#No Greater Joy Ministries

[fundieshaderoom]

Wonder If This Would Count As An Endorsement Legally?

This was written by the Pearl's granddaughter via Nathan, Ashley Pearl. She writes for NGJM page a lot.

[adz]

A few thoughts on the student protests for Palestine in the USA (and elsewhere) - I am seeing some leftists worrying that coverage of these protests will draw attention away from the genocide. Attention on news & social media is not zero-sum, and there's an increasing dearth of up-to-date info on Palestine as the average person's attention has waned. Western media is naturally inclined to devote more coverage to domestic issues, and taking up as much of this as possible with news related to the genocide can only be a good thing. Local protests against colleges or other organizations doing business with weapons manufacturers etc. also aids the larger story of international support, for which I've seen nothing but joy from Palestinian citizens and journalists.

The USA student protest movement is also a fertile place for building solidarity regarding other issues like labor and for future movements. More action = more experience = stronger coalitions. Many of the groups coordinating support for these protests were formed to fight local police brutality, queer discrimination, or union busting. The current protests are gathering greater attention because of the skills and relationships these groups already have in place. If these protests had zero effect on the universities divesting from Israeli companies, they'd still be useful for radicalizing and strengthening groups on campus and for sending a message of support to the people of Palestine.

Anyway, the central question has always been "what should Americans be doing to support Palestinians & end the genocide?" And I think students leveraging their positions to sever relationships between their universities and the groups causing the genocide is a great step in addition to all the other work being done: protesting the USA government, divesting from Israeli + American weapons manufacturers (like Elbit & Lockheed Martin) and the American businesses working with them (Google & Amazon have a lucrative cloud computing contract with Israel, Microsoft works with their Ministry of Defense), donating eSims so Gazans have internet access, etc etc

Lastly, the making fun of the protestors for being privileged or how they react to being brutalized (e.g. yelling about being a professor)? You know this is not useful. C'mon guys. We share a common goal.

[nettedtangible]

Been having a lot of Tom Riddle thoughts lately.

The way he doesn’t even really subscribe to blood purism, but just uses it as a tool to get what he wants.

The way he comes from an orphan background from Muggle London in the lead up and during WWII and grew up around non-stop death and slipped through the cracks

The way he killed one muggleborn student by accident and then immediately regretted it and uno reverse carded Hagrid when he found out they were gonna shut the school.

The way he only wanted one thing, immortality. Literally just hand this kid a philosophers stone and he probably would’ve never killed anyone.

The way he doesn’t even seem to relish torture or killing. I don’t think it bothers him at all, I think it’s a mix of apathy and fascination. He enjoys studying it up close because he’s so scared of it, enjoys the feeling of it not being him, and I think he doesn’t care about having to do it but I also don’t think he derives much joy from it.

The fact that the only people he seems to enjoy hurting are his own pureblood followers.

The way that he picked Harry as the chosen one, and as Dumbledore says, it’s because of some kind of self-identification, but also because he recognised that as a half-blood, Harry would be oppressed under his regime and would be a greater threat to him, would likely be some kind of freedom fighter, whereas Neville, the pureblood, would grow up favoured by the status quo.

The way that if he was say, a pureblood Black who had access to ancient magic and wealth, would probably have just been a hermit who tinkered away to make himself immortal, and only really started killing in the service of this goal (horcruxes).

The fact that he has no appetite for politics, never inserts himself when the ministry is being run by his death eaters in Hallows. He’s not particularly Machiavellian, or even cunning. He has Snape, Barty, Bellatrix, Quirrell and Peter for that. Most of his plans are either someone else’s idea or total crap.

The way he could’ve been any other house more so than slytherin. He’s power hungry but not in a slytherin way, more in a gryffindor, self aggrandising way (Dumbledores the real Machiavellian cunning ambitious slytherin but let’s not go there) he’s also very brute strength will solve the problem like a gryffindor, values bravery and disdains the weak and cowardly (wormtail) He’s super into magical experimentation and thirsty for knowledge like a ravenclaw, again very smart but not cunning. And he values loyalty and hard work (again look at the way he treats wormtail) and is very single-minded like a hufflepuff. He doesn’t really line up with the slytherin traits other than ambition (although I’d argue he wasn’t ambitious, just extremely motivated to meet one specific goal - be immortal) after all he could’ve gone into the ministry and chose not to, because he has a problem with authority and the system- like a gryffindor. But he’s evil and he talks to snakes so he HAS to be a slytherin.

He literally wanted to be a professor

Bonus: the fact that he would’ve probably stopped trying to kill Harry if he found out he was a horcrux, since the destruction of his horcruxes is one of his biggest fears. So if Dumbledore had leaked that information to him through snape Harry would’ve probably been spared, but Dumbledore fully sacrificed him in service of killing Voldemort.

He’s just so interesting.

[walkswithmyfather]

Romans 8:26-27 (NASB). “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

“Our Help in Prayer” By In Touch Ministries:

“The Holy Spirit intercedes for us and shows us what petitions to bring to the Lord.”

“Does this sound familiar? Determined to spend more time in prayer, you kneel, open your mouth to speak to the Lord, and—draw a blank. Sure, you manage a few words about what you need Him to do for you and your family, but you should be praying for more than that, right?

Yes, you should. Believers’ needs are indeed the Father’s concern; nothing escapes His notice. However, He tells His children to imitate Jesus—they should “not merely look out for [their] own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). Selfless prayer likely isn’t natural to us, but thankfully, God has supplied a Helper. The Holy Spirit, our willing and able partner in praying effectively, intercedes for us (Rom. 8:26).

How should we cooperate with the Spirit’s intercession for us? First, we must recognize God’s authority, holiness, and glory. Then, we need to submit to His leadership. Finally, we must entrust our future to Him, believing that He will bring great good out of negative as well as positive events in our life.

In submission to the Holy Spirit, we’ll discover greater peace and joy. And as we bring petitions inspired by the Spirit, we’ll also find new words for praying to the Father. Even more importantly, we will develop a deeper understanding of God’s greatness.”

