence while he ran a finger over her palm, tracing imaginary patterns along the lifelines. She watched as his eyelids became heavy and his breathing evened out before speaking again.

“Siri?” 

He hummed, not able to open his eyes fully.

“I’m going to go to class, okay?”

Sirius gripped her hand, a desperate movement that brought tears to her eyes.

“…stay. Please…” he whispered.

The strain of his voice had her body going numb; the loud, obnoxious, overly confident boy she knew was long gone at that moment. It was devastating. 

“Of course,” She nodded, laying back down as his body visibly relaxed; within seconds, he was asleep.

She brushed his hair out of his face, watching how his eyes fluttered in his sleep, “…you’re safe now, Siri.”

———

June 11th, 1973

As the castle grounds thawed, so did Sirius’ attitude towards his parents threats. He leaned further into pranks, doubling down on his assault of the entirety of the Slytherin House, including his brother. The only thing stronger than his desire to disappoint his parents even further, was her and Remus’ determination to have them all pass their end of year exams. Peter was so tightly wound that he could barely function, consistently forgetting everything and mumbling to himself throughout the day. She tried her best to tutor him in anything he asked, holing up in the library for hours at a time and quizzing him on everything from Astronomy to Potions. With only a few more cram sessions until exams, Peter was practically tearing his hair out as they went over the properties of Fluxweed for the umpteenth time.

“—all you have to do is remember at least five uses!” She gave him an encouraging smile, trying to calm down the currently red-faced boy sitting across from her.

“I can barely name three! There’s no way I’m going to pass Herbology,“ Pete groaned, burying his head into his folded arms on the table, “Mum’s gonna kill me.”

She sighed, “Okay, what if we take a break and switch to—“

A crumped ball of paper struck the side of her head. Reaching down to pick it up off the floor, she unfolded what was clearly a page from the Daily Prophet:

MUGGLE FAMILY ATTACKED IN CROYDON!

James had kept them all informed about any news regarding the war; his parents wrote him daily and provided any updates they could. Attacks on muggles and muggleborns had become too frequent, and she tried her best to not show the effect it was having on her psyche. According to James, the ministry wasn’t naming suspects, but the general consensus was that Voldemort supporters (now coined as Death Eaters apparently) were behind it. Mr. Potter told his son that they were ‘monitoring’ a few individuals, but refused to give up any surnames, much to James’ dismay. 

“Psst!” 

She glanced over her shoulder to see a table of Slytherin’s directly behind them, smirking over torn pages of newspaper. 

The dark haired boy nearest her leaned forward, “Isn’t your family from London too, mudblood?” 

The table erupted into laughter. She tensed at the thought of her parents, gripping her quill so hard it was in danger of snapping. Across from her, Pete was staring daggers at them, mouth set in a hard line.

“Maybe they’ll be next Barty!” Mulciber clapped his friend on the back, shooting her a wink.

Beside him, a dirty-blonde boy crumpled up another piece of paper and levitated it with his wand, shooting it over towards her head again. Pete flicked it away quickly before it could invade their space. The Slytherin boy tore another page off the newspaper, balling it up in annoyance and launching it faster this time. Pete waved it away effortlessly with his wand. Before she could even register it, the boy stood up with an ink pot in his fist, throwing it with gusto across the aisle. 

Pete leapt up with his wand trained on the glass jar, “Immobulus!”

The ink pot froze in mid-air just inches from her head, Peter grabbed it, setting it down safely onto the table. She exhaled the breath she had been holding, as Peter pointed his wand directly at the other boy.

“Expelliarmus!” He called, the Slytherin’s wand launching out of his fist and across the aisle. Pete snatched it, giving the other boy a brief glare as he turned and threw it across the library. 

Mulciber rose from the table, “You stupid, fuckin—“ 

Before he could push his chair back, she grabbed Pete’s arm and pulled him towards the door, rushing out into the corridor and back towards Gryffindor Tower.

They paused to catch their breath on one of the moving staircases.

“I’m sorry,” Peter huffed, hands on his knees, “I didn’t mean to—I just heard what he called you and—I can go get McGonagall and tell her—“

“Pete!” She grabbed his shoulders, “That was—“

“Irresponsible? Stupid? Reckless? Yeah I know—“ Through deep breaths, he was looking down at this feet, shame growing visible on his face.

“I mean…yes, but it was also incredibly brave.”

Pete looked up, a smile creeping upwards as the Fat Lady granted them entrance.

“Thank you, you’re a good friend,” she hugged him tightly, his body tensing in her arms for a brief second until relaxing entirely. 

“I also think it’s worth mentioning,” she released him from the embrace, “Both of those spells are definitely going to be on our final exams, and you executed them perfectly!”

The two of them walked into the common room, Peter blushing immensely.

“I think you just need to relax, you’ll do just fine—“ 

“—Great! Just the two we were looking for!” James stood in the center of the common room, excitement radiating from his entire body. Beside him, Sirius was perched on the couch with a large book in his lap, grinning broadly as they approached.

“…and why’s that?” She returned a skeptical look, eyes volleying between the two giddy boys. 

James nodded towards the dormitory, “I think we should speak about it somewhere less…out in the open.”

That didn’t help ease her suspicions in the slightest capacity.

 James led them all upstairs, Sirius launching himself onto his bed in a dramatic fashion as she sat on the of Remus’ vacant one.

