#I did not listen to my college teachers and did not re-read my essay oops

[messy-jin]

Edgar and This Life is Mine

“This Life is Mine” is by far one of my favorite songs from all of RWBY, for many different reasons. And after finishing playing Edgar's Route in Ikemen Revolution, I could not help but think how this song actually fits his character. So, am I crazy enough to make a whole explanation of why? …... I sure am. If you are courageous enough, then be my guest ~ 

Link to the song : here!

“Mirror, can you hear me? Do I reach you? Are you even listening? Can I get through? There’s a part of me that’s desperate for changes Tired of being treated like a pawn But there’s a part of me that stares back from inside the mirror Part of me that’s scared I might be wrong That I can’t be strong…”

First of all, I can imagine Edgar thinking this way. Being “desperate for changes”, wanting to live without having to be the “pawn” killing people so his uncle can gain benefits. But at the same time, he is scared. Scared of his uncle and living with his crimes. That it is “wrong” for him to want to live like people normally do. All of it because he is trapped in this vision of the Jack of Hearts that his uncle gave him and wanted him to be(come). And for the “I can't be strong” part, he knows about his abilities, but maybe not being strong enough to break free.

“I’ve been afraid, never standing on my own I let you be the keeper of my pride Believed you when you told me I was nothing on my own Listen when I say, I swear it here today I will not surrender, this life is mine!”

Edgar let his uncle being the “keeper of [his] pride”. His uncle raised him and Edgar followed his steps, his words and actions. Not “standing on [his] own” but always with his uncle. And again, this idea of being afraid is here, and indeed, in his route, he hesitated for several parts about leaving his uncle's side. But finally, in the end, he breaks free to finally decide to live his life as HE wants because “this life is [his]”.

“Amazing how you conquered me, chained me in servility and made me see The world the way you told me to But I was young and didn’t have a way to know the truth Born to live your legacy Existing just to fill your needs, a casualty Of this so-called family that you have turned into a travesty But I don’t intend to suffer any longer Here’s where your dominion falls apart I’m shattering the mirror that kept me split in pieces, that stood between my mind and heart This is where I’ll start”

Claudius did “chained [Edgar] in servility” so he could help him into his crimes, but also chained Edgar in the description of the Jack of Hearts he made, in the world he wants to keep his nephew in. He used Edgar to “live [his] legacy” as the Jack of Hearts but also as the murderer at the Red Army's service. And he did turn his family into a “travesty” because he literally controlled everything: the death of Edgar's father, the role of the Jack of Hearts, how Edgar was supposed to ask... And after that, Edgar refuses to “suffer any longer” because of his uncle's control and made his “dominion falls apart” by fighting him. He is not going to put his heart aside anymore.

“I’m not your pet, not another thing you own I was not born guilty of your crimes Your riches and your influence can’t hold me anymore I won’t be possessed Burdened by your royal test I will not surrender This life is mine”

Edgar was not “born guilty of [Claudius's] crimes”. He was not supposed to live this life of crimes, especially since his father did not want to follow this idea of the Jack of Hearts is an assassin at the army's service, so I am pretty sure that his father would have somehow protect him from that. But Claudius decided otherwise. But once again, now, his “influence can't hold [Edgar] anymore” since he opened his eyes (thanks to Alice mostly, but he still made this decision himself, even with help, it was finally his own choice).

“Shame that it took so long to rescue me From the guilt you used to tie me to your family tree I guess your training failed, you’re not in charge I’m free Your patriarchal prison won’t hold me Now this conversation’s finally over Mirror mirror, now we’re done I’ve pulled myself together now, my mind and heart are one Finally one”

The “shame that it took so long to rescue me” line is so fitting. Edgar was forced into assassination since his childhood (7 years-old, if I remember correctly), so it was part of his life for 18 years. Almost 20 years! And Edgar might see that as a “shame” because he missed so many years, wasted so many years. Claudius used guilt “to tie [Edgar] to [his] family tree” by always telling him that it is what the Jack of Hearts has to do, that he will never be able to live normally because of all the things he did with and without him, that if one falls then the other will follow. To which Edgar answered by putting himself in a trial, because “[his] mind and heart are one” at last. To be fully free, he had to do this so he would be at ease, not feeling guilty anymore because this trial would put an end to this part of his life. Leaving the trial, he was a new man. He was finally the Edgar Bright he wants to be.