[Photo thanks to Matheus Ferrero at Unsplash]

[purlty23]

blue! just saw your post abt religious rhetoric & the fandom. do you have any specific instances or "takes" you could give us that youve seen? i know for myself peronally i have very little knowledge on religion as a whole, and could always stand to learn something ♡

Hello crow!!! Always a joy to see you in my notifs<3 Tbh, I’m not an expert either! I’ve only very recently in the past few years gained a big appreciation for theology of all sorts. Ghost was a huge part of the motivation for it, too. Most of the reading I’ve done has been though online resources. Here’s my personal library of PDFs! You can find the Satanic Bible, Greater and Lesser Keys of Solomon, and loads more (plus some misc fiction) I would say the biggest thing that I see in fan interpretations of Ghost and Ministry lore is confusing Catholic virtues with Satanic ones. I’m going to disregard a lot of modern Satanism for the sake of the fantasy lore that Ghost has here, since a lot of modern Satanism isn’t actually even related to religious worship of Satan as a figure, but of the values he as a character has held throughout time. Modern Satanism, especially Laveyan Satanism, is more about worship of the self. Ghost is really interesting because it puts Satanism into the same state of popularity as Catholicism in its lore. Imagine if the Vatican was Satan themed instead. That big. However, some people tend to act as if that means it holds the same values or rules as Catholicism, which simply isn’t true. Ghost Satanism falls more into old classical Satanism (devil worship, summoning, magicks, etc etc), which means it likely does ascribe to the biblical story, same as Catholics do but on the opposite side. While Catholics repent and avoid sin, those who follow the religion in Ghost would STRIVE for sin, and encourage those kinds of actions in order to appease Satan and grow chaos, disorder, and ruin throughout humanity. Where Catholicism has made a name for itself through fear, shame, and the threat of exocommunication, the Ministry would likely value confidence, doing what it takes to reach your goals, and the uglier sides of human nature. Classical Satanism is a bloody affair, after all Of course, all of this can differ depending on how you see the plot of Ghost. Does the Ministry value these things, and if they do, do they act on it? Was Sister’s murder of the Papas in line with these values, and if not, are there newer ideas of what’s pious under Copia’s reign? It’s difficult to say, but one thing can be said for sure.

Ghouls would not abide by these values. By any values but their own, likely. Demons and the undead aren’t known for being particularly good at following rules TL;DR: When puritan culture and ways of thinking derived from shame, religiously motivated fear, and doing the ‘right’ thing are placed onto these characters it doesn’t really make sense. It’s important to ask yourself where your thoughts are coming from, especially if you’ve been raised in a highly religious background. (In fact it’s important to ask yourself where ALL thoughts and opinions you have come from in order to fight bias, societal constructs, and ESPECIALLY prejudices against others and against even yourself)

[albertfinch]

March 17, 2024 - Exhortation

Adverse circumstances can be intense, but the love, strength, comfort and encouragement of the Lord surrounds you. This is a deep maturing of faith to partner with Him for greater exploits than could be imagined.

The things that the Lord has spoken to you are going to begin to grow. As you have continued to draw close to the Lord, trials and battles are building your faith, character, and strength to carry and move into more than you have anticipated as you are advancing in His purpose for your life. 

The Lord wants to encourage you -- don't look at what's happening and the stretching right now and despise it, but trust in Him that He has you. He's got you, and He is faithful to accomplish that which He has spoken.

James 1:2-3 - "Count it all joy, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Abide in My Love

9 As the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 These things I have spoken to you that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be made full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another even as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all the things which I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and I set you that you should go forth and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give you. 17 These things I command you that you may love one another. — John 15:9-17 | Recovery Version (REC) The Recovery Version of the Holy Bible © 2016 Living Stream Ministry. All rights reserved. Cross References: Proverbs 18:24; Isaiah 50:5; Amos 3:7; Malachi 1:2; Matthew 7:7; Matthew 18:24; Luke 12:4; John 3:29; John 3:35; John 6:70; John 8:26; John 8:29; John 10:11; John 13:34; John 16:24; John 17:23; 2 John 1:5

[diabolicflame93]

Please try to read the Bible. Jesus is not responsible for what wicked people that profess His name are doing. I follow Jesus, not NIFB, Pentecostals, Calvinists etc.

You are the second person on Tumblr to make this argument to me.

I would like to state though that I have thoroughly read the entire Bible as part of my Bible minor in college. I've also been taught and read the Bible from my childhood till my mid twenties. Knowledge of the Bible is not going to solve the problems I see in my past communities and faith groups.

The only witness of Jesus is his followers. And their actions do shape how people react and feel about Christianity as a whole. I'm tired of the excuse that it's just "wicked people." These "wicked people" are professing Christians that need to be held accountable for their actions and abuse of power. I can name numerous abuses that occurred within the faith communities of my childhood. With the entire pastoral and leadership supporting the abuse. This is what Jesus looks like to so many people.

If you want people to respect your faith then work to call out abuse. Instead of promoting abusive teachers on your page. (like Michael Pearl and Lori Alexander). Both of which have encouraged women to stay in abusive marriages and have encouraged martial rape.

No greater joy ministries is also linked to the death of a child. Due to their beliefs and teaching on spanking.

[moreapples]

“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” — 1 Corinthians 9:19–23

~~~~~

"All Things to All People"

By Jennifer Kane

To serve the call of Christ, I yield,

Becoming all things, unafraid to bend,

For His love crosses all boundaries, revealed

In every face, each stranger, a friend.

In every culture, hue, and tongue,

God’s love spans ages, far and wide.

With open arms and praises sung,

In Him, our differences abide.

I meet each heart on sacred ground,

Where customs speak and voices rise.

In learning, I am newly found—

A vessel shaped for His surprise.

Where weakness dwells, I join in grace,

Embracing those whose burdens weigh.

Through empathy, I find my place,

In humbleness, Christ leads the way.

This path demands I lay down pride,

And trade my comforts for His call.

Yet joy abounds, deepened, amplified,

In sharing Christ, I find my all.

Oh, blessed work to share the news,

Where souls unite, a family formed.

In bonds of faith, we can’t refuse,

A love by sacred fire warmed.

With tender heart, I strive to be

In step with sorrows, dreams, and fears,

For empathy becomes the key

To join in laughter, dry the tears.

In giving up, I gain much more—

A harvest greater than my own.

For Christ, who walked through Heaven’s door,

Rewards each seed of love I’ve sown.