“Where’s Lupin?” Pete asked, eyeing the bedside table of their missing friend.

“Detention,” Sirius smirked.

“For what?” She leaned over to sift through the collection of books on his nightstand, stealing a banged up copy of Animal Farm.

“Got caught putting time-released dung bombs under the benches of the Sytherin Table in the Great Hall.”

She raised a disapproving eyebrow, “I’m assuming that was your brilliant idea, so why aren’t you with him?”

Sirius shrugged, “McGonagall separated us. He’s got Friday, I’ve got Wednesday, James has Monday.”

She rolled her eyes, focusing back on James who was leaning against his bedpost. 

“Right, so, speaking of Remus, we are all aware of his little…affliction,” he began to explain, “Well, we’ve been thinking of ways to help him and I think we’ve finally figured it out.”

She shook her head, letting out a frustrated sigh, “There’s no cure for lycanthropy, James, trust me I’ve tried looking up a million different remedies and experimental treatments—”

“Yes, but that’s because you were too preoccupied on curing him, we're just talking about easing the symptoms,” Sirius sat up higher on his bed. 

Her heart began to pick up speed, “What do you mean?”

“Werewolves are only a real danger to humans…not to other animals,” James started, “So we’re…uh—“

“—we’re going to become animagi and keep Lupin company during his transformations,” Sirius finished for him.

She stared between them blankly for a few seconds, “Okay, one question: ARE YOU COMPLETELY MAD?!” 

Sirius smiled, James pushed off the bedpost and held up his hands in defense, “I know, I know, it’s…a lot, but we’ve looked into the process and it seems do-able. We would be able to keep Remus occupied while in wolf form so he might not hurt himself anymore!”

“James, the ritual to become an animagi is extremely difficult and dangerous if not done properly. I know you said you’ve looked into it, but have you considered the risks?” 

He nodded absolutely, “Me and Sirius want to do it, we need to do it to help Remus. I can’t imagine waking up one morning to hear from Madam Pomfrey that he’s clawed his entire face off…”

She shuddered at the thought, thinking back to the morning Remus stared helplessly at the scar etched across his face in the bright, sterilized light of the hospital wing. 

“So, are you in?” Sirius interrupted her thoughts, staring intently from across the room.

Peter seemed hesitant at first, but eventually began to nod silently once he saw James’ smile. 

“When do you plan on doing it?” She muttered, a million thoughts ricocheting around her head.

“This summer,” James announced.

She looked between her three friends, admiring their loyalty but fearing their ambition, “…let me think about it.”

———

June 19th, 1973

Sirius had called her a coward. 

After a long deliberation, and countless hours pouring over potion books and texts regarding animagi processes, she had ultimately decided to not pursue it alongside her friends. She loved Remus with her entire being, but when she read and reread the stories documented about rituals gone wrong, all she could think about was her family; she couldn’t put them through that. 

James took the decision well, only asking that she promised not to tell a living soul about their plans, and to try and keep Remus distracted so he wouldn’t find out until it was completed. He knew that their friend wouldn’t approve of the rest of them doing something so dangerous, even it was to help him. Peter, being as easy-going as he was, didn’t care in the slightest. He understood her apprehension, and admitted to even considering backing out initially as well (something he disclosed to her privately, not daring to say it in front of the other two). 

She caught Sirius and James leaving the quidditch pitch the week before school let out, the two boys getting in some final drills on the field before summer break. The animagi plan had been the only thing on her mind besides exams, weighing the risks and rewards over and over again in-between revising. 

“I’ve thought it over,” she double-checked over her shoulder to make sure no one was around as they sat in the empty stands, “I’m not going to do the ritual with you guys.”

“Why?” She could immediately feel the anger radiated off of Sirius.

James’ smile fell slightly, a little crease forming in-between his brows, “Are you sure? I promise, we’ll be as safe and by-the-book as possible—“

“James,” she held up a gentle hand, “I’m positive. I can’t risk it going wrong, I can’t put my family in that position, having to live with some sort of half human…half…creature daughter.” 

James looked like he was holding back, he did that a lot, something she had begun to notice little by little; but instead of letting his thoughts flow freely, he gave a single definitive nod. 

Sirius was standing behind him, silent and brooding as his eyes threatened to burn a hole in her skull.

She met the intensity head-on, connecting their gazes into an unbroken line of tension.

“What’re you so afraid of?” Sirius mumbled. 

She raised her eyebrows, a mixture of caution and wondering if he had even researched this ritual at all. “I mean, we can start with risk of becoming a permanent human-animal hybrid—“

“—It’s for Moony though,” His voice became colder as his eyes narrowed.

“Who?” Too annoyed at Sirius’ attitude, she didn’t have the brain power to follow along.

“Remus,” James chimed in, trying to diffuse the tension, “It’s his nickname we’ve been using since we found out about his…problem.”

Her eyes shot to James, “…a little morbid, don’t you think?”

He shrugged.

“He doesn’t care, he seems to like it. You don’t know him like we do,” Sirius jabbed. 

It felt like she had been punched; the insecurities from first year floating back to the surface.

She wasn’t one of them, she never would be. They were her best friends, but she wasn’t theirs.

“Fuck you, Black,” she sneered, turning to leave. The desire to get away from them both was overwhelming. 

Storming out from below the quidditch stands, James called after her. 

Sirius called her a coward.