….. And that's it! I was not planning to do the whole song and yet, I did. Congratulations to all of you people who have read everything! And also thanks! I hesitated some time about posting this online... But I did not write all of this for nothing so here it was! Have a great day or night, wherever you are! Bye!

[jupiterjuicexsugarskye]

#HarryPotter20: The Deathly Hallows - Parte Uno

Hello friends!

It has been very, very long, did you miss me?

This is something I thought of, during February of this year, and have been itching to execute it ever since then. I was fourteen or fifteen years old when I discovered the wonderful wizarding world of Harry Potter and there has been no looking back since. Every year since 2012, I have been religiously re-reading the entire series from start to finish. I can never tire of it (for good reason), it always answers doubts that crop up during this sesh (which is odd because I tend to forget what has been answered in the series even though I read the books so often) and well, I cannot say enough. Should I do so, I will probably ramble on and on.

On account of it being the 20th year, and the day we have come to celebrate as the birthday of the boy who lived, here is a three-part installment. I had the pleasure of interviewing three friends who are #Potterheads (in a sense) and I hope you will enjoy reading their answers to the many questions I badgered them with. (There are also some illustrations I created especially for this momentous occasion; happy birthday, Harry, happy birthday, Jo!)

NAME: Sonaksha Iyengar

AGE: 22 years old

At what age did you discover the wonderful wizarding world of Harry Potter?

​“It’s kind of blurry, but I think I discovered it first when I was 10 and I actually chanced upon the movies ​first, though I refused to watch them. An uncle (family friend) got the movies home for me and thought I would love and enjoy them. But I kept seeing it everywhere and everyone was speaking about it so I wanted to resist. I threw a huge fuss and said I would absolutely not watch it. But then when my cousin introduced the books to me because she is a voracious reader, I fell in love. And then I went back, apologised and promptly devoured any Harry Potter content that was available.”

Who or how were you introduced to the series?

​“Oops, answered this in the previous one. Two people. One is the family friend. And my cousin too. Though I don’t know ​which would be first hehehe.”

When did we first begin talking of our common love for this series?

​“I think from the start. I remember our initial conversations were about trying to unveil more facts about each other and I’m pretty sure that’s when we discovered that we both love the series. And since then it has been like a magical hole unopened. Harry Potter talks are constant. We even have The Little Lumos Project together! Hehehe.”

What is something that you have learned from having read the series?

“SO SO SO much. ​I would have to write an essay about how much this series has taught me. I think what makes it additionally magical and special is that there’s so much to take from it, every time you read it. It can be such a simple story and yet it can be so complex with all its themes. Which is probably why anyone, regardless of their age can enjoy it. When I first read it I remember wanting to have friendships like that, or just learning about friendships - the honesty and the love. It was also a time when I was being bullied in school so the books were my shield. I’d vanish into them and just mentally kick the bullies away. Every time a bully made their way to me, I’d remain silent, but mentally think of Hermione and feel like she was there with me, telling me to hold it together. I don’t know if that sounds strange but I think they all really helped me get through school which is why I’ll never ‘get over’ it. I also learnt that being courageous or brave isn’t just about screaming or physically showing it. Even silence and perseverance are forms of bravery and the series gave me glimpses of this in various forms. It’s hard to narrow down the different lessons I’ve learnt from the books because I think each chapter or each person left me with so many things to remember. Whether it was McGonagall’s fierceness or Luna’s unapologetic acceptance of herself, there was and continues to be so much to learn. I revisit the series occasionally even now in the form of digging out books and going through a few chapters or even listening to podcasts about it. In this moment though, something from the series that is particularly relevant to me is the fact that asking for help or seeking support when you need it doesn’t make you weak. In fact, it’s the only way to keep going without completely burning out.”

Do you have a favourite book/part? (I know this one is a toughie. I always like to say, ALL! But I do know at some point, I loved #1, #2, #4, #6 etc. more than the others.)

“If I had to pick, then 1 and 3. But I love them all! Can’t be partial. *tears* Hahahaha.”

Before the sixth book came out or during the time it did, did anyone spoil it for you by revealing what happens at the end of the book? (Someone did, for me.)