~~~~~

Paul’s dedication to spreading the gospel shines in his words to the Corinthians. He relinquished personal comforts and even his rights so that others might come to know Jesus. Paul’s ministry was marked by adaptability—not compromise of God’s truth, but a willingness to meet people where they were. When he was with the Jews, he respected their customs; with Gentiles, he adapted to their culture without straying from Christ’s teachings.

This adaptability wasn’t a strategy to fit in; it was an act of sacrificial love. Paul was willing to “become all things to all people” so that he could reach them effectively for Christ. His approach models how we, too, can build relationships across diverse backgrounds and perspectives to share the gospel.

In order to apply Paul’s approach of being “all things to all people” today, we must start by listening first. Listening is often the most effective way to show love and respect. When we truly listen, we see people as individuals and value their unique stories. This makes them more open to hearing the message of Jesus.

We must be kind. Our words and actions should reflect Christ’s love. Even when discussions become heated or we face hostility, kindness can open doors that defensiveness might close. James 1:19–20 reminds us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."

We should understand culture without compromising the gospel. Paul knew that sharing the gospel sometimes meant understanding cultural nuances. Like him, we can learn about people’s backgrounds and perspectives to connect on common ground, as long as we stay rooted in God’s truth.

We must acknowledge and confront prejudice. Recognize and surrender any biases we may hold. Paul had to release his own prejudices as a former Pharisee to embrace his mission to the Gentiles. We can pray for humility to lay aside judgmental attitudes and instead show Christ’s love to everyone.

The gospel is a challenging message—it’s offensive to human pride and contradicts the sin nature. But as Christians, our goal is to ensure that it’s only the cross that offends, not our attitudes or behaviors. Our example in the world should be a reflection of Christ’s compassion, as we humbly give up our “rights” and meet people where they are for the sake of the gospel.

Consider someone in your life who might need a gentle, understanding approach to hearing the gospel. Pray for the opportunity to connect with them in a meaningful way, and be willing to listen to their story. Remember that Christ has called us to love others as He does, with grace and compassion.

~~~~~

Lord, help me to become all things to all people for Your glory. Give me the courage to let go of my comforts and preferences so that I can reach others with Your love. May I listen with compassion, act with kindness, and stand firm in Your truth. Teach me to see people as You see them and to meet them where they are, just as You met me.

Grant me the wisdom to understand without judgment, and to speak with words that lift others up and point them toward Your heart. When I am with those who feel lost or rejected, may I offer Your hope; when with those burdened by shame or guilt, let me bring them to Your grace. Guide me to build bridges across divides, and to break down walls of prejudice and pride within me.

Help me surrender my fears, my pride, and my desire for comfort. Instead, let Your Spirit fill me with courage, humility, and love that knows no bounds. Give me the strength to embrace each person I encounter as a child of God, with their own struggles, dreams, and value. May I bear Your light in every situation, making space for Your Spirit to move in the lives of those around me.

Lord, use me as a vessel of Your mercy and truth, and make my heart tender to the needs of those I seek to reach. Let my life be a living example of Your love and grace, drawing others not to myself but to You. For Your glory and the sake of Your gospel, Lord, I give my life into Your hands. In Jesus' name, Amen.

[campgender]

on “sacred housework”

from God’s Daughters: Evangelical Women and the Power of Submission by R. Marie Griffith (1997) pp. 181-182

Related to this tactical notion of submission as a means for turning men into happy husbands who then want to please their wives is the notion of what may be termed “sacred housework,” wherein surrendering to one’s ordained tasks is seen as an act of worship that also leads to greater happiness within the home. This idea is frequently articulated in Aglow literature, as in Aglow in the Kitchen, a cookbook for Christian wives. The author of that book writes of being “stunned” when her husband taught her that “cooking and homemaking are ministries to the Lord.”

Recalling the kinds of “homey tasks” that Jesus had performed during his time on earth, she tells of getting the lettuce from the refrigerator, tearing it up for salad, and “talk[ing] to the Lord”: “Jesus, thank You for showing me that housework is sacred. Help me to realize while I am cooking and cleaning that I am doing them for You because You are living here and my husband is Your representative.” In this way, what was once drudgery can apparently be transformed into worship, service, and domestic happiness.

When housework is perceived as sacred, it may also become an important source of self-esteem. As a young housewife and mother whose husband was a traveling evangelist, Betty found herself “very dissatisfied” and “depressed.” Finally, she was healed from her misery when Jesus gave her a “vision” of her “role in the home as a happy wife and mother.” She began to see that if she were happy, her husband and her children would also be happy, a notion that allowed her to begin to see herself as “the ‘hub’ of the wheel,” around which “everything revolves.”

She notes, “I began to see myself as VERY IMPORTANT to the members of my family.” Her concluding words suggest the continuing ambivalence she feels toward this state, along with her hopeful determination to feel good about herself as a housewife: “I know from experience that I will not always be staying at home, but I also know that with God’s help I can have that real contentment WHEREVER I AM.”

Here again the lesson is that surrendering to the roles of housewife and mother brings joy to everyone in the home, most significantly to the submissive woman herself. As Betty tells her readers, women find joy and learn that they are “VERY IMPORTANT” when they simply yield to God’s expectation of them, transforming housework from a source of boredom and depression into a wellspring of joy and self-esteem.

The frequent admissions by Aglow authors that they find such work as cooking and cleaning and running errands mind-numbingly dull show that such a transformation is anything but easy. Still, in their description of submission and surrender as “natural” and in the reminder that other members of the family could not get along without them, the women of Aglow formulate what they perceive as a workable solution to a persistent dilemma, achieving a kind of pride and self-respect in the most mundane and ordinary of tasks.

Once again, for these evangelical women the meanings of submission and surrender represent far more than simple passivity. They are cen- […]

[godslove]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Greek word for those with the spiritual gift of teaching is didaskalos. From the root of this word we get our English word, “didactic.” The word didasko means to teach, instruct, instill doctrine, explain, and expound. Those with the spiritual gift of teaching love to study the Word of God for extended periods of time. They consume the Scriptures as food for their hearts, souls and minds with the expressed purpose of knowing Him and then making Him known to others. They want to know what God has revealed of Himself and what He requires of us as people created in His image. They take great joy and satisfaction in seeing others learn and apply the truth of God’s Word to their lives. They love to see how the Gospel is woven throughout the Scriptures and how it glorifies and magnifies Jesus Christ in the hearts and lives of those who love Him by grace.

The spiritual gift of teaching is one that carries a heavy responsibility in the church. In fact:

³ “My brothers, not many of you should become teachers. You know that we who teach will be judged more strictly than others.”

—James 3:1

Like every believer, teachers are to be stewards of every word that comes out of their mouths. But the greater responsibility to which they are called is to be stewards of the Word of God to His people. Teachers have been entrusted with the task of effectively communicating what the Bible says, what it means, and how we as followers of Jesus Christ are to apply it to our lives here and now.

The Holy Spirit gives certain people the spiritual gift of teaching so that they would help the church fulfill her ministry as “a pillar and buttress of the truth”

¹⁵ “Then, even if I cannot come soon, you will know about the things that people must do in the family of God. That family is the church of the living God, the support and foundation of the truth.”

—1 Timothy 3:15

Without this gift, the church would quickly fall into error and sin. Teachers are there to make sure that doesn’t happen. They hate when Scripture is abused and used out of context or with ill intent. They love the truth and speak the truth in love. They will never hide or withhold it. On the contrary, they desire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus who taught in the synagogues and in the Temple as well as anywhere the people were gathered. They are called to demonstrate God’s love while revealing His truth to the world without fear. The effect of their ministry is the upholding of God’s Word and the growth and maturity of His Bride until the day of His return.

¹¹ “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,”

—Ephesians 4:11