“Noooo. Thankfully, no. Though a lot of people around me had it spoilt for them too. I remember bawling during the book though. Multiple times.”

Do you have a favourite character? (I honestly never had one growing up and never thought to pick favourites - but I do hold a few close, now - from the series.)

​“I don’t remember picking favourites either. But there were some I related to, loved a little more and kept thinking about. Off the top of my head: Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood and Hedwig.”

If so, why do you like said character?

“I’m not sure actually. I can’t really pinpoint one reason; I think I connect with the three of them on some level. Just, reading about them gives me fuzzy happy feels and I almost always think of them first while thinking of the series. Strange... but yes.”

Which is your favourite Hallow?

“I think the Cloak of Invisibility. It seems the least scariest of the three to me, in terms of the damages it can do, I mean. If I had it, I’d just wander into the restricted section of the library, really.” *giggles*

Which is your favourite Horcrux?

“Aaaaah, I can’t choose between the ring and Harry Potter. Can I pick both? Okay maybe if I had to pick I’d say Harry Potter. How creepy is it that a human could be a Horcrux? First off, the idea of a Horcrux gives me the shivers, but wow, fascinating, in a very ‘gives me shudders’ kind of way.”

Who is your favourite Hogwarts professor or teacher? Your favourite subject at Hogwarts?

“Minerva McGonagall. She is brilliant! Kick-ass, bad-ass, whatever you call it - amazing.

My favourite subject would be Defense Against Dark Arts or Care of Magical Creatures, I think. :)”

Best meal description throughout the series (Christmas-time, school opening, etc., etc.)

“Oh my I REAAAAAALLY want to try those cauldron cakes and treacle tarts. Yum!”

Which Hogwarts house were you sorted in? Do you like it?

​“I’ve always been sorted in Gryffindor. Yes, I used to be ecstatic about it. I still do like it but I feel like if I take a quiz now I’d be a Gryffindor-Ravenclaw hybrid. Gryffinclaw?” How often do you re-read the books?

“Not as often as I’d like to. I’d love if it was a Harry Potter biennial. The last time I read it entirely was before college, I think. The thing is, if I have to read it, I need to just do that. I cannot do other things and go on with life when I’m reading Harry Potter. I literally take the train and go to Hogwarts. (I wish.)”

Something you’d tell J.K. Rowling in particular about the books or series if you ever met her in person for a butterbeer and a delicious Christmas meal, etc.?

“I would definitely thank her for sharing Hogwarts with us. ​I think I’d mostly just be befuddled and quiet and stare and maybe ask her a few questions? Whatever comes to my head first.”

Which seven objects do you wish were real from this world, and that you'd like to own for yourself?

“Nothing actually. Strangely enough. I’m happy with the seven books, they give me a chance to have the whole world, whenever I want. I feel like the real thing might not be as magical as the words have made them.”

What do you think of Voldemort?

​“I really don’t know, to be honest. ​But I think as unreal as he sounded when I first read it, through the years Voldemort as a character made sense to me. People like him exist; scary but true.”

Your favourite book editions of the series; book-jacket- or design-wise?

“The illustrated editions by Jim Kay, yum. I hope to be able to collect all of them. I also love the Scholastic editions that were released in 2014, I think. There was also a ‘glow-in-the-dark’ edition that was designed as a part of a college project, I think. I absolutely loveeeeee that. Wish it was real!”        ’

Which spells are your dearest favourites? What about them is appealing to you?

“Here are a few dear favourites: Lumos, Accio, Oculus Reparo, Silencio, Alohomora and Orchideous.”

Any doubts about the series or books that still boggle you to this day?

​“So MANY. But I can’t remember because it has been that long since I read the books. I really have to read the series again soon. SOON. SOON. SOON. Hopefully.”

Some responses were edited for clarity.

NOTE: The characters, objects etc. in the illustrations for this particular series were made of my own accord, and yes, are based on the Harry Potter books. I have tried to draw them from memory, or how I have imagined said characters, objects etc. over the years. That being said, they belong to me - Roanna Fernandes, and I hope you will be considerate enough to not plagiarise these drawings in any form, manner or motif (should you appreciate this artwork at all). On a separate note, should you like my work enough to consider my services for a prospective project or such, write to me at jupiterskye4@gmail.com or feel free to send me a message via this platform, etc.