²⁸ And in the church God has given a place first to apostles, second to prophets, and third to teachers. Then God has given a place to those who do miracles, those who have gifts of healing, those who can help others, those who are able to lead, and those who can speak in different languages.”

—1 Corinthians 12:28

⁷ “If one has the gift of serving, he should serve. If one has the gift of teaching, he should teach.”

—Romans 12:7

[fundieshaderoom]

Pearls Statement on the Trump Assassination Attempt

[theprayerfulword]

August 14

Psalm 139:7 The psalmist wrote, “Where can I go from Your spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?”

Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Romans 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

2 Samuel 22:31 As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

Psalm 31:19 Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!

May you not grieve or weep when you hear the Word of the Lord and understand the meaning of it, but let the joy of the Lord be your strength. Nehemiah 8

May the Lord find your heart faithful to Him Who keeps His promises to you because He is righteous. Nehemiah 9

May you know that all who sow spiritual seed have a right to receive a material harvest, for if even the ox who treads the grain is not to be muzzled, how much more the servant of God should have the hope of receiving liberally from all who hear and benefit from their ministry? 1 Corinthians 9

Be glad in Me, My child, and rejoice in My work today. Acknowledge Me in all your ways, My love, and let My Word be in your mouth, and My praise upon your lips, wherever you go. What greater testimony can you carry with you to others than that of a present and visible joyous hope in Me, for which you can give an account at any time when someone I bring to you questions you on it? Do you recall when I comforted you in your sorrow and affliction, bearing the weight and lightening the load, speaking words of love and encouragement to your heart? Walk in that joy, My loving one, remaining ready and willing to share the reality of it with one who needs to hear what I can bring to their life, sharing My truth in gentleness and respect. Do you remember how you have been reconciled in your relationships, first with the Father above, through My love and sacrifice and then, as you walked with Me, with one after another of the people from your past? Exult in the knowledge that you have been given right-standing with God above, the faithful Judge, and rejoice in His acceptance of you in Me, for you no longer walk in the fear of retribution and punishment, and are free of the burden of guilt. Your face will be radiant and your step will be light as you dwell on this fact; others, still bound, will notice, and some will ask. Do not be reticent, My filled one, but let My love overflow and spill out, in meekness and tenderness. Rejoice in Me, My special one, as I enwrap you in the garments of salvation that I have prepared for you. Do not be bashful, My darling, but boast in what I have done for you, and proclaim My love with trust in your heart and a song in your mouth. There is no witness more effective than this.

May you put your hope in the Lord even as His unfailing love rests upon you. Psalm 33

May you wait in hope for the Lord, Who is your help and your shield, for you trust in His holy name as your heart rejoices in Him. Psalm 33

May you fear the Lord and hope in His unfailing love, for the eyes of the Lord are on you to deliver you from death and keep you alive in famine. Psalm 33

[themuffin2649]

Day to Day

As always, he was the first to wake up. Getting off the left side of the bed, he grabbed his black and yellow clothes from the drawers and headed into the shower. Using his own sponge (they labeled them) he use it to scrub all the sweat from his sleep, especially scrubbing the armpits, neck, and private areas. Once finished with a quick shampoo, he rinsed off and dried up. Looking into the mirror, he noticed how his blond roots were beginning to grow.

Ugh, they’re never going to accept my request for pink hair dye are they…

He sighed and got dressed, as well as making sure he brushed his teeth with his (also labeled) toothbrush. While preparing, he considered cutting off a lot of hair since they were too long, getting all over his face, but not long enough to tie it in a ponytail like his roomate. Despite the bother, he wanted to keep the pink because there was so much of his identity he lost after the apocalypse.

By the time he was freshened up and out of the bathroom, the only progress his redhead roommate did for the morning was cocoon further in the sheet… what a pain.

“Alright sleeping beauty, wake up.” He said, yanking the blankets from the bed, causing his roommate to tumble onto the ground.

“Oww! It is, like, 5 in the morning… do you have to do this?!”

“Well, my dear roommate, good habits are always the key for a happy life. Also, it just turned 7.”

“5, 6:59… Same thing… I’m always dead tired when I wake up at those hours… besides, you snore.” his roommate said, groggily groaning and getting up to shower.

“Remember, this room has many cameras, and they’re always watching.” He said, trying not to strain his voice. He also ushered his roommate to smile as he did, so they don’t get in trouble by them.

The roommate just growled and slowly walked into the bathroom to get ready. He seriously wants them demoted to the middle doesn’t he.

He sighed as he looked at the dozens of cameras within their small yellow, white, and black minimalistic room. The only thing decorating it are pictures of people with wide bright smiles, and motivational posters saying stuff like “Joy is the only way to achieve true harmony amongst ourselves.”

He wonders if he achieved the Joy that the ministry expects of them, that he’ll truly get along with his roomate… or anybody here.

…

47 minutes and 52 seconds, he timed it, that’s how long his insufferable roommate’s morning routine took.

It appears that he took his sweet time using up all the shampoo and conditioner to maintain his perfect Prince-like hair, as well as use that exfoliating brush given as a request (which really should have been something better) to maintain his perfect skin. He also noticed how he shaved his legs and put on mascara on his eyes.

“The mascara’s new, I was wondering where our 4 day request ticket went.”

“Well my darling roommate! Good looks are important, especially in a situation where resources are scarce. Can’t have them think we’re cavemen don’t we!”

“And worth is based on good performance and behavior as well, can’t have them think we’re spoiled and ungrateful now dear.”

“We’re going on a turn, based system, and I’m just using the opportunity we agreed to for my liking darling.”

“And I Advised you to use it on something more practical and more sustainable. Sweetheart.”

The passive aggressiveness was radiating in the room, yet the two never raised their voices or said anything directly mean. Despite their anger, the fear of them watching was something far greater than their distaste for each other.

BEEP! Announcement! Breakfast area will be closing in 10 minutes.

“Oh dear, we better hurry, less we be late to-huh?”

He tossed his roommate a bag of food.

“It’s not fresh and warm, but I couldn’t let you starve…”

“Oh, umm… thank you.” He said as he started eating the food.

Strangely, his roomate didn’t complain this time about the food, rather, there was no strain in his voice at all.

…

Once they got out, they met up with everybody in lineup. They weren’t early as he wanted to be, but they weren’t late either (thank goodness) so he got on his spot on the floor labeled 378 while his roomate got on 377 spot next to him.

378, my name, I wonder if I’ll ever find out what my real name was..

~~~

For context, there are 3 levels of this establishment. The Newbies, the Middle, and the Elites. Newbies have 1 as the first letter of their number, Middles have 2, and Elites have 3s. Also, nobody here remembers their name and is assigned numbers for identification.

~~~

There, on the grand stage, the announcer wearing a bright smile and yellow dress came up.

“Good morning my lovelies! Today is a very special day. As you know, 10 of our 100 most worthy Elites here will be tested for Fixation. If fixation is deemed successful, then they are proven worthy enough to go to the outside world and help fix what the apocalypse destroyed.

Everybody took a moment of silence for their world collapsing due to this apocalypse.

Announcer: “Enough of that sadness, it’s time to announce who our council has deemed worthy!”

Everybody cheered in joy as if mentioning the apocalypse hadn’t silenced the room at all.

The announcer mentioned 4 numbers, 316, 361, 387, and 345, however, the only number he was focused on was his.

Announcer: “…..378”

He felt it, at that moment, a wave of Joy. A huge smile formed on his face, and he closed his eyes imagining himself being praised as a Hero as he ventures into the remains of the real world, the sun radiating on his skin as he heroically rescues survivors, regrow plants, help animals, and most importantly, he had a chance to find his family and real name.

He adjusted everything as if preparing for an internship meeting before looking at his roomate with a smug smile.

378: “Just watch 377, once I’m proven worthy enough to get out of here, you’ll learn that a proper smile and ideal attitude gets you out of here faster.”

377: “hmph.”

Announcer: “301, 398, 360, 333, hah! And last but not least… 377!”

378: “WHAT!”

Realizing he showed a forbidden emotion, anger, he quickly switched it up.

378: “WHAT! We’re together! I’m so excited! I can’t believe I get to go with the best roomate ever!” He said, hugging his roomate.

377 noticed the same and hugged him back while laughing.

377: “Haha! That’s so amazing! It’s like a dream come true!”

Announcer: “And Congraduations to 377 and 378!! Who were the only roommates to go Together to be tested for fixation.”

Everybody started clapping for the two, while the others who were picked went to say their goodbyes to their roommates.

Announcer: “And remember Testers, this test will show your physical strength, charisma, and your Full Obedience to the Ministry… Good luck!”

Everybody was dismissed to do their daily chores and training to be more worthy. Meanwhile the chosen ones were assigned to pack up what they earned in this level before testing begins. Although everybody else was joyous at the moment, being congratulated by their peers, 378 and 377 looked at each other and thought the same thing.

Why the Hell did HE get picked along with him?!

————————

Author’s Note: If you Can identify the true identities of 378 and 377, congrats! You’ve looked at my blog for at least 2 seconds!

[walkswithmyfather]

‭Psalms 40:1-3 (NLT‬). [1] I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. [2] He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. [3] He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.”

“To Wait Is to Wait. God is always working for our good—even when the answers we want are delayed.” By In Touch Ministries:

“It’s likely we’ve all had the difficult experience of praying for something and wondering how long God would take to respond. We express our desire, pray sincerely, and sometimes get impatient when we don’t get our answer. We might even begin to create a backup plan if it seems He’s taking too long to come through.

Learning how to wait patiently on the Lord is an acquired skill—and an essential one. David, who learned to do so in times of joy, exile, and conflict, wrote in Psalm 40:1 that he “waited patiently” for God. In fact, the Hebrew word qawa is repeated, which gives the verse a literal sense of “to wait, I waited on the Lord.” That repetition also lets us know the writer is stating something important. David recognized that patient stillness helped his faith to grow—a truth he emphasized by writing it twice.

The psalmist was saying that he persevered in prayer and anticipated God’s answer. For us as well, waiting develops perseverance. Then, as Romans 5:3-5 teaches, perseverance will lead to character, and character will bring about hope. If, while waiting, we look to God for wisdom and direction, we will begin to see His work in our life and recognize His goodness. Not only does waiting patiently express our trust in and reliance on God; it also helps us develop greater faith.”

[Photo thanks to Merritt Thomas at Unsplash]

[lorainelegacy]

Words: 3819

The week passed in a heartbeat. Loraine had transcended the limits of her training and, despite the praise lavished on her by Professor Fig, a shadow of unease hung over her, a cloak of panic that intensified as the days passed. The prospect of entering seventh year, backed by the prestigious recommendation of the Ministry of Magic, weighed on her shoulders like an inescapable burden of responsibility. Expectations were high, and she had to live up to them. In the midst of this whirlwind of emotions, Loraine found fleeting relief in her clandestine escapades. She would take advantage of the moments when Fig was immersed in preparation for the upcoming lessons, locked in his room, to slip outside and lose herself in the streets of the city. Her favourite destination was the peculiar Muggle goods shop that had captured her curiosity on the first day. There, among unfamiliar and fascinating objects, Loraine could forget, if only for a while, about that responsibility.

From the moment they arrived in the city, an unsettling feeling had gripped her, a quiet whisper that assured her she was not alone. Despite the constant vigilance she felt, every time she turned, expecting to find a figure, she was met only with emptiness and nothingness. She had never shared this unease with Fig. The idea of confessing to him that she was venturing alone through the Elderwoods, especially after all the talk of goblin rebellion, seemed unwise.

One morning, Fig and Loraine wandered through the cobblestones of the city, intent on finding a cosy corner where they could indulge in a hearty breakfast, following their pre-workout tradition. As they wandered, Loraine's curiosity was captivated by the allure of a fashion boutique window and she approached, almost magnetised, to inspect in greater detail: The mannequin, sleek and elegant, wore an exquisite strapless dress adorned with a delicate pattern of mauve flowers that seemed to dance on the fabric. Loraine sighed deeply, a sigh born of deep longing. She remembered how her aunt often wore similar attire to special celebrations, though such luxuries were rare, given her modest means. Eleazar caught the glint of desire in her eyes and gave her an understanding smile.

—Would you like to come in and have a closer look? —he suggested in a kindly tone.

Loraine hesitated, her cheeks a delicate shade of pink.

—It looks like an exclusive shop, not just anyone can come in… —she murmured, with her eyes fixed on her own reflection—. But yes, I'll have a quick look around.

As they crossed the threshold, the interior of the boutique unfolded before them, much more spacious than its modest façade suggested. Each garment was displayed with the precision of an artist, and the quality of the materials was evident even to the naked eye. Eleazar watched, with a mildly amused twinkle in his eye, as Loraine's initial shyness gave way to childlike wonder. She reminded him of Miriam, his deceased wife. It was a bittersweet comparison, one that brought both joy and a pang of nostalgia to his heart.

—Wow, it's so soft! —murmured the young woman with a mixture of awe and delight at the luxurious fabric of a bluish jumper.

Suddenly, a voice burst through the air, shattering the stillness of the moment like an unexpected thunderclap.

—Oh, no, no, no, no! —the indignant voice echoed from the other end of the tent, breaking the spell the jumper had woven around Loraine—. Get your filthy hands off that jumper!

Loraine flinched, her hands recoiling as if they had touched fire instead of cloth. The jumper, once an object of serene beauty, now looked like a forbidden artifact. The source of the voice, a blonde woman with make-up so overdone she looked like a theatrical mask, pushed through the racks with fierce determination. Her heels pounded the floor with the urgency of a war drum.

—Do you think this establishment is a refuge for vagrants? —The woman threw the question like a venomous dart, her index finger pointed disdainfully at the young woman's frayed trousers.

Loraine, surprised, half-opened her lips, but the words refused to come out, drowned in a sea of indignation and astonishment. The woman, with a condescending smile, continued her verbal assault:

—Dear, the second-hand clothing shop is only a block from here. I'm sure they will be happy to assist you.

She would have liked to respond with the forcefulness that the situation warranted, but surprise had seized her, leaving her practically petrified in a state of shock. Her eyes, struggling to hold back a flood of tears, briefly met Professor Fig's before, consumed with embarrassment, she hastily fled the scene. Fig, witnessing the scene, shot a withering glance at the shop assistant.

—The young lady wasn't causing any trouble, she just wanted to have a look around —Fig articulated with a calmness that contrasted with the intensity of his gaze. —Perhaps that wasn't the most appropriate way to put it, sir, —the woman replied, her tone intended to be conciliatory, but her words exuded a hollow apology, devoid of genuine regret—. But you understand, our clientele…. —Understand what, exactly? —Fig interrupted, his indignation rising like a storm—. Who do you think you are?

The woman in front of him simply raised her eyebrows, an expression of surprise etched on her face, as if the idea of being questioned was an entirely foreign concept to her. Eleazar, with a look that exuded icy contempt, did not utter another word and walked out of the shop with unflappable dignity. The shop assistant, with a smirk of smugness distorting her lips, watched his departure before turning with an air of victory and returning to her domain behind the counter. Leaving the gloom of the shop, Eleazar gently approached the young woman, who, with a nimble and discreet gesture, wiped away the traces of her tears.

—Are you all right? —he asked gently. —It's nothing, —she replied. Her smile, strained and unconvincing, was a clear reflection of her attempt to keep her composure. She took a breath of air and turned to look him in the eye— I was right. Not just anyone can come in...

Eleazar gazed with a mixture of wonder and tenderness into her eyes, the pair of uneven gems that shone even brighter through the tears that flowed from them. The fragility that emanated from her figure gave her an ethereal, almost unreal beauty. The need to protect her, to wrap her in an embrace that would allay her fears, stirred in his chest like a silent storm. Eleazar stifled the impulse, however, and instead opted for a more measured gesture of support and placed his hand on her shoulder, offering her a quiet refuge.

—You're right about that. You are not just anyone… —His words, spoken in a firm but soft voice, were an explicit acknowledgement of the young woman's uniqueness.

It was not an empty statement, but a reflection of a conviction that Eleazar felt with every fibre of his being. The young lady, with her strength and vulnerability, her innate talent and indomitable spirit, was far from ordinary. She was, without a doubt, exceptional.

Loraine, enlightened by Eleazar's words, let out a broad, radiant smile. It was a sincere smile, one that seemed to come from the depths of her being, and one that, adorned with another pair of tears that slid down her rosy cheeks, made Eleazar's heart swell in a way that was impossible for him to explain.

This would be the last night she would spend under the cosy roof of the old inn. Lying on the bed, Loraine couldn't take her eyes off the vaulted ceiling, where the shadows danced to the rhythm of the dim candlelight. A mixture of worry and excitement boiled in her chest, a whirlwind of feelings that kept her awake. What would Hogwarts be like? Professor Fig had been a closed book when it came to details, feeding her burning curiosity. Perhaps, she reflected, it was his way of preserving the magic of discovery, of keeping intact the wonder that surely awaited her. She imagined whispering corridors, halls that told stories, and gardens where magic bloomed like wildflowers. A sigh escaped her lips as he indulged in her fantasies.

—Why would the Ministry notice me? —The question emerged from her lips in a barely audible whisper, a doubt that had been with her ever since she had received the news. Despite not fully understanding the reason, a surge of happiness washed over her.

Unaware of fate's designs, Loraine couldn't even imagine how much her life would be transformed in the next few hours. She closed her eyes and tried to sleep. Yet despite the heaviness that dragged at her eyelids, it was not enough to silence the restlessness that danced in her mind. She sat up with a sigh, thinking that perhaps an evening stroll would help.

Wrapped in a loose jumper that had belonged to her uncle, the young woman slipped silently down the corridor. An unexpected figure emerged at the end. It was Professor Fig conversing with the goblin at the reception desk. Loraine, surprised, watched the scene with a mixture of curiosity and caution. Suddenly, Professor Fig spun on his heel, and his eyes met those of the young woman, who stood motionless in the middle of the corridor.

—Insomnia? —he asked in a voice that exuded a mixture of concern and camaraderie.

Loraine nodded with a slowness that seemed to drag down the weight of her thoughts. Eleazar sensed the tangle of nerves that must be knotting the young woman's stomach. It was no wonder, considering that the following night would be the Hogwarts Sorting Ceremony, an event that would mark her destiny as a new student, and not in just any year, but in the decisive seventh year.

—I can't sleep either… I was just about to go out to clear my mind, would you like to join me? —he invited with a slight gesture.

Loraine nodded enthusiastically, and together they left The Sleeping Goblin behind. They walked through the quiet streets of Elderwood, shrouded in complicit silence. The moon, playful and elusive, was hidden behind veils of clouds, bathing the cobbled streets in a silvery light that seemed to whisper scenes from a gothic novel. The night air, cool and slightly damp, caressed their faces as they continued their walk. There was a question that had been dancing in her mind for days and she could not find the way, nor the moment, to ask it.

Finally they came to a lonely park on the edge of the city. They paused, contemplative, in front of the vast canvas of the night sky. Although a veil of clouds hid the stars, there was a serenity in the air that filled the girl's soul with a deep calm.

—I am grateful that you decided to join me.

Fig's warm voice gently brought her out of the reverie that had enveloped her. She turned to him, her eyes reflecting silent gratitude.

—It's nice —she replied with a simplicity that belied the intensity of her delight.

Together, they gazed again at the celestial tapestry, a vast expanse of sparkling mysteries. She closed her eyes, abandoning herself to the tender caress of the evening breeze against her cheeks. They lay in pleasant silence, the world around them fading into insignificance. Time seemed to stretch and bend until Professor Fig became aware of the young woman's fatigue. Her posture wavered slightly in testimony to the exertions of her daily training routine.

—Let's get back, —Eleazar suggested with gentle firmness— You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow.

Loraine nodded with a sleepy expression on her face, her eyelids struggling to stay open. With an almost childlike gesture, she clung to his arm, seeking firmer support than her own legs could offer her at the moment. Eleazar, surprised and moved, felt the light weight of her head find refuge in the curve of his shoulder. A fleeting smile tugged at his lips and they made their way back.

They both retired to their respective rooms and Loraine dropped into bed, exhausted. Yet not even that pleasant evening stroll with Professor Fig prevented a nightmare from creeping into her dreams that night, as the moon watched overhead. She found herself trapped in a dizzying descent into a bottomless abyss, the cold air whipping her face as the sensation of freefall took hold of her. Anguish intertwined with the wind, creating an ominous chorus that echoed in her ears. But what truly chilled the blood in her veins was not the fall itself, but the monstrous creature that pursued her: a dragon.

The next morning, Eleazar knocked gently on the door of his young apprentice's room. An unusual feeling came over him: he could not remember the last time he had enjoyed uninterrupted sleep; the nights usually found him engrossed in his manuscripts.

The day ahead was not an ordinary one. A good friend of his, an eminent member of the Ministry of Magic, had decided to accompany them on their journey to Hogwarts. Given the nature of the events that had recently shaken the magical community, Eleazar had had to be rather ambiguous with his directions in case the letter ended up in the wrong hands. He waited until the door finally opened.

There stood Loraine, wearing an outfit carefully thought out to make a good impression on her first day: Her immaculate shirt fitted her figure elegantly, while a navy blue bow, neatly knotted at her neck, added a touch of youthful sophistication. The skirt she chose, in a wine hue, billowed subtly with every little gesture. Her shoe collection was rather limited, so she had to opt for those that were less worn. As a finishing touch, she had chosen an elegant long coat in a light brown tone. Although time had left its mark on the garment, giving it an air of age, the young woman wore it with an innate elegance.

—Did you rest well? —Fig asked in a voice tinged with a warmth that contrasted with the formality of her attire. His eyes, however, failed to conceal his admiration for Loraine's neat appearance. —Yes, professor —she lied and blushed slightly. She was aware of the attention her attire was attracting, a new and disconcerting sensation. For the first time, she felt that her attire was appropriate.

Professor Fig, with a smile that revealed his delight at her shyness, invited her to follow him, but not before performing the Levioso charm on both of their luggage once more. He had pondered the possibility that his dear friend Dinah Hecat, the respected Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts, might be the ideal person to teach her that useful spell. After bidding farewell to the goblin manning the reception desk, they left the warmth of the inn and ventured once more into the outside world on the cool morning of the first of September. The absence of Flick, that goblin shrouded in mystery, weighed heavily on Loraine's mind.

As they ate breakfast at the usual establishment, Eleazar noticed Loraine's blank stare, seemingly lost in thought. In front of her, her vanilla tea, always requested with a "touch of cinnamon, please" remained untouched. An unusual sight considering her usual delight in the first meal of the day. Accompanying the breakfast was a Bath scone. A fluffy delight filled with juicy sultanas and bits of fruit peel. Fig was surprised from the first day how his young pupil, always so proper, attacked her breakfast with a voracity that belied her delicate appearance. It was like watching a starving kitten pounce on her food, an analogy that came to life in the young woman's large, two-coloured eyes.

The scene aroused the curiosity of the diners, a conclave of wizards and witches who frequented the place, who could not help murmuring in whispers. Loraine, with her apparent frailty, gave the impression that she had been deprived of good sustenance for days. However, Fig sensed something deeper in her demeanour. The bruises that occasionally glimpsed under her shirt sleeves revealed that the young woman had not possibly been very well nourished. Instead of judging her, Fig felt a growing desire to offer her a refuge, a place where she could heal the scars of her past.

—Normally you would have devoured your breakfast by now, so no appetite today? —he asked with a mixture of concern and curiosity in his voice.

She, staring blankly into the void, finally lifted her chin and her eyes met her mentor's A tense pause hovered between them, and though she hesitated, shrouded in a cloud of nervousness, the words began to flow from her lips with an irrepressible urgency.

—Professor, that goblin at the inn… he had a dark aura, —she began, her voice barely a whisper that seemed afraid to break the silence. Fig's expression became serious, urging her to continue—. It's a hard thing to explain, but it wasn't just an intuition. It was subtle, but I could 'see' it.

Fig pondered deeply over the young woman's startling revelation. There was something about her confession that both captivated and disturbed him. Slowly, he nodded his head, as if a veil of understanding was unravelling before his eyes. To "see" magic was indeed a rare gift, a rarity that escaped the norm even among wizards and witches.

—Perhaps that's one of the reasons the Ministry is so interested in you —Fig murmured, his sharp, penetrating gaze narrowing even further as he made a casual gesture, twirling the spoon in his teacup with a graceful, untouched flick of his index finger. —But Professor, how could the Ministry have known about such a thing? -she asked in innocent disbelief.

Fig gave a soft, almost imperceptible laugh, and with a look that seemed to see beyond, replied:

—Ah, Loraine, never underestimate the reach of the Ministry.

She nodded slowly. With a sigh that seemed to carry the weight of her frustration, she decided to park the enigma that tormented her. Breakfast, once the object of her morning appetite, now lay untouched. She could not shake off the cloak of unease that the nightmare of the night before had cast over her.

Together, they left the establishment. It was then that her eyes fell upon the slowly approaching carriage, a sight that would have seemed like something out of a fairy tale had it not been for the Thestrals pulling it, creatures whose presence revealed a closeness to death that many would find disturbing. The carriage stopped gracefully in front of the majestic sculpture of a bearded man.

As Fig meticulously organised the bulging luggage, Loraine, with a mixture of curiosity and reverence, approached one of the elusive Thestrals. The coachman observed, with a mixture of awe and admiration, the surprising ease with which she broke through the invisible barrier between human and creature, no small feat given the known reserved nature of these beings.

—They are beautiful, aren't they? —said Loraine as her fingers gently glided over the Thestral's skeletal back. The creature, in a gesture that denoted both surprise and pleasure, shook its head, conjuring up the image of a noble horse basking in the attention.

Fig, with a smile lighting up his weather-beaten face, surveyed the scene. For a fleeting moment, Loraine's silhouette overlapped with Miriam's, an echo of the past that always seemed to find him at the most unexpected moments. It was then that, breaking the stillness of the moment, a man of medium height, with a slightly bulky figure hidden behind thick glasses, emerged from nowhere. He appeared a few feet from them, as if conjured by the very air they were breathing. The Thestral, startled by the sudden appearance, fretted, and Loraine, with the calm of an ancient beast tamer, whispered words of comfort, seeking to soothe the noble animal's anxiety.

The man scanned his surroundings with a look that betrayed his complete disorientation. His figure slowly turned in on itself, and it was then that his eyes caught a familiar presence.

—Ah, Eleazar! —he exclaimed, his face lighting up with a radiant smile as his arms unfurled in a gesture of uncontainable joy. —George. I'm glad you were able to find us, as cryptic as my directions were —Fig greeted, his voice tinged with brotherly warmth as he shook George's hand with a vigour that spoke of unbreakable friendship. —I have appeared at destinations with even vaguer descriptions. Though I must admit I made a small mistake on my first attempt. I gave some people in the West End quite a scare —George confessed, a spark of humour dancing in his eyes as he cast a knowing glance at the young woman. —It's been a long time —Fig continued in a nostalgic tone—. When I received the owl, I must confess that…. —Perhaps it would be wise to reserve this dialogue for a more private place, Eleazar —George interrupted, raising his hand subtly and scanning his surroundings with shrewd eyes.

Fig nodded with implicit understanding, casting furtive glances around.

—Of course, how about we continue this conversation as we make our way to Hogwarts? —Fig proposed, his voice tinged with excitement—. We're in for a welcome feast and the always exciting Sorting Ceremony. —Excellent idea, —George agreed, relaxing a little at the prospect of a safer environment. His gaze slid to Loraine, who had listened to the exchange with curiosity—. As long as your young companion doesn't mind my company. —Not at all, sir —she said promptly.

With an air of decision, Fig rubbed his hands together, a gesture that dispersed the last shadow of hesitation.

—Then let's get moving, —he said, and with a collective nod, the group set off.

Loraine climbed first, her figure disappeared into the gloom of the interior. Behind her, Eleazar ascended with a firm, determined step. Finally, George, whose gaze was clouded for an instant with the shadow of uneasiness, cast a last glance around. His intuition whispered that they were not alone, that unseen eyes had followed their every step up to this very moment. And he was not wrong.

From the half-light offered by the distance, a man in a suit with a shrewd gaze watched the scene. The thestrals began to flap their wings vigorously. The vehicle soared over the rooftops of Elderwood, and as it sped away, the man in the suit let out a devious grin.